One Foot in Front of the Other: From South Georgia to South Korea

All New.

2011-08-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

I left Korea....
flew to Florida....
drove to Georgia...
drove to Kentucky...
drove to Illinois...
rode to Michigan...
rode back to Illinois...
then came back to Korea to a whole new area of Seoul and a whole new school.

Therefore, I feel it's necessary to start a whole new blog. Keep checking back for the link....it'll be posted soon.

xoxo

선생님... Teacher... Amond Teacher...Supermanda Teacher...

2011-03-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Student: Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?

Me: No, I don't have a boyfriend.

Student: Teacher, do you know what I think? This is just what I think. I think boys all over the world like you... and I think that you have a lot of boyfriends and you go and kiss them all.

Being called a whore by a 9-year-old isn't exactly a compliment, so I smiled, said "No way" and changed the subject to pizza. Pizza is always a good distraction for kids, they know what it is... all over the world... and they like it.

Ch-ch-changes.

Along with some obnoxious staff changes and stress inducing schedule additions, I've found myself placed with the new 5-year-olds again. I can't deny, I love the babies... even if they don't speak any English, whatsoever.

These new babies think I'm Korean and that I speak Korean, which most of the new students at least semi-think. Even one little girl who is terrified of, well, everything... clings on to me whenever I try and leave the classroom. I find her adorable, as well as her classmates, including Jaehoon, AKA Ryan.

This little guy wasn't scared of me at all from the beginning. Despite speaking no English, he's tried to feed me an eraser that I taught him looked like chocolate...colored a picture of me as a green Seonsaengnim (teacher)... and actually colored me green by chasing me with a green colored pencil, which I was unaware can actually color skin. He has to be the cutest student yet, but as always, I like the little misbehaved misfits.

Tequila... soju...

Somehow, the word burrito is uncommon here, and people generally haven't any idea what one is, so I've had to explain this wonderful food many times while I've been in Korea. Without much insight to what a burrito is, one of my students did know about tequila and when I didn't understand his accent, he showed me how to take a shot (luckily, he only threw his head back with an imaginary shotglass in hand). He is, 10.. maybe?

My 8-year-olds talk about the drink "father" likes and comes home red faced and dizzy after drinking. Soju.

How cute, my future little AA leaders of the world.

Fail.

Well, I'm pretty sure I just washed a jacket I wasn't supposed to, my cleaned apartment still looks like a disaster and there's more dishes in the sink even after my unintended company secretly washed them for me Saturday night. I'm disgusting. I'm calling it a night for now, but I'll hopefully bring more tales soon~

Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. ~Anais Nin

2011 comeback?.. eh, maybe.

2011-01-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

My one year anniversary in Korea came and went, and yes, I'm still holding strong. My new contract ends December of this year... so I'm thinking about making a comeback. Until I decide which topic to cover first (Since I have a good 4 or 5 months worth to debate over)... I found this picture I thought was hilariously accurate.

If you live in Korea, are coming to Korea, or want a humorous idea of how living in Korea is as a foreigner .. check out that website. (Roketship.com)

I'll try to update again soon (I know.. I say that everytime, but I'm serious).

"I think it happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the same way you do. And so you keep the wonderful memories but find yourself moving on. It's perfectly normal." - Nicholas Sparks

335 days later.

2010-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to realize that in reality, anyone can do anything they want in life. Dreams don't have to be imaginary. Money and fear are the only two things that really stand in the way of being exactly who you want to be and going exactly where you want to go. I understand it's not always easy. Life loves to throw obstacles our way, testing our strength and determination, and not everyone can handle the failures it takes to finally succeed.

One month from today I'll have been in Korea exactly one year. I remember stepping off the airplane last October absolutely terrified. I didn't know what I was doing or what I expected. I didn't know the language, the food, the culture. Most of all, I had no idea who I was, the real me. I hoped my year would go by quickly, and I could return home without anything ever changing.

Last Friday, I extended my contract for another 6 months.

I'm still not positive I know exactly who I am, but every day I take one step closer to figuring it all out. I absolutely love this country, although I'm not entirely sure I wouldn't say that about anywhere I happened to find myself living. However, the people, the food, the customs and traditions, they all amaze me here and there's nothing I take for granted. I feel like I've done a lot--DJ Fest, Lantern Fest, Mud Fest, trip to Busan, palaces and temples, aquariums and museums, bars and restaurants, shopping, etc.-- but I also feel like there are so many things I haven't gotten to do yet, and I can't wait to see where the next 6 months takes me.

My newest idea is to get a TEFL certificate in another country for a month after my contract ends in February. Possibly Spain or Greece... or somewhere in South America.. Peru? I feel lucky, but at the same time I'm really just doing what I want to do. The world is an amazing place, why shouldn't I try to turn my dream of exploring it into a reality?

"You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight." --Elizabeth Gilbert

Sometimes I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

2010-07-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've almost let another two months go by without writing. Time is nothing here. I feel like I must fall asleep sometimes wearing sparkling, red shoes, only to wake up in a completely different week or month. My weeks go from Monday to Friday without blinking, and the weekends are filled with friends and usually some random adventure that makes Sunday night come just as quickly as the last.

The summer has come, and I spend most of my weeknights wondering how much my air conditioning will cost since it's incessantly running. On...off..on...off...on....sleep. That's how it goes. I remember a few months back when I refused to believe the weather would ever change from cold. Supposedly the rainy season was supposed to start the past couple weekends, but luckily it was sunny today which gave me brief memories of being at the beach and sitting outside in the sun. My countdown has begun, however, and Mudfest is right around the corner along with a trip to England and then a trip to somewhere in the southern parts of Korea.

Well, I realize this is short but it's late here, and since I've grown accustomed to sleeping until as late as possible every morning and making it to work barely on time, I should probably get some sleep in an attempt to change my stubborn ways. Hopefully, I'll write again soon as I have a lot to say and will undoubtedly have more by the end of the month.

"Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." --Ida Scott Taylor

Flying Purple People Eater

2010-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy meeting new people. Granted, rarely am I one to initiate a conversation with someone new, but there must be something about me that welcomes people to come and talk to me... and I really like that about myself. Otherwise, it's just boredom or curiousity that draws people to me, but either way, it's usually pretty cool. I've met a lot of really cool and interesting people so far.

However, I've also had my share of interesting (in a not so good way) and somewhat creepy characters who've introduced themselves to me.

Yesterday, for example, I met a nice looking guy who attends one of the top universities here in Seoul as an engineering student (this was confirmed by a folder and paper he showed me to emphasize his point, since I couldn't quite understand the name of the university he was saying in broken English). He came off as a nice guy who just wanted to meet foreigners, telling me about his military stint and how he was going to a party. He even invited me to eat Kimchi and rice with him, which seemed innocent enough even though I told him it'd have to be another night. Then, he pushed the barrier a bit. He told me how beautiful I am, which I get told a lot in this country and have learned to be flattered by rather than creeped out, but he also told me he "literally" loved me.

"I love you. Literally. I love you."

This is another common phrase Koreans learn, but I always become a little nervous when I hear it because I know the conversation could quickly turn. However, lately I've learned to smile politely, say some small form of "thank you" in return and change the subject if at all possible, which I somewhat managed to do.

He went on to tell me I have a small face... another conversational repeat I often hear, which is why Korean men supposedly find me beautiful. Then, he went on to tell me he had a large face (which he didn't) and large other areas, err, if you know what I mean and continued to ask me if that was a good thing...

First of all, doubtful... second of all, it was completely inappropriate and awkward. This was the point when every escape plan I could possibly conjur up came into play.

Long story short, he followed me off the train to my transfer point then, luckily, I had to pay more to take the express train so he didn't follow me past the pay point. I also had a similiar taxi driver a few weekends back, but he was a bit less creepy. He pulled the "I love you" too though.

This being said, I know my mom is probably going to freak out now, after reading this, about me going anywhere alone, etc. etc. but really, I couldn't be in a country I'm less afraid of. I never once thought anyone was going to hurt me, and there are always people outside at all times of night, so coming home alone late at night isn't an issue. Plus, these funny/creepy people make for interesting stories and are usually really nice people who have social issues. Plus, the amazing people I meet make up for the weird ones.

It's also become a goal of mine to learn another language during my lifetime. It's amazing to me how people can speak so many... I'm jealous of their capacity to learn so easily.
til next time.

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. " -Ralph Waldo Emerson

4th World DJ Festival

2010-05-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

The 4th World DJ Festival was held in Nanji Park near the Han River. It was a day full of... well... awesomeness. Add me on Facebook to see the rest of my pictures and a couple videos. Good music, good beer, good people... it was great. Definitely check it out if you ever have the chance.

"Tonight's the night the world begins again."

"Yesterday's just a memory, tomorrow is never what it's supposed to be.”

2010-05-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

I realized I didn't write a single blog last month. April was amazing, and above all other things, I surpassed my halfway point in Korea. I hung out with some really interesting and great people (as well as my share of uninteresting and not-so-great ones), some who've already come and gone, others who will be leaving soon and some who I've just started to form long lasting friendships with.

I'm sitting here listening to my newest playlist (a random mix of house, dance and a few indie songs... a playlist I'd never compose for myself but I actually like it) named after one of the new friends I met. He said, "You're living your dream life here." At first I questioned this statement, but after thinking about it for a while, I realized he was right. I'm 23 and doing everything any typical 23 year old would love to be doing... meeting new people, traveling, partying, making money and living for free away from home.

Anyway, everyone asks me what I'm doing when I leave here. Quite frankly... I have no idea. I know I'm going to Europe for about a month, which will probably fly by. Then, I'm thinking about going to Illinois... kidnapping Troy's car, wherever that may be. Then, possibly taking a road trip to Canada to visit some friends... (why not?)... stopping to see my MN friends along the way... then traveling back down to Georgia for a while. If I'm broke by that point and still haven't found a job, I think I'm going to just come back here for another year... or find somewere else to go. I may get my TESOL certificate along the way.

I'm not sure. Before I got here, I was so ready to just settle... set up my life and live the rest of my life in one place. Now... I know I want that eventually, but I'm still determining if it's sooner rather than later or not. I want to make amazing stories while I can. Ya know?

Anyway, I feel like I need to start planning another short trip away soon. We booked Mudfest, I'm looking forward to that. DJ Fest is this weekend, that should be fun. But where to go for summer break... we shall see...

"If you want something, don't wish for it. Life is too short to wait." --Stephen Hines

It's what you make it.

2010-03-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

I guess there are worse things than wanting to do too many things in life... even if only half are extraordinary and the others involve mediocre things such as wearing jean shorts, flip flops and sitting in the sand drinking a cold beer. But, really, what else is there to look forward to if you aren't making anything happen? Extraordinary or not.

I was going to make a list of things I'm attempting to "make happen," but there's too many. Just think beautiful places.. white beaches, mountains, amazing buildings, delicious food and drinks..easy jobs or writing jobs and bikinis and t-shirts. Lots of bikinis and t-shirts.

"If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on tv telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it."

Hmmm. 5 months down. 7 more to go...

2010-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

There's some nights I have nothing better to do than browse the internet aimlessly. I found these life lessons to live by, and despite the few cheesy ones, it beat all the other lists I found (aside from the cool random facts lists and best places to visit... but I feel more people should check this one out). The ones I like best are in bold.

1. Have a firm handshake.
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
6. Keep secrets.
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
9. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle.
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
12. Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
16. When playing games with children, let them win.
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
18. Be romantic.
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for our convenience, not the caller's.
22. Be a good loser.
23. Be a good winner.
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple.
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
29. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
32. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
33. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
34. Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
35. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
36. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
37. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
38. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, 'Someone who thinks you're terrific.'
39. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
40. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
41. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
42. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
43. Make someone's day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
44. Become someone's hero.
45. Marry only for love.
46. Count your blessings.
47. Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
48. Wave at the children on a school bus.
49. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
50. Don't expect life to be fair.

I know I need to start writing more. I also know I say something similiar in each post. Highlights from the past few weeks? St. Patrick's Day was a blast... Aquarium trip with the guys and then my first movie in a Korean theater (assigned seating was odd, but it was in English so I can't complain too much)... Shipwrecked "booze cruise" with 500 other foreigners (highlight here was Julie saying "imagine how many schools would be screwed out of teachers if this boat sank")... and then just teaching. Hearing that my baby class really likes me and having the girl who disliked foreigers actually grab my arm today and play with me was a highlight also.

Oh, and I went grocery shopping. I think my refrigerator has more food in it than it has in the past 5 months. I'm stepping outside of my hot dog, quesadilla and pasta boundary. Not by much... but it's happening nonetheless.

Well, my back really hurts... so I think it's time to pop a Tylenol and try to get some sleep. I swear one of these days I'll write more. Seriously...

"Sometimes, you have to be apart from people you love.. But it doesn’t mean you love them any less.. Sometimes, it even makes you love them more."

Oops...Time Flies When You're Having Fun.

