Nature vs. Nurture

Who Do You Love More .. Your Son or Daughter?

2010-02-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

When I was in Korea, Mun Hyuk’s friend asked me an interesting question:

If the US was competing against Korea, who would you want to win?

My initial reaction was … US ... sorry Korea but that’s my “real” home.

If he asked me again, I may have a different answer which was realized after I was cheering for Kim, Yu Na in this Winter’s Olympics.

So now I think I divide my cheering equally. If the US and Korea were head to head, I’d carry both flags proudly and if someone told me I had to choose, I’d ask them .. who do you love more, your son or daughter? I’m guessing they wouldn’t be able to answer thus not needing an answer from me.

Congratulations 김 연아!

Mutt and Jeff

2010-02-15T19:47:00.001-08:00

If you didn’t know, I have a half-sister here in America, Angela. She’s just shy of 14 years old and stands about 5’9” with blonde hair… and it’s always a kick being around her because we look like Mutt and Jeff and we love to banter back and forth about me being the older, shorter sister and her being my baby sister could kick my butt in a fight.

We walk into a store together and we both wonder what people think when they see us- tall blonde girl, short Asian girl (typically in sweatpants, make-up less) usually with our daddy.

What would you think?

It’s also entertaining when I go to her hockey game and her teammates will ask her “who’s that Chinese girl that’s waving at you?” She responds with “that’s my sister…and she’s KOREAN” and get a “oh my gosh that’s like so cool” response back.

I guess it doesn’t really matter what people think. It’s more entertaining hearing the reactions she gets when she tells people she has an Asian sister and sitting at the dinner table watching her enjoy kimchi thinking she’s more Asian than I am in some ways.

All that matters is I’m so proud of my sister for being proud of me!

Being the Minority in the No Rae Bang

2010-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

My sister and her friends rented a Karaoke Room attached to a Korean restaurant and she asked me to join. I thought it would be an interesting experience to compare and contrast between Korea and America so I accepted her invitation… and here’s what I discovered:

1. They played the same Korean soap operas on the screen as they do in Korea, which sadly it made me miss Korea.

2. It was fun to see her and her friends open-minded and eventually enjoying a very Asian activity.

3. Some of her friends were a little gun shy of the microphone but then were quickly attached – In Korea, they have to fight over it because everyone loves to sing!

4. Her and her friends heard strange noises coming out of the stereo system but I heard “2” “3” “6” “5” as the song numbers were punched in on the giant keypad.

5. I was the only Asian in the room… which I notice more now as I continue my journey of embracing my asian-ness.

The bottom line: I still suck at singing no matter what country I am in.

(Sister Kristin and I rockin the Peace Sign)

My First Asian

2010-01-30T14:06:00.001-08:00

So I lived in America for 26 years never thinking Asian men were attractive, nor see myself dating one. Then I lived in Korea for a year and found that attractive Korean Men really exist but still not feeling I’d ever date one. Finally, I come home and find myself dating my first Asian man.

This was an incredibly new thing for me... and a learning experience. I was dating someone who looked like me, who knew about Korea and the culture, had a rice cooker I was jealous of, who laughed when I said “bery bery nice-ah,” who was adopted like me.. and who was good looking! (like me.. haha j/k)

We started dating and it was great. Similar interests, someone I could talk to about things I couldn’t talk to other people with, and who I was developing a strong connection with. Despite all the good things, it felt weird for me to be seen with an Asian Man. I am not sure why… maybe because I thought society “expected it” and it was “right” which I wasn’t used to… I still don’t know what feelings I was feeling and why.

As we got to know each other, I learned a lot from his point of view and I noticed how our upbringing and perspectives were very different.

As an Asian Man, he felt he was at a disadvantage because most of the Asian men are portrayed in the media as doctors, kung fu fighters, or nerds. He is right! So it was interesting because Asian Women are typically viewed in a more popular manner. We went back and forth on how Asian men and women are perceived and we each opened our minds a little bit.

Also, he was way more Asian than me, even now. He had mostly Asian friends, only dated Asian women, and would eat a lot of Asian food. He would look at an Asian person and would ponder whether they were an adoptee or not. It was very interesting learning his perspective and that’s where we differed. I have mostly white friends, haven’t dated an Asian man until him, and am more used to eating non-Asian food when dining in or out. I may be too into the “white” society and act more white.. and I think he was more true to his Asian-ness and we classed on our view points of the “white society.”

