I got paid today

Some of you uppity university professor types (you know who you are- I hope to be like you one day) may consider an event like this ordinary, but rest assured for us working folks on the mean streets of where Asia meets Siberia, this is something of a treat. Korea being Korean-minded, this accomplishment did not come without high drama. A re-enactment:

5:30 pm- school ends.
5:45 pm- mad dash to the atm. Checking my balance. Celebrating because I finally understand enough Korean to make it through the transaction. Such, such are the joys.
5:50 pm- confirmation that I have a total of 37,700 won in my account, or about 38 bucks. This is only 1800 dollars short, which is not bad for Korea.
5:55 pm- Get those fingers working. Ring ring. My boss actually picks up the phone. Most un-New York like.

"ahh Asiatown. You want your money, yes?"

Again, un-New York like. In New York, they don't answer the phone and if they do they pretend not to know why you're calling.

"That would be nice."
"Sit tight for a few hours."

So I sit, tightly. Hour one passes. Hour two blazes by. Finally, just when I have given up all hope, I'm 1.7 million won richer. Whew...another close call averted.

Stay tuned for our next installment "The phony bankrupcy and associated firing" to be aired in about 4 or 5 months.