~A day in the life of an ordinary person~

Fast forward

I have been planning on  writing -- but life is what happens when you are busy making other plans, I suppose.

Been busy at work, but don't want to talk about work. Been feeling sick, but don't want to talk about sickness. Been cleaning house -- you don't want to hear about that.  

I was going to get out my little jar of questions I received for my birthday and start the quest, and I will, but first I will tell you about our day out on the boat.  

Nothing can ever be 'normal' in Wendy's world.  I seem to cause chaos where ever I go. A simple invite for a couple of hours out on the water, what could go wrong? 

This is the bloody life, we thought as we set out on into the sound.  The boys at the helm, sarnies and beer in the cooler.  The sky looked a little threatening, but we weren't phased. 

Hmmm,  we get a discount if it rains.  So we headed the other way.

Oh what fun we had --Yeah, my hero!

ooopps Ha NOT!

So we are cruising along, trying to spot turtles, and dolphins when all of a sudden there was a very sharp jolt, and I see my son flying past me. He landed with a thump on the front of the boat, and another guy fell on top of him. I don't know how they didn't fall off completely. Everyone ended up scrunched  at the front of the boat hanging on to each other. 

Captain Ernie had got up close and personal with a sandbar.  We were stuck.

The tide was coming in rapidly. 

We called for help.

The boys all got out to push.........

Help came in the form of a less than happy tow boat captain about an hour later..

All of a sudden, without even a tow --the boat came loose... leaving H and A stranded in the sinking sand with the tide rapidly taking them. Oh ha.

I would have been a lot more help if I hadn't had a complete giggling breakdown.

Here they are being saved by sour puss hero of the day.

A little subdued the weary crew headed for harbor.  As we put our feet on solid ground, the clouds dispersed, the sun shone brightly, and the Dolphins started to jump around the happy boaters on the sound.............

Back in the swing

Well I feel like I have been put in a mixer, shaken up, and poured out again.  Shaken -- but not stirred.

Here I am as if nothing has happened these last few weeks.  Sat in my little haven, and thinking, "what's the  next' adventure? 

It has been raining for the last week solid, and going thorough the motions like a zombie seemed easy. Work, home, eat, sleep. 

Today though, the sun began to shine making me feel human again.  The sun makes all the difference. We did the yard, went for bike rides, and pottered around. I have thought about the soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom in this wonderful country, on this Memorial day - So we can be who we want to be, say what we want to say, and feel how we want to feel. 

I have put a prayer flag out for all the soldiers in all the world.  Put a flag out for world peace, and rubbed my Buddha's tum today for all the people who are suffering in any way.

 

You know, I thought I had learned never to take any day for granted, but turns out I needed another lesson the day after the wedding. As I lay in that hospital bed with the IV pumping fluids, and medicine into my weary body, I thought that maybe I had shown myself up the night before. Maybe it was wrong to have so much fun.  I had danced, and danced, did the swing dance with my son, and cleared the dance floor while every one clapped. He swung me too fast, and I had ended up on the floor.  The crowd gasped, and then we all started laughing when Rob picked me up, and swung me round again. I  had laughed and laughed, and hugged and hugged, but I don't think I hurt any one, and if it had have been my last day here on this lovely earth, then it would have been  a fantastic last  day, a heavenly day. hmm...........

It seems the older I get, the sillier I get, and I  long for a laugh, and a good time more.

My childhood was riddled with bad memories, and illness, but I always remember the laughter. My Mother, and her sister were always putting on plays, and laughing until they cried. It is the way I cope with anything -- laughter is the best medicine.

Things changed though,  I had to be Mum to my Mum when my parents divorced when I was sixteen, and I was Mother to a very sick child by the time I was 20.  So now that the boys are grown, and my responsibilities are not the same =I feel like I am having the childhood I didn't have at last.  I keep getting e-mails telling me to 'dance like it's your last day', or words to that effect.  Yet, So many people are afraid let their hair down, and live like it's the last day -- as long as one is not hurting another, I don't see any harm in being silly.  

don't forget

Planes, trains, and automobiles.

