Time to catch y’all up on the happenings in my so called life.

This GPS unit was a steal at only $1200.00! And it even comes with a 1999 Hyundai Sonata (not pictured).

I finalized the deal on my vehicle purchase.  My new/old car is currently sitting at the embassy annex on Camp Coiner (right next door to Yongsan Garrison).  The guy I bought it from has been reassigned to the embassy in Afghanistan (no idea who he pissed off) and flies Monday, so there was some urgency in getting things done.  I should have everything I need now except the “de-registration” form from the embassy.  And the guy who handles that said I should definitely have it “next week”.  I went by an insurance company Friday but given that it was a Korean holiday (Independence Day and you are welcome) I couldn’t get a policy issued.  I was promised four quotes on Monday and should be able to purchase some bona fide coverage by the time I get the embassy paperwork.  Then it’s just a matter of taking all my documents to the USFK vehicle registration folks at Camp Kim (across the street from Yongsan Garrison), getting a temporary vehicle tag, then going to Camp Coiner to pick up the car, take it back to Camp Kim, and have my permanent licence plate installed.

If all goes according to plan I’ll be taking a road trip to Bonumsa Temple (near Incheon) with Jee Yeun next Saturday.  Jee Yeun has already asked if I’ll let her drive.  In her words “can I drive?” To which I responded “can you?”.  Anyway, since it’s a $1200 hooptie I reckon there’s not too much risk in finding out.

Yesterday me and my boss had a working lunch in Itaewon.  She asked me what I wanted to eat and I said “how about barbecue?”  Turns out she was thinking the same thing and we both had the same place in mind, a new joint called Linus’ BBQ.

And in fact, I did have a perfectly fine bowel movement this morning…

The double entendres didn’t end with the marquee.

Here’s a crappy photo of the well-worn menu…

The brisket is described as what happens “when a man from swine country diddles with cows”.  I passed on “da bomb” sandwich because I was not in the mood to have “Linus’ BBQ bust a nut in my mouf”.

The boss and I had a good laugh over the decidedly un-PC menu, then ordered us up some south Alabama-style barbecue.

I selected the pulled pork platter for W15,000 and did enjoy it…

We arrived a few minutes before the 11:30 opening time and I was surprised to be greeted by one of the waitresses I know from Dillinger’s who also moonlights (sunlights?) at Linus’. It was good that we arrived early because by 11:45 the place was packed and there was a goodly sized waiting line.  I asked my friend from Dillinger’s (I don’t recall her name, but she knew mine which made me feel ashamed) if it was always this busy for lunch.  She told me it was and that if I wanted to come later in the evening it would be best to make a reservation.  Damn, I hate that because I am not big on planning ahead.

Anyway, the boss and I had a nice lunch and chat (despite the overly loud 1960’s music). We did some work talk and I also got to learn a little more about her personal story.  I actually like and respect her very much.  At some point I confessed to having a blog (she thought it strange that I was taking so many pictures) but assured her I rarely post about work.  She said “good, and if you mention me give me a pseudonym.  Just make sure it doesn’t start with a B”.  Did I mention Ms. B has a wicked sense of humor?  I think we are going to get along just fine!

I am meeting up with Young Chun next week to deliver some more copies of his book. On the drive back to the office I told Ms. B (who is also Korean-American) a little about Young’s story and she seemed interested so I gave her a copy of the book to read.  Ms. B had briefly mentioned some of her Korean dating experiences over lunch.  And without thinking I said “I should introduce you to Young”.  I reckon I should have consulted Young on that first.  She didn’t say no to the idea, although she may not be available this Thursday when I meet Young.  On my way upstairs to my office I thought to myself “dude, that was plain ass stupid.  If they did meet up and things go south, I’ll be in direct line for the fallout”.  I marched back downstairs and told her that and she said “I’m not really that much of a bitch.  Usually”.   Ha!  Well there is something to be said for living dangerously I suppose.

I’ve been spending a goodly portion of my free time at Shenanigans where they treat me like a regular.  A regular what I’m not saying.  But I have earned a coveted spot on the computer cash register screen where bar tabs are maintained.

I told them I would have preferred “Handsome” to “Big”. They just laughed.

It’s been a hot summer and that has necessitated my drinking plenty of fluids.

OB will likely keep me warm this winter as well…