Weight Loss in Corea (Korea)

Losing weight has always been a journey for me.  I was a heavy kid, teenager and now an adult.  I've never tried to hide that or been completely insecure about my weight.  Hmm... you're probably wondering, what does she mean by "completely?"   Well, I've always felt pretty, never felt ugly, well I've had my moments just like any other person.  I always felt comfortable in my skin for the most part.  However, apart of me still felt like I needed to lose weight.  Don't worry! I'm not going to sale you on the typical saying "I did it to be healthier."  Even though I was overweight no doctor ever brought up my weight as a concern, ever!  In fact, at 200 lbs I was able to run nearly 2 miles.  Anything past that I'd get distracted, lol.  So, could I have done more?  Probably.


So, why I lost weight now?  For starters, I knew that I needed to do something career-wise after leaving Corea.  The military had been an option in my mind since they called me up my Junior or Senior year in high school, just like they do everyone else.  However, I could never lose the weight.  Actually, the weight requirements were stricter 10 years ago, but they have since changed in 2004 (don't quote me on the date.)  So, actually at that time, if the guidelines had been adjusted in 2000, I would have qualified.  Well, since I was coming to Corea I figured that it maybe easier here, for me to accomplish this lifelong task.  Most people think that I lost weight in Corea because of their food.  I mean we always hear that other countries have healthier food compared to the USA, so I was excited about this new challenge.  However, it quickly came to a halt once I discovered I didn't like Corean food. :( It just wasn't very tasty to me at all.  I heard I hadn't given it a chance, but I tried, school food, homemade food, restaurant food, and different kinds of food and I was running out of options.


So, this is when my weight loss journey really began.  I didn't lose weight by starving myself or disliking food because believe me there is plenty of junk food around here.  Since, weight is such a big deal here.  It is very inexpensive to go to a weight loss clinic.  I started going to a weight loss clinic and started seeing results rather quickly.  I also started making better choices.  Do I still eat "happy" foods?  Yes, but I eat them a lot less here than I did back home.  Another, huge benefit is public transportation is used frequently here.  There are more stairs to climb, more sidewalks to walk, compared to back home where I just walk 5-10 steps and I meet my car in the driveway and take off. Also, my highest amount of weight loss was during the summer. The summers here are like Texas, they're brutal.  So, I would sweat my clothes of getting around town.  And sometimes it can be so embarrassing because Coreans do not sweat. They have different sweat glands, so it's much harder and less likely for them to sweat. 


So, for the big question everyone wants to know, when I came to Corea October 2009 I don't know my exact weight, but when I started going to Dr. Sung's Clinic in Hannam-dong, Seoul, in February 2010, I weighed in at 91 kg, which is 200 lbs.  I am now 78-79 kg, 170 ish lbs... yes I am telling you my weight because that's what confidence is about.  I lost 30 pounds in about 8 months and have been holding it down.  I've definitely had my rough patches, but my cheerleaders have gotten me through it (S/o: To my Mommie, and friends Nancy Bassett, Keysha Baynes, and especially Elsie Dorzin for going to Dr. Sung's with me at a last minutes notice, early Saturday mornings. :D P.S - I miss you girls! If I forgot you I'm so sorry I'll make up for it later.)  However, I am trying to lose more, but I have been struggling for the past few months up and down between 5 lbs.  I know I can do better with my eating and exercising, so I am making no promises, but I am going to do my best.  I won't be telling you my goal weight, but if I make it to the goal weight you will be seeing a special blog about that, so you don't have to ask, but thanks in advance for your concerns & support. 


I hope this blog provides some encouragement & gives you some other incites to my Life in Corea! :)


Purpose of my weight loss:  I am losing the weight because I felt like for me, considering my shape, height, facial structure, and a lot of other things... it was a good idea physically for me to slim down.  I mean I gotta turtle's neck, so I have to make it slim down, just a lil ;) hehe! (Note: This is not a time to analyze my photos.) ;P 


God bless, good luck to everyone, remember you have 5 weeks left of 2011, so get it poppin' now!  I hope this blog helps. 


