Saturday, February 16, 2008

A Teaching Factory

Today was kind of a miserable day at work~
On Saturday I have 4 classes where there is a grand total of 18 students. However, I think many more are dropping by the day. I think I will be down to 12 students or less by March. Maybe its because of Carrie's comments, or the fact that they are almost finished with their school or that they have found a better place but I wish I could be in the loop a little bit more.
Carrie and Miss Jeong seem to be newly acquired friends as I was out of the loop by everybody. I literally felt like I was a ghost walking the halls of Yale.


I went the Hansot for Lunch today. It was good to see fried chicken again I have been away from it so long. 1 week I think the chicken missed me.


I went to Downtown Gumi today~ I ended up going to a Fancy Smancy Restuarant with my friend Aaron. It was so expensive I dont know how I ended up only paying 14 dollars. I had Spaghetti and a drink! After that we went to a movie at the theater. I need to get out more at night I think. I enjoy the night life sometimes. I think I will be up late tonight trying to piece out the puzzle I have a lot of things I need to accomplish this week. I am so happy tomorrow is Sunday a rest day a calming before the storm so to speak.


My Teaching is in dire need of a tune up. I want to improve my teaching so much I wish I knew an answer....I want to make work at Yale easier and better but I am not so sure about my options.

I had an idea about teaching called the Teaching Factory ... I am just spitting out lesson plans likety split on the double. I wish I could fine tune it a little bit. Unfortunately I am seeing many of the kids ruin or destory the work I created specifically for them. It makes my job meaningless and very unappreciated.


At the rate work is going at Yale we just need to push a few more buttons to crank up the body count.


I am just happy that this is the last Saturday of the month that I will feel poor I am sure.


Anyways, I am looking forward to the challenges that next week should bring. Which I am sure will be many...

Its almost Sunday in Korea so I am getting ready to hit the sack.

Friday, February 15, 2008

The Wonderful Morning Calm

I have always loved the mornings. Its cold and often chilly especially when walking over distance. Maybe its the calling of the runner in me that misses the dew drops and glistening rays of light that give hope to the herald of a new day but at any rate I have always agreed with the mornings.

I walked to the library in just such a scene as the one painted above. Everyone is hustling and bustling about without a care in the world come hell or high ateus (water) i guess when it comes to the lunch hour at the magical clock turning event strikes 12. I feel a loss hit me when it dawns on me that its go time and that means non-stop action to get me through the "business" of the day.
In the morning I read a great book Its a good one by my favorite author Dan Brown. I can honestly say that between him and Adeline Yen Mah I am able to feel good when it comes to books.

I have a book project I am wanting to undertake. First, I want to write one and secondly I want to explore the powers of the Secret and look into the makings of other blogs/etc. I would like to find a way to influence more i guess.


Library~ it was the last time that my darling and I will spend in the library for awhile at least as she has the test in 8 hours. I believe in her more than she believes in herself. I am confident because I believe in the power of The Secret so much. Everything that I have ever wanted thus far in life has come true its just taken a longer time than I wanted it to happen.

Work Report
Here is the Low Down.
It was a boring day

Ma1: They were ok. I managed to control them 75 percent of the time. I am just praying for class to end though because its unfortunately torture for me at times to teach. I feel like I am never quite good enough.
MC3: I am working harder to fix Carries huge errors. She is going to fast and I am not wanting to speed up just to catch up. So I am trying to make sure that they really know what they are doing. I go at the speed that I do in the other classes.
Mc1: It was fun they are getting to be good students and interesting too!
The class dynamics has changed a lot and I am seeing faces change a lot. I am sure in March it will change significantly. I am worried because it may mean a lot of work. I really hope its a successful change that's all I can say.

MD1: I am making a new book for them. I feel awful because the kids have no pride in their work. So its just for me and its only for my personal satisfaction. I am binding a book and adding to it daily but the kids dont even have the main components so its pretty hard to prepare when they just lose the sheets continuously.

MD2: I made the kids laugh and we just had fun.


I am also trying to put together a bunch of summary work from the RA books in order to make better tests easier. I am going to start to set some goals for the week. This coming week I will have tests!

