Let's Spruce This Place Up

The weekend before last, motivation struck hard as I noticed three very tiny, but much hated, ants crawling about the apartment. This invasion of personal space was all I needed to jump into a cleaning frenzy. Nick did not seem as concerned about the ants as I did, but I think that was just because he didn't want to spend the day cleaning.

Beyond all the scrubbing and washing we did, the main project I undertook was to remove the half dozen stickers from our table/desk. As much as we love some of the little personal touches previous owners have left in the apartment, we could live without the old, crusted metal band and skater stickers plastered all over the glass top table. So, I went to work.

Not the most comfortable workspace.

But along with my trusty knife, and window cleaner - I went to work and was on a mission.

After I removed the easiest stickers I wanted to give up, but Nick didn't think this was a better alternative to the original.

One of my biggest annoyances is poor quality stickers used on products. I understand from a marketing perspective that these are thought of as essential, but if I choose to remove the poorly placed sticker I do not want to be left with a sticky residue much like the images above. Maybe this is my life calling... to save consumers from idiotically placed stickers made from horrible quality adhesives!

After nearly two hours of picking away, I finally defeated the stickers and am proud to say there is even no sticky remains. To lighten up the table a little, we decided to put a map under the glass. For how much time Nick spends at the computer, I expect him to have all the country flags memorized by the end of next month.

Now that the apartment was clean, my creative juices were flowing. Through inspiration found on Pinterest I went to work on my next project. From the bookstore by work, I picked up ten cheap clip boards (approximate total: $20) to use as place to hang photographs, artwork and the like. Although I did upset our neighbors by nailing into our concrete walls late on a Tuesday night, I am very pleased with the result and can't wait to have fun changing up the collection.

All of the images are from the KTX (a train line) magazine I picked up on our way back from Seoul. It was the quickest way to fill the space but I was actually quite impressed with the photography. Can't wait to see their spring edition!

Kim A Yun's 1st Birthday

Last Saturday we were invited to the birthday celebration for our co-director's daughter, Kim A Yun (her English name is Elise). We were not sure what to expect before arriving, but ultimately Koreans celebrate first birthday's similarly to Americans... but with a few distinct differences:

1. The child selects their future profession.
2. No gifts are opened.
and sadly, 3. They aren't encouraged to jam fists full of cake into their faces.

Just like back in the States, every party needs an invitation. This invitation however, was one to remember...

... it would not be Korean if a text message wasn't somehow involved.

The party was held at an Italian style restaurant that was rented out for the celebration. We were surprised at the number of people who turned up - around 60 plus in total. As sad as it may sound, I can confidently say that at my last five or more birthdays combined I maybe had 60 guests in total.

It was apparent that gathering as a large group of extended family and friends was important. Even if they were only able to stay for a short while, people from all across the country came to join in the celebration of Kim A Yun's big day. Being that we have just gotten to know her in the past few months, it was wonderful to see great selection of photos Tim put together from her first 365 days in this crazy world.

Baby baby Kim A Yun.

How can you not love a little one covered in tulle??

It may be hard to notice, but she is wearing a different hat and outfit in every single photo. Photo shoots are serious work here.

We asked, but never got a clear answer what the Dutch shoes were for. They are quite reminiscent of home.

One of the main highlights of the first birthday party is the traditional selection of future profession. Basically, the child is presented with an array of objects from money, thread, a stethoscope, etc. and whichever they choose first will be the career path or lifestyle the family can expect them to follow. The money clearly promising wealth, the thread representing working in the traditional arts, and the stethoscope signifying a career in medicine.

The tray full of trinkets and toys to pick from.

Before she had her pick, the immediate family members were asked which trinket they hoped Kim A Yun selected. The grandparents were divided between money, stethoscope, and a gavel (law) for obvious reasons.

However, to everyone's surprise she picked the microphone. This gem indicates that little Kim will grow up to be a K-Pop (Korean Pop) singer!

She just needs to work on her form a little and in no time she will be dominating the K-Pop scene. But I am sure Tim can wait for this day to come...

Korean Wonder Girls.

Finally, as I mentioned before - I was saddened to see that the birthday girl was not able to dive face first into a plate full of cake. This priceless moment completely made up for the whole thing....

Tim's 6 year old nephew licking the cake.