Despite getting to know each other, our relationship didn’t work out. Looking back, I’m glad I dated an Asian person and opened my mind that way.. and it’s a mystery if I’ll do it again or not.

Culture Shock... or Poke Really

2009-12-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

People asked how it’s like being back in the US and my initial response was “it just feels like I was on a long vacation.” However, as time passed, I gained appreciation for some things …

People’s EYELIDS – they are so big here! Maybe I should get the surgery!
My 730sq ft 1br apartment – my bed isn’t in my entry way (like in Flag) and my bathroom isn’t also my shower (like in Korea)
Space in General – sitting on couches, not floors, sleeping in a separate room than your living room, not dealing w/ traffic everywhere
Fresh Air – the first couple times I ran here, my lungs hurt. I think the clean air was trying to sieve its way through the smog in my lungs.
Being able to speak at a 27 year old English Level. I went to McDonalds during my layover in Chicago and it took me a minute to realize I could just say what I wanted verses being really short and pointing to the menu

When I was 12, I was in SHOCK. When I went back when I was 20, it was a JAB. Now, I feel like it was just a POKE.

The Before and After

2009-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Holy Crap! It’s been 5 months since I landed on American soil!

In the first 24 hours I drove my car, got a trendy new cell phone, and ate a delicious chipotle burrito… life was GOOOOOOOOOOOD!

Seeing my family and friends back home for the first time in a year made me incredibly happy… and I put my birth family’s picture on my cell phone so I didn’t forget them and could see them everyday, too.

Now that I’m back, I am all about being Asian – which is different from before.

Before, I wouldn’t order the “Asian Oriental Salad” at the restaurant b/c I thought it was a cliché. Now, I still haven’t ordered one but he if it sounds good one day, I’ll go for it.

Before, I didn’t even open the menu at the Korean Restaurant b/c I always ordered the same thing. Now, I look at the menu and it takes me a while to try and narrow it down to one entrée to eat.

Before, I stayed away from “Asian looking dresses” b/c I didn’t want to look TOO Asian. Now, I try to seek out Asian looking patterns.

Before, I just drank my beer as soon as it arrived. Now, I am all about a group "cheers" before taking a sip.

Before, I would just say “that’s nice.” Now I say “that’s bery bery nice-ah” – I love speaking Konglish now :)

Before, you wouldn’t catch me in a Konglished shirt. Now, I wear my “The Shinin Out Like Stars” and “ABCDER” shirts with pride.

Before, I didn’t care about wrinkles. Now, I put my eye cream on every night (thanks to my friend Hyun Joo for purchasing it for me).

Before, I didn’t feel a need to associate with other Asians. Now, I want lots of Asian friends.

Before, I didn’t notice or care if I was the only Asian in the crowd. Now, I notice Asians around me and if it’s just me representing.

Before, I knew I was Asian. Now I’m proud of it.

The End Has Come ...

2009-06-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

This Year Around the World…

2008 Beijing Olympics

North Korea threatens the World

The Swine Flu Pandemic

Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon died

In Korea …

Yuna Kim tore it up in the Figure Skating World

Dokdo Island’s ownership battle between Korea & Japan

Former Korean president commits suicide

50,000 Won Bill was introduced

In My Life …

Became a proud Korean-American-Adoptee

Developed a relationship with my Korean Family

Can finally say I have true Korean friends

Bottom Line ...

After 378 days and 27 years, my Seoul has is filled with answers and perspective.

안녕하세요 대한민국

Goodbye Korea .. We'll Meet Again!

My Favorites...

2009-06-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Name: Ruby (left)

American Age: 7

Years at ECC: 3

Highlights:

1. She is proud of her “recorder” looking instrument in her hand. She serenaded us in the teachers room

2. While I am teaching a lesson, she’ll feel the urge to come to the front of the room, do the splits…. And go sit back down

3. Her pencil case is a fuzzy lion with red all over its face b/c she puts “lipstick” aka red pencil all over its face during my lesson… oh and the fuzzy lion has an opening in it’s butthole for children to stick the pencils through if they’re too lazy to open the zipper.

