In a Monsoon, Dreaming of a Pontoon

From worldguide.com:
Seoul is also known for its monsoon season and related weather, which tends to arrive each year between June and July, bringing with it much wind and rain. However, this is short lived and by August, downpours are much less likely and the constant sun makes this reliably the hottest month of the year.

I'll say. Wow. Our morning walks are back on hold because it rains all day, every day. I recently posted this on facebook:
                                               

Anyway, between the constant rain, Kyle's long(er) work hours for quarter end and almost every single one of my friends back in their home country for an extended visit (to avoid the rainy season here), we're going a little bit stir crazy.

I try to remember the upcoming trip and other happy things (health, great kid, wonderful husband, all around good life) with each rain drop, but it isn't always easy.

For example:

Monday, Nathan and I had our six week follow up appointments. I timed Nathan's breakfast like a champ and got us out the door on time, a little early, even because (of course) it was raining. For 25 minutes, I tried to hail a cab as it poured down rain harder and harder. Finally, I spotted one with his light on.  He didn't look like he was stopping for me, rather pausing to cross the intersection. No siree!

I tilted my umbrella and knocked on his driver window.
He rolled it down.
"Available?" I asked.
"Ah-nay-oh (which means no)," he said as he crossed his arms to make an X.

Now, this is not the first time I have been dismissed by a cab. Usually it's because the driver's English isn't perfect, and they don't want the hassle and/or humiliation of speaking imperfect English to a westerner. Well, not today, cabbie. I have an ace up my sleeve that no one can resist!

I whipped open my Moby to expose Nathan.
"Really?! Ah-gee (baby). Severance Hospital. Chew-say-oh (please)," I said.
He looked at the baby. It was working. Who can say no to a baby in the pouring rain?
I said, "Ah-gee. Hospital."
"Ok." He replied.

I got in the cab. Nathan gave a well timed yell. The driver turned and cooed at the baby. That's more like it!

So, yeah, it's moments like Monday's cab that make remembering all the good things pretty challenging. But, I have come a long way, because ten months ago I would called Kyle and blamed him or cried or both because of the frustration of trying to get a cab in the rain. I dare say, I roll with the punches better than I ever have!

In between downpours, we do manage to have a bit of fun.

Off to lunch in our neighborhood

Cute little Japanese restaurant

Cute little statue at cute little restaurant

Ordering lunch (lots of pointing and holding up of fingers)

Success! Thin crust pizza, caprese salad and caramel mocha coming right up!

Before it became our pizza. Meant to take an "after" but we gobbled it up too quickly.

:)sbc