Merry Christmas!

As we gear up for the holidays I wanted to write a quick note to send some love your way from the Buffhams.  

Today we had a Battalion Christmas party in the aircraft hanger so we got to enjoy a couple laughs with friends, get our hopes up for winning the raffle and see Santa arrive on the back of a Cushman.  The guys had decorated a Black hawk and all soldiers got a package sent from kids in Illinois.  Josh managed to pick the box that was 5 pounds of solid cookies.  Augh, I can already hear myself getting fatter.

Tomorrow, Christmas Eve.  We have a low-key day planned, preparing an appetizer for the Christmas party and testing and perfecting our mini-donut tasting system.  We've come up with a marketing ploy to make the mini's at the Christmas party to give everyone an idea of what's in store for the actual testing we'll have in January.  We've got the sign-up sheet ready!  *On the mini-donut note, the first round of proto-types for Donut Junkie and Twelve are in!  They are fantastic!  We're so excited for our meeting on Friday to go over perfecting our favorites so we can see round two in January.

Christmas Day, eating, singing, and laughing with friends.  Wish we were with you all!!!

Then, the 27th, we're headed to Cambodia for a week.  We'll be there over our two-year anniversary and New Years!  Should be a blast.  Look for pictures soon.

Thank you for all the Christmas cards, we LOVE hearing from you all.  'Course it makes us miss you more, but here's to hoping next year, we'll all be together.  

Merry Christmas.  Chloe is sure excited...

Happy Birthday Chloe!

The BIG 5!  Happy Birthday, Girl!  I hope your Birthday is filled with lots of sleep, carrots and a nice long walk.  

Christmas Scandals

One of my latest projects was directing (and acting in) excerpts to be played during a production of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues here in Seoul.  This is the trailer that's out to promote the production!

**Just click on the title of this blog entry!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Back again.

Hi everyone. Long time, I know. (Rub it in). I was telling my Mom just this morning that I probably haven't written in so long because so much time has gone by since my last entry that trying to catch everyone up is overwhelming.
But I find myself here today feeling the need to at least reach out to those of you so far away due to a passing of a high school classmate. And I hate that sometimes it takes those life altering events to do so, but I'm here, my amazing family and friends are here and I find myself just simply thankful. For you. For the crappy weather Korea is giving us today. For the snorts my pug lets out when she's dreaming. For the warm socks I cover my cold feet with. For Josh getting home from the field a day early. For the ability to clean the ridiculous amounts of sliding doors we have in our apartment. I'm here. I'm thankful.
Eddie Schwan was a kid who, on occasion, made fun of me, but for some reason, I had a crush on him. Charismatic, Eddie. Funny Eddie, with the adorable dimples and addictive laugh. I never knew him very well although I wanted to. 29 years-old and Eddie won't see tomorrow's sunrise or deal with people on the phone about bank statement issues. For better or for worse; whatever this life gives us, Eddie won't experience (or deal with it) ever again.
I hate getting sentimental, but please, the next time you're stuck in traffic, or your child is crying, or your husband or wife doesn't put the coaster down (as hard or as stupid as it may seem) simply find yourself in that moment and be present. You don't even have to be thankful just...be there.
The people (and animals) we surround ourselves with are who make our lives amazing. No regrets. If you can do it today; now is the time. Love you. Love the people around you. Love life. (Pat Buffham, "Lovin' life!)
We love you all. So, so very much.
May you forever smile, Eddie.

It's another win!

Way to go Josh, baby!

Josh is now officially a Pilot in Command for night flight under NVG's (night vision goggles). You know, the special goggles that make everything look green. So now the accomplished Mr. Buffham is a PC for day and night, as well as a trainer for certain flights. Of course there is an acronym for that title too, but I can't keep up with all of them.

Awesome job Josh!

5 days until we leave (not including today OR the day we actually leave). 5 days sounds better than 7.

Much love!