4. She tries to use her smile to avoid answering questions but I’m not phased by her cuteness ... most of the time

5. She’s really good at air jumping rope in place

Name: Alice (right)

American Age: 7

Years at ECC: 4

Highlights:

1. She gives me hand massages during class

2. We have snorting wars

3. She has a band aide on her cheek like Nelly because apparently a glue gun attacked her

4. She thinks she’s fat so she jumps rope everyday

5. She checked out a book titled “The Best Teacher Ever” so she could read it and then tell her Korean elementary school teacher how he could be the best.

6. She asked me “Meghan Teacher, why don’t you have blue eyes because you’re American person and American person has blue eyes?” … I said I was Korean and stupidly tried to explain adoption.. then she said “You must’ve studied English a lot because you’re a good speaker”

If they're not at ECC next Tuesday... it's because they're in my suitcase :)

How Many Tears?

2009-06-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

With t-minus 10 days left.. I have opened the flood gate and am hoping I wont be a complete mess by the time I leave.. my eyes are already squinty enough and tear filled, poofy eyes wont help my image or my eye sight! But I think it's going to be inevitable...

I had my first goodbye this week with my Korean friend. I cried and it was contagious. Me crying with 2 Koreans and a white girl... doesn't sound like me huh!? They gave me a korean/english book called "Courage," some very Korean stickers and post-it notes, and a pair of really cute earrings. They are so sweet and I told them they were making me "more girly than I ever thought I could be"!

I tried to go to Dr. Fish one last time, but it closed :( It was a sad realization and a sign my time has come to an end.

I just hung out w/ birth father and Ju Hee. Only 1 bottle of soju this time so he was more pleasant. I am going to miss them so much. I held back the tears this time, but our last meeting is going to be a doozie I think..

My last 10 days consist of 4 meetings w/ brother, 2 w/ birth mother, 1 w/ birth father and Ju Hee, 1 w/ Betsy and Gary, 1 w/ my Korean friend Min Jeong, 1 w/ my Korean friend Hye Jin, a theater performance, a work party, a foreigner friends’ party, sad goodbyes, packing, cleaning, and a manicure.

This whole leaving thing is going to be harder than I thought...however, after all the goodbyes I am going to do, I cannot wait to throw out some long awaited "hello's" to my American family and friends.

Side Note: "Meghan Teacher is pretty. Meghan Teacher is pretty and ugly." "Why am I ugly?" "Meghan Teacher hair is pretty but Meghan Teacher is ugly because peach skin is pretty and your skin is DAAARRRKKK." -------- says the 6 year old Korean Boy.

Thank you Korean boy for adding to my already diminishing self-esteem! haha.. and shame on you Korea for instilling such crap into the innocent little minds of your youth!

Soju = The Root of All Evil

2009-06-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Soju = W1,000 green bottle of alcohol and a good friend of my Birth Father’s (and thousands of other Koreans and foreigners).

Friday Night = Getting first hand-experience of what it’s like having an "alcoholic" parent.

Birth father was happy… drinking… saying “I like you very very much” and hugging me which was not a new sight for me. The difference was when he was raising his voice at Ju Hee and her friends and making a scene. He was trying to force beer upon them and making them pour soju shots for him. I guess he was pissed because he found cigarettes in Ju Hee’s room and decided to let everyone in the restaurant know.

Then, he was slowly passing out, dropping food on the floor, and raising his voice again when he got a 2nd wind. I was embarrassed and annoyed. It got worse when he put a piece of meat and some spicy looking vegetable between his chopsticks and put it to my face and said “MOGO (eat).” I said “no too spicy” and he said “MOGO” again and I said no and we went back and forth for a few seconds until he was getting forceful and almost angry. I finally ate what I could out of his chopstick and the rest fell on my pants. I was PISSED!

After dinner, he was stubbling around outside. I ended up walking him home. He bought some random street food, went into a dry cleaner’s store that I don’t think was his usual place, wanted to stop at the store to buy beer and I said no. I steered him home and he wanted me to sleep in the same bed. That didn’t happen. Then he managed to get himself undressed, went to the bathroom, and passed out in his room (at 9:30pm). After he was asleep, I “snuck out” of the house and met back up with Ju Hee.

The night was salvaged by hanging w/ Ju Hee’s friends. We played pool, raced through the alleyways, and were home by 1:30am. Birth Father had no idea where his daughters were… great parenting huh.

