Yo Momma

One thing that I've found fun over here is the fact that since we are so far from home, people like to come over and see us! The USO and MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) bring people - celebrity types - singers, bands, entertainers, etc., over to, well, entertain the troops and families. Before I got here Chris Cagle (a country singer) came over and did a free concert for everyone on the 4th. Since there are so many little outposts, they go to each one and perform. So they may do 6 or 7 concerts or appearances in a within a 2 week period.

Next week we have a band called "Love Sick Radio" coming. I've never heard of them, but Jake says they are good and wants to see them. Eric says men shouldn't wear makeup, and I'm trying to make an informed decision by finding some of their music.

This past week we had the show Yo Momma in town with Wilmer Valderrama and his crew. If you've ever had the "privilege" to see the show, it's on MTV and it puts people up against each other trying to one-up each other making jokes about, you guessed it, Yo' Momma. As a momma, it's hard to watch - the language isn't good, but you can't help but laugh. I have to admit - I've watched it a couple of times, and I think that was enough to last my lifetime.

In case you don't know who Wilmer V. is he played Fez on "That 70's show". I loved watching that show with Eric, we would laugh our heads off. Emma also told me that he plays the voice of Manny on a show called Handy Manny on the Disney Channel. So, he's a TV personality.

My brush with greatness began when I realized my cellphone service had been suspended and I couldn't figure out why. I headed to the PX where the kiosk for the phone service is located and was told that I had used up all of my 300 minutes already. It only took me 2 weeks! So I bought more minutes and then decided to go browse in the PX to kill some time. When I got inside I realized that something unusual was going on and there were a couple of people signing autographs. As I made my way around, I saw that it was my man Wilmer so I called Jake, and he and his friend Zach were there in less than 3 minutes. So we stood in line and as we got near the front, I told Jake to tell him that I loved him as Fez. So we get up there and Jake tells him and W says, "We'll just have to sign one for her too." I looked at him and said, "I'm the momma!" "No way, I thought you were the sister!" OK, now he's scored big point with me!!
So Jake asks if we can take his picture with his cellphone, to which he replies, "Sure dawg!" Well, we have new phones and I am a mushbrain when it comes to that kind of stuff, so I mess it up. I looked at W and said, "I'm the one they're talking about when they say yo' momma's so stupid she can't take a picture!" He laughed so hard and said that was the funniest thing he's heard in a while. I got major cool points with Jake for that one. It was fun to make someone who makes me laugh, laugh.

So, that was my little out of the ordinary event during an ordinary day. You just never know who'll you run into over here!!

Morning Calm?

Why is Korea called the Land of the Morning Calm? I asked Eric this when we first arrived. I figured it was for the peaceful time after sunrise. Wrong. When the Japanese invaded Korea they basically mowed down the country side. No trees, no birds - thus very quiet mornings. Thankfully Korea has returned to a lush green country with plenty of trees and plenty of birds. I do think, though, that the mornings here are still the calmest part of the day.

That being said, is my life characterized by calm? No. Right now I am learning how to pick and choose what to add to my calendar. There always seems to be more than one thing going on at the same time on any given day. Being a "single parent" or geographic bachelorette makes this balancing even more difficult, but I know that my family will come first - my physical family and then my army family.

I'm learning the importance of stress release. I've started exercising again to put myself in a positive frame of mind. I have been blessed with a new friend who encourages me everyday to spend that time working out. I actually went to my first spinning class today - I may not be able to walk tomorrow - but I feel a lot better after having a pity party day.

We are in Monsoon Season here and it has rained everyday for atleast the last week. I'm getting used to it, but it starts wearing on you after a while. I'm so glad I brought my crocs with me, they are the perfect wet weather shoe. An umbrella is a constant companion here.

I've been here a month now, and I really like Korea. The people are very respectful and nice. I wish that more people were like that. The older people are given the respect that they deserve and honor is very important to them. This is a quiet and peaceful society and I really enjoy being here.

More musings to come....