Dr. Sung OBGYN
Hyundai Liberty House 3rd Floor
Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02) 790-0802 
Hours: M-F 9A-5P, Sat 9A-1P


(Note: The entire staff speaks English, some Chinese & Japanese services are provide as well.) 

Comic of the Day (COD) II "Bus Drivers"

So, I'm standing at the light waiting for it to change, so I can't walk across the street.  I look up and this bus driver is creeping down the street with his bus door open, staring at me slowly. Really dude!? You really need to be focusing on your driving technique.

Bus Driver #2.... a completely different day.... I'm sitting at the bus stop waiting for my bus to come. It's a longer wait than normally, so I sat on the bench to relax myself. A bus driver with his door open again (which isn't completely abnormal.) winks at me... I wasn't sure how to take that... but laughed hard! I hope it wasn't a flirty wink, but it sure seemed and felt like it. Hahaha! I think I laughed a good 30 seconds. ;)

Stayed tuned for more COD's! :D

Comic of the Day (COD)

As you've probably figured out by now. I don't blog much, but when I do it's usually something that needs to be shared. 


I gave my students English names per my assistants request. It was perfect timing because it was the first class, and of course the first lesson was "What is your name?" We drilled it for a while, then I went around the room to see who understood it, the kids were paired into partners of 2.  Everyone was doing great.... I get to the last group... 


Me: What's your name? 
Jack: I'm Tiger.
Tiger: Noooo, your Jack.


Ok, let's do it again.


Me: What's your name?
Jack: I'm Tiger.
Tiger: Jack!!!


Ok, 3rd times a charm. My student looks so confused... but we're doing it again, because my students have got to be stellar, eh!? ;) I'll let Tiger start this time. 


Tiger: What's your name? 
Jack: I'm Ti..... Jack? 


Hehe!! Kids are too funny! So, we didn't get it on the first try, but we did finally on the 4th and final try. :) YAY! I'll practice his English name with him more. : ) 

Run Skubi Run...

Its Sunday night and I just went out to get some bread from Paris Baguette, they have them on every corner.  As I was coming back, I could feel the presence of someone staring at me.  He's a middle age Corean man staring at me.  I'm thinking that I am going to just ignore him today and not turn around or anything.  (Keep in mind this happens to us daily here.)  Ha! But me being me (Skubi.)  I turned around anyways and looked at him to let him know I see you staring and I am human.  Before I can even turn my neck all the way around I see this dude stop dead in his tracks, still in shock.  You'd think because I've finally made some kind of eye contact with him he'd finally snap out of it, but he doesn't.  Then I see he starts reaching in his pocket digging for his phone.  Oh no! I know what is going to happen next... Yep you guessed it he is going to try to take a picture of me.  In my mind, this isn't a freak museum.  So, I thought of the "Manikin Stunt Double Routine" (I'm sure I won't tell the story just as good, but here goes... A foreigner in one of our Facebook groups named "Brothas & Sistas of South Korea" posted a comment during a discussion about "Coreans staring" He stated, once he was in a store, these guys were driving by, saw him and stopped their car to look at him, so since he was near a couple of manikins he decided to be one too! Lol!  Of course, the guys in the truck were, so confused.  I think after they started driving off he ran and started laughing at them.)  While he was digging for his phone I looked for a place to hide, but I couldn't find one, instead I decided I had one choice left.... RUN!!!  I ran hahahahhahaa and turned the corner, that man is probably still digging for his phone! 


