Had a nice, but bittersweet, farewell at Kwagga tonight.  It was really good to see some old friends one last time before I leave for who knows how long.  I know I wallowed in a fair amount of self-pity these past few months, but lately I’m reminded that there are folks out there who do care.

We had a very nice turnout tonight. Folks said goodbye to me and we all said our goodbyes to Kwagga Sports Pub, closing for good on the 15th.

Kwagga’s proprietors, Ben and Dirk. Sad to see their business fail, but they gave it a shot and made some friends along the way.

Well, it is after midnight and my alarm is set for 0400.  We’ll see how that works out.  I’m a little concerned that I’m growing stupid lately.  I had the microwave incident this afternoon, and tonight I got almost all the way home from Kwagga when I realized I didn’t have my darts.  So I turned around and went back to get them.  When I got to the bar I went back to the table where I had left them and they were gone.  I was thinking “oh shit, someone has stolen my darts!”.  And then I noticed they were securely fastened to my belt where they had been all along.

Damn, maybe all I’m qualified to be is a Wal-Mart greeter.  Here’s hoping the stupid wears off soon.

Seventeen hours left in this iteration of my American life.

Did my online check-in with Delta this morning.  Since it’s a one-way flight they asked whether I had a visa.  I don’t yet, but hopefully my offer letter and USFK documents will suffice to let me board the plane.

Went to the post office and mailed two medium size boxes containing Jee Yeun’s shoes and “must-have” clothing items.  That set me back $175, but I reckon if I had to allow a shopping spree at Hyundai Department Store it would have cost me a lot more.  So there’s that.  Also submitted my official Postal Service change of address card.

Swung by the Goodwill store and donated a large bag of clothes I didn’t expect to ever wear again.

Then it was over to Walgreen’s which is an official Toys for Tots drop off point.  In addition to the toys we collected at the charity dart tournament on Saturday, I also converted the cash donations into toys.

Filled the Toys for Tots collection box to overflowing. Made me feel a little like Santa Claus. Lord knows I have the belly for the job!

Came home hungry so I popped my last frozen dinner into the microwave.  I got distracted on Facebook and then realized that either I was experiencing the longest three minutes in history or I had somehow screwed up.  It was the latter…I had inadvertently set the timer to thirty minutes.  D’oh!

My renter/roommate came by on his lunch hour to transfer utilities which proved to be a rather large pain in the ass.  He worked the water and electricity while I dealt with the TV/Internet from ATT Uverse.  That turned out to be an incredibly convoluted process.  When I called the 800 number I was told that a transfer had to be done online.  Except I wasn’t able to login online.  Called back and got a new password, but when I went to the transfer service page, my new password would not work.  So I went to online support where an incompetent support person sent me a new password.  Which didn’t work either.  So he transferred to another tech who after about 30 minutes was able to get me set up.  I thought my head was going to explode at several points, but I eventually prevailed.

Still to do: cramming some last minute items into my suitcases and praying neither is more than the fifty pound maximum.  I also need to drop the TV box off at the UPS store (my renter is not keeping television service.  I have a check to deposit at the bank, and I need to get a haircut.

Tonight I’ll make my final appearance at Kwagga for some darts with a buddy who is driving in from Atlanta to say goodbye in person.  I then I need to wake up at 0400 to get to the airport in time for my 0700 flight.

Wish me luck!.

I may be getting older but the memory is still intact.  Why, I can actually remember almost everything that happened to me…today.  Here, let me prove it.

At 0138 I’m laying in bed and I hear my Skype ringing.  It’s my future boss with the good news that my official job offer letter has arrived.  He asked me to sign and scan it and email it back.  And so I did.  It was a little disconcerting to discover that the minuscule pay I had anticipated was actually considerably less than I recall being quoted.  Oh well.  It does provide SOFA status and gives me a foot in the door while I await something a little more financially rewarding.  Putting the best possible spin on it, I could say that I’m now an educator, as I’ll be working in the Army Continuing Education System (ACES).  Of course, my job title is not nearly so impressive: Reception and Admin Services.  Told you I was going to be a greeter!