2010-03-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

I've been a gigantic blog avoider lately. There's just so much to catch up on... my Taiwan trip, fun weekends filled with drinking and other such nonsense, Valentine's Day weekend, the chaotic month before school graduation and the start of the new semester, and my weekend at Camp Casey... along with other things I've most certainly forgotten for the time being. Did an entire month and a half go by without blogging? It's true then, time does fly by when you're having fun... keeping busy.

I'm going into my fifth month here already. Too bad it's not six, because that's the halfway point... but the idea that I haven't seen my family and friends in at least six months is so ridiculous to me! I feel like it wasn't too long ago I was packing like crazy, making last minute trips across states and towns, and wishing so badly I could figure out a way to stay home. Now, I'm certainly glad I'm here, but I definitely know that it's going and doing things that makes the time fly by.

So what have I learned in Korea up until now? There's good, awesome, amazing days... and then there's bad days. But there's really nothing you can do about it.

Things I love about being here (or have started liking the longer I've been here):

- My student’s smiling faces. I really do love them. It’s incredible how special children are. A year ago, I didn’t want kids… didn’t even particularly like kids, but now I realize how innocent and carefree they are, and I can’t imagine how anyone could not love them. The worst days I’ve had here have been completely forgotten by the love my students give. They are just too damn cute sometimes, and I’ll probably try and smuggle a few home when my contract is up.

- Teaching. One of my youngest students, in the 5 year old class… which really I swear some of those students are 3 years old American age, wrote his name on his own for the first time the other day and was so excited. Those are the kinds of moments I feel like what I’m doing really matters. His English name is Ted, and he kept writing the T and looking at me for help with the E. I guided his hand about three different times to show him how to do it… then he would write the D. I looked over after explaining the next coloring activity and he was so happy and had a huge smile on his face and kept pointing at his paper. He did the E on his own. Man, I like that class. Especially since the one little girl who is terrified of foreigners finally likes me… and even joked with me by calling a dog a cat and giggling her little head off.

- Having people say things to me, and slightly knowing what they mean. I pass by this little market on the way to the subway station every day, and every day the man who works there is outside and says hello to me. It’s always a very excited hello with a big smile, a nice way to start my day. I’ve had other people say hello in Korean as they pass by, it’s nice being able to say it back and not feel silly. I also know when my students who can’t speak English need to use the bathroom now, that’s a plus.

- Having enough money in my account to accidentally withdraw $400 by hitting the wrong button. I was freaking out, but in the end, it was nice realizing I have money for once.

- Taco Bell. It’s coming to Korea. I honestly think it’s because I’m here now… it’s like they know I’m their number 1 fan so they decided to follow me.

- Being in my own little world most of the time. I know if people are talking, it’s most likely not to me. I don’t have to worry about being stopped and asked for directions, I don’t have to worry about having salespeople try to help me, or peddlers trying to sell things. I can put on my iPod and go wherever I’m headed just playing whatever I feel like hearing that day. I may get stared at quite often, but even that doesn’t really bother me anymore.

- Being courageous, independent, carefree, and just plain lucky. I didn’t really feel those things before I came here, now I definitely do.

Things I still haven’t gotten used to as long as I’ve been here:

- Pushing and shoving. People don’t understand that I can usually only go as fast as the person in front of me. They think if they just keep walking into my back I can go faster. Not so much. They also don’t believe in lines.

- They have no sense of a personal bubble here. I think it scares them to be alone, I could be standing in a completely open area and if someone walks up they will still probably bump into me.

- Everyone’s in a rush, and there are always a billion people wherever you go.

- Those nasty little rice cake things. They are the grossest “snack” I’ve ever tasted.

- High heels, skirts, dresses, suits, man bags, mirrors… mirrors… mirrors. This country all about appearance. There is a giant mirror in my subway station just so people can make sure they look alright. A lady on her cell phone came and stood behind me waiting for the train one day. She was standing a little to the side of me so she could look at her reflection in the door. I moved in front of her and she moved to the other side of me so she could continue looking at herself while she chatted obnoxiously away. I moved in front of her again… and she moved to the other side. Ha. It was amusing.

Things I really miss from home:

- Laid back living. No rushing. Not a billion people trying to do the same thing at once, not really caring if you’re late.

- Knowing what the heck I’m buying—and knowing I’m using laundry detergent instead of fabric softener, which is actually what I was using as detergent for my first four months here. Ha. I miss being able to read labels.

- Yummy American food. Man, I miss the food.

- Dinner and movie nights with Tyler. I think I miss these more than anything else from back home. I miss that boy so much it’s a bit ridiculous.

- Driving. Taking the subway is a pain in the butt after a while.

- My friends… my family… being able to call someone at any given time and go see them, or take a short drive or flight to visit. No major time difference.

I know I have a bunch more to write, but that’s all for now. Maybe next time I’ll catch you up on everything else. I need to try and write more… it’s getting warmer out, maybe I’ll perk up a bit more once summer finally gets here.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

The Random Mandatory Health Check

2010-01-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

I should have failed my health check, point blank. Basically, it was me and my new coworker and we were pointed in the direction of each random check point by the director of our school.

First, was the chest x-ray. We were told to change into robes which of course couldn't be normal, easy robes. They looked harmless, but in actuality they had criss-cross ties that took all I had at 9 in the morning to figure out. Then, I was basically told to hug this wall looking thing and stand still. Easy enough.

After changing back into my clothes, I followed Julie to the next room where we were directed to stand on a platform and wait for a metal plate to bop us on the head. Then, it was the sound test...which after the non-English speaking lady sets a pair of headphones on my head, I nod when I hear the noise. It was only later that I was informed that I was supposed to raise the arm that corresponded to the ear the noise was coming from. Whatever. That's not common knowledge, despite what you say.

This room also consisted of the same lady measuring my chest (I didn't even ask why...) and her taking my blood pressure. Then, the eye exam. It was at this point that I realized I should probably have just gone home and came back another day. It's no surprise I'm pretty blind, but first, I held the little metal thing up to the wrong eye. Next, instead of numbers.... I started naming letters. Back home, the eye chart consists of letters. Not in Korea. The whole thing was numbers. Z and 2 look the same, right?

Now that I was utterly convinced I was going to fail, I was sent to take a pee test and give blood. Luckily, I grabbed the stall in the bahroom that actually had a toilet. I also got to walk into a room full of people holding a dixie cup of pee and my director reaches out to grab it from me to give to the lady. No, thank you.. I'll take it to her myself. Oh, and I almost passed out giving blood. Imagine how thankful I was to find out the last room consisted of talking to the doctor.

I wasn't very good at understanding the doctor. I'm not even entirely sure what I told him, since I just guessed what some of his questions were. No wonder I was called back 2 days later...

My liver enzymes were high. Whatever that means. I met my supervisor who walked me to the place I needed to go... arm in arm. I'll never get used to that Korean ritual. Girls locking arms to walk somewhere together. Awkward.

Basically, this time was even worse. My supervisor and the doctor talk the whole time in Korean except for one sentence from her to ask me if it hurts when I pee. No, but even if it did I would probably lie to you. Awkward moment number 2. Even more awkward is when the doctor asks me if my back hurts and when I answer no, he proceeds to get up out of his chair, come over to me, bend me over, and practically karate chop my back. Thank goodness it wasn't hurting. Sheesh.

Then, I was told I needed an ultrasound (which my supervisor kept calling something crazy... and scared me at first until I realized what she was actually talking about). I got dirty looks for having a belly button ring. Then, this is how the interaction went between me and the doctor:

Doctor: You take any (something I couldn't understand).

Me: Do I take any what?

Doctor: (mumble jumble)... h... e.. l... b.

Me: Do I take any h...e...l...b? Helb? Help?

Doctor: Yes. Do you take any help?

Me: Help? Do I take any help? Um. No...?

2 minutes pass by.

Me: Herb! Did you mean herb? H...e...r...b? No, I don't take anyof those either.

Doctor: H...e...r...b. Yes. Your liver looks abnormal.

Then she snarled a bit and sent me on my way. Like it's my fault Koreans like to mix up the letters "r" and "l." Then I was told to yet again give blood. Oh joy. Oh, and I was also told that my mom would be back in a minute if I just sat and waited. Because, obviously, that's who the Korean lady with me must be.

In the end... my health check came back fine. I guess I was just fighting off something the first day. Thank goodness. I like it here... but I don't even like doctors back home, let alone ones who can't understand me. Knock on wood I can last a year without catching any major illnesses... or breaking a bone... or anything that would require me to go through the torturous process of seeking medical help.

"Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not." —Virgil Garnett Thomson

It waited 70 years until I got here.

2010-01-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

Almost two weeks ago, it started snowing here. Not only did it end up snowing a lot, but it was the "heaviest snow recorded in Seoul's modern history." It was awful. Not only do I dislike snow, but having to walk to the subway, then wait for the bus in it, was torture. I happened to be 45 minutes late to work (luckily I ran into two of my coworkers and the director of the school while waiting for the extremely late bus) due to how slow the traffic was and how crowded the subway became. Regardless of how much I hated that Monday, I was extremely amused by the people sweeping off the sidewalks with brooms and the mass usage of umbrellas that day. I decided to do as the Korean's do and use my umbrella as well. I also fell in the middle of the road while running to catch a green light, which was probably karma seeing as I once said I would never run for a green light. I guess that's what I get. I guess that's also what I get for running on ice.

Today it snowed a little, but luckily it stopped before I left for lunch this afternoon.

"Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, 'I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway.'” --Maya Angelou

Things change. People change. Shit happens. Make Lemonade.... or something like that.

2010-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Even people with an amazing path in front of them fall flat on their faces sometimes. Put yourself out there and get nothing in return. The heart can be my least favorite organ.

How to get over it? Book a trip to Taiwan for later this month and apply for a visa to go to China in May.

It may not help completely, but it sounds like a pretty damn good start. I can't wait.

"You're going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it's always their actions you should judge them by. It's actions, not words, that matter."

Fukuoka, Japan

2010-01-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

I had to make a visa run to Japan, and despite having a couple obstacles along the way, I ended up having a really good time. My coworker, Julie, and I left on December 28th at 5:45 a.m. to head to the Incheon airport for an 8 a.m. flight. We caught the bus and made it exactly 2 hours before our flight was supposed to take off. Luckily, the Incheon airport is really fast, so we got checked in and through security with enough time to grab a McDonald's breakfast.

At this point, I still didn't have my visa number required to apply for my visa since my superviser forgot to give it to me the prior week. I kept checking my e-mail on my iPod Touch to see if I had gotten any word from my her, but nothing. We boarded the plane, and I kept my fingers crossed that I would have an e-mail by the time we landed. I knew my phone wasn't going to work in Japan.

The Korean Consulate

Well... basically, here's the things that ended up going wrong for us:
1. I still didn't get my visa number by the time we arrived at the Korean Consulate.
2. My iPod Touch didn't work in the consulate to check and see if she had gotten it to me.
3. I didn't know how to make a phone call from the stupid pay phone.
4. We found out that the consulate was going to be closed the following day (the 29th) through January 4th. Which means the trip was a big waste of time because we wouldn't be able to pick up our visas the following day as planned.
5. I still didn't have my visa number by the time we convinced the lady to do them in one day for us.

Eventually, the super nice lady agreed to have them done before the consulate closed that day and looked up my visa number for me. In the end, everything worked out and we had all day Tuesday to explore Japan until our flight left at 8:50 p.m.

My favorite things about Japan:
1. The vending machines on every corner, which included things like Coke, cigarettes, and beer.
2. How polite and calm everyone is compared to here. Not once did I see anyone run to catch the subway or crosswalk.
3. The ladies behind the counter at Family Mart who laughed and handed me a fork with my cup of Ramen noodles.
4. The toilets in the airport that made a waterfall noise when you started peeing. Awesome idea.
5. Ease of getting around and seeing everything possble in one day (shrine, temples, mall, dome, etc. etc.) And the fact that we got to the airport, checked in, then decided we wanted to go to McDonalds which was like 8 subway stops away... and still made it back to the airport with 45 minutes left to spare. It's so easy getting from place to place.

6. The awesome shrimp tempura lunch we ate, delicious!

7. 100 Yen stores.

8. Clothing with completely random English phrases written on it.

9. Japanese sticker booths, and trying to figure out how to work them with no English in sight.
10. The mountains, ocean, cool houses, trees and beauty of the city.

Yes, I want to go back. There's actually a 311 concert in April which I think would be tons of fun, so if I can pull off the weekend trip I may do that. Why not?

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

Korean War National Museum

2010-01-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

It was cold outside, and I wasn't feeling particularly well, but it was a nice little trip to the War Memorial and Museum. Off the Samgajki station only a few minute walk leads to this large museum that costs only 3,000 won. Not only is there a lot to see inside, but outside there are statues, tanks, and airplanes to play around in and look at. Too bad I was freezing, otherwise I would have loved to go explore the airplanes. We didn't make it that far.

