Blowing off Steam(DAEGU)

Well I think that the Daegu air is just what I needed. ...
I spent the day with a good Foreign Friend. Aaron...He is hilarious and it was a good time. HE works at LG which is a huge company. I am almost tempted to go there but at this point I dont think its possible.
WE went to the Holy Grill and I had Taco Salad! I love Tacos and I havent had Tacos in 8 months so it was nice. Daegu is so nice. Lets move there. We toured the city just checking out shoes, and clothes for a few hours before mosing our way back home via Mogohwa? Train.

I hope to hang out with Aaron again down the road.


Well its Saturday and it was nice to work with my Darling in the morning. I got nearly attacked by some weirdo who wanted to fight me. He kept yelling at me until I yelled at him I am going to work leave me alone. I felt awful because my pressure was low and I was tired and at work at 9 pm. I immediately was worried he would harass Christina so I went back to the bus stop to wait for her. I almost wish he had came back because I would have leveled him had he laid a finger on Christina or myself. I dont like "crazy" people.
Work was work. Once again the Palmer Report run down
TC2: I may have made many mistakes but I am tired of dealing with Tc2 girls. They didnt take my test and there is no way I can enforce. I have decided that if they dont come for my test then they can just skip it and may not recieve a syllabus.
TC1: Well the guys (gang) were all there...test review and unit 16 continuation

Next week should be interesting

TD2: TEST!!!
TD1: TEST!!!
Easy Day!

Galbei with Christina! As always special and good food good time. I have come to the conclusion about somethings today: 1. I need to change my feeling/attitude. I have felt run down lately due to situations that have came to pass. It was unfortunately a difficult last week and just something I have had to overcome. I would like to think of myself as an upbeat, positive person but maybe I have been too negative lately. ...

Here is the Truth

I am happy that I have a job for the time being. Its getting me some money and I am able to save a lot. Forgetting all the problems there is many positive sides to this job. I just always want to make the situation better. I want to fix the relationship with my estranged boss, the kids and just be a good teacher.
I am considering pursuing more teaching after my contract is up. I dont know where yet. America, Japan, Europe, Korea. I want to ultimately do whats right.

Tomorrow if I can I will get a haircut and shave, and change my appearance if I can't tomorrow then later this week FOR SURE.
I was told today by a friend that it looks like you dont care right now. I asked "Does my appearance look like a teacher?"

Another Truth: I do care so much. While I am sad at times, I think everyone is. I dont regret anything about coming here. I am also happy with everything that I have accomplished. I value my relationship with Christina so much. I have a minimum of 4 months left here in Gumi. From there I dont know what my future will be. I do know that I want to make the best of these 4 months.

Maybe I am thinking too much. I have a few new missions in Gumi.
I want to develop a better understanding of everything. I want to make sense of Korea and everything that Korea has to offer. ON The 11th of February it will be officially my 8th full month in Korea.


~I truly am hoping to aspire to be the best I can be. Its time for serious change for me.
I am going into next week with more of an Open mind and time for anything. I can't say enough how much I do value the things I have and I do just hope that I can find a way to make things better or right.

I will continue a post tomorrow its time for bed

Workman Mania

Well its the closure of the 4th week in January. And yet again work is full of surprises. ....
Today I had to teach 7 classes. I honestly wouldn't have minded had my boss asked me in advance or secondly if he would just show more respect to me.

Since Pearl left he has had to teach classes (5 a day) Monday Wednesday and Friday. But unfortunately he still has time to stop his classes early to come yell at me to continue teaching because I quit 10 minutes early.
The one who hears the most is Christina so I am pissed at my boss for just complaining to her and not coming to me directly. Its weird and its weird to Christina and I am sure many others.

Work is work. I am writing more in the daily progress reports nowadays. It does make the time go faster and maybe in someways it does help me from getting the "D" on me.


To be honest, I am not caring about work right now. I do my job and at the end of the day I just want to have fun. I wish I knew how I could make work more fun. Unfortunately MR. Jeong is losing my respect because he treats me so badly.


Class Report:
Ma1: finish early. One kid had a newer edition so I have to figure out a new plan for him. The kids are ok but not too interested in me. I want to do more for the E-tae's.
MB1: Review, I felt like crying because my boss's treatment. I actually almost did because it just makes me uncomfortable.
MB2: I gave Mr. J's test to the class I actually wrote a daily report for him too.
MC3: Fine: Quiet and change of lesson plan. Still behind Carrie but began Unit 8.
Mc1: PAris France Adventure
MD1: Acting, funny story... compare contrast. I like Sungjin a lot.
Md2: i was bored Harry Potter Lesson

After work~ I had a burger with Christina and just relaxed. I have work again in 10 hours. yeah :(

Anyways that's the day for you. I am happy Mr. Jeong is gone for a few days. It will make work easier. Mr. Jeong is gone for official business until Tuesday


I can't wait for the weekend.

