One year in…

Or one year out. Or one year to go. Or half way home. Whatever, I have made it through the first year of my two year commitment to Korea. No great insights on the experience. I am behind in the things I hope to accomplish before I leave, but I still have a year to get there. I remain optomistic (generally), and can honestly state that I cherish so much about my life amongst the wonderful Korean people.

In fact, all the negatives come from within me. I miss my family and friends much more than they know. I have not been prudent with my finances, and that is something that I must correct because I do intend to travel and see as much of Asia as possible in the time that I have left here.

Actually, the positives in my life far exceed the negatives, its just that my nature seems to be to dwell on the things that could be better. So, on the positive side I have a job that I find fascinating, challenging, satisfying, and fulfilling. I really like making my small contribution to the success of the Army’s mission here in Korea. I have been incredibly sad about seeing so many of my friends leaving Korea, but I’m making new ones now and I’m coming to understand that the transient nature of relationships here is just anonther aspect of the Korea experience. No point in fighting change, you just have to embrace it.

Today was a good day. I got invited to join the Dolce Vita dart team. Yeah, invited because I’m a decent player. Tonight was our first league match and we kicked ass on some Canucks from Jesters. I played decent enough to win two games, and I really enjoy my teammates. Hell, even my pool is improving and I do expect to compete for most improved before the year is out.

I sometimes think my life is pretty shallow here, but upon reflection I am spending time with people I enjoy and they seem to appreciate having me around. That’s not so bad in the grand scheme of things. I don’t like my solitary life, but I am learning that I am a capable of taking care of myself. That’s something positive too.

Anyway, it’s late and I’m half-drunk so I won’t ramble on with this boring drivel. Just know that I’m doing ok and expect to be doing even better in the coming months.

Oh, this cold or whatever it is has been kicking my ass. I’m feeling functional again, but still have a hacking cough and my nose is full of Stuff Not Overly Tolerable (SNOT). Well, it seems to be hitting alot of us these days. So to all you other folks hacking and wheezing, get well soon. This too shall pass and all that.

It’s all good.

2 thoughts on “One year in…

  1. I’m delighted to see your new perspective regarding life is still continuing. You can really tell your energy level has increased through reading your entries. Life in Korea seems to have many similarities with my life in Hawaii. Here they have a saying, that is ‘A’ole pilikia meaning “no worries”. This Hawaiian term is used instead of “your welcome”. I find it’s a simple way to understand Hawaiian culture is you get my drift. 🙂 Happy trails on your journey, i send my love.

  2. Pingback: Through the years | Long Time Gone

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