Success...fighting*^^*!~

What a Wonderful day*!~
Today was the Asan Animal shelter Fundraiser over at Cafe Harunohee, and there were not only so many donations, a packed house, and great Vegan desserts...there were some AMAZING people^^*!~

     I was super pumped for this event, haven't had much of a chance to meet other veg heads in the area...opportunity knocking...and it was meant to happen, how many things happen on line 7?!
     I met up with George around noon-ish and together we found Cafe Harunohee, super cute, very quaint, small and cozy. The menu was written in both Korean and English and in chalk...felt very organic, very...comforting. The vegan spread was right by the door and so much was gone already, lots to choose from and with money just taken from the atm, this woman went a little snack crazy!

the interior (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 After buying a bunch of goodies, and meeting the infamous, gorgeous and Vegan blogging Goddess, Alien's Day Out...George and I went and ordered some noms. George went for the special of the day, Japanese curry, and I went with the pumpkin soy latte (4,800W.)

all smiles and waiting for curry (photo taken by VeganBeats)

I was too slow to capture the pre-mix, but there ltos of veggies...always glad to see broccoli!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Everyone in the states knows and is fully aware with my pumpkin addiction...which kicks into high-gear around the fall, I was dreaming about this latte since I planned on going to the fundraiser...was I drooling a little?

pumpkin soy latte nom nom nom^^**(photo taken by VeganBeats)

 There was a glorious spread or beuatiful desserts, pecan bars, blondies, pumpkin bars (I got 2!!!!), etc...and even pumpkin chocolate chip scones...pumpkin love fulfilled*!~

pumpkin chocolate chip scones ^^*~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Food sold out really quick, and I already emptied my wallet on the latte and a bunch of goodies...I was tempted to splurge on Cafe Harunohee's treat of the day, vegan waffles, fruit, and vegan whip cream...I will say I got a taste and BAM...as much as I'm trying to reduce the sugar intake...how can I deny a treat like this, and amongst new friends!! I have to say it was bomb....I'm tempted to show up everyday and requesting it...maybe it'll become a permanent breakfast option at this place hmmm ^^*~      I didn't expect to stay so long, but I am so glad I did. I met some wonderful, bright, intelligent, and passionate people. Met a few other vegans, and another writer!! And I met Alien's Day Out...admission, wonderful person!

Eventually wandered home and coudln't feel my fingers...today is CHILLy...
Got some snapshots of the glory when I got home...and did a little cooking, but first, the visual dessert orgasms*!~


blondie and gingerbread biscotti (photo taken by VeganBeats)

pumkin brownie and peanut butter jam thumbprints!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

pumpkin chocolate chip scone, in bag! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

and out of bag..nom nom (photo taken by VeganBeats)

walnut toffee bar-eeek I forgot the actual title...apologies (photo taken by VeganBeats)

mexican hot chocolate snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookie!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

  Everything smells and looks great^^*!~ The fundraiser went really well, many people donated blankets, pillows, and money to help out the lovely animals over at Asan shelter...Vegan/Veggie Power*!~

Thanks for putting this event up ladies...you are AMAZING*!~

Due to the cold weather and the smell of curry...along with frigid lack of finger feeling..I whipped up a spicey hearty curry...chalk full of spinach, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and coconut flakes...nom nom

curry...ahhhh (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 I also got a little craving for some garlic scapes..I talked a lot about Vermont today and ahhh, what I would do for some kale...anyways, here's what I whipped up*!~

I love accidentally making something amazing ^^*~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 What you need:
*garlic scapes (as much as you want, I only used 4 pieces) cut into 2cm sections
*a leek (Korean leeks 1-2, American leeks 3-4)
*water spinach, about a handful
*mushrooms (I used chantarells!)
*2-3 cloves of garlic (I liek garlic okay!!)
*red pepper flakes
*pepper
*sesame oil (1T)
*soy sauce (2-3ts)

What you do:
1. heat a medium sized pan on med-high, add some oil, then add the scapes
2. mix the scaped for about 3 or so minutes then add the chopped mushrooms
3. fry for a couple minutes until the juices are released from the mushrooms, then add th leek and spinach
4. as the spinach starts to wilt add the red pepper flakes, garlic, and pepper
5. mix everything thoroughly for about 3-4 minutes then add 1-3 teaspoons or soy sauce (feel free to add more for flavor)
6. heat until the soysauce is almost dissolved and enjoi*!~

nom nom...ahh greens and heat^^*!~

Don't forget!^^*!~

Don't forget to come to the Vegan Bake Sale today!!!^^*!~

A different kind of love...

