45 Life Lessons from someone very wise...

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We have been in Korea for a little over 2 weeks now. If any of you have been following me on Instagram, you probably think that I have landed in an incredible world full of gorgeous stationery, makeup for miles, and pretty things everywhere I look. The truth is that there are a lot of things that go on in a day that are far from wonderful here. Arriving in Korea, and living here, you are emerging yourself in a culture so far removed from anything you will have experienced before. There are days when I question our lives here, there are days when I want to strangle some of my students and kick them out of class, days when I want to shake my co-teacher and shout at her to stop smiling at me when she doesn't understand a word I've said. 

What starts to matter is the small things in life. The little old lady I meet on my walk to school. The small piece of shade I walk under for the last 10 minutes of my walk. The fan above me the staff room, and all the things my hubby does for me in the morning when we get ready for work. Our lives here, at least while we await our first paycheck, are very different from back home, not only do you start to appreciate things back home, but I've also grown to appreciate other South Africans so much more. Even though things can be pretty tough here (the language barrier has a lot to do with it, and the levels of respect in society - being able to give your opinion has become a luxury here) we have found every other South African we know to be very positive about life. Very rarely have we come across another South African who moans and complains about Korea. South Korea is our home, we are treated very well here, and in return they expect us to give our best in everything. It's a give and take situation, where a lot of other foreigners do a lot more taking than giving. I came across these 45 life lessons on Facebook today, they have reminded me of how we should try and live our lives, wherever we are in the world, and I wanted to share them with you...

Written by Regina Brett

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 50 this year, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Lovely, don't you think?

Happy Birthday to my Farmboy!

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The day after we landed in Korea, my handsome hubby turned 27. In all the hustle and bustle of our move, I wasn't able to plan anything special for him (what a bad wife I am! I promise to make it up to you soon love!). We spent our first 2 days in Korea with our lovely fiends Claire and Andrew in Dajeon. Here are a few snaps before we bussed out to the province of Jeonbuk to meet our new schools and apartment.




The birthday girl and boy (who knew we would meet someone with the same birthday as Farmboy. Happy Birthday to you too Siobhan!
I love you dearly my Farmboy, this HUGE move across the oceans to Asian land would not have been possible without you. Thank you for inspiring me everyday, for challenging me, for saying no (even though it makes me mad!) for being the incredibly loving and encouraging man that you are. I love you infinity xxx

Tomorrow I'm going to do a post on our first day in our new home! Pop by again for that.
Have a lovely day readers!

xxx

Getting {Korea} ready...

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In one week, Farmboy and I will be heading off on a 3 year adventure, starting with a year or two in South Korea. As our departure date draws nearer, we are both filled with more excitment and butterflies  at the new life that lies before us. We have been to Korea before (we taught in the city of Daejeon back in 2010) and are now heading back there as a married couple.
We don't know which town we are going to (we will only find out when we land and meet our Provincial Office of Education) but we do know that we are going rural. Rice paddy rural. And to the province of Jenbuk. Here's a little map to put South Korea into perspective for you:
We are in the midst of heavy packing, and trying to decide what exactly the word 'essentials' means to both of us. Here is a little idea of what we have stocked up and has to fit into our two suitcases (along with clothes, toiletries, makeup, shoes, scarves, jackets, ski goggles, travel pillows, cameras, laptops and the list goes on) to last us for three years:
Anything else you think we should include?
If you would like to follow our adventures in Korea pop on over to our blog FarmboyandCityGirl. 
This blog will most definitely continue even though I'll be half way across the globe, so expect lots of interesting posts on life in Asia, the incredible fashion and style over there, and most importantly; the makeup and stationery! 

Flat White Concepts {Magazine}

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I was so excited to get in touch with Christine from Flat White Concepts about being involved in one of her online magazine editions. After some creative email brainstorming, Farmboy and I decided to write up our recent road trip from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg and include a bunch of Instagram pics. If you'd like to read the full article, then head on over to Flat White Concepts to read their free online magazine (we are in the June edition).

Christine, thanks so much for including me in your wonderful magazine! I look forward to hopefully contributing more (even if it will be from Asia!).
xxx

{New Friends}

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I have known Rachel for about a week now. It's funny how sometimes people just wander into your life unexpectedly, and I mean in the good way. A few days ago Rachel she told me she would be in the Pietermaritzburg area and I told her i'd love to meet for coffee. 
We did just that. And talked non-stop for hours.
Then she introduced me to her good friend CC, who is the incredible photographer behind CC Rossler Photography right here in Durban. Here are some photo's CC took of Rachel & her soon to hubby Elijah on their engagement shoot in Westville.
Aren't they just lovely?! {the actual photographs and the subjects themselves!)


