Britney Spears in Seoul, South Korea
Saturday June 10th Britney Spears played a show in Korea. She was actually in Tokyo when I went with Co-P, but we didn’t go to the show. We actually began the break up process at Haneda Airport, but that’s a story for another time. Oops…I did it again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d see her live, and I certainly didn’t think it’d be in Korea of all places! Even cooler? With G Dragon playing a show and Ultra Music Festival this weekend we got our KRW 99,000 tickets (just over $100 Canadian) upgraded TWICE. I was sent to 3 different windows and had to wait a long time while they got their act together, but I walked away with VVIP tickets which had a value closer to $400 Canadian…each! I got all gussied up with fabulous fellow blogger “A Fat Girl’s Food Guide“. We had all kinds of laughs I really needed outside the venue, and went inside just before the show.
Circus
There was no opening act. Britney got straight into it and didn’t stop for an hour and a half. She was strictly business, purely professional, and an enchanting entertainer. The fan favourites were all a blur, fading into one another in a medley that got me in the zone! Last night was a reminder that if Britney can make it through 2007, I can make it through the day, too. When you breakdown you can go further into the madness or take the opportunity to rebuild. There’s a blessing and a beauty in the breakdown. Others may have torn you down, but only you can truly rebuild from the wreckage.
Toxic
The past year has not exactly been my easiest. I came to Korea to give myself a break from a stressful job and a toxic work environment. After a healthy, comfortable, calm year in Busan, I decided to take on the capital city: Seoul. I was right back in a difficult work environment with longer hours and less time to dedicate to fitness and finding friends. Sprinkle in a couple of dating disasters and Itaewon drama, and voila! You’ve got yourself a pretty shit sundae. It’s getting tougher and tougher to pick myself up. I truly believe that you should take as many lessons as you can from a negative situation. Reflecting on our actions, reactions, and the ones from the people around us is crucial to personal development. While I often feel like I take one step forward and 3 steps back, I want to move forward and enter my 30’s with joy and energy.
Work, B*tch
On Mondays I aim to ease into the week. I get to work with the youngest kids on Mondays. While conversation is tougher, the cuddles tend to be plentiful. My gym doesn’t open until 8 AM on Mondays, so I take it easy. I talk to my parents on Skype every Monday and always look forward to our weekly ritual. I’ve partnered with Sprout Seoul (Natural Healthy Whole Food Service in Korea), so I skipped out on my weekly meal prep in favour of flavour. I’ll have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack or dessert free of over-processed ingredients, chemicals and additives. I’ll be sharing pictures and honest thoughts on the menu here daily, too. Last time I ordered from Sprout I was down 3 kg within days. I’m thrilled to be on the 5 day plan. If you order from Sprout Seoul, make sure to mention The Toronto Seoulcialite or That Girl Cartier to get a free snack!
…One More Time
I’ve read that we should start now rather than waiting for a special occasions. I say, take what you can get. New Year’s Eve, a birthday, a new job, a break-up or even a Monday is an opportunity. I’ve got a recent break-up, a birthday on the horizon (August 6th if you’re keeping track), and the Monday trap tomorrow. I want to take these opportunities as spring boards to a better me. As cheesy as it all sounds, a fresh start is exactly what I think I need. With a new gym membership, Sprout Seoul, a little Restylane c/o Eunogo, some rad new friends, the love of more than a couple drag queens, and Britney in my Seoul, I’m Stronger. Now get to work, b*tch!