Yet again Adidas comes knocking on my door, bringing me goodies to share with my boxercise gals and teammates, and proving that it remains super supportive of me and my boxing.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Clashing of Country and City... Wednesday, February 29
Today's Events...
1. Big Foot's first taste of kimchi jigga (kimchi soup) at a favorite restaurant of ours.
2. Took Big Foot to a traditional Korean village.
3. At the village, Big Foot enjoyed some Korean pizza and mock-ga-lee (rice wine).
4. Entertained Big Foot with a downtown "street food tour".
5. Good times at a local wine bar where we met and chatted with some sweet university students.
6. Taste testing of banana coffee and beer-wine.
I'm a huge fan of Korean food so it was only obvious I'd be introducing him to various street food vendors. Tonight Big Foot was introduced to several street food items and we took a bunch of them to a local wine bar to snack on. While at the wine bar, the two girls at the next table eyed our goodies so I stirred up a conversation with them. Super sweet girls.
So far I think it's safe to say that Big Foot has got a good impression of Korea and its' people... and of course its' food!! Tonight Snickers headed out of town to help his friend with work so it was just Big Foot and I. We cruised around downtown and chatted up a storm.
On a different note, when we visited the traditional village Snickers noticed that there was an empty house. It's advertising that it needs a resident and Snickers is convinced that we should live there. It's got a huge yard and there's a main house with a little side house on the same lot. I love the look of it and love the fact it's got a massive yard but the fact that it's way out in the middle of nowhere -- the country side, Asan -- doesn't interest me at all. Well, Snickers ended up calling the guy and the owner is wanting to sell the place not rent it like we had hoped. Oh, and I should note that living here means that you're basically living in a live mueseum, a village that's on display, so paid visitors would be peering over your yard wall. Anyways, so the guy isn't renting the place but because I'm a foreigner he's definitely interested in pondering the idea. I guess I could represent one of the first foreigners in Korea... hahaha.
1. Big Foot's first taste of kimchi jigga (kimchi soup) at a favorite restaurant of ours.
2. Took Big Foot to a traditional Korean village.
3. At the village, Big Foot enjoyed some Korean pizza and mock-ga-lee (rice wine).
4. Entertained Big Foot with a downtown "street food tour".
5. Good times at a local wine bar where we met and chatted with some sweet university students.
6. Taste testing of banana coffee and beer-wine.
I'm a huge fan of Korean food so it was only obvious I'd be introducing him to various street food vendors. Tonight Big Foot was introduced to several street food items and we took a bunch of them to a local wine bar to snack on. While at the wine bar, the two girls at the next table eyed our goodies so I stirred up a conversation with them. Super sweet girls.
So far I think it's safe to say that Big Foot has got a good impression of Korea and its' people... and of course its' food!! Tonight Snickers headed out of town to help his friend with work so it was just Big Foot and I. We cruised around downtown and chatted up a storm.
On a different note, when we visited the traditional village Snickers noticed that there was an empty house. It's advertising that it needs a resident and Snickers is convinced that we should live there. It's got a huge yard and there's a main house with a little side house on the same lot. I love the look of it and love the fact it's got a massive yard but the fact that it's way out in the middle of nowhere -- the country side, Asan -- doesn't interest me at all. Well, Snickers ended up calling the guy and the owner is wanting to sell the place not rent it like we had hoped. Oh, and I should note that living here means that you're basically living in a live mueseum, a village that's on display, so paid visitors would be peering over your yard wall. Anyways, so the guy isn't renting the place but because I'm a foreigner he's definitely interested in pondering the idea. I guess I could represent one of the first foreigners in Korea... hahaha.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Touch Down!!!... Tuesday, February 28
It's a leap year this year and my buddy has landed in Korea -- how cool is that?!
Ok, so maybe it being a leap year isn't very cool but picking up a friend of mine at Incheon Airport was definitely cool. Waking up Home-Alone-late-style wasn't so cool though. We accidently slept through the alarm clock and woke up at 5:30am, with a 7am promise to meet my friend but a two hour drive to conquer in too short of a time. We got ready in military style though and even after quickly walking the dog and feeding both, getting dressed and whatnot, we were able to leave the house at 5:50am. Made it to the airport in a hour and fifteen minutes, yikes;)
So my buddy -- Big Foot -- is now officially here with me in Korea and it's pretty cool. It's obviously great to see him again but it's also great to see him experience Korea from a fresh perspective. I've become too accustomed to life in Korea that sometimes I really don't see how life is so different here, beyond such obvious ones that is.
We've already started teaching him random useful Korean words and have warned him about Korea's third gender -- the Korean ajjuma (older woman)... hahaha. Already he's become the new found apple of Pyen Chi, she can't get enough of him, and Snickers is super excited to introduce him to all different kinds of delish Korean food since Big Foot expressed he likes all foods.
After we picked him up from the airport we introduced Big Foot to Cheonan's traditional snack food on the ride home -- Cheonan walnut cake. Unfortunetly the lady gave him some from right off the cooking machine so he pracitically got third degree burns when he put the whole thing in his mouth. "See" I joked, "You got to watch out for those ajjumas."
We drove him out to Asan to a restaurant K-Gere recommended us to take him and there he had his first official Korean BBQ feast. Later on in the early afternoon we introduced him to some of our favorite Korean street food -- egg bread and "self-kill-chicken". Our street food testing continued on into the wee hours of the day when we decided to take him to Seoul and introduce him to the wonderful late night world in Dongdaemoon and its' midnight shopping.
Boy guy's been up since the crack of dawn and despite a short afternoon nap and doozing off in the car we've managed to keep him up till about three in the morning. It was a long day for him, for all of us, but it was very fun.
Ok, so maybe it being a leap year isn't very cool but picking up a friend of mine at Incheon Airport was definitely cool. Waking up Home-Alone-late-style wasn't so cool though. We accidently slept through the alarm clock and woke up at 5:30am, with a 7am promise to meet my friend but a two hour drive to conquer in too short of a time. We got ready in military style though and even after quickly walking the dog and feeding both, getting dressed and whatnot, we were able to leave the house at 5:50am. Made it to the airport in a hour and fifteen minutes, yikes;)
So my buddy -- Big Foot -- is now officially here with me in Korea and it's pretty cool. It's obviously great to see him again but it's also great to see him experience Korea from a fresh perspective. I've become too accustomed to life in Korea that sometimes I really don't see how life is so different here, beyond such obvious ones that is.
We've already started teaching him random useful Korean words and have warned him about Korea's third gender -- the Korean ajjuma (older woman)... hahaha. Already he's become the new found apple of Pyen Chi, she can't get enough of him, and Snickers is super excited to introduce him to all different kinds of delish Korean food since Big Foot expressed he likes all foods.
After we picked him up from the airport we introduced Big Foot to Cheonan's traditional snack food on the ride home -- Cheonan walnut cake. Unfortunetly the lady gave him some from right off the cooking machine so he pracitically got third degree burns when he put the whole thing in his mouth. "See" I joked, "You got to watch out for those ajjumas."
