Surprise! I've moved to Korea!

(South, of course. Neither KJI nor Billy C are in my close circle of friends yet, but we'll see how that goes.)

When?
A fortnight ago: 18 June

But, Sheila, why would you want to go there?
To teach English! It's one of the most practical applications of my degree, and Korea provides some of the best opportunities/compensation for teaching English abroad.

What about North Korea?
If the Koreans aren't worried about it, then I won't be either. However, there are gas masks and emergency kits in all of the subways. I've been told not to be alarmed when I hear the air raid drill sirens. They seem to be prepared.

Do you know Korean?
No. I've not made many strides to learn it yet, but, really, you gotta respect a language that gives its alphabet a national holiday. For now, my phrasebook and fingers are going to have to do.

Is it safe?
Yes! There's so little crime here. In fact, while trying to find data to prove this point, I found that I'm more likely to share a cell with an embezzler or (software) pirate than an axe murderer. Besides, back at home I've seen cars stolen from my backyard, been burgled on a Sunday afternoon by a man in a welding mask, fondled by a bum on North Ave while en route to class, chased a potential hit-and-run on the highway, and been robbed at gun point. And I actually fared better than many of my other friends. I'm sure Korea's just fine.

So ... Seoul, right?
Nope, an hour south in Daejeon. Just like England =/ London, Korea =/ Seoul.

Where will you live?! Do they even have running water?!
My school has put me up in an officetel, or a live-and-work studio apartment. They pay my housing; I pay utilities and maintenance.

But what will you do without a car?!
Left foot, right foot. The subway might be comparable to MARTA in that it doesn't take you everywhere, but since it was built only about four years ago, it takes you to the major attractions. There's only one line so far, and there are plans for four more. Taxis are ridiculously cheap here and sometimes, split among friends, cheaper than the subway.

How will you meet people?
I actually chose the school I did because it's actually quite large. I figured the school would come with built-in friends. I actually do have friends in various other parts of the country, and I met some cool people at my training in Seoul. I've already made a few!

What about your stuff back home?
My sister has my car, Marie has my cello, and PYT has Jimi. The stuff is in a climate-controlled storage unit.

You're going to be out of the country for Independence Day!
I know, and I'm actually really excited about it. :)

I am flawed if I'm not free

I love being single. Eventually I'll slip back into wanting a regular sleeping buddy and man to domesticate myself for, but I have enjoyed the past two (of the three) months of singledom.

For example, I can take my CHI straightener out of hiding under my bed and be proud that I own two fancy hair straighteners and actually prefer the one from the mall salesman.

I do not feel guilty for buying two purses (from Marshall's, mind you), nor do I feel guilty for the amazing yellow leather wallet, either. It was the third purse that made me guilty, and I decided it wasn't nearly as nice or necessary as the first two.

I also like listening to chick rock, singing loud to it, jumping about my apartment like a spastic dancer, and fully taking advantage of my half-deaf neighbor and fully revenging two years of that damn baby on the other side. You never would have guessed the only class I've ever failed was aural skills listening to my vocal abilities. Never.

I don't like that I never cook for one or that I fall asleep to Hulu more than anything.

But I am only just now turning on my library of Les Miserables soundtracks and relearning how much I love playing my darling communist cello named Mao and how Jenny Lewis's lyrics will always strike true and how great and how exciting I can be and how that yes, I can do what I want to in life and can do anything I want.

Except move. I honestly would rather burn everything than pack, donate, or sell anything.