I spent a very busy last few days in Korea discovering more palaces, and markets. I went in back alley, and up hills in search of the real Korea, and I liked it. It is full of strict rules, but they make sense and are obeyed. I got told off for going into a restaurant with my shoes on (huge insult to any Korean to go into their homes, and certain restaurants with shoes on),

 and I got told off for taking an umbrella into a store.  One step wrong, and some one is there to guide you in the right direction, and scold you like a child -- but it is OK. They certainly know what they are doing that is for sure-- and never miss a trick. I like that. Despite the crazy drivers --and  the overpopulation, it is mostly non violent safe city. I expect it is because there is no suppressed anger -- no they let rip there and then before any anger builds up. Despite the pollution, and the high sake and beer intake, it is a very healthy place. Te health care system works, and is cheap. The food is super healthy (apart from the ever invading western food - McDonalds, and dunkin donuts everywhere). There is health soup for just about anything, and natural remedies. Every one has to have an aids test every year -- if any one has aids, they are deported.  That is why Korea has the least aids anywhere in the world. That's control!  Same with drugs. So I felt very safe. Apparently,  the only problems occur in a certain area -- were all the military, and westerners reside -- go figure! All the nice people stay well away from that area. So apart from being stared, and ogled at by the Asian men, I never felt threatened - even when one said he loved me, and wanted to marry me -- not flattered! 

All boys have to do two years service between the time they leave school, to when they are 22. I like that Idea, we should do that again. Make our boys into disciplined men.

I was constantly amazed by the number of people crammed everywhere. There are about 13 million people in that city, covering every square inch.  How all the businesses survive, I do not know. They do have a lot of people to cater too though. It seems like 95 percent of the population are retail, the rest run the show!

I loved getting lost, and discovering very cool things like the chicken art Museum, and an Owl museum, a 13th century village. 

I trailed up 4 flights of stairs to an art gallery just to discover this -----

A white piece of luggage, and two chairs -- not a soul in sight. That's art! Hmm.

Look at these shoes.  I saw so many dainty little asian women clomping around in these ugly things -- they probably weigh more than the person wearing them most of the time. I will stick to my sketchers.

I learnt SO much about Korea in a short time. The history, the education system (thanks to Rob, and his brilliant young work colleagues). What a diverse, wonderful bunch of human beings they are. Gathered together in one dynamic school.

I learnt a lot about the culture thanks to Rob's beautiful girlfriend. I learnt a lot about the food!  I wouldn't like to have been born there, but I do feel that part of me belongs there now.  

So, one taxi, 4 airports 3 plane rides, two trains, one shuttle, 2 buses, three countries, and one car ride later here I am, a little jet lagged. A little shell shocked.  A little happy, and a little more sad, but safely home again. 

rainy day market

Today it rained all day, and my son and his girlfriend were busy with work and school. So another grand adventure I did go. I went not just on the Orange metro line, but I transfered from the orange, to the purple, to the blue to get to this market. It was no easy task, I can tell you, No stopping me now.

I had SO much fun in this market which was originally started in the 14th century.  It is a maze of not hundreds, but thousands of stalls, food, jewels. It has multi levels as well. i am sure I saw just a miniscule amount of the whole thing. Every square inch of this city is packed with people, food, traders, it bogles my mind how many businesses there are, and how they survive.

Octopus anyone?

I bartered for the things I wanted.  They thought that I was an easy target being a westerner, and the ONLY westerner around today. No, I have learnt what is a rip of and what is not, and the value of things by taking it all in, I also have two good teachers to teach me.   So I got some good bargains. They give me a ridiculous price, and I give them a price, and they laugh -- then look at me, and take the money, and stuff my purchase in the bag I already have!

Found myself in all kinds of little alleyways. 

Look at ALL this jewelry -- and that is just one stall of hundreds.

I had my usual delicious soup and sides for lunch, and started my long trip home with my treasures.  

A city conquered

So shortly after my last post, Rob comes home and says,

"come on, Mum I have a company dinner to go to we are going on my bike".

He only finishes work at 10pm, so this was about 10.30pm.

So, I get ready, and reluctantly jumps on the back of his little scooter. Off into the busy, colorfu night we flew.  It was most exhilarating, and terrifying.  The roads here are craziness itself. Hooting, and swerving, dodging in and out, and even driving on the side walk.

I was so pleased when we arrived at the restaurant.  I was also pleased to meet all his friends, and workmates. 

This city is nocturnal it never stops.  You can shop at e-mart all night, and there are people everywhere. I just am so amazed at how many people are out in the middle of the night. They jog, bike, scooter, shop. I suppose it is because the living accommodation is SO small.  

The next day, I was off to conquer the city again. I have it all worked out now. I even got cocky, and changed lines!

OK, so I got lost, but I knew which way to head. It was amazing, I went up a very steep in hill and amazingly, I came across a hilltop hike overlooking the city -- which took me to the ancient village I originally wanted to go.  

Lost..............

Found!!

I love not being the tourist, but just finding things the hard way!

I just so happened to be at the ancient joseon village the day they were putting on a replica 14th century wedding.

This cute couple did the pre ceremony dance.

Here is the bride.  It was wonderful. After the ceremony, I walked through the village. I watched a tea ceremony, and came back to Rob's little sanctuary.  When Rob finished work. We walked by the river, and had a Korean BBQ..