At 0800 my phone ringing forced me from the warm cocoon of my heated bed.  This time it was the Chevrolet dealership advising that the parts had arrived to complete the repairs required under a recent GM ignition switch recall.  Apparently, due to a manufacturing defect you could be driving along and have the ignition turn off.  This would cause both the steering wheel to lock and also deactivate the airbags.  As you might imagine that proved to be a fatal combination in several instances.  So I was more than willing to get the free repair completed.  I scheduled for 11:00 and was told I could anticipate a two hour wait while the work was done.  I walked over to a nearby Wendy’s and had an unsatisfactory hamburger and then a pleasant phone conversation with the wife.  I returned to the dealership at noon and was welcomed with the news that my vehicle was ready to roll.  Woo Hoo!

Being out and about at a relatively early time of day, I rolled on over to my credit union to deposit some checks from my Blue Cross Health Plan and withdraw some Ben Franklin’s to carry with me to Korea next week.  I’m pretty pissed at Blue Cross right now.  The checks were small reimbursements for doctor visits and prescriptions.  But so far they have declined to pay for the big ticket item–my $1300+ comprehensive physical exam. Yesterday I spent the better part of an hour arguing with three different Blue Cross jackals who asserted I needed to submit additional medical justification for the services rendered. I pointed out that the whole concept of bi-annual physical was to detect potential problems before they become a major illness.  The documents I submitted showed the tests performed (colonoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, heart imaging, etc) and the cost of each of those tests.  They are insisting on medical records showing why these tests were necessary.  Which is bullshit.  Anyway, I’ll have to go see the hilarious Dr. Yu when I get back to see what he can provide.

Having completed my banking my next target was Target to shop for something a child may enjoy on Christmas morning to bring to the Toys for Tots charity dart tourney tomorrow.  I bought two, a truck and doll.  They don’t give extra points for creativity after all.

I arrived home and took a short nap.  Later in the evening I drove into downtown Columbia to (what else) play darts at Publick House.  This sign greeted me at the door:

My day had been a little of both so of course I drank some beer…

And the day has now ended with the completion of this post.  As far as I can recall.

I’ve been as busy as beaver with a bee sting.

Although I am still awaiting the official job offer letter, I’ve been told unofficially that the start date at my new gig in Korea will be December 16.

Yesterday I went to Home Depot and purchased two large storage containers in which to store stuff that I won’t be taking with me.  I also bought a couple of boxes to mail things I want to take that won’t fit into my luggage.

This morning I acquired a one-way plane ticket for the sweet price of 70,000.  Delta SkyMiles that is.  In addition to saving the cash I was able to book my preferred route of Atlanta to Seoul non-stop on Korean Air.  I’ll be flying out bright and early from Columbia Tuesday morning and arriving in the Land of the Morning Calm Wednesday afternoon.

I’ve placed orders to cancel my electric, gas, and water.  Still need to do my phone, TV, and internet.  Kind of hoping my renter will keep the ATT UVerse service so I don’t have to hassle with turning in the equipment (and subsequently being without access to the ‘net on my final day in Columbia).  I’d like to be able to keep my American phone number and also unlock my smartphone.  Hopefully AT&T will work with me on that.

What else?  I need to go buy a large suitcase so I can pack up Jee Yeun’s clothes (she didn’t bring any winter stuff with her).  I also need to empty the closets and dresser drawers, clean out the garage, and otherwise prepare the house to turn over to my new tenant.

Once I get my APO address I’ll make arrangements with the Post Office to forward my mail.

I guess I’ll need to pick up a couple of things to wear to work as well.  I’ve been in a blue jeans and sneakers mode for going on four years now.  I still own a couple of suits but I understand the uniform of the day at my new company is business casual which I take to mean slacks and a button down shirt.

I’ll make my final darts appearance in Columbia on Saturday at a Toys for Tots charity event.  Entry fee is a new toy, so I’ll need to get one of those as well.

There’s bound to more to do that I haven’t thought of as yet, but it’s all getting real now.

UPDATE: My AT&T contract does not expire until May.  To cancel now would result in cancellation charges of nearly $400.  I can temporarily suspend my service for six months and pay $20. per month during the suspension.  Doing the math tells me that suspending is the way to go.  At the conclusion of the six months I can cancel my service without penalty which will save me almost $300.  Which is good because I just spent $400, at Kohl’s for some workplace attire and a luggage set.  I needed another suitcase because I only brought one bag home from Korea since I left most of my summer clothes there awaiting my return.  And so it goes.