You can visit Rachels blog "And Aussie in Africa" by clicking here :)

{Wonderlust}

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For the past few months, Farmboy and I have been thinking about traveling for the next couple of years, something which has been in my heart for a very long time. 

Friends and family have left us pretty much divided in their opinions {Farmboy does indeed have a really great job, hence his apprehension, and I am currently unemployed...hence my enthusiasm}.

This has left us pondering. Do we stay here in South Africa because the fear of finding jobs when we return is too great? Are we being silly and actually need to face the music and grow up?  While we are young, with no bonds or kids, should we just make the most of our youth and just go?

Next week I will be going back on the hunt, CV in hand to see if God's plan for our lives is indeed to be here in SA for the next while, or whether He intends for us to spread our wings and fly. 
What we can say for certain, is that what He has instore for us, will be a million times better than anything we could have planned.

So here is to the next few weeks of uncertainty. Each no I have received, I know deep down, means an even greater YES is just around the corner!
  

{Pietermaritzburg} 6 months on...

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I have posted these photo's below before, but I loved them so much I felt the need to post them again! And, they kinda fit in with the title of this post.



6 months ago today I moved to the sleepy town (or so I thought) of Pietermaritzburg. I was only supposed to be here for 2 months, I had a job lined up with an awesome PR company in Jo'burg, I was to be their newest Social Media Manager. Here's what changed and what I've got up to in the last few months:

1. I got engaged!! So exciting! You can follow me and all my wedding plans here.

2. I registered with the University of Kwazulu Natal to do my Postgrad Certificate in Education...loving every second of it!

3. Started Buttercup Collectibles, which has it's own little piece of the action at the I Heart Market in Durban.

4. Moved into my own little flat (pictures to come soon! )

5. Started instructing spinning class at the new Virgin Gym here at Cascades.

6. Am in the process of getting pretty serious with my camera after these pictures (here's to future photography venture's!)

7. Have made some of the most lovely and special friends (most of whom I have met through the local  NCF Church).

8. Started a weekly photo-challenge with just myself and Farmboy, and which has grown to over 15 members (if you would like to join our team, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching{at}gmail{dot}com)

8. I have nearly finished exploring every single second hand/thrift/charity/antique store in the vicinity!

So there you have it, 6 months and counting. It sounds exhausting when I look back on my short time so far here in the Capital of KZN...but I'm oh so excited for the next 6 to come!

xxx





Little brother turns *21*

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A few days ago my little brother celebrated his 21st birthday. Farm boy and I were able to celebrate with him (well into the night/early morning I might add) and his raucous friends in Joburg.

Dave, I am so proud of you and all you have achieved so far in your life. The future is so bright for you and I can't wait to see what's in store. Even though I am often a bossy boots, just know that I love you very much and am always here for you!

Isn't he just so handsome? Love you Dave x

Xxx

*excuse the slightly blurry pic's, taken using Instagram on my Ipad*
A 21st is never complete without a little booze :)


My StepDad is a real wizz in the kitchen, and so prepared everything for all of us to whip together our own pizza's....omnomnom!!







I wish I was Mary Poppins

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I wish I was Mary Poppins, then I could fit all of this in my bag, and still have space for the kitchen sink...

After having a read of a really lovely blog called Bobbylicious, who was doing her take on  Tails of a Mermaid's What's in Your Bag, I thought I'd join in the fun...what do you have in your Mary Poppins carpet bag?




1. Purse - always empty :(
2. Orbit Gum - minty fresh
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream - freebie from Elle
4. Rosebud Salve - lip balm from South Korea, Farmboy hates the smell of the above, so I just keep both in my bag, you just never know...
5. ID book - horrible picture included
6. Polaroid pic of Farmboy and me - incase I forget what he looks like
7. Notebook - for scribbles and thoughts
8. Canderal - to sweeten things up
9. Girl stuff
10. Toni Glass Tea bag - love the packaging
11. Powder compact - for touchups
12. Pencil - to scribble with
13. Hand wipes - for freshening up
14. Mini deo - to keep me smelling like roses
15. Eye drops - I get horrible itchy eyes if I get too cuddly with fluffy things
16. Handbag holder from Accessorize
18. Lancome Juicy Tubes - 'strawberry funk'
19. Smashbox Limitless lipgloss - 'for keeps'
20. Pen - incase the pencil runs out :)
21. Balkin I-trip - so I can listen to my favourite tunes without annoying radio ads
22. Never enough hair stuff!