In the morning, nothing was said. He made breakfast like nothing was wrong. He drove me home and I asked what he was doing with his friends he was meeting at 2pm and he said with a smile “drink alcohol” …

Now, I can see why my birth mother and brother don’t speak to him. It breaks my heart that my sister has to deal with this alone. I hate that he decides to meet his friends and drink at 2pm on Saturdays and let his 14 (American age) yr old daughter roam around Seoul unattended … and then yell at her for cigarettes and getting bad grades… And that he has been great to me for the last 11 months and this is one of my last memories with him. I still care for him and hope he figures life out and realizes he’s problem is hurting and pushing away those who love him.

If only I could tell him what I really think………………………. But I can’t.

Slow and Steady... FINISHES the RACE!

2009-05-31T01:06:00.000-07:00

12-Weeks of Training ... CHECK!

Pre-Week Prep … find a sleeveless tank top. I went to E-Mart (like Super Target) and tried on two Adidas tank tops because I wanted to “look good” to “feel good.” Too bad size 100 was still a little too tight. I thought I lost hope until I browsed the underwear section only to find a Men’s “Energize” Running Tank Top! It wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, but I ended up saving W20,000 thanks to me being an extra largee..

Day before Race … I took Betsy and Sarah with me and we stayed in a hotel about 10 mins away from the start line. We laid by the pool and carbo-loaded with spaghetti for my pre-race meal. We were back in the hotel by 8:30pm because it would be an early morning.

RACE DAY … We arrived at the park at 7:15am and were over an hour early. Before the race, there was some stage entertainment. A Violinist and Dancers, 5 dancers dressed in Dodger Jerseys, and an Aerobics Instructor to assist in our pre-race warm up. I checked out the competition… some really young kids and some really old guys. My two goals were simple – don’t stop and don’t come in last!

Then approximately just over 1,000 people (93% men) lined up for the 10km Course and off we went. During the race, I rocked out to some oldies but goodies, said “are you f-ing kidding me” out loud as a woman cuts me off when it was completely unnecessary, and was entertained by drummers around each bend and a girl rollerblading while eating ice cream.

1 Hour 2 Minutes and 6 seconds later… I crossed the finish line!! (20 minutes earlier than my dry run at week 6).

THOUGHTS… What a great 12 weeks. When I got to Korea, I could barely run 30mins without stopping so I am proud of myself and it was a great experience. I said before it would be my first and last.. but I may have to take that back!

Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

LIVE!

2009-05-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

Pictures:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Seorak Mountain

2009-05-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

A weekend getaway to Seorak Mountain in Gangwon-Do (about 4hrs east of Seoul) was a great break from the polluted, populated city life. My friends, Sarah, Nick, Erin, and I hiked to the Ulsanbawi Peak of the Mountain which was about 1hr40min one way on Saturday and went on a “leisure” walk to a small waterfall on Sunday. We went through a tour group called Adventure Korea so there was about 40 people from all over Korea with us.

Besides the hiking…
***I kept catching myself using improper grammar and thinking “god I need to get outta here before I revert to a kindergarten level English speaker”
Example: “Betsy boughten her first hair straightener”

***I was embarrassed by the guy on our trip from MN who introduced himself as “Dick from Uranus” on the bus

***I took as many deep breaths as I could because it wasn’t air filled with kimchi, soju, fish and sewer.

More Pictures:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Fukuoka, Japan

2009-05-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Day ONE Checklist
1. Get screened for the Swine Flu at the airport (fill out a survey)
2. Get a mug shot and fingerprinted at Immigration (everyone had to)
3. Go to the Sega Game Complex
4. Bow to the porcelain god and puke in their toilet
5. Sleep 4 hours and wonder if I did have the swine flu
6. Feel better and limp to a baseball game because I have 2 huge blisters on my foot
7. Watch a baseball game by myself and go back to the hostel
8. Get a good night’s sleep

