Sick for Independence Day

I've been sick the past few days. It's not anything serious, probably just the common cold: a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and occasional dizziness. I've spent the last few days getting as much sleep as I can, but I've been recovering slower than I'd like. The good news is I'm 50% better and this will be a quiet weekend so I should be tip top by the start of next week. I'm not exactly sure how I got it, but it was probably some combination of sharing food/drinks with a bunch of people, staying out late, and inhaling tons of secondhand smoke. At first I was in denial that I was actually sick, thinking that all the smoke had irritated my throat but eventually I came to terms.

On the upside, I think I've finally found an apartment. It was the place I've had my eye on since I arrived two weeks ago, and we signed the lease yesterday. I plan to move in Wedenesday and get furniture shortly after. Things will be pretty bare, so next weekend will probably be devoted to decorating the place. The whole negotation process for the apartment had way too many people involved. In Korea, everybody uses an agent when renting an apartment. Since I don't speak the language, there was an intermediary between me and my agent. So, when negotiating I spoke to my representative who spoke to my agent who spoke to the landlord's agent who spoke to the landlord. This is further complicated by the fact that I required approval/help from several people from my company: two people in legal, two in finance, one in relocation, and one in human resource. In total, eleven people were closely involved in my apartment search, which is why it's taken so long. Since the whole process has been such an ordeal, I've been terrified of it falling through so was reluctant to say much until now. And that possibility still exists until I actually move in. I've got my fingers crossed.

In addition to getting sick, I lost my camera at Peter's party. I left it next to the window; somebody must have picked it up thinking it was theirs. Until I buy a new one or a camera phone, there will be a severe shortage of pictures on my blog.

Earlier this week I decided to check out this sushi place near Peter's apartment called "42 in NY" or something like that. It's pretty good and only 20,000 KRW (~$22 USD) for all you can eat sushi. I was hungry so went alone since I had half an hour to blow before meeting somebody for apartment issues. One of the sushi chefs was very friendly (and wanted to practice his English) so struck up conversation with me. The usual: where am I from, why am I here, blah, blah. He also specially made me some sushi. Later he asked if I was single; after I nodded he loudly stated my waitress was also single. She was horribly embarrased and she and her coworker giggled excessively (common in Korea). She went to serve another patron, spilling his drink, and the chef jokingly stated, "she very nervous." I'll probably be back soon. =)