More later.

Justifiably So!

It being Thursday and all I am happy. Its my day to clean up and take care of some business at work. I can get ahead and try to prepare for a good solid week--next week. I think if I had 2 breaks each day I could have more efficency.


Anyways...
I went Downtown today! In a city the size of St. Paul I have made Gumi feel like the size of Kalispell my hometown its amazing. I dont feel lost at all anymore its so easy to get around. ...


I guess that's what nearly 8 months has done to me.

I wanted to go downtown to find some warm clothes for Christina. Unfortunately we ran out of time. She bought some pants and I bought myself a turtleneck sweater. I can't wait to show it to her tomorrow! I also can't wait for my friends back home to see..~The Justifiable image Polham!


Mr. Polham!


WE ate at a Spaghetti establishment that has become a popular choice for Christina. I had some fried chicken. I will never get over the fact that it comes to you still simmering in the pot it was cooked in. Bon apetite.^^

Unfortunately work was just around the corner. ...
Work was alright. I only had 4 quick classes. I am still spending to much time yelling but I am just learning to go with the flow so to speak.

Today at work posed many problems as far as just simple organization. I have come to the conclusion that its necesary just to try to sift our way through it and forget about the ugly mess that someone has or hasn't done. I worry about work a lot just because its really hard for me to find a perfect rhythm.
There are many things that need to be done and every month brings on new changes.
I truly do want to make it better and make work more fun. I think I (we) need to have more communication with our boss. I was mad too because there is no reason why my girlfriend had to go to the PC Bong in order to get her tests ready. I need to call her secretary and knock some sense into her. I dont really care I am used to it but I think it needs to change. Things that effect the job negatively need to stop somehow.


So lets see
MA2~ the kids weren't as loud as they could be. I dont like the class because they are disresepectful. They called me stupid and I can't do anything about it. I dont know why I have a run down of my classes its becoming a habit. I like to write about everything.
MB3~ I am happy there were some level ups that moved some kids directly into MB2 and even some previous ones that went real fast into MB1 I like change with the kids so if they level up I like it. It sometimes makes the class different and its like a mini-break for me.
Nothing happened. Honestly, right now I think Mb3 is one of my least favorite. I do have favorite classes, and kids. Maybe that's wrong but some show me respect and learn and some are just there because its their parent's wish.

Mb2~ It was so so. The kids were ok but I am short on material. There isn't much in Mb2 either I dont think.
TC1~ MY CLASS. Chrono is becoming worse but I hope he will get better. I spent the day reviewing vocab and conversation dialogue I didnt feel like starting a test. I am going to go faster in February. I think I need to.
I can't find a good speed still.


More work to be done later.

I am writing some stories and getting ready for tomorrow. I am happy right now. Its almost the weekend and I am looking forward to just having some R/R time. I hope that its going to be an easy weekend! Work~Tests

Tomorrow is friday rumor says MR. Jeong is going to America. I hope its to see his family and not find a replacement. I am a little worried about that.


Nothing much else to say right now..this requires a story of its own but I am hearing a call for the wilderness lately. I want to go on another wild adventure in a Canoe up in Wisconsin. I do have very fond memories of that. Hopefuly someday with my good friend Shelton. We could go backpacking.

Its time to reflect elsewhere...

I hope you like the story.


I am starting to feel Justifiable in everything today. I do just go with the flow but I am finding comfort in my lifestyle.

Sunny Side up please!

Looking on the bright side helps out so much. ...

Today I went to Mcdonalds. I talked to an old friend for 5 minutes, talked to my brother and talked to a couple Canadians, which was actually really nice. I am enjoying getting to know and hearing about other peoples experiences and thoughts. We actually had a lot in common.

I went to Work early today... I wanted to finish some grading and get a little ahead in the week. I have chosen to become a little bit more serious about work. I truly do care about being a good teacher but I do know my limits. I unfortunately am still falling victim to Cultural Shock. I now know what is shocking about Korea to me. The work isn't that difficult but its just finding a way to connect with the kids especially. I am still learning and just hope it can get better.


Work is Work and it went by really fast.
MA1~ is slightly improving. I didnt have any problems with them today
MB1~ is either too excited or bored. I dont understand why I punish kids because it doesnt prevent them from doing the same thing again.
MC2~ is slowly becoming my favorite class. There is a new girl who is so friendly she makes my day everytime I go to her class.
MC3~I am completely lost in that class. I am many pages behind.

