New York City update.

whoooooa updates.

Alrighty so, I'm now in school at Pratt Institute doing Library Science as of last Wednesday. It's going well I think. Apparently a lot of people complain about the program, but I think it's okay so far. But going to this program involved moving up here to Brooklyn from SC. It's taken some getting used to. No matter how many times I leave home (DC, Spain, Korea, and now NY), it's always hard to leave especially this time because I was home for such a significant amount of time. You know what has been amazing though? Having friends around who are willing to go out and do things and whom I can be myself around. That has made everything worth it.

But oh golly, have I spent alot of money. I need to stay in my apartment for the next few days so I won't spend anything.

Buffy vs. Edward

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZwM3GvaTRM

this proves who is better...and who is creepy.

Photo Story of my Summa

Sometimes, photos just say it best so I'm gonna let them take the stage...

My cousin and I at an outdoor concert (we saw Snoop later that night..amazing)

cousin and I again at a wedding

Family and I at a wedding which my bro was in (he's making a weird face, but it's of all of us)

Gwynn's wedding!

Before seeing HP6

Cousins and cousin friend

Inside joke behind this pic which would take too long to explain here, but needless to say, it's an awesome pic.

Erica and I in Hilton Head

So those were some pics of my summer..twas a great one! I'm sad to see it go...

Going Through The Motions..

My last picture in Korea So today marks the anniversary of me leaving and going on my round the world trip (first with just Erica and then Erica, Liz, and Kirsten)....What an experience. Life changing and then I came home and that was a whole other adventure. As you could tell if you've been reading this, it hasn't been particularly happy. I really needed to be home in the beginning and be with my family because not only had I been gone for a year but I also hadn't lived in SC since high school. I really wanted to have that experience...and to tell you the truth, I hadn't thought of what else I should do. It was wonderful to be home at the time I was because there was a lot of family stuff going on, which really felt rewarding for me to be there for. Also, I got to have a better relationship with my cousins and of course, my immediate family. All good things...

I'd say the most challenging part of this year hasn't been living at home or not finding a job, it has been not having a lot of friends to share it with. Now I have friends in Greenville, two friends since high school particularly and a cluster of acquaintances I have met, but it's just very different with them. It's not the kind of friendship where I can say "Hey let's go to the movies or this new restaurant or this concert." I had been spoiled in college and in Korea by having lots of friends or at least acquaintances around me a lot, who wanted to do things spontaneously. And after I had been home awhile and the holidays were over and I didn't have a job, I really needed friends...I just needed people to do stuff with! msyelf for a long time and not feel alone, but as soon as I'm out in public by myself I feel more alone! Funny how that is. That has been my biggest grievance with this whole year.
A friend of mine who I taught in Korea asked me what is more important? Environment or people? My answer has always been people.

So I'm comparing this year of my life to the six season of Buffy (without that weird Spike relationship)...I felt pretty similar to Buffy and I know I'm not the only one- lost, unmotivated, and melancholy. But you know what, things are looking up! This next year will be like the seven season of Buffy (without that weird Spike relationship)...and maybe I'll save the world from apocalypse again...who knows.

Pocket Philosopher

I've learned something in my 24 years.
Life is weird, unexpected, hilarious, and full of possibilities.

This blog used to be devoted to my life in Korea and now it's devoted to life after Korea. Sometimes it's unbelievable how different those lives are. I'm so proud of what I (and my friends) did last year. I really am. Of course, I feel that way a little so I can justify my life now (well I don't have a 'real' job now because I did THAT last year), which I know is ridiculous and just temporary. But it's also pretty cool what we did.

I'm in a good mood right now and figured I should share that with the bloggers out there!
I'm very proud of my friends, can I just say? I love them. Of course the number of my friends getting married (or who are married), made me feel I don't know kinda weird, kinda jealous, but also just with the feeling "But you're so young!" Now, I don't feel that way. I feel happy for them, which I know I should have felt before, but I also feel that if you find somebody that you love, hang onto them! But I'm also glad I have not met someone yet because I'm just not ready, but one day I will be...

