Shake It Up...

...seems to fit my life pretty well. 

"Shake It Up" is a song by Florence + the Machine. It's a great song. Every time it comes on my iPod I repeat it several times.

Also, lots of changes are happening in my life, but more on those in a moment.

Chelsea's parents went home on Monday. It was a nice visit and I'm glad they came. I enjoyed spending some time with them. I hope they feel the same about me. 

We went to various places here in Korea. The DMZ, Seoul Tower, Namdaemun Market, and many others. 

The whole time I felt like I was under a microscope. I felt like I was being judged. And, based on a couple things Chelsea said, it wasn't just my overactive imagination talking.

I don't think my in-laws understand me. At all. And it makes sense. Chelsea, her parents, and both of her sisters are all extroverts, to one degree or another. Me? I'm an introvert, close to the far end of the scale. The only other introvert their family knows is the first son-in-law. And he's nowhere near as introverted as I am.

I've learned a lot about myself recently. Mostly that it's ok to be the way that I am and that it's ok to say, "I don't want to do that. I need some alone time," when I just can't be around people anymore. And by "people" I mean "more than just me and Chelsea." If I push it too much I get overwhelmed and will completely shut down. That's no good to anyone.

I could list specific examples of where I was judged and explain what happened, but that would have great trouble-causing potential. 

The in-laws' visit was fun. There were times I laughed with them. Times I laughed at them (gently, of course, and all in love). Times I just shook my head. Times I was extremely embarrassed. So, it was probably like any visit anyone has every had with their in-laws. Right?

Shake It Up.

The biggest change in my life is the decision to go home next month, rather than extend my contract with the English Village until October.

The principal reason for this decision is the health of my parents. My father is going into a care center on Sunday. My Mom can't take care of him for the next while as she is having her hip replaced on the 29th.

After talking with Chelsea, we decided it was best to be as close as we can, so we can help out a little. At least close enough that a visit is an hour's drive, not a 15-hour flight.

There are other reasons to go. Far too numerous to list. We feel it's the best decision and we're just working to make it happen at work.

Shake It Up.

Now we have to find an apartment. I need a job. I need to keep to a good writing schedule and find somewhere to get published. Then I need to apply for graduate school.

There's a lot that needs to happen over the next little while.

Hope I'm up to the challenge.