It's the Final Countdown

Okay, we are STOKED! Just over one week (by a couple hours) we will be headed home for a much needed reconnection with our family and friends. We're looking forward to so many things I could go on and on.

We've got a beautiful niece Penny, our handsome cousin, Noah, and the littlest Herkal, that we have yet to meet!! We're excited to get to know better: Lila, Maci, Sophie and Christian, and let them know just how much Uncle Josh and Aunt Molly have been missing them!!

The first part of our visit will be spent at the Buffham's who we can't thank enough. Looking forward to the lake, dinners, theatre and conversations: the simple to complex! We'll get to see a lot of Josh's family and find out what the heck has been going on since we've been away. The second part we will be at the Berg's and a weekend visit to the North Shores, then Grand Rapids to see their lot and then on to Clearbrook to visit some of Molly's family.

On our way back to Korea, we'll stop by NYC for a little D-Sweet and Hales time!! We'll (hopefully!!!) see Beuchlers and our friends, the Badgleys.

We can't express how often we think of you all and hope that everyone is happy and living for the 'excitement!'

Tomorrow, Josh has a check ride so keep your fingers crossed. He'll be amazing! As for me, I've found a new venue here in Seoul; Voice-acting. Believe it or not, it's huge here and I've been blessed with tons of work! Who knew!?

I'll post Mr. Buffham's check ride results when they come in!

Can't wait to see you!!!

Check new pics if you want. It was a fun night out with friends.

Country Road Take Me Home

September 2nd baby, Josh and I are heading home for two weeks! It's been so long since we've been home we can't tell you how excited we are to see everyone. We know there's a lot of you we've got to see but we don't have a "schedule" set yet. Believe me, we want to pack as much punch to this trip as we can!

Aside from that, Korea has been friggin' hot, hot, hot. The pool has become our best friend along with a this place called "Ice Bar." We've only been there once which will be our last, but it cooled us down! I've added the Picassa photo page so you can check out our updated pictures there.

Miss you all and we'll be seeing you soon!!

Some pictures that should inspire our donut business name!

We did it!!

The check has cleared, the shipment is on it's way and our very first mini donut machine has been purchased!!! It's official, we're doin' this baby!!!

Life as an Army Wife: Episode 4

The 4th episode of my Army Wife series has officially arrived! It's dedicated to a good friend I've made here in Korea who is leaving on Sunday for Taiwan. Mandy is the gal I'm producing a movie mockumentary with.

To view the episode, click on the title of this blog. It's a longer video and I didn't want to upload it to yet another website!

Hope you enjoy. Of course, there is a guest appearance by Chloe!

4th of July Korea-style

It was a modest set up, but a gathering place for Americans and Koreans alike who were celebrating our country. Chloe was a hit, as always, but in general, Koreans don't care for dogs and I got a little nippy with a woman who asked me to remove Chloe from her area because she was eating. We're always cautious when we have Chloe, and we have really good doggy-owner manners. This gal had no reason for asking us to move. I mean if we had a friggin' gigantic dog with fangs who was salivating over her stupid plate of kimchi, then I'd understand. But a pug!?!?! Give me an effing break. Sorry, I was just getting worked up again. Chloe's my baby! Anyhow.

The fireworks were great, we had a blast saying "hi" to familiar faces and we had a fun conversation with a little boy named Colin who told me the chemicals in his glow stick smelled like farts. He was aDORable!

Wishing you all a Happy Fourth. Love you!

Thinking Caps Please!

Josh and I are in full swing to get our very first business underway. We're really excited about it because it's something I've personally had experience with, the product Josh can't get enough of, and it's a small, tangible business for our first venture. Mini donuts! Those of you from Minnesota who have ever been to the great State Fair have probably gotten your grubby little hands on these babies. They're a proven hit. The aroma draws you in, the action of the machine is comical and the fresh product melts in your mouth.

