Update

It's been a while since I've written an actual update on here!  We have just a bit under 5 months left in South Korea, and the closer we get to our pcs date, the more I'm starting to crave life back in the U.S. Oh what I'd give for some Pat's Pizza or fresh lobster right now!

The past year and a half in Korea has been fun, and some day we would like to come back. If and when we do come back, we decided that we want to get a high-rise apartment (versus living in a 6 unit villa).  While I love our neighborhood, I seriously miss having a dishwasher and closets!  Yep, you heard me - I miss closets.  We have NONE!  Every piece of clothing we have is crammed into government issued dressers. 

I also miss being able to buy clothes - in person (versus online).  I am a plus size, which does not exist in the Korean world of clothing, nor at the PX on post. And it baffles me that Koreans stay so tiny, their culture is so big on food.  Food is everywhere here! And it's not nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be.  The seafood I still shy away from, but I've never been a big fan of fish (or octopus, squid and eel).

Five months left.  Last night I actually had a dream that we were clearing customs at Bangor International Airport.  How I wish that I could just wake up and be there! It took 24 hours to get from Maine to South Korea.  Maeve was only six months old at the time, and she slept most of the trip.  When we return home she's going to be two years old! A toddler on a 24 hour trip ought to be a huge adventure in itself.

Well that's all I've got for now.  Oh and I've started another section for my Project: 365 on here.  I'm not posting ALL of my pictures from that, but I'm going to try and update it with my favorites. Check it out anyway!

Catch ya later!
-Shasta

MCP Actions

MCP Actions just blogged about their new action set, Fusion, which will be available for purchase on March 1st.  They have a free sample of the action (mini-fusion) on their website, click here to go download it!

They are also giving away the entire set to one lucky person.  For more info on how to enter, go visit their blog: here.

Good luck!
-Shasta

Laura Winslow Photography - GIVEAWAY!

Here's another photography giveaway for those of you interested!

Laura Winslow Photography is hosting a HUGE giveaway.

61 Vendors and $2,600 worth of prizes.

Go see for yourself! Here's a link to her blog: Clicky!

MCP Actions Giveaway - WIN A KELLY MOORE BAG!

I've posted about Kelly Moore bags (DSLR camera bags) before on here, and now here's your chance to win one! :)  MCP Actions is hosting a giveaway, and the lucky winner gets a Kelly Moore Bag! 

To enter, go MCP Actions Blog or click the image below.   Good luck! :D

My Korean "Bucket List"

Being that we're going to be moving back to the states in a little over five months, I'm starting to realize that there's still so much here that I haven't seen or done yet.  So here's my to-do list before we pcs.

1. Bongamsa Temple : A 1,000+ year old Buddhist Temple that is only open to the public, one day a year (on Buddha's birthday).

2. Busan : A beautiful coastal area with all sorts of touristy things to see & do.

3. Palgongsan Provincial Park : A natural park (unlike more of the sculpted garden parks here in Daegu), it's filled hiking trails, temples and giant sculptures of Buddha carved into ledges.

4. Woobang Tower Land : Kinda like Disney World, only smaller.

5. Herb Hillz : An "eco-adventure park." I was there back in December for a photo shoot, and it was freeeeezing! Plus most of the attractions were shut down for winter. 

Pretty cool, huh? :)  Here's a look back at some of the fun things we've been up to in the past 15 months. (You can click on the images to enlarge them).

Pardon the crappy cell phone camera shots.  This was our first experience at a traditional Korean restaurant.

The waitress brings you whatever meat you want (raw) and you grill it up yourself at the in-table grills.

They also provide all sorts of veggies, sauces, salts and spices to add to the meat.  It was incredible and I can't wait to try it again!



My friend, daughter and I went out to lunch, and ended up getting photographed.
A month or so later, we were featured on the front page of a local newspaper!
(I took the picture on the left).



We went to Osan to do Christmas shopping and tried Hoddeok for the 1st time. 
It was so neat to watch and learn how to make it!



Apsan Park - one of our favorite places! This park is so beautiful, has all sorts of walking trails, is filled with beautiful stonework and sculptures, and even has a gorgeous Buddhist temple.

View from the gondola ride up Apsan Mtn.

Chilseong Market
Not so exciting, but taking pictures of miniature dried fish was kinda fun. :)

Downtown Daegu!
Where you can find a Western clown on stilts, cupid, "Sexy Cookie" and
"Drunken Chicken" (sign just out of view), all in one spot.

Seoul! This shot was taken from the 60th floor of the Sky Art Tower.



Seomun Market! This place is pretty awesome. 
All sorts of fabrics, buttons, beads, clothes and purses!