Here we cook our own meat in the middle of the table. The iron has hot coals underneath it.  Then we put the meat in a lettuce leaf with Kim-chi, radish, jelly chestnut, and garlic paste --yum yum.

The night was not over there -- time to visit e-mart.  This multi level mass of products isn't far from Rob's place. It was 11.30pm, and packed with traders shouting their dried octopus, and fresh (smelly) fish. Between floors there's a moving side walk all the way up, so you can take shopping carts with you to all floors.  It was pretty intense. We got some essentials, and then home.  I am liking this crazy place. 

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Seoul by sub

So I had a quick lesson on how to navigate the crazy Seoul subway yesterday. Yuna wrote down relevant information, and helped me buy a transporter pass. She showed me what to do, a little (actually alot) of the city, and today I  was ready for my solo adventure. 

Map, camera, and transporter card in hand I set of on the subway. It wasn't hard to get there, just a minute walk from the apartment block - no problem.  Koreans are many, they are everywhere in the multitude, and I am the minority. The whole day I saw only two other people without black hair, and who didn't look like a little dolls, or little soldiers. We stick out like sore thumbs us westeners. Some stare, particularly the women.  Most just ignore you, and the men give you a curious look.  The one good thing is that I always got help if I needed it.  Despite being incredibly busy, It isn't overwhelming.  The subway it is surprisingly clean, classical music in the background, and extremely well organized. It is a well oiled cog, and wobetide any one who puts a spanner in that cog. Organized chaos is a good way to describe Seoul. 

I get back to the palace - no problem, just in time for the glorious opening ceremony, accompanied by rhythmic bonging of a prayer drum, and tiny music.

I walked round the grounds, and the museum. The palace was built for the emperor in 1419.  I just wandered around the area, and off the beaten track. I love doing that, you always find treasures.

OK, I got a little lost, but I kept finding such brilliant things. This, I though was a used car sales place. True, it was, but behind it is a (non tourist) fully functioning buddhist temple. It was amazing, everyone was so engrossed in prayer, and the glory of Buddha that they just ignored me. 

I

I found little buddhist gardens and fountains. It was a wonderful atmosphere. Hard to believe  I was in the middle of a big city. It amazes me that there are so many tiny independent businesses everywhere -- cramming every street, in alleyways, in markets, underground, and overground.  So much of the same stuff is for sale. Silly little curtsey things along with Old establishments like tailors, shoe menders amidst the  modern electronic buzz.  everywhere there are soup restaurants, street venders. Look up and they go two three stories high. Look close, and you will see alley ways crammed full of shops.  I am not sure how I did it, but I also came across an ancient structure in a circular park. It was built in the 14th century. I would have taken pictures but two things stopped me. Number one, my memory card was full, and number 2 , when I stopped admiring the structure for a second, and looked around. Not only was I the only pale westerner, I was also the only female. Business men sat around in shiny suits, and sparkly ties.  They all seemed to be looking at me in curiosity. I slipped out of the park, and headed to the market, where I found the most secluded far away alley, and ordered a soup......

Yep, and for five bucks, this is what I got, including a whole big bottle of water, and when it eventually stopped bubbling, it was very good. 

I found this Buddhist apparel store, and bartered for a pair of prayer shoes!  

by this time fatique had set in. I  just wanted the nearest sub line. I found one, but it was blue, I wanted orange. I asked an official looking gentleman in a purple uniform, (seems like everyone wears some sort of uniform)  I showed him the directions Yuna had written for me -- what stop to get off at.  He grunted, and pointed to the blue line. I was swept up in the sea of little black haired dolls, and onto line 1 -- the blue one, not 3 --the orange one, the orange one I wanted.  I came off at the next stop, and low and behold -- there was an orange dot, with the number 3 and an arrow pointing the way to transfer onto line 3. You have to be seriously impaired not to get round this city. Mind you, I had to walk through an underground mall, and through ten little corridors to get to the orange line 3, but I did. In no time at all, I was back in Rob's little haven. Sitting on the toilet while showering my feet -- sheer bliss.

First Impressions

The wedding was a dream, then the day after was a nightmare.

This was the heavenly wedding reception setting. It was a dream like wedding, but something was amiss. My body rejected something I had taken in that day.  We were due at the airport at 7am the next morning, I made it, but not sure how.  I became violently ill, and by the time I got to airport check in -- I collapsed.  The paramedics were sent, thinking it was a case of swine flue.  I was rushed to the nearest hospital in an ambulance, it all felt like a bad dream.  No flying for me that day, or the day after. It took us two days to convince the airlines to put us on a plane, then there was a lot of bad look in between.  Finally we boarded the flight to Seoul,  twelve hours later, we arrived.  