Right now we're in the process of putting together our business plan. It's our intention to have as much as we can finished and ready to go before we move to Washington so we can hit the ground running. We'll start with festivals and fairs but expand to private functions like weddings, birthday parties, grand openings, etc. The possibilities are endless.

However, the one thing that's keeping me up at night is trying to come up with a sweet name. This is where I'm hoping for a little inspiration from you!!

Let me tell you what kind of theme we're shootin' for here:

Our concept revolves around the fact that back in the day, before we knew all the nutritional information about this and that and what certain things did and didn't do to our bodies (or minds); if it tasted good, we ate it! If it made us feel good, we did it! The things that used to make us feel good, or give us pleasure don't do the trick anymore because we're riddled with guilt, "This is going straight to my thighs." Or, "This playground has tiny rocks? What!? Where's the toxic-free matting?" Please. Get over it. Enjoy. Think like a kid again and take back the treats and experiences that made you smile.

With that said, our concept embraces treating yourself, not gorging yourself. It embraces simple pleasures from a forgotten era.

Think, 1950's, "Hey, Pop! It's a tiny donut!" This is the kind of humor we'd like to incorporate into the name and brand as well.

We really look forward to hearing your ideas!!!! Remember; good old days and humor.

Love,

Josh and Molly

Back to Reality

Our last night, all sun-kissed.

The fun bar across from our hotel.

View from our roof!

Some aqua-velva with a gross thong.
(No, those are not Josh's buns of steel.)

The 'Rambo' boat to our island oasis.

The lame waterpark.

Home-slice in full effect.


The only way we got through our cab
ride to Pattaya.


View from our balcony in Bangkok.

To Thailand and back already. Read the chorus below from the popular 80's song "One Night in Bangkok."

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster

The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free

You'll find a god in every golden cloister

And if you're lucky then the god's a she

I can feel an angel sliding up to me

No joke. Guys, girls, you can't tell. Either way, they all want a "bed buddy" for every night of the week, which put me (Molly) on the defensive when we'd innocently walk around looking for a place to grab a bite.

We landed in Bangkok late Friday/early Saturday morning. The heat and humidity at that hour took all of us (Josh, our friend Rich, and myself) by surprise. We got to our modest but clean hotel around 2AM. The boys grabbed a couple drinks and some food while I zonked out.

The next morning we took the most ghetto 2 hour ride into Pattaya any of us have ever experienced. Some old piece with no rear suspension so our asses felt every bump. The first thing our driver said was "Need to get gas." Next he says "Three minute. Stop at my home." "What for?" we asked. "Music," he says. So 10 minutes later, the music is plugged in but the sound is barely audible, "Huh. No bass," says Josh. And just then the loudest 3 seconds of our lives happend as our driver pushed the cord into place. (Perfect timing, Josh).

An hour into our ride we took a pee break and insisted on getting some beer. None of us had any hair left because we pulled every last strand out while this guy weaved in and our of traffic at about 100 MPH.

Finally....Soi 8. Pattaya, Thailand. The Flipper Lodge. Rooftop pool with drinks and food overlooking the beach. That first night we swam, ate dinner at an Irish/Thai restaurant, walked the area and got the cheapest massages in the entire universe! 1 hour massages = roughly $10!!!! Needless to say, we got massages every day.

Day 2 was a trip on a ferry to an island for some swimming and soaking in the sun.

Day 3 was a trip on our rented moped to the saddest water park we've ever been to. We grabbed lunch at a local restaurant, looked at some cowboy boots and home to shower up. We walked to the Hard Rock hotel for tapas and drinks. That night the boys went out and saw a once in a lifetime kind of show. I'm not sure how I should word this so it's suitable for all audiences....Um....women shoot darts, or open bottles from the most female parts of their bodies. I'm going to stop there.

The next day was our last. So Josh and I took our moped for some coffee at a little shanty that overlooked the bay. We grabbed drinks at a couple different places, went up to our pool and before we knew it, we were leaving for the airport.

