Well for the first time in my life I am away from America on a National Holiday. I know what it truly means to be independent. In order to be independent simply means to stand alone. ....
I had 6 classes from 3 until 8:30. Once again in Korea study or work is common around the clock. People hardly sleep here. Naps are routine and the saying: Work hard, Play hard truly exists I believe.
I am having a hard time controlling my classes. I have learned mainly through Christina or Bryant and Tracy things that I need to work on improving. I am starting to question my way of teaching. The students not only speak a different language but many of them seem uninterested in what I have to teach them. They dont listen or pay attention. I have found passive treatment works best. I sat today in the front of the board for 10 minutes just watching them goof around. Yelling at them "shut up" is bad or Be Quiet or cho-yung he hay yo which means Be quiet in Korean or Anja say yo....Sit down.....joos say yo....Please....It doesnt matter.
At the end of class I check homework and assign new homework. I am supposed to teach until the Music starts signifying the end of class but I usually finish with time to spare. Thus, this means that the class takes advantage of me and won't listen when I say sit down. When the bell tolls they are already out the door before I say Anyung. Goodbye. or better you're excused.
It will be interesting to see what kind of day tomorrow brings but I am tired of having kids run over me. I might pull some tricks up my sleeve that Bryant/Tracy told me.
Tonight, I just wanted to go home and take sometime to ponder alone. It is as always great to see Bryant and Tracy but I wish I could've been in a more chipper or happy mood.
anyways Tomorrow is a new day. I look forward to a new start and even better the weekend which is just around the corner.
I should go to bed since its almost 1 am and I am sure I will be at McD's tomorrow. I did tell Mr. Chung that I would cook pasta in the morning but I dont feel like it. I always won't mind cooking for him or anyone but unfortunately I think I just hit a low peak.
I shouldn't admit this online and on this blog but I do miss my friends in Missoula. chances are they dont even read this but times are unfortunately changing. I need to stand strong and look for the future.
At the restaurant that we went to I met someone who would like to study japanese and English with me. I think it will be a great addition to my life here.
I gotta go think now and hopefully find some answer. Guomo Mountain is calling me...Something that will have to await until Sunday.
Chances are I will be posting again tomorrow.
Until Then.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Crazy Situations
Today, its raining again. for my readers from Minnesota~ If you think that the rain is bad and the humidity is bad there please come to Korea.
I wanted to go to the Ping Pong place again today but I dont have time. I walked to McDonalds in the pouring rain and if it weren't for my great Umbrella I would have gotten soaked. I had my usual coffee and set meal. McDonalds is unfortunately one of my places I go to the most. I hate Mcdonalds because its a Corp. and in my mind I am anti-corp simply because it goes against my version of freedom. This isn't propoganda yet though....
I sit in McDonalds and have a cup of Coffee with my meal and think about my life.
As i may have said I live in a city the size of St. Paul. I dont know the exact figures yet. I need some more time to study on my own but my job is fast becoming my life. In Korea work is around the clock. I understand this principle but need some time to get acquainted with everything.
Asia is much more fast paced for me than i thought it would be.
Anyways back to Gumi and living in the city. ....
Cars are always honking and if its a Taxi the cab driver is anxiously waiting for a customer. Damn Solicitors. Bikers drive every place that they can streets, alleys, sidewalks etc. People dont always use the cross-walks and Jay-walking is the norm. Cars only stop because its convenient for them and not because they are supposed to. I saw a Taxi-driver honk at a cop. The cops are worthless and I dont know their purpose here. Red lights are ran at a whim.
I honestly dont really mind this life for some odd reason. I have flashes of Missoula and do miss it but I am used to this fast paced, hectic society.
I have work now and should be done at 8:30. I made plans to go out with some friends and my boss for a dinner and celebrate the fourth American style ~ whatever that means.
Enough said for now....
I wanted to go to the Ping Pong place again today but I dont have time. I walked to McDonalds in the pouring rain and if it weren't for my great Umbrella I would have gotten soaked. I had my usual coffee and set meal. McDonalds is unfortunately one of my places I go to the most. I hate Mcdonalds because its a Corp. and in my mind I am anti-corp simply because it goes against my version of freedom. This isn't propoganda yet though....
I sit in McDonalds and have a cup of Coffee with my meal and think about my life.
As i may have said I live in a city the size of St. Paul. I dont know the exact figures yet. I need some more time to study on my own but my job is fast becoming my life. In Korea work is around the clock. I understand this principle but need some time to get acquainted with everything.
Asia is much more fast paced for me than i thought it would be.
