SPOILER ALERT: I’M MOVING TO SOUTH KOREA!!!
I’M IN!
IT’S HAPPENING!
I’M ACTUALLY GOING!!!
Show of hands: who thought this would never actually happen? Oh, that wacky Bettye and her cockamamie ideas, she’ll never actually GO THROUGH with this!
I’m grateful for those of you who have been following along since the start of this journey back in 2020 (and not pooh-poohing it)…since discovering k-pop and BTS and k-dramas…and starting to study Korean in 2021…then things just sort of taking on a life of their own…and the next thing I knew I was telling my family at Thanksgiving 2021, Guess What I’m Gonna Do!!! You’ve all been so supportive; no one has actually said (out loud), “YOU’RE CRAZY!!!” Ha. I appreciate y’all not trying to squelch my dreams with silly things like facts and reality 🙂
My favorite quote/meme for a long, long time has been, “Never give up on your stupid, stupid dreams.” I’ve tried to live by that. I don’t always make it, but I give it my best effort.
Things have been progressing for awhile but I didn’t want to say anything definite until, well, everything was definite – and yesterday was The Day of Days:
1. I had my last day of work at my job of 16 years, which was a very emotional, bittersweet experience. I really felt the love the past few weeks; people have been exceptionally supportive of and excited for me.
2. I got the official “in writing” notification from Social Security that I’m approved for my benefits and they’ll start in September (woohoo, free money! Not really, but YKWIM).
3. I sold my car for FOUR TIMES what I thought I would get for it. What is even happening right now???
4. Last night the final piece fell into place: I got the student visa approval notification. That was the last potential “stopper” in the plan…but now it’s…
ALL SYSTEMS GO!!! I am headed to Seoul, South Korea next month on a two-year student visa to attend a language program at Konkuk University.
Breathe, Bettye.
I am Not Used to Everything Working Out, so this is all just a bit….wow.
There have been SO MANY steps to get here, but I’ll share the How To details in a future post – this is just for y’all to know it’s actually happening.
On Wednesday, Katie is flying up from Florida and we’re driving back down in a rental car – just she and I, my two big suitcases and carry-ons that I’ll take to Korea, two big plastic tubs of my things that she’ll keep for me while I’m away (I’m still whittling down, but I can see a dim light at the end of the tunnel), a big tub of things I’m still listing on ebay but ran out of time…and a small tub of things she wants (food processor, old teacups, etc). And a milk-crate full of reading books. I asked my dear office mate (from when I used to work), “do you think I can read 21 books in 26 days?” He was like, uhhh, no? I said CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
I’ll stay with her just short of four weeks…I’ll visit my sister while I’m down south…and I’ll dog-sit for Katie so she can take some short trips with friends. And then I leave for Seoul, South Korea on August 22.
I’ve booked myself two nights at a fancy hotel for when I first arrive – I sort of feel like I’m having a Honeymoon for One 🙂 – and then I’ll reserve a goshiwon/goshitel for a few weeks so I have a place to stay while I apartment hunt for a permanent place. Goshiwons are teeny tiny studios (like 6 sq meters) that were originally created as student housing…but I think a lot of elderly live in them, too, as they’re quite affordable. I’ll get a “deluxe” one with a private bathroom and that will be about $300/month in US dollars.
Now that I have the visa approval I can start reaching out to realtors to ask about specific buildings I’ve seen on the various Seoul apartment sites. I have a couple recommendations from bloggers/Instagrammers I follow that I’ll contact first. I’ve had my eye on one apartment building for over a year…it’s just a block away from the school, I like the layout of the unit, and the window and view are a dream. It’s small but it’s all I need. Because it’s right near the university, the shopping/eating areas are always lively and I’m excited to live right in the midst of that.
I’m low-key addicted to watching these “Walking in ___” videos on YouTube. Pick a city, any city, and there’s a video of people walking there. This is the area by my (“my!!!”) university and, hopefully, apartment.
