No Pants, Day 4

Is it Monday afternoon yet?! Right fricking now. I can't take this isht. I want to put on my pants and run and jump and ride my bike and kick stuff and bend over and sit on my desk and spin in my chair and wear my crappy loafers and my various stupid t shirts. Even the novelty of saying "I'm not wearing any pants" is starting to wear off.

If one more person asks me "Why are you pretty?" I'm gonna flip. Seriously. Okay guys, I get it. I look like isht on a regular basis and it's front damn page news that I have the ability to not look like a man. OKAY ALREADY! I FRICKING GET IT (>_<)

On a side note:
Dear daily skirt/dress wearers:
HOW THE HELL DO YOU DO IT?! Seriously, don't you ever want to just sit on the floor or on a table? I can't do it and it makes me sad.  While I *in a strange way, kinda the same as seeing someone in visual Kei* admire your adherence to whatever standard of beauty you're holding yourself to...hot damn it's irritating. [If you don't know visual kei, look it up]
 
I have on a wool skirt today. I was wondering why I'd only worn it once since I bought it. Then I got out of the house and remembered VERY QUICKLY. This thing rides up like a jockey at Preakness. I could have gone home and changed, but I was running a bit late and figured that it wouldn't be that bad.

I. WAS. WRONG.

I've been at work for just a few hours and have realized that I can't even SIT DOWN without feeling a bit more naked than usual. I'm wearing tights, but they're not really helping. This kind of northern movement in clothing is usually accompanied by lousy music, platform heels and a cheap buffet that no normal human should ever consider eating. My solution: grab my sweater and tie it around my waist.

Perhaps I'm overreacting, after all, it does still  pass the fingertip test (stand up straight, hands at your sides. If the hem is past your middle fingertips, you're good to go), but dang it's awkward. This is the land of the the miniskirt. You know how stockings have that line..the "panty line" or whatever it's called? Yeah...if you can't see it here, you're wearing a long skirt. That's not how I work, but, whatevs.  My director said I looked very nice today. So apparently, the more naked I feel, the better I look. *facepalm* I refuse to walk with a book behind me, though. It's rather common to see girls around here walking with books behind them, because every step they take gives a rather indecent show to anyone behind them. Same with walking up the stairs.

Stockings, pantyhose, tights, leggings...whatever you want to call them: if I can see what's in the circle, YOU NEED SOMETHING LONGER!

The weather is nice and I'd love to ride my bike. Taxis cost money and I don't know the bus route to my friend's house. Monday, come quickly.

I've a sorta-date tomorrow night, right after work. The first time I met this one I was wearing jeans and my "kill all design" t-shirt and still had dry erase marker on my hands. Then on Saturday, I've an "actual" date. *GOING OFF TOPIC, DON'T KNOW IF OR WHEN WE'LL BE BACK*

Dating around. Hey, why not? I'm single-ish (but that could change rather quickly). Anyway, For the longest time, my partners in late night shenanigans swore that I was gonna be a player for life, because I have too many men as friends. Nevermind the fact that they don't see me as a girl, someone else will. ("Do you know any single girls?" "*AHEM!*" "No...I meant girls. Like, girls, girls." BWAHAHAHA). Now that I'm finally out of that disgusting funk I've been in for the past few months, I'm ready to own up and get started. Leaving a trail of broken hearts and crushed dreams takes time, you know *evil laugh*

*AND NOW BACK TO WHERE WE WERE BEFORE*
 I don't wanna meet them in a skirt or a dress! Definitely can't have these people thinking I'm "pretty" and "classy" and all that mess! I'm a t-shirt and jeans, straight shots of whiskey, running shoes, lick-the-ketchup-off-my-shirt kind of girl!

If I were a company, the Better Business Bureau would be all over me for deceptive practices and false advertising. *shaking my head* Breaking the rules left and right, my friends. Left and mutha mutha right.

Day 4- The skirt that refused to know its place.

No Pants, Day 3

For reasons totally unrelated to my ability to say "I'm not wearing pants", I am in a very good mood today. In fact, it's the best I've felt for several months.  I highly doubt that it will last, but hey, I'm not gonna argue with it.

Day 3...so far so good. I didn't go to the gym this morning, so I didn't have to deal with the old women or get dressed before I went out. Instead I stayed home and attempted to clean my apartment. That didn't work too well. I managed to get some cleaning done, but not before I broke my vacuum.