Thailand was a lot of fun. The actual area we were in , Pattaya, we'd probably never visit again. It's on the dirtier side and attracts the types of people (men) that are looking for one night companions. It's not what you'd call, "family-friendly." But Josh especially was due for some time off so it was a fun, quick getaway.

Above, you'll see some of the pictures from our trip!!! Miss you all.

Love,

Molly, Josh and Chloe (our pug)

TEETH promotion

Last January I did a children's show with Theatre Seoul and it's back to haunt me! We've been asked to remount the show in a bigger, fancier theatre in an area that's sure to bring in more money for the producers! Apparantly, there is a big promotional banner near the theatre with our white faces planted on it, but I have yet to see it.

For now, if you feel like it you can check out a quick promotional video from January. Be warned, you may tear up with embarrassment...but then again, it's a kids show!

(Click on the title to take a peek.)

St. Patty's Day (Buffham-style)

What's next after Korea???

Drumroll please...............it's 99% sure that we're off to Ft. Lewis. Washington state people, near Olympia. Give us a couple weeks to get excited about it. We'll get back to you!

He did it!!!!!

As of yesterday afternoon, Josh is now officially a Pilot in Command (PC)! His Royal Pilot Buffham is callin' the shots during flights and is large and in charge. He's been working his buns off to get to this point and it paid off big time! I know he's still a tiny bit nervous about the new position and the responsibilities that go along with it, but I like to think my over-abundance of confidence in him more than makes up for his doubts.

Way to go Josh! We're so proud of you!!!!!

It's no wonder American children are chubbs.

This past Monday, my full-time teaching schedule began and I had an interesting first experience. I'm sure we can all think back to our elemantary school days. Homeroom, recess and lunchtime. I remember my favorite lunch was a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, milk and for dessert two fruit roll-ups at only 25 cents each.

When the President of the company I work for told me we'd grab lunch before my first class of the 2008 school year, I was thinking more on the lines of your regular sit-on-the-floor Korean restaurant. As the time drew near to the start of my class and as I continued to be led to the school, I wondered exactly what was in store for me today. Dudes...no joke. Elementary school lunch...KOREAN-STYLE. With the kids.

There was no fancy kitchen with a ticket-taker or cash register. There were five ladies dressed very nicely handing out food. The lunch trays were metal and utensils, one gigantic spoon and chopsticks, of course. Lady #1; sprouts and kimchi (a cabbage necessity here). Lady #2; 1/4 cup pork. Lady #3; 2-3 pieces of leafy lettuce. Lady #4; sticky rice. And Lady #5; brothy soup with seaweed. Wow.

We sat down at the teachers table where there was more lettuce and leaves that could've come from the trees outside, what do I know? Red bean paste. (It's got a kick!) More kimchi, green onions and steamed cabbage.

You fill up your leaf with whatever you want and chow down. Although, "chowing" is what I hardly ever do when I eat Korean-style because I am so embarrasingly bad when it comes to using chopsticks. After I finish and I bring my dirty dishes to the student dish washers (all the while getting pointed at and commented on, mind you) I head to the door. Thirsty. There was, what I like to call, a trough of water. Warm water. And it had a funny taste. Gulped it down and I was outta there. Garlic, cabbage and spicey bean taste in my mouth. It's no wonder Koreans brush their teeth after every meal.

If I want, I can grab lunch there every day. So if you ever come to visit Josh and I, please... let me treat you! It will be an experience you won't forget!

Life as an Army Wife: Episode 3

Get a look into Army Wife's Field Correspondent, Chloe the Furry Pig. Rated PG-13.

Life as an Army Wife: Episode 2

Episode 2 is here! If you haven't seen Episode 1 yet, check it out below!

