The Days of May!

Yo everybody! So I have prolonged doing a recent blog entry for a few factors:
1: I have been busy (both socially and work related),
2: I have been lazy when not busy,
3: There are many happenings during the Month of May within the culture of Korea so I felt it necessary to do a blog entry AFTER they were all finished!

Anyways, like I just stated, this blog will be all about special days taken tribute to doing the Mont of may. What are these days you wonder? Well during the first week of May there is the National (and global) holiday "Children's Day". A day when kids can just be kids and be allowed to eat as much candy and cookies as they like! Also, parents tend to go over-the-top in indulging their precious ones in gifts and attention on this day. WEEEE!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwxxVG0MSng

The second week of May hold Parents day- A combination of Fathers day and Mothers day. I personally like and also dislike the idea of Parents Day, as I feel both (good) Mothers and (good) Fathers should receive individual recognition. But then again...it is an easy way out for both child and adult children!  Similiar traditions to the western world are practiced on Parents day here in Korea including children making handmade cards, the giving of carnation flowers, and adult children doing something a lil extra special for their parents.
http://www.theparentsday.com/around-the-world/south-korea.html

The third week of May is a day in honor of yours truly, Teachers Day. Teachers Day is also celebrated in the western world and is a day for students and their parents to thank their teachers. As for me, my first year in Korea I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts and adornment I received. However, this being my second year in Korea I was like "Oh yea,,,,show the goods!!!" haha. Actually, I'm not that vain on Teachers Day. Despite the amount of gifts I get, I really do appreciate the generosity and kindness presented to me via conversations and hand notes from moms and dads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teachers'_Day

Lastly, nearing the end of May is Buddhas Birthday. Korea is predominately Christian, but there still is a large Buddhist community. Buddhas birthday is a national holiday here with businesses closing and many festival/familial events taking place. I remember the beauty and awe from my first year in Korea, and my second year I was again amazed at how gorgeous and artistic the lantern displays were that honor Buddha on his big day. Man...how old is he now and how lucky he gets such a great party every year??
http://www.holidaysia.com/events/lotus-lantern-festival/

 

Well anyways, that is it for this entry- I didn't get too personal this time around...I'm saving that up for an entry all about ME! Enjoy the video, take care and as always -Peace and Love!

- Patrick

No place like home...

Hey Hey Hey, everyone!! 

For those of you that haven't kept up with my life and/or blog, I was just on a  vacation where I visited friends and family back in the good ol' USA! Leaving the last weekend in March, I took a 3 1/2 trip to my home town in Illinois where I was able to spend a lengthy time with my family, giving each member(s) a nice chunk of one-on-one time.  During my last stint at home I spent it based off my parents farm and  making sporadic trips to stay with some of my best friends back in my University town. My visit home was truly a whirlwind of positive emotions...the only let down was that I didn't get to see my VERY BEST friend, Christy. Love ya kiddo.

Reunited with my lovely Winnie

Spending 3 weeks with the family and best friends was just the pep up i needed. It was amazing how much had changed but also remained the same in my absence. It was a good refresher and went far too quickly. Although I was busy catching up with those closest to me, I also had a lot of self/life reflecting time. Going home made me realize just how important my family is to me. I realize now that I will always need my family- no matter where I go or what I do. Despite our MANY MANY differences, they mean the world to me and I see now that they are my rock and my true support. I also learned some valuable life lessons while reflecting on my own life...such as to appreciate who and what we have in our lives while we still have them.

But now I'm back and rolling in the land of korea...and equally loving it as much as i did last spring and summer! all the cheerry blossoms still have their blooms, the flowers are opening, and the warm sun is shining allllll day ^^ 

Thus far I have moved into my new apartment, settled into my new work schedule, and despite being thrown some unexpected/stressful work "surprises" my first wee back at my school has been nice.  My kids(and their mothers) all missed me like crazy and i got loads of handmade cards and warm welcomes.

And in my social life, everything is also going peachy keene! Just as my friends are important to me in the states, they are also a big part of my life here in Korea and so far these warm sunny spring days have been filled with joyous reunions, bbq's, dog walkings, and coffee breaks. Altho it was bitter sweet to leave my true home and family behind....it's also nice to know that Korea will forever be my second home. 

Till next time, peace out! Love ya!!