Day TWO Checklist
1. Wake up feeling good but cant walk because my left foot is now swollen and pussing and wicked painful
2. Go to a pharmacist instead of a doctor and get antibiotic cream, a Band-Aid, and a smile
3. Walk about 2hours with 2 socks on my left foot and a shoe on my right
4. Get mad after finding out that capsule hotels are only for men
5. Find a pair of Y210 ($2) slippers and be blessed with comfort
6. Eat sushi, pizza, a taco, pasta, and ice cream at a buffet for Y1,480 ($14) and decide if my stomach was mad at me again. (It wasn’t)
7. Go into the side alleys and wonder why prostitution is so “out there” in Japan
8. Spend $10 playing pachinko (like plinko) and wonder how to win
9. Crash a wedding at a shrine by taking pictures of the traditional wear
10. Slurp up some delicious and apparently famous Fukuoka “Ramen”
11. Meet up with a friend of a friend to show us the nightlife
12. Steal a beer mug with Japanese writing
13. Walk around forever finding my accommodation
14. Sleep tight on a comfy Japanese mat and down comforter in a traditional Japanese-style house

Day THREE Checklist
1. Eat something fatty to cure the hangover- Wendy’s is a good choice
2. Dissect a “fried squid ball” and be thankful I didn’t eat it
3. Visit some temples and take pictures
4. Stand on a stair to try and see a parade from the Hakata Donkatu Festival
5. Reach into my pocket only to find a Y5,000 bill ($50) that I picked up at the bar
6. Head to the airport and take a nap
7. Treat my friends to dinner with someone else’s money
8. Hope my slippers will make it to my officetel. (They did)

A little bit of adversity and adventure to make it a great trip to Japan!

Pictures! http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Koreans are KrEaTiVe!

2009-04-25T01:34:00.001-07:00

1. What has bean paste inside of it and is eaten as a tasty dessert?
2. What is pressed together and put on a stick and sold on the street?
3. What is mixed with a liquid concoction and drank for health and is called Shikhye?
4. What is popped that you snack on at a bar while drinking a Cass or if you're on a diet?
5. What can be curled up in a ball and filled with meat, kimchi, or tuna?
6. What is every street vendor’s product covered in a spicy red sauce?
7. What is wrapped in seaweed with vegetables and meat?
8. What can you put in a pan of meat broth and eventually scrape off and enjoy?
9. What do most Koreans eat for breakfast along with kimchi?
10. What can you get drunk off of for only W1,500?

The W500 answer: RICE!

For most of the creations, rice is pressed together and called “ddeok” and that is the staple for almost all the rice innovations. This food never ceases to amaze me. It morphs into different forms for different occasions and different taste buds. The Koreans are such innovators!

P.S. Don’t worry… it comes white and sticky as us Americans know it… minus the soy sauce!

For more "rice" go to:
http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Just Call Me "Extra Largeee"

2009-04-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

Shopping in Seoul SUCKS… and here’s WHY:

First of all, they have either size 0 because 90% of the woman here are petite without boobs or guts… or they have size 16 because oversized shirts are a fashion trend here. I fit in neither.

Second, depending on where you are, you can’t try things on. My birth mother bought me 3 shirts today and only 1 I’ll actually wear in public.

Third, last time I went shopping, I had to by XL jeans… that was a self-esteem booster.

Fourth, the sales people follow you around the store with good intentions, but it’s annoying and you feel pressure to buy something.

Fifth, a shirt looks cute from afar and then I realize it has a huge picture of Mickey Mouse on it.

I now have an unexpected longing for the MOA (Mall of America).

(guess which ones are mine! hehe..)

Birth mother and I went shopping today. I loved it when she bought pants and shoes a couple sizes smaller than me. That was another self-esteem pick me upper. She paid for everything which I didn’t want but I never win that battle… and deep down I’m glad since only 1 of the shirts will be a keeper. We went to the Ewha Women’s University area and shopped till we dropped. Then had dinner at “Steak Billy” where Korean women were dressed in pink dresses, white aprons, and bonnets on their head. I am still trying to figure out what nationality they were trying to portray.

All in all, it was a good day and we even had mini-conversations which broke some silence.

To cap the night off, we parted ways and I got a public "goodbye" butt slap.

27 Going On 14...

2009-04-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

To start off the day, I went on a field trip.

I watched 9 little kids to make sure they didn’t slip.
We learned a lot and played in the park.

I was ready for bed before it was dark.
At 5 o’clock I went shopping for dinner.

I was making spaghetti which doesn’t make me thinner.
To my b.father’s house I went to cook the food...

Even though I wasn’t really in the mood.
I was greeted by my sister and 4 of her chingoos (friends).

They are underage so there wasn’t any booze.
They watched in awe as I made spaghetti...

And kept asking me when it was going to be ready.
We tried to speak in each other’s native tongue.