Anyways back to Gumi and living in the city. ....
Cars are always honking and if its a Taxi the cab driver is anxiously waiting for a customer. Damn Solicitors. Bikers drive every place that they can streets, alleys, sidewalks etc. People dont always use the cross-walks and Jay-walking is the norm. Cars only stop because its convenient for them and not because they are supposed to. I saw a Taxi-driver honk at a cop. The cops are worthless and I dont know their purpose here. Red lights are ran at a whim.
I honestly dont really mind this life for some odd reason. I have flashes of Missoula and do miss it but I am used to this fast paced, hectic society.
I have work now and should be done at 8:30. I made plans to go out with some friends and my boss for a dinner and celebrate the fourth American style ~ whatever that means.
Enough said for now....
The Teacher
Today, I found my new hobby. I went over to the local YMCA (I dont think thats what its called). I observed the Ping pong area which is for free!
The Hyung-gok Dong Club invited me to play a few games and I am hoping that I will make it tomorrow for another lesson. My playing style is going completely Asian. I swing the paddle too much and thus is sloppy so my technique is currently being revamped. When I come back to the states I will hopefully be playing differently and much better than before.
I think I am a fast learner but the movement of your paddle never changes your body does what I will only call bobbing side to side and with one powerful swing with your arm and the paddle pointed down the motion of the ball will gravitate itself towards the table of your opponent.
I played for a quick 30 minutes before going to work. I look forward to the next time I can go to the Club and hopefully improve my skills some more.
Classes went alright. I had a torrent of a headache though after 2 classes and was so happy when Christina went to dinner with me after work. I had Don gas which is fast becoming a favorite of mine.
Classes are so-so though mainly because I dont know what I am teaching and I am always finishing early. I dont think I am doing my job well or right but I shouldn't say this but I am not worried about being fired since we are so understaffed. Christina has helped me so much adapt to the ways of the job. She is a life savior and wonderful for me. I am so happy that I know her!
The Students are starting to respect me a little bit more and also try to talk to me. Unfortunately I feel old sometimes and my energy is up or down. Today, I know I have a lot of work to do(Still) but I am not really planning on doing it until tomorrow.
I want to get to know the kids better especially the ones that are mine but trying to adjust to Korean Culture, getting situated and other factors are deterences thus far.
Today, I asked my boss for an advancement. I will be getting paid in about a week but I dont think I can make it much more than a few days. Life will be getting easier here though in a few more weeks. I still need to go out and do a grocery shop trip.
Well another day and I am still making out ok.
I got a lot of big plans coming up, so until tomorrow....
The Hyung-gok Dong Club invited me to play a few games and I am hoping that I will make it tomorrow for another lesson. My playing style is going completely Asian. I swing the paddle too much and thus is sloppy so my technique is currently being revamped. When I come back to the states I will hopefully be playing differently and much better than before.
I think I am a fast learner but the movement of your paddle never changes your body does what I will only call bobbing side to side and with one powerful swing with your arm and the paddle pointed down the motion of the ball will gravitate itself towards the table of your opponent.
I played for a quick 30 minutes before going to work. I look forward to the next time I can go to the Club and hopefully improve my skills some more.
Classes went alright. I had a torrent of a headache though after 2 classes and was so happy when Christina went to dinner with me after work. I had Don gas which is fast becoming a favorite of mine.
Classes are so-so though mainly because I dont know what I am teaching and I am always finishing early. I dont think I am doing my job well or right but I shouldn't say this but I am not worried about being fired since we are so understaffed. Christina has helped me so much adapt to the ways of the job. She is a life savior and wonderful for me. I am so happy that I know her!
The Students are starting to respect me a little bit more and also try to talk to me. Unfortunately I feel old sometimes and my energy is up or down. Today, I know I have a lot of work to do(Still) but I am not really planning on doing it until tomorrow.
I want to get to know the kids better especially the ones that are mine but trying to adjust to Korean Culture, getting situated and other factors are deterences thus far.
Today, I asked my boss for an advancement. I will be getting paid in about a week but I dont think I can make it much more than a few days. Life will be getting easier here though in a few more weeks. I still need to go out and do a grocery shop trip.
Well another day and I am still making out ok.
I got a lot of big plans coming up, so until tomorrow....
Monday, July 2, 2007
Taxi Caller
I feel like I am in New York City NYC these days because when I see a taxi I either yell Taxi or just raise my hand and gesture. It maybe that I am so "tall" (I hate that term) that the cab driver can actually see me.