I was able to squeeze in a t shirt, so that's nice. I miss t shirts. I can't deal with this "pretty people" isht all the time. I wanna eat something and wipe my hands on my pants. I can't do that with a dress. It SHOWS and seems...strange(?) On that note, why is it okay to wipe your hands on your jeans, but not on a dress? Really. I'm gonna have to wash it either way, why kill trees using paper towels. (Don't even get me started on those "paper saving dryers". They barely get the job done, if they're even working at all!)

Last night, I went to a festival with a friend. It was really nice. I guess that was an okay place to wear a dress. I'll not be making a habit of it, but hey, it's not so bad. I've never been the girly girly type. Yes, I do my nails every now and then; yes, I like a bit of eyeliner; yes, I collect formal gowns and do love me some sky-high heels...but you're not gonna see me rockin' out in a pink dress covered in so much glitter that it looks like a fairy threw up on it.

Things are changing. As much as I hate to admit it (and I really do hate to admit it), wearing a dress isn't so bad. I won't make a habit of it, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

Apparently I look like an old Filipino woman...(so say my students)

No Pants, Day 2

So it's day two and I'm not feeling quite so naked. It probably helps that the weather outside is really nice. I was actually kinda hot during the short time that it takes to walk to work.

Today I had the class of girls. The ones who always ask "teacher, boyfriend?" Last week, they actually tried to set me up with the foreigner English teacher from their school! No. Seriously. I mean they really tried to set me up. Gave me his picture and was talking about how great he is and apparently they've told him all about me *scary thought*. These girls did some serious sleuthing! It probably doesn't help that I'm pretty readable when it comes to what I like and don't like.

I asked them why they think I need a boyfriend. Their collective response?
"Teacher...lonely, I think. Get married. Handsome man. Have baby! I want play with teacher cute baby!" So these contriving little women are only wanting to get me paired up so they can play with my (supposedly cute) baby. Thanks, girls ㅎㅎㅎ A few minutes of fun and pictures for you, a lifetime of responsibility for me.
 
ANYWAYS, today didn't (and doesn't) feel quite as awkward as yesterday. It was a bit strange having to actually get dressed before I went to to gym, but I'll live. Perhaps I've been a bit...predictable (?) in my choice of clothing. People make a point to say something about I'm wearing. Or maybe it's just a cultural thing. I've had kids get offended when I didn't notice that they cut an inch from their hair or pulled their ponytail higher than usual.

While I'm not complaining about the attention, it's kinda making me wonder: is it really so strange? Am I that grungy all the time? Perhaps I am. I'm only on day two (though technically it's only day 1, thanks to the late start), and I'm noticing some things and picking up on them. Maybe...m-a-y-b-e...perhaps I'll...you know...consider...I don't know...if-ish-y...maybe I should consider thinking about possibly wearing something other than jeans and a hoodie.

Exhibit A: The guy I hung out with over the weekend kinda *really* shocked me. It was cold and windy, so I put my hoodie on. He looked at me and *no joke* took his jacket OFF, gave it to me and said "Take that off. I hate it. Your face too pretty that style. It doesn't match you." I was impressed at his ability to hit on me, behave chivalrously and insult my beloved (albeit ill-fitting) hoodie at the same time.

Exhibit B: Even at the gym, people have noticed the change. As I was getting dressed, one of the old ladies I usually see came up to me and said (all in Korean, of course) "Today you're so pretty." It was nice, but that comment got all the other ajummas ("married women" but usually just a nice way of saying "old lady") talking. "Yes!" "Very beautiful!" "Do you meet your boyfriend today?" "This is good for you." "Are you married?" 



I LOVE JEANS AND HOODIES! THEY'RE COMFY AND CONVENIENT AND ALWAYS OKAY! I don't go all People of WalMart or anything, but I am a member of the church of ILoveMeSomeHoodies.

Day 2. No hoodies allowed

No Pants, Day 1

More like day 1/2. I chickened out. I couldn't do it. So, this is going to go until Monday afternoon of next week, right before work (which still isn't too bad)

I ended up staying in Seoul a bit longer than intended, but that's quite alright. I had an amazing time and...I'll be going up far more often than I had originally planned.