Today was picture day for my kids...captures some wonderful moments, had so many laughs..and was filled with this sense of pride...I know it's just kindergarten, but they're graduating! And over the past five months, their English has improved so much. I've witnessed them developing their own sense of selves, be able to communicate with greater ease and I've grown attached. I'm sad that I will be leaving them soon...but am so thankful for moments like these...

They were all so playful, happy to be out of school^^*!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Jessica and Hailey making faces, Hailey mid-giggle ^^*!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 I loved seeing them in this new environment, giggling, joking around, and just kicking it with Kylie (new teacher), M.K, and myself...I want more moments like this.

serious Lynn (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Eileen is not graduating this year, but she is sucha  wonderful girl! She is always playful, always tries hard, and has the energy of a kangaroo! Always ready to play, always tough, a great sport and she makes me giggle all the time...I'm going to miss her a lot!

Eileen!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

photo taken b VeganBeats^^*!~

 Hailey tries so hard for everything, she's super sweet and...ugh my  heart turns to mush~~

gorgeous Hailey (photo taken by VeganBeats)

my girls laughing...(photo taken by VeganBeats)

 These are my main ladies, I teach them about 90% of the week and they've developed such a close friendship with one another...they were having so much fun today, cracking jokes, dancing, singing together...this was a beautful moment...this shot made me melt and grow so sad...

photo taken by VeganBeats

 The man in graduation uniform...

Shawn!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 After the photo shoots we brought the kids to a nearby restuarant for some 똑, I wish we coudl do this more often. Bringing the kids out of the school environment and to a place where they can freely socialize and be a part of their surroundings...I didn't eat with them but it was like a family meal. Snacking on sweet rice cakes, laughing, playing word games...seeing the kids so happy...aiaiai

Eileen, always playful (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Whether the will ever know it or not, these kids have helped me through a lot and have made a major imprint on my life. They are the reason why I show up to work, why I wake up everyday...they genuinely inspire an honest smile. I haven't laughed out loud since China, or without reflecting on times with well...these kids have got me to tears. Everyday, regardless of the stresses and aggravation I feel, my heart is warmed and a sense of happiness is birthed.
  I do love these kids, and they have made me feel very much loved...I'm honestly, really really upset about having to leave them, I will miss them so incredibley much. I will figure out a better way to describe the impact they've made on me...All I can really manage to write is...I really love these kids and care so much about them. I'm protective and find myself tolerating so much, but not with negativity...I think I'm better understanding how and why parents generally love their kids so much...

beautiful....(photo taken by VeganBeats)

I hate my job so much, but am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to meet and teach these kids...my kids. Graduation is going to be difficult...ㅎㅎㅎ I already know I'm going to cry...