To Pugsley: Our Dear Friend

When our phone rang last night at an unusual hour, my stomach sank. It was my parents. Larry seemed unusually bright and apologized for not being able to get the time difference straight. The conversation continued, and I was still curious, something was missing.

Finally, after about 10 minutes of "How's the weather" conversation, my Dad said those dreaded words, "I hate the be the bearer of bad news..." After an amazing, and hysterical 15 years, our Dear Sir Pugsley Henri Berg passed away in my Dad's arms eary Saturday morning.

He's been the best friend anyone could ever ask for and anyone who knew Pugsley, instantly recognized his unique, loving, caring and comical personality. We knew him as, "Pugger, Rugger, Pug, Rug-Rug-Rugger, Bastard Dog, Joe-Schmo, Buddys, Puggy; our Pugsley." Pugs was famous for learning how to sneeze and "squeal like a pig" on command. In his youth he'd chase us kids around the house like a mad man with his turbo-boosters. As he got older he slowed down but his heart and his fiesty nature never budged.

Our family will never forget when we were on a mission to adopt a dog, my Dad (after seeing the movie "Milo and Otis") said he would never get a dog who's ass hung out all the time. Well, my brother and I won that battle and Pugsley and my Dad became unseparable companions.
My Dad laid Rugger to rest in our backyard; this also his playground. He was buried with his "boo-scow" a.k.a. his bed, so he may forever sleep in peace.

I'm terribly sad you aren't with us, Pugsley, but you've given our family an abundance of happiness and wealth of laughter that will never be matched. You changed our lives the instant we found you, and you will live on forever in our hearts.

I love you Puggy. I miss you so much.

My new internet series: Life as an Army Wife

For shites and giggles. Episode 2 coming soon!

TEETH

Just a couple pictures from the last show I was in. It's a children's show in basic English written for young Korean's learning English! We will be remounting the show again at the end of April into May.

CW2 Buffham

Pearl, Garbage and a Military Ball

*Pearl*
I still haven't cleaned up the bathroom where Pearl's area was. I was secretly hoping Josh would do it but he's feeling just as lonesome for her as I am. It's amazing how just two weeks of nursing an innocent, stray puppy back to full health can be enough to get ya right in heart. We were really becoming fond of our little, poofy discovery. Determined to find her a loving home, we placed an ad on Craigslist and low and behold a nice lady with another dog at home thought she had found her new addition. She'd just committed to another year of teaching in Korea and said she'd only do it if she found another companion for her Cocker Spaniel. It was love at first sight and this lady gave me good vibes, she was definitely a dog person. The next day, however I got an e-mail that said her Cocker was extremely jealous. We set a time for her to return Pearl and took it as a sign that Pearl was meant to be ours. We got more and more excited as we picked up a tiny collar, some more puppy food and bite-sized treats. But when we got home, there was an e-mail message from our first prospective adoptor that she'd found a wonderful home for Pearl with one of her friends. Although I trust her judgement, Josh and I were ready for a new pupsters to romp around our home. We know Pearl is safe and we pray for her happiness. If you ever have the chance to befriend and foster a stray, do it. What a rewarding experience. "Hi Pearl. " =)
*Garbage*
Koreans (as far as we can tell) aren't in to recycling their goods, be it handing things down to family or donating to orphanages, etc. They're really quick to say "out with the old, in with the new." And by "out" I literally mean, garbage. Or "garba`ge." We live in a brand new high-rise which means we live with Koreans with money. Everytime we go through the gated entrance with our ghetto Kia from 1902, we're always second guessed. But they see Josh's military hair-cut and they get the drift. So one of my favorite things to do is to check out the garbage and recycling room. I'm not into digging for old Soju bottles, or styrofoam kimchi plates I'm into this: (these are actual things I've found) small laptop computer with accessories (I kept the computer case), old school 70's bowling ball with bag (Josh's discovery), big fleece blanket (Chloe's), simple English children's book (for my English classes), hangers tied together with a great silk scarf, and a fleece Columbia-style workout shirt. Some things I didn't pick up: lamps, wall clocks, home-made video game controllers, curtains and curtain rods, comforters, large room plants, etc., etc., etc. It's always an adventure when I take out the garbage. Can't wait to go today!
*Military Ball*
Just a quickie. This past Saturday, we had the Winter Military Ball. For those who are attached to the military in some way, may understand what I'm talking about: just before dinner, you honor the soldiers who eat alone, or who won't be eating ever again because they've given their lives for our freedom. This portion of the ceremony is always the most difficult but is always a reminder of how precious life is. Please, for everyday you wake up, for every laugh you hear, for every smile you see, for every breath you take; give thanks. Find someone to share these everyday miracles with, I cannot stress how amazing life is when you've got someone on your side.