What a strange new world this is as well. We went from the huge airport in a colorful bus with cute little curtains at the windows, to the bright, neon city where we hailed a cab. The drivers are crazy here, the cab got stuck between two buses!  We arrived in my son's studio apartment in a daze. Had a beer then went out for dinner. The commotion of the  city lasts all night. Markets are open 24/7, little men shouting, and blowing whistles. The smell of sea food floats in the air -- coming from the street venders. A menu is literally thrown at you, a quick decision is made, and then two minutes later your food arrives, no time for pleasantries here!

This morning we woke up late. All the electronics talk to me!  We were awoken by a little device singing a good morning song. The phone telling us what time it is by the hour. The computer is telling us we have mail, and what Rob's schedule is for the day, and yet things seem backwards as well. The fridge rattles, the air conditioning is stuck in the wall, and there is a little old fashioned 24 hour cleaners right underneath us (photo to follow).

Rob's girlfriend ordered us a Korean breakfast. It arrived five minutes later at the door. A variety of different dishes. So spicy, so good. Then we just put the pots outside the door to be collected later. 

Then it was time for a shower in the little bathroom. It has a toilet, a sink, and shower -- no shower curtains though, so you do everything at the same time.  There is a drain hole in the middle of the room.  It was quite refreshing, in a primitive sort of way.

So that is my first impression, and I haven't stepped foot outside today! Stay tuned!

Exiting stuff

Well, here I am in sunny, hot Arizona.  Flew in a couple of days ago for my son's best friends wedding. It's all very exiting stuff. 

I love weddings.  It just fascinates me.  I love to be part of  the gathering of family, the preparations, the  love.  It is a while since I have been to a wedding where I didn't have a job to do.   This one, I am part of the wedding party, because my son is the best man, but I can just observe, and enjoy.

My son who flew all the way from South Korea to do the honor, via our house where he has been resting for a few days prior. We have had some lovely gatherings while he has been here, with friends, and loved ones. It has been a special time, and now the wedding. ...............

The wedding Family are arriving from all over the country.  The rehearsal, and dinner last night, and the big day today.  Tuxes are hanging awaiting handsome men, lavender bridesmaids dresses await beautiful ladies.  The boys are recovering while the girls are having their hair done.  Flowers arrive, speeches rehearsed. 

It is hot here in Arizona.  Only about 90 something degrees. Breakfast by the hotel pool with the exited buzz of the day.  A few complaints about the heat. A few laughs about old times, and I am soaking it all up.  

Tomorrow we fly off to Korea, so today we enjoy..............God willing

Inspiration

I have finally made it to my blog, being trying to get the time, and the inspiration for a while.  

It has been a very busy, and exiting week.  My far away son is home for a well earned vacation.  We have been catching up, talking, laughing, and seeing friends.  

My friends mean a lot too me, I am blessed to be part of a very special group of diverse, and unique people. We all are so  different, and yet we are pulled together by a mutual bond -- we all worked together at one point.  

We had a big gathering this week, three of us have recently had a birthday, and we were also celebrating R's return  from overseas. 

What fun we had, and what special gifts I received. One in particular is very special, From A  --- a jar full of questions, and a journal.  Just what I needed for my writing inspiration which had sadly dried up.  Though provoking questions to bring back memories, and generate a story.  Now I have reason to blog again. I will use my blog as a journal to answer the questions.

As you know I am a great fan of Beatrix Potter. I received this wonderful cup and saucer, and a little tea set to go with my collection.

 I got Fairies, and angels, and a huge pair of scissors............I am sure will come in handy one day!!

My darling friend C from England is another inspiration to me, she is my muse ..............Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou..........

And thankyou to my best friend, MiMi who keeps me sane, well, semi sane.

Too much fun!

Hello.

Didn't get to wish you a happy easter , I was too busy being the easter bunny.......

by default though, the real easter bunny was rushed for emergency hernia surgery -- ouch. I hopped in at the last minute to give out eggs, and have a little sauna at the same time. My goodness it is hot in those costumes.

So I put on the hot suit, and only made two kids cry -- not bad.  No-one sent me any pictures yet, but I know I looked cute!

My Thursday birthday lasted half a week.  What a lovely time with friends, and family.  These lovely flowers were from the annual bunch I receive from my Dad each year. They really were beautiful this year....

My lovely son took me out for a meal, and my lovely friend made me a birthday cake.

Lets see ..21 X 2 and then some, hmph --the number is too high, math is not my stronger subject ha. 

BUT 

You are as old as you feel. At the weekend I felt 18, today I feel 80...

Cheers.