Its almost March! I can't wait. I wish I knew what syllabus I could make though for that month. I may have what will essentially be 7 classes combined into a new 4 if thats my correct understanding. Many of my kids may drop as well since they are just graduating from high school, I think? I can't tell how old a high schooler is anymore~ everyone looks so damn young :(
this is true though even in America.


After work my darling took a train to Busan she will be there and be sleeping soon I went to a Tent again. The lady is so nice. I ate a lot of fried food and it only cost me 3 dollars!

I need to find a healthier lifestyle. Goals for this weekend. Clean up my house, and find more jobs/chores, etc. TAKE care of business.

I also have to buy some candy for the kids. I dont have to but I think I should since I always get treats from them. Life here is so busy and I am always on the move lately it seems. I think I can sleep in if I wanted to tomorrow but I am not planning it. Too many things to do.

Well more on this post tomorrow its time to clean up a little more.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

A Week Winding Down

Thursday is always my day of Reflection. It's the only day I feel like I get to really catch my breath during the work week.
I have fun before work no matter what I am doing. I have enjoyed going to the library as of late because its something new to try. I am excited to continue to try to find new things.

Work was easy for me today. I only have 4 classes and 3 of them unfortunately could be made into a reality tv series with me as the Star. Why? Its the real version of Survivor. Can I endure the 45 minute of babysitting. Sometimes its ok but its really hard for me. Pencils fall and books are dropped all the time because the kids are too excited and then allow themselves to get sidetracked and speak to each other in Korean. If I am putting out one fire another one starts behind me before I have a chance to effectively manage. I am just praying that my boss doesnt see what happens in the class because I can't do well.

Class Report
Ma2: They were ok today for the first 20 minutes, then they started falling apart. I taught Classroom commands and Colors today.
MB3: Good time, I was impressed with their knowledge actually. I am seeing some level ups in the near future.
MB2: My Cow class. I actually have 3 herds in that class. The boys, The gossipping girls, and the girls who actually listen. I gave so much homework today because I am tired of being talked to in such a disrespectful way. I gave Translate times 4. Usually I just make them do it twice. Next time it will be 6 and then it will be 8 until they can close their mouths. Hopefully this works I should have done this before but I know that nothing will be done. Next week maybe I will not check homework. I dont know.

TC1: I have 3 students my classes are astronomically dropping. I hope that they come back in March.

I can't wait until Carrie leaves so much ~it will be better.


I am working so hard though right now~ I finished all 4 of my tests and I am working on some textbooks that I will put together for Mr. Jeong.


Valentines Day in Korea. I didnt get the kids anything but they got me some treats. I told the Bopping Twins that I would get them something. They make me think of mini-JAck and Mini-me.
They dont know English well. I can say to Christina in front of them: Wow I think they know English better than you think they do and they have no idea what I am saying. I feel mean sometimes. Christina and I can have our private/personal opinions about the kids all the time. I like attending to my cattle.... The 암소 are in the Field and ready to be taught.


This week has gone by pretty fast and my mind is racing with many ideas. I have a lot on my mind.
*I have given up Mcdonalds for awhile I am going to try not to go for atleast a week. I am trying to flush out all of the toxins in my body and start anew. I think I made a mistake going to Macdonalds over a 100 times. I am sure.

I think I need to try to go 2 times a week or less. I am seriously going to not go there until MArch if I can.

I am enjoying a good book right now I am going to be sad to finish it because I dont find many good books that often.

I am interested in reading more about the Secret though and hope I can learn more about that.

Until Next time...Cheers..

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

In This Game of Life

After studying in the library for a couple hours my girlfriend and I slowly made our way to work. I read my book while she studied for her Toefl exam. We are both keeping real busy, especially when it comes to work related things. Keeping busy is a good thing I suppose.

Its what I have always believed makes the world spin. I just hope it isn't making the world spin too fast and we are not taking the time to enjoy the scenes that we create.
Work was unfortunately bad today,~ I think I made a small blunder with my attitude. I got to work and I immediately felt bad because I allowed the kids that were already there to cloud my thoughts. I am irritated before classes when it comes to the kids. If I tell them No, or go to class they dont listen so it is just like I am teaching in the classroom in the office. I unfortunately lost all of my motivation and didnt get as much work done as I would have liked. Its a small thing though since I can get the work done tomorrow.