We drove him out to Asan to a restaurant K-Gere recommended us to take him and there he had his first official Korean BBQ feast. Later on in the early afternoon we introduced him to some of our favorite Korean street food -- egg bread and "self-kill-chicken". Our street food testing continued on into the wee hours of the day when we decided to take him to Seoul and introduce him to the wonderful late night world in Dongdaemoon and its' midnight shopping.
Boy guy's been up since the crack of dawn and despite a short afternoon nap and doozing off in the car we've managed to keep him up till about three in the morning. It was a long day for him, for all of us, but it was very fun.
Monday, February 27, 2012
A Brief Blurb About Glam Girls Night Out...
White Day is quickly approaching -- Korea's Valentine's Day for us women -- so let's celebrate it together. Leave the guys at home, don't even think about them, because this is OUR day!
Get out those killer stelittos from your closet, toss on that jaw-dropping dress, ...spritz on some perfume and do up your smokey eyes like you're a rock star.
On Saturday, March 10th we'll be dining in a private dinning room at a five star restaurant -- a hidden gem on the outskirts of Cheonan's countryside -- to celebrate White Day. We'll be celebrating in style and in the company of other fabulously fierce women so mark this event on your calendar and be sure to get a date. Yes, I said date but no, I don't mean a guy. What better way to celebrate us being females than to bring more to the table so yes, you must bring a female date.This is OUR holiday so let's make it ALL about us -- us females. Us beautifully smart and beautifully strong females.
Attendance is limited so please join the Flipside Fitness Facebook page and rsvp asap so that you don't miss out, thanks;) Any and all ladies, foreign or Korea, that are presently here in Korea are welcomed... BOYS STAY AWAY;)
Get out those killer stelittos from your closet, toss on that jaw-dropping dress, ...spritz on some perfume and do up your smokey eyes like you're a rock star.
On Saturday, March 10th we'll be dining in a private dinning room at a five star restaurant -- a hidden gem on the outskirts of Cheonan's countryside -- to celebrate White Day. We'll be celebrating in style and in the company of other fabulously fierce women so mark this event on your calendar and be sure to get a date. Yes, I said date but no, I don't mean a guy. What better way to celebrate us being females than to bring more to the table so yes, you must bring a female date.This is OUR holiday so let's make it ALL about us -- us females. Us beautifully smart and beautifully strong females.
Attendance is limited so please join the Flipside Fitness Facebook page and rsvp asap so that you don't miss out, thanks;) Any and all ladies, foreign or Korea, that are presently here in Korea are welcomed... BOYS STAY AWAY;)
I'm not looking so multi-coloured today, more Adidas goodies showed up and a friend brought us a mattress for my Canadian buddy to sleep on though Balboa is definitely not a fan of it because it's higher than he is tall.
Oh and I had a massively long and massively attended meeting at a new job I'll be starting this Friday, that is in addition to running Flipside Fitness and doing my training. It was a two hour long lecture all in Korean but they made up for it with a fabulous meal in which I allowed myself to indulge somewhat. I thought it only fair considering all I went through this past... hmmm, I don't know, couple of months.Too Much In Just One Day... Monday, February 27
What I thought I'd do today and what I ended up doing today were so opposite it wasn't even funny. My inital schedule only consisted of meeting up with my Canadian friend but it ended up being all about everything else and nothing about him:(
After only a couple of hours of sleep, I jumped out of bed and off to Incheon Airport Snickers and I headed. It was a two hour ride out there but I was super hyper. The plan was to be standing there all bright eyed and bushy tailed with my Canadian buddy walks out of the departure gates at 7am. When we released something must be wrong, I gave him a call. Turns out something was wrong... something was really wrong. I was wrong. I misunderstood what he had told me and consequently I had arrived a day early... oops!!! It wasn't such a big deal though and Snickers and I joked it off, saying it was a "practice run" for the real day. So back to Cheonan we headed.
I continue to get the sympathy looks from random strangers, as if I was some kind of beaten spouse. Today at the store some guy gestured for his girlfriend to step back and look at me as I stood there at the end of the isle. I had but a second or two to gather some kind of reaction to what was about to happened so I stopped dead in my tracks like a deer stuck in the headlights. I dropped what I was holding, dropped my hands to my side and gave a blank scary stare back that reminded me of the movie "The Children of the Corn".
I had to drop by the hospital today to get the doctor to print out some legal papers for my insurance man. He gave me the third degree about not wearing my nose brace and sent me to the male nurse who sets patients up with things like that. He's a young guy but he too gave me the third degree, asking me where is my brace. I felt somewhat cornered so I totally put the blame on Pyen Chi -- sorry girl. I lied to him, yup, it's true. I told him that "when I was showering my dog ate it". Hey, I figured that if people could get away with saying "my dog ate my homework" than I could get away with saying "my dog ate my nose brace"... hahaha.
Had plans to discuss with 5-Star -- a buddy of mine who runs a luxery restaurant here in Cheonan. I'm planning a Glam Girls Night Out in celebration of the upcoming White Day -- that's Valentine's Day in Korea for us girls -- and it's going to be at his restaurant. We're arranging for a large private room, discussing the possibility of a set course menu and ideas regarding possibly setting up transportation for all the guests. This Glam Girls Night Out is going to be a glammed-up event with a dress-to-impress dress code and a mandatory female date policy. My company Flipside Fitness is hosting it but it's already becoming a highly talked about event so I'm going to have to put a restriction on how many can attend. Can't really complain about that because it's awesome that so many ladies want to join in on my event.
I had a meeting to attend for a new job I've picked up -- a sweet gig that is regards 14 hours a week as full time and that will be paying me to take about 5 months vacation;) Can't complain there. It's out in Suwon though, the only real downfall, so Snickers drove me out there. I met many of my coworkers and we all really clicked. I even scored a hug from one of the girls I had meet during my interview so that was sweet.
Upon arriving home after my meeting, my insurance man dropped by my house to have me sign the official legal documents. I love it how on most of my legal documents here in Korea I simply go by the name Amy -- no middle name, no last name. He stuck around the house a bit and took pictures of Balboa sleeping in my sweater pocket. Great guy.
After only a couple of hours of sleep, I jumped out of bed and off to Incheon Airport Snickers and I headed. It was a two hour ride out there but I was super hyper. The plan was to be standing there all bright eyed and bushy tailed with my Canadian buddy walks out of the departure gates at 7am. When we released something must be wrong, I gave him a call. Turns out something was wrong... something was really wrong. I was wrong. I misunderstood what he had told me and consequently I had arrived a day early... oops!!! It wasn't such a big deal though and Snickers and I joked it off, saying it was a "practice run" for the real day. So back to Cheonan we headed.
I continue to get the sympathy looks from random strangers, as if I was some kind of beaten spouse. Today at the store some guy gestured for his girlfriend to step back and look at me as I stood there at the end of the isle. I had but a second or two to gather some kind of reaction to what was about to happened so I stopped dead in my tracks like a deer stuck in the headlights. I dropped what I was holding, dropped my hands to my side and gave a blank scary stare back that reminded me of the movie "The Children of the Corn".
