And so begins my last full day in Daejeon. I got up early, feeling like a big slimy cat had crawled into my lungs and had kittens. Not a good start to the day.

Now however, it’s 11:00am, and the movers have just left with 7 boxes, 2 huge suitcases, and a bicycle, which they will deliver to my door in Daegu for only $55 !! Not bad at all. Everything else I’ll carry on the train with me tomorrow. I also need to find room for a big Astro Boy alarm clock that Mike gave me for a going away gift. The thing is hilarious. When the alarm rings, it plays music, and makes ‘blast off’ noises, and he sings something in Korean. It’s pretty funny.

Mike and Paula have fled the apartment for the morning, (after doing a stellar cleaning job!) so now I have a few minutes to get used to the idea that I really am leaving – before the place fills up again for my goodbye open house.

Yesterday, I was finally permitted to tell my students that I was leaving. The seemed confused, and a little sad. I was too. They’re mostly good kids. Then, last night, I went out with my favourite Korean friends ‘Ken’ and ‘Jenny’ to the Outback steakhouse. Those two make me laugh and smile and keep me sane. I’m going to miss them tons.

I may not have any new postings for a while until I get settled in Daegu, but I’ll try.

2 days from now, I’ll be finished my current job.

4 days from now, I’ll be in my new apartment.

7 days from now, I’ll be in Japan.

10 days from now, I’ll be exhausted.

“The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as substitute for blood plasma.” …a good tip to keep in mind next time you’re stuck on a deserted island, and are feeling a little anemic.

Ugh. I’ve come down with a cold. I’d planned to spend most of the day packing, but now it’s 8pm and I’m ready for bed…and still haven’t packed yet. I keep forgetting how much I hate moving. ugh.

On a brighter note, I bought an MP3 player today to keep me company on my trip to Japan. I’m listening to Duke Ellington right now, and have a happy smile spread across my face….although that could also be the effect of the cold medication. Either way, it’s nice.

I only have 5 teaching days left here in Daejeon – and the woman who was supposed to replace me just backed out. So if you, or anyone you know wants to come to Korea ASAP, we’d love to have you!!!! Send me an e-mail, and we’ll talk.