He was good entertainment throughout the afternoon. Each time he walked by our table, Nick and him would have a brief stare down followed by them sticking their tongues out at each other. I will let you guess which one initiated. Late into the party, I was casually circulating the room taking photos. As I glanced over to the cake table, I saw this little troublemaker look left, right, and left again - I immediately knew what I was about to witness and simply could not put a stop to it! No regrets.

Here are a few more photos of the whole family. Kim A Yun and her mother are wearing their matching traditional Korean dress called Hambok.

These were our party favors. I can't bring myself to use them though. It just doesn't feel right. Oh, maybe these can be used as our fancy guests towels!

New Years in Seoul - Amazing City, Amazing Company

Approximate Date: December 31, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Details: Nick and Becky ventured to Seoul for a New Year's celebration with East Coasters, Amanda and Andrew.

The day before leaving for Seoul. Snowy Mokpo fountain.

The building next to our bank has country flags hung across the sidewalk. It was easy to spot this one, but we weren't too sure why it has English written on it.

At the train station at the weeeeeee hours of the morning. With the crazy amount of snow we had, we were ill advised to leave the apartment about two hours prior of our 6am train to Seoul. Our director thought for sure that it would be nearly impossible to catch a cab in the bad weather, so we left at 4am only to walk outside and instantly see three cabs driving by. Needless to say, it was a long day.

Breakfast on the train.

First good view of Seoul as we crossed the Han River.

Snow covered shrubbery near our hotel.

A place called Texas Bar. As much as I enjoyed Seoul, the only drawback was how pricey food and drinks were. At bars in Korea, it is expected that you purchase food, like an appetizer, with your drinks. This isn't such a bad thing when you are hungry like we were - expect that a small plate of nachos or chicken ran around ₩17,000 - ₩20,00. Ouch.

The lights around Boshingak, a historic pavilion in central Seoul, where they had a bell ringing to mark the beginning of the New Year - the year of the Tiger. This was a little less dramatic than we were anticipating. The bell was a large gong that you had to stretch to hear over the millions of people who gathered. As soon as the bell stopped ringing, everyone who pushed their way past us was now quickly pushing their way to get back out. All and all Nick and I enjoyed the experience but the best part was that with all the people gathered so closely, we stayed nice and warn! The video below is a group of traditional dancers prior to the New Year.

I don't think I have ever seen so many policemen in one place before. Luckily we didn't get to see them in action.

Amanda and I holding on tight so we wouldn't loose each other in the crowd.

Nick and I cuddling for warmth.

Amanda and Andrew blending in with the locals.

This is Boshingak pavillion where all the action was taking place. I am not current of my K-Pop stars (don't tell my middle school girls this!) but I guess this is a big Korean hunk. If only I knew who it was, then I would have some serious bragging rights.

'11. Koreans will use most any surface for advertising.

The Texas Bar from above had a troop of carriages. The best part we noticed was that the driver had a button to push that made the sound of a strange, electronic neighing horse... Maybe intended to draw in some clientele? It only accomplished in freaking me out.

This was a dog we stumbled upon living in a scooter dog house that has an empty wine glass perched on top. His name is Il Shami. Please, do not touch.

A nice photo opp at Cheonggyecheon.

Something about the holiday season says 'umbrella' to Koreans. I don't get it.

An interesting bench we stumbled upon walking through the historic Bukchon neighborhood.

We found this great pizzeria called, Pizzette, for lunch on our last day. Cutest little place filled with a great vibe and lots of love. The owners had some amazing photography of their two Golden Retriever's as wall decor.

Oh, pup pups. I miss Bauer :(

Half cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzolla) half black olives and pesto. Delicious.  

Changdeokgung Palace.

Changdeokgung Palace.

Nick standing with a sundial at Changdeokgung Palace.

 

Changdeokgung Palace.

An interesting wall we came across walking from Changdeokgung Palace.

More wall art.

We found the American Embassy. As we walked by I saw a McDonald's delivery enter the gates. I had to laugh.

View towards Namsan Mountain.

A wall of Hangul (Korean writing) in the King Sejong underground museum.

These are two traditional tea cups Nick and I treated ourselves to in Seoul. The award winning designer is named Yong Cheol Yu.

Each piece is hand stamped in white clay. This pattern was one of our favorites (within our price range) but much of this man's work was simply amazing.