LASEK

Firstly, I can't say thank you enough for all the prayer people have covered me with as I prepared to go in for my LASEK procedure today. I am so provided for and thankful for everyone in my life.

The procedure itself wasn't bad at all. I was determined to be tough and not make it worse than it needed to be. I was done in about 15 minutes. I'm experiencing some pain, but I just keep telling myself how much it will be worth it.

The highlight of the entire experience though?!

They played the CONGRATULATION song at the end of the procedure. I just about died from laughter. The Congratulation song in Korea is very popular, you hear kids singing it a lot. Often for birthdays even!



LASEK is different than LASIK in that there is no actual incision to the cornea of the eye, instead an alcoholic solution is applied to the eye to then remove the top layer of epithelial cells. Laser treatment is then done and finally a bandage contact lens is applied.


*THIS IS NOT MY EYE- it's really interesting to watch, but don't watch if you think you can't handle it ;)




Ryan was gracious enough to pick me up from the clinic this afternoon to guide me through the halls of the train stations. Stephanie, Wynn and Chris are all headed up from Cheonan tonight to spend the weekend with me. I can't help but be so thankful. Big thanks to these guys!

Lunar New Year Holiday

Last Saturday myself and some friends and co workers decided to venture up to Yongpyong Ski Resort to take advantage of our 3 (some of them 4) day weekend!




It was beautiful and so much fun to spend time with such fun people. As a skier, I decided I'd snowboard Sat night and ski on Sunday. Well, we ended up renting off the mountain so I had to choose. I chose a snowboard. I'd been a few times and can make it down the mountain, but was not prepared for what would happen!

I hit a SOLID piece of ice at the base of the mountain just before the lift area. The immediate fall took my breath away, forced me into a frozen position, with the exception of my back, which was spasming. The contractions of the back only became more painful with every second I was there. So I decided to just lay there for a bit and wait until it wore off. In the middle of all this, friends called and said they'd be right down. By the time they got there, I was being strapped and boarded to the stretcher. But THAT'S not all. I was strapped a total of 3 different layers and was zipped up ENTIRELY in the orange bag. Now I'm not one to complain, but this was definitely not my favorite moment of the weekend. Especially as being a borderline claustrophobic.

In all, my tailbone was actually pretty damaged. After some pain pills and an order to lay low, we were back at the hostel and spending time with friends.

The weekend was packed full of adventure (I'll post on that later) but overall it was great. I was convinced though that every vaction/trip I try to take is always tainted with somthing going awry.

Oh well..... C'est la vie. It's what makes it full of excitement, right?

Back in SO KO

So I've been back for the last week and from the moment I walked of the plane, I felt an immediate sense of relief to be back to a place I really do like to call home. After a really terrible time getting back (my luggage even came through!), I came back with a renewed sense of purpose, excitement and hope to finish out the next 5 months here in Korea.

I have to say, one of the highlights to coming back were all the Koreans who live/work near or in my building. They were so excited to see me! It warmed my heart to know they noticed I wasn't out and about in the neighborhood!

I met with Joo Hyeok on Thursday night for a hot choco and he was speechless. From him, and from many others, they tell me my face looks much better and happier. I think the visit to Boise and some time off from work has done me good :)
Joo Hyeok and myself

And his gift to me... socks. How very kindly Korean of him. Actually... I was excited about these socks.



Last weekend I had the opportunity to do some ice skating and meet so many new people (which I'm always a big fan of). The skating and skate rental for one hour of skating cost cheon won - 1,000 won or about a dollar.




In other news.... I'm getting Lasek eye surgery done on Jan. 30. (The reason for all the eyewear in the above photos) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I'm really looking forward to the end result. I went in for some testing last Thursday and as a result had dilated pupils for like 9 hours. Not fun to teach and work with that whole mess going on.

Anyways - back into the routine of things and definitely enjoying my life of Korean culture once again.

Peace and love,
Jess.

Currently Reading...

Those of you who know me well know I read like 4 or 5 books at a time. Call me ADD whatever - I don't care.

I'm currently reading this book:



It's incredible. I think you should read it too.

Have a blessed week!
Jess.

Courage!

Yet another quote I love:

"To have courage for whatever
comes in life – everything lies
in that."

-Mother Theresa

I'm heading back to Korea today - as of right now I'm in the Boise airport. My flights have been switched around due to a delay and the customer service lady doesn't realize what a rockstar I am in airports and thinks it might be best if I give myself more time for my connecting flight :) No really though - props to the customer service gal, Jen - she's the real rockstar.

I'm thankful for all the sweet memories and time I had in Boise with friends and family. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful place to come back to.

xoxo
Jess.