Supposedly, you can rent headphones and listen to information about every display in the museum, but we decided to just look around and read whatever signs were translated into English (which luckily, most were). It wasn't overly exciting, but it was cool nonetheless.

We went about about an hour before the museum closed, so we didn’t get to spend too much time there. Considering I didn’t feel too good, one hour was enough for me.

My New Favorite Food: Thai

My Thai in Itaewon was delicious. The chicken phat tai... a glass of white wine, so good. I will definitely be going back.

Christmas in Korea

2009-12-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know... I've been a blog slacker. Luckily, I have lots of interesting (and a couple not so interesting) things to share. In the time since I last wrote, I've made it through Christmas Eve, Christmas and a Japan trip. This post will be dedicated to Christmas in Korea since I believe it's important for one to realize that although acknowledged, it doesn't seem like it's as big a deal here as back home. For example, I worked on Christmas Eve. Yuck.

We had our birthday/Christmas party on Thursday, so really the morning was all fun, aside from the fact that I was unknowingly thrown into the position of party MC since Naomi decided not to go to work that day (thanks Naomi!). We celebrated all the kids who had birthdays in the month of December... and then we switched to the Christmas party where we had a carol contest and Santa came.

The kids wait for Santa to call them up one at a time, then show off all their presents.

Santa was pretty funny. He was this nervous Korean guy from another school, and he basically just repeated himself like 30 times to each the kids. "Were you good this year? Will you be good next year? Merry Christmas." The kids loved it though, so it was all good. They all mostly got huge gifts so they were happy.

Doesn't my homeroom class and I look thrilled? Hehe.

Gerstungkinder 2009

Then, we got our buffett. The kid's moms brought food for the school to eat, so we had all sorts of goodies including pizza with sweet potato (which was interesting), lots of fruits, kimbap, chicken wings, sandwiches, and a bunch of other little random foods. It was pretty good though. One of my students told me I was being unhealthy when I poured myself a Coke... haha, I told her it was Christmas so I was allowed. Whatever, I just love Coke.

The afternoon classes were a bunch of BS because I actually had to teach, no fun party for the older kids. Luckily, after my last student left at 5:25 I went to the teacher's room to see if there was a meeting and she said everyone else was leaving early so there wasn't one. I asked if I could leave early and thank goodness... she said yes! Off to Brigid's...

I spent about an hour and a half getting to Banghak station where I met Brigid and Sarah at "the Galbi place" or so it is known as. They already had quite a bit of soju and Cass... so it was my turn to finally try Soju. It wasn't too bad... would have been better if I hadn't recieved a half cup full of only soju, but it wasn't as terrible as I thought. Would be good mixed with something.

Anyway, from there we went to Camp Red Cloud, where we met Mark... hung out for a bit. Acted slightly ridiculous and then ended up at the Veteran's Club, where supposedly the officer party was supposed to be. Well...definitely no "party" but a bunch of guys older than my parents and for a brief moment the cute MP who we met on our way to the bunker earlier in the night. He was married and only 20, but he was cute enough toat with and look at for the 15 minutes he was there. Then... a rum and Coke, 4 beers and a shot later, I ended up fast asleep on Brigid's floor mattress, which was actually quite comfortable. Overall, and despite being at work for 8 hours, it was a pretty fun Chrimstas Eve.

Pictures: My Christmas Eve dinner... a shrimp cocktail. Me trying on Mark's gear and realizing how heavy it is. Brigid being slightly intoxicated.

I spent Christmas day with Brenna and her family, which was really nice. I bought a cute cake from Paris Baguette. They had really delicious looking cakes with chocolate and fruit and little characters, so I just had to buy one for them! They invited some other friends over too, so I basically spent my day eating delicious American foods (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salads, bread, pies… etc. etc. etc.) Then, we watched Elf and played all sorts of different games on the Wii. I totally kicked butt in bowling… and that’s about it. It was a nice relaxing day though.

Brenna was even kind enough to get me some cool gifts, Victoria’s Secret body wash, sprays, lotions, etc. She kept my tradition of getting goodies from VS! I was so excited!

Overall, Christmas was real enjoyable and a lot better than I expected. I was being a bit of a Scrooge this year, but really there was no need. I have made some really great friends who made the holidays really awesome!

I have lots more pictures on Facebook so add me on there if you want to see more.

“I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite.” –Buddy the Elf.

Well, Korea, here it is...

2009-12-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

…the list of things I want to do while I’m here. By November 1st of next year, I want to have all of these things completed. For a year’s worth of things, this really isn’t that much… but it’s a goal list and that’s all that matters.

In alphabetical order since I'm just like that, I want to:

Go hiking at least once (like actually make a day of it...)
Go on the DMZ tour through the USO
Go to an art gallery
Go to at least 15 new restaurants (7/15)
Go to a museum
Go to a performing arts show
Go to a sporting event (I'm hoping a baseball game...hehe)
Learn one new Korean word each week (0/42)
Make Pancakes (Mainly because I've had a craving since I got here)
Put at least half my paycheck into my savings account each month
Read at least one book a month (1/11)
Sing at a Norebang karoke room
Take at least one interesting picture a week with the Nikon (0/42)
Take at least one picture a week with the Sony (0/42)
Try as many new foods as I can (10)
Try soju
Visit another country
Visit at least one noteworthy place a month (0/11)
Write at least one article every two weeks for either an online site or a local magazine/newspaper/whatever I can find (0/21)
Write at least one blog post a week (0/42)
Watch the sun rise or set

I'm sure there's more than this and the numbers might be off because I did them quickly... but this is it for now. So, what do I want to take away from Korea?

A new sense of independence-- being able to do everything alone without thinking twice
An appreciation for everything I take for granted back home including ease of communication and the convenience of being able to get around easily, as well as a ton of other, more eye opening things
A new understanding and compassion for children that I never had before
A new understanding of the world, experience of travel
Courage to do what I want with life
Money to start doing what I want and to find my place

Gwanghwamun and Myeong dong

I love bookstores. I love books. I love that I finally bought Gone with the Wind today, and I can't wait to read it. I also can't wait to read The Predictioneer's Game. Both will be amazing.

The Kyobo bookstore in Gwanghwamun (Line 5, exit 3) was really cool because there's a big "Foreign Books" area. It's also easy to get to. It literally took me about 15 minutes to get in, find my book, and get out. It probably would have been less but the number of people in the bookstore alone was insane. The number of people in this city and at certain places at particular times never fails to shock me.

After the bookstore, I went to Forever 21 in Myeong dong (Line 4, exit 5). That place will make me go broke if I go there too often. I love it! Too bad it's more expensive here... but there's 4 or 5 floors of clothe, shoes and accessories, it's HUGE.

The store had Christmas music playing and Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song came on. I couldn't help but laugh. It's so funny when some music comes on and hardly anyone knows what the lyrics are saying. Heh.

Anyway, I now have 6 new shirts, a new necklace and hat, and because I’m a dedicated shopper (haha) I got a free planner! I’m excited about that, I’ve been wanting one and it’s in English. Perk.

I'm not a pillow.

Three people on the subway decided I looked comfortable enough to lean on while they slept. Ok, so they weren’t literally laying on me… but they were a little too close for comfort. I was also a human tissue yesterday when one of my students got hit with the door because she was playing right by it. I side hugged her while she cried, then she took the bottom of my shirt and wiped her face on it. Needless to say, it was disgusting, and I highly dislike snot.

My students have the ability to make me laugh. I really do like them most of the time.

Case in point… this is what one of my students wrote on his test. The directions said, “combine the following groups of sentences to make one sentence.” These were the sentences:

-The stream was pretty.
-The stream was little.
-The stream was fast-moving.
-The stream was safe to drink from.

Instead of getting the correct answer, which would involve using commas between the adjectives to make one sentence, this is what I got:

“I go to mountain. The stream was pretty, and fast-moving. I drink it because stream was safe to drink from. I drink a lot so stream was little.”

This makes me smile and chuckle every time I read it. I really want to give him points for creativity and think I will. I mean, he at least knew what the sentences meant, bonus points.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Bessie Anderson Stanley

Teacher Amanda needs teaching practice.

2009-12-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Explaining the meaning of words is not my strong point. I'm actually really awful at it, and I think it's because I think about it too much. I'm not trying to sound like a brainiac or anything, because that's not it at all, but seriously, when a student asks me the meaning of a word my mind goes into overdrive.

For example, today in a class with only one student, we read an article that had the words "explosives" and "drugs." (It was an article about dogs working for people). So, I let her read it to herself and underline any words she didn't know. Of course, she didn't know "drugs."

Insert for those of you who aren't aware: Koreans don't do drugs. At least not in Korea. At least not that I've ever heard of or heard talk of. Well, they probably do... but they definitely don't let you know about it. Ok... again with the over thinking...

Anyway... the word medicine came to mind. Bad effects. Not wanting to let my ten-year-old student know that drugs make some people feel good. Bad. Bad. Bad. Medicine. Then, a large list of names came to mind and then I decided to stick with saying illegal medicine as my final answer.

Her response?

Are they what Obama drank when he was younger?

My response?

Did you read that? I have no idea. Probably... Yeah. (Thinking maybe she's referring to alcohol, but then I'd have to explain that).

Her response?

Yes he did. I read. Why people do that?

...silence...

She looked at me and then said that maybe other people reccommend they do drugs and that's why. "A"++ for student. "F" for teacher.

Ok... maybe I was just having one of those days. I also got asked what "geez" was after I used it a couple times in class today...luckily, that was by a kindergartener and they lose interest quickly.

Sleep time for Teacher Amanda. I need an "A" day tomorrow.

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand — and melting like a snowflake.” --Marie Beyon Ray

Umm... yeah...

2009-12-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

My Nikon literally has dust on it. Guess it's time to start taking more pictures with it and set the Sony aside for a bit.

I decided to take a picture of my dinner: Kimbap.

I forgot how much I love my Nikon.

I love my Sony too...

that is all.

"All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget. In this - as in other ways - they are the opposite of paintings. Paintings record what the painter remembers. Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it." ~John Berger

Favorite part of the day? Listening to music on the subway ride home.

2009-12-15T04:44:00.000-08:00

Or to work.... or wherever I'm going. What would I do without music? I have no idea. My favorite thing about it is that one song can bring you back to any moment or place in time and can make you feel exactly as you felt when you heard it for the first time.

I can't wait to get my iPod Touch. All I've been doing lately is organizing my itunes, getting my 4,299 songs ready to travel with me.

I've been really thinking about a lot of things lately. I had a lot on my mind last week, and I'm starting to realize there's some things in life I need that I'm not getting... as well as things I do that I need to stop for a while. Have you ever had a moment where a huge weight was lifted off your shoulder and things were put into perspective? Well, I feel like that. I know, you have no idea what I'm talking about... but that's ok.

Uijeongbu: Take 2.

I didn't get lost.... or end up at the wrong station. I really like traveling to northern parts of Seoul because I get to see mountains. I'm not sure why, but I'm completely infatuated by them. I really want to go hiking, but I'm still on a hunt for someone to go with who will put up with my slack ass.

I took this out Brigid's apartment complex window while waiting for the elevator.

I would love this view.

Anyway, here are some things I learned this weekend:

1. I'm a terrible bowler. Awful. Probably shouldn't even be allowed, and my enthusiasm level when playing is pretty pathetic.

2. I really really miss American food. I ate a bacon cheeseburger and it was amazing.

3. Korean fights are funny because I have no idea what’s going on and the argument sounds like really pissed off babbling. I had a perfect seat on the subway this weekend for one, and couldn’t help but laugh when one of the guys pushed the other one off the subway at one of the stops and the doors closed on him before he could get back on. He punched the window as the train left.

4. Some Korean men get really happy to see American women. It’s slightly creepy and slightly flattering in a… well… creepy way. I had a guy stare at me on the subway and when the seat next to mine opened up he was more than happy to take it. It was fine until he tried to play footsy. No way Jose… or whatever guys are called here.

5. People who wear high heels walk slowly and it annoys me. It also annoys me that I’m like a magnet for people… as soon as I try and pass a slow walker they move in front of me. It also annoys me when I’m waiting for the subway or bus and someone comes up and stands directly in front of me to get on first. Can anyone say “asshole” in Korean? Ha, I sure can’t.

Korean Food...

…is so cheap! We got all of this for only $10. Since I went with Naomi it only came to $5. It was super delicious too! I quickly got over the fact the shrimp still had arms and eyes and that there were squid tentacles scattered randomly in the big bowl. I didn’t eat them… but I got over it and enjoyed my meal.

Christmas is slightly depressing this year.

I really just want it to be over and for it to be March so it’ll start warming up. I really hate the cold… I really wish I had family or someone here to share Christmas with and watch A Christmas Story and drink hot chocolate…and I really want to buy Christmas presents and send cards and see my cats (I realize the cats thing is randomly thrown it, but whatever, these are my wishes). Plus, Christmas is way more fun with little kids around.

Luckily, I was invited to Brenna and her family’s house this year. Oh, and I get to spend Christmas Ever with my students, because, well… I’m working.