So a guy moved into my house last night.  I haven’t had a roommate (excluding girlfriends) since my older brother and I shared an apartment back in the 1970s.  I honestly don’t know much about the guy who moved in other than he’s a decent dart player and he came here from Alabama a few weeks ago.  He’s been staying in a hotel since his arrival which as you might expect is a budget buster.  So I offered up my guest room which he gladly accepted.

I have a Korean-style mattress in that bedroom and I warned him it was hard.  I remember when I first moved into my Korean apartment it had a similar bed.  Those first couple of weeks were uncomfortable but I got to where I prefer a hard mattress.  When I went shopping for a bedroom set here in the states it took me awhile to find a mattress anywhere near as hard as to what I’d become accustomed.  Finally after visiting several stores and describing what I wanted one place offered up a mattress they called the “back breaker”.  Still softer than I’d prefer, but it works.   Well, I asked my new roommate Brandon how he slept last night and he just grunted and said “it’s gonna take some getting used to”.

Anyway, I’ve gotten to where I prefer my solitude but hopefully this arrangement will only be for a couple of weeks.  I plan to get out of Dodge as quickly as circumstances permit.  When I leave Brandon is going to rent my house.  He’s basically taking it “as is” which means I don’t have to deal with the hassle and expense of storing my furniture and other worldly possessions.  That works for him as well because all he brought with him from Alabama was a couple of suitcases.   The rent income will also help defray the expense of finding a place close to the Army base.  My goal is to be close enough to walk to work.

Speaking of work, my potential employer advises that things are “looking good”.  The hiring package is with USFK awaiting approval.  He thinks I’ll have an answer Monday.  The last thing I need to provide is my university transcript which should arrive early next week.  I’ve got to pay my own way to Korea so I’m guessing I’ll be screwed on airfare with a short notice purchase.  Maybe I’ve accumulated enough frequent flier miles to get a free or at least a discounted ticket.  We’ll see.

If things go as I hope I’d like to arrive in Korea on or around December 12.  A lot to get done between now and then, but I’ve got nothing but time on my hands I suppose.  Now that I’ve completed this post I can re-cross my fingers.

Two o’clock in the morning and it looks like it’s gonna be another sleepless night…

Feeling homesick so I watched a couple of Korean movies tonight.  My Sassy Girl and Old Boy. I’ve seen them both before, but what the hell.  My Sassy Girl is a sappy romantic comedy but it works for me every time I see it for some reason.  You can watch it on YouTube if you are so inclined. Old Boy is just crazy whacked.  I didn’t remember just how fucked up it truly is until I saw it again.  You’ve got to see it to believe it, and I won’t spoil it for you here if you haven’t.  It truly is an outstanding film.  Interestingly, both of these movies were remade in the USA.  I’ve not watched either American version though and the reviews I read were not very kind.

I guess my self-inflicted immersion in Korean film arts and culture was somewhat of a song writing inspiration.  Because I sat down and wrote stole appropriated one.  So with apologies to James Taylor here you go: [Update: sorry about the pagination, I’ve tried six ways to Sunday to get it right but WordPress refuses to cooperate]

In my mind I’m going to South Korea,

Riding on the Blue Line,

Having galbi with some rice wine

And it seems just like a friend of mine that I’ve left behind

Yes, I’m going to South Korea in my mind.

 

Jee Yeun she’s my smiling sun,

Want to hike with her and watch it shine,
Watch her climbing Bukhansan.

The lonely fear’s disappearing now, I’m flying, ain’t I?

I’m going to South Korea in my mind.

 

There ain’t no doubt in no ones mind

That Seoul’s the finest town around,

The cars and the bars it all suits me fine.

And hey, babe, we’ll be together, I’m trying, ain’t I?

I’m going to South Korea in my mind.

 

Dark and lonely late tonight,

I think I might have heard Incheon calling.
Want to catch that flight and drink some Hite.

And signs that might be omens say I’m going, going,

I’m gone to South Korea in my mind.

 

I’ve done my best to make this work

But I’ve got to cross that ocean soon

And it seems like I’ve been far away forever,

You must forgive me

If I’m up and gone to South Korea in my mind.