I need to spend a week just to review my Structure I think. I may put in more hours I am not sure yet.
MD3~ Very Quiet. I spend a lot of time talking to myself even though they are very smart.
MD1~ I unfortunately am dreading March since I will have them as my class. Today one of them gave me homework with just the Questions not the answers. I think she should be in a lower level.

That's the work report.


Room for improvement and change whatever it is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have many feelings about Korea and Gumi in particular. I have often joked about how this place is actually Gloomy. I have felt bad because of my boss, kids, and just not knowing what I should do.
I have had numerous encounters with my boss. I have had problem kids that have come to pass. I have seen my classes change a handful of different times. I have seen a new teacher come and probably go soon in a month.
I have had days where I want to go home and quit right now but I need to try to look at the Sunny Side of things.

My maturity and my ambitions have changed dramatically since arriving 8 months ago (February 16) --- 8months.


Through thick and thin my baby has stood by me. Sometimes I unfortunately can be a thorn in her side ---I wish I wasn't so much. The truth of the matter is, is that because of her I have enjoyed Korea so far.

When I am sad I try to just focus more on finding an improvement.
Christina and I went and had Cocoa together after work..its getting cold out and I am worried about her health. I am looking on improving everything I can and above all I want to make sure she is ok. I dont want to see her get cold this winter.


It is now 23 days of passing of this New Year and I still have many goals to attain before leaving Korea.

I am following my heart on this and want to make the rest of my time better than before

1). I want to share the endless possibilities of Korea with my Darling.
2). I want to Open up for anything and any change.
3). I realize that pressure and stress are unavoidable and unfortunately a daily occurrence here in Gumi at the School especially. But I want to make everyday wonderful for our health.



There is nothing that should stand in front of happiness. happiness has to come from within but all of my happiness is shared from my honey. She has made me a better person.

more on happiness to come shortly...

Climbing Mountains

Well this is only my 102nd post since arriving to Korea. I have been here for over half of my contract and still going strong.


Lets start off be telling the happenings of the day.

In the morning I needed to take a shower and went to my Honey's gym. I want to go there more. I took a long public shower in the locker room. I think my Korean friend would be surprised to hear that actually. It wasn't really anything to it ~ I havent had a decent shower in 2 days so I needed to get one. Later today my water was fixed so it should be set for tomorrow.

I went to Mcdonalds after and had a good time with Christina. I need to be better though. I mean seriously a date at Mcdonalds. I can do better. I would go just about anywhere on a whim I just have to be given the time. That's one reason why I love Sunday's.

After Mcdonalds we went to work. I think its just work and it has to do with the environment but lately work has given us some problems. *Today I disapointed Christina because of my work ethic, and maybe my feelings here. Yesterday, was a hard day and I really just as soon forget the happenings of yesterday.
Everytime something bad happens I surprisingly try to look the other way and stay positive. I am 90% certain that I will be going home in June, not anytime sooner. I feel my relationship is climbing new heights. For all of our problems we always resolve them. I hope that never changes.

Today at work is the best day for me actually~ Why? Well I have 5 classes
Class
BREAK
CLASS
CLASS
Break
CLASS
CLASS
Not a bad schedule
It allows me plenty of time to write a report and get my work done for the rest of the week. I came to the conclusion that I need to try harder. I take my work seriously especially because its dealing with kids. I truly want to make a difference in their lives and unfortunately I dont know how.
Life at the Hawgwan is to fast. It is really hard to accomplish as much as I would like. I have come to the conclusion that its just important to leave behind what happens today and move on for tomorrow. I could always do a better job but the class is over. I dont want to worry about more that I could have done.
I dont like talking about work because I think its becoming a dangerous topic. There is a lot of things that happen at work that's bad and there are some things that are good. Attitude is 90%. I didnt teach anything in mb2 today but the class was over very fast!

I am going to make a good effort to work harder and get things done correctly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So I wrote more in my progress report than I usually did. It looks more official than before. I want to truly leave some skills or impression with the kids. I am happy when my TD1 class laughed at my jokes. Like: The sick sailor was so weak he couldnt work. and I said "Ah, Joe ket tah. Im jealous."
I like them because they at least understand me.

Enough about work. Work is work and as long as I am here I will try to do my best.

As yet another week winds down I am trying to reach insurmountable heights and make things work. I hate fighting and I think I came to the conclusion that I am not like most guys. Unlike other guys I dont really shrug things off. I care too much and so if I upset someone it is my hope to make it better as soon as possible. Its been my experience that if I let something fester it will turn into something more complicated down the road.

I will continue to climb this mountain and deal with the things that cross my path as they come.

I dont know where the rest of the week will take me but I do know that the one place I find Solace is in the bottom of my baby's heart.


I could write more but I need to take a break for awhile. And thats how Tuesday the 22nd of January wound down.

Nick

Sojourn Nightmare

Well this month seems to have caused many things to fall apart.

