Last night I did something I've never done before. It's surprising considering how unremarkable of a first it is for me and only worth noting because it took so long. I finally got paid in my new setting and with my first day of conducting coming up, I felt like celebrating. I had a strong desire to have Korean food - a rare occurrence when I'm not back home - so I ended up going to an overpriced restaurant two blocks away from me. The meal served its purpose, it filled me up. And it wasn't bad - just not exactly a $20 meal. I had Jjam Pong - a spicy chicken and vegetable stew with noodles. It wasn't quite like how mom makes it. It should be much hotter, the first bite should make you feel like you've just been kicked in the nuts. Plus, the broth wasn't as complex in flavor. One saw past the spice quite easily. This is the farthest I've lived away from home and not coincidently, the Korean in me has been wanting to assert itself more than it ever has felt comfortable in doing so. Shit, I might even teach myself how to cook Korean food.