Bah Humbug.

Photo op: it had to be done.

Yeah, I suppose I can crop this to make it look better, but I’m lazy. Oh, and thank god I finally found a curling iron for less than $45 yesterday... my hair is in major need of help... sheesh.

“No matter how qualified or deserving we are, we will never reach a better life until we can imagine it for ourselves and allow ourselves to have it.” -Richard Bach

Once a while you just need to reassure yourself.

2009-12-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

....it is or it isn't... I will or I won't... and I do or I don't. I refuse to waste any more time sitting around and thinking what might or might not happen or what I should or shouldn't do. Life's too short for silly mind games... from now on, I'm going with the flow and seeing where I end up.

Next stop: back to Uijeongbu for bowling....

....to be continued.

"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." --Charles Darwin

Uijeongbu, Nogyang, and Bosan... it's not too hard getting lost in the subway station.

2009-12-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

And by "lost," I mean unable to be found, as opposed to not knowing where I am. I thought I knew where I was the whole time. However, I really didn't. I was in the completely wrong station, wondering where everyone I was supposed to meet had gone off to.

This is why I need a cell phone.

I went to Uijeongbu station first, which was about an hour ride from my station. I waited for an hour, asked a few English speakers if there were other exits in the station that I was possibly missing... and then went on a hunt for a PC bang. No luck, so without a phone number written down or access to a computer, I decided to head to the next station (the one I thought we were going to for our movie), in case they decided to go there and wait.

When I finally got to Nogyang, I realized that I had finally made it to the actual station I was supposed to go to first. I also noticed a PC Zone across the street from the station so I decided to go check it out. I was freezing and there was no sign of Brenna or her family. I took the elevator to the 7th floor and heard all kinds of computer game noises and walked in looking helpless. The guy was nice and spoke a little English, so he helped me get set up on a computer and a lady who worked there brought me a cup of coffee. I got Brenna's number, stayed a minute to warm up... then head back to the station.

I snapped this picture before stepping inside the station: I thought it was pretty.

Pay Phones... Pain Phones... same difference.

I had no idea how to work the darn thing, and I even had a lady try to help me. The language barrier was holding me back from having any idea what she was saying except "no." Even our game of charades wasn't totally working. I decided to wait around a minute to see if Brenna would get my message and come rescue me from the station (I'm assuming you realize by now that I had no idea where she lives from the station) but that didn't seem to be happening either.

I went to the information desk and asked if they had a phone I could borrow and showed them the number to emphasize my point. The lady pulled out her cell phone and started dialing, and I was super grateful. I was finally in touch with Brenna and they were at a completely different station because they thought maybe that was where I had went. So, my journey to Bosan was about to begin.

Did I ever tell you that subway trains can be a pain in the ass?

Long story short... the stupid thing took me to the very next stop and then after a lot of people got off, it decided to head back to Nogyang instead of going forward and in the direction of Bosan. I was so mad. So, I got off... walked down the stairs and back up to the opposite platform to get back on a train heading toward Bosan and 15 minutes later I was finally on my way.

Finally...

I saw Brenna and her kids standing there! I was so happy, it was already past 4 p.m. (my adventures began at 11a.m.) so we decided to head to the food court and eat before our movie.

Taco Bell, oh how I love you.

Yes, I got to eat Taco Bell! The perks of knowing people who can get me on base. I was so excited. It's the little things in life that mean the most...

New Moon.

Good... not great. I mean, I'm sure I'll watch it a billion times, but I definitely love the books way more.

Subway Tales... again.

Wow, an empty subway? So rare...

Shortly after Brenna and her family got off, I made a new friend on the empty train. Actually, he made me his friend, I continuding my own business but he kept trying to talk to me in terrible English and mostly Korean.

Since I’m a fairly nice person, I answered him and tried to understand him through a game of guessing and charades. In the end… this is what I found out about my friend:

He is a 60 year old who sells shoes with his wife. He was on his was to buy alcohol, drink, then head back home to go to sleep. He told me I was beautiful and was shocked when I told him I was 23 because he thought I looked 11. He was also shocked that I told him I don’t drink alcohol. (Lies… but I did not want an invite).

He was nice, slightly creepy but I don’t think he was trying to be, and he gave me a individually packaged cookie before he got off the train. I was happy this morning to eat it.

So, overall this weekend was quite an adventure. Luckily, I now know where I’m going if I ever want to visit Brenna again or if I want to meet nice soldiers who want to take me to Taco Bell. =)

This was sort of all crammed information, but I’m tired and need to get my music organized for my Christmas present, yay!

Until next time.

“Time passes. Even when it seems impossible. Even when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise. It passes unevenly, in strange lurches and dragging lulls, but pass it does.” –Stephenie Myers, New Moon

I'm Officially on the Teacher's Page.

2009-12-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

Check me out.

http://www.gerstungkinder.com/SEP9/homepage/pageview/pageview.asp?CateCode=INTRO23

I'm also a bit of a fibber... but you wouldn't have known if I didn't tell you, right? Hehe.

My Newest Accessory

2009-12-01T03:25:00.000-08:00

Provided graciously to me by my school today:

I was going to rebel and not wear it, but I happened to be teaching the littlest kids at the time it was handed out (equivalent to about 3 and 4 year olds in the states) and right after I took it off they started pointing to their faces. "Teacher, why no?"

Fine. I'll wear it. I only did for that class though. I mean, can't the germs just crawl around the darn mask into the side holes and get me that way? I don't think this helps much unless I'm trying to prevent giving my illness to others.

And I'm standing by my theory no matter what you say.

Classes Cancelled

I get to sleep in tomorrow! Well, only a little bit. Instead of being there at 9:30, I get to go in at 10. The kindergarteners' classes have been cancelled for the next three days. This means I don't start teaching until 2:30 tomorrow and Friday, and on Thursday I might not be teaching at all... and if my one student does show up I won't start teaching until 4.

So, why do I have to be there at 10 you ask? Supposedly, we get to clean. I'd prefer teaching a billion times over cleaning some random room in the school. They'll learn quickly that they should just hire someone to clean because I'm not much help. Then, I'll be getting paid to do a lot of nothing for three days. Except complaining about sitting around being such a waste of time.

Finally.

I finally found nail polish remover and hair spray. Thank goodness... so what if it was from the random little store around the corner? I am happy... and my unmanicured toes are wriggling for joy.

"He who hesitates is a damned fool."- Mae West

Made My First Million

2009-11-30T03:44:00.000-08:00

I'm rich!

Ok, not exactly, but technically I do now have over a million... won. Which equals absolutely nothing close to a million USD.

Luckily, it will be convenient having a bank in my building. Maybe next pay day I'll have direct deposit? Maybe? Yeah, counting this much money was definitely pain in the behind, you'd think there'd be a larger bill than 50,000... and you'd think I'd at least gotten a couple of them. Oh well. Considering last month flew by, it makes me feel good to know what I'm actually doing here.

I'm also starting a list of things I want to leave with (physically or emotionally... or whatever) thanks to Naomi who had a great list herself.

I can't wait to start saving! I know what I want, and I plan on getting it.

Plu... "teacher, how do you spell plu?"

"Is that English?"

"Yes teacher, plu."

"What does it mean? I really don't think it's a word."

"Plu is English! Sick."

"Ohh, flu... f-f-f-flu."

"No, plu."

Haha, this was about a 5 minute conversation today between me and two of my students in one of my afternoon classes. I'm assuming "p" and "f" get mixed up often, especially when I heard one of my students call a phone a pone. Oh well, I can't say much... they know more in English than I do in Korean.

Speaking of flu... all our kindergarteners were sent home today because around three or four students at my school have or have had swine flu. I spent half my day doing a whole lot of nothing, and took a little bit longer lunch and enjoyed the peacefulness of Starbucks for a while.

I'm anxious to see how many parents send their kids to Gerstung tomorrow. It seems most parents freak out about the flu already, let alone knowing some kids actually had it. It might be another easy day...although it goes by a lot quicker when I'm teaching.

Well, fingers crossed I don't get it... that would blow...

“Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.”

Coffee and the Comfort of Cats

2009-11-29T04:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most difficult things about leaving behind everything to come to Korea for a year was having to find a temporary home for my cats. They are my children, and I even travelled from Georgia to Minnesota to make sure they would have a good home and be well taken care of. I miss them, and there are days I wish I would come home and have them run up to me like they did back home. Instead, I come home to an empty apartment.

Cat Cafe: Gio Cat

Yesterday, I was invited to a cat cafe. I couldn't help but wonder exactly what that meant. Was the decor all cats? Was it just an interesting name? Was the food... well, cat?

To my surprise, it was a neat little place that serves coffee and lets you pet and play with cats. There were about 20 cats walking around, sleeping in large cat stands, or laying in customer's laps. Aside from the cat smell (which naturally would be lingering with that many cats), it was quiet, clean and a really interesting place.

Before entering you are required to take off your shoes and change into slippers, use hand sanitizer and then store coats and bags in a locker. They give a list of "rules" and a chart with each of the cats names and traits. You are required to order one thing from the menu, so naturally I got a White Chocolate Mocha. Mmmmm.

Then, you can either sit and enjoy your coffee and wait to see if any of the cats want to use your lap as a sleeping bag, or you can be procactive and sit right in the middle of things. I wanted to see if any cats would come to me... so I went to where the action was at.

Well, supposedly, my new laundry technique (the smell test-- if it still smells relatively good it doesn't need to be washed yet) isn't working as well as I thought because majority of the time I looked like this.

Yes, this is me sad faced with no cats in my lap. Everyone else had at least one cat come up to them and crawl in his or her lap to sleep and be petted, but not me. I think secretly they knew they could never replace Chaisey and Tommy... but boy did this make me miss them even more! Stupid cats. Eventually I was handed a pity cat... he didn't really want to be in my lap but then found he liked my necklace a bit so he stayed.

These two cats were a couple of my favorite. I love love love this first one and the smaller grey one was just too darn cute.

Research...

I did some research and found out that the owner originally wanted to run a cat adoption business. He wanted people to be able to come experience the cats before choosing to adopt them in order to understand what they would require and learn how to take care of them. His goal was to lower the amount of cat abandonments due to people not knowing enough about cats.

Pretty cool, huh?

Anyway...

If you're in Seoul and miss your pet, you should check it out. The cats seem to be happy and healthy and the atmosphere in the care give off a nice chill vibe.

And at the end of the day (or if they get sick of people) the cats just walk throught he giant cat mouth into the cat hotel.

“In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.”

Jibberish.

2009-11-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

Well, as my mother pointed out in my last post, the demise of my writing and speaking skills has already begun. Either that or I was terribly tired when I wrote yesterday's post.

Although, what do you expect when you're teaching kids how to speak English all day? I mean it's already hard enough for me to explain simple things like the word "before," let alone speak complete sentences without seeing all my words float in one ear and right out the other. They like to ask what common knowledge (to English speakers) words are, and I have such a hard time explaining! I'm trying my best though.

I'm basically the teacher all the students dislike right now because they thought they'd be able to get away with doing nothing in my classes, and I'm proving them wrong. One of my students even supposedly flicked me off today while I was writing something on the board. She's lucky I was already so mad at her and the class I decided just to not say anything else since the bell was about to ring. (Obviously, this was one of my older students). I think I'm just in a bad mood and hopefully it'll go away soon, the students did not help though.

E-mart

Oh, how I love E-mart. I finally got a webcam! I also got a really cute scarf that I thought was cheaper than it really was. No wonder my bill was pretty high. I can't really complain though... I've been here a month and have hardly spent any money, so I figured I could get a few things today. Snickers were a must have. I've been having such bad cravings for Chocolate!

Things I've Seen Lately:

1. An older lady spit a ferocious lugee. Man, people do not care about spitting here. They just do it, even if someone is standing right next to them. It was insane.

2. A drunken fight outside the bar by my apartment. I'm assuming it's a bar because there's pictures of beer mugs on the window... and I'm assuming the men were drunk because they were kicking and slapping one another. They start shoving right as I walked by and two other men ran up and separated them.

3. Other foreigners in my area! They are here, and supposedly they like Starbucks. I get so excited everytime I see another foreigner... it's like "Where's Waldo?"

4. The dog with pink ears again. I can't help but feel bad for the poor thing... although, maybe it's a she and she really likes her pink ears. Who knows...

5. High heels and slow walkers. There's no way I could wear high heels and walk up and down the subway stairs every day. It'd seriously be like committing suicide. Almost all the women here wear them though, and boy do some of them practically waddle down the sidewalk. I refuse to be uncomfortable all day just to look good. Plus, there are some really cute flats. I fear mine only have about another month left with how much I walk here....

Well, that's about all. I feel like work has taken over my life this week, so maybe after the weekend I'll have more interesting stories to tell. Aquarium tomorrow? Probably. I feel like my camera needs to be put to use.

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. It's loveliness increases. It will never pass into nothingness but still will keep a bower quiet for us, and a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing." --the super random quote from the little notebook I bought today.