#30DaysOfMe...Day4

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Click here for the full list of what goes where in this #30DaysOfMe little challenge :)

Day 4: A habit you wish you didn't have

A habit I wish I didn't have...there are a few but the biggest one would have to be worrying about what other people think of me. Ever since the beginning of high school I have always placed so much emphasis on what others have thought of me. It's something which has held me back. It's not so much worrying what people think about the way I look, but rather, the way I act and the things I do. It's led me to do things with the aim of making people like me...not a good path to go down. Sometimes I catch myself wanting to say something out loud in a group of people, but then hold back, afraid of what others might think. Why is that we place such importance on the words of strangers, and not enough on the words of those who love and care about us.


Wanting everyone to like me is a childish dream I know. But I just can't seem to shake it. My Dad often used to say to me that it's impossible, "You can't make everyone like you. In life it's important for people to respect you, not just to like you Rox". So why is this such a hard thing to come to terms with? In the past I have let people walk all over me, for fear of offending them. I end up making the most effort with those that I feel don't like me, while those who love me are often left out in the cold. It's unrealistic to think that I can be friends with everyone. But often I wonder, "well, why not?". At the grand old age of 23 I have come to realise that this is all a part of growing up. I am no longer that little girl desperately trying to make new friends, rather I am more sure of myself and where I am going, even if I'm not sure how to get there yet.  Little by little I am trying to let go of constantly wanting to please others, and doing more things to please me. I've heard people say that it takes only 10 days to make a habit, but only 1 to break it. So here's to the next 10 days :)


**Wedding Bells**

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Last weekend marked the wonderful marriage celebration of my mommy to the awesome Rob! What a perfect day. The weather was beautiful, the venue was surreal, and my mom, she looked just gorgeous! And the best part, I have 2 new wonderful (and did I mention gorgeous!) sisters to add the mix. Here are a few pictures we have so far, while we wait for the professional pic's to arrive...

The Bride & Groom
A few shot's of the venue and flowers
Doing my mom's makeup :)
Left: Me and my very handsome brother. Right: Me and the bride :)
Left: My lovely new *sisters* and my Granny. Right: My new family!

The venue was Morrels Exclusive Boutique Venue & Manor House in Randburg, the ideal setting for the 'french style' wedding my mom was after.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any pic's of Farmboy and myself :( So those will have to come when the professional pic's arrive...

The perfect start to a wonderful new journey of friendship and family...

P.S. talk about an overuse of the word *wonderful* :)


South Korea...Looking Back

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This morning I found myself reminicising about Farmboy and my adventures teaching English in South Korea. We were there for a year and just got back in March this year. We had an amazing time, and are planning to go back sometime in the future. For more info on our time there and of how to go about getting there, click here :) In the mean time, I leave you with these...

The first breakfast we had during our Orientation...a sign of things to come??
One of the 'traditional' buildings we were taken to see during the Orientation in Seoul...Koreans are very proud of their heritage!

Not sure what this flag was for, but it made a nice picture!

This was one of my schools. In Korea, elementary, middle (and most) high schools are all Public Schools. They don't work on the same 'public/private' school system we have here in South Africa. 

In 2002, the Soccer World cup was jointly held by Korea & Japan. The only way this little guy understood where I was from was by the very frequent use of the expression "Namagong (which is the Korean word for South Africa) World Cup".

This is me and my wonderful Korean Co-Teacher Cindy, and some little cuties. We all teach alongside a Korean co-teacher which helsp with the language barrier

This was taken on a teachers 'friendship excursion' with some of the staff at my other school. The Korean schools love their friendship trips, going on at least 1 a term.

This was taken on a trip to a Korean Fort.
There is absolutely no space in South Korea. Veggie gardens are planted in between sky scrapers.

My mommy came to visit me! This is a typical meal for 2 in a Korean restaurant. Loads and loads of side dishes that no-one ever eats :) This meal is called "samgyusal" or pork bbq. You cook the pork on the stove in the middle, and then make a lettuce saarmie filling it with whatever side dishes take your fancy. Absolutely delish!
Pagoda's like this one are at the top of every hill/mountain all over Korea. They make good look out points, and you often find old grannies sleeping under them :)

So there you have it...a little glimpse into what life is like on the other side of the globe....