Seems like spring is just around the corner...

The sun is shining (and does it's best to peek between the buildings), the birds are chirping, and the temperature is rising slowly.  While the changing of the seasons is still 22 days away, it feels as though Mother Nature may be cutting us a break.  Feels as though spring is nearly here!

Before moving to Korea, I was extremely frightened by the thought of winter here.  I hate to be cold, don't like gray skies, and wasn't quite sure what I should wear.  I was also worried that my mood would be effected by the lack of sunlight.  I survived!  Maybe it's because I was expecting the worse.  Maybe it's because my parents got me a wickedly warm Eddie Bauer coat and Timberland boots for Christmas.  I'm not sure which, but amazingly I feel like winter wasn't too bad.  Considering this was my number one fear for life in Korea, I now feel better than ever about living here long term.

Today I thought about spring.  I thought about wearing cute sandals.  The really strappy ones in an array of colors.  I thought about my toes being painted instead of covered by leggings, two pairs of socks, and boots.  I started to get really excited.

Then, I thought about spring again.  This time I thought about wearing a summer dress or *gasp* a bikini. I started to get REALLY frightened.  Springtime is gym time!  I think it's about time I bump my two-day per week minimum up to three or four or five.  I think it's about time I start drinking more water and less coffee.  Maybe I can appreciate winter after all...

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Working On My Fitness :)

I signed up for the gym today!!!  I had originally tried to go to a fancy, expensive gym.  It was brand new and even had classes.  I had difficulties trying to pay with my card either because it was American or debit.  I'm not really sure which.  I had heard about another gym from some coworkers, so I went to check it out today.

My new gym is conveniently located between the school and my apartment.  Location is very important to me, because if a gym is too far away I'll find excuses to skip.  It is located below ground and is very "warm" in the summer.  By warm I mean freaking hot.  Sauna-like= bonus! HaHa.  The gym does not have classes, but it does have all of my usual machines.  The ellipticals are not as nice as back home, but I found that to be true even in the fancy gym.

So when I went in to sign up the owner was SUPER nice!  He told me that three months is 60,000 won.  That's like $17 per month!  I was unable to pay with my card and I only had 55,000 won on me so he said "service-uh."  Service = FREE!  I got to pay just 55,000 and I'm signed up until the beginning of November :)  Plus the guy threw in two free days.  I love Korea!

I started this first workout off easy with a tiny bit of cardio; ten minutes each on the treadmill and elliptical.  Not even halfway through the elliptical and I was sweating buckets.  So need to remember to take a towel next time.  I was standing in front of a big fan to cool off, when the owner comes over and turns on the A/C.  I tell him "kamsamnida" and stand there for a good five minutes.  Next, it was off to do some machines.

I did some chest presses and flys first.  Then, I went to do a rowing machine.  I finished one set and was resting.  The owner comes up to me again and hands me a piping hot cup (dixie cup sized) of coffee.  He even brought the packet over so I would know what the mysterious brown liquid was :).  Now, I wasn't really in the mood for anything HOT, but when in Rome...

I finished off with some tricep pulldowns and free weights (squat pushes- thanks Amy!)  The owner made sure I had some water before I left even though I had already helped myself to two bottles full.  I get my very own permanent locker at the gym, so next I went to my favorite store for some gym supplies!

A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise. ~A.A. Milne

Quick Note

Everything is super wonderful here in Korea....adventures every day!

I get my Alien Registration Card today, so several exciting things will happen in the next few days:

• I get a bank account.
• I can sign up for a gym.
• I will get internet and tv at home.  Yay!
• I MIGHT be able to get a regular Korean cell phone with a plan.

Sorry this isn't much, but I just wanted to give everyone a quick update.  I will be able to update much more frequently once I get internet at home.  Love and miss you!!!

I don't believe that there are aliens. I believe there are really different people. -Orson Scott Card