Change of Plans....

Hey Y'all,

Well, of course nothing ever goes as planned and yesterday my Korea plans changed dramatically.

My recruiter e-mailed me and said the school changed their minds and I could not start until September, well that is all nice and dandy...except I have no job or apartment after July! So my recruiter set up an interview with another school in Seoul that starts in July, but this contract is really harsh, and very different from the last one. Then my recruiter asked me to use this guy to get all my paperwork apostilled, for $80...that is when my trust started wavering, I think it is a lot less than that to get all my stuff apostilled here in The United States.

Therefore, now I am back at square one. I do not have ajob and am once again conducting interviews. I have one tonight with the school in Seoul. I still do not know if I like the contract though... we'll see....

I also am thinking about using Footprints to find a job, I have contacted them about several openings, we will see where I end up...

In other news my boyfriend and I spent Memorial Day weekend in the Redwood National Forest, here are some pictures (it was amazing!!) :)

(aren't we cute?)

(random elk, awesome right!?)

The Waiting Game

Hey everyone!!
I just thought I would spit out a quick update. :)
I am currently waiting for my FBI background check and to receive my diploma (less than a month left, woot woot!)

My recruiter has been continuously fabulous though! She called the Korean Consulate in Seattle for me (to save me the hassle) and confirmed I do not have to go up there for a face-to-face interview. See, E-2 Visas, which are the ones necessary for foreign teachers, used to require interviews. As I will already be up in Seattle two other times this summer, I am glad to avoid a third trip!

She also sent me the FBI's number and asked for me to check my status. Unfortunately, you can only check statuses after four weeks (leave it to the government to be so darn slow...), therefore Thursday the 19th I can call and get my status. Right now the FBI's website says it is taking six weeks, which means after I receive my diploma I SHOULD be able to go and get both of the documents apostilled in Salem June13! That is the plan anyways....

Also, since the last time I chatted it up with you guys, I talked to Lauren a couple more times. She gave me the the lowdown on what I should bring. That is, not a lot. Just deodorant (they don't have it there), toothpaste (no fluoride in Korean toothpaste), medicine (super hard to read since its all in Korean at pharmacies), sheets (for hygienic purposes) and lots and lots of clothes, since at 5'8 and 125 pounds with size 10 feet I probably won't be fitting into too much Korean clothing (I'm still going to try....). Also herbs, although Lauren says she doesn't cook a lot. This makes me wonder, is eating-out really cheap? I am quite excited to try an cook some Korean food at home, but equally excited to explore Korean dives near my apartment! Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman anyone? Yup, that's going to be me!!

I also invested (well was given as an early graduation present) the largest suitcase I have ever own! I love it!! Its so big, I can fit inside!! (yup, I definitely tried) And as I gave away my dresser and most of my unnecessary clothes, I am already living out of it!! (Don't think I am not too crazy, I am already packed because I move in two weeks into my boyfriend's house)

So now I am just playing the waiting game. Waiting for school to end, for the FBI to get back to me, waiting for July to arrive....I was supposed to be learning Korean, but haven't really had time. I also have been trying to find some American groups or churches in Yongin, but have failed epically. Hopefully, I will be able to find them when I get there...or maybe that will just be another reason to visit Seoul on weekends! :)

Bye for now!!