I've been thinking about living in NYC, at least for a little while. I have many friends there or who will be living there and it just seems right I guess. It seems very scary as well, but I think it would be a good thing. I have thought about studying arts administration or film preservation. Not sure...I would like to go back to school especially if I went to New York.

oh and I was going to be in a movie here in SC. It was to be called Daisy Doom about this run down town with a local legend about a family who never leaves their house, but the town folk see this girl in the window and there's always a daisy on the front porch steps. Anyways, the main character was this frustrated kinda d-bag who has a sad life (mother has run off, father is not all there, sister gets beaten by her boyfriend) but meets this odd girl in the woods who he strikes up a friendship with. Well I was to play the odd girl named Estella...I thought it would have been fun and challenging. Then the entire thing was canceled on Sunday because of this huge misunderstanding..Very frustrating. Well here's the dress I would have worn! I got it from a local vintage shop. Oh well :(

me and all my friends, we're all misunderstood

Just talking with Erica tonight, I realized something. All of my friends my age are in this annoying state of limbo. We have had the accomplishment of finishing school and now everyone just seems to be waiting....for that next thing. In most everyone's case, it's a freakin' job (economy), but it's also getting maybe a better job or waiting to move or start school or get roles or even when to get married and where to live. I guess it helps to know that my friends are not feeling confident and second guessing themselves. I know it comes along with being in your early 20s and done with school, but I just want something better for all of us! Or to at least have some answers to why life is kinda sucking right now.

I'm just glad to have started watching LOST because nothing sucks you in and makes you forget your own life like that show. kudos jj abrams.

Zooey Deschanel

If I would want to emulate the career of anyone famous right now, one such person would have to be Zooey Deschanel. I just think she's the bees knees. She's not annoying like so many actresses of today and her life is not plastered all over the tabloids. I think what I admire about her career is that she's done films that I admire and like and she's cute, quirky, and has a nice vintagey style. Also she is in the group 'She & Him' with M. Ward. Of course you wanna think "Oh what's this actress doing releasing an album." But seriously, it's one of my favorite albums of last year.
She & Him video- Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?


"I love old music, old movies, screwball comedies, vintage clothes and basically I'm an old-fashioned gal."- Zooey

Updates on life-like things.

Life is good. I am content..or at least I'm on my way there. Let's just say I am much better than I was in a couple of months ago. November was probably the most down month for me. October I came home from traveling, had my cousins wedding, went to WV/ DC/NC and saw all of my friends. I was on a high! It was kind of a honeymoon period- happy to be home and in the U.S. This is me at the America restaurant in D.C.

Then November hit and the reality of everything just crashed into me (hey that's a Dave Matthews Band song). There were no jobs- I'd go into an establishment, fill out an application, and then they'd never call. So I'd call them and it was always, always the same response..'The manager's not here, but maybe you could call back on Saturday..She might be here then.' I'd call Saturday and she wouldn't be there. It was just a vicious cycle. Plus, I didn't have any sort of plan then. And I know other people were trying to help, but it seems like everyone would just give me more career suggestions- you should be this, you should try that....It was a total funk.
My only obligation was driving my cousin around because she needed that.

In December, things started looking up a bit. Plus I just love Christmas so I automatically felt better! For Christmas, Julia and I had three Tales of Beetle the Bard between us! J.K. Rowling represent! Also that's Dexter in the back!I saw in the newspaper that GLT had auditions for Inherit the Wind. It's such a wonderful play that I decided to audition. I found out later that I got a part. Although it wasn't the part I had wanted, I knew that being in a play was going to be fun.
Each month has gotten better. Christmas in December was great because of all the family and Julia and I watched a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. haha.
In January, rehearsals started. I only knew one person in the cast because we used to go to school together but everyone else was a stranger. I didn't talk much at first to anyone, but after a couple of weeks I started to get comfortable with everyone. In the middle of January, I met up with Erica, Kirsten, Liz, and Lauren in NYC. This trip was such a blessing for all of us. I had missed them so much. Just having friends who are intelligent, funny, sarcastic, and understand you is just wonderful. We saw Equus (Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths) and Dear Edwina (with Janice Mays!!!) and both were FABULOUS. I really want to live in the same city as them one day. This is Kirsten, Erica, Lauren, and Liz while we were trying to look for Erica's old apartment! It was sad to leave that group of friends, but that was why coming back to rehearsals was another blessing.(seriously could I use the word blessing anymore?)
And then there was Kim's wedding. It was beautiful. Jessica, Renee, Emily, Kim's cousin Cameron, and I were all bridesmaids. We hadn't all been together in so long. Kim and I on her big day!It was nice to be able to share that with Kim.
In February, we basically had rehearsals every night M-F. When I was in school, I used to complain about having to go rehearsal because I knew all of the stuff that I had to do when I got home. Plus, all the people I saw in rehearsal, I saw everyday so when a show ended, I didn't really miss anyone. So doing this show, I looked forward to rehearsal because I probably hadn't done anything else that day and I knew when I got there, I could just be in the show and not have to think about anything else. Our opening night party, Rick, Aaron, and Jared being well...themselves. Also I knew there would laughter.
But other than the show, I still had no job. Well my mom's friend Judy used to work at the Peace Center and she knew someone still working there. So basically Judy called her friend Ellen who I met with. She told me they needed someone to come in and fill in as intern. Ellen is the Vice president of Education so I help her out. It has been a nice opportunity. I don't want to do arts administration, but I'm still glad to have it. The only thing is that they don't pay me. :(
My final frustration caused me to take my mom's advice about making a little profit in my neighborhood baby-sitting, house- sitting, or pet-sitting. I don't know why I didn't do it before...It's consistent and last minute, but it's something and I've gotten to know my neighbors!