I had to drop by the hospital today to get the doctor to print out some legal papers for my insurance man. He gave me the third degree about not wearing my nose brace and sent me to the male nurse who sets patients up with things like that. He's a young guy but he too gave me the third degree, asking me where is my brace. I felt somewhat cornered so I totally put the blame on Pyen Chi -- sorry girl. I lied to him, yup, it's true. I told him that "when I was showering my dog ate it". Hey, I figured that if people could get away with saying "my dog ate my homework" than I could get away with saying "my dog ate my nose brace"... hahaha.
Had plans to discuss with 5-Star -- a buddy of mine who runs a luxery restaurant here in Cheonan. I'm planning a Glam Girls Night Out in celebration of the upcoming White Day -- that's Valentine's Day in Korea for us girls -- and it's going to be at his restaurant. We're arranging for a large private room, discussing the possibility of a set course menu and ideas regarding possibly setting up transportation for all the guests. This Glam Girls Night Out is going to be a glammed-up event with a dress-to-impress dress code and a mandatory female date policy. My company Flipside Fitness is hosting it but it's already becoming a highly talked about event so I'm going to have to put a restriction on how many can attend. Can't really complain about that because it's awesome that so many ladies want to join in on my event.
I had a meeting to attend for a new job I've picked up -- a sweet gig that is regards 14 hours a week as full time and that will be paying me to take about 5 months vacation;) Can't complain there. It's out in Suwon though, the only real downfall, so Snickers drove me out there. I met many of my coworkers and we all really clicked. I even scored a hug from one of the girls I had meet during my interview so that was sweet.
Upon arriving home after my meeting, my insurance man dropped by my house to have me sign the official legal documents. I love it how on most of my legal documents here in Korea I simply go by the name Amy -- no middle name, no last name. He stuck around the house a bit and took pictures of Balboa sleeping in my sweater pocket. Great guy.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Here's some of the fierce competitors from the Fat to Phat Challenge hosted by me, Flipside Fitness. Note the professional looking but somewhat chessy participation certificates, I made those for extra effect... hahaha.
And the winner is... the ultra-fierce, jab-throwing, combo-munching, abs-crunching Crystal.
Congrats woman and congrats to all the awesome ladies here in Cheonan, South Korea who participated. Competition was fierce but these head-butting enemies quickly became friends -- frienemies -- so to pounds lost and amazing friendships made, congrats to all and thank you.Fat to Phat... Sunday, February 26
At ten in the morning ladies participating in my Fat to Phat Challenge filed into the chilly, empty boxing club and stripped down for their "after shots" and weigh-in. While they waited for me to tally up their results and calculate who was the grand winner, they chatted amongst each other... ok, so that's a lie. We chatted up quite the storm before anyone got weighed in. I suppose that's typically of us gals;)
Anyways, when I figured out who the winner was I sat them all down, handed them their participant certificates and a little bonus I got from a friend's shop, and then announced the winner.
Initially the challenge was only supposed to be 63 days but when my fight got postponed and it's new date interfered with the challenge final date that date too changed. It's been 77 days and I know it hasn't been easy for them. They've had to endure Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and winter break. But such is life -- nothing worth it is easy -- so I was really proud that they continued on and maintaned focus.
After the event some of us headed out for lunch. I introduced them to the wonderful world of ouk-hwae-bibimbap (raw beef with veggies) and they loved it;)
Anyways, when I figured out who the winner was I sat them all down, handed them their participant certificates and a little bonus I got from a friend's shop, and then announced the winner.
Initially the challenge was only supposed to be 63 days but when my fight got postponed and it's new date interfered with the challenge final date that date too changed. It's been 77 days and I know it hasn't been easy for them. They've had to endure Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and winter break. But such is life -- nothing worth it is easy -- so I was really proud that they continued on and maintaned focus.
After the event some of us headed out for lunch. I introduced them to the wonderful world of ouk-hwae-bibimbap (raw beef with veggies) and they loved it;)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Pyen Chi Turns the Big ONE... Saturday, February 25
Today marked Pyen Chi’s very first birthday so despite me not being officially booked out of the hospital, or with the doctor’s approval to leave, I left.
I had stepped out yesterday for what was supposed to be a two hour thing but when we headed out for Seoul we definitely stretched those two hours beyond what was allowed. Snuck back into the hospital today though, in the early morning, and I put my hospital gown on in the elevator with anticipation of getting away with it and I did. I totally did. I knew that around 6:30-7am there would be a switch over of nurses by which the head nurse on duty would then go over all the patients’ charges with those starting their shift. They’d have their backs turned to the elevator and I’d only have to worry about the head nurse noticing me. She didn’t notice a thing but I must admit it was rather hard to stop a smirk when my nurse walked in a couple of minutes later and greeted me with breakfast and my morning shot-in-the-bum medicine.
Snickers had promised me we’d only stay till noon and then we’d return to Ggum Guum but when the nurse hooked me back up to the IV I knew we’d have a problem. Snickers thought he’d be a smarty pants by disconnecting my IV bag and trying to drain it in the sink – no suck luck. When noon came and the nurse said I had to wait till Monday morning when my doctor returns I wasn’t impressed.
“We’ve got two choices” I told her, “either you can take this IV needle out of my arm or I can take it out. And between you and me I hope you do it because I’ll close my eyes and just yank it out.” Ten minutes later she returned with a frowned look on her face and took it out, so I left.
Returned home. My birthday girl Pyen Chi was waiting for me and her little buddy Balboa was totally in La-La land in Mi Nam’s old bed. Later on in the day Pyen Chi got lots of hugs and attention from one of my boxercise gals I had invited over for coffee. She’s a Canadian gal that loves big dogs so she’s definitely a fan of Pyen Chi. Today she met Balboa for the first time and she had a good giggle over Boa (Balboa) trying to eat his food. We’re convinced his head is too big for his body and he doesn’t quite yet know how to find balance. When he leans forward to eat his back two legs swing up in the air and occasionally this happens too when he’s simply walking around. It’s hilarious to watch and I really got to get this on video. Pyen Chi has been surprisingly so good with Boa. I thought she might snap back on Boa whenever Boa tries to bite her nose but she just takes it. She isn’t yet at the point where she’ll let Boa cuddle up to her despite him trying but she’s now somewhat comfortable with Balboa walking over her paws when she’s lying down. I tell ya, the two together are just too adorable for words!!!
I had stepped out yesterday for what was supposed to be a two hour thing but when we headed out for Seoul we definitely stretched those two hours beyond what was allowed. Snuck back into the hospital today though, in the early morning, and I put my hospital gown on in the elevator with anticipation of getting away with it and I did. I totally did. I knew that around 6:30-7am there would be a switch over of nurses by which the head nurse on duty would then go over all the patients’ charges with those starting their shift. They’d have their backs turned to the elevator and I’d only have to worry about the head nurse noticing me. She didn’t notice a thing but I must admit it was rather hard to stop a smirk when my nurse walked in a couple of minutes later and greeted me with breakfast and my morning shot-in-the-bum medicine.