This week has been nice. The stress hasn't been as high as it seems to be in the office at work.

Carrie confided in me that she complained to City hall about not getting paid on time. Mr. Jeong paid us a day late. It was as always not a problem for Christina and I but it apparently upset her very much. Communication problem. She doesnt talk to him about anything so nothing changes her situation its tiresome to me to listen to both ends of the story. Her disapointment and complaining and My boss's actions or lack of them. Who cares. Carrie is leaving! Its going to be better for the Academy.

I lost faith in her when she said to one of the students that she was just normal. I actually really like Cindy a lot and felt angry at Carrie for saying such a "crazy" thing. Its a big problem to judge kids. I think a lot of them are not doing anything special but I would never tell a kid my true feelings and I would also just offer encouragement if they bothered to ever talk to me.


Class Report:
Ma1 I was watched and also questioned. I avoided getting in trouble but it was bothersome to see my boss's face in my window yet again.
MB1: Once again, my boss questioned my teaching. Pointing to his watch and saying Why are you stopping 10 minutes early. I pointed to the 4 boys as to say: Because they are treating me like Shit but he didnt even care or notice.I was so angry. I really want those kids to leave because they are not learning they are distracting. I had one kid who refuses to even follow basic directions. He doesnt care so much about English Class. He just looks at me and disrespects me with his comments. I am starting to lose my temper and I keep hoping for change Naively.

MC2: The best class I had today because of Angel. She is a good student and I can't wait until the changes happen in March.

Mc3: I finished LG4 I need to play a huge catch up to the mess that Carrie has created in Mc3.

Md3: Steady as we go. They were so boring today whatever

MD1: My book project is keeping me busy with them. I am hoping to get through lesson one in a week I need to try to get through to them harder though as they are having a lot of difficultly listening to me at times.

I can't even keep up with the changes that have happened thus far.

I know one of my kids dropped this week and I think there were a few more drops. I wish the drops would happen at the younger level because I can't control or teach them at all :(
Its a failure of mine.

After work I went to Loteria for Dinner. I got a quick burger and we talked about work, and studying. I hope my baby doesnt worry to much because its not good for her.

I am looking forward to seeing her so much tomorrow because I think it will not be a stressful day tomorrow!

Back home in America my family experienced a death in the extended family. My heart is with my family especially the ones who were especially close to Karen. ITs sometimes difficult not understanding what I can't see or not really being able to do more than what I can do. I guess that's how life goes.

I am signing off~ I hope this is the last post that feels OTL or frusteration written through out it.


Its my hope that I can limit the amount of mis understandings and try to focus on what is important. What's that? I am excited about opening door to my future.


For the time being I am keeping real busy here in Gumi.

More Later,

Nick

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Perusing the Orange Tent Scene

Well as the Earth stopped spinning or is it at least half way off of its tilt?

Tuesdays are always a good day they are a bonus at the Academy because I can do some house-keeping and it doesnt feel like to much pressure!

I went to the library today in the morning to read/study with my girlfriend. This week its a nice change from the usual play on my computer and go to work early. I am reading Dan Brown the author of the Da Vinci Code.

Mcdonalds in the morning as usual~ I met the Korean Breakfast Club that I used to be apart of. It feels a little awkward being around them now since I havent had anything to do with them for 6 months. I haven't the time nor the inclination to really study Japanese or meet some people who I can't even remember their names. They were really nice to me though.

After the Library I went to Lunch with Christina at a Chinese shop it was good I ate a lot of rice. I am needing more rice.

Lunch was way to fast though as we had to go to work.

Work~
I made a test and nearly finished another one. I am going to be going off of my rocker this week if I can't finish at least 3 tests. I can't work at home and I have some other responsibilities other than teaching. I am compliling a textbook for my boss in order to use as a teaching tool later. I am wanting to put a lot of work in these books because I dont have much else to do as far as responsibilities. I just wish that I had more time these days to dedicate to this cause.

Classes:
MA2: Wasnt bad Chris was in a good mood. His brother was infuriating me with his bad attitude though. Its a nightmare for me to get through the first 3 classes because I can't handle the youngest age group that well.

MB2: The class was ok but they are a chatterbox. Its kind of OTL for me because nothing I have said works.

