Walking in Familiarity

Hello again! It's quiet evenings like this where I really wish I brought Alfonso (my macbook) along. My grandma's computer is so loud and my grandparents sleep so early, but for now this will have to suffice. 

The rainy season has started in Korea and it's much more tolerable than the heat. Today I enjoyed an evening walk with my grandma under the foliage of tall trees and already blooming flowers. My umbrella was quivering under the pressure of such pitter patter as we walked along the mossy stones and pavement alike. It was really wonderful just to be there with my grandma and reflect on past, present, and future. I used to live with her when I was a child and she raised me before I left for the US. She's perhaps the most important person in my life and there was nothing better than strolling outside. In moments where there was nothing to say, the rain provided such rich ambiance. By the end of our walk, my arms and legs were dripping rain water and rain had seeped into my shoes. My socks were damp and pressed to my feet. It was uncomfortable and kind of cold but rewarding in a sense. There's something special about just sitting/walking whilst nature is taking its course. I really do need to spend more time absently reflecting outside.

We have become people who hate everything about the word "natural." Sure the words natural and organic sell when going to a grocery store or buying cosmetics, but deep down we have become so estranged to everything that is natural. The food industry really disappoints me and oftentimes, I want to run away and live on a farm and make sure food is being grown (I used the word developed at first, that's how estranged I've become) in a humane way. We are what we eat, and so far that includes a lot of chemically enhanced corn.  

I decided to stop using my grandpa's phone on the bus. It's about a 30 min ride one way to my class so I've been perusing Facebook and catching up on news. While that too is important, there was something inexpressible about observing the surroundings and taking the short time to be mindful.

I was very torn on which orientation group I wanted to be part of. Half of me wanted to do a more rigorous outdoor canoeing/hiking orientation group. I missed out on the camping trip that is available to 50 random seniors so it sounded like a fun opportunity. However, I'm not much of a hiker and I don't own any gear whatsoever. I was late to register especially since I'm here in Korea at the moment. The outdoor groups are very small and so when I went to register they were already gone. Luckily enough, my second choice (the one I was torn between) was still available! So now I'm all set to go wander around farms and learn about food productivity and how to be sustainable. I can't even tell you how excited I am for it! 

College is coming very soon. I have about half a month left and then I'm shipped off to Massachusetts. I'm nervous but excited at the same time. My mom just left for the States and it's the first time I've ever been anywhere so long by myself. It's good practice for when I'm in somewhere unfamiliar, unlike my grandma's house. 

I guess we've already established that I'm not like most people in how I think, act, or behave so here's a little list of the things I'm MOST looking forward to come August 22. 

1. Having a little room that is fully half mine. I can't remember if I put that I wanted a single or not. I really wouldn't mind either way. I'm so excited to have a little sanctuary, a home away from home. I sort of have an idea of what I want to decorate said room with but I'm going in with an open mind and a willingness to embrace anything. 

2. Just budgeting my time my own way. Maybe to some people this means constant parties and whatnot, but to me it means something completely different. It means that I can listen to jazz and eat crackers next to Alfonso (he loves crackers too) inbetween class or just wander off to a bookstore at 5pm without telling anyone. I can skip meals or indulge haha (more likely) and do as much yoga as I want without bothering anyone. 

3. Classes! Although I have tentatively signed up for class from 9-4 everyday... I'm looking forward to a new way of learning and only taking classes that I want to (horticulture yo). 

4. Meeting new people! :D I'm kind of worried about making friends. I wasn't worried before but after being in Korea I'm kind of worried. I haven't made any friends in either of my chinese classes. Sure I can smile and laugh with them during class, but I've never had much of a personal conversation with anyone. I just think back to open campus though (when I visited in April) and it's a way more reassuring feeling.