for the 3rd time in my 2 years and 3 months in Korea, I've joined a gym. Doesn't say much for my self-control and motivation! why now, when I've only got 3 months left? Well, my students calling me chubby and pregnant are the biggest reason. (small rant here: don't get me wrong, i don't have big body issues, I know I'm not fat, its just that living in Korea-land where the average woman weighs 50kg, and anything above this is seen as overweight ((seriously, when did you last weigh 50? i think it was when i was in primary school...)) does eventually start to bug one.
anyway, speak to me in a month when I've more than likely given up on the gym.
why is it that I can have amazing self-control with some things, like not eating lollies with gelatine, but have such little motivation with exercise? i'm going to try a reward system: 3 gym visits a week = one Starbucks coffee. we'll see how that goes. i'm not hopeful. I think I'm the most regular customer at my local Starbucks.

I've started to do volunteer teaching at the Seoul Migrant Women's Centre, which is conveniently located about 20 mins away by bus, close by Seoul standards. The centre provides counselling and support to the growing numbers of foreign women who come to Korea either to work or as brides for lonely older Korean men. These women often become quite isolated, speaking no Korean and being absolutely reliant on their husbands. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is becoming an all too common problem in these marriages. anyway, I'm teaching an intermediate class to the Korean staff there, and a beginners class to two of their Vietnamese volunteers. so far it is going very well.

hmmm, what else.....
Halloween was pretty uneventful, I'm not that interested in Halloween to be honest.
I made Indian-spiced baked cauliflower today, it was yummy.
oh, and I am a new fan of Noah and the Whale, this song in particular.