Thanksgiving in Korea is just like any other day.

2009-11-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

What can I say about my 2009 Thanksgiving? I ate Kimbap for dinner, along with some other little snack thing I have yet to figure out... and drank a Coke. I guess it wasn't that different from last year considering I was in Vegas and decided the crab legs at the buffet were more appealing than the turkey. I worked, which is something new, but oh well, Thanksgiving isn't in my top 5 favorite holidays anyway.

Maybe I'll make it a new tradition to be somewhere different for Thanksgiving every year... Las Vegas last year, South Korea this year.. next year I plan on visiting mom in England during November. Then maybe it'll make it to the top five, only because I'll know I'm going somewhere. Although, if I get my happy little house in Florida I so badly want, I won't mind if everyone wants to come to my place. (Print this out and show it to me in like 7 years...)

Is it really holiday time though? I'm seriously stuck in summer mode. I have a feeling Christmas is going to fly by, especially with no one around to really do the whole gift thing with. I am experiencing the cold of winter time, and I'm getting used to it! I even thought it felt good outside tonight, and it had to be in the 50s at most. I'm sure by the time I fully adapt to the weather, it'll change. I can see the sweat dripping now when I walk to work. Yikes.

Phone! And gifts from Santa...

I found out I will actually be able to get a phone before I get my ARC, thank goodness! I won't have to worry about getting horribly lost and having no way to get in touch with anyone anymore. My director said he has a line I can use until I can get my own, and then just switch it to my name. Thank goodness....

Also, I found out I'm getting a totally cool gift from Santa! I'm super excited! My poor old iPod that I bought about 5 years ago, well he's going to retire. Yay for new one. =) I love my music.

Ah, Korea. You never fail to amaze me.

I couldn't help buy stare at one of my 7-year-old student's jacket yesterday. He ended up accidently leaving it after school, so I took the opportunity to take a picture.

Is it me... or does the symbol resemble what my oblivious grandmother would call "a pretty plant?" (Yeah, she should live in Korea... obviously they think it's pretty too...)

Hilarious. It was like a jumpsuit right out of a rap video. I realize since this country has pretty much no tolerance for drugs it would make sense they have no idea what that looks like, but imagine if they did?

Oh whatever. I don't smoke, but seriously, if I wouldn't be thrown into a torture jail (haha or wherever...) for doing it here, I probably would.

The kid who wore this actually told me today that he doesn't listen to me because he doesn't like me. It took everything I had not to tell him he's the biggest pain in the ass himself and that I really don't like him either.

Another one of my students told me I give him a headache because I'm so loud. Imagine that, me loud... I told him I get a headache trying to talk over all of his classmates. Then I talked in my normal voice to prove my point, and guess what? Yeah... no one heard me.

Really, I think I'd love this job if I didn't have to discipline all day. I mean, I know kids don't really want to be in school... but at least back home they know they have to at least fall asleep or scribble on their books while pretending to listen. Here, it's like, what random object can I play with next or who can I talk to while the teacher's talking, or can I go to the bathroom/get a drink/see so and so, blah blah blah.

Ok, just a quick rant. It's really not too bad, but there's some days I just feel like it's a bigger pain than it's worth.

Oh yeah, and supposedly the parents who can look in on our classes, can also hear us. Joy.

I think that's just my lack of turkey, gravy and stuffing talking. Don't be alarmed anyone who's thinking of coming here. There are some really good things about being here. I'm forming a list for another day... ;)

"I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower...." -Willie Nelson

Korean TV isn't always lame.

2009-11-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

Man... I hate to admit it, but I'm a little too overly excited that Twilight is playing on my TV in English. I also don't want to admit that I'm thinking about going to see New Moon this weekend if I can find a theater that is playing it in English or with English subtitles. Yes... I'll go alone. I'm lame. Whatever. It doesn't take much to make me giddy these days. Plus, I really like the Twilight soundtrack.

I wish I could read the whole series again. I really want an e-reader and iTouch. Moreso the iTouch, but an e-reader would be awesome because then I wouldn't have to lug books around. I may treat myself. I've been a cheapass anyway since I've been here, so why not?

Short post, but I'm tired. School is super busy this month. Is it really Thanksgiving week? Wow.. this has been the fastest year ever....

"'Twilight again, he murmured.' Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end." --Stephenie Meyer

Amanda Teacher... Imagine That.

2009-11-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

You know you're a kindergarten teacher when....

you get cool random presents! It's a cute little (and by little I mean big) handkerchief (why does this word look so funny? Google say it's correct...) In case you can't read the note, it says "I love you Amanda." with a heart and a smiley face.

I'm not going to say much, because it was really nice of her to give me this... but mom must have been watching the classroom camera from online the past two weeks. Presents do work, however, in winning me over. I won't lie.

What to do with crying kids?

I like kids... and I feel really bad when they cry, but I never know what to do! I hugged one of the little girls one time while she was crying, and she wiped her snot all over my sleeve. It seriously grossed me out. So, now I stick to patting backs and getting tissues. But what the heck do you say when a kid cries because they've been goofing off with another kid and get elbowed in the eye? Especially the ones who can't even speak English. I probably look terrified when they come to me crying and speaking Korean. Yikes.

Electronics...

I want an Itouch and E-reader, but don't know where to get them. Anyone know? Anyone...?

Imagine all the people...

living for today. Yes, John Lennon was playing when I left the subway station today, and it made me really happy. It made me even happier that a Korean guy was standing there singing along with it... the English lyrics. I wonder if he really speaks English or just memorized the lyrics. I guess I'll never know.

I do want to bring country music to my older students one day. They were singing some pop song in class today. Well, it sounded like pop. I love my music and it amazes me how it can totally change my mood.

Speaking of the subway...

it's my place to think. I always think of things I want to write then forget them. Today, I basically thought about where I wanted to stop and buy some cookies. I tried some seaweed thing at lunch today and seriously had to spit it back out into a napkin. There's no way that thing was making it down my throat without every other thing I've eaten today coming back up with it. Awful. Ugh. It grosses me out even thinking about it.

On that note... I'm eating another cookie.

"You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one." -John Lennon

Yeoksam, Appujeong and back to Sinjeong.

2009-11-22T04:22:00.000-08:00

Supposedly, people here can order food at any hour of the night, as I found out around 2:30 this morning when I heard knocking on my door followed by a strange ringing (which I'm guessing was my doorbell). I opened the door to a man with a helmet handing me a bag of food. I had no idea what was going on since I had just fallen asleep and didn't expect someone to come knocking on my door, so it took a good minute to realize this was not for me. The communication wasn't happening so after a good 3 minutes we both realized it was a mistake and he took the food and tried to find the correct apartment. I know he tried to find the right apartment, because for the next few minutes I could hear him speaking Korean in the hall. Interesting. I'd like to know where he came from in case I ever get hungry at 2 a.m., not that I'd really be able to order anyway.

Tomatillo

I finally got some mexican food. It was quite nice, even though I had to wait longer than everyone else because they gave my food to some other lady on accident. I got a quesadilla, and it somewhat resembled cinnamon bread with icing (it was sour cream). I didn't go for the lime margarita like I planned, but I was on a budget due to not bringing my passport to exchange money on Friday. I'm not sure why I've waited so long. It's been somewhat nice being here a month and only spending $250 though. Hehe, I can imagine the bank account in a year already...

Oh! I ran into Evan (a guy I worked with at Best Buy) and his wife at Tomatillos. It was pretty random. Small world, huh? Hopefully we’ll all be able to go grab dinner one night.

Monkey Beach

No, we didn't go to Thailand for the night, but we did venture to a bar that is supposedly based off the beach there. It has been a while since I've been to a bar or a club on a Saturday night, so it was slightly shocking at first. One of the girls asked me if I was scared. I wasn't, I was examining the stripper pole cage thing and the poles in the middle of the tables. I was also looking at this one girl dancing alone with glowstick bunny ears and a lady who could have quite possibly been a Russian prostitute, although that's an entirely different blog altogether. See picture below for the bunny eared girl, she was actually quite funny, but as Natasha went to snap the picture she ended up looking quite normal. The bar was interesting nonetheless.

I did decide to drink here, seeing as how a place like that usually makes me want to right away. Despite all the nasty germs, we all decided to go in on a bucket.

Cranberry juice and vodka.

Mom told me to take a picture, so I thought I'd make her proud. I dragged Brigid in to make it look like I wasn't drinking the bucket alone. Heh. Notice the girl in the background? Well, it totally doesn't look like it on the blog post, but in my camera photo you can totally tell she's looking at the camera and smiling. Everyone's always willing to take a picture, and I guess the smiles come out when alcohol is around.

Here's Miss Bunny:

Her and her man were having a good old time. I don't think she even noticed when he went off to the bathroom... she actually looks slightly shy in this picture. I should have recorded her dancing...

Can someone please tell me why the subway doesn't run all night?

I thought I was going to miss my ride home last night. Supposedly, the last train comes between 11:45 and midnight... and it was like 11:53 when I got to my last transfer. Luckily, I made it. I actually ran and got a stomach cramp. First time I've run in... ever, maybe? Yeah. I have no idea how I would have told a cab driver to get me home. Next goal: get my address written down in Korean.

I was given a handy subway map though, which I'm super thankful for! It makes taking the subway soo much easier. Look!

Dinner:

I made spaghetti. I really wasn't thinking at E-mart the other day and bought noodles but no sauce. So, I went to the little market on the corner and made an attempt to find some. Luckily, I did! It was actually somewhat decent for mising all the good ingredients like cheese and meat.

Now, I could totally go for a big bowl of chocolate ice cream. Even though I just finished a box of these, my new favorite litle treat:

Delicious!

Well, I think next weekend I might venture to the aquarium. I figure it's nice and warm and it's relatively cheap to get in. Works for me!

"Work like you don't need the money, love like your heart has never been broken and dance like no one is watching."

Pizza flavored potato chips.

2009-11-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

are amazing.

So is the fact that my students think I look beautiful when I have my hair pulled back, even if it's only because I woke up 20 minutes before I had to leave for work.

Interesting randomness in the past two days:

- My students telling me I had hills on my chest and asking me if I was pregnant up there. Then, I had to endure countless pokes. I guess kids here aren't used to boobs.... and I guess maybe I should avoid tight fitting shirts unless I want to have permanent finger indentations in that area.

-Fire drills in the schools here (well, actually I really only know about my school) involves real smoke. It's quite interesting...

- Two of my boy students kissed today. The entire class watched as they got closer and closer and then finally kissed. The class then smiled and continued doing their work. I like how that type of thing really doesn't matter here. If only that were everywhere...

- The cost of Pantene Pro-V is crazy... as well as good body lotion... and a darn loofah. I couldn't find hairspray. Big towels are also expensive. I eventually found one for 7,800 won and was happy. I guess that's actually really not that expensive, but I somehow spent close to $40 USD at E-mart.

I'm trying not to choose favorites.

I've officially picked the Korean kid I'm taking as my own when I leave (ok, obviously I'm joking, for parents and whoever else may read this). But seriously, he's one of my favorites. I'm trying hard not to pick favorites, but it's so hard when some of the students make teaching so diffcult.

Could you blame me for choosing him though? Of course he's adorable as can be (although if that was what it was based off of would be difficult, because most of them are super cute), but he's also such a sweetie.

For example, during our "activity day" yesterday, a firewoman came to speak to the students. Of course she was speaking Korean, so I just sat there and tried to make out what she was saying from the slide show she brought. All the students and Korean teachers started laughing at something she said. My student did that thing where you look at someone to laugh with them and realized I had no idea what she said. He started explaining to me what was so funny and has done that for me at least three more times the past two days when something funny was said in Korean. Here's this 7-year-old translating Korean to English for his teacher who can only speak one of the languages.

I also have a favorite little girl who sat in my lap for about an hour while we watched a movie that afternoon. The movie was awful, but whatever, it was nice having a break.

Research.

I'm researching getting an e-book reader. If I can find a good one it may be a Christmas present for myself. Write and read... two goals while I'm here and two things I love. Also, getting pictures. I took two on my way home from work today but they were somewhat blurry because it started to rain so I kept walking.

Oh well. Almost bed time for me. I think I'm geting my cold back. Dangit.

"Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about." - Unknown

I'm trying to be a "yes" person, but today I just had to say "no thank you."

2009-11-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty open about eating different food while I've been here and have tried pretty much everything when I've gone out to dinner with my coworkers. I even tried something yesterday my supervisor offered me after she warned me it was extremely spicy. I didn't think it was too bad, but one of the girls I work with asked if I was alright because my face was red.

Today did me in. I've been eating lunch at the school because it's free and a lot easier than trying to find somewhere nearby with workers who would understand me. I've also been avoiding the Mcdonalds across the street because I figure that would be much too easy and I don't want to become addicted. (I did however see a scooter thing this morning that was yellow and said McDelivery... I really wanted to take a picture but I needed to get to work. I was excited nonetheless).