I start class at on September 6 – the day after my birthday (Happy Birthday, to me!).
Okay. That’s the Korea part.
The blog part is that…”Fashion Schlub” is going to become “Bettye’s Big Adventure” going forward. I still have to take care of all the administrative pieces to that, and I’m not sure yet how that works – if I can just rename this blog (wouldn’t that be simple??), or if I have to create something new from scratch. Once I get to Florida I’ll have the headspace to start working on that.
But…YAY!!!
I know the majority of you started following Fashion Schlub when the focus was plus size style/lifestyle…but I feel like many of you stayed cuz we had a good community here, regardless of the topic, so I hope you’ll stay for the next chapter. The focus(i) will be: life in South Korea/living abroad/travel/travel on a budget/following your dreams at any age, etc. There will still be a style component, it just won’t be the main focus. I will say I have been ub-sessed with a Japanese style that I don’t even know know the name of yet, but it’s oversized, natural fabrics, layering, casual…
Okay. I’ve said a lot of words. It’s been awhile since I was posting regularly, so I just wanted to bring you up to speed…and to give you the heads up that the next post might be from Bettye’s Big Adventure and not Fashion Schlub.
And that…YAY! I’m moving to South Korea!!!
xoxo Bettye
Carol Ahuja
Congratulations Bettye ! ! ! I am so thrilled for you! A wonderful adventure awaits, I am so impressed you had a vision, set your plan in motion and will be on your way to South Korea very soon. Looking forward to following along in your new adventures!
bettyewp
Thanks, Carol! I’m pretty proud of myself! There were many times that I just felt TIRED and wanted to relax and play instead of studying and selling and researching, etc…but that never REALLY felt like an option for me. One of my new mantras is “It’s Impossible for Me to Fail.” So I had to do the work…and now I’m about to take the next big step. I leave for South Korea Three Weeks from Today!!!
Linda
Wow Bettye, mega congratulations on this amazing achievement! I’ve been following you, from the UK, since pretty much the start of your blog, with your fun fashion, Caleb, Janey, apartment moves and the big ‘C’. I feel incredibly proud of you and the amount of commitment you have shown to make this happen you’re a much braver woman than me! Enjoy your time with Katie before you head off on this epic adventure. I’m so looking forward to the new blog, it will be amazing to share your adventures with you. Wishing you loads of love and luck for the exciting times ahead.
bettyewp
Linda, thank you! For your supportive comments and for sticking around so long! Wow, you’ve really been here for it all! This February was seven years…hoping for another seven!
xoxo Bettye
TL
OMG 😯 You really do it. I am so happy for you. You are now my role model. I hope you send lots of photos.
bettyewp
Right? I’m kinda amazed I actually dd it!!! I will definitely be sharing LOTS of photos! That’s one of the greatest appeals for me – the photography. Things that are so different than anything I’ve seen or photographed before. I’m going to have so much fun!
Penny
OMG Bettye – you did it! Well done you, and go girl! I’m 77 now and have never forgotten my experience as a Brit of living and working in Switzerland when I was in my early 20s. Living somewhere as opposed to travelling is completely different experience – they are completely different. You will be able to get deep into a nation’s psyche. Not everything will be good but the EXPERIENCE! Have a great time and just wow! Enjoy!
bettyewp
Penny, yes! I always had a Plan B, but it was more travel-based than “settling in” based…and I REALLY want to LIVE in a different place – different culture, different people, I’m hoping to be part of a community, even if it’s just with the local convenience store clerk, ha ha! Baby steps 🙂
Living in Switzerland must have been amazing! What a great experience that must have been to be able to travel at such a young age. For me, better late than never!
Hayley
Amazing! Well done you! I look forward to reading about your adventures x
bettyewp
Thanks, Hayley!
Amy Frushour Kelly
Wonderful news! Can’t wait to read about your new adventures. XOXO, Amy
bettyewp
Thanks, Amy – long time, no see! Hope things are well with you!