MY key to the door broke and had to be replaced earlier in the morning. MY coat broke its button shortly after buying it. It was a brand new jacket and still remains to be fixed. I had no hot water this weekend so unfortunately I couldnt take a shower today in the morning and still haven't gotten around to doing it. I just lost my gas so I wasn't able to cok a dinner I had to walk to Mcdonalds for something to eat. Why Mcdonalds? Its cheap and I wanted to save money.
I have been here for nearly 8 months and I still dont like going out by myself...

Today I went downtown and bought myself a ticket to Seoul so I can see my friend. I like my friends so much but it makes me mad that they never come visit me. I dont know why I bother to go visit on my holiday. Maybe its because I have nothing else to do.

Today my boss said to me in his exact words, " I am suspicious of your teaching..." Once again he interupted my class to say something to me and to also embarass me in front of the kids. I am really tempted to quit. I hate saying that since I know that its not likely.

I dont know what to do with myself. I am locked in a job thats not going anywhere. My boss lacks a spine and lacks the respect of the people who work for him. I respect him in some ways why 1. he gave me a job and 2. He can have good intentions.

The nerve of him to say to me I am suspiscious of your teaching is too much for me. F*** him.
Sorry, Babe I know you dont like me upset and neither do I.


I want a better situation nobody deserves this kind of treatment. I feel completely wasted at work. I am not doing anything to make the kids speak better english. Whenever I make any ends meat my boss destroys my good mood.

I can't go to Japan in Febraury, I can't be where I want to be the most.
I know that there is good days, and bad days but I am not sure what a normal day is anymore. I havent laughed or been happy at work in a very long time. The main reason is because my boss fails to see how important I am to his Academy. I am giving it my best shot. I also dont like it because of the amount of pressure Christina feels.


I always try to look at the positive side and also try to keep my views in reality. What am I to do truly?
Am I over-reacting?
As I said I woke up, couldnt take a shower, found no heat, no gas, and still i cant take a shower. As a result now I can't take a shower at least 2 days the heater is broken....

I am tired and seriously I think I have met my breaking point. ITs awful to say but my future is uncertain


I am going to lay in my bed and pray for a change that I know will never come.

Peeling away Layers

Well its Sunday by far the best day in Korea. Its the only day that people actually rest and take time to smell the roses so to speak.


Its now been almost 7.5 months in Korea. Why am I counting? Carrie asked me this question at work yesterday. To begin with i am trying to suppress doubt from the people back home that I could actually do this-living abroad that is.

Sometimes I really can't and sometimes I would rather not to be honest. However life is truly the same everywhere

When I come across people it takes to to make a relationship. I am in the middle of something that truly represents the best thing to have in my life. Each day I am learning something new about myself, my girlfriend, or our relationship.

As in all relationships there are problems. There is also an occassional fight or argument. These things are actually what end up making our relationship better. Once we can see the hidden layers behind someone ~ you know you really got something special. I realized today in all of my haste and mistakes that I need to take more heed and care when it comes to dealing with matters.

Examples,
1). I gave up on going to Japan too soon. I didnt even bother to ask my boss for time off because I believe he won't give it to me. I thought If I worked hard maybe I would be able to get time off. In my opinion, because I make 2k there is no way he will want to give me extra days off. Especially because our work relationship is contingent upon me being there and doing my job start to finish. Never minding the inadequacies or problems like being bitten or blatant disrespect that is as they say in America below the belt.
2). I broke my key today and I was talking about my keys prior to the exact moment of it happening. I think Mr. Jeong gave me some faulty keys and he should take more care when it comes to providing me with my accomodations. The truth of the matter is, is that I need to iniate myself and get things done.

On a related note: Shaving, and combing my hair, dressing all need to be improved on for 1. impressions in the workforce, and social appeal. More importantly, in order to show more respect to yourself.

My gf has transformed me. My friends would be happy knowing that I look more respectful and better. Its important to take pride in what I have become and not to feel ashamed.

In conclusion, I know how much my relationship means to me and its important to me to keep so therefore I will push myself even harder to insure this.


Today:
I went to the Movie Theaters with Christina WE saw a movie about True Love and ultimately how to find Happily Ever After. It was a movie coming out of Fairy Tale: Like Cinderella and I can't remember the other name but some Evil Queen who wants to be greedy and keep her kingdom away from her prince son.

WE can't be afraid of the truth. Imperfections are everywhere and only through mutual understandings can we determine the right course.

I love Spending Sundays with my gf simply because this is the day where we can truly do anything we want.
I can't believe its almost February.

Its now 7 pm and I am going to go out to eat with a friend and just relax for the evening.

Its snowing/raining here in Gloomy but I am feeling wonderful...

Part 2 maybe later tonight?