cheers to optimism, may the future be bright

family.friendship.love.personal fulfillment.

United in their triumph over evil, Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny, watched the Hogwarts Express pull out of King's Cross station for the last time. As the silver screen faded into darkness, I sat there, heavy with the realization that this was the final installment in the Potter series. Although many of the sub stories met their natural ends, we are left to wonder what is next for our favourite witches and wizards and the fantastical world in which they live. Here I think Rowling accomplished something unique and really quite special. She propels readers and movie goers alike to recognize the everyday magic that exists in our muggle world and reminds us that we always have something worth fighting for.

boreyonged

Last weekend we joined in the hilarity, randomness and straight up mess of the Boryeong Mud Festival. This annual event, attracts waygooks from across South Korea for a weekend much like those of our childhoods past. With mother nature's coveted blessing, the sun shone down on us as we frolicked in the sea, got down in the mud and shook our groove thang under midnight fireworks and lasers. 

tri mud love

bromuding

yup, definitely mud in my teeth

Scanning through photos, I would have to say that these 36 hours are best left untouched - a once in a life time experience if you will. If you have the chance to be boreyonged, jump on it, or more appropriately,

 IN IT!

bright neon MUD love

"excellent and sometimes beautiful photo"

Talked to my parents via Skype

watched 'Bad Teacher'

woman love, best type

so snoozy, stage five leaker. 

Basked in the sun

sipped my iced mocha 

I could have had more than one

lived la vida loca. 

Brunch at the Wolfhound Pub

barely arrived alive

I needed a tummy rub

definitely did the porcelain dive. 

Flipped through my photo book

and enjoyed my eggs and bakey

the lime green cover was all it took.

Woke up shakey

star fishes decorated the room

fits of laughter

snapshots of the night, zoom zoom zoom

looked like disasters. 

Face down outside Elune

so not okay

made the boys swoon

mayday, mayday!

Rocked and rolled

one flip wonder met her match

shots, shots, shots I was told

even saw someones snatch.

Big Apple pre game

little black dress, 5 inch heels

primp, push up, you know, same same

should have had a proper meal. 

Toasts from the girls I love the most

cake too beautiful to eat

really I'm not trying to boast

what a twist of fate that made us meet

But thank god that we did

I can't imagine life without you now

although its time to make our bids

this is not goodbye or ciao

so lets leave it there

keep in touch and share our next endeavors

take care

love you forever. 

Girls, you know who you are. Thank-you so much for the most precious birthday and heartfelt words.

oh the places you'll go

21+2

With 23 just around the corner and my return home around a few more (might as well run with that metaphor) the words "what next?" have been haunting me. In truth, I know what's next, I'm back to the ol' academic bump and grind to begin my post graduate work in the field of international development. Ultimately, I would like to work for a non governmental organization that shares my belief that education is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Growing up in Canada, 'a baby country', a term affectionately coined my by my 6th graders, I did not appreciate the role of history in modern society. Overtime it became clear why traditional values remain in Korea's education system today. Among other things, this year has taught me patience, understanding and tolerance of cultural differences, an attitude that I hope will allow me to realize my professional aspirations.

The above paragraph sounds like a well rehearsed answer, but what lies in the subtext are the anxieties I have about the unknown. When I can't make sense of my feelings, I usually look to the internet and self medicate. Arguably the worst thing to for oneself (so Cancer of me). Today Google connected me with an astrology site, that assured me that my emotional flux is characteristic of my zodiac sign. Phew. What is more:

• Cancers need to feel like they are making a difference, however small, in order to feel content.
• Cancers dig house parties. 
• Cancers are prone to poor eye sight. 
• Cancers love pillow talk. 
• Cancers reaction to confrontation is directly proportionate to how thick their shell is.  

I guess, whatever will be, will be.