I love my life!! *Follow My Life in South Corea*

On the verge of hate... (Diary of a Mad Black Woman Off The Bus)

I'm fed up! I just can't do it anymore! This is the second bus driver to refuse to let me on the bus.  Is he just a punk or is it me!?  I wish I knew why he wouldn't let me on the bus.  I mean he was still sitting there and I ran for it... gosh!  This is one of those moments you consider it as racism.  I'm a tough lady, but I gotta say that hurt my feelings and I started to tear up after the second time, that was really the third.  I mean to get punked like that in front of all those people.  Argh!  However, I held it in pretty good.  Just as I was on the verge of hate and possibly late for work... I was ready to say forget this foolishness.  As I was waiting on the next bus that was 15 minutes away he grabbed my arm from behind, smiled, and gave me that "hello" look.  He looked as if he was so glad to see me.  I never even saw him coming.  He was an older Corean man, a little slouched in his posture, taking a Saturday stroll.  Right there at that moment, the hate disappeared from my heart, soul and mind.  I was able to move forward with my day and at least forget about the bus driver for the rest of the day.  I was too important to worry myself over something I'd never completely understand, and so was the old man who touched not just my arm, but my heart that Saturday afternoon. 


*This is My Life in Corea* 

GEPIK Budget Cuts... will this be a new trend in Corea? Is this an excuse or true? Thoughts...

I use to work for this school district. Please see this article for more information about the budget cuts within GEPIK. (Gyeonggi-do English Program In Korea) I think its sad that it has come to this. I also think that the students will suffer now, because they will go without a foreign language teacher for who knows how long! Also, I think that based on my experience with my co-teachers in Korea most Koreans do not have a strong fluency in English to teach to any grade level. Some teacher are doing well, but still need more practice. What are your thoughts? See the below article. GEPIK Budget CUTS!!!

Kim YuRi's Phone Tutoring Service

If you are in need of a English Phone Teacher please click the link :) Kim YuRi's Phone Tutoring Service I

The 63rd Building - Tallest building in Corea - Korea

My friends & I visited the tallest building in Corea - Korea. Currently, one of the main features of The 63rd Building is it's Wax Museum which contains a Haunted House. Look at my friends being scared as I videotape them. In the beginning you will mostly hear voice, but keep watching you will hear and see some funny things. Enjoy and as always thanks for reading and blogging along with me! :)

Click here to see The Haunted House video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1rJHYSq4KE

I am safe in Corea ... Korea

Hello,

I wanted to let everyone know that I am safe. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you &help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10. He is protecting all of us. WE GUCCI!! (Slang for "We are good!") Keep us in your prayers... more to come soon! : )

Thanks for the love... : )

Q & A about My Life in Corea Korea

Hello everyone,

Thanks so much to the new subscribers via blogspot.com, youtube, and facebook. I appreciate your support so much. I have had more views on the last video in the first week than I ever expected. I am so happy because my youtube page is not popular. Please pass the URL or link around to your friends, family, co-workers and other people in your life that are interested in living abroad. Also, even if they are not interested in living or traveling abroad please pass this to them because they might know someone who is interested. This a great experience. Below is the link to questions that were submitted by some of you.

Thanks so much!! : )
Q & A about My Life in Corea Korea

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!!!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to this blog and to my youtube page. Please click the link below. SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE!!! Thank you!! http://www.youtube.com/user/skubi08?feature=mhum

How to Erase Corean classroom boards?

I just got a tutorial on how to erase the board. Really!? I thought we were teaching English. Get you some bizness!!

Answer: Make circles, instead of wiping down the board "straight"... please do this in every class, it makes the board clearer.

Me: *blank stare*

True Story (as my homeboi would say lol)

What do you want to know about Corea (Korea)?

Hello,

To all my subscribers! Thanks so much for the year you have followed my life in Corea. As I have mentioned I will be leaving April 11th. I have 146 days remaining as of today. This is your time to ask any question you want about my experience here in Corea and I will post a video response to your question. Feel free to ask anything you want, there is no limit.

Thanks again!! :)

Dating as a Foreigner in Corea (Korea)

Dating as a foreigner in Corea (Korea.) Please watch the video and share your thoughts. This video was made because my BFF and I did a question and answer poll, via facebook. This was one of the best questions. I have shared my answer, please share your thoughts. Shout out to Patrina "Trina" Adger for such a great question! I also apologize for the long waited. : )

Dating as A Foreigner in Corea

P.S - 148 days... and counting.