I am happy as always to see the closure of Monday! I had 6 classes today. Usually MWF are my bad days. My kids in my class are not as good as I would like. It has thus taught me how to be more strict. I have even had to follow through on my threats. Today, I made one kid translate a dialogue into Korean ..."busy work." I won't even know if he will do it because I dont really grade homework. I still have no idea what I am teaching them.
Sample of a lesson
Is it:
My arm hurt or My arm hurts.
Single subject=hurts
Plural=hurt.
Is that the rule in English or am I just stretching at things. This is my rule that I think fits the scenario. Wanna argue anyone.
haha
people constantly yell at me "teacher, teacher."
After a long day at work that started at McDonalds (I had been craving that for a few days. I hope I am not addicted) I had a great steak dinner.
I will have pictures and hopefull a link set up sometime but I still can't figure out this blog site.
The dinners here are amazingly cheap and good. i have 4 side dishes and a main course. Today I ate with Christina and it only cost me 11 dollars. I was surprised.
The cooked the meat right in the center of our table. Grilled Steak it was deluxe!
I had had this style once before in Msla with Hyung Jin and Minyoung.
After a couple hours we left. We went searching for taxi's-- they always honk where ever they go so chasing one down is not a problem. The Taxi is probably every 3rd car in Korea. They sit right outside my house on the curb and just wait.
Taxi drivers generally don't talk to you either. all I say is Hyung-gok dong, and Lotteria or some other landmark that I am familiar with.
Anyways, after a great night I am ready to crash. I am going to get up at 10 hopefully tomorrow.
I hope I have Korean Dreams again. Thats the subject for tomorrow
I am happy as always to see the closure of Monday! I had 6 classes today. Usually MWF are my bad days. My kids in my class are not as good as I would like. It has thus taught me how to be more strict. I have even had to follow through on my threats. Today, I made one kid translate a dialogue into Korean ..."busy work." I won't even know if he will do it because I dont really grade homework. I still have no idea what I am teaching them.
Sample of a lesson
Is it:
My arm hurt or My arm hurts.
Single subject=hurts
Plural=hurt.
Is that the rule in English or am I just stretching at things. This is my rule that I think fits the scenario. Wanna argue anyone.
haha
people constantly yell at me "teacher, teacher."
After a long day at work that started at McDonalds (I had been craving that for a few days. I hope I am not addicted) I had a great steak dinner.
I will have pictures and hopefull a link set up sometime but I still can't figure out this blog site.
The dinners here are amazingly cheap and good. i have 4 side dishes and a main course. Today I ate with Christina and it only cost me 11 dollars. I was surprised.
The cooked the meat right in the center of our table. Grilled Steak it was deluxe!
I had had this style once before in Msla with Hyung Jin and Minyoung.
After a couple hours we left. We went searching for taxi's-- they always honk where ever they go so chasing one down is not a problem. The Taxi is probably every 3rd car in Korea. They sit right outside my house on the curb and just wait.
Taxi drivers generally don't talk to you either. all I say is Hyung-gok dong, and Lotteria or some other landmark that I am familiar with.
Anyways, after a great night I am ready to crash. I am going to get up at 10 hopefully tomorrow.
I hope I have Korean Dreams again. Thats the subject for tomorrow
Sunday, July 1, 2007
In Between Dreams
Its Still Sunday and I needed an official rest day. Tomorrow is going to be a busy work day especially since I didnt ever get around to doing the work that I was hoping to do tonight. I am glad its July and I am looking forward to Celebrating the 4th of July in stlye. I dont know what I will do but I imagine I will be going out with Tracy and Bryant and maybe some other people as well.
I have been experiencing a vast amount of weird dreams. In some dreams I am talking Korean but can't remember a lot when I wake up. I am also a Hero where I am doing miracle things. Strange I know but thats how dreams work.
I have also had feelings where I still believe I am in America and not actually in Korea. Sometimes I still think I am in America until I look out the window to the sounds, smells and sight of Korea.
**Traffic is continuous and I am surprised that the Taxi drivers operate throughout the night. Korea never sleeps. Throughout the night one can easily hear the honking of a taxi, the brakes of a bus or any other car of course.
Asia has a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. In order to be able to support the family people take on many responsibilities and thus have many obligations. Unlike, America where on the weekend we are free to drink and watch movies all the live long day Korea and the rest of Asia works or fullfills obligations 24-7-365.
The korean writing is everywhere naturally. Thus it has prompted me to learn Korean.
Dreams carry me throughout the rest of the day as well. In the mornings it is my time. I listen to my music on my computer and do things that I enjoy and that I am more or less accostumed to. When I am at the Academy I am teaching English and have found a rhythm of which I am comfortable.
