Never one to avoid a thrown gauntlet, even if I haven’t really thought much about it.  So here goes (in no particular order):

1. My Korean employees.  Hard workers, rarely complain, and no back talk or passive-aggressive shenanigans you’d come to expect from disgruntled Americans.  Bear in mind I work for Uncle Sam…

2. My ten minute commute to work.  As opposed to the 1.5 hour nightmare I had in DC.

3.  I can smoke pretty much wherever I want (except on base, but that’s Little America).

4.  The Seoul International Dart League.  If you are a regular at LTG you KNEW that would be on the list!

5.  The expat community.  Soldiers, English teachers, Brits, Scots, Canadians, Pinoys, Japanese…the whole eccletic crowd its been my pleasure to meet and interact with on a regular basis.

6.  The food.  Just about anytime, but especially after a hard night at darts (and beer).  Grilled meat in lettuce leaves with kimchi and sauce.  Can’t beat it in my book.

7.  Beautiful women.

8.  Korean culture and history.  I don’t know the half of it (literally), but it is all fascinating as hell.

9.  Seoul subway system and the KTX to Busan.  Nothing in America compares.

10.  Ondol heating.  Nothing like a warm floor on a cold winters day.  Beats a heat pump any day of the year.  Er, well, not in July.  But you get my meaning.

Hell, that was pretty easy after all.  I could come up with more (like the ROK soldiers in their taekwondo stance at the DMZ), but the challenge was ten and I’ve run the gauntlet.

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Last night we eeked out a tough win against Rubbies at Dolce Vita Pub, 19-18.  Scott and I went 3-0 in the last round of doubles mix (cricket and ‘01) to secure the victory.  I had an average night, going 7-5 but didn’t hit many marks.  I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that I am just an average player who occasionally has moments of brilliance.  What I have considered inconsistency is really just a reflection of the reality that I do not throw excellent darts on a regular basis.  I am in fact consistently average.  I believe that realization will help me enjoy the game more as it eases my frustration when I do not meet the inflated expectations I have set for myself.  Of course, I will continue to work hard at improving my game, but I am pretty much resigned to the fact that I will never be in the top tier of amatuer pub darters.  So, having fun and staying in the top ten in my division are I think realistic goals to strive for.

So, the Goat is no longer with us.  He has a new job that keeps him out of town Monday-Friday.  Fortunately, Seung Youb has managed to rejoin the team which is a big plus going into the final third of the seasons.  Barring a major implosion, we should make the playoffs where anything is possible.

 After the match last night, Koichi, Scott, Seung Youb and I went downstairs to the Bless U seafood restaurant for a bite of food and liquid refreshment.  I’m afraid the combination of soju, beer, and saki were a bit overwhelming as I spent some time on the bathroom floor after I arrived home.  Got to remember to stick with beer!

 Anyway, we had a great time darting and partying.  We are planning a team road trip down south in a couple of weeks which I hope to make.  A change of scenery is always good now and again.  I’m also going to make my first trip to the east coast next month if I can work up the courage to navigate the journey by car. 

So maybe I will even have a blog-worthy experience or two.

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