Emma
OMG I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures xx
bettyewp
*I’M* so excited, ha ha! I can’t want to share it all!
Lisa
Oh my goodness! I am so excited for you!!!!! I can’t wait to read about your big adventure as you live it!!
bettyewp
Thanks, Lisa!!!
joan
Wow. It has all come together! Please keep blogging– I want to “go along” with you to Korea.
bettyewp
Joan, I will definitey keep blogging. You guys are the friends I can take along with me wherever I go 🙂
Stacey Mochi
I’m so proud of you! Seoul looks like an amazing, vibrant city, a perfect place for your next chapter. Can’t wait to read about your adventures! I’m still trying to work out the details on how we’ll continue to meet up every month. 🤔 ❤️
bettyewp
Mochi, my Mochi. I will miss our monthly agendas and arguments: Me: IT’S ALL MY FAULT! You: NO IT’S NOT! Ha ha. You know I love you to death and will be waiting for your visit!!! xoxo
Marian
I am extremely happy for you! You worked so hard for so long and now you’ve made it happen! You’re amazing!!! Mazel tov! Good luck!
We can’t wait to hear what happens next!
bettyewp
Thanks, Marian. *I* can’t wait to see what happens next! Ha ha!
Dianne
Wow this is an amazing thing thing to do. Congratulations and enjoy every second of it.
bettyewp
Thanks so much, Dianne.
Bobbie
Congratulations on making your dream come true!! I can’t wait to read of your adventures. Happy travels!!
bettyewp
Thanks, Bobbie! I’m excited to travel away!
Tammy
Congrats, Bettye! So happy for you. It’s an enormous change, but I know it’s been a dream for a while and I’m glad you made it happen. I know we’re about the same age and I admire you tremendously for having the courage to just pull up stakes and GO! Will definitely be watching this space for more news of your great adventure.
bettyewp
Thanks, Tammy! I think it helped that I don’t really have many stakes. My family doesn’t live near me, I’m not involved in a relationship, I had no more animals, I was ready to retire from my job, and I tried to leave Long Island 14 years ago but got pulled back in…so it was sort of perfect timing. Of course I have good friends that I’ll miss, but…overall, not many things were really tying me down.
Stay tuned for more adventures!
Debbie from Illinois
You did it! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I’m looking forward to reading about your next chapter in life. Once again, CONGRATULATIONS! 🥳🥳🥳
bettyewp
Thank you, Debbie. I did it! Crazy! I have to admit I’m pretty proud of myself. It was a LOT…and it’s still not even over. There’s STILL things on the To Do list and they’re fighting me every step of the way, guh. But I’ll get there in spite of them 🙂
Tone
Congratulations!! Creating a whole new chapter for yourself, seems so exciting and beave! I will definitely want to follow you in Korea (here from Norway).
bettyewp
Thanks, Tone! PS what a great name!
jodie filogomo
Maybe you need to start speaking to show that we do have more control over our lives than we sometimes think!
Bravo, bravo
Xoox
Jodie
bettyewp
Oh gosh, SPEAKING? Like…OUT LOUD? In front of people?? Ha ha ha no. People say I’m brave for making this big life change, but no. Ha.
kathy sadler
hello Bettye,
what great news! makes my heart happy to hear that my friends are living their best lives!!
Gosh we have known each other for a long time and through a lot of living. i made it to 75 years old mid July!! Doing what i enjoy. life has been kind to me and i hope it continues to be kind to you too. i will look forward to your blog. May the adventure continue!!
fondly
kathy sadler
bettyewp
Kath! Happy Birthday! I’m so happy to hear you’re doing well. We really have known one another for a long time – it’s been one adventure after another!
xoxo Bettye
Rita
Congratulations Bettye! You did it! What an inspiration you are. I can’t wait to read about your next adventures and wish you nothing but the best!!
bettyewp
I did it! It’s crazy! I just kept waiting for the thing that would put the brakes on the whole thing…but here I am…just three weeks away from leaving for South Korea and starting a whole new life!