된장찌개, sprout black soybean 밥, and 김치

        While everyone's been complaining about this weather I've been loving it!! It's dreary, biting frigid and my eyelashes frost over every morning, but it's refreshing...my tepid being and extreme lack of sleep has caused my mental state to blend easily almost completely with the environment. Not unpleasant but not preferable...feels sounds looks accurate. I'm enjoying outside because it's reflecting my mental capacity.
        I can't believe it's already Friday, I haven't posted anything, I haven't slept, barely been social...teaching non-stop...any human contact I've had besides with my students has been at the produce stand by my work. I've found a warm embrace there and have been finding myself going there after work just to relax. Broken communication, laughter, a genuine calmness exists there...a tiny 8 by 10 foot produce store, the other half of it covered by a plastic tent, boxes of frozen fish, cartons of eggs, baskets of fruit...peace. Tuesday I went to find mushrooms...a strange habit...or meditation for me- when really stressed, overwhelmed, minds too busy, in need of something still, I go to produce stalls, coops; wander around the fruits and vegetables, admire their shapes, colors, smells, etc. Vegan stuff calms me, stuff from the earth. I feel grounded, even for a matter of seconds, that grounding, something solid to step is worth the 30 minute, 1 hour walk or subway ride. In the states...I was all to often found wandering the aisles of the coops and foreign markets.
        This week has got me standing on my toes on top of brass nails, I'm nauseous, exhausted, busy minded...I feel like an elder. (ranting WARNING) back aches, I can only bend my neck so much until my trapezius muscle (between the shoulderblades along the back of your neck, diamond shaped) swells and feels like any more weight and it will snap, my shoulders won't allow my arms to freely rotate, hips very very stiff...my yoga practice is suffering. I led yoga this morning and my body is definatley holding a lot of stuff in. There's so much compacted, emotions, thoughts, stress origins...I don't know where to begin to alleviate most of it...a loose seam may tear all the fabric..complete overwhelment (word?)

I need to find a bookstore.

I'll cut the arts talk off for now...initial intention of this blog, oh ya...vegan noms!^^*!~
The other day I made some nummy stuff, a classic and staple Korean dish, 된장찌개 (dwe-jang jiggaye)*!~

김치, black soybean steamer 밥 with sprouts, 김 and 된장찌개^^*!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 What you need:~
* dwejjang paste (된장 paste) ~can be found at Korean foreign markets
*water
*tofu/ 두부 preferabley firm, cubed...and go with how much you want (I did about 1/4 a block)
*1 medium onion
*zukes (I did peas...I know, not the same family at all)
*mushrooms (had none, but had one teeny 고구마 (sweet potatoe) left...hodge podge


What to do^^*!~
1. In a pot boil a couple cups of water, I did about 4 or 5, I wanted lots of broth!!
2. When the water is boiling add about 1-2 TB of 된장paste and stir...make sure it breaks up, when all mixed in, turn heat to medium high (taste the broth as you go, the color should be a darkish brown...add more paste if bland!!)
3. Add in the veggies, and cover the pot until the veggies are cooked (depends on what you got could take longer)
4. Add the mushrooms once the onions are cooked through and the tofu (두부) and cover the pot. 
5. Let the pot "boil" for ten minutes or so, you want everything cooked up!
6. enjoi^^*!~


I was craving the broth for this...it does smell strong, but for me it reminds me of home and of Korea...coincidentally enough ^^*!~


I ate this with some of the 김치 my 이모 made me (vegan love) and some black soy bean steamer 밥 (onlya little though, don't want to load too much on salt...but I hate rice )O:
and of course, 김*!~


The 된장찌개 came out much better than other attempts because I added the paste first versus after throwing all the veggies in...Oops^^*!~


Anyways Happy Friday*!~


AH, and all you kids out thee playing in Seoul, check out 
The VEGAN BAKESALE FUNDRAISER FOR THE ASAN ANIMAL SHELTER 
this Saturday January 29th at Cafe Harunohee

Directions to Cafe Harunohee:
Gunja Station, Line 5&7, Exit 6. Walk straight for about 5-7 minutes. The cafe will be on your left.
Children's Grand Park Station, Line 7, Exit 1. Walk straight for about 5-7 minutes. The cafe will be on your right.
Address: 서울시 광진구 능동 283-17
Tel: 02-453-0508
Daily Opening Hours: 11am-11pm

Eternal Sunshine and the Spotless Mind

     Snow^^*!~ So much snow everywhere today, from the moment I opened my eyes, there's been large powerdy white flakes pillowing outside my window...went for a walk and feeling the chill melt on my face got my eyes smiling...beautiful day!
     I had plans earlier to meet with Amy and some people, but snow prevention...still positive day though! Played outside, went for a walk, explored a bit and took a lot of time to think (figures eh!) Watched Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind and forgot how much I really enjoy this film...definately brought on a load of sadness and distant desires...much needed, dissociative parts are too strong and overwhelming on my system, forced film triggering is necessary...네 I sound emotional, I am emotional...and need(ed) to be.