TC2: Only 3 kids showed up today. I couldnt believe and frankly I am really tired of teaching a class that doesnt care no matter what I do. I have reviewed many times. I have tried new things each time I get into that class. The girls look like they want to die or something they dont care for me that much. I can't wait to see what will happen in March. I dont like TC2 at all.

Tc1 I didnt teach but Chrono has left the Academy and its all because of Carrie. Usually I am impartial when it comes to students leaving but when a good student quits I am very disapointed. I feel like throttling Carrie. I wish she would leave sooner I am sick of her. Chrono was interesting and he enjoyed my class.

Td2: I taught about the Green Revolution to one student. I am getting tired of teaching one student every Tuesday. It seems ridiculous. My Teaching could be put to better use. I could prepare more for another class or put together a Supplimentary material.

Td1: This is my class. Its always been one of my favorites so everything is going well. Jully left unfortunately. I havent heard from her since but Catherine is the new Jully and is interesting. Nic is also stepping up to the plate some more and things are going well.


MY Darling brought me some fried samples from the Orange Tent behind Kim Bob and I was hungry enough to go find another one and spend 2 dollars eating a feast. I had Tubuki? Pepper Sauce Sticks (3), and many fried specimens of Squid, Shrimp, egg, and the like!


I am trying more food these days.

I am looking for ways to expand my Korean Experience.

MY girlfriend pointed out to my that Mr. Jeong has been nice to me lately so therefore the conclusion is, is that he is looking for favors. I dont mind Iam happy he is off my back for now. I am worried about March though.

I am also excited for the Change. No more Carrie! Classes will be restructured. It should be interesting. I hope the schedule changes so that I teach less on somedays and more on others. More balanced. Whatever happens though I guess its all in a days work. Right now I am focused on saving money and doing what I can to make things work/be better.

Since reading the Secret I have really opened up my eyes. I need to explore this book more but here is the website for those people who want to learn more. I want to see the movie too!

http://www.thesecret.tv./



I will update more on this blog/post at a later time its time to get ready for bed tomorrow etc.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Crossing New Zones

The start of the week is always slow but I am sticking to my values and trying to do something new each day that I am here, I know it will be hard at times but I am willing to give a good solid effort to see just how much I am capable of doing.

In the morning I went to Mcdonalds like I usually do. Its a bad habit that I am trying to break but I am not really sure how and when. I know when I go back home I will eat there only once and awhile. VERY RARELY. Especially if I have the FOOD FOR THOUGHT in my life again!

I talked to my friend Paul, and my dad a little bit on the phone. Doesnt seem like I am missing out on too much back home for the time being.

Later, I went to the Library where I spend 2.5 hours reading and writing some postcards! I am trying to write more and I am hoping to find some more postcards in Korea but unfortunately I am not sure where. I guess I can use a not so typical Postcard and just send a card somewhere.

Classes were ok today. I actually feel like I didnt prepare as well as I had hoped but when I am at work I am just hoping to keep the cracks from overflowing. There is a lot of problems that need to be addressed but who knows if they will ever be solved.


First the Class Report
MB3: Bruce is a really funny kid. I am punishing kids for talking too much but I really have no idea how effective it is. Time will tell. February is going to be over before you know it. Wow! March will bring on many changes.
MB1: Nothing too much new. Kids were talking as usual. Most of the kids in that class are ok but a few rotten apples are making it hard to effectively teach.
MC1: I felt lost in the class because LG5 is finished. Mr. Jeong's speed I can't keep up with. This friday I may have a new Textbook I will have to see. If that's the case I may have to make another textbook and try to add more to that.
MC2: No Angela. The class was boring.
MD2: 3 kids, I sat and just talked to them my boss analyzed my work even though he had a class to teach. It annoys me because I am trying to be a good teacher. I used to play games like if I knew he was teaching a class I was safe to goof off a little bit and be more relaxed but now I am trying to just do things by the book. I havent really changed my style in 8 months and I am surrpised its ok the way it is.
MD3: This class is really good just they lack interest in getting involved at times. They are quiet.

Today I learned that Carrie called one of the students "normal" with no potential. Sometimes the kids are really stupid. In my class they act like Cattle being sent to the butcher. They have no idea what is happening to them or why. When I get angry they have that look in their face like Something is happening. I dont know what he is saying but its funny sounding or oh he is mad at us. Who knows.