Snickers had promised me we’d only stay till noon and then we’d return to Ggum Guum but when the nurse hooked me back up to the IV I knew we’d have a problem. Snickers thought he’d be a smarty pants by disconnecting my IV bag and trying to drain it in the sink – no suck luck. When noon came and the nurse said I had to wait till Monday morning when my doctor returns I wasn’t impressed.
“We’ve got two choices” I told her, “either you can take this IV needle out of my arm or I can take it out. And between you and me I hope you do it because I’ll close my eyes and just yank it out.” Ten minutes later she returned with a frowned look on her face and took it out, so I left.
Returned home. My birthday girl Pyen Chi was waiting for me and her little buddy Balboa was totally in La-La land in Mi Nam’s old bed. Later on in the day Pyen Chi got lots of hugs and attention from one of my boxercise gals I had invited over for coffee. She’s a Canadian gal that loves big dogs so she’s definitely a fan of Pyen Chi. Today she met Balboa for the first time and she had a good giggle over Boa (Balboa) trying to eat his food. We’re convinced his head is too big for his body and he doesn’t quite yet know how to find balance. When he leans forward to eat his back two legs swing up in the air and occasionally this happens too when he’s simply walking around. It’s hilarious to watch and I really got to get this on video. Pyen Chi has been surprisingly so good with Boa. I thought she might snap back on Boa whenever Boa tries to bite her nose but she just takes it. She isn’t yet at the point where she’ll let Boa cuddle up to her despite him trying but she’s now somewhat comfortable with Balboa walking over her paws when she’s lying down. I tell ya, the two together are just too adorable for words!!!
Friday, February 24, 2012
We've made an addition... a four-legged addition. Introducing the fearless Balboa.
To give you a clearly understanding of just how small Balboa is, check out the shot of him in Mi Nam's old bed. Mi Nam was too stubborn to admit that he was the bed was busting at the seems with him in it but with Balboa in it, wow, what a contrast.
And don't even get me started on just how tiny he is compared to Pyen Chi!!!
And Then There Were Four... Friday, February 24
Tomorrow marks Pyen Chi the Pee Master Beast of Fur's 1st birthday and in anticipation of this Snickers and I have been pestering the shelters and inquiring about adopting a four-legged friend for her. Two dogs that we had our hearts set on turned out to be a no-go and then we got a lot of bad news with several adoptee potentials at a shelter out in Seoul. We've been looking for a puppy, a four-legged friend with a clean slate to add to our family here but all we've been coming up with are complications, friend-potentials with strings attached or caution signs.
It's hard to find a match for Pyen Chi from a shelter. I'm not going to say she's unlike any other dog but the fact that she's 90lbs and growing day by day poses a lot of problems for any potential four-legged friend with any kind of behavior problems or bad run-ins with other dogs.
I've never bought an animal from a pet store. Mi Nam was the closest I ever came to doing so. His mother's owner owned a pet store but had bred pups. Mi Nam was only available because the person who was supposed to adopt him decided that he was the odd one in the litter and so he left him there.
Tonight I bought a four-legged friend from a friend's pet store and I cringe at the fact but I'm happy with the addition we've made. We had decided that despite us moving soon and despite us being two huge fans of the outdoors and overly active individuals, that a chihauhau would best suit our family. We didn't think getting another big dog would be appropriate but were skeptical about a smaller dog because of the huge size difference. But a chihauhau... the world's tiniest dog that's fearless and wouldn't be nervous to take Pyen Chi or or put Pyen Chi in her place. So that's what we got -- Kim Balboa the chocolate chihauhau.
What was supposed to be a simple search in Cheonan for such a four-legged friend turned into an all afternoon event that took us to Seoul and returned us to Cheonan around 10pm. We came across Balboa late into the evening when a close friend suggested us to stop by. At first glance I wasn't very interested in him but then he opened his eyes up and look right into mine.
Pyen Chi had come along with us out to Seoul so it was fun introducing the two to each other as soon as Balboa was announced ours. Pyen Chi appeared quite nervous, not too sure whether or not Balboa was something to like or a threat to run away from. Balboa on the other hand looked wide-eyed at Pyen Chi, totally oblivious that Pyen Chi's head alone outsized him.
So now it's Snickers, me, Kim Pyen Chi the Pee Master Beast of Fur and Kim Balboa (Boa for short) here at Ggum Guum.
It's hard to find a match for Pyen Chi from a shelter. I'm not going to say she's unlike any other dog but the fact that she's 90lbs and growing day by day poses a lot of problems for any potential four-legged friend with any kind of behavior problems or bad run-ins with other dogs.
I've never bought an animal from a pet store. Mi Nam was the closest I ever came to doing so. His mother's owner owned a pet store but had bred pups. Mi Nam was only available because the person who was supposed to adopt him decided that he was the odd one in the litter and so he left him there.
Tonight I bought a four-legged friend from a friend's pet store and I cringe at the fact but I'm happy with the addition we've made. We had decided that despite us moving soon and despite us being two huge fans of the outdoors and overly active individuals, that a chihauhau would best suit our family. We didn't think getting another big dog would be appropriate but were skeptical about a smaller dog because of the huge size difference. But a chihauhau... the world's tiniest dog that's fearless and wouldn't be nervous to take Pyen Chi or or put Pyen Chi in her place. So that's what we got -- Kim Balboa the chocolate chihauhau.
What was supposed to be a simple search in Cheonan for such a four-legged friend turned into an all afternoon event that took us to Seoul and returned us to Cheonan around 10pm. We came across Balboa late into the evening when a close friend suggested us to stop by. At first glance I wasn't very interested in him but then he opened his eyes up and look right into mine.
Pyen Chi had come along with us out to Seoul so it was fun introducing the two to each other as soon as Balboa was announced ours. Pyen Chi appeared quite nervous, not too sure whether or not Balboa was something to like or a threat to run away from. Balboa on the other hand looked wide-eyed at Pyen Chi, totally oblivious that Pyen Chi's head alone outsized him.
So now it's Snickers, me, Kim Pyen Chi the Pee Master Beast of Fur and Kim Balboa (Boa for short) here at Ggum Guum.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A shot of what I've been living on here... a bowl of rice soup with a bit of beef in it and a whole whack of rice, a couple of side dishes with kimchi and other "teaser-sized" veggies, and a bowl of rice. The juice was a one-time sweet addition courticy of my nurse buying that for me. Snickers has been bringing me coffee and food -- yogurt, chicken, almonds, etc -- and today I had a good laugh at the fact that Snickers and I are doing exactly what my parents did when my mom was in the hosptial. Snickers shows up, brings me food and then eats my hospital food.