Anyway, I went to the kitchen and filled my tray with a bunch of random foods (since I never really know what they are). I went back to my classroom, opened my book (yes, I read during lunchtime) and got my chopsticks ready to take a bite of some brown something on my tray that looked somewhat similiar to something I had eaten the other day. Since I'm now a chopstick professional, I picked some of it up and was bringing it up to my mouth when I noticed some eyes starting back at me. Ew. It was some little fish or something, but I was so grossed out I really couldn't finish eating. I thought I was going to puke. Then, I got the bright idea I should take a picture to show you, but I didn't want to offend anyone else nearby who might have been eating the nasty little creatures.

Needless to say I came home and scarfed a sandwich and some chips. I'm now eating some chocolate chip cookies and couldn't be happier. I might just have to go ahead and give in to Mcdonalds from now on. My appetite has been all messed up anyway since I've been here, I'm not sure if I'll be able to eat random food anymore without carfully examining it. I have found I really like chips. I've never been a big chip person, but I ate pizza chips the other day and bought some barbeque type ones today and love them. Yum.

I'm not evern going to talk about the kids today. If I come home with grey hair, you'll know why. I really think I could like this job if some of the little devils wouldn't act so rude and spoiled. It'll get better.... it'll get better... it'll get better....

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener

This quote made me think of how everytime a student sneezes here I really badly want to say "bless you." I said it once and got a crazy look, so I'm thinking the saying doesn't apply here. I feel really bad when I don't say it though. Not that I'm religious in the least bit... but considering it was only a few years ago that I learned I was suppsed to say "bless you" and not "bleshu," I feel like it's mandatory. Oh well. I guess we don't really serve food with eyes at our schools back home either, some things I'll just have to get used to.

"And I find chopsticks frankly distressing. Am I alone in thinking it odd that a people ingenious enough to invent paper, gunpowder, kites and any number of other useful objects, and who have a noble history extending back 3,000 years haven't yet worked out that a pair of knitting needles is no way to capture food?" -- Bill Bryson

Don't forget your floss.

2009-11-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I look decent today," then smile and notice you have some big green piece of something in between your two front teeth? Well, that happed to me today and that's the type of day I pretty much had.

Thought the kids would be good, and they were... until the last 10 minutes of class or until the next class. Thought I'd be warm enough with two long sleeve shirts and a medium jacket, and I was... until I left work and froze my butt off. Thought maybe I was rid of my cold, and I was.... until my nose started running again and I started sneezing again. Thought maybe I'd wake up and not feel like I'm missing something important, and I did.... but it's back.

Oh well. I guess we need those types of days every now and then. Basically I'm writing this post to let people thinking about coming here know it's not always going to be easy. Most of the time it's pretty cool though, but there will be days where you have something green stuck in your teeth and nobody tells you.

I am quite surprised none of the munchkins told me about the green thing in my teeth. They are normally so... honest.

Drunkard.

I did, however, witness the first scary man I've seen yet coming home on the subway today. At first I was convinced he was crazy, but the more I thought about it I decided he was probably drunk. Anyway, it was like a movie scene.

I walk close to the door of the subway as it pulls up and see a man heading my way talking. I figure he's (let's just call him Bob, for the sake of the story) talking to the man in front of me, since I obviously have no idea what he's saying. The man in front of me looks at Bob like he's crazy as we all board the subway, and then Bob starts saying what sounds to me like a hex or something. The subway is jam packed, but people start moving away from him and trying to stand as far away as possible. I decided since I'm short and only have two stops to go, standing behing a random slightly taller man near the door was my best bet. Anyway, Bob starts just talking...to no one in particular and then he starts singing while leaning against one of the railings on the seats.

The subway gets to Mok dong, and everyone gets off the subway who is standing except me and Bob. So, luckily, he could tell I had no idea what the hell he was saying so he kept singing and kind of just looked at me. I stood close to the door looking at signs I obviously couldn't read.

Anyway, I was happy that Bob stayed on the subway at my stop. He was pretty creepy... and I'm sticking with drunk. Crazy people don't normally hex then sing, I don't think... I'm pretty sure a crazy hexer would go find someone else who understood him to bother. I could be wrong.

That's my story.

I'm tired. Not much else really going on. It's a busy week at school. Almost Thanksgiving! Not that that really has anything to do with being busy seeing as how Koreans don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Haha.

Eh, I don't have the motivation to look for a quote tonight, just wanted to tell you all about Bob. =) Next time I'll do two to make up for it.

Boys will be boys...

2009-11-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

Supposedly, one fun thing about learning English for elementary school boys is that they get to learn all sorts of dirty words and human body parts in a different language. So, instead of paying attention to my delightfully exciting class about using commas to put more than one adjective in a sentence (haha), they decided to look in their vocabulary books and on the translation cell phone thing one of them has and ask me if I knew all sorts of fun words (breasts, genitals, naked, etc. etc. etc.).

Normally this class has three boys and one girl, but luckily the girl was missing today, so I got to be sole witness to the giggling, no holds barred, ridiculousness of some of the words they were asking me about. Honestly, I felt like these boys just saw a porn magazine for the first time with how badly they begged me not to say anything to anyone about the things they were asking.

I tried to be teacher Amanda... but really, some of the things they were asking really were funny. Especially when one of the boys said "sexy" and the other two flipped out like it was the worst word ever. The boy got embarrassed and decided to actually pay attention after that. As tough as I was trying to be by telling them to put their stuff up and pay attention, I think I slightly egged them on by laughing when they asked me if I knew what one of the words was (I'd tell you, but I can't remember right now... there were so many).

U.S.A... South Korea... it doesn't matter where we are, boys will be boys at that age. I hope I have a son one day... otherwise my daughter is never leaving the house when she gets to elementary school with all the pervy boys around. Haha, ok I'm kidding... but seriously...

Anyway...

My Japan trip is cancelled for next weekend. Supposedly the flights are all booked. I'm not too upset... although I'd really like to have my health check be over and be able to get a cell phone. Guess I'll just have to wait.

I have a killer headache, so I'm gonna call it a night.

"Boys will be boys. And even that wouldn't matter if only we could prevent girls from being girls.”

-Anne Frank

I guess I should explain myself...

2009-11-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

I know that I have close to 52 weeks before I get back to the States... probably even more since I plan on visiting England for a few weeks after leaving here. I know that I want to spend New Years Eve of 2010 with people I care about and hopefully start 2011 off with a good job in a decent state. I know that a part of me didn't want to come here in the first place, that I wished I would find a journalism job in Florida and that things would just work out for once.

I also know now that I am extremely happy to be here, and even if I continue to count down how many days I have left, that won't stop me from enjoying my time and taking advantage of every opportunity to see everything I possibly can while I'm here. I want to be here and spend a year living a life completely different than I'm used to.

I've realized I'm the type of person who would rather be happy doing what I want than living the "perfect" life. My perfect life will be living near the beach with my animals and hopefully someone special one day... and you can laugh if you want, but I guarantee I'll be able to make it happen. My time in Korea is just one stepping stone leading me there.

I really do miss a lot of things from back home... and it's only been two(ish) weeks. It's crazy. Just thinking about my cats made me really sad the other day! But, I've got this. A year will go by pretty fast... maybe...

Second weekend... or third...or something.

I'm pretty sure this has been my third weekend here in Korea, and I basically spent it in my apartment reading and writing. Luckily for me, those are two things I love to do. I ventured out briefly yesterday to get a few things, but I've been a homebody the rest of the weekend. It was nice though, especially since my cold made me lose some sleep last week.

Next weekend I get to go to Japan! Hopefully I'll learn the details of that little exursion tomorrow. It'll be neat to go, but I heard Japan's expensive, and I've kind of gotten used to how cheap everything is here. (Can't you all already see how lovely my savings account will look when I get home?)

I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a couple weeks away! What the heck? It's already been a year since I was in Vegas, that's crazy. No idea what I'm doing yet... if anything.

Oh well. This blog is kind of lame since this weekend consisted of doing pretty much nothing. I need to start taking pictures...

“Once in awhile you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” -Robert Hunter

Listening to: Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead

Rainy Day

2009-11-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

Kindness of Strangers

Some lady let me stand under her umbrella this morning while I waited for the bus, since for some unknown reason I didn't feel the need to purchase an umbrella in a country that supposedly has a monsoon season. The lady huddled close to me so to make sure I wouldn't get wet, and I felt really bad that she didn't understand that I was thanking her. I guess she probably knew what I meant in some way... I mean, I figured out that she wanted to share her umbrella with me. But, I've been in a slightly mushy mood lately (I'm unsure why... really, maybe the book I'm reading? I don't know) so I was kind of touched that this random lady was so nice.

After work I decided it was time to invest in an umbrella. So, I went to the Family Mart that's downstairs in my building and bought one. I also bought some kimbap, which is one of my new favorite things to eat because it's easy to recognize--a long round package-- and it's like a surprise every time because I can't read the wrapper to determine what's in it. Yesterday was tuna, pineapple and cucumber.... today was crab, and I didn't really look at anything else because I ate it so fast. Good, nonetheless.

Itaewan

I finally got to visit Itaewan, and like everyone said, there were tons of foreigners. It was slightly more shocking to me to see so many because I've gotten used to not seeing any. I'm usually excited when I do see one because it's like "Where's Waldo?" and it was a bit overwhelming seeing all different kinds of people in the restaurant/bar thing we ate at. I liked it though.

I also liked the large expensive burger I got... and beer (which I actually didn't ask for but he brought anyway, I had no idea what Cass was when everyone else ordered one. Now I do)

Anyway, it was a good time and the girls are really nice. I feel somewhat bad because I had a killer headache before I met up with them, but it started to die down once I got some food so that was good. I even had some lady talk to me while I waited for the bathroom, in English, heh. It's the small things.

I'll definitely be going back for another burger eventually.

Skype...

is wonderful. Free computer to computer calls and chat. I also got a subscription to call landlines and cell phones now so that will be pretty cool. Not sure how the quality will be, but the computer to computer is definitely clear so hopefully it won't be too bad. I'll be testing it out this weekend.

Speaking of the weekend

This month is busy at my school. Open classes, 3-month tests, evaluation cards and me getting used to teaching is a lot to handle. So, this weekend will be dedicated to getting a lot of school stuff done. Especially since I think I get to take my fun little trip to Japan next weekend. Can't wait.....

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Happy Pepero Day

2009-11-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

Today is Pepero Day.

What is a Pepero you ask? I've provided images of the gifts I received today (perks of being a teacher). Well, these are the ones I didn't eat yet, anyway.

I realize that from afar, the long heart covered Pepero looks slightly like a really long tampon... but inside the famliar looking wrapper, it's actually a cookie dipped in chocolate like the green box shows.

It took me a while to figure out what the kids were calling the day. It also took me a while to figure out why all the students were eating these cookies, but eventually I put two and two together.

It's like a Valentine's day or Sweetest day, and it's on 11/11 because the four ones look like Pepero sticks. Amusing, huh? I guess Hallmark isn't the only company banking off these type of days.

Little Devils

Before my day even barely began at the school today, two of my students found an eraser that I was holding, and instead of being good and asking for it, they tried to grab it out of my hand. In the process one of them broke my necklace. I was quite upset... it was only the 2nd time I'd worn it and I didn't even get past the morning. All the student could say was, "Oh easy fix."

Those same two students also discovered my belly button ring a little later by poking me in the stomach. Haha.. how do you explain a belly button ring to 6 year olds learning English? I decided to change the subject.

Finally, a different class of mine (that I actually really like) asked me where my wedding ring was, and when I told them I wasn't married they insisted on asking me about the ring. Kids. Oh yeah, this was after one of the girls in my class told me, "teacher your hair is ugly" and imitated that I had pieces sticking out.

Nonetheless, at the end of the day I can't say I really had a bad day.

Gym Membership or Subway Station Stairs...

I really want to join a gym here. That was one of my goals before I even came, yet I don't feel like searching around for one. The girl I replaced showed me hers before she left, but it looked super packed, and I'm more of an empty gym kinda girl.

However, the stairs to the subway kill me every day. It's not so bad going there in the morning, but on the way home... climbing the, wait... let me count... 4 flights of stairs? is torture. Ok, it's not that bad, but it is a decent workout every day and it makes me not feel as bad about being a slacker about finding a gym right away. Plus, I walk to and home from the subway which takes a good 5-10 minutes. I'm good.

My cold is almost gone. Thank goodness that didn't long.

Itaewon tomorrow for dinner. It will be my first time in Itaewon, and I'm excited to go eat some Western food. If I have time I'll post about it, otherwise I'm sure I'll have lots to write over the weekend.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

1, 2, 3, F, 5, 6.....

2009-11-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

Check this out: Supposedly, most places in Korea do not label the fourth floor with a 4 because the pronunciation for 4 is “sa” which is the same as the Chinese character for death. Similiar to the 13th floor in the States. This helps to explain why I always hit the wrong floor button in the elevator in my hotel... I was so confused.

Look, I captured evidence in my apartment.

