SK 2013

SO, I suppose our little corner of the internet hasn't been getting a lot of our attention. I believe it's mostly because I never have anything to say. But I've got a lot to say today. Max and I finally pulled our money together and bought some tickets to go see Anna in her part of the world and I'd like to tell you about it...

South Korea is 14 hours ahead of our time here in Illinois, so when we boarded our 14 hour flight we knew we were in for a long journey. Luckily, Korean Air is seriously accommodating. We had an abundance of movies and shows to watch, multiple games we could play, even against each other, and interactive video to see what the front and back of the plane could see and where exactly we were on the earth. So even though we were cramped and exhausted, we were at least entertained.

When we got to the Incheon airport in South Korea we made a little camp on the benches and waiting for Anna to join us. This wasn't our last stop. We were to continue on to the Philippines for a side trip for a few days.

When I saw Anna I was filled with so much excitement and love! My best friend, my sister! Reunited at last!

But after a four hour flight, we arrived in Cebu, Philippines at about 1 or 2 in the morning. Anna had a hotel room waiting for us though and we crashed for about 10 hours. The next afternoon we boarded another plane, arrived on another island, boarded a boat, and arrived at our final island, Boracay.

Above is our room and us all standing on our balcony. We stayed at Spider House and, boy, was it beautiful! It was very outdoors-y which caused for some interesting encounters. Like when it rained or that giant beetle flew in and couldn't fly out or when that cat just walked through our room. The Philippines is such a beautiful place. The ocean was warm and salty, the people were friendly and helpful, and the wildlife is abundant.

There was a restaurant/sitting area on the bottom floor of our hotel, although our hotel had many many many levels that weren't always level, if you get my meaning. But this was the place we hung out the most. Eating breakfast, next to the ocean, the sun, breeze, it was all amazing.

The town was a booming place. Busy, noisy, crowded, bright, happy, and with many shops and restaurants! We couldn't see enough of the place! Every day we'd explore something new.

This is the little cave/tunnel that we had to walk through to get to our front gate of the hotel with spiders and waves galore!

There were downsides to the trip, such as, Max and I getting sick from the food and Max got sunburned/sunsick on the second day but the trip gave us a chance to learn about a place we knew nothing about and getting to see a part of the world so different from ours. I've never been to a place like it and it was definitely not... resort-ish nor was it real life, but it was fun and I'll never forget.


But we left after a few days and traveled back to Korea!

Here is the view from Anna's apartment in Bucheon. Her place wasn't as small as I thought it would be and her cat, not as mean, though twice as annoying. We had so much to do in such a small amount of time. We got to Korea at 7am on Wednesday and we were to leave Sunday afternoon. Anna wanted us to experience everything and meet everyone. We were tired and still a little sick but we followed her like sheep and our eyes grew wide with the many many many things we saw.

The market

The food

The city night

Everyday life = subway

Baseball

Friends

And amusement

I enjoyed seeing into her life, learning about what she deals with everyday. I have to admit it was a culture shock but a relief to be in a place that reminded me somewhat of home. Which I was excited to go back to after this exhausting but amazing trip. The only problem was leaving Anna behind. I didn't realize how much I missed her until I had her around all day everyday. She's my other half and without her I am lonely. It's been awhile since she's been home long enough to see whenever I want. I am happy she's being an adventurer but I still miss her and want her here. But she'll be home and March and though she may not be here for good, she might not be leaving without me again. But she'll still be home for a bit and we get to make new memories and I am counting the days. :]

<3<3<3<3,
Marybeth

Let's go on an adventure!

This weekend I went to Chicago with my friend, Melissa. I met Melissa in 3rd grade and it's been a miracle that we've been able to stay such great friends since. We weren't always in school together and we've had a falling out or two but the fates have seen it fit that we pull through and whenever we get together it's always so much fun and so easy to pick up exactly where we left off. I love her and this weekend was just another crazy story to add to our collection. :D

The night began late afternoon at my house. We had a bottle of wine, music, and a hot bathroom filled with hair products and make up. haha I tried really hard to curl her hair but it resisted my attempts. Oh well, she still looked amazing in the outfit we put together and I made a cute little hair braid headband upon her request.

~Melissa~

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: Forever 21 (I believe)

Shoes: Ross

Necklace: Thrift

Purse: Gift

I can't really remember where most of my accessories came from but I did buy the dress at a second hand shop in the city. A lucky find, I say, but I did manage to spill purple juice on the front of it early on so it's probably screwed for life now. :/  

Unfortunately, there was a smudge on my lens that I didn't see so a lot of the photos have that blurry mess in them but we can look past that. We were in a hurry to catch our train out there so we just snapped a few in the backyard and left. 

So off we went to the city in search of an adventure. We got off at Union station and walked the mile and a half to Millennium park to see the notorious bean! 

Right below the bean was an outdoor bar/restaurant, so we decided to get our first drink there and then our second... and third.... and fourth... haha We ended up hanging out at that bar for basically the rest of the night. Our bartender was super friendly and we were having such a good time catching up. The black hawk's game was on as well and, although I haven't really watched any of their games, Melissa was into it and so was everyone around us! the atmosphere was intoxicating and I was intoxicated so I cheered as loud as everyone else when they won! 

At this bar we were sitting next to this really nice French couple and ended up hanging out with them the rest of the night! They were so friendly and super funny! After the game ended our bartender recommended a bar across the street to go to next. Our bill ended up being a lot cheaper than we thought and we were really excited and feeling good! The four of us went to Rudy's bar and our bartender ended up meeting us there as well! I wasn't feeling drinking at that point and was getting pretty tired but our train didn't leave until 12:40 so we hung out for a while and Melissa had a few more drinks. haha Finally, it came time for us to start the walk back to Union station. Melissa and I headed out and our bartender friend decided to follow us out. 