     While the emotional rollercoastering has been something I am growing ever more accustomed to, and maybe sadly comfortable with...I all to often call to those dissociative parts. The instant wall builders, emotional barriers...I never handle them in appropriate times, usually alone or never at all...a continuously shakin champagne bottle, ready to explode..."you can wait, keep shaking...." then when completely unprepared and potentialluy forgotten...destructive, unprotected, unstoppable explosion.
     That happened earlier, in October. Had a not so well-timed conversation and everything exploded, the ignored thoughts and emotions were ripped open because one statement, one look lightly kissed something else and...done for.
This movie was needed.
     I've been holding back from myself, and realize I always address it so. I am fully aware of my effort filled attepted ignorance, I am in touch with my mind and thoughts and emotions but try to siphon out the really...really deep hidden stuff. Parts of me are too fearful to address those back-burner ridden thoughts because, if I do get through them, over them...maybe then it will truly never exist. As much as it sucks, I'd rather hold onto those memories them risk them truly being erased from my life...
and the film tie in~
     This movie got me realy reflecting on this, I would never choose to intentionall y erase all of the experiences that we shared...rather I would go through this process to re-live them. Jim Carrey's character, Joel travels into his memories, the brain map, and relives the memories of his relationship with Clemintine (Kate Winslet.) In efforts to get over here, and move past her, he wants to erase everything Clemintine...finding that he wants to hold on to some of the memories... I'm in that position, somewhat, except I don't want to lose anything... I see couples and instead of genuine envy, I find this heavy swelling building in my chest...a heaviness I can't explain, one I can't purge out of my system. My eyes well, my shoulder sag, and thin strings seem to tug at every follicle...immediate calls to dissociative parts. Before my eyes can shed anything, I shake everything off...instant guards... I see relationships and grow weary, tired, and wishful...time travel...freezing time, if I had the power...the ability. I am aware of my strength, and my power, but the ability to fully block the tears is something I have not yet been able to accomplish. Crying is healthy, but I am exhausted. I appreciate a good cry, crying is a beautiful and ugly thing, a true oxymoron- but I desire thoughts a reflection with their absence. If they were absent, it would only mean erasing. There's this strange balance I seek...but only within my ideal guidelines...I want my way, I always want everything my way.

effective Saturday...^^*~

           This morning Jaxs left for Thailand, so last night I met up with her (love love love), Diane, Mieon, and Leo to kick it and celebrate the end of a week, and the awesomness Jaxs will (by now) be having!! I haven't been in 강남 and going out for a while...I did go earlier this week to kick it with none other but my love Jaxs!! ^^*!~
           I am so excited for her to be taking this trip, Jaxs*!~ Have a blast and play on monkey beach!!
          Anyways, I met up with the crew at a HOF...entering a booth full of smiling faces and energy pumping, I couldn't be happier*!~ It really marked a moment of a great ending of a the work week and great start to the weekend! I wish I had a better way to explain it, I was just full, fully content and at peace...I felt rejuvenated. All the nervousness and anxiety I was feeling hours before seeing everyone was instantly replaced with joy...^^*!~

         The times I have been having alone have been full of constantly running thoughts, points of anxiety, stress, nervousness, and a passing (but always existent) desire to revert back to the patterns I so depended upon. The states represents a lot of...obstacles, ones I've believed to be over or past in many ways, but they are a sense of comfort, a destuctive easiness. I know there are changes my way, and I am undoubtedly eager to get to that "starting line"...and I am powerful and strong enough to get through anything to get there, a major portion of my parts desire easiness, some calmness as opposed to jutting storms. In my head more often then not, sensitive and easil stimulated by so much of my environment. Other's insecurities easily ricochet into my thoughts and support a domino effect of immense discomfortm, self-consciousness, and running self-hatred. My dissociative parts are very strong, and I am thankful for them, but wish they would lay off a bit. I call to those parts to work with my masking parts, I put a lot of effort into acting like things others say or do, don't bother me or trigger an explosion of negativity for me...I don't bring it up and admitting it, externally I fear will only confirm a craziness factor...the mind, my mind...I wonder am I intelligent or over-paranoid. And reasons why there are no gray areas for me is aggravating. It is always one or the other, extremities only and always...there's never an in-between when the cameras on me...anyways....

