Bry,

As I write to you right now I am in a "Gamer's Paradise." A PC Bang (the word "bang" means room in Korean. Hence Noraebang-singing room, bangbang-just kidding, get it.) There are about 50 leather chairs with Korean guys playing what look to be the coolest f-ing games ever made and chain-smoking. They are all playing online together as I make use of the internet (as my cable guy gave me 3 English speaking channels, but cut my internet). Anyway, you and I would never leave this place sane. High tech stuff.

This ones for you buddy. No pun intended in the title of the song (as you are an architect):

The Masterplan

Take the time to make some sense
of what you want to say
and cast your words away away upon the waves
sail them home with acquiesce
on a ship of hope today
and as they land upon the shore
tell them not to fear no more
say it loud and sing it proud today

and then dance if you wanna dance
please brother take a chance
you know they're gonna go
which way they wanna go
all we know
is that we don't know how it's gonna be
please brother let it be
life on the other hand
won't make us understand
were all part of the masterplan

I'm not saying right is wrong
it's up to us to make
the best of all the things that come our way
cause every thing that's been has passed
the answers in the looking glass
there's four and twenty million doors
on life's endless corridor
say it loud and sing it proud today

and then dance if you wanna dance
please brother take a chance
you know they're gonna go
which way they wanna go
all we know is that we don't know
how it's gonna be
please brother let it be
life on the other hand
wont' make us understand
we're all part of the masterplan

Seoul Survivin' in the City

I had actually been a little absent-minded since I've been here about the title of my blog. Seoul Survivin'--I am doing it; but it's not easy. As survival never is. Coming off the great weekend I had, this week so far has been really tough. I am very sick and have a Doctor's appointment to rid myself of Asian Bird Flu I got from the office (READ: Just Kidding). Yeah, not necessarily the way I want to start my first full workweek. I almost called in sick on Monday but held strong. In the meantime, before I see a doctor, this Korean girl at work hooked me up. She was so nice, and went to the pharmacy to get a "Korean" tonic that settles the nerves (which have been a little rattled with the shock of everything good and bad) and helps with flu symptoms. I don't know if it's the placebo effect, or she really got it from Mr. Miyagi down the street. Either way, I'll take relief from the symptoms.

I've been having some serious growing pains. I dream about my family and friends at night. I miss my dog. A lot. Work is stressful, and this city is MASSIVE. I have to (and am) am extremely careful as I walk aroung this city. I know i've mentioned how crazy people drive around here, but I actually saw a woman get hit by a car on my way home from work today. Not pretty. I'm no doctor or anything (or am I? Didn't Doogie Howser M.D. become the first blogger?). But yeah, she definitely had a broken pelvis. I keep two eyes in the back of my massive head..lol.

Anwyay, I am doing better after a steaming shower in my "shoebox." Right now I'm going to get some good food down the road and bring some maps so I can plan my takeover of this vast, crazy, and yet alluring city.

Anyong haseyo,

Thank you all for leaving comments on my blog. It makes consolidating my communication so much easier. So, I cooked tonight for the first time since I've been here. They have gas stoves which scare the living shit out of me. Thanks Mom. I know, the "Korean Fire" of 2009 has been keeping you from sleeping. Me too. It's going to happen. I'm going to blow this whole f-ing city up by not turning off my stove and lighting a candle. It's actually pretty cool to see the flame come out from the burner.

So, there is an open air market that sells seafood. Now, I love seafood. I usually have seaweed hanging from my lip (Paul, you know what I'm talking about). So I bought these Prawn (if you did'nt know that Prawn are a type of shrimp than you should really feel sorry for yourself). I cooked those little bastards. Delicious. Healthy. The side is a side of rice with a some special hot sauce/dipping sauce in the middle. Sooooo healthy. So tasty. It's really not hard to like it in Korea (again, did I just really fly around the earth?). Anyway, I am thinking about every single one of you throughout each minute. I miss you all, but I have spread my wings and am flying. I have not flown in so long and am enjoying the ride. You are all with me; And I with you.

