It’s been a long time since I actually updated my blog, but I feel that doing so will positively help me chronicle my time spent in Korea, and subsequently the traveling in general. While a lot of things have happened since my last post in December, I don’t really feel the need to address them, as it will probably bore the shit out of you, and most likely my future self.
I've been in Korea for almost nine months now, and, as of a week ago, have found it extremely surprising how much it’s starting to feel like home. I had a bunch of wonderful daily accessories, such as a new (old) car, a brand-new laptop, and most surprisingly a new (old) dog! I’d setup a rather nice routine in my daily life as well: gym one day, hiking another, sleeping in until the urge to piss becomes just all too great, pars the usual. I’d even gotten used to the charades I undergo daily when buying even the smallest things such as pack of gum or a chicken wing. The charades in fact was one of my daily joys, as it allowed me to improve my acting abilities for my future Hollywood career. Need to pretend you being riddled with bullets by a bunch of raccoons in front of a green screen? I had that. Not only that, I could even add in a couple of attacking kung-fu gerbils into the mix. Needless to say, there was really nothing I wasn't prepared to do. Such great things in my life only helped me love Korea more and more. My boss wanted (wants) me to sign on for a second, third, and even fourth year at his school. I had completely resolved myself to stay at the very least three years in this foreign country. This of course all went to hell with a simple one week visit back home.
The reason I went back home for a week was not for a break from my new Korean lifestyle, which at the time the trip seemed more like an interruption than a vacation, but was actually to honorably participate in one of my best friend’s weddings. About two years ago, my friend Derek Pederson went out into the frigidly icy Minnesotan winter to ask for his girlfriend’s hand. Before this, he called me and told me of his intentions. After she accepted, Derek called me later (much later, as they were a tad busy) and asked me to be the Best Man in his ceremony. Now I’ve been a Best Man before, but let me just say this, it doesn’t make the role any less magical. I have always deeply (and secretly) cared for my friends, and there is little better in life than this honor (well, sex is better, and far less stressful, but sex with him would probably be on my top ten list of things to never do before I die). So, after this great honor, I promised him that I would do anything within my power to attend his wedding. In the end I came through on that promise, and booked my flight for July.
The trip to America was rather uneventful. I say this, even though at the time I was forced to walk my luggage a whole mile and a half to the limousine bus stop. It’s amazing what you start to think is uneventful these days. The flight was rather boring, but during which I became a damn good wordsmith after playing “Scramble 2” off my iPod for over four hours.
The first couple of days in America already started to show what the upcoming week had in store for 
me, awesomeness. I went to Derek’s bachelor party at Mystic Lake Casino, had the utmost decadent Taco Bell in my life, and even retired on a bridge with Derik to watch the fourth of July fireworks. These events were also filled with wonderfully vulgar and sarcastic remarks. I mention this, because in Korea sarcastic remarks are about as confusing as if a Salvador Dali painting had sex with a Picasso. Not really all that much going on for that combo. The following days after that were equally wonderful. I got the chance to hang out with my friends John and Derik at Mall of America, had a nice “haha” moment at the DMV while Matt faithfully waited like a lapdog, and met up with my biological father for a game of friendly baseball. A friendly game of baseball in my mind would be described as a horrible attempt at me trying to hit anything besides a foul ball, and to also actively move my legs to run for the base that I didn’t give a 
shit about. Indeed it was still fun, but I would’ve preferred hands down a game of soccer. The real enjoyment of my trip was the sitting around and talking. Now this probably makes me sound like an old man, but I have really been lacking in the sarcastic natured fun conversations of my yesteryears. I enjoyed dishing insults here and there, and even more so enjoyed the varied humor all of my friends possessed. There is nothing more amazing than the feeling of leaving for such a long time, but in the end being able to pickup and communicate with each other like they all had come along with you. A couple of shout outs seem like the rightful thing to do, as describing each of their interactions with me along the trip would be boring and time consuming. These shall be short and brief, and I assure you I have far more embarrassing things to say that I shall omit.
Derek – It was a great honor to be there at your side. While I may seem to constantly refer to your wedding as being the holy grail of our friendship, I believe that just knowing you in general is what it’s meant to be. I love the talks, the musical sing-a-longs, and the youthful games we play.
While I didn’t quite want to delete that comment on Derek, I realized that if I were to keep my comments in that way, I would, for one, appear far more sensitive than I would like, and two, it would be too damn long. So, to change the tone, it shall be even shorter than that, limited to one line on my word processing document, so please don’t feel slighted.
Dan – As much as I give you shit, it’s really because I’m damn jealous. I totally look up to you.
Derik – An awesome time. There are few friends that understand me so well. You’ve shaped my life.
Jesse – Gone separate paths over years, but you’re still a damn good friend. I’m excited for you in Korea.
John – Few people go out of their way as you do. You’re humor is above par and our familiarity uncanny.
Kayla - That'll do, pig. That'll do. Feels as we’re starting to really understand each other, and I love it.
Matt – A great friend, you understand me well, and I’d describe you as the good angel on my shoulder.
Paige – Can talk to you for days and never get bored. When silence falls, it’s not awkward but reflective.
Sharita – You’re great. Shame we never did much together before I left. Have to remedy the situation!
Tim – A good man Tim. Like a brother, just Asian. I’m glad you’re an addition to the team.
Zach – No one is genuinely as nice as you are. We’re grateful, even if we don’t show it. It’s not allowed.
All of these people really make it hard to live in Korea. I say these things partially while I am on the plane home and parts while I am sitting at work or in my abode. It’s sadly a rather extensive work in progress.
I would like to reflective write about Derek’s wedding, and if I choose to, I will make it a separate post as this one is far too fucking long as it is!
Song: Eminem - Love the way you lie
