Hello,

So I haven't updated or responded to anything in almost 6 months now...it's still not the longest I've ever gone, but I figure an update a little after the half way point isn't a bad idea. I've still been ghosting around DA, but I haven't really stopped to comment on some of the lovely artwork you've been doing or respond to the few comments I've received. I'm still in Seoul, hot and sweaty from the summer heat and working hard in hagwon land. We have one more week of extra classes and then our "normal" schedules will be continuing. However, it seems that with the restructuring of classes and program changes, I will be dealing with a lot of new students next month. I still don't think I've got the hang of teaching, especially with some of my more problematic students. Behavior can be terrible sometimes but most of my students are lovely even if they don't do their homework.

Well I'll try to keep this entry shorter than it probably should be. It's still going to be long. We had a saying in college orchestra, "KISS" short for "Keep It Simple Stupid." Other things to follow up on from the previous entry is that the orchestra thing did not work out. I decided that, although they were lovely people, it would not benefit me as an instrumentalist. I guess I'm greedy...but there's a big difference in knowledge of a subject, and for someone like me who wants to get better, I need to be in a place that challenges me. However, I can still practice...if I get the time. My mom shipped my student quality instrument to me, but it makes me sad to think Algy my beautiful 126 year old instrument is getting cranky from lack of use.

I've still been religiously practising aikido, because, heck, I love it! In July my British teacher moved back to the UK, and now I'm practising with the head of the KAF (Korean Aikido Federation). I get up earlier... but it's only 3 times a week plus Saturdays.

Also, I've been attending a discussion group at an English cafe on Saturdays to meet people (Koreans that is) and volunteering at a cat shelter on Sunday mornings. So, most of my weekend is busy. Today however there was a holiday, so the cafe and the dojo were closed. Instead, I went to a Buddhist worship ceremony in English with a cooworker. Part of today's lesson included copying a picture of one of the later buddhas....the one for mercy....his name started with A...but it wasn't Amida. It's sort of a form of meditation..and it made me realise how much I miss drawing, and my original love for it. It was theriputic...but recently I've been so frustrated with the decline of my artistic skills that it's been stressful. I guess I just need to do more . When I go home, I think I will try to take several art courses.

I guess that's about it. I did also go to Japan the last week in July to visit a friend. It was a wonderful experience, and I've been much cheerier since it happened. Maybe also because it was the sign of the half way point in my life over here or because I wandered around Kyoto by myself and found my way...but I'm also beginning to appreciate life in Korea more. It does get lonely and it can be difficult, but it's all about learning.

I hope for the best for everyone and I'll do my best to give little shout outs on occasion, just to let you know I'm still enjoying your art and hoping you are well.

Sincerely,

Jen


P.S. Pudd, thank you for the shout out in your Journal, also if you still want that postcard, send me an address