The Riff Raff i tell you!

So I still haven't recieved my degree, but I'm becoming ok with it. So lets begin. Yesterday, I almost gave up on my Korea dream, looked for a lawyer to press charges against the school (because they are personally taking money out of my pocket), and planned my return to Atlanta. All this, because of a few road blocks. I like to think I'm built ford tough and all, but I'm telling you, throw a few consecutive road blocks in there and I'm ready to give up at times. I do have a no quitters spirit though. I'm sure you can tell I use my blog for a pep talk and therapeutical purposes but moving right along... So prior to my whole tantrum, I had decided that I would go with the first company that had offered me a position in Daejeon. It's not a bad position. They were flexible with the start date, offered a prepaid flight, and complimented me quite aggressively but, still I was waiting on one offer. The offer in Mokdong, that boasted African American teachers on multiple contracts. This school not offering to much more to me, other than great location and a promise of familiarity with black people, made me jump through hoops. They asked for several references on top of the ones I offered initially, questioned me via email correspondence, and just generally dragged the process to the point that I thought that they were stringing me along. So, I decided to go with the first one and prepare myself to leave as soon as possible. I started consolidating my belongings and making my packing list like the one below:
*Deodorant (every site, blog, contact...stresses this seriously)
at least 3 tubes of toothpaste
*contacts, glasses, contact cleanser, eye drops
*computer
*110 to 220v converter (important if bringing American electronics)
weaves or wigs( if thats your thing. It's my quick fix for cuteness!)
*make up ( just a jump start kit. Im sure as much as koreans are into their looks, there is a stock load)
*At least 5 proffessional tops and bottoms for each season
*slippers( you'll need these for work)
*summer and winter clothes( including pjs, club clothes, workout gear)
*seasonal outerwear ( you may need to figure out how to pack or ship later a super *heavy coat, rainboots, an umbrella, etc)
*walking shoes and your favorite shoes in moderation( my hardest task yet)
perfume if you like
You dont need to much accessories (you'll find that easily)
*a large bag or purse tat can fit everything if you like to be fashionable( you wont have a trunk to store the day's belongings once you leave the house
*general entertainment activities that are small and packable(like a favorite book or game)
For the most part just remember alot of South Korea is very Metropolitan, so many of the little things you can find there.

This is when I first began the actual process of consolidation. This is my pile after consolidation.lol.


I still have time though because "the string along school" called and said that playing with my emotions was not their intent. They even gave me numbers to contact their current teachers. I conducted some research to see if they came up on any blacklist but, fortunately they did not. So I accepted the offer. I officially start on October 12, 2009! Finally! That's my update for now. Anyong Hi Kaseyo (Korean=good bye)