Woke up today and found out I had a placement exam to take...I turned into one of my students, nail biting, stressing, studying my phone dictionary...it was a placement exam for my Korean class I am starting...I can read 한굴 but writing it clearly and not looking like a dumbass...>_<#
I was anxious...a greater percentage of excitment really...I am competitive, I thank my Korean upbringing really, and I want to be the best in my class, the smartest...as awful as this sounds...I want others to hate how well I'm doing. I've always believed the more your classmates hated your success, the better you were doing...twisted I know. >_<#
     I was so uncomfortable in the classroom though, there were so many...foreigners (obviously.) But everyone was so...critical of Koreans, Korea, the culture, the people, the food, EVERYTHING. So much negativity and bashing going on (I recognize I sound quite hypocritical now.) I was more than silent and avoiding eye contact...I felt so uneasy. I was scared, meeting others, meeting new people was freaking me out. I'm sure my silence released a very cold presence and others were thinking I was a snob, or deliberatly ignoring all of them, I wasn't, I was definately not wishing to communicate with some of my future classmates (swearing out loud and complaining about how much Korea sucks...what are you doing here?!!!) My anxiety was causing this block in my throat, and blinders by my eyes..I couldn't concentrate really, I was stressing about the placement exam we would be taking, and all these...Americans. My heart was so tight, like a coil swelling around my chest while my lungs were pressing into it, the air and blood in my body trying to find space, but even my nostrils were shrinking...
      ~I've always freaked out when it came to exams >_<#

The exam was okay, I knew half of the answers for sure, but the others I was lost...I left one word answers and the last question asked us something about spaghetti...so I wrote everything I don't eat with a reason.

못모거요 고기, 상송, 치즈.... 알로지 이 새요. 스파게리 시도. 세희 비간!!! (I don't eat meat, fish, cheese etc...I have an allergy. I hate spaghetti. Sae-hee vegan!!)
I want to find out how I did....I'm sure the native Koreans are laughing at how stupid I must have looked, or how off the charts my answers may be....I know I giggle over my students mistakes...ai ai ai

Anyways...after the test I HAD to go for a walk, I was so uncomfortable and nervous and shaky..there was this girl from Jersey and Cali in the class that were so loud and negative and just complaining about everything...and just...racist spews of hatred...so I went around 강남 and shopped a bit...went to Giordano and got a cute sweater...then ont he way home I stopped into ABC New York Bakery and got some stuff for family and crew...
I'm sure nothing was vegan but everything was so cute....and I mean pricey, but I got a load of stuff for 20,000W!! Happy tummies will happen for the people I adore ^^*!~

peach, pineapple, kiwi, and cherry cutard pastry bread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

herbed vidalia onion cream bread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

cinnamon almond pastry rolled croissant with icing (photo taken by VeganBeats)



 After too much shopping I finally loaded onto the subway to get back home...and was really into walking...so phbbt to taking a bus, I took a long walk home just to breathe in outside...and I took the hour long subway ride in addition to the hour walk as a silent walking meditation...
Got home, unpacked everything, swept, laid down, and snuggled with the kids...then photo session*!~

what are you pointing at me for? (photo taken by VeganBeats)

they snuggle too!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

pretty (photo taken by VeganBeats)

^^*~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

the kids a ya ya (photo taken by VeganBeats)

고구마 is in the background...giving Hamlet a back massage!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

rodent love*!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

(O:  (photo taken by VeganBeats)

고구마 moves so much, this is the first clear shot I've got of him!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

It's late...again, but I've got me some green tea, did meditation, walked, wrote...thought, and snuggled...Sunday, I await you!!

heavy veggies 비빔밥*!~

Breathe easy, breathe fully, breathe completely...trying to allow all the oxygen into my lungs so I can really release the stress and negativity from this week...hell from the snaring lies of today...