Food for thought...

As of today, I have exactly 179 days and counting!!! : ) So, for my next journey my hope is to follow God's well and not allow other's to confuse my path.

Food for thought:

Sometimes, we have to be like filters & sifters. Seperating necessary information from unnecessary info... NOT unwanted info. Sometimes, unwanted info is still vital & necessary. At times, people mean well by giving their directions & opinions, however, they're actually a distraction. In all areas, seek God & know where He is guiding you.

She's BACK!!!

Hello All!

I was in the USA for 2 weeks for my high school reunion! We had a blast, it was so nice to see some old faces. Also, was so glad that so many people were interested in my experience here. Of course, as usual I have to apologize for taking so long to update this blog. I have really been on the go. Starting with a pre-vacation to Busan Beach. Finally, Thursday, September 16th arrived and I was off to the USA... Dallas, TX. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends. Then, later in the week I went to Topeka, KS to visit my mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, and of course to attend my 10 year high school reunion! I have many pictures I will post and share with you. Overall, my time there was great. After, being there I was actually excited and ready to come back to the ROK/ROC (Rep of Korea/Corea.) I was surprised that I was ready to return. One thing I realized is that I think I was ready to return because I knew what was enstore for me next. The next phase in my life. I will reveal that later, so please stay tuned.

Pictures coming soon! :)

1st & 2nd graders singing Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes... Acappella!

Friday, was the last day of Summer English Camp for my 1st & 2nd graders. It was also the final concluding day for all Seotan & Naesoo Elementary Camps. I am so glad that the camps are finish. It is a lot of work, however, my school is great with the camp hours, so I am thankful for that.


In the conclusion, of the camp I had the 1st & 2nd grade students sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" Acappella, and oh they had to sing it by themselves. I did not sing with them. I wanted to see how well they knew the song. My kids did, soooo great! I can claim them as my students! They know the song well. Remember, most of these kids did not know English before taking English classes this year or last year. Most of them have never spoken to a native English teacher. This is great and very brave of them. They enjoy the song and were a riot to work with... stay tuned for more from Me @ Seotan Elementary School! :)


Please watch the video Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes... ACAPPELLA!!! :)

A Look at What Soju does to you...

You might ask... "What is Soju?" ... my response.... SOMETHING DANGEROUS!! Soju, is a liquor made in Korea, from what I have been told it is not regulated, therefore, since it is not regulated the consumption of Soju can effect you differently each time. For example, one day you maybe able to drink many glasses or shots of Soju and not get drunk, but the next day or a week later you might get drunk off of one glass. I do not mess with the stuff. I am not trying to be no where I am not supposed to, especially without my knowledge.

Well, JAN (Jessica and Nancy (My ROK BFF) (ROK BFF = Republic of Korea Best Friend Forever) discovered this man in the subway knocked out on Soju. Have fun with the video, and again. I don't make this stuff up I just report it. If you have a weak stomach DON'T WATCH THIS VIDEO! LOL!!!

Please click the link to view the video A look at what "On Soju" looks like

Seotan Summer Camp 2010 1st & 2nd grade

The first and second graders are learning about the parts of the body. Please watch them, this is their first day learning the song. For their first day and only learning the song in 30 minutes, I think they are doing a wonderful job!! They are a handful, but I am so proud of their ability to grasp the language quickly.



Please see the video Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes

ENJOY!!!

Color Mud Painting @Mudfest 2010

This was the best event I have attended, so far since I have been in Korea. We had a great time. If you did not see the Mudfest pictures, please see those pictures. Also, please see the video of me getting painted in color mud. It is just one of the various events, for more info about the Mudfest and the various activities see my blog post from August 1, 2010 with pictures.

Please watch the link My Color Mud Painting