Anyways, as I mentioned in my last entry, I don't like dressing up the first time I meet someone. Also, it was cold outside and I had was a cocktail dress, a denim miniskirt and skinny jeans (Hey, I pack light). It was ridiculously cold and I didn't have the right stuff, so I slapped on the jeans.

I am wearing a dress at work now, though. And believe me, I feel rather naked. I can't sit on my desk or spin in circles in my chair....

 My director said "You look nice today." My one girl came in, screamed (no joke) and ran back out to grab other student so they could all stare together.

As promised, here's a photo for the day:

I should get bonus points...it's PINK.

Week 4 D-1

I start wearing skirts and dresses tomorrow.

I know that I'm the one who signed myself up for it, but I'm not sure I can really go through with it.

Why the self-doubt already? Well, it's quite simple, actually. Because of some schedule changes, I won't be leaving Seoul until tomorrow morning. That means going out in a dress in Seoul..."So, what's the problem? Big freaking deal, KiteGirl..." Actually, it is.

I'm meeting someone for the first time tomorrow, on the way back to Jeonju. Being the strange, strange creature that I am, I have a few "rules" for when I first meet someone.

1) Don't try too hard. (Too much effort indicates too much interest)

2) Don't LOOK like you're trying too hard (They can sense that crap from a mile away)

3) Don't look like you're trying to not try (If you're gonna do it, just do it...no sense half-assing it)

4) No Dresses (See Number 1)

(Not-so) Quick note about Number 1....When I say "trying too hard" I mean, I don't want someone to look at me and be able to comfortably say "She's going on a date" or "she's going to meet someone for the first time". I want to look like my normal self, with maybe a hint  of extra effort. "But KiteGirl! when you meet someone for the first time, you want to make a good impression". I know that. I've been to college and gone on several job interviews. You are presenting an image when you do that. I want to present an image of myself as I am. Relatively low-key when it comes to clothing. I felt kinda ripped off when, with a previous boyfriend, when we were first meeting, he'd wear a button-down and some nice jeans. After we'd met a few times, he switched to his "normal" wear: ratty t-shirts and jeans that look like they've NEVER been washed. (Turns out its because they weren't...22 years old and DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DO HIS OWN LAUNDRY). With that said, I don't want to meet someone for the first time in a skirt, heels, jewelry and full facepaint.

Another side story (Yep...)
I met someone not long ago, and broke my first rule and definitely tried too hard. The effort was wasted, and I was actually (no joke) pissed off that I wasted eyeliner on that so-and-so. I wore heels, and a blazer, facepaint and PINK (and I'm not a fan of that color.) As soon as I saw him, I wanted to smack myself for taking so much time to get ready. I even did my freaking NAILS! (Though I do enjoy that. I used to do it almost every day in university)


ANYWAYS...let's get back to the ORIGINAL train of thought, shall we?
I'm meeting him (yes it's a "he") and I'll be even more uncomfortable than I already am because I'll be in a skirt. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. I don't want to meet him and have him thinking 'this is how she always looks...nice' because it's not! The end.


I love high heels because I am short. I hate skirts because they aren't pants. That is all.

 

 

 

Week 4- No Pants

Hahahaha, I'll never get tired of saying that, but then again, that's what happens when you're 26 with the maturity level of a 10 year old boy. No pants! I'm not gonna wear pants! Pants-off Dance-off! (ok, I think I'm finished for now).

Random pants-related story that I'm no longer ashamed to tell:
I was leaving late for school one day (when I was going to a community college). I had a test that morning, so I was flying around the house like a crazy person...getting to school was only half the battle. The real problem came with finding a parking spot! Within 10 minutes I had gotten ready and eaten a full breakfast (cereal doesn't cut it for me), so I ran out the door. Suddenly my mom yells out the door "Hey! Wait!" I was kinda mad, because I was running late. What could she possibly have to say that couldn't wait? I mean, that's what cell phones are for, right? Yeah...not so much. "What?!" "YOU'RE NOT WEARING PANTS!" Look down. Look up. Oh crap. She was right. I had on my sweatshirt, shoes and socks, but NO FREAKING PANTS!
The end.


Here's the Deal
I'll only wear skirts or dresses outside for the week. leggings and a long shirt don't count. Believe me, I'd already thought of that and then realized that it would sorta kinda (really) defeat the purpose. Just for the record: leggings aren't pants, and they shouldn't be used as such, despite the ease and comfort of doing so. I wanna see if I can actually do it.

Say What?!
Yep. Including my daily 45 second commute to and from the gym, I'll be all legs for the week. I don't have a lot to work with, but I'll see what I can do. And just for kicks, I'll post a picture everyday.

Why?
Because I love pants. Except when I'm at home, then they're the first thing to go when the door closes (but you didn't really need to know that...). Nah, I'm in the middle of doing quite a few things differently in my life, and I figured, "eh, why the hell not?" I mean, really though. Why not? I've surprised people in random ways already (yes, I play the flute, knit, do my own alterations and know how to bake on a gas range).  I've already got an entire class of girls wondering if I even OWN a skirt.

But it's not just the love of jeans and being able to jump around like an idiot and sit on the floor and sit on the table. Nah, there's an entire "ensemble" that has to follow. So that means shoes, which means leaving more than 1 minute before work because sprinting in heels (though totally doable) is not "ideal". Thankfully in South Korea many people change into slippers at work (and going sock-less is a no-no), so rocking a skirt, Pororo socks and Adidas-style sandals is totally cool. 

Additionally, I'll be able to wear makeup without my kids going "Teacher pretty today. Teacher...you date?" When they say that, I blush (yes, people with darker skin CAN and DO blush...and tan and burn). It's sickening. Especially since the last few times it's been true, and once I've been found out I'm really bad at recovering and the students know that and just keep prying until I start laughing like an idiot.

My thoughts exactly

April...what to do, what to do...

So my last two posts were way out in space cadet left field. Enough of that. Back to the standard programming.

I'm going to try to get April's week over quickly. I've typically waited until the last week when I realize that "crap, it's almost next month!". Not so much, this month.

What have I decided? Hahaha...I'm gonna go sans-pants for a week.

No! No! No! No! It doesn't mean that I'm going to walk around in just a shirt for 7 days (are you CRAZY?!). I'll be wearing a skirt or dress every day for a week. I'm sure I could wait until May, but then it'll be too warm and I won't wanna. Besides, as the weather gets nicer, I'd rather wear jeans, because I can ride my bike. Most (all) of the skirts (3) that I own are not bike-friendly....haha

I'll take a picture every day. Really...and I know it's gonna be really weird for me. Heck, I already have two classes of girls wondering if I even OWN a skirt, on account of the fact that they've never seen me in one. Needless to say, some minds will be blown when I show up in one for a week straight.

I don't like the idea of it, but the only other option I've got at the moment is far less appealing. haha.

A friend suggested that I wear  red lipstick every day.Yeah, hahahahaha NO. I don't own lipstick for a reason. With that said, I'm not going to go out and buy (or worse, BORROW) a tube of facepaint for 7 days' wear.

This weekend I'll be going to Seoul, so a dress is absolutely out of the question, but starting 12 am on Monday, the only thing I'll wear out of the house (except for at the gym and the associated 30-second commute) is a dress or skirt.

Jeans, I love you. Even if you do like to tear at just the wrong time....

Detour 3- Reflection

So, as I was merrily skipping (Read: full-tilt Sprinting) down the road to ruin, I started to feel this little tug at my *cough* heart.

Yeah, surprise, surprise. I actually have one of those.

It hurt. It was a nagging pain, like when you rip off the little piece of skin between your finger and your nail. It doesn't hurt too bad, but every now and then when you touch something just the right way, HOT DAMN IT STINGS! (Yes, I did that very recently. Except instead of the skin on my finger, it was my whole finger slammed in the gate of a batting cage.) Yes...it hurt.

But enough about that.

The little tug was bothering me a lot. I don't like feelings. Hell, if I could, I'd completely ignore their existence and go through life as a robot. Emotions complicate things. Yes, without them life would seem meaningless and trite, but with them, there's so much unnecessary crap.

I've always tried to be very business-like in my relationships (ugh...typing that word made me feel gross. I hate talking about such things). I give what I take and take what I give.  With that said, I've lost a few friends because of it. But it's not like I surprise people. I'm honest to a flaw (unless we're talking about feelings).You'll know from the beginning that I'll take what I give and expect just as much out of you as you expect out of me.

