Petting Zoo?

Hellllooo. Well, tomorrow is officially Thanksgiving (for me). Gobble, Gobble. I hope you all have a wonderful day! I will be celebrating by going out to eat/refreshments with my American coworkers. I'm not sure what type of food we will be eating, but there is a good chance that it will be Korean food. :)

So, I know that Korean people tend to think that I look different than the average Joe, but it never ceases to amaze me. Daily, someone asks me about the dots that seem to cover my body or about my eyes. An English women said I could be a model in Korea (which I obviously laughed out loud about). Apparently, having freckles makes you a super model. I think the whole Nordsletten family (my mom's freckled family) should bombard Korea and we could be the new "hotties" of the country. What do you think? Maybe we could be on the Perezhilton (celebrity gossip website) of Korea? haha. Tonight, I went to a hole-in-the-wall place for dinner. The chef/server/hostess decided to say goodbye by petting my hair. Yes, petting my hair. She kept saying, " Oh, so beautiful!" I giggled and told her that she was beautiful, but she proceeded to tell me I was wrong. I know this is funny (or at least to me), but it made me ponder... Why do people value diversity (exotic) from other countries, but condemn those in their own country who are different? I realize not everyone does this, but it happens often. Whose to say one person is more beautiful than another? It seems like everyone is Korea is very worried about looking different. Almost everyone has "virgin hair" (natural color) and dresses the same. I haven't seen any tattoos or piercings. They all appear to be the "cookie cutter" Korean. WHY? Are they afraid to standout? The same thing happens in America within friend groups or clicks. Friends will dress similar, use similar lingo, or participate in similar activities etc. Again, this doesn't always happen, but we have all seen it. Are we attracted to only those people who are "the same?" Are we afraid to be noticed as one unique individual? I don't know? Where's a psychologist when you need one???

Well, I have been searching for hobbies and I have found some potentials. First, I have begun painting. Yes, I have ONE masterpiece. I am not ready to unveil it quite yet, but maybe one day.... when I become a professional painter. Secondly, I have been researching possible charities that I could volunteer at. I found out that Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's organization) has a few locations in Seoul. I am going to call there in the next few days and see if I will be able to help out. YEAH! I'm so excited. Well, thats all I've got. It's a good start.

December 13th- Going on a tour of the DMZ on the South Korean side. Don't worry! I am going with a group of people! However, MAYBE I will decide to cross over to the north and finally, be the communist I always dream about?!?! I will keep you posted.

December 24th-28th- Beijing, China -> Going to the Great Wall and other destinations. I decided I need a mid-air jumping picture next to the wall. Yes, I am planning pictures in my head and my ticket isn't even booked yet. Priorities, I guess.



xoxo


ps. They served crispy anchovies (whole bodies) today at lunch. I guess they were in some kind of sweet sauce. Blehhhh. Everyone couldn't believe that I passed on them. I opted for the veggie and chicken sauce. What would you have chosen?