Anyways, made some official changes in my life...well soon to be changes, Seoul part 2 will start in March! Or...the official beginning of Seoul...change^^*!~

The other day did some playing, felt this body of mine deserved some major spoiling (my hips say otherwise...>_<#) but some dank 비빔밥 was in order...of course, heavy on the veggies, skimping on the rice...

^^*!~ photo taken by VeganBeats

 Loads of mountain roots, veggies, lettuce, shredded radishes, zukes, spinach, mushroms, dried kimchi zukes...nom nom....
this was followed by a serious nap....

My students turn my heart to mush....

My students brighten my day!! This is what I found walking into my classroom!!! ^^*~


How beautiful are they...seriously?!!! ^^*~

skinship and love...^^*!~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)



Foreign Food Market in Itaewon

I've only been to Itaewon once since I've come to Korea, for many reasons I've tried to avoid it because well...I want to get into the Korean culture versus the comfort of familiarity. Itaewon is a cultural cornicopia of a lot of American owned stores, bars, shops, etc. There's an overwhelming (and extremely comforting) amount of English speaking going on here, there's no confusion over directions or prices or simple communication...
My avoidance got the best of me when I realized that this body of mine was missing some of the comforts of America. I missed getting chickpeas at any market, salsa (why was I craving this) and hell...I missed quality balsamic vinegar, I was craving my comfort....so the foreign food mart was a must.
It was pretty easy to find, literally two minutes from Itaewon station...you get out at exit 3 and walk straight for a bit, when you see the Dunkin Donuts and Mr. Kebab take a right. Walk up the hill for a bit, and it's on your left!
It only takes cash so make sure to get cash befor eyou load up and realize you can't pay....mistake numero uno!


Entering the store my body fluttered in excitement. There was pita bread, tahini, ground flaxseeds, LOADS of balsamic vinegar, campbells (I don't care for it at all, but it is comforting to see!!), dried beans, peas!! I was literally giggling out loud, I felt like I was in candy land...I needed to be smart with my purchasing, I had to in fact bring it all back with me on the subway...but my eyes were shopping and my heart was pounding...
After about an hour of scrounging around and measuring, adding, and internal debating I left with these goodies!!

not organic or all natural but believe it or not, 4 lbs for 19,000W is a steal, especially in Korea >_<# (photo taken by VeganBeats)

dijon mustard..I almost cried when I found this...nom nom (photo taken by VeganBeats)

so much salsa gwaaaaaaaa (Homer voice) (photo taken by VeganBeats)

chick peas and only 1500W!!!...heaven (photo taken by VeganBeats)

dried chick peas for 3500W!!!!! Hummus, you will enter the Vegan life soon enough ^^*~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Maybe I seem and appear a bit greedy with this chickpea purchase, but chickpeas mean a lot to me. They were the first bean that I can remember being introduced to, (thanks dad!) They're always been around since I was a kid and there's this whole comfort and safety associated with them. I always used to go with canned chickpeas but after getting a bunch of dried ones in bulk I discovered a whole new flavor association. When they are dried and soaked they have a very nutty flavor to them, and they are super inexpensive dried, as most beans are! This was the initial vegan staple of my life, maybe the main protein source for when I was a kid...so thanks nana for introducing me to hummus that one summer day, my life has truly been forever changed from that moment...^^*!~

dried red lentils..mamas making some dahl! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 The glory, the nectar of heaven, the beautiful....my giddiest purchase (right there with chickpeas and the green peas)...

balsamic vinegar!!!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 I also got a HUGE bag of frozen green peas...ai did I miss these! I always stack my freezer with frozen peas, it's my go to, my chosen, my always loved greens,,,mmm besides lettuce. They're sweet, cute, flavorful and super good for you! The bag was 6,000W but frozen veggies are overpriced and honestly..I think they suck over here. I HATE the variety fozen veggie bags; why would I want a bag full of frozen carrots, corn, AND peas? I just want the peas...plus those variety bags are expensive...teeny bags for 4500 or 6000W...I got a steal...nom nom

Riding the subway home my mind was cranking, what could I make that would include a bunch of these new exciting and comfortaing purchases...I was honestly stressing a bit, I was starving but not hungry enough to make everything I used to make with all of these things...while my mind was steaming, a guy sat next to me with a camera and I thought of my old roomie Andre!! He is an AMAZING photographer and person, and he took photos for one of my earlier posts! While we were living together we once made falafels and so when I got home...

falafel!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

that's exactly what I made!!