It actually turned out to be quite fun.
We slurped up the noodles and ate the bread.

Then we chatted on Ju Hee’s bed.
I felt like a teenager giggly and shy.

It was kinda fun...I’m not gonna lie.
We went to a Noraebang and sang with all our might.

They gave me the mic but I put up a fight.
Those girls can sing, it’s definitely a fact!

They make Britney sound like a disgrace of an act!
I finally sang, despite my fears.

I’m glad they were polite and didn’t plug their ears.
We drank water and they ate dried fish.

They offered it to me, but it's not my fav dish.
This Friday night was a blast.

It made me think of my childhood past.
Rockin’ on the starstage, singing a tune...

And my mom was asking me to stop…SOON!
Thank you Ju Hee, you are so cool and so neat.

Spending time with you tonight was such a treat!

(my younger sister, Ju Hee and I)

Pictures/Videos:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Pop Goes My Bubble

2009-03-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

Never in my life has my personal bubble been flirted with, picked on, beat up, and smashed to death.

It was confirmed today that my bubble has officially been popped and I don’t even flinch at those “used to be” or “could be” awkward/uncomfortable situations.

Tonight, I went against the Korean definition of beauty and went to the tanning booth. I was put behind a curtain and given a kitchen towel size towel to take my clothes off and put my tanning lotion on.

It was obvious my bubble was popped because ….

It didn’t bother me that the curtain separated me and a lady getting her nails done…

Or that when I was topless, a worker just came right in asking for my name and phone number for her records…
Or when she asked if she could lube up my back (which was actually handy)...
Or when she pulled down my underwear and put lotion on my ass (as if I couldn’t reach it)…
Or when I walked through the curtain in my kitchen towel covering my upstairs and my underwear (thank goodness I wasn’t wearing a thong) covering my downstairs through the nail salon to the stand-up tanning booth.

I guess living in a city of 14million people crammed into a small space will pop your personal bubble and force you to just roll with the punches sometimes.. and I am actually thankful… so THANK YOU Seoul, Korea.

Side note to cap the night off – Before all this, I had to pee in a shower aiming at the built-in tile canal on the floor. I was thrown off and didn’t know which way to squat – towards the washing machine or away- I chose looking away.

After tanning, I put my socks back on and they were wet. I was thinking, “god, did my feet sweat that bad today?” Then I shamefully realized… I think aim was a little off in the shower… Let’s just say it was a moist walk home.

Ya win some, ya lose some… and this time, the shower won.

Live from #408

2009-03-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures and more Videos:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Birthday Party Crasher ...

2009-03-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Weddings weren’t enough so I decided to crash a 1 year old baby’s birthday, too.

First birthdays are as big or bigger than a wedding. Apparently mom’s are more competitive over this than that. Why are they so important?

Because long ago, babies would often die before they were 1 year old so if a baby makes it to its first birthday, it is a big deal. Traditionally, guests would give gold jewelry to the baby but since these days gold is so expensive, money is substituted.

This was a YBM ECC Receptionist’s son’s birthday. It was at Ocean Star Seafood buffet (most bday parties are at a buffet restaurant). There are a couple traditions that happen at a first birthday party.

1. The baby’s future is read depending on what object it chooses from a tray– money (it’ll be rich), toothbrush (it’ll be a dentist), ball, computer mouse, etc… you get the idea.

2. The guests eat a rice cake so the baby will live a long life

I put my ticket on the ball and he chose that. Whoever’s ticket was in the golf ball glass was put in a raffle… and then I became a winner! I was excited because I don’t normally win stuff at these kinds of events!

I opened the gift and … don’t be jealous … it was a 6-pk of KLEENEX!

Then I choaked down the rice cake that looks like chocolate but really tastes like a goowy clump of dough covered in brown powder. I washed it down with some iced tea and tried not to throw it up… this kid better live a real long life.

On my way out, I was given two hand towels with the baby’s name and birthday on it.

I walked home in a light sprinkle of rain with my tummy full of free food and beer, two baby towels, and my 6pk of Kleenex.

Another cultural experience in the books and this one came with gifts! It was a win-win evening!

American Spaghetti Please

2009-03-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

It was requested that I make “American Spaghetti” for my birth family so I delivered… linguini noodles, Prego sauce and ground beef, cheese bread, salad, and hershey’s chocolate.