 

In my mind I’m going to South Korea,

Riding on the Blue Line,

Having galbi with some rice wine,

And it seems just like a friend of mine that I’ve left behind

Yes, I’m going to South Korea in my mind.

Yeah I know, I won’t quit my day job.  Provided I ever get one.

Damn, speaking of Korea I just got an alert on my credit card about a potential fraudulent charge.  I called and found out that a charge was made at a clothing store in Seoul.  I told them that was an authorized purchase.  Unfortunately, they declined the charge.  Must have been embarrassing for my yobo.  Anyway, they promised not to decline future purchases in Korea and they were very apologetic, so what are you going to do?

Hey, let’s end the night (or more aptly, start the morning) with James Taylor playing the song his way…

http://youtu.be/IYnu9JG3tF0

…useless.  I had the jar in the sink to be washed and I broke the damn thing.  Rather than look for a replacement jar I just went to Amazon and bought a new one.

May you live long and render many tasty smoothies. Which is all I ever use it for. Strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, ice cream and milk. Yum!

Three months into my enforced bachelorhood I finally had to admit defeat and hire a maid.  Oh, don’t get me wrong I do the laundry and dishes and wipe down the counter tops now and again.  Hell, I’ve even swept the floors once or twice.  But my vacuum doesn’t suck (which paradoxically means it does) and mopping and dusting and the like are just not my forte.  So I’ll pay someone to do the work I won’t.  Of course, this morning I’ve been busy cleaning the house in preparation for someone else coming in to clean it.  I do have my pride and exposing my general piggish-ness to a stranger is more than I can bear.

What else?  Well, my hiring package was submitted Friday to the folks at USFK who will judge whether I’m fit to be employed.  More precisely, they will determine if I am indeed a resident of the USA.  Which should be a no brainer, but then again no one ever went broke betting against the government acting intelligently.  I just hope a prompt decision is made so I can escape my current state of limbo.

Looks like I’ll be spending Thanksgiving alone.  The kids are going to their mother’s house for the feast.  I was given an invite but seeing as how that marriage never happened I reckon I don’t belong.

And I do believe that’s all she wrote.  Or all I did anyway.

I broke out the crock pot for the first time since I’ve been back in the USA and slow cooked some tasty pulled pork barbeque and served it up with the traditional sides.  Not pictured is the banana pudding dessert.  I don’t make the effort when I’m cooking for one, but I had a visitor last night so I went *ahem* whole hog.

I always thought the scariest aspect of George Orwell’s 1984 were those televisions that watched you.  And now that nightmare has apparently become a reality:

It also has a built-in camera — with facial recognition. The purpose is to provide “gesture control” for the TV and enable you to log in to a personalized account using your face. On the upside, the images are saved on the TV instead of uploaded to a corporate server. On the downside, the Internet connection makes the whole TV vulnerable to hackers who have demonstrated the ability to take complete control of the machine.

More troubling is the microphone. The TV boasts a “voice recognition” feature that allows viewers to control the screen with voice commands. But the service comes with a rather ominous warning: “Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party.” Got that? Don’t say personal or sensitive stuff in front of the TV.

You may not be watching, but the telescreen is listening.

Yikes!

.

This week’s accomplishments include a marathon viewing of Justified episodes.  Watched all of season 3 and season 4 via my Amazon Prime account.  For some reason Amazon wants to charge me to watch season 5 (probably owing to its recentness).  As entertaining and enjoyable as I find watching this series, I reckon I’ll wait until I can see it for free.

The new roof is up.  They came out yesterday afternoon and started in with all the associated noise and ruckus which precluded my normal afternoon nap.  They were still up there working when I left for some pub league dart action.  I guess all that pounding set off my alarm system.  I missed the call from ADT so they called the daughter to ask about sending out the police.  She managed to reach me and I told her all was well.  Although I’m guessing by the time the police might have been dispatched all my worldly possessions would have been long gone.

The work in progress. They didn’t finish yesterday so this morning I awoke to the sound of nail guns being fired into the roof. At 0730.

And in other news, there is no other news.  I’m still without a wife so I’ll be traveling to Myrtle Beach for the Ghost on the Coast dart tournament this weekend all by my lonesome.  Well, according to this article, learning new words activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as sex and drugs.  So maybe I’ll take along a thesaurus.  .