I am back from Korea. Pics are located here (after the pics of beanie at a wedding with her gparentals.)

Korea is amazing.

Recipe for Army Soup:

1 can spam
1 pack hotdogs split down the centers
1/2 package of spicy pepperoni
1 package ramen noodles
1 hearty scoop cabbage kimchee (essentially steamed green cabbage sliced thinly, chili paste, rice vinegar, salt to taste)
3 green onions spliced and chopped
2 cans of beef broth

Steamed Rice

You cook all the meats and broth and kimchee together. When it's boiling, add the ramen noodles. Serve with and/or over steamed rice.

That was my first meal in Korea. It's popular with the younger generations. It's typical of what the Americans would make during the war. It's called Military soup as well. Our side salad was raw squid in chili sauce.

I also toured the DMZ, a Buddhist temple, and the Joesun dynasty's last palace in Seoul. Street shopping was in Insadong and in Itaewon (the "foreigner's" district)

When I got home, my baby almost didn't recognize me. She stared at me blankly for 3 seconds straight. Then she broke into giggles and grins like "Oh yeah! I have a mommy! How silly of me to forget!" Which was nice, but I was secretly hoping for relieved weeping. Unfortunately, I seem to have birthed a very happy, hearty, sanguine child who is not as needy for me as I have secretely hoped all these months...Rudolf Steiner would be proud.

Anyway. I have a lot of work to catch up on. Silly me. I thought it would all ease up while I was abroad...

This has been a really lovely weekend.

Except for Friday, when I threw up from stress apparently (that's 2 Fridays in a row where I puked uncontrollably at work), it was wonderful.

Saturday was a lovely bday party for two of Beanie's friends, Lucas and Sadie (Luc is 4, Sadie is 1) followed by yum pizza with two of Beanie's OTHER pals, Roan and Sage (Roanie is turning 4 in a few weeks, Sage turned 1 a couple of months ago). Today we had brunch with Regina, and then watched the Italy take the world cup away from France at her in-law's house. It was nice, but jeebus, they went into overtime twice and then Italy had to kick 5 PK's before it was decided absolutely. Long morning. Followed by fun at the park with Gina, her husband, and their two sons. I missed her daughter, who is visiting her daddy in Portland. But it was so great to see my best friend before I have to leave for a week.

I am going to Korea on the 15th. I have most of my clothes packed in a giant bag that I think I don't need. It's my first work travel trip, and it's relativel short for a work trip, but it's still sad to leave the Beanie. I know she's in good hands, but it's gonna hurt. I'm taking my breast pump and my domperidone to keep my supply up. My darling beanie buddha. Your pics are in my wallet so I can stare at you and smile all week.

I'll be back on the 20th.

Happy 4th of July!