I have never told a kid to their face how stupid they are. Truthfully most of them have talent and most are trying. I see their potential in their manners and what they do other than speaking English. I am aware that this is a 2nd Language for them. I couldn't believe it when Christina told me how Carrie did that in what is truly a meaningless Report Card. I always say quick comments in my Report Card nothing negative. Carrie is a Bitch and I can't wait until she gets the hell out of here. She is a worthless teacher.
She complains about the same thing I do~ which is having Christina's Class and my class and her class waiting for us in our office. So there is usually at least 20 people in our office instead of waiting for classes to begin in the classroom. Its really frusterating because it makes passing along Teaching information impossible. However, Carrie is such a hypocrite. She is oblivious to people's work when we are doing something, especially to Christina. I watched her just complain about something. I dont need to understand Korean to know that she is complaining. I think Christina's friend Complaining girl is easy going compared to the rants Carrie does. I am ready to tell her to stop Shut your mouth woman before I find a way to Sew it shut. I dont appreciate when people complain all the time without understanding the facts. I know enough about Carrie to know that tomorrow will be the same thing. If she is pleasant its usually because something wrong is happening. I could ask her did something bad happen and she will probably be all smiles. She is weird. The people I work with are abnormal though. Miss Jeong doesnt communicate well... and she is the secretary. Mr. Jeong has some managing problems. Whatever its work.


At Lunch today~ I had some good Soup Pasta with Christina. I told her that at the end of the day the only thing that will make sense is you and me. MR. Jeong will be in a weird mood, our secretary will be weird as usual. (I still like Ms. Dracula) and Carrie will be the Usual I dont have a Clue Carrie what can I complain about self.

After work, I ate at an Orange Tent. The food is actually quite delicious and cheap. I should eat there more often and think I will make a regular habit of this.


Korean Exploration time!

Still keeping busy. This week is going by fast.
More later.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Lunar Season

In light of the 2nd New Year of my time abroad I am determined to work harder in all ways of my life. Today I read a book at the library while my girlfriend was studying.

I have never spent so much time in the library before. When I was a kid my family used to go to the public library just to find books. We would all pick out a few and check them out together. So 1990's. It was a family trip to go to "town" where everything was happening. There really wasn't much of a world outside of my family bubble except when we went to the grocery stores, library, and a few other places basically out of need for fixing up the house and the like.

I read The Secret. I think its a good book and one of my favorites actually. I think everyone should read the book if given an opportunity. It preaches Postive Thinking and a new outlook on life. I think I would like to research this more in my spare time. I finished the book in less than 2 days I am shocked because its 200 pages on promoting values. Its an eye opener on how to better live your life.

I love Sundays they are so relaxing and it doesnt really feel like there is work to be done come Monday. I hope that in March big changes are going to happen at work so I can have more free time to enjoy the potential of Gumi and around the area. I have a lot to do right now and I foresee many late nights in the near future.

One of these goals is to be a free lance writer. I am thinking a lot of Goals right now. I have a lot of experience in this since I set many goals when I was a runner. All of them came true. I shouldn't say that but when I was a runner.... I wanted to be on a team that would win State and I wanted to be a Top Finisher. I also wanted to be one of the best on my team. I miss those days.

Now my goal is to have a teaching job, coach, get back in shape and work off the excessive Mcdonald habit that I used to laugh at when I was younger. I have such a busy week ahead I hope that it doesnt kill me come next Sunday. This month is going by so fast its amazing.

I am going to bed tonight only thinking the best. Everything in my life is going well right now as the way I see it. Tomorrow I get paid and will be sending more money home so I will be even richer. I just bought a new book by Dan Brown I have read all of his books now. I will finish that book by next week if I dedicate myself to reading it.

I have some trips to plan and some job searching to be done. I am going to be a goal setter for the rest of this month and just pray to whatever "The Universe" that my path towards becoming a writer/teacher can be answered!


Thank you Babe for such a wonderful Day! I know deep down inside we are going to have a wonderful week and survive the strange happenings that come from our boss, the Secretary or "I dont have a Clue" Carrie. Whatever happens I know you and I are headed towards greatness!


More Later

Sae hae bok mo ne ba d sa yeo!

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