"And a big yellow taxi took my girl away" has a new meaning.

I have yet to ride in a car or bus here and not fear for my life. Really, if I knew what the Korean lady on the bus intercom was saying, I might close my eyes until I reached my destination.

Drivers here are insane. Really, though, I guess the drivers here are amazing because traffic is so crazy and I have yet to see a wreck. Red lights are optional if no one is coming from the cross street... and the lines in the road are just guides that really don't have to be followed.

I'm almost positive that it would be illegal in the states for people to stand on the bus, especially when the bus drivers swerve in and out of traffic and slam on their breaks at the last minute at the bus stops. I just know I'm gonna fall on the bus one of these days, and I'm gonna be super mad because I know the laws here are different and no one is really going to care. Someone will probably laugh and in Korean tell me to hold on to the little dangly handle things harder.

I'll do my best.

Anyway... this is really two posts in one since I didn't feel like it yesterday.

Life happens.

If you would have asked me a year ago what my plans were for the future, I would have shrugged and said I had no idea. Then, after thinking about it for a minute, I would have thrown in that I'd like to be writing for a magazine and living near the beach. Never, EVER, would I have said, "I think I'll go to South Korea and teach kindergarten and elementary students." It really just wouldn't have happened. Why? A. I never thought I'd have the necessary funds available to travel and live overseas... B. I thought Korea was kind of scary.... C. I wasn't really too fond of very many little kids.

Now... I absolutely adore the kids in my class and the fact that I'm saving for my future by living here. It's amazing how much can change in a year... isn't it? Although, I really wish I could just freeze time back home and come back to exactly how things were when I left, but I know... life must go on.

Kids are kids no matter where they live.

Like I said, I've really started to love being around kids and teaching them. However, I can't lie, a couple times today I did kind of wish that I had someone with a bamboo stick to just whack a few of them (I read somewhere that some Korean schools do that...I'm not too sure if this is true, but mine definitely does not... and really, I'd be horrified if it did).Overall, however, they are great and teaching them is amazing. Plus, I felt like crap today, so I have a feeling my evil bambbo stick wishes won't be lingering ones.

I think some of the students can see past the whole "oh she's the teacher we need to listen" facade and realize that it's really difficult for me to punish them. OR.. they are just having a hard time adjusting to their new teacher, which it what some say... but I highly doubt that. I'm like a glass window when it comes to being tough.

Oh well.

Kids are brutally honest and I think it's funny.

In America, we have this thing called privacy. We learn that certain questions or saying certain things crosses that line of privacy. Here, there's little privacy and any questions from students are fair game. Luckily, they haven't really crossed that line with me... at all. I guess maybe for some people asking age would be personal, but I don't mind. Age is a big deal here and asking someone's age is a question often heard.

I actually find the kid's antics funny. So... here are some of the things I've heard or seen during my time teaching, which has been approximately two official days by myself. This is just a random list of things I can think of that were somewhat amusing.

1. The kids like to know about personal relationships. I've been asked if I have a boyfriend a lot. I've also been asked if I kiss the so-called boyfriend. Since I'm pretty sure the kids don't care about long-distance relationship confusion, I just say yes (especially because I know for a fact if I said no, the next question would be "why teacher?"). Plus, they think it's amusing that I would have a boyfriend living in America. I guess even they can see the difficulties in that one. My favorite part about this question is that the younger kids give a cute little grin everytime they ask.

2. They show no mercy when it comes to talking about weight. My co-worker, who had on well-fit clothing and didn't look fat at all, was asked if she was pregnant. Of course they would say it in the morning so that all day whoever they say it to feels self-conscious.

3. They also show no mercy when it comes to anything dealing with looks. The students in one of my story classes decided to place the tallest student in the class next to me and continuously tell me how little I was, which I didn't mind... but then they decided to have a two minute conversation about the big zit that popped up on my forehead that morning. Not only was that a fun conversation, but one of the words we were learning was explode and you can only imagine where that went.

4. Certain aged students pick their nose...and eat it... right in front of you.

5. One of the topics in one of my writing classes was "How to make ______ happy." They had to pick someone and list ways to make him or her happy. One of my students chose his/her parents and then listed "washing their feet for them" as one way to make them happy. It took all I had not to burst out laughing.

6. One of my students brought a toy gun to school and thought it was fun to play shoot things. I'm pretty sure that's not permitable in U.S. schools without some sort of repercussion. This, I did not find so funny.

7. They think it's crazy that I don't speak Korean, and most think I do. Heh. I can't even say the Korean "hello" without sounding like I'm trying way too hard.... and I have kids asking me what (insert some Korean word here) is.

I'm sure I'll have plenty more before I leave, but those are just a few for now. I've also started a new project. It's call "See how long it takes before Amanda's English and writing skills are completely messed up." From 10:00-5:25 every day I have to forget everything I've learned and speak as though I'm in elementary school again. It's pretty tough actually... but I'm hoping my project is a complete failure, and I leave Korea with my education in tact. We shall see.

Off to bed. The cold is still lingering.

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

My Korean/English dictionary says I went shyop'ing today.

2009-11-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Today, I experienced my first Korean market thanks to Angie, a girl I met also living in Seoul.

However, before sharing my market experience, I would like to give myself a pat on the back for making it there with hardly any trouble. I took the subway which meant at one point I had to make a transfer to a different subway line, and I did it all by myself. I'm such a big girl. Needless to say, the subway is super easy here. I applaud whoever suggested adding English to the maps.

Anyway... Namdemum Market.

My main reaction upon walking off the subway (Hoehyeon station, exit 5) onto the streets of the market was holy crap the people. They were everywhere! As shocked as I was, I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less in a city of over 10 million people.

Anyway, the street vendors were selling all sorts of things: clothes, shoes, scarves, hats, gloves, toys, trinkets, jewelry...and a ton of other stuff. It was a little overwhelming, and I wasn't exactly sure where to start looking.

I did bring my camera, but.... no pictures. Oops. It was just too crowded, and it probably would have just been a lot of people's faces anyway since I'm so short. I'll go back on a weekday sometime and try to get some good pictures of the area.

One of the highlights of the day was my enormous mango ice cream cone. So good! I should have at least taken a picture of it, so huge and delicious!

Angie also took me to Myeongdong where the Forever21, Gap and other similiar stores can be found. There's so many places to shop there. Prices are a bit more expensive, but it was fun just looking. We also spotted a pair of hilarious male boxer/briefs--leopard print with an image of a cute little kitten holding a rose. Yeah, I would totally laugh in the face of any guy wearing those.

Oh! The dollar stores here are totally cool. Actually, they are basically the same as back home except everything costs 1,000 won instead of 1 dollar. I'm going to the one near my apartment tomorrow after work to stock up on some household items and make this place a little more homey.

My tissue pile is growing.

Yes, I officially have a cold. Runny nose and sneezing have both taken over my body... or my face, whichever you prefer. Luckily, I remembered to bring cold medicine which is convenient because I really don't feel like trying to find what Hangul letters mean cold medicine.

So, that, along with my first day of teaching tomorrow means that it is past my bedtime. I have something cool I learned today that I'd like to share, but I want to try and get a picture tomorrow. So... stay tuned. ;) Heh.

"I don't cry over spilt milk, but a fallen scoop of ice cream is enough to ruin my whole day."

"Laundry day" literally meant "laundry day" today.

2009-11-07T04:40:00.000-08:00

I used to love doing laundry. Well, I loved it in the sense that if I could pick any chore to do, laundry would be the one I chose. Easy-- throw clothes in the wash machine for like 20 minutes (or until you don't hear rumbling in the laundry room)... switch them to the dryer and wait until the buzzer goes off. Then fold a bunch of nice warm clothes, towels, whatever. End chore.

Today, however, I decided that while I'm in Korea I'm going to dislike doing laundry. Not only did it take a good chunk of my morning trying to figure out what the Korean labelled settings on the wash machine were (thank goodness for the internet), but I also had to do about 4 loads because the machine is so tiny! Plus, the absence of a dryer makes for this wonderful sight sitting in the middle of my kitchen/living room area:

Obviously, I'm not a master at hanging clothes, nor do I care to be... so this will have to do. My desk chairs also have multiple articles of clothing hanging on them. I guess investing in an iron might be a good idea.

I'm not sure if the normal setting always goes for an hour and a half, but it definitely took that long for each load today. So.. four loads, plus an hour and a half each... well... yeah. Until I figure out what the rest of the settings are... that's how long it's going to take I suppose.

On another note:

I have a runny nose today. I really hope I'm not getting a cold. I think my body is all messed up (even though I have been drinking my Orange Juice!). But, hopefully by resting this weekend I'll feel better. I'm dying to go exploring, but I also really, really don't want to get sick. I found my camera book I brought though, so I think I may do some Korean language and camera studying.

I was going to post pictures of my tissues all over my desk to emphasize the point, but I figured I would spare everyone.

Korean Dinner with coworkers:

I really wish I had pictures to accompany this topic and show what it was like, but I didn't think about it at the time. It was really cool going to eat with my director, supervisor, and three other girls that I teach with. Obviously, to them it was just going to eat and nothing unusual, but for me it was a new experience.

We had to take off our shoes at the entrance (which is very common here) and proceeded to a small room where there were only two tables. I'm assuming it was a private room for parties or groups. The table was on the floor (as it was in the rest of the restaurant as well), and we sat on little square mats. There were two burners on the table and so three people would share one burner.

The waitress came and placed a large bowl on the burner then poured some sort of broth into it. Then, she brought a tray of vegetables and a tray of meat. Rachel, my supervisor, began putting the vegetables and meat into the bowl as it began to boil. She then told us to go ahead and eat, so with our chopsticks we just all picked out different items from the bowl to eat. We were also given a plate of kimchi and some other dish that reminded me of coleslaw with honey mustard sauce. At the end of the meal, we were brought a bowl of rice which we put into another big bowl with broth and waited for that to cook. Everything was really good.

I also tried Korean beer! My director and some of my other Korean coworkers drank soju, but I stuck with the beer. One tiny glass was enough for me, but the director offered me more, so as not to be rude I accepted. Luckily, we finished dinner before I finished my second glass. It was actually pretty good though.

Again, I was proud of my chopstick skills even if I really didn't have a choice but to use them last night.

Well, this site is being slow and annoying so I'm going to stop writing. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my dinner with everyone and am loving trying all the different food. So good!

This quote is going to be my new motto by the way:

“I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry, because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life?”

Life's Intermission

2009-11-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

"Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it."

So far, one thing I know I love about being in Korea is the freedom it allows to break away from routine and from doing everything in part to maintain life's grand plan. Every day so far, I've woken up with absolutely no idea what the future holds or what the day will bring. I walk to the subway and see new shops and people, and every day I learn something that I didn't know the day before.

It's an eye opening experience to understand what it's like to be stared at because you're different or misunderstood because no one knows what you're saying. I can understand why some people would be scared or intimidated to put themselves into a situation like this. There's a comfort in being around similar people and being able to easily walk up and order food or read a bus map. For me, the experience is surreal, and I am forever grateful for allowing myself to leave everyone I care about and everything I know to immerse myself in Korean culture.

Why Korea?

I get this question a lot, and I have yet to give a really great answer. Honestly, my decision to come here was based on the amount of money I'd be able to save due to the amazing benefits the schools here provide. It was the only place I did research on and the only place where I was really told to look into. Mom didn't have a heart attack when I told her what I wanted to do, and everyone else seemed really supportive, so my decision was made.

Now that I'm here, I'm really glad this is where I ended up. The people are very kind and friendly (even with the language barrier), and even though it's dark when I come home at night, I have no problems walking home alone. The culture here is built around respect, especially for elders, but there are many times it can be seen in everyday situations. A recent example was at lunch when Rosalind was receiving change back it was handed back with two hands. I'm honestly not sure I would have noticed this small gesture if it wasn't pointed out to me, but this type of thing is very common here.

Of course, I still have a plan.

I, as many know, am a planner. I planned what I wanted to do after graduation, and I made goals for how I wanted to live my life. None of them included a trip to South Korea for a year.

I eventually still want a house in Florida near the beach where I can live with my animals and

have a small garden and a cozy spot near a large window to read and write... and a nice big bath tub and modern kitchen. I still want to write for a magazine and be able to come home to someone special and cook and watch movies together... and eventually have kids who I can teach to be open minded and unselfish. I have now put these goals of mine on hold for a year (obviously, some of those goals were on hold anyway for a while, like the kids thing).

For now, I believe this experience can help me accomplish those goals in a different way. I'm hoping my time here will allow me to become a better writer, see things differently and gain an appreciation for things I may take for granted back home, increase my knowledge of the world and other cultures, try new food and activities and see things I may never have been able to before, and develop a strong sense of independence until I can convince everyone to come visit or share in my experience.