Killing Time... Thursday, February 23
With all this excess time on my hands now that I'm confined to a hosptial bed and can't even get up to walk around because I've got an iv bag/pole to tag along and nothing but socks on my feet, I've been killing time in the weirdest of ways.
I've got no computer, no pens or writing devices of any nature, no book besides the one my insurance man gave me, and nothing really that's mine beside the clothes I walked in with and my cell phone. Thankfully I've got a cell phone charger with me so I've been doing a lot of Internet stuff via my phone.
I'm temporarily, or so I hope, addicted to "Words with Friends", a scrabble phone application game.
I've done a lot of four-legged friend searching and inquiring online, to which I'm sad to note that Jacob, the little dog I wanted to adopt, is being adopted by his foster mom. I'm happy that he's got a perminant home but a bit sad it's not with me. The other little doggie I was interested in is having health problems and I don't want to have that complicate things with Pyen Chi.
I'm not a big fan of TV unless it's to watch boxing, strong man competitions or UFC but both my roommates are freaked out about me being a boxing so I'm sure they won't be into watching it on TV. They seem addicted to any and every drama show that has yelling men and crying women in it so it's been quite annoying having the TV on all day.
I've started reading the book my insurance man gave me, it's titled "The 5 Languages of Love", and it's quite interesting -- a bit cheesy but interesting.
So besides using my cell phone I've pretty much have stuck to sleeping. I refuse to let any of Snickers friends or family come visit me on account that I haven't showered since Tuesday morning and I don't want them to see me looking so multi-coloured. I really don't want their pity looks because I don't feel there's anything to pity about my situation. A part of me doesn't want to see Snickers' family because I think them seeing me like this will only encourage and reinforce their dissatisifaction with me boxing. It'd be a kind of "I-told-you-so, I-told-you-no" situation if you know what I mean. Maybe I'm wrong but why test it out and find out I'm not.
I've got no computer, no pens or writing devices of any nature, no book besides the one my insurance man gave me, and nothing really that's mine beside the clothes I walked in with and my cell phone. Thankfully I've got a cell phone charger with me so I've been doing a lot of Internet stuff via my phone.
I'm temporarily, or so I hope, addicted to "Words with Friends", a scrabble phone application game.
I've done a lot of four-legged friend searching and inquiring online, to which I'm sad to note that Jacob, the little dog I wanted to adopt, is being adopted by his foster mom. I'm happy that he's got a perminant home but a bit sad it's not with me. The other little doggie I was interested in is having health problems and I don't want to have that complicate things with Pyen Chi.
I'm not a big fan of TV unless it's to watch boxing, strong man competitions or UFC but both my roommates are freaked out about me being a boxing so I'm sure they won't be into watching it on TV. They seem addicted to any and every drama show that has yelling men and crying women in it so it's been quite annoying having the TV on all day.
I've started reading the book my insurance man gave me, it's titled "The 5 Languages of Love", and it's quite interesting -- a bit cheesy but interesting.
So besides using my cell phone I've pretty much have stuck to sleeping. I refuse to let any of Snickers friends or family come visit me on account that I haven't showered since Tuesday morning and I don't want them to see me looking so multi-coloured. I really don't want their pity looks because I don't feel there's anything to pity about my situation. A part of me doesn't want to see Snickers' family because I think them seeing me like this will only encourage and reinforce their dissatisifaction with me boxing. It'd be a kind of "I-told-you-so, I-told-you-no" situation if you know what I mean. Maybe I'm wrong but why test it out and find out I'm not.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Surgery Day... Wednesday, February 22
Today I had surgery. The wheeled me down to the operating room at exactly 9:30am on the dot but then there I laid all strapped down while they went over and over again regarding my x-rays. A bit nerve-racking, to say the least.
While laying there I let my mind wandered but then I spotted what appeared to be blood splatters on the ceiling, then my mind really wandered. "You better not give me some kind of Michael Jackson nose!" I told a male nurse.
I was out cold for the surgery but was disappointed to note that I didn't get the so-called laughing gas. Instead, a nurse gave me a shot of something via the iv tube that was already connected to me. I felt a coolness creeping up my arm and then everything started to sound like it was all so distant. I remember a ringing in my ears and trying to fight it by talking to the nurse.
Later on I woke up back in my hospital room -- back with Snickers by my side. My nose was all bandaged up to the point where anything I drank or ate for the next day was dipped into by my nose. Straws became a necessary item but no one seemed to have one so I ended up sporting coffee and whatnot on my bandages on a daily bases... hahaha.
While laying there I let my mind wandered but then I spotted what appeared to be blood splatters on the ceiling, then my mind really wandered. "You better not give me some kind of Michael Jackson nose!" I told a male nurse.
I was out cold for the surgery but was disappointed to note that I didn't get the so-called laughing gas. Instead, a nurse gave me a shot of something via the iv tube that was already connected to me. I felt a coolness creeping up my arm and then everything started to sound like it was all so distant. I remember a ringing in my ears and trying to fight it by talking to the nurse.
Later on I woke up back in my hospital room -- back with Snickers by my side. My nose was all bandaged up to the point where anything I drank or ate for the next day was dipped into by my nose. Straws became a necessary item but no one seemed to have one so I ended up sporting coffee and whatnot on my bandages on a daily bases... hahaha.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Not a Fan of Hospitals... Tuesday, February 21
Yesterday I visited the hospital and was told some unsettling news, my nose is broken and needs surgery.
I knew my nose was broken, I've broken it before, but I argued about the whole surgery idea. Snickers argued with me, telling me that my insurance would cover it but it's not the money that's the problem. I just hate hospitals and see no need for surgery. "Why can't I just put a sock in my mouth again?" I asked him -- that's how we "corrected" my first broken nose a year or so ago. Turns out my nose is broken in two spots, one of which the doctor insists was brought on by two much sparring.
So today I was booked into the hospital and I can already sense it's going to but just so much "fun"... catch the sarcasim there!!! I have two roommates in my room, one of which I've already repeatedly visioned in my head me kicking her in the head or pushing her out the window. I wouldn't actually do such a thing, relax to all you hyper readers out there, but I would love it if the tv remote mute button worked on her! I ranted about her on Facebook so I won't repeat it all here.
Had a funny situation today when another hospital patient recognized me and insisted I sign his book. I was coming out of the bathroom at the time, with pee sample cup in hand, so I rested his book on my cup and gave him my signature.
Booking into the hospital was rather interesting too. Yesterday when I came for my inital doctor's meeting and then today when I booked in, both times I ended up either sitting beside or close to cuffed prisoners. Snickers clued in pretty quickly to the scene but I was a bit slow. The first prison I ran into ended up sitting right beside me and when my nose started to bleed I asked him if I could use his towel that he had. Turns out that towel was hiding his handcuffs. The next day, when I booked in, I sat across from another prisoner but it was a female prisoner and she looked rougher and tougher than the other one.
So here I am at the hospital, stuck using my cell phone for the Internet and turning into a "Words with Friends" game addict. I've got 12 games on the go and still I'm bored.