Miss you all- I am Strong

I was just listening to this song and had to send it out as a special request for my family. Mom, Dad, and my Bro's. Here it is:

Kite

Something is about to give
I can feel it coming
I think I know what it is
I'm not afraid to die
I'm not afraid to live
And when I'm flat on my back
I hope to feel like I did

‘Cause hardness,
it sets in
You need some protection
The thinner the skin

I want you to know
That you don't need me anymore
I want you to know
You don't need anyone or anything at all

Who's to say where the wind will take you?
Who's to know what it is will break you?
I don't know which way the wind will blow

Who's to know when the time has come around?
Don't wanna see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye

In summer I can taste the salt in the sea
There's a kite blowing out of control on a breeze
I wonder what's gonna happen to you
You wonder what has happened to me
I'm a man, I'm not a child
A man who sees
The shadow behind your eyes

Who's to say where the wind will take you?
Who's to know what it is will break you?
I don't know
where the wind will blow
Who's to know when the time has come around?
I don't wanna see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye ----U2

Here is an acoustive performance of the song:

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=mwMdO3HK_ws

I Love You Bro

It's 10:30 on a gloriously beautiful Korean morning. Words cannot describe the excitement and hope I have. Bear with me on these crazy posts. It's funny when Dan tells me about being repetitive on my blog. Sorry, dude. I did talk a little too much about jetlag, but I was seriously shocked with my situation. I know you never repeat yourself Dan....ever. You're true patience and talent for self-control is something I appreciate and have strictly admired. What's Renee's nickname for you again? Oh---"One Track Jack." At least there's traffic on "my" track, and sometimes a nice layby station. Also, I know how easy you think this is for me. You know, the quick life adjustment; new job, new country, new city, new language ect. I want you to know that I take your criticism very seriously and think about it constantly. After all, you have travelled and explored more than 3 miles off of the Long Island Expressway. I'll call you for directions from Gangnam to Itaewon. Just let me know what to say to the cab drivers in Korean..................................................SARCASM---my new best friend. Love you Dan. After all, our conversation in the pool led to this. I miss you man, you are the man. There's an opening in my band and you're "majestic" vocals are required. Also, you get to drink beer in the studio. I'll call Renee immediately and have her set up the flight date, and lodging requirements. I am sure she will be soooo happy for you!

p.s- The photos above represent our secret cloned body doubles. You got Rob Lowe. What did I get..............Oh shit. Andrew Zimmerman. I guess I lost at rock, paper, scissors. I will, however, be making a nice dish of broiled Prawn and King Crab legs tonight---IN YOUR FACE. Actually Koreans call me "Bruce Willis." I'll take what I can get....lol.

Anyonghaseyo

Rock and "Seoul" Star

Yes. I know. The ridiculously overused and over-run Seoul puns are getting to you. Me too. It's seoul annoying! Seoul, let me tell you what's been goin on. I went from being unemployed and living at my parent's house last week (God bless them both for that), to becoming a "MAN." Employed. Medical. Dental. My own place. A new experience. A culture shock. My own rules. A new perspective. Seoul Survivin" (that's it.... swear to God.)

So, one of my dreams of coming to Seoul was to join, or just plain jam with a band. Fate has made me two new friends and coworkers: John (David Gilmour from Pink Floyd on guitar), and Ryan (a great drummer). We went to a recording studio and jammed out for two hours yesterday. It felt like I needed that for seoul damn long. AHHHHH>

So, becoming a "Rock Star" was apparently in the mix as well. Seoul......what haven't you given me so far? I didn't even mention the most adorable Korean girl is going to be taken out by yours truly next week for dinner and "noraebang (singing room)."

Here is what I'm really feeling like: Supersonic (by Oasis).

Yeah, Man Up and listen to this song.

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=FOTsS2mplA0

“Time is not on our hands people. Time is slipping through em’. We gottta transcend the bullshit. And fast. But hey, no point bucking your heads bucking the system. Let em’ get all snarled up in their dreary eyes.

Hate to mess with your groove New York, but we’re about two years ahead of you on the coast. We already graduated from what’s been going on, to where it’s going.”

-Bono (as Dr. Robert from Across the Universe)