Cooking on 2 burners in a kitchen without an oven and the size of most small bathrooms, I had to adjust my normal routine. I used chopsticks to stir the noodles to keep them from sticking, two rice cooker spoons to toss the salad, and made “grilled cheese” sandwiches for a cheesy garlic bread substitute.

As we were eating, there were some obvious cultural differences that I learned:

1. I suck at eating spaghetti with metal chopsticks
2. My “slurping noodles ability” isn’t up to Korean par
3. It’s all about the sauce – I should’ve bought 2 jars of Prego! (side note- it took me about 15secs to think of the word... jar)
4. Salad dressing isn’t used modestly on salad- just like the sauce
5. Apparently kimchi and spaghetti is a new delicious creation- Mun Hyuk said to go to America and open a “Spaghetti Kimchi” restaurant… hmm… I don’t think so.

With what resources I had, I think it turned out ok because they said it was “mashisseoyo (delicious)” … next time I want something with more of a challenge!

South Korea's SEAFOOD FEAR FACTOR!

2009-03-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

(we called him the "fighter")

If Dad, Aunt Shelly, and I were competing on Fear Factor, it’s a safe bet that Dad would be claimed the winner.

During their 8 day stay, we had 3 challenges:

CHALLENGE ONE:
Location: Namdang-Ri Harbor (near west sea of Korea)
Food: edible cockle (clams), boiled octopus, raw mussels, live gaebul (nickname is Korean Sea Penis- some type of boneless sea creature), ramyeon, rice, beer
Winner: Dad – ate more than one of everything served – including the penis
Runner Up: Shelly – ate almost everything – ate one piece of penis
Loser: Meghan – ate the clam and polished off the noodles and rice

CHALLENGE TWO:
Location: Sorae Fishmarket in Incheon, South Korea
Food: raw cheonbok (abalone), raw meongge (aka sea pineapple innards or sea squirts), steamed prawns (something we all recognized), baeksae ju (alcohol)
Winner: Dad – ate more than one of everything AND even ate the meongge properly by chomping on the shell and then spit it out
Runner Ups: Shelly and Meghan – ate one of everything served

CHALLENGE THREE:
Location: Mokdong, Seoul
Food: sannakji (live octopus- cut tentacles of live octopus that squirm around on the plate and suction cup themselves to hold on for dear life), pajeon (korean seafood pancake), octopus bibimbap, octopus soup
Winner: Dad – ate more than 2 pieces of the live octopus and all the other dishes
Runner Ups: Shelly and Meghan – each had 2 pieces of live octopus and some other dishes

Even though I was the loser of Fear Factor (all because of the penis), Dad and I did conquer the Lonely Planet TRIFECTA of crazy Korean Food.

** peondegi (silkworm larva)**
**boshintang (dog soup)**
**sannakji (live octopus)**

So… I still have some competitive drive left in me :)

Dad & Aunt Shelly - thanks for visiting!!

(the Korean Sea Penis)

For a pictures and more videos, go here:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Min & Mun

2009-02-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

I never imagined that when I met my biological brother for the first time 12 years ago that we’d get from the “ass out-awkward hug” to the full blown “I love you man hug” but that is what has happened.

As I think I’ve said before, we have this unusual unspoken chemistry and it amazes me how much we get each other and how much I grow to love him each day we spend together.

He called me as I was finishing work to tell me he was at my apartment and asked if I had dinner… which was perfect because I was starving! He said “delivery pizza” to be polite because I think he feels bad we always eat Korean food. I put an “x” on that and went for 치즈똔까스 aka “pork cutlet filled with cheese” instead! Haha... anyway, I asked how he was these days... tired? busy? happy? And he said “a little bit of everything.”

Long story short – him and my birth father seem to butt heads. My birth father likes to drink and isn’t very good with money. So Mun Hyuk seems to have a lot of pressure to take care of him and it’s hard since they don’t see eye-to-eye. He seems like such a care taker to him and my sister and it makes me sad he’s not living a normal 26 year old life.

To prove my point - I asked “Do you still want to come to America” and he said “to America very much I want… BUT... father’s monthly paycheck is very little” - basically he said he needs to stay home and work to pay the bills but wants to come in 3-4 years.

