27 on the 27th: A Golden Weekend

One week ago, Melissa awoke to the day she has so long anticipated, April 27th, 2012. Even before learning about the blessed 'golden birthday' (the birthday on which ones new age matches the day of the month), Melissa was sure being 27 would be the most fabulous thing in the world. (Recent reflections have convinced her that getting older seems a bit more promising than daunting, anyway, reflections for another time and place).

Seeing how Melissa's birthday was on Friday, she was required to wake upon the regular morning hours and make her way to Samcheon Elementary school where she'd be required to energetically and enthusiastically teach five classes of 4th grade students. Fortunately, these are some of her favorite students and her classroom as well as the school halls were filled with sweet voices singing the Happy Birthday song or shouting birthday wishes for Melissa Teacher. Not to mention the gifts and sticky note messages, hand made cards and candies that also filled Melissa Teacher's desk.

Aside from all the attention afforded by students, Melissa was also honored to receive an ice cream/gelato cake from the subject teachers, although the flavors ranged from grape to strawberry to cheese (as in processed cheese), the thought was quite nice and the fruit flavors quite lovely.

PSA's and Pictures of Lady: First Edition

Lady is indeed the most precious and adorable 3.5 legged dog living in Daejeon, South Korea, probably the world. She has recently received a haircut and been enjoying morning or afternoon runs with the Mrs. depending on the day.

In other news:

Here is the latest information regarding Cherry Blossoms and when you can expect to see them around South Korea.

If you don't make a habit of checking out Korea's Official Tourism website, you ought too, especially this page of special offers and discounts. If you have friends coming to visit, check out that Transportation deal which could potentially get you 50,000 Won free money. Or, if you're interested in a non-verbal performance, check out the discount on Bi-Bap.

Vacation at Home: Denver, CO August 1-3

The Harrington's made their way home to visit family and friends on the first day of August. After 26 hours of traveling, 16 of those in air the couple landed at DIA where they were greeted at the gate by dear friend Mark before taking the train and escalator to the 'hall of reunions' where Melissa and her sister Luella ran into each others arms with smiles, tears and an indescribable joy that can only be fostered with 14 months of absence. The crew of five (Mike, Melissa, Mark, Luella and Ryan-Luella's boyfriend) made their way to the baggage claim carousel and picked up the luggage before heading toward the first meal (Denny's dinner style burgers, sandwiches and chocolate-bacon milkshakes, welcome to the USA) and a good nights sleep.

The first full day of living the American vacation dream had Mike, Melissa and crew waking up and preparing to head on down to visit Grandma Lu (Melissa's grandma) in Denver. The visit included an enjoyable diner experience at Gunther Toody's where fries are delicious and burgers giant! Following a filling and not 'Korea-spicy' lunch, the group headed toward Denver's military cemetery where they were able to leave flowers, memories and love for Grandpa Al (Nov. 2, 1925 - Aug. 18, 2010) and Grandpa Frank (Jan. 17, 1929 - Oct. 21, 1966). With a sense of closure, the Harrington's and all said their farewell to Grandma Lu before heading over to REI where the Harrington's made a significant purchase in hopes of beginning a running routine...only time will tell how these Vibram FiveFingers carry the Harrington's in this desire to embrace the fact that they were 'Born to Run'.




Following REI, the crew went next door to meet up with the Harrington crew of all Harrington crews. Mike's cousin Adam did a stellar job coordinating the bloodline within the Denver area and for dinner the Harrington's enjoyed the continued company of Luella, Ryan and Mark with the joyful addition of Katie and Molly (sisters). Landon (Molly boyfriend), Adam, Jeff and Kari (cousins), and a friend of Kari's. Dinner was accompanied by some fabulous brews and left the Harrington's thrilled to be in the presence of so many they love in a land which is familiar and often times delicious.




The evening ended with a few more libations and attempts at flying via the Wii Fit Plus housed by Ryan and Luella. After a nights sleep, and AWESOME breakfast burritos made by Luella, the crew of five made their way to Laramie, WY for new adventures and experiences with dear friends and family.