Our little stray.

Korea is known for puppy farms. Unfortunately, it's the type of thing that's just sort of accepted here. Cute little dogs that are bred in very poor conditions only to be sold in the streets. I've seen it and I literally broke down in tears. Typically someone will buy their special pup and two weeks later, their new addition will develop parvo which will ultimately kill them if proper medical measures aren't taken.

I only bring up this point because Josh and I got lucky. We live in an amazing brand new high-rise that has it's own park with flowing streams, trees, playgrounds and windy paths. This is not an area that usually sees stray animals. The animals around here are a family's little royalty, wearing designer dog outfits to fend off the cold weather. So when on a cold Friday night, Chloe and I came across a tiny, poofy stray, I was shocked and saddened.

At first I thought it was a cat so I told Chloe to, "Get the kitty." What a good little pug, she didn't hesitate to follow my command for one second. But when I heard the tiny little yark (a yelp and a bark combined) I knew we were dealing with a puppy. The little stray ran and hid under a set of stairs and had no intention of coming out; but who can blame her after Chloe's attack. Albeit a "pug" attack which is harmless and more funny than anything. So after 20 minutes of coaxing, I said a prayer for the stray and headed inside feeling guilty about leaving her in the cold while I headed for shelter.

This was a difficult thing for me to do being the animal person I am, but in my gut I knew the little stray would be okay.

That evening I told Josh about the adventure and again, said a prayer while I cuddled up under a warm blanket and went to sleep.

The next morning when I woke up, Josh and Chloe were both gone which meant they were outside so Chloe could do her morning duties. About 10 minutes later while I got my coffee, Josh and Chloe came in and I turned around to see the little stray tucked under Josh's arm. His leather jacket was smeared in feces and the little stray shook from fear and the chills, no doubt.

"I found her in the same spot," Josh said. Which meant the little stray had most definitely been out in the cold all night and who knows for how many other nights before.

We washed her and wrapped her up. We gave her warm food, water and let her rest. A couple hours later Josh took her to the vet only to have them tell us that she looked well so there was nothing they could test her for at that time. That, and keep her separated from Chloe for the next week in case she had parvo. For the next week we watched for signs of parvo while the little stray gained her appetite back and energy back. We'd visit her in the bathroom (her new warm home) and play with her. We'd practice picking her up so it wasn't so scary for her. We'd push her around a bit so she knew rough play. We'd make the occasional loud noise so it wouldn't scare her peeless like it once did.

A week later the vet gave her the first series of shots. It's been a week and a half now, and these days she's still really attached to her bathroom, but will venture out to the living room on her own. She still pees a lot, little dribbles here and there but the vet didn't think she was any older than two months so that's pretty normal. She's still very underweight so we're feeding her more than Chloe. The vet expects her to be a medium to large breed.

We've decided on the name Pearl, and she's growing on us. Chloe too. When I was saying my prayers for Pearl when she was still "the little stray" to us, I guess I didn't realize how close to home they would be answered. But there's no doubt that they came true. Pearl now has a safe, warm and loving home just like I asked for. It just so happens to be our safe, warm and loving home.