If you ditch me (either accidentally or intentionally), apologize. Don't just no-show and then try blow sunshine up my ass the next time I see you. "Hi! What's up? I haven't seen you in forever?" ...No shit, Sherlock. It wouldn't be that way if you hadn't blown off our plans.  That said, once you've bailed twice, you're on your own. I will no longer try to make plans with you. "well, if you want to hang out with them, you shouldn't wait for them to make plans..." No, I'm done with that. I made plans with you, and obviously they weren't important enough to warrant your presence or the five seconds it takes to send a half-assed text message saying "I'm not coming."

I'm just really frustrated right now. I am so %*#$*%#$% sick of being the bad guy for holding people to what they say. If you say it, mean it. If you don't mean it, DON'T FREAKING SAY IT! Perhaps I expect too much of people? Nah...once upon a time, your word meant something. Your word was your name was your reputation was your life. Those days are gone. Words mean nothing now. 


But wait, there is an exception. Yes, those three little words. I hate using them frivolously, but here in South Korea, they're used like there's no tomorrow. Don't ever say "I love you" unless you mean it. I've said it without meaning it twice. Both times I was drunk and when I realized that I had said it, my face burned.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S EVEN MORE!
Someone told me something last night that got me thinking. "[We're] too young to understand love. So don't distinguish so clearly between the two ("love" and "like"). I love you, okay?" It made me realize that perhaps my cynicism and *fear* was getting in the way of an otherwise "interesting" progression.


I could carry on a lot more, but enough!

Time to shoot some robot zombies, spit, curse and drink some whiskey from the bottle. All of this touchy-feely talk is making me sick...

Detour 2- Free Compliments

No, really? I'm not one to go fishing for compliments or anything. It's just not how I work. But every now and then a little compliment is nice

Hey If you're ever looking for a mindless ego boost (or you're bored), check out the Urban Dictionary. For the most part, it's not a website that I would recommend, but for this, it's great. In the search box, enter your name. For most names, someone has put up a pretty cool definition of you (well, not actually you, but you get the idea.) I mean, check out what I got:

1) a sweet,funny,amazing,and loving girl that always brings a smile to your face when you talk to her she is the best type of girl to find and is always there for you when you need her so shes absolutley the best type of girl to ever have

Kandace my girlfriend duh lol

2) best friend anyone could ask for

kandace let me borrow her shirt=]]

3) A Kandace is stunning and sweet; full of kindness! A great sister and friend! But you don't want to mess with her because she'll take out you and your family. She is stubborn, but that can be a likeable quality about her. She is charismatic. She is good with the boys and gets lots of them, but most of them aren't worth her attention, you'll be sure to love a Kandace! :D

1."Oh shit, did you piss off a Kandace!? You better not fall asleep tonight!"

2."We only talked for 5 seconds, but I'm in love."..."Dude, it must have been a Kandace."

4) the most beautiful girl in the world. she makes you want to hug her for the rest of time and then some. she has the most beautiful laugh and the most radiant smile in history. marry her right away because a kandace is almost always out of your league but is too loving to notice it.

kandace is my amazing girlfriend!

Pretty accurate, if I do say so myself...hahahahah (I'm so humble it hurts)

Check it out, tell me what you think..but watch out for the rest of the website....it's wiki-style, so it can get pretty out there and NSFW (Not-safe-for-work)

Week Three- FINISHED

So...I'm eating meat again. You bet your hickory smoked ass I'm happy about it. I was not ready for the challenges that being vegan would bring.

It was like having food allergies, but by choice. I had to be careful to check the labels of everything I bought (not so easy in a foreign language) and ask about every little thing when I ordered out with friends (once was enough, we settled on fries and a fruit platter).
I did cave and have some wonderful pork belly with friends, but my week was still long and difficult.


Breakfast was, for the first time in a week, a win and then some. 3 eggs, several large handfuls of pork belly, and the remains of a can of Cheez Whiz...all fried up in grease and just barely fitting on my plate.

Breakfast.
Not pictured: toast with butter and honey. Also not pictured: the candybar or spoon of beef stock. Yes, I ate a spoon of beef stock, straight out of the container.

I learned a good bit last week, most of which involved me and my love of meat. I didn't eat a single salad, and only touched vegetables on the back end of the week when I started feeling like crap. I wanted a sandwich so badly...

Won't do it again...at least not voluntarily or anytime soon.

MEAT, DAIRY, EGGS, FISH...(even you, cheese...) I LOVE YOU. LET'S NEVER PART AGAIN