Hospital food in Korea amazes me, sarcastically speaking that is. You'd think that a place -- a hospital -- that's suppose to nurse you back to health would at least give you one piece of fruit a day, perhaps some juice or even some water and some protein. Soup, rice and kimchi has been every single meal for me here. I get that three times a day. Either the soup or a small side dish usually has a bit of meat in it but barely enough to say it's more than a spoonful so it's hardly a healthy serving worth. I questioned the nurse about this and then juice appeared on the tray of my next meal. I'm pretty sure the nurse bought me that with her own money though. I've been getting Snickers to bring me food -- salad, chicken wraps, milk, yogurt, almonds, and bananas -- but because Koreans are all about sharing, despite him not even knowing my roommates and their families, my food often gets shared among 2-6 other people in the room.
I'm not impressed.
I knew my nose was broken, I've broken it before, but I argued about the whole surgery idea. Snickers argued with me, telling me that my insurance would cover it but it's not the money that's the problem. I just hate hospitals and see no need for surgery. "Why can't I just put a sock in my mouth again?" I asked him -- that's how we "corrected" my first broken nose a year or so ago. Turns out my nose is broken in two spots, one of which the doctor insists was brought on by two much sparring.
So today I was booked into the hospital and I can already sense it's going to but just so much "fun"... catch the sarcasim there!!! I have two roommates in my room, one of which I've already repeatedly visioned in my head me kicking her in the head or pushing her out the window. I wouldn't actually do such a thing, relax to all you hyper readers out there, but I would love it if the tv remote mute button worked on her! I ranted about her on Facebook so I won't repeat it all here.
Had a funny situation today when another hospital patient recognized me and insisted I sign his book. I was coming out of the bathroom at the time, with pee sample cup in hand, so I rested his book on my cup and gave him my signature.
Booking into the hospital was rather interesting too. Yesterday when I came for my inital doctor's meeting and then today when I booked in, both times I ended up either sitting beside or close to cuffed prisoners. Snickers clued in pretty quickly to the scene but I was a bit slow. The first prison I ran into ended up sitting right beside me and when my nose started to bleed I asked him if I could use his towel that he had. Turns out that towel was hiding his handcuffs. The next day, when I booked in, I sat across from another prisoner but it was a female prisoner and she looked rougher and tougher than the other one.
So here I am at the hospital, stuck using my cell phone for the Internet and turning into a "Words with Friends" game addict. I've got 12 games on the go and still I'm bored.
Hospital food in Korea amazes me, sarcastically speaking that is. You'd think that a place -- a hospital -- that's suppose to nurse you back to health would at least give you one piece of fruit a day, perhaps some juice or even some water and some protein. Soup, rice and kimchi has been every single meal for me here. I get that three times a day. Either the soup or a small side dish usually has a bit of meat in it but barely enough to say it's more than a spoonful so it's hardly a healthy serving worth. I questioned the nurse about this and then juice appeared on the tray of my next meal. I'm pretty sure the nurse bought me that with her own money though. I've been getting Snickers to bring me food -- salad, chicken wraps, milk, yogurt, almonds, and bananas -- but because Koreans are all about sharing, despite him not even knowing my roommates and their families, my food often gets shared among 2-6 other people in the room.
I'm not impressed.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
After weigh-in, we did the traditional Korean boxer thing to do after every and any weigh-in -- we ate chicken soup. I had stashed a small container of banana milk in my pocket so I got to sip on that right after weighing in and let me tell you, it tasted like I was drinking liquid gold -- pure delish!!!
Then in the evening we ate some more. I loaded up on lots of veggies and protein.
And what better way to work off the meal than to break out into a dance with my man... hahaha. It was a mix between ninja poses, a lot of tush-shaking, and some funky hand movements... hahaha.
The next day was fight day, here's one of Snickers' buddy. He was the main match of the day; here's him talking to his opponent, a fighter from China.
And here's me, not looking so great but definitely feeling like a fighter.
Fight Day... Sunday, February 19
I'm not sure whether to say I lost or won my fight.
From a point standpoint, ok, I lost and that's what the judges go by, but from a standpoint that has nothing to do with points and everything to do with respect and pride I won.
According to the books I didn't win my fight. We all thought I was going to have it in the second round when I repeatedly nailed her with some brutal right hooks but then the bell went, ending that round. I swore my opponent's head must have been made out of steel. In the fourth round I felt something pop on my face, I thought it was my nose and as it turns out I was right. I had fractured my nose during sparring but kept it on the low because it meant I would have had to forfeit the fight. Instead, I faught and broke the fracture and broke it in another spot.
There's definitely a frustration that comes with losing a game but I know I gave it my all and, by what the doctor explained, I had pushed it too far with my training. I had overtrained to the point where I jeopardized my health and my fight.
I don't regret it though.
One of my blog readers from here showed up at my fight, Jacky, and though I had never met her prior to my fight I was very flattered and quite proud to have her come and support me. The Cheonan Bulldog also came to my fight, so his presence too was awesome to have.
I gave it my all.
I'm not the best at what I love but I do what I love the best I can and nobody can take that away from me. I consider myself both privilaged and blessed to be able to explore and do what it is I love -- boxing. I don't think a big percentage of the population can say they honestly do what they love and so I am extremely grateful. Moreover, it's one thing for people to say this or that about me but it's another to step into my boxing boots and get in that ring. Talk is cheap. I don't think many of those who talk big actually have the balls to do what I do.
But anyways...
I thought I'd be more upset about this loss but I am not. I gave it my all and my all is all I could have possibly give. I'm proud of myself for the fight I gave and I almost miss the whole crazy preping and insane training I did for this particular fight, I mean what am I going to do with all this time on my hands now come Monday?!
From a point standpoint, ok, I lost and that's what the judges go by, but from a standpoint that has nothing to do with points and everything to do with respect and pride I won.
According to the books I didn't win my fight. We all thought I was going to have it in the second round when I repeatedly nailed her with some brutal right hooks but then the bell went, ending that round. I swore my opponent's head must have been made out of steel. In the fourth round I felt something pop on my face, I thought it was my nose and as it turns out I was right. I had fractured my nose during sparring but kept it on the low because it meant I would have had to forfeit the fight. Instead, I faught and broke the fracture and broke it in another spot.
There's definitely a frustration that comes with losing a game but I know I gave it my all and, by what the doctor explained, I had pushed it too far with my training. I had overtrained to the point where I jeopardized my health and my fight.
I don't regret it though.
One of my blog readers from here showed up at my fight, Jacky, and though I had never met her prior to my fight I was very flattered and quite proud to have her come and support me. The Cheonan Bulldog also came to my fight, so his presence too was awesome to have.
I gave it my all.
I'm not the best at what I love but I do what I love the best I can and nobody can take that away from me. I consider myself both privilaged and blessed to be able to explore and do what it is I love -- boxing. I don't think a big percentage of the population can say they honestly do what they love and so I am extremely grateful. Moreover, it's one thing for people to say this or that about me but it's another to step into my boxing boots and get in that ring. Talk is cheap. I don't think many of those who talk big actually have the balls to do what I do.