Iris
Oh my – it’s really happening. I’m so very happy for you. You’re very brave, not sure I could do that. I know you’ve done a lot of plannint and I’m sure that will pay off. You’re going to have to keep us updated on your new life. I’m proud of you and wish you THE very best.
Iris
bettyewp
I’ve decided that being brave (cuz people keep saying “you’re so brave,” and I’m like I DON’T FEEL BRAVE) just means being scared sh*tless of doing something…but doing it anyway!
Thanks for being a friend all these years, Iris xoxo
MB
I am so excited for you, Bettye! You’ve worked so hard to make this dream come true and I love how it is unfolding with beautiful surprises along the way. Your persistence paid off and soon you will be relaxing in that gorgeous tub overlooking the city. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!💜🎉🇰🇷
bettyewp
Aww, thanks, MB! Maybe you’ll come visit!!!
carmen
WOW!! How exciting! I love the name “Bettye’s Big Adventure!
Blessings!
❤️carmen
bettyewp
I was inspired by Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (RIP), and really meant it to represent LIFE, not just a Korea trip, because LIFE is an adventure!
Beth
I am so excited for you. I have followed you for several years and have loved your honesty and your writing style. You are never too old to follow your dreams. Can’t wait to read about your next chapter and the big adventure of living your dream.
bettyewp
It’s funny how it gets into people’s heads that they’re “too old” for something. Phooey! Ha ha. Sometimes my tired sore body might slow me down but until I physically can’t keep going…I plan to keep going!!!
Thanks for sticking around, Beth!
Pam Miller
Congratulations! Dreams can come true, it can happen to you. You did it!
bettyewp
Thanks, Pam! I’m still pinching myself!
Jaynn
lump in my throat that is both joy and envy! love when anyone can fulfill a dream, have an adventure, make memories, take a risk! You’re inspiring me to write that book, post that photo, clean that closet – to get to LIVING! Can’t wait to read your tales – there will be ups and downs, please be good and gentle with yourself. YOU GO GIRL!!!!
bettyewp
Jaynn, thank you! And yes, GO DO THE THING!
Laurie E
I am so excited for you. Can’t wait to hear about your Korean Adventure in Korea!!! What a great opportunity you worked so hard for. Your determination was not in doubt. What an accomplishment!
Have a lovely time with Katie and safe travels!
Can’t wait to start reading about Bettye’s Big Adventure!
Laurie in Oregon
bettyewp
Thanks, Laurie! I’m enjoying my time with Katie and still working on things that need to get done before I leave…THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!
Rhonda
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are an inspiration to many and I am so excited to hear all about your new life chapter!! CHEERS TO YOU!!🥂
bettyewp
Thank you, Rhonda!
Sue
I love it when dreams come true. So excited and happy for you. Can’t wait to read about your new adventures.
bettyewp
It’s kinda crazy that this dream is coming true!!! Thanks, Sue!
Nancy
I am very happy for you and look forward to reading about your new adventures.
bettyewp
Thanks, Nancy!
Sally in St Paul
The amazing hugeness of this is off the charts! I think you’ve broken the Richter scale for good. BRAVO, my friend!
bettyewp
Thanks, Sally. I feel like I have accomplished A LOT…and I haven’t even gone to Korea yet!!!
Maria
So happy for you, congratulations! I’m wishing you the best and looking forward to reading about your next adventure.
bettyewp
Thanks, Maria!
Andrea
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!
bettyewp
Thanks, Andrea! When I’m not feeling anxious and nausous, I’m pretty excited, too!
Em Dirr
Wish I’d seen this post! It answered SO many of the questions!!! I feel so much better.
Love that you’ve given yourself a pampered start after that busy month and long flight!
Hope your new blog lets me subscribe and doesn’t shifcan my comments. 🙃
Just me, here marveling at you.