Also I applied for a program for next year. The program is in film restoration in Rochester, NY. I think it sounds very interesting so we'll see! I hear April 15.

March has started off very well. We started our performances and they went very well. That's Henry Drummond and Bert Cates in the front making some awesome faces and us jury members in the back. I'm the one with the lopsided hat. My cousin Julia and her friend/roommate Nathalie came to see it which was wonderful. We took this pic on the set!They stayed for the cast party too which was at my house!

So today we did strike for the show and it was sad... :( I really had a good time.

This definitely puts things into perspective..

http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O%27Brien/video/clips/everythings-amazing-nobodys-happy-10208/1049744/

Inherit the Wind

So I'm in a play (yay!) and it has been a little ray of sunshine for me. I liked going to rehearsal because I could just go and do my thing. It hasn't been particularly challenging- more community theatre-esque I guess. It's just been fun to go and not have to talk. Is that sad? I don't like talking to new people anymore? I don't like all those same stupid questions of the 'What do you do?' variety blah blah blah..so I've tried to avoid those kinds of situations but naturally they come up. We've been rehearsing since January 5 and I've pretty much successfully avoided talking about myself which has been awesome. And then it came up tonight when some of the cast when to eat together. I got that same question 'What do you do?' three f-in' times. By the third time, I just freaked the guy out and he was like 'Sorry I asked..yikes.' Arrrrrrrggg...and now I'm back home and feeling bad and writing about it here....
I will not resort to computer gibberish.....gjakllkgjlajgljigjakljfgjgfklajglkjfglkjfdglkjlkldkgjgdfgjajglajgklgkdfgfdkgjdflkgjl;

yup that's how I feel.
darn.

Bueller......

I have seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off twice in the last week after having not seen it for several years. Seeing it again made me realize it's loveliness. My favorite Hughes flick for sure. I mean you can't find a better character than Ferris especially in a high school '80s flick.
Who doesn't wish they had a little Ferris in them sometimes? I know I do! Also, who talks to the camera better than Matthew Broderick?

This is the scene in which Ferris gets on the parade float and sings Twist and Shout. You've probably seen it, but just watch again. You can't feel bad while watching this. It'll cure all ills!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNM765xAQRA

ANNNNNDD one of my favorite bands Rooney named their bands after Edward Rooney, the principal from the film. Awesome.

25 things

I already did a list of 25 things on facebook but I didn't do them about me, they were about my friends. I thought I would then put my other 25 things on facebook because it forces me to do some introspection which I'm not so good at. I don't talk about myself very well so here's a good chance to remedy that.

1. I have never been a "wisher" (I wish I was this, I wish I was that). However, I think it would be nice to have naturally black, curly hair...think Elizabeth Taylor or Diana from "Anne of Green Gables." I just think its such a beautiful hair color.

A Plea.

It's weird to think that three months ago I was an English teacher. I had a job which required a lot of my time and energy and I did it in a foreign country. I tried the best I could and I think I did pretty well. Of course I had some familiar faces around, but still it definitely wasn't easy at times. Then after I finished teaching, I traveled for a month which was another totally different and challenging experience.

And now my life is totally different again. It's maybe even morechallenging now because I feel very unsettled. This is the first time ever that I haven't had something to do every day. I'm not in school and I'm not teaching and as of now, have no employment. I know that I will find all of that soon, but all the questions "What are you going to do now?" and "What's next?" etc. etc. etc. Not that they aren't vaild, but it's almost like I don't wanna talk to anyone until I have answers for them. Which is stupid because it shouldn't be about what other people think, but I gotta admit I do care what others think. It's always been a problem.

So what I'm trying to say is. please don't ask me about what I'm doing or gonna do with my life. When I have answers, I'll let you know.

as for now- annyong!

OBAMA!!