But anyways...
I thought I'd be more upset about this loss but I am not. I gave it my all and my all is all I could have possibly give. I'm proud of myself for the fight I gave and I almost miss the whole crazy preping and insane training I did for this particular fight, I mean what am I going to do with all this time on my hands now come Monday?!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
From My Coach's Car... Saturday, February 18
Am writing this to you all as I travel in the backseat down to Kim Hae City -- where my weigh-in is today and where I'll be fighting tomorrow. It's an estimated 4 hour drive so we're basically driving all the way down to the tip of south South Korea, close to Busan. In the car beside me sits Snickers. Junior Mint is driving and I'm happy to note that one of my sparring partners/teammates has come along with us -- The Cheonan Bulldog.
I've trained hard for this fight, harder than I ever have or ever anticipated. Sparring no longer makes me nervous and I've learned to learn from those I train with as supposed to focusing solely on just what my coach tells me. One of my boxercise gals noted this to me and I've heard it before, "the best way to learn something is to teach it", and it's true. In leading my boxercise classes I've really stepped back to disect my punches, combos, boxing stance and so on.
I've never been afriad of getting hurt in the ring and, oddly enough, I feel great pride after a fight when I do sport a black eye. Today in the car my coach asked me why I box to which I replied "because it's given me everything" -- a second family, great health, sense of belonging, identity, opportunities to travel,... etc, etc.
Having said this, it hasn't been easy being a foreign female boxer in Korea but I both love and hate that. It's been a challenge, so to all my family and friends that continually support me, thank you. You may never know how grateful I am for your support. I hope I make you proud tomorrow.
I've trained hard for this fight, harder than I ever have or ever anticipated. Sparring no longer makes me nervous and I've learned to learn from those I train with as supposed to focusing solely on just what my coach tells me. One of my boxercise gals noted this to me and I've heard it before, "the best way to learn something is to teach it", and it's true. In leading my boxercise classes I've really stepped back to disect my punches, combos, boxing stance and so on.
I've never been afriad of getting hurt in the ring and, oddly enough, I feel great pride after a fight when I do sport a black eye. Today in the car my coach asked me why I box to which I replied "because it's given me everything" -- a second family, great health, sense of belonging, identity, opportunities to travel,... etc, etc.
Having said this, it hasn't been easy being a foreign female boxer in Korea but I both love and hate that. It's been a challenge, so to all my family and friends that continually support me, thank you. You may never know how grateful I am for your support. I hope I make you proud tomorrow.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Love from Canada... Thursday, February 16
Recieved a package from a friend in Canada -- a highschool friend. I had mentioned to her that I needed more of that delish chicken spice combo that I've become addicted to... hahaha. I had originally bought the spice combo two summers ago while visiting my family in Canada but it wasn't until late last year that I discovered it sitting at the back of my kitchen cupboard. So in the package sent to me was this particular spice combo, 4 bottles of it actually! And beside the bottles of spices were flavored Splenda packs and two Canadian winter toques. Snickers is all about couple wear, he's certainly Korean like that, so he loves the toques and insisted me to wear them this afternoon while IN the house.
Yesterday's surprise visit from Satoshi and today's arrival of this package from my friend were definitely energy boosters for me. I've been so preoccupied with my boxing lately, it's been so in my face, so it's great to be reminded of friends and life outside of the boxing club.
Next week my friend Nick is coming to Korea. He's backpacking around Asia right now and will be stopping in at our place here in Korea for about a week or two. Am definitely looking forward to seeing him though trying to make a list of what to show him and do with him seems to be harder of a task than originally anticipated. I want him to see Korea, not the Korea that tourists see but the real Korea, and in trying to make up a list I've come up with mainly foods for him to try. Any suggestions?!
Yesterday's surprise visit from Satoshi and today's arrival of this package from my friend were definitely energy boosters for me. I've been so preoccupied with my boxing lately, it's been so in my face, so it's great to be reminded of friends and life outside of the boxing club.
Next week my friend Nick is coming to Korea. He's backpacking around Asia right now and will be stopping in at our place here in Korea for about a week or two. Am definitely looking forward to seeing him though trying to make a list of what to show him and do with him seems to be harder of a task than originally anticipated. I want him to see Korea, not the Korea that tourists see but the real Korea, and in trying to make up a list I've come up with mainly foods for him to try. Any suggestions?!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Yup, that's me in the dog house at the vet. It was the only way I could get the other dog owners to stop screaming at the sight of Pyen Chi and make her relax when they insisted I cage her. (I personally think they should have caged those 3 women... hahaha)
Action-Packed, Packed to the Brim... Wednesday, February 15
What was anticipated to be a mellow drive out to our new found favorite mountain side spot turned bloody when Pyen Chi stepped on something in the grass. We're not quite sure what she had stepped on but when we caught sight of her limping we picked up her paw and down dripped blood. Something had gashed open her left front paw, making a hole the size of almost a dime, so off to the vet we took her. She ended up having to get a couple of stitches in her one paw but holding her down to do so took three of us -- Snickers, a nurse and me.
Then, much later on, what was supposed to a night of simply training and then hitting the hay early, turned into a 3am-er. I showed up at the boxing club, already feeling exhausted, and Junior Mint yelled up "gear up -- last sparring tonight". Instantly I let my body fall to the floor and I laid there for a good minute or two. Lately I've been so mentally exhausted with only thinking, doing, and (what feels like it) breathing soley boxing. I knew the sparring would do me good but my head was just not in the place it needed to be for sparring. I geared up anyways.
I was told that I'd be allowed to cut tonight's training short but that it'd mean I'd have to go 6 full rounds of sparring with Captain Jab. With about twenty seconds left to the first round I heard Junior Mint yell out "Satoshi". At first I thought he was trying to get me to relax and loosen up because he's been doing this a lot lately, yelling out random things that is. Usually it's "Fighting" but these days he's been yelling "Ouk-hwa Bi-bim-bap" (that's a raw beef meal I love) at me during training. He's promised to take me out for ouk-hwa bi-bim-bap after my fight and oddly enough him yelling it at me has helped to motivate me and keep me enjoying my training.
Anyways, so there was my coach yelling out my friend's name. I then looked up and there before my eyes was Satoshi! Satoshi lives in Japan but he had come the other day to Korea. He wasn't sure if he'd catch me at the boxing club but had come from his hotel out in Suwon tonight on a whim, hoping I'd be here. At the sight of him ringside I instantly stopped sparring, called him over and hung him from underneath the ropes. He surprisingy me had totally given me an overdose of much needed energy. Captain Jab and I then restarted the sparring session, making tonight's session 7 full rounds.
After boxing, Satoshi came back to Ggum Guum so that I could shower up and eat. I must have taken the fastest shower ever because of all the excitement. I didn't even bother cooking my dinner -- I drank my eggs raw and left the house with a large pepper in hand. We ended up chatting up a storm at a local coffee shop and then Snickers and I drove him back to his hotel in Suwon. It was so great to see him, as always, but him surprising me tonight was exactly what I needed... it was awesome!
