Korean-or-American

My weekend has had its ups and downs. It started on Friday (as most weekends do) with the mail. I received my results from my EMT exam. I passed the written test and did quite well I think. But I did not pass one of my practicals. I went over the time limit! Boo!! So unfortunately I will be getting stomach upsets once again when I retake the darn thing. Don’t stop sending good vibes. I really need them now:)

The weekend progressed on a better note. I went kayaking on the James River where one of my best friends lives. We went on a part of the river called Balcony Falls. It is about a 4 hour trip that takes you through the largest rapid in this area. A class III rapid I believe. I’m getting much better at weaving through rocky waters and keeping my balance. I only tipped over once! The very first time I went I did a lot of swimming:) After that we ate a very yummy dinner. I always like going to their house on the weekends. They make breakfast, dinner, let me use all their kayaking equipment. I do dishes and feed their cat as payment. Its like going to summer camp except with alcohol.

I spent Saturday night with them then came home to find my translated adoption papers in the mailbox. A couple of weeks ago I was still wondering who could translate for me. I even posted a request online but got no responses. Then I remembered my friend Liza who is Korean. Duh! Her parents are Korean. Duh! They know the language. Duh!! I emailed her the papers and she sent them to her parents in Texas. As I suspected the translation was not very revealing. But I learned that I liked milk and tea and downed it very quickly. I had a rash. I had good toilet habits. Much of this is still true today. I can down a glass of water in .2 seconds. I still have sensitive skin. I like to think I still have good toilet habits but since I typically go to the bathroom alone, I’ll have to be my own judge.

I’m working my way up to my 32 birthday this week. I’m starting to feel old. The gray hairs keep on coming. Its not as easy to stay in shape anymore. I can’t stay up til 2:30 am and feel fresh at work the next day. But I feel more content than I used to. This weekend feels like a snippet of my current life. I don’t mind a few bumps and tummy upsets because I’ve been practicing my paddling. I’m better equipped to navigate and balance myself on the waters coming my way. I can take on these changes while maintaining my true self- a girl who can drink fast and pee cleanly.