I have soooooooooooooooo much else to update on and I will do that soon. But I just want to celebrate this particular moment because its so important.

Barack Obama was just elected the 44th president!!!I just want to live in this moment right now because I couldn't be happier. I am going to be proud of my president...that has never happened to me before! After eight years of (sorry to say) an awful president, it's just nice to be happy about the results!!

WOW.

I seriously SERIOUSLY failed at updating this blog while traveling.

I'm sorry for the two people who probably read this.

Okay so at the moment I am home....yup so basically I did not update my blog at all..woops. So now I'm just going to have to go back in time and let you know what went on. However, I need my computer to do so because I also want to display pictures along with my stories..

so I'm sorry you are just going to have to wait a little bit more.

I will say this I got to visit four amazing countries. Once I have more perspective I will realize how great of a life experience this was and how I'm so lucky that I got to share it with four close friends.

JAPAN!

Our trip has officially begun..

bye bye Korea! bye bye SLP!
hello traveling!

first stop- Japan
we landed yesterday in the morning in Hiroshima. We were going to stay one night but because of the trouble we have had with Indian visas, we opted to just stay in Hiroshima for the day and take a train to Tokyo! We got to see Peace Memorial Park yesterday where the Atom Bomb hit in 1946. It was very moving to see the park. On all of the monuments, they stressed peace and that the awful horrors of the atom bomb never be repeated. It gave us a lot to think about. Really glad I saw that.

Last night, we took the four hour train to Tokyo. It was very nice. Japan is so so so so so clean! I like that it is organized...Last night we stayed in a fabulous hotel. I'm so glad to be here!

About to leave..

Wow...sorry for the lack of updating...
This month has seriously FLOWN by! Since I came back from the Philippines (which was a great trip by the way), everything just seems to be going really fast. I like it that way thought..if things go by fast, that means I am enjoying myself.

As of today, I have two more teaching days left. TWO..wow! I never thought this day would come.
It feels very strange. Some of my kids have said "Don't go America teacher!" Its so sweet of them...but some I can tell are ready to be rid of me....haha.

Of course, its not only the stress of leaving and getting everything packed but I also going on an awesome fantabulous world trip so I definitely want to have everything prepared for that! I'm pretty excited about it especially since I am going with Erica, Kirsten, and Liz. I'm so excited for....just life right now! (of course a little nervous as well)

Some people ask "Why did you go to Korea?" Well here's the thing, when someone takes a trip others will often say that they are jealous or they wish they could do that too. I never wanted to have that happen...I never wanted to be that person. So thats why I came to Korea, so I could take advantage of this awesome opportunity.

While I am traveling, I will be sure to update this blog so come back for stories!

summer vaca

Finally finally finally!!

I will have a summer vacation! It's only a week and hey beggars can't be choosers.

Best of all, my summer vacation will be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Boracay in the Philippines.

This is my first ever vacation in which the motive is to relax. I'm so excited.

Oh Korea.

So all of my Korean co-teachers think that I LOVE Korea. Not that I don't love it...I just think its funny. They just think I like everything about the country. I think I started liking it here when I accepted the food and the culture, but I'm definitely not an expert by any means.
I'll replay a scene had between my supervisor and I.

Supervisor: Wow Andrea you like Korean food. You watch Korean dramas. You listen to Korean music. Is there anything you don't know about Korea?
Me: Well I don't know Korean.

I just think its funny...

Oh and here are some recent pictures from this month.

Me at the Kimchi Museum!

Some of my co-workers!

Kirsten and I on her birthday!

WOW its July!

So open house went decently. Some of my kids were constantly getting out of their seats and trying to run around and I had to politely say (*ear to ear grin*) "Sit properly please...." Whereas normally I would be like "SIT DOWN!" haha I remember when I first started teaching in September I was astounded by how mean and domineering I was. I've only ever been like that when I was playing a character, but I've never been outwardly like that in real life. Its kinda liberating I should say, but yelling is sure exhausting sometimes.

I am now definitely used to an enjoying life in Korea right now. Weird how I start to get used to and then I'm leaving, but then again teaching six year olds without hardly any holiday or breaks I could definitely do without. But my friends here have definitely been a blessing. Next Thursday, my co-worker Carla is leaving to go home to England for the summer. We have gotten really close and its gonna be really strange here without her.

Us at Seoul Land (along with some other new friends)

Erica and Carla

This Friday is the 4th of July! Hopefully us CUA Seoulites will be doing something...maybe the Han River cruise. Hopefully we can shoot off fireworks somewhere (they have no laws about that here).