wrong person + wrong time = sad face. (part 1.)

it's often times when you least expect it, that a random force from nowhere suddenly sweeps you off your feet, injects your heart with adrenaline, makes your stomach multiply with butterflies and feeds your soul with an earnest aching hope that perhaps, this time around has finally brought about the introduction of meeting that special someone who wants to hold your hand--even if it's sweaty and clammy--hold the door open for you, surprises you with flowers--that was placed in your bike basket in the wee hours while you were sleeping so that when you walked out in the morning, they were the first thing that greeted you, on a MONDAY.--laughs at your corny-not-really-that-funny jokes, finishes your sentences easily, and cradles your face with the sweetest kisses. (and then, the shit hit the fan...)

on sunday, july 22nd i went to a going away/surprise engagement party for my friends, pia and andre. it had rained earlier that day, my mood was cranky pants and i felt like a lazy bum. i didn't want to leave my cozy comfy home or have to make the effort to go north of the river, which would require two different bus rides. sometimes, it's those little things, like bus transfers, that are just annoying enough to tip you over the edge into inglorious lethargy. i realized however, that i didn't know just when i would see andre and pia again so, my good senses finally kicked in. i threw myself out of bed and into a dress and even added some more pizazz by wearing bright pink lipgloss. yes. i was ready.

by the time i arrived, the party was in full swing and i felt a bit awkward as i realized that i didn't really know many of the other attendants. it was like i was reverted back into middle school mode and i was  a new student and it was my first day of school and i didn't know exactly where to sit. yeah, AWKWARD. i, typically, am not a wall flower and i don't mind being in a room of strangers, but because i was already in such a strange "off" mood, i felt overwhelmed, shy and self conscious. i admitted this to andre and he immediately introduced me to one of his co-workers, a girl, named ashley. she was at the bar and had her back to me but when she turned around, i was immediately struck by her  charming energy and contagious smile. she asked if i'd like a drink and when i said yes, she poured me a hefty jack and coke. we took our drinks to a table and began to talk candidly, openly and genuinely about life in korea, the thrills of new york city, and whatever else struck our fancy.

when i asked her why she came to korea, she said she wanted to get far away from nyc and from a girl who broke her heart. i confessed that i want to be a farmer and by the end of the year i'd return to the states. we flirted and laughed and it was all so cute and fun...until i learned that she had a girlfriend...