I arrived back in Korea a week and a day ago, and I've settled in rather nicely I think.

There's plenty to discuss so let me get right to it.

Firstly, The school is FANTABULOUS. I mean, I love it. I didn't feel nearly this much excitement for working at my previous school. Not only is the school a bit smaller (smaller classes = more one-on-one with the students) the curriculum is more well rounded and teachers have more freedom in class.

My co-workers are unbelievably friendly and relatable and I expect to continue to get along with them very well! The director can speak English (THANK YOU GOD!), and likes talking about a wide range of topics (from extreme sports, to robotics, to acupuncture) and is constantly giving me tidbits of random information to think about. Everyone is very on-top of things, and questions are usually answered right away and problems addressed quickly.

Mutual respect is kind of a theme at the school it seems, which is a really BIG improvement from the last academy.

The teachers are all pleased with the director and I have heard nothing negative. The school provides lunch (which has so far been yummy each time) and gives the teachers a time to sit around and chat with each other.

More positives? I love the city! It's the perfect size for me. The area I'm in is big enough to have everything I'd want/need, but small enough that there aren't 10 story buildings looming on all sides of me. It's a small town feel with the big city advantage. Only downside? No subway station. GAH! I have to take a bus into town, which isn't so bad, it's just not as easy for me to be sure where I am and which stop I need to get off at. Well, at least I can take a bus to the subway and then take the subway if necessary. I'm not really too worried about it.

School is a 25 minute walk from the apartment, but a bus gets me there in 10 minutes (and keeps me warm on the blustery days). Lotte Mart is nearby and there are plenty of parks to play around in!

My apartment. The provided apartment is absolutely... horrible. Considering that a string of men have lived in it, I'm not surprised that it's dirty (sorry guys, you aren't exactly known for your cleanliness). However, a lot of small things make living here most uncomfortable.

Mold, dust, and dirt caked around the bathroom door where the faux wood floor-paper has been pulled up and cut awkwardly. This is present in other areas throughout the apartment.

There are more photos. Mostly of the poor condition of the floor and windows. Alos, there's a BRAND NEW air conditioning unit in my apartment. The hose has been practically ziptied across the wall and leads out the window. This causes a problem because the screen and window are constantly ajar (they can't close because the hose is in the way) so all manner of bugs and misquitos get in throughout the day.

Oh, and did I mention BED BUGS? No? Well then... BED BUGS!

The apartment has been the only downside so far, and I'm really surprised that the school provides this type of apartment because everything else is so nice. Anyway, when I expressed concern about the living conditions and requested to be allowed to move there were no troubles at all, and as per standard, the school offered to pay me a monthly stipend to assist with rent at my new place (I'm currently looking for one).

Hopefully I'll be moved out of this apartment and into a new one within the next week and a half. Yep, that's the goal.

About a month ago I started a rigorous diet program. After seeing myself in some pictures taken before I left Busan, I realized that I seriously needed to make a change.

And now?

15 LBS LOST!!!!!!!

(Excuse the crappy quality of this picture, I wasn't in the mood to do anything legit.

I just snapped a photo in the mirror with what I was wearing for the day).

I feel great! I have more energy and my confidence has been boosted. I'm still truckin' along and I haven't met my goal yet, but it doesn't seem too far off! I'll be ready for swimsuit season for the first time in my life next summer. Yeeeeah!

I've read some blogs in the past from gals living in SK who have gotten themselves down about their weight because they're surrounded by tiny women. First of all, Korean women are just tiny. Often even the overweight ladies in this country are 'smaller' than me. They wear a smaller size, and generally seem more petite. I'll never be their size, even if I weigh 110 lbs! Everyone has a different body shape, and for western women, most of us tend to be broader in the shoulders or hips. The goal should be HEALTH. HEALTHY HEALTHY is the key! My problem for the longest time was that I was bummed out about my weight but would never do anything about it. Gals (and guys) if you want a change then you have to make the change for yourself. It's totally possible, but you have to decide to do it first!

In some other blogs I noticed girls who ranted on and on about how "sad" it is that other girls care so much about their weight and appearance. In all honestly I think that if you're overweight, and you know it, that you should be concerned for yourself. Maintaining a healthy weight (which I didn't for years) is important not only for your physical health, but also for your mental well being.

You should be proud of who you are no matter what, but if you see something in yourself that you want to change (your weight, your attitude, your outlook, or even your hair color) then you should make the effort to do it. No one is holding you back but yourself. It took me what seems like forever to realize that.

MUCH LOVE to all of you out there who are trying to make a healthy change in your life. GOOD LUCK! You have my support! I am totally cheering you on! *\(^o^)/*

Well, hopefully I'll be moving into a new place within the next few weeks. When that happens I'll be sure to take plenty of photos to share with all of you.

Halloween is coming up! What are you spooky holiday plans?!

Until next post,

~A.