Check out some of Andre's stuff*!~

순두부 on a "sick" day

It wasn't a sick day...it was a day after "night in 홍대" situation...too many hours of sleep missed, bottles of 소주, bills spent on getting home...
The thing about 소주 is it catches up to you suddenly, and before you can be prepared...

Anyways, details not needed...point is I made a mean bowl of 김치순두부! It was filled with nearly everything in my fridge that was in dire need of some lovin, and thankfully everything in there was what my body was craving....

^^*~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Here's what I did:
What you need:
*soft tofu
*enoki mushrooms
*chives/scallions
*half a med. onion cut into half moons
*as much 김치 as your heart desires...cut up (thank you scissors)
*seaweed (fresh from the produce stand next to me, literally the guy drove up, car smelling of oceans!!)
*red pepper flakes (extra spice is always nice)
*a baby 고구마 sliced thin (this guy was counting it's last week...had to, had to)

Here's what I did:
1. Boil a pot of water and throw in the sliced onions
2. add the sliced 고구마 (sweet potatoe) and sliced seeweed

3. let it boil for about 10 minutes or so, then add the 김치 and 김치 juices
4. Boil it for a bit longer, kind of wanted my 긴치 a bit tender...
5. add the soft tofu
6. cover the pot for a couple minutes, maybe 3
7. Add the red pepper flakes and mushrooms and cover the pot for another 5-8 minutes
8. Let it down to a simmer, and if you want more flavor feel free to add salt or more hot ness!!!
9. Serve it up with slices scallions and chives on top...my mom adds sesame oil for extra flavor...mine wasn't needed though!!

This was exactly what my body wanted and needed, spice, protein, a little starch, and always...always 김치

Enjoi*!~

Monday...you turned out well*!~

          Every week when Monday edges closer, I find myself in this really undefined position of dread -ugh another work week- and excitment, what did my kids do this weekend? What new slaps in the face will I get from my job? What konglish will be thrown at me? What ridiculous statements will I hear and struggle to not laugh at or silenced with...
          Sunday evening is this multi-houred game of tug of war...go to sleep, be well rested for the next day, and succumb to the fact that Monday is closer...or stay awake as long as possible, give the weekend something more to hold on too. Instead of dealing with the inevitable approaching Monday, I don't pass out until 3am, am exhausted for work...my negativity aside...
          Teaching is great because of the kids, solely because of them. Sure there are wonderful coworkers but in the end, the kids are what keep me caring. The genuine eagerness, curiosity and work ethic is unbelievable. For such young kids, they display so much determination, competition, and drive...my students in America made me feel like if I challenged them a little they would falter.
This morning was one of those days where I was only and purely looking forward to kicking it with my kids. I had a fun weekend, but it was too short, it slipped by before I even breathed any of it in.
And thanks to my girls....today was more than fun and Monday turned out to be enjoyable*!~

Hailey, Lynn, and Eileen (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 Today I brought my camera in and a photoshoot was in order!!

adorable*!~ photo taken by VeganBeats

 "Let's make love, let's make hearts!!"

^^*~ photo taken by VeganBeats

 I think my heart melts...I can be in the worst and foulest of moods but....ahhh I'm mush

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

We're hamsters!!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Esther (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 I told Shawn to smile...this is all he managed to muster....

photo taken by VeganBeats

The rest of the day rounded off with Peter Pan 2, all the kids hearing my tummy grumble "teacher! You're tummy goes grum beee gooom"

The rest of the day went by well too, my other kids were awesome and there were lots of laugh and....some goofy comments....

one of my students told me that they were really hungry her classmate told me "teacher, maybe she would taste yummy if she was fried?"

Until next time Monday