The past seven days was nothing but a full of events and this is why I have been able to update my blog. And from now on, I would like to narrate some of the memorable occurances of mine. So, hear me out-
19th August
It was my birthday. 32th. So, I gave myself a little treat by taking a day off. I haven't taken a single yet since I would like to take a long vacation at the end of this year.
It was mine but 16th was my dad's 60th. Since I could not go home to celebrate it, my family decided to throw a consolidated party. Well, it was not a party perse in actuality. I arrived home around 6pm and we went downtown to go to a fancy restruant. The food and the service was, sadly, terrible but we had a good time. I felt like it has been forever sine I came home last time. I should visit my folks more often. They are not getting younger. Afterwards, we did the whole cake thing and just chilled out in the living room all together. It was very nice. I gave my dad some cash. Cash is always the best gift for parents, believe it or not :) I forgot making a card for which I feel guilty :(
20th August
The next day, I said goodbye to my folks and headed back home. Then, straight to the gym where I worked on my legs. Geez.. doing squats and leg press is always killing me and the most exhausthing leg of the routine. By the time I came home was around 6 and I hit the road again to go up to Apgujeong, Gangman to participate in the gathering amongst my military buddies. As a matter of fact, one of them is leaving for the U.S. to pursue Ph.D at the University of Washington - Seattle in two weeks. But, going up to Gangnam wasn't easy at all as much as I thought it would be. It rained and I did not have an umbrella so I had to just wait about 20 mins at some building which resulted in missing some friends :( So, it took me about 2 frigging hours to arrive. But it was worth it.
Everyone was the same as I saw them last time. We talked about life, kids, marriage, family and work. Somewhat I felt lagging behind since I am single. Well, I don't intend to marry yet. Not now. At any rate, I was good to hear them do excellent on many levels. One of them is going to work in Paris for three years as of October. I might go to Paris sometime. Who knows? My ex rommmate complained about having 8 minions under him and their not living up to his expectations. Wow 8 subordinates.. sounds awesomme. After two hours, he (my ex rommate) took me to the Gangnam station and bought me a green tea latte at a startbucks. We chatted a while and he took off to his lovely family while I stood in the queue for the bus back to Suwon. It was almost midnight when I came back.
21th August
Because of the gathering last night and because I indulged myself on some last night Soju and Samgyupsal, I felt beloated. Thus, I went running and doing some pullups. The Sun was beating down on it and the weather was fantastic. Coming back home, I ate a little and ended up taking a nap. Around 5pm, I was ready to go up to Seoul 'again' in order to participate in the weekly volunteering. Today was very special because it is the last time that my good friend Sarah, host of the event takes part in with her boyfriend Matt who is also leavinng the country for good. We did the usual thing together, buying, bagging and giving out food to the homeless. And I made some friends with new people so it was pretty good.
Anyway, as a token that Sarah and Matt will remember us by, I asked the participants to fill in a piece of paper with messages. Both the couple and the participatns loved the idea so I felt great. Well, after all, Sarah was all welling up when I was presenting the paper to her at the end of the event. We have been good friends since 08, have some commonalities e.g. the passion for the show the Office .. haha I know. But she was kind enough to bring back some memorabilia of the office when she visited her hometown Scranton years ago e.g. a t-shirt and stickers. And that was in return of my bringing back some Muslim-related items when I visited Malaysia back in 09.
After saying goodbye, it was 9pm. I cancelled my train ticket at 10:15pm and decided to hop on the bus to Suwon. And as soon as I neared the bus stop, I hopped on the bus and there was one seat left! I felt darn lucky.
22th August
As soon as I woke up, I felt something was wrong. I was very much tired. And my coworkers wanted to throw me a lil birthday party after work. I could not say no.. no matter how tired I was. So we all hung out until 9pm. I even skipped the gym.. it is such a RARITY for me to do such a thing of nature. Anyhow, the party was fine and I appreciate my coworkers. They did the cake thing and gave me a 50,000won worth gift certificate. How nice!
23th August
Aftering being a meeting 4 and a half hours to discuss next year's budget plans, I felt drained. A quick run to home for lunch was the only solace. It was about 1:30pm and the weather was fantastic. The streets were brimmed with boring and exciting looking housewives with or without babies in strollers. I miss those days when I drove around the region in the middle of day. I can't do it here thus can't not wait to go back to my company at the end of this year.
The gym was usual. It is always packed. I gained 2 lbs. I think this is because my nibbling at nuts that I brought home this past weekend. I feels awesome hitting the gym after recovering from the fatigue yesterday. My trainer advised "Your body needs rest. It always does." Ended up going to bed around 11:30pm. The bed ilterally absored me. It is always a good feeling.