Now, he and I are both prideful and stubborn but now I’m on a mission to see how much money he’ll lose if he comes to the US for a week and try to see if he’d accept money from me to cover the difference while he’s gone…I love a good challenge :)

So, after he fricken paid for my meal (again!), we left “Kimbap Heaven” and he put his arm around me as a brother would (almost headlock-like) and it almost made me tearful because it made me realize how special he is to me and how I am 99% sure it's reciprocal"

(Geez... I hope one day I can re-create this relationship with a man who speaks English AND who I’m not related to!)

T - T - Th -Thee ... oh ... THE!

2009-02-16T05:15:00.000-08:00

Before coming to Korea, I took pride in spending thousands of dollars on two college educations. Now that I’ve been here almost 8 months, I am embarrassed to say I have a Master’s Degree!

WHY????

* I teach children everee day ez words and frases n don’t use big, smart like words.

* I listen too bad “Englishee” out of the mouths of my students I’m trying to edumicate everi day and … monkey see, monkey do!

* When I speak to korean people in english, I try to speek very slowly and with simpel words so they can understand and we can talk more better.

*When I try to speak Korean, I revert to a 3 year old speech impared Korean sputtering out words.

THUS … lately when I talk with my Western friends and family using my native tongue, easy words and phrases do not easily transfer to my brain and many times I have had to think way too hard for a 2 syllable word!

SO … it is sad to say that being a teacher has ironically made me dumber!

THE BRIGHT SIDE … It’s not just me because my other friends have confirmed this epidemic. Let’s just hope we can re-gain our wisdom when we return home!

Besides becoming dumb ... there hasn’t been much too exciting to report.

My friend Betsy and I are taking up golf and hit the driving range one weekend. As soon as I stop swinging the club like a softball bat, golf and I will get along much better. I bought my first bottle of liquid eye liner to go the Korean way and try to make my squinty asian eyes look bigger through make up illusions. My valentine’s day was spent cooking my famous chicken and rice dinner for Betsy (sinc we're the only single girls we know or like) and having as intellectual conversations as we could with our neurological dysfunctions. Then I ended up at a house party with girls in tight pink dresses (some of who shouldn’t be wearing them) and guys in aviator glasses. Needless to say, I was home by 2am and had more fun talking to my Mom on Skype while eating a delicious Hershey’s chocolate bar :)

My Dad and Aunt come next week so that’s the next big excitement. My dad and I will complete the “TRIFECTA” of disgusting Korean food with – Sannakji = aka = live octopus! Let’s hope the little suckers don’t suction themselves to our throats before we swallow them!

---Random Picture of the Day---

My apartment building SECURITY Guard. He stands about 4'9", wears aviator sunglasses day and night, and has to be 60+ years old... Let's hope nothing happens during his nap time (8:30pm on a FRIDAY night) otherwise I'm in big trouble!

A Few More Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09

Only in a Land Far Far Away...

2009-02-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

*Do I hold a box of Velveeta Shells and Cheese sacred and look forward to eating it all week
*Do I giggle and gossip with the ladies and feel like I’m losing my “tomboy-ish” touch
*Do I ask another woman to give me a makeover at a bar while drinking wine
*Do I eat burger king at 5:30am waiting to take the subway home after a night at the bars
*Do I feel awkward going to the bathroom in my own apartment because my guests are sitting on the floor right next to the door

*Do I carry a toy dog around to bars and try not to get bit
*Do I think about what to name my kids and what my wedding dress should look like

*Do I have a nightmare that when I went to Chipotle, everything changed!
*Do I answer to 5 different callings: Meghan, Meghan Teacher, Min Jin, Nuna (what a younger brother calls his older sister instead of her name) and Eoni (what a younger sister calls her older sister instead of her name)
*Do I fall in love with people with out even being able to speak to them (my birth fam)
*Do I not give 100% in my job and not even care
*Do I accept living in a 140sqft room
*Do I put food in my mouth despite having no idea what it is
*Do I have to give up my independence/stubbornness and let others do things for me
*Do I spend so much time thinking about who I am
*Do I feel the urge to write about living in another form of reality that has its perks and also feels like sometimes I’m living in a world of colorful unicorns eating kimchi with chopsticks while waiting in line for a ricecake filled with bean paste.

Five more months and it’s … back to Life… back to REALITY!

(My toy dog- white elephant christmas present - push it's teeth down & try not to get bit. It's amazing how it can entertain it can be for all ages!)

Pictures Website:

http://community.webshots.com/user/megshep09