I've set goals for my year in Korea. Of course, these may change, but for the most part these are the things I'd really like to do while I'm here:

1. Learn some of the language. At first, I convinced myself I'd just go the entire year without really trying to learn any, but I've found that I really want to be able to talk to the people here. I believe I could learn so much more if I could communicate more easily, so I'm planning on devoting some of my time to learning the language. I may not become fluent or spend too much time on small things, but I'd like to at least be able to do more than a small bow to get my point across.

2. Be healthy. It's amazing how many gyms there are here and parks and trails, etc. I want to start exercising regularly, and although it'll be tough to eat healthy (as I'd like to try all the different foods) once I learn what everything is, I'll probably start trying to order better things for myself.

3. Help my students learn as much as they can. I really want to be a positive role model for my students and get them to learn as much as they can. So far, I really love all the students at my school, and it'd make me really happy to be able to say I was one of the people who helped make them so darn smart. Being a good teacher is actually really important to me while I'm here. Just as it's important for me to be here, it's also important to the kids that they have a good English teacher.

4. Save money. This is one of my biggest goals while I'm here. My house in Florida won't be handed to me and neither will any of the other things I'll need when I get back home, so I'd like to see my bank account grow while I'm here. However, I plan on earning my money by doing the best possible job I can at my work.

5. Learn as much as I can. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to learn and experience something new. I want to do, see and try anything and everything I possibly can. I want to make the best of my year here.

Now that I've written it, I should probably start doing it. I'd like to mention that as I'm sitting here writing, I'm eating Praline Pecans I brought from home and drinking a Coke Zero. Haha, I guess some habits never change no matter where in the world you are.

Well, this blog was probably one of my less exciting ones, but once I get started I can't be stopped. Next time, maybe I'll share some of my questions I'm dying to be able to ask or observations I've made recently. For now, it's bed time.

Goodbye to my "fork" days... Hello to my "attempt at using two thin sticks to eat" days

2009-11-04T03:07:00.000-08:00

My first lunch out with a couple of the girls I work with (one I'll be working with and one I'm replacing) was actually quite delicious, and I was saved from staring at the food and sneakily finger picking by a fork that was kindly provided to me. This was a couple days ago, and since then, I have been attempting to learn how in the world food can make it to the mouth by using two sticks. Chopsticks. I failed to realize that my ability to eat while in Korea would slightly rely on the use of them, and that in order to use them I would need serious practice or help from a professional.

Tonight, however, I ate a complete meal using chopsicks. It's actually not as difficult as all the charts and videos (yes, I was that desperate) made it look. I've been sitting here for a few minutes playing with some chopsticks just to test that I can still do it. I can, and it's actually becoming slightly sad how excited I am.

On another note...

Korean food makes me excited. (Yes, I realize the wording is slightly inappropriate, but really, it sounds somewhat dirty any way I put it) I tried a Korean soup type thing the other day at lunch with the girls, which was really good and somewhat spicy (as much of the food here is), and we also got Kimbap and some fish something. Tonight, Namoi took me to some little Korean place around the corner from out work, and I tried Mandu for the first time. It's a meat filled dumpling type thing, quite good. I've also tried Kimchi, which is one of the best known foods here. It actually, despite some of the descriptions of it, wasn't bad... I'm actually anxious to try it again.

I've also had a lot of Western food so far, like Burger King, pizza and today I had a chicken salad and a strawberry/banana smoothie. Oh! And I bought a Coke Zero at 711 yesterday. I love Coke Zero, even in Korea.

Anyway...

I start teaching tomorrow, so I'm going to call it an early night. For some reason today wore me out. I'll post more soon. I feel like the things I've seen so far or question or just want to tell someone are endless! I guess it'll probably be that way for a year. Anyway, more soon... and pictures too.

"Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

New Teacher Amanda

2009-11-02T02:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not entirely sure why, but I can't seem to understand the money system here. On my way home from work a bit ago, I bought a Coke and some little cookie/cracker things (which are delightfully delicious by the way) and my total was 1300 won. Naturally, I think to myself, "Wow that's a lot for two little things" and go to hand the man two bills with 5 on them and three bills with 1 on them. Which, in my mind adds up to 13. Wrong. Totally wrong. He gives me a polite smile then laughs and says "no no no." Then I realize that the korean bills are 1000, 5000, 10000. Really, my total was semi-equivalent to USD $1.30. Got it. Well, eventually I'll get it.

I do have to say I quite enjoy the man working at the little market on the corner behind my apartment. He asked me what I was looking for in broken English and smiled and laughed when I said I don't know. Then, when I asked if he had soda (Georgia, oh how you've corrupted me) he took me to baking soda. The word "drink" worked much better. He's very nice, and I plan on buying fruit from him tomorrow.

So, I know I haven't posted about my school yet... and there is definitely a lot to say about it. Today, I had my first experience teaching alone, I spent four classes teaching P.E. Yikes. The first class had about 14 students, and I was definitely not prepared. Twister is a lifesaver. Luckily, I made it through the day and will not have to teach P.E. on a regular basis (or ever again depending on who saw my wonderful P.E. abilities today).

So, more about my school. Here's some of the pictures I was sent of the school before arriving:

First Day (10/29): Gerstungkinder.

After being two hours late my first day (bus drivers don't generally speak English.. neither do bus signs), I was nervous and super excited to finally be there. On break, some of the kids ran out to see me and seemed excited to meet their "new teacher Amanda." One student looked at me from around the corner and said, "Ooh she so little," then ran off to bring some more kids to see me. A few days later one of the students asked me how old I was, 12 or 13... haha. I'm not sure they realize I'm actually an adult.

I met Rosalind, the teacher I'll be replacing (and seriously, I can't even begin to tell you how much she's helped me out in the past few days), and sat in on her classes for the day. My homeroom class, Brown (all the classes are named after Ivy League schools), is a class of four 7-year-olds. They are super intelligent and can all speak English very well. The school doesn't allow the students to speak Korean, so it's incredible the level of English some of the students have. My classes range from 5-year-olds to around 12-year-olds, all with varying levels.

I'll be teaching phonics, story, language, reading, and diction and writing classes. Along with some similiar classes for elementary level students. I'm actually really excited to start teaching, I can only imagine the feeling of being with the students when they actually get it, whether it's an idea, concept, or new word.

Since I'm on a list kick, here are some of the things I've learned so far during my time at school... whether about the school, kids, or Korea:

1. Most Korean children have never seen freckles. One of my students asked me what the black things on my face were, and I couldn't help but giggle.

2. Supposedly, smiling for photographs is uncommon. On Halloween, if someone tried to take a picture most of the kids went from smiling and having a good time to a straight face. Image is very important here, and the wrinkles a smile gives around the mouth is "unflattering." Women also tend to cover their mouths when laughing for the same reason.

3. Kids here LOVE stickers. Honestly, if you want a student to be good, bribe them with stickers.

4. My school has cameras in the classrooms so that parents can log onto the internet at home and watch their students anytime they want. When I heard this, I thought it was the strangest thing, but I guess my school is in a wealthy neighborhood, so this is one advantage my school has over others.... supposedly.

5. Swine flu is scaring the crap out of people here. One of the student's mothers has him or her out of school for a month for fear that he/she will get it. Also, face masks are very popular, and I'm not positive, but I'm guessing it's due to swine flu. If wrong, my second guess would be it's because of the crazy pollution in the air here.

I'm sure I'll have plenty more stories to share, especially since today was only my third day at the school. So far, so good. I'm thinking about cool video ideas to try and include in my blog. Maybe a video of my walk to subway and class? We shall see...

"To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted." -Bill Bryson

Who said size matters?

2009-11-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

I moved into my apartment yesterday, and although small, I think I actually really like it. It's close to the Sinjeong subway station, and even though I haven't totally explored yet, I know there's a little market right outside my door and plenty of food vendors nearby. There's also a 711 on the way to the subway, which I really like because 711's always remind me of Florida. However, I have yet to see if there are slurpees or day old hotdogs.

About the apartment: Here are some things I like or find strange or interesting about my apartment here in Korea.

1. The bathroom. I can't seem to get over the fact that there is no shower stall. There is a showerhead attached to the sink and a drain in the middle of the bathroom floor, which in retrospect means that my entire bathroom is my shower. I actually used it today, and it is definitely something that will take me a while to get used to.

2. The heating runs through the floor. I haven't tried it yet, but I remember how cold the wooden floors at my grandma's used to be, so it will be nice waking up to nice warm floors once it starts getting really cold outside.

3. There's an exit sign right above my door. I just thought this was funny since my apartment is probably smaller than some people's master bedrooms. There's also a descending life line which is cool since I'm on the third floor, in case of fire or whatever. There was one of these in my hotel room too.

4. The entrance area. It has a little step up which suggests taking off your shoes. I actually read about this before I came to Korea because supposedly a lot of restaurants have these areas too and it's mandatory to take your shoes off. I figure in my own apartment it only suggestion that I do it.

5. There are no keys for my building or apartment. The main building door and also my apartment door have keypads where you enter the codes to enter. You also cannot leave without pushing a button that says open. I find this really cool and convenient. It definitely beats losing keys or locking myself out.

Overall, I like it here. It's cozy and perfect for me. It doesn't, however, help me in my persuasion to get some people to visit or move here. But, there are nice hotels as well... and I bet the heating in the floor makes slumber parties a lot more fun.

Here's some pictures of the hotel I stayed at:

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

The wait is over...

2009-10-31T04:27:00.000-07:00

In the midst of packing, storing and making sure I was completely ready (which involved, visiting everyone I could, printing pictures, choosing books, etc. etc. etc.) to make the 15 hour flight to Korea, my intentions of starting a blog early enough to share the struggles of all that stuff, well, it got lost or packed or something. So, here I am, three days after arriving in Korea with an overwhelming amount of information to share. First, so as not to leave anything out right away, I'll include a summary of the things I did after finding out 4 days prior to leaving that was when I was scheduled to go.

Sold my Car.

Packed.

Well, needless to say, I definitely overpacked. At least, as of now it seems as though I did. After spending a few months here, I'll include a list of everything I believe should be packed, but I would definitely say 14 tank tops, 7 dresses, 10 cardigans, 10 t-shirts, numerous sweaters and jackets and long sleeved shirts...and pants and shorts and 10 pairs of shoes is a bit much. Sheets was a good idea and big towels. The hair straightener and dryer was pointless. I was quite proud of myself for my making my big bag (48 pounds) and litte big bag (46 pounds) meet the airline baggage requirements though. I am definitely glad I brought my laptop and, of course, my cameras. Like I said, I'll do another packing post when I figure out exactly what I should have brought and should have left at home. It's too soon to really know. However, finding enough hangers and room in this small apartment should be fun... but more about that later...

Thought about my decision... again and again...

For me, the decision to move to a completely different part of the world was easy. I would make money, save money, learn a new culture and see new things. It was so simple and logical... until it came to saying goodbye to everyone and everything. From the people I only see once a year anyway, to my pets...my children, to the people I see or talk to everyday, to the really special people who may not be around after a year. Normally, I'm not the type of person who finds it hard to say goodbye for a year, it comes naturally when my family lives all over the States. This time was a struggle. It probably shouldn't have been as hard for me, but it was, even up until the second before I was getting on the plane. I guess you never really know how much you'll miss someone until it comes time to say goodbye with no idea when you'll talk to them, or even see them again. But, an opportunity like this doesn't happen often.

Anyway....

I did, obviously, get on the airplane. My face was red and blotchy because of course I got really sad talking to mom before I was supposed to board the airplane. It was funny because some people on my flight had those little mouth and nose mask things around their necks, and after looking at me they'd put them back on. Heh. The infected American.

So, I watched Angels & Demons, My Sister's Keeper and Adventureland. Oh, and I started some movie called Rocking the Boat or something like that, but fell asleep. That's how long the plane ride was. For being 15 hours, it definitely didn't feel that long though. The food was slightly disgusting, but it was nice to get lunch and dinner.

Oh, and the Korean Airline flight attendants do totally wear the cool outfits in the commercial. I must say, it adds to the excitement of flying to another country.

Arrival.

Getting through immigration and customs was fine, easy (well, except for pushing around my two heavy bags). It was getting past customs to where I needed to get a bus ticket that made me question, "What the hell did I get myself into?" I was pushing around two 50 pound bags, searching for a place to buy a specific bus ticket and everything was in Korean. Luckily, a man who obviously noticed my confusion came up to me and showed me where to go. After that, I had about four other people help me until I finally made my way onto the bus for the 90 minute ride to City Air Terminal, where I was then put into a taxi and sent to my school. It was after meeting some of my coworkers, supervisor, and director and getting to my hotel that I realized I may not be able to contact anyone back home until the morning. Worst feeling ever, especially since I knew very well that mom was probably not sleeping because she was waiting for a phone call from me saying I made it safely. Luckily, after waking up ridiculously early, I was able to figure out a way to get a crappy internet connection real quick.

So...

In short, I love my school so far. Everyone is great and helpful. The language barrier is pretty tough, but for the most part everyone is somewhat willing to help, and my supervisor made sure I had everything I needed for my apartment, which like I was well aware, is super small. I'll continue in a new post.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -Lao Tzu