Friday, Birthday and Washington

The title is a shorten version of the origional. Mainly because it got way to long. It's Friday, A Friends' Birthday and Visitors From Washington in Town. Like I said, it's way too long for a title unless I was making a long winded statement.

I've been sticking with the three pronged title. It just seems to work for me.

Today is Friday. That's got to be good news in the big picture of a work week. The week is done and the evening is about to begin.

It's also my friends birthday. He's planning on going to the gym where he does a form of martial arts. Before I meet up with him the plan is to run down to my previous home in Jongro-gu. I've had the opportunity to move out and have been given a place of residence rent free. Usually, English teachers recieve this benefit for entering into a foreign country to teach. Korea is really good to it's teachers. Sure, there are horror stories but for the most part... I digress.

While at home I want to shave. I've got my basic living utilities back there in Jongno-gu. My beard is getting too long. I want to get some underwear that isn't so tight on my waist (yeah, I've been putting on some weight). I've also got to pack up some of the things that still remain at my old flat. If possible get everything out by this weekend and leave the key with my flat mate. She's great by the way and I will definitely miss having such a great room mate like her.

Upon getting that shit taken care of I'll be shooting off to meet some folks I know from Washington. They have been in Korea for a few months down in Busan to teach English. They have just arrived in Seoul and are heading out to visit extended family. I will meet them and take them on a wild night of Seoul weekend living. Part of that journey will lead us to meet up with my friend who's birthday party begins about 9:00 P.M.

It get's crazy in Seoul and you've got to love it.

Mr. Lucky and the Police

The other day I was driving along the water front in Tacoma, Ruston Way. As I was coming onto Ruston Way at 46 miles an hour a cop was posted up in one of the parking lots watching traffic. I was going 16 miles way too fast over the speed limit. The motorcycle cop merged into the lane of cars and began to maneuver his vehicle behind me. I looked into my rearview mirror at the cop with inquiry... "are you pulling me over?" I pulled over.

The cop asked me if I knew why he pulled me over. I looked at him with a facial expression that hopefully said... "are you serious?"

"Yes".

He then asked for my drivers license. I pulled the license out of my wallet and handed it to the police officer. The cop then walked back to his motorcycle before returning to the driver's side window of the car.

"Keep your speed down," he said, handing me my drivers license. "Do you have insurance"?

"Actually sir... I just got back into town from Korea and I haven't had a chance to get that, yet. I just got my tabs but haven't had the time to take care of everything".

I don't know if the cop wasn't listening to what I said or just was in a good mood. Maybe he thought that I was harmless and he actually believed everything I said... which was the truth. 

Whatever the reason... his response, "Drive Safetly".

Taste of Tacoma

After a Friday night in Seattle dancing and drinking I'm awakened with the beautiful sun in Tacoma. People are saying it's hot today... but compared to Korea and even my short stay in Texas earlier this month, this isn't hot. This weather is beautiful and relaxing.

This afternoon, I'll be heading out to Point Defiance Park for the annual Taste of Tacoma.

Just for fun. A top ten count. This one will be of the top 10 countries to visit Grey Images.

10.  France: Six visits

9. Singapore: Seven visits

8. Ireland: Seven visits

7. India: 15 visits

6. Germany: 17 visits

5. United Kingdom: 19 visits

4. Canada: 39 visits

3. Australia: 70 visits

2. South Korea: 266 visits

and the top visiting country to "grey images"... wait for it,

1. The United States: 372 visits

In Washington for Two Days

Yesterday, a strange re-emergence back into American culture. Surrounded with an immense disproportion of space. From a concrete jungle to a sprawled out community surrounded with forests and blue skies.

It's Washington Summer. Life while on vacation is great. It's good to be home.

In conversation with my friends I keep referring to Korea as home. Usually, the place you live the longest is home. In some ways yes, Korea is my home. In another sense or another paradigm it's where I live. It's where I make my living.