Happy Birthday, Husband

Rewind seven years to your twentieth birthday.  I still remember running out to your Explorer while it waited patiently for me outside Delta Gamma.

Before heading for dinner at Beppe and Gianni’s, you presented me with pink flowers, even though it was your birthday!  Always a romantic and full of surprises, it was completely in keeping with your character.

At the time, who could have known that someday we'd be where we are now.  Between that day and this one we’ve shared joys and sorrows; kisses and laughs.  We've traveled through five countries together, fallen in love, gotten married, and found in each other a supportive and thoughtful best friend.  Before the next seven years pass, there will undoubtedly be good times, laughter, love, and the creation of more new memories than we can even imagine.  Happy Birthday honey, I can't wait to spend your next seventy birthdays together.  

{Past}

{Present}

Looking forward to the future!

An External Elevator

Apartments are the most common residence in Korea.  Even wealthy people live modestly compared to what we’re used to in the states, simply because space is an issue.  They build up rather than out.  When it comes to moving, Korea has solved the problem of hauling everything a new resident owns up multiple flights of stairs, or in and out of an impatient elevator.  This contraption lifts everything from furniture to small boxes up to the balcony window of one’s apartment, depositing the goods into their new home.

Whatever works!

Diary Day

January often means resolutions and new beginnings.  For Korean couples it also means Diary Day.  Couples show their love and commitment by purchasing a diary or planner for their significant other.  This practical gift ensures couples will mark down all the birthdays and special anniversaries they will celebrate in the coming year.  Not to mention all the 14th holidays, which should also be recognized in the diary or planner.

Right now our planners are full of tentative travel plans for the month(ish) we'll be traveling once we're done teaching the first week of March.  Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand plans are in the works.

Don’t forget to pencil in our return to the states in your own planner.  Mid-April!

Let's Go Ducks!

Today (January 10th at home) our Ducks will play in the biggest game in college football.  Bigger than any Civil War, even bigger than the Rose Bowl we were so pumped for last year.  The Ducks are in Glendale Arizona, ready to become National Champions.  

I dreamt about it last night, I’ve been thinking about it since mid October.  Now let’s make it a reality.  Oh, and if anyone happens to have two extra tickets, along with plane fare from Asia to the US, we'll be happy to take them off you hands.  Until then we'll be here, still rooting for our Ducks.  Let's Win the Day!

A Green Spoon Among Chopsticks

Our neighborhood is very centrally located.  Fifteen minutes in any direction will get you downtown, to a major mall, or to the beautiful beach.  Costco is a mere five minutes by taxi (Hello Tillamook cheese!) and there are many small grocery stores within walking distance.  Korean restaurants line every street, and Ryan and I frequently grab a meal at one or the other during our fifty-minute lunch break during the week.  McDonald’s, Baskin Robbins, a decent cheap pizza joint, and a yummy Vietnamese place are all a short walk away.  Other than that the area seriously lacks any kind of foreign food.  Thanks to a co-worker however, we recently discovered a hidden gem right here in our neighborhood.

Housed within a former residence down a quiet side street, Green Spoon has proved to be the most delicious Italian food we’ve tried since being here.  Upon entering the quaint and cozy house and removing your shoes, the gregarious female owner sets colorful slippers on the floor for you, bobbing her head in welcome and inviting you to make yourself at home during your meal.  The decor is modern and tasteful, the music is soft but present.  Once at your table, you'll find it complete with polished rocks atop crisp white napkins, complemented by simple yet elegant place settings.  Open the spiral bound menu and you’ll find that the humor in the titles of each food category can’t be missed. 

An additional beverage menu lists house red or white wine as a mere 5,000 won per glass, equal to about $4.50.  Each entrée is accompanied by two preceding courses, such as fresh soup and a gourmet appetizer.  Salad is additional and delicious!

Black Bean Soup

Baguette with fruit, cheese and vegetables

Seafood Cream Pasta

Sweet dessert, tea or coffee follows the meal at no extra charge.  The gracious staff has also given us complimentary cheese and roasted peanuts each time we've visited.  These accompany the standard Korean side dishes (pickled radish and sweet pickles).  

Everything we’ve tried since discovering Green Spoon has been delicious. 

After showing up two Friday nights in a row, the friendly owner invited us to attend a private dinner held the week before Christmas.  

At said dinner, in the company of only eight other guests, we were treated to a multi-course meal which included champagne as an aperitif and fresh coffee to cleanse the palate after the meal.

Clam Chowder with tteok

Bulgogi Ravioli in sweet potato cream sauce

Lemon and Basil Mojitos- said to bring good luck in the new year

Fish Filet

Ryan lucked out eating with two vegetarians.  We offered him seconds and thirds on all the meat dishes.  However I had no trouble finishing all of my own dessert!

Rice Gelato

It’s so nice to come across a convenient restaurant with a combination of fresh and delicious gourmet food, paired with excellent service.  Cheers to Green Spoon.  We'll see you again soon.