The Pit of my Stomach

I spent this weekend, and the several that have preceded it, in what I would normally call slight discomfort. Today, however, I would label as downright crappy. I'm not sure if I picked up a flu virus or just ate something that my body deems a "foreign invader" in its own right, needless to say I was quite ill. At one point I finally decided to throw in the towel and craft a makeshift sleeping spot in the hallway between my bedroom and bathroom. I should probably inform you that this is sometimes the norm for my body, although usually on a lesser scale. Since I was diagnosed with IBS (that's short for irritable bowel syndrome) several years ago, I experience highs and lows in regard to my health. Usually, I adapt and push through the low's. Today I relented and called in a sub for tomorrow's classes. The children are in capable hands...they will survive (I tell myself this to relieve the guilt of being absent, now it is time to start believing it).

After experiencing several of these less than pleasurable weekends, and some not so good weekdays, I am beginning to worry about how my body will react to the stress of the impending overseas move. I am certain that the combination of stress, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, worry, and more stress are at the root of my body's medical malfunction but I can't seem to get a handle on everything at one time. To make things worse, I can already feel myself starting to disconnect from my present world in preparation for the separation that will happen just three months in the future. A little voice in the back of my head asks, "Do you regret deciding to move to Korea?" Despite the illness, I can confidently answer, "NO" and mean it. I need this adventure. I want to try something new and see if a change in environment will help me to appreciate what I have had as well as push myself to try new things. Even if they scare the crap out of me...literally.

A feeling in the pit of my stomach never fails to let me know when I need to slow down, refocus, relax, and make the best of challenging situations. I am certain that the years ahead will be filled with days where I feel terrible, but I can't let this little health problem dictate what I can and cannot do. So, tonight I will relent. I will head to bed, equipped with a book, a heating pad, and a fresh outlook on tomorrow. Here's hoping it will be better than today.

Plane Ticket...CHECK!

Well, friends...it is official. I will be boarding a plane for Korea at 6:00 am on Sunday, August 1st. Approximately fifteen hours later (3:05 pm Korea time on August 2nd) I will touch down at Incheon International Airport and my new life will begin! Fingers crossed!