8/1/12


Finally... our big news! We're moving to South Korea!

This has been in the works for months, but our visas finally came in the mail yesterday. I signed a one year teaching contract at an international school in Incheon. I'll be teaching grade three! It's been so hard not to mention it here on the blog this last little while, but I didn't want to make any big announcements until everything was 100% confirmed.

Mike was able to get a working holiday visa, but it's still a bit up in the air what he'll be doing while we're out there. He's looking forward to a change of pace. He's been working two full-time gigs for the last few years (working as a journeyman electrician AND a wedding photographer), so he's super excited to have the chance to relax, pursue some creative endeavours, explore our new home, and pick up odd jobs when he can.

We are both over-the-moon about this exciting adventure that awaits us! We are leaving Canada on August 18th, stopping in LA for a few days of sunshine and friends, and then flying into Seoul.

I can't wait to see how this blog blog will change and grow while we are in Asia! Stay tuned. :)
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70 comments:

  1. chloéAugust 1, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    What!!? That's awesome Janis. Jeff had the choice a while back to apply for a stint out there but he didn't think he would like the job very much. If he had, we might have been there at the same time! Ha! I think you are going to love love love teaching those kids. Congratulations!! xoxo

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  2. RobynAugust 1, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    fantastic! good for you! looking forward to hearing all about it!

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  3. ChinkyGirLMeLAugust 1, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    OMG! How exciting! That sounds wonderful. I have always dreamed of one day going to Korea. Have you ever tried Korean food? I love korean food and korean drama is just sooooo cute! Please bring us back lots of cute pictures. Oh and you have got to try korean milk tea. It is soooo good.

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    1. janisAugust 1, 2012 at 10:59 PM

      yes! we've tried korean food... but we're a little wary of how spicy it can be! :/ oh well, we'll adapt!

      hope to bring you many, many cute pictures! :)

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  4. FrancineAugust 1, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Wow, that's amazing! Do either of you speak the language at all?

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    1. janisAugust 1, 2012 at 10:59 PM

      mike picked up a bit from rosetta stone, but hopefully we'll learn lots!

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  5. 29August 1, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    Congratulations! What exciting news for you and Mike! Hope we'll be able to follow along a little bit while you're on this adventure. xo

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  6. kay*August 1, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    oh wow! what exciting news! i moved to india last year for 10 months to volunteer and it was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. getting the feel of a new culture and country is tough in the beginning but if you hang in there it gets much better!! i'm hoping you have a wonderful experience and am looking forward to reading along as you embark on this journey. congratulations!

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  7. nikaela marieAugust 1, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    happy news!

    Thom lived in just outside of Incheon and worked at a school in Bucheon from 2005 to 2006 before we knew each other. still, often, he tells me a korea story I haven't yet heard, and i am surprised how much filled a year. He got very close to the kids he taught that I know them by their names and traits now.

    you will have the best time! Let us know if you need any tips, etc.

    xoxo
    sooo soon! best with all the last minute moving things.

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    1. janisAugust 1, 2012 at 11:00 PM

      oh! i didn't know that! i will message you soon (there's something i've been wondering about).

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  8. Jenn NoelleAugust 1, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    wow, that's so crazy & so exciting! good luck you guys. (:

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  9. mackenzieAugust 1, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    hoorayy! i just got even way more excited for you two.
    i love that graphic! sheesh!

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  10. megan kristineAugust 1, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    that's crazy exciting! can't wait for you to get all settled in.

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  11. Talia JensenAugust 1, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    that is incredible! and i am so jealous. i lived in japan for 8 years and miss eastern asia so dearly. can't wait to see all your photos about your new life there :)

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  12. erica-knitsAugust 1, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    So exciting! What a great adventure. I'm looking forward to reading all about it.

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  13. kateAugust 1, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Fantastic news! What an adventure for you two!

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  14. AmandaAugust 1, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Wow! Janis that is so cool! I can't believe that your life is going to change like this -- excited to hear about your upcoming adventure!

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  15. Hannah NicoleAugust 1, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    So excited for you, Janis! Such fabulous news! My cousins are from South Korea, so we've been introduced to a lot of the culture + food and the latter is delicious. Cannot wait to see your blog grow and change in the next few months! xx

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  16. AnonymousAugust 1, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    wow! i'm so exciting for you! this is going to be so fun tagging along on this huge journey. :)

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  17. JuliaAugust 1, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    Yay! I am happy to hear it all worked out. So thrilled for you both. It will certainly be an incredible opportunity for you both. Congrats.

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  18. christelle is flabbergastingAugust 1, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Oh wow! That's awesome! You must be both SO excited! It will certainly be a life-changing experience! So so SO great!

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  19. paddle to shoreAugust 1, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    wow! i get to see you so soon! love love love

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  20. UnknownAugust 1, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Huge news! that is so exciting! I have many friends who have gone to South Korea to teach english and they absolutely love it there! Make sure to pack lots of warm clothes :)

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  21. jaimeAugust 1, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Hi. I've been following your blog since you were on the My Better Half series. I love your photographs and the way you tell your story. And now you're going to Korea?! I'm so excited to be able to tag along! Thank you for sharing!

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  22. ElaineAugust 1, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    I've been following for a while, but I don't think I've ever commented. Today's the day. Congrats and welcome to the expat world!

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  23. jasmineAugust 1, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Woah! That's awesome!!! Congratulations, Janis. How EXCITING!

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  24. EthaneyAugust 1, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    My boyfriend taught English in Korea for a couple years. What's so great about Korea is that they are so kind to Americans!! :) Ps: If you have any questions...feel free to ask me. I'm Korean!