We were having a great time laughing and walking, trying to find our way back. Unfortunately, we didn't exactly know where we were going and our "friend" wouldn't help us out until it was too late. At 12:30 he went ahead and let us know that we were no where close and would never catch the train in time. Stunned we went into the nearest bar and sat down trying to figure out what we were going to do next. Melissa was so mad she ordered a bunch of drinks and put it under our newest enemy's name. I promptly went to the bathroom to have a pity party and to call Max. We were screwed. That was the last train until morning and we were stuck in the city. Melissa started calling people she knew to help us get out of there but I said fuck it and ran outside, found the nearest cab, and asked if he's take us back to Elgin. 

$155 later we were finally home. Good thing we barely paid for anything while we were in the city because that taxi ride cleaned me out. But what was our alternative? Stay in the city with a stranger? No thanks. Overall, the night was a blast. In the end it was just another part of the story to log away and something funny to laugh at later. I had so much fun and I hope Melissa did too. We always get into crazy shit when we're together but I wouldn't have it any other way!

<3<3<3<3<3,

Marybeth

Stripe hype

Today is the day. I'm back as well and here to say that I love summer! The weather has been unreliable but today is beautiful and we just got our new air conditioner so we are feeling gooooooood! Also, I've had a few of these so they are fueling my words. WOOT!

~Marybeth~

Dress: Thrift

Shoes: Forever 21

Belt: Thrift

Sunglasses: Truck stop

So for those who haven't heard, Max and I have recently moved into my grandpa's house and are renting it from my mom. It's amazing to have our own place and it gave us the opportunity to adopt another member to our family, Lightning! I also just started a new job in replacement of Petsmart. I'm a groomer at a veterinarian clinic in South Elgin, Animal Care Clinic! I love my new job. I've been really busy and it feels good to have my own hours, be making new friends, and meeting new puppies! (and some old ones too ;D)

{Our baby, Lightning! Almost 6 months}

{Our beautiful, Storm!}

I love my girls so much! haha I tried including this leaf in my photo shoot, wasn't working for me, but they pull it off amazingly. <3

{Sister tattoo!}

Max and I have started planning our trip to go see Anna. We're leaving in September and we're going to spend a few days in the Philippines before finishing the trip in Korea. The luckiest part is that our layover is in South Korea and the plane we're boarding is the one Anna will be getting on! So we get to meet up and fly together! How exciting! I seriously am just waiting for the time to fly by before we're flying to South Korea! :D

Hopefully, we'll be posting more often!

<3<3<3<3,
Marybeth

Polka Hot

Everyone loves a good pun, ammirite?! I'm doubling up on polka dots today. Too much? Nah, I'm an elementary school teacher, a profession where it's acceptable, if not encouraged, to be goofy, playful, and whimsical. I mean, at least they're all shades of blue. Also, who doesn't love a skirt with pockets?! They're great!

-Anna-

shirt: Korean subway shop

belt, skirt, shoes: thrifted

tights: Urban Outfitters

This weekend, I helped celebrate my friend, Andy's, birthday. Unfortunately for you, I did not remember to take pictures until I was well drunk in Bucheon, while she was well drunk in Hongdae (Seoul). But I did manage to take pictures of the cool noraebang a few of us visited after getting chicken and downing a few glasses of beer and soju. As you can see, we were very entertained by the circular pillow tub, as much as we were with the actual singing, perhaps even more so.

I also visited an amazing Korean bathhouse in Yongsan called Dragon Hill, that I would recommend to anyone. I took Andy and Danielle for their first ever jimjilbang experience. Again, unfortuntely for you, I did not take pictures. I'll leave that one to your imagination.

had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction

Have a pleasant day, wherever you are!

Anna

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

where have we been?

Oh my. We've been away. I've made a post. That's all I'll say.

(heh. it rhymes)

(no actual dinosaurs)

-Anna-

dress: Modcloth

jacket, belt, shoes: thrifted

tights: Forever21

i am NOT running around in these...

Hiiiii. I've begun my new contract, which started in March. One more year for me! And with the start of the new school year and now that spring is in full swing (uhhhaha), my school has had their annual field day! Ahhh, field day... A day to run around in the sunshine, putting ourselves in physical competition with our peers. I posted some pictures to my Instagram (jellybellydonut, btw...), and Bette commented saying how much she loved this event. I attributed that to her more innate athleticism... I, on the other hand, was not so coordinated nor agile. Although, for some time, I was a rather good sprinter. And my pinnacle, by the way, was from about 2nd grade to 4th grade. Then I let myself succumb to the majesty that is television... and other "sitting down" activities.

May 1st is actually Labor Day in Korea, and I had the day off! Although, I did have to go in and remind my co-teacher of my contract.... But no harm done. I wanted to watch the kids run around and perform routines anyway. They are so freakin' cute!

good ole fashion sprints

they had to run over to the cones, put on the character head, lap around the other cones and pass it off to a teammate. weird.

really amazing 4th graders

totally rad 5th graders

super cool 6th grade girls

These are the kindergartners who I teach as an extra class twice a week. They are seriously so cute. I'm teaching them the alphabet and phonics this semester. Some days (or some kids) it's like talking to a wall and other days, they surprise me with how smart they are! And no matter what, they freak out and hug me and talk to me in Korean and hold my hand, so I love them to death no matter how much English they learn from me.

parent piggyback game. blue team won!

And on that note, I'll leave you with these two adorable kindergartners eating cotton candy:

More to come!

... of posts...

but maybe kindergartners too...

BYE!

Anna