In the evenings, it is slowly but surely becoming my time to learn the ways of Korean. For example, last night I wandered the streets aimlessly looking for a quick dish and a beer. I passed many restaurants but I wasn't getting any good Vibes.
I felt like I would be stared at and talked about behind my back. That's why I want to say Please dont ever talk about Foreigners in any deragatory sense. If they are in your country they have a particular reason and probably could use your help. I also didnt want to be the only person in a huge area with no one to talk to. I know that sounds pathetic but for now thats how it goes.
As I said my dreams Asia and America encapsulate my life. I am needing to figure out a new option after Gumi. My life in Gumi will end in exactly one year. Seriously thats not long and I am sure it will take a few more blogs to discuss this concept (life after Gumi).
My mind is flooded with many different thoughts. I am not at all certain what I will end up doing either. I have desires to continue my teaching career and pursue a life in Japan or Taiwan.
I know how to speak Spanish, eventually I hope to know Korean, Japanese and Chinese. I think if I could go to a University in Taiwan and work on my Teaching and Language skills that would be another option.
Right now I am satisfied just dreaming and awaiting my future with open arms.
My life in Gumi is going great. It is possible that I could even stay here for longer than a year.
I can think of plenty of reasons to continue my teaching here in Gumi.
This Blog will be continued later on....
I have been experiencing a vast amount of weird dreams. In some dreams I am talking Korean but can't remember a lot when I wake up. I am also a Hero where I am doing miracle things. Strange I know but thats how dreams work.
I have also had feelings where I still believe I am in America and not actually in Korea. Sometimes I still think I am in America until I look out the window to the sounds, smells and sight of Korea.
**Traffic is continuous and I am surprised that the Taxi drivers operate throughout the night. Korea never sleeps. Throughout the night one can easily hear the honking of a taxi, the brakes of a bus or any other car of course.
Asia has a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. In order to be able to support the family people take on many responsibilities and thus have many obligations. Unlike, America where on the weekend we are free to drink and watch movies all the live long day Korea and the rest of Asia works or fullfills obligations 24-7-365.
The korean writing is everywhere naturally. Thus it has prompted me to learn Korean.
Dreams carry me throughout the rest of the day as well. In the mornings it is my time. I listen to my music on my computer and do things that I enjoy and that I am more or less accostumed to. When I am at the Academy I am teaching English and have found a rhythm of which I am comfortable.
In the evenings, it is slowly but surely becoming my time to learn the ways of Korean. For example, last night I wandered the streets aimlessly looking for a quick dish and a beer. I passed many restaurants but I wasn't getting any good Vibes.
I felt like I would be stared at and talked about behind my back. That's why I want to say Please dont ever talk about Foreigners in any deragatory sense. If they are in your country they have a particular reason and probably could use your help. I also didnt want to be the only person in a huge area with no one to talk to. I know that sounds pathetic but for now thats how it goes.
As I said my dreams Asia and America encapsulate my life. I am needing to figure out a new option after Gumi. My life in Gumi will end in exactly one year. Seriously thats not long and I am sure it will take a few more blogs to discuss this concept (life after Gumi).
My mind is flooded with many different thoughts. I am not at all certain what I will end up doing either. I have desires to continue my teaching career and pursue a life in Japan or Taiwan.
I know how to speak Spanish, eventually I hope to know Korean, Japanese and Chinese. I think if I could go to a University in Taiwan and work on my Teaching and Language skills that would be another option.
Right now I am satisfied just dreaming and awaiting my future with open arms.
My life in Gumi is going great. It is possible that I could even stay here for longer than a year.
I can think of plenty of reasons to continue my teaching here in Gumi.
This Blog will be continued later on....
There's Always more than what first Meets the Eye
Sunday!
I think Sunday's are the best Day of the week for me. I don't work and I am free to do whatever I can. This is more or less my first full Sunday in Gumi-city Korea. I dont have to go on any business trips for awhile longer.
I got up pretty late. I shouldn't allow myself to sleep in until 11 but sometimes I guess it will be ok.
First thing I had to do before going out was clean my spacious place. I am happy my boss wasn't here last night, just because I would've hated to having him see the mess we made last night.
After getting my house cleaned I met up with Christina at 12. My time in Gumi wouldn't be as wonderful if it weren't for Christina. She's such a Sweethart and I enjoy being with her so much.
We went and saw the movie "Transformers." I remember when my brother, cousins and I used to play with them when we were growing up. The movie was pretty good a little corny but still ok. Korean theaters are just like the ones in the States but I think personally the special effects were better. I couldn't hear after the movie and I also think that during the movie I was apart of the scene.
