Fortunately, the value of the Korean won is continuing to go back up. But I really feel compelled to stay until it completely returns to normal.

There is also the romantic situation that compels me to stay.

And the fact that I am well paid, have a nice apartment in a high-rise building in a nice neighborhood of the city (that I don't have to pay rent for), and have a job that while stressful, I don't hate, is also good reason to stay.

My boss asked me to renew my contract and after discussing it and getting a modest raise, I agreed.

I've long since paid off all my student loans. I don't owe any money. I don't have a credit card.

And I spend maybe 5% of my paycheck per month on bills (gas, elec., cell phone, cable, internet, etc.)

So the money is really starting to pile up in my bank account because I've been a good boy and after buying a new high-end laptop, stopped spending.

Now I need to figure out how to channel that money into starting my own business when I do get back to the states.

I've got ideas and basic plans. I just need to sit down and figure some actual start-up costs. Ideally, I'll have enough $$ saved to run my business out of pocket for the first year. I have a location already picked out that I would just need to make some final arrangements on. I'm getting close to enough $$ for all the hardware I'd initially need.

The bottom line is, that I'm deferring the dream for another year (or two) but when it happens, I'll have lots of $$ put away and be ready to make everything succeed. And hopefully, that will all tie into getting a house, settling down, and marriage. My girlfriend is a model and owns her own business selling her own fashion line of clothes. But I'm not sure how the idea of marriage would play out yet. We are both really individualistic people. We've talked a bit. But nothing has been laid in stone.

So there are many good reasons to stay. Besides, I actually do enjoy living in the city. Except right now, because it's really hot and muggy.

Going to have to make a run to Cold Stone. Feeling the need for Apple Pie ala Cold Stone.




Oh, and this totally rocks: