I got a call Tuesday morning.
“I’m gonna miss you, man.”
Christina was sobbing on the phone at Incheon International.
“I’m gonna miss you too.”
I was trying to keep my composure, and I was pissed that both of us were too busy to spend some time together before she left for good.
Yes, Christina has moved out of Korea. She was the friend from high school who pulled me here in the first place and was a bit of an anchor during my time here. We lived fairly close to each other, but we didn’t hang out much. It was comforting to know we were both in the same area. We knew we were there if we needed each other.
So now, it feels a bit strange. Korea without Christina.
I’m really going to miss her and regret we didn’t take advantage of our time together in Korea. But she just couldn’t stay here. For one, she hates the country passionately. And, yeah, she doesn’t have the personality for it. Brazen outgoing personalities don’t match well in a passive-aggressive culture. We also knew that she wouldn’t be able to pass the new E-2 regulations. I’ll just leave it at that.
Man, those regulations are offing a good many of teachers here. As for me, it’s still been a headache. My visa expires next week. We have everything except that stupid apostille for my criminal background check, and it seems like no one in Alabama knows what we’re talking about.
I’m also adjusting to Eun Jeong being back to work. She’s already in constant bitch and complain mode about her workplace. Maybe a record for her. It usually took her a couple of weeks to hate her job. I also have to fend for myself for dinner. I made some salmon Monday, some stir-fried pork on Tuesday, and a BLT on Wednesday. I gotta plan ahead more.
On top of that, I was royally stupid last night when recording the SeoulPodcast. In fact, it didn’t record. It was the one time I didn’t check to see if it was recording before we started because I just hadn’t trusted the record button the software. And I still shouldn’t. I had pushed the record button, but nothing happened. I didn’t realize that until we were wrapping the show.
So, sorry folks. No SeoulPodcast next week.
Well, at least I have a weekend free–to write. I have two deadlines to finish this weekend. I’m sure I’ll be able to pull them off, though. I’m planning to take a month off in August for the podcast to recharge my batteries. I love it, but doing it every week with writing and producing little fake ads and comedy bits is wearing me down a bit, and I don’t want to get lazy.
Man, I really want some more free time to head into Seoul and catch up with friends.
Other than that, I’ve still been pretty good about keeping to my exercise schedule–when I don’t sleep too late like today. And I’ve been pretty good at staying away from bad foods and beer–treating them as occasional treats (like my BLT).
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Christina is officially gone. She met me at the airport when I first stepped foot in Korea. She and Glen helped me get my start during my first year. They were always generous and knowledgable. Yet she had always threatened to leave. And now she’s done it.