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  25. EthaneyAugust 1, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Also, this woman has taught English in Asia for years and she has a blog about it: Claretea.Tumblr.Com! XO

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  26. HowieAugust 1, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    Wow. That's awesome. Good luck to you both over there. Will miss all the BBQs but I'm sure you'll find new flavors over there! Exciting news!

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    1. janisAugust 1, 2012 at 11:08 PM

      haha! was that a bit sarcastic? ;) in any case, it made me laugh!! there have indeed been many bbqs featured the last little while, so i too look forward to the new flavours!! :)

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  27. NatalieAugust 1, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Amazing! How wonderful that you two have decided to do that, such a dream!

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  28. poisonwoodAugust 1, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    that is such wonderful news! I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures when you get there. best of luck with the move!

    http://poisonwood-poisonwood.blogspot.ca/

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  29. rachaelannepAugust 1, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    what a surprise! i'm so excited for you..what an experience it will be. pumped to follow you along the way! :)

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  30. KristinaAugust 1, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    wonderful news, so happy for the both of you! i am sure you will have the time of your lives and I am looking forward to follow along via your blog :)

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  31. Katie StrattonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    eeep! so thrilled for you two! i can't wait to follow along on your journey...

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  32. Krysten CathleenAugust 1, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    So excited everything worked out for you guys!! All the best!!!

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  33. melyndaAugust 1, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    SO exciting! can't wait to hear all about your adventures

    melynda x

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  34. VivianaAugust 1, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Wow!! congratulations on this new job.. and GREAT ADVENTURE!
    Have a safe trip to Seoul...
    :)

    Vivi.-

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  35. AbbieBabbleAugust 1, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    OH WOW! So exciting! I can't wait to follow you on this new adventure- I'm sure the photos will be fabulous!

    (p.s. Congratulations!)

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  36. bethAugust 1, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    so exciting!! looking forward to hearing of more of your adventures!

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  37. AbbeyAugust 1, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    whaaa? so excited for you guys!
    you have no idea how long i've been trying to get my mom to do a teacher exchange. ;)
    but, wow. what an incredible adventure that will be!

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  38. AnonymousAugust 1, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    So exciting, congrats! I regret not doing that in my younger days... maybe for my golden years? Haha! You guys will have a blast there!

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  39. AnnabelleAugust 1, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    you've got to be flippin' kidding! this is so awesome!!! have fun :)

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  40. GabyAugust 2, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    wow that's so exciting! i can't wait to read about your new adventures :)

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  41. GabyAugust 2, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    that's so exciting! i can't wait to read about your new adventures :)

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  42. gemma [line x shape x colour]August 2, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    yeah! that's so exciting Janis! congrats! hope you guys get some time to explore the asia-pacific region too (and come to oz!). exciting! x

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  43. AnonymousAugust 2, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    I'm so excited and happy for you! All the best for your big trip!!
    Greetings from Austria

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  44. carlotta cisternasAugust 2, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    so so exciting janis! really looking forward to reading about your adventures :) best of luck with the move and all those little last minute details!

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  45. minaAugust 3, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    exciting news! looking forward to the posts. good luck with the move and everything else that's involved. hope it all goes smoothly.

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  46. she.August 3, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    oh my gosh congratulations!!!

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  47. AlisonAugust 3, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Wow, thats's huge. Congratulations. I hear that Korea is fabulous.

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  48. CelesteAugust 3, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    So exciting!! Can't wait to follow along-- congratulations!

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  49. carissaAugust 4, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    So exciting for you guys!

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  50. Sarah JaneAugust 6, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    Woah I'm way behind with this news! How super duper exciting!!! Can't wait to hear all about it, hope the move is super smooth for you both!

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  51. kylieAugust 7, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    HOORAY! i can't waittttt! soon you will be here in LA and we'll be playing together! and i am so stoked to follow along your asian adventures. you guys will do see and love so much. i seriously am over the moon for you both! you guys are champs.

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  52. UnknownAugust 7, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Wow what an exciting adventure you have ahead of you! It looks beautiful there! Congrats!

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  53. UlaAugust 9, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    Amesome news! I can't wait for the pictures you'll be taking there <3. I love korean food and would love to travel there but I haven't had a chance yet.
    Three days before your departure I'm leaving for Japan, though:).

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  54. AnonymousAugust 10, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Best of luck to the both of you, be safe and continue to be the epitome of love.

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    1. janisAugust 11, 2012 at 10:31 AM

      that is such a kind thing to say. thank you!!

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  55. Audrey | That BackpackerAugust 11, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    That's awesome! I've been teaching in Korea for the past 6 months and it has been a blast living here. ;D

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  56. AnkeAugust 12, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    That's so exciting! My boyfriend spent a year teaching in Korea and it changed his life! Good luck to you both, it will be an amazing adventure! Can't wait to see pictures.

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  57. Lucent ImageryAugust 14, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    How wonderful! Congratulations and a lovely way to begin your second year of marriage. I love that good things are happening for you to embark on your next adventure.

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  58. linaAugust 15, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    this is really exciting! i have been looking into teaching english in korea for bit. can i ask what program you are going through?

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    1. janisAugust 15, 2012 at 12:42 PM

      Hi Lina! I didn't go through a program. I'm teaching at an international school since I'm a certified teacher. I just emailed them my resume directly and then we had a skype interview! Good luck on your job hunt. :)

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  59. syaSeptember 4, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    Oh wow! How exciting is that? And I believe I must congratulate you both on your move ;) I'll be traveling to South Korea (my third time) with my sister in April next year and I just can't wait! It's an amazing city, I'm sure you'll love it. Wishing you both the best of adventures ahead- yay!!

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thanks so much for writing! i love hearing from you!

xo

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