After the movie we went to get some snacks. I had some shrimp with rice and she had some spicy rice dish.
We had a great time! Christina has helped me get through so much here in Korea. We had wonderful conversations about our pasts as well as what we hope to do in the future, and truthfully there is always more than what first meets the Eye. I am turning over new leaves here and its largely due to my time spent with Christina.
I want to learn Korean and take up some new hobbies here such as Ping Pong and basketball.
i dont know how successful I will be but I believe I have a knack for languages and think that I should devote more time to pursuing this nuance. I need to continue to get more focused here and re-examine my priorities/goals.
So, its now 5:30 and the day has gone by so fast. Its 1:30 am Sunday Morning back home and I need to go do some more preparation. I think I may write some reports and or some more blog entries.
I think Sunday's are the best Day of the week for me. I don't work and I am free to do whatever I can. This is more or less my first full Sunday in Gumi-city Korea. I dont have to go on any business trips for awhile longer.
I got up pretty late. I shouldn't allow myself to sleep in until 11 but sometimes I guess it will be ok.
First thing I had to do before going out was clean my spacious place. I am happy my boss wasn't here last night, just because I would've hated to having him see the mess we made last night.
After getting my house cleaned I met up with Christina at 12. My time in Gumi wouldn't be as wonderful if it weren't for Christina. She's such a Sweethart and I enjoy being with her so much.
We went and saw the movie "Transformers." I remember when my brother, cousins and I used to play with them when we were growing up. The movie was pretty good a little corny but still ok. Korean theaters are just like the ones in the States but I think personally the special effects were better. I couldn't hear after the movie and I also think that during the movie I was apart of the scene.
After the movie we went to get some snacks. I had some shrimp with rice and she had some spicy rice dish.
We had a great time! Christina has helped me get through so much here in Korea. We had wonderful conversations about our pasts as well as what we hope to do in the future, and truthfully there is always more than what first meets the Eye. I am turning over new leaves here and its largely due to my time spent with Christina.
I want to learn Korean and take up some new hobbies here such as Ping Pong and basketball.
i dont know how successful I will be but I believe I have a knack for languages and think that I should devote more time to pursuing this nuance. I need to continue to get more focused here and re-examine my priorities/goals.
So, its now 5:30 and the day has gone by so fast. Its 1:30 am Sunday Morning back home and I need to go do some more preparation. I think I may write some reports and or some more blog entries.
Mart Hopping
So, its finally the weekend. I can relax and catch up on sleep and other important endeavors. Well, Welcome to Korea a place where I am continuously finding myself with things to do.
I worked for 6 hours today. I had four good classes and I think I am ready for the weekend and to begin anew on Monday.
I had some Dongas for dinner again its slowly becoming my favorite.
Later that night my American constituents and some of our Irish or Canadian counterparts came over for some late night drinking ....again.
We wandered the streets of Hyung-gok Dong area looking for Marts. This is a cheap effective way to drink. We had a few beers along the way until finally coming back to my place.
My house is going to be popular simply because of its size. I have 3 beds, a rooftop, a patio overlooking the city and a huge living room. To people who know me in Missoula this is going to be a shock but just like my house was the second International House in Missoula its going to be the Foreign Haven here. haha.
So, I finally made it to bed around 3ish. I am now starting to have some weird dreams. I am having thoughts of me speaking a foreign language Korean, Japanese, Spanish or otherwise and I am also believing myself to be still in America until I wake up and the everything is so sureal.
So, Sunday Morning.....another story....
I worked for 6 hours today. I had four good classes and I think I am ready for the weekend and to begin anew on Monday.
I had some Dongas for dinner again its slowly becoming my favorite.
Later that night my American constituents and some of our Irish or Canadian counterparts came over for some late night drinking ....again.
We wandered the streets of Hyung-gok Dong area looking for Marts. This is a cheap effective way to drink. We had a few beers along the way until finally coming back to my place.
My house is going to be popular simply because of its size. I have 3 beds, a rooftop, a patio overlooking the city and a huge living room. To people who know me in Missoula this is going to be a shock but just like my house was the second International House in Missoula its going to be the Foreign Haven here. haha.
So, I finally made it to bed around 3ish. I am now starting to have some weird dreams. I am having thoughts of me speaking a foreign language Korean, Japanese, Spanish or otherwise and I am also believing myself to be still in America until I wake up and the everything is so sureal.
So, Sunday Morning.....another story....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