Then, much later on, what was supposed to a night of simply training and then hitting the hay early, turned into a 3am-er. I showed up at the boxing club, already feeling exhausted, and Junior Mint yelled up "gear up -- last sparring tonight". Instantly I let my body fall to the floor and I laid there for a good minute or two. Lately I've been so mentally exhausted with only thinking, doing, and (what feels like it) breathing soley boxing. I knew the sparring would do me good but my head was just not in the place it needed to be for sparring. I geared up anyways.
I was told that I'd be allowed to cut tonight's training short but that it'd mean I'd have to go 6 full rounds of sparring with Captain Jab. With about twenty seconds left to the first round I heard Junior Mint yell out "Satoshi". At first I thought he was trying to get me to relax and loosen up because he's been doing this a lot lately, yelling out random things that is. Usually it's "Fighting" but these days he's been yelling "Ouk-hwa Bi-bim-bap" (that's a raw beef meal I love) at me during training. He's promised to take me out for ouk-hwa bi-bim-bap after my fight and oddly enough him yelling it at me has helped to motivate me and keep me enjoying my training.
Anyways, so there was my coach yelling out my friend's name. I then looked up and there before my eyes was Satoshi! Satoshi lives in Japan but he had come the other day to Korea. He wasn't sure if he'd catch me at the boxing club but had come from his hotel out in Suwon tonight on a whim, hoping I'd be here. At the sight of him ringside I instantly stopped sparring, called him over and hung him from underneath the ropes. He surprisingy me had totally given me an overdose of much needed energy. Captain Jab and I then restarted the sparring session, making tonight's session 7 full rounds.
After boxing, Satoshi came back to Ggum Guum so that I could shower up and eat. I must have taken the fastest shower ever because of all the excitement. I didn't even bother cooking my dinner -- I drank my eggs raw and left the house with a large pepper in hand. We ended up chatting up a storm at a local coffee shop and then Snickers and I drove him back to his hotel in Suwon. It was so great to see him, as always, but him surprising me tonight was exactly what I needed... it was awesome!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Half a Valentine's Day... Tuesday, February 14
Valentine's Day, for me and Snickers at least, has been postponed till Monday, February 20th.
On account of the fact that I'm doing my fight prep diet and am basically eating, sleeping, training and breathing solely boxing these days, we thought it best to celebrate the day after my fight, when we can actually enjoy it. Despite the postponed date, we did however celebrate it to a certain extent today. I surprised Snickers with his favorite chocolates and a hand written Korean letter. He made sure I had a very relaxing and mellow day, giving me massages, making sure Pyen Chi let me sleep, and he cleaned the whole house. In the afternoon my new Canadian passport arrived at my front door so that was definitely a great Valentine's Day gift -- thanks Canada!
I spent a good part of the afternoon cooking chocolate chip cookies only to try to put my own special touch to them and consequently kill them. Snickers took one look at them and when he asked me "Why did you cook bread?" I knew my cookies had failed. Perhaps I could use them as doorstoppers or throw them at the noisey neighbours as opposed to apples and oranges... hahaha.
So my chocolate cookies that I was planning to wow my teammates and those at the boxing club were a big bust as was my present that I bought my coach -- a box of chocolate cookies that 7 other people thought of buying him too. Despite the two fails, I did however score big at the boxing club with a back-up plan -- Canadian chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil that I had bought this past summer when I was in Canada. They've been sitting in my fridge since I returned in October so I was more than happy to hand them out today because they've been pure temptation, of which I can proudly say I only gave into once!!!
Here in Korea, Valentine's Day is all about the guys -- girls give guys chocolates. Us gals have White Day (March 11th) and on this day the guys give us girls candies, so I didn't get any little gifts from my boys at boxing but am sure I'll get lots of White Day. I don't really care if I do get anything actually though because it felt pretty good giving out those gold foiled chocolate coins and handing select teammates of mine extra chocolates I had bought the other day for them. They all were overly smilely about it and I made a couple of them blush. A Korean that blushes?! Yup, there's a few of them at my boxing club;)
Despite not really doing anything with Snickers today to celebrate the day, I did rack up quite a high number of people to call my Valentine, 23 to be exact -- my coach, 5 teammates, 4 amateur boxers, 10 boxing enthusiasts, 1 professional motorcross race driver, and of course my two favorite being Snickers and Pyen Chi.
On account of the fact that I'm doing my fight prep diet and am basically eating, sleeping, training and breathing solely boxing these days, we thought it best to celebrate the day after my fight, when we can actually enjoy it. Despite the postponed date, we did however celebrate it to a certain extent today. I surprised Snickers with his favorite chocolates and a hand written Korean letter. He made sure I had a very relaxing and mellow day, giving me massages, making sure Pyen Chi let me sleep, and he cleaned the whole house. In the afternoon my new Canadian passport arrived at my front door so that was definitely a great Valentine's Day gift -- thanks Canada!
I spent a good part of the afternoon cooking chocolate chip cookies only to try to put my own special touch to them and consequently kill them. Snickers took one look at them and when he asked me "Why did you cook bread?" I knew my cookies had failed. Perhaps I could use them as doorstoppers or throw them at the noisey neighbours as opposed to apples and oranges... hahaha.
So my chocolate cookies that I was planning to wow my teammates and those at the boxing club were a big bust as was my present that I bought my coach -- a box of chocolate cookies that 7 other people thought of buying him too. Despite the two fails, I did however score big at the boxing club with a back-up plan -- Canadian chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil that I had bought this past summer when I was in Canada. They've been sitting in my fridge since I returned in October so I was more than happy to hand them out today because they've been pure temptation, of which I can proudly say I only gave into once!!!
Here in Korea, Valentine's Day is all about the guys -- girls give guys chocolates. Us gals have White Day (March 11th) and on this day the guys give us girls candies, so I didn't get any little gifts from my boys at boxing but am sure I'll get lots of White Day. I don't really care if I do get anything actually though because it felt pretty good giving out those gold foiled chocolate coins and handing select teammates of mine extra chocolates I had bought the other day for them. They all were overly smilely about it and I made a couple of them blush. A Korean that blushes?! Yup, there's a few of them at my boxing club;)
Despite not really doing anything with Snickers today to celebrate the day, I did rack up quite a high number of people to call my Valentine, 23 to be exact -- my coach, 5 teammates, 4 amateur boxers, 10 boxing enthusiasts, 1 professional motorcross race driver, and of course my two favorite being Snickers and Pyen Chi.
Monday, February 13, 2012
A little bit of mocha love and a whole lotta strangeness added;)
My attempt at using as little energy as possible but getting lots of nutritional value. What you're looking at is Whey protein in mocha cappuccino flavor mixed with a banana, nonfat yogurt and oatmeal. Sounds strange, tasted rather strange but it did the trick.
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