I want to place here a post I once wrote in another blog I used to keep. I am reposting it because the lesson I learned keeps bugging me. Keeps asking to be resaid. Retaught to others. So I will follow that small prompt.
So you know how people say that "Life sucks, then you die" or "Life is unfair, get used to it" or "Life deals both good and bad." I know they are common enough phrases, I just used one in my last post.
I wonder, is just phrases an insult to God?
God is Life. Without Him we would all not exist. Without Him is death. He is fair, so absence of Him is unfair. He is Love, so absence of Him would be hate. He is Good, so the absence of Him is Bad. He is Life, so the absence of Him is Death. The opposite of Jesus is represented by His adversary, the Devil.
To say life is horrible or unfair is to say the same of Jesus, which is what the Devil wishes us to think no matter how subtle it occurs. It is in our everyday language. Maybe we should think about this - then act.
Monday, October 31, 2011
CoTeach - Cute Story
So today I went to a coteaching class to do a quick presentation. I did another cute story about me when I was younger. Finished. Asked them some questions.
Then I told them I was sure their teacher had important stuff to do today and said goodbye. They protested "don't leave! don't leave! you can't leave us!"
Then I told them I was sure their teacher had important stuff to do today and said goodbye. They protested "don't leave! don't leave! you can't leave us!"
Korean Poem Translated (I think?)
Feel me watching what TIME
- At the age of 25 years old, lying on the street, Joaquin AlfonsoDili, to commemorate gutereseureul
Autumn Ginkgo deep longing two yellow
Car right on the neck pm
That reminds me of winter rain falls
Rising as the value of the dollar
Smooth stained fingers touching needle
Paper printed pictures of the texture and crisp,
Whether a bookshelf unwittingly passes TIME
Suddenly the face of gamujapjaphan
Kakibok police stripes run through Southern
Young people has been kicked
Sandals and two on the left hand, his hand on a rock.
Look back while fleeing toward youth
American-made M16A1 rifle fire breathes
Youth and lay down the asphalt on the road
Two pair of shoes, two stones in silence
The dead keep their owners
His red heart on the road to the river as it flows
Clock stopped, stood watching the needle
He slings a shot with a rock Goliath
Boy defeated David was not
David's sling this time, ballots
When you want to exercise that power
To fly in unison in a circle painted stones
Soldiers armed with rifles and armored vehicles beyond the walls
I would be able to power baebureun knocked Goliath.
Democracy, hail, Long live the Freedom!
U.S. dollar hail, gold Hooray!
Yellow and falling in the street shouting that Ginkgo
Chanbiman going into winter is falling.
- At the age of 25 years old, lying on the street, Joaquin AlfonsoDili, to commemorate gutereseureul
Autumn Ginkgo deep longing two yellow
Car right on the neck pm
That reminds me of winter rain falls
Rising as the value of the dollar
Smooth stained fingers touching needle
Paper printed pictures of the texture and crisp,
Whether a bookshelf unwittingly passes TIME
Suddenly the face of gamujapjaphan
Kakibok police stripes run through Southern
Young people has been kicked
Sandals and two on the left hand, his hand on a rock.
Look back while fleeing toward youth
American-made M16A1 rifle fire breathes
Youth and lay down the asphalt on the road
Two pair of shoes, two stones in silence
The dead keep their owners
His red heart on the road to the river as it flows
Clock stopped, stood watching the needle
He slings a shot with a rock Goliath
Boy defeated David was not
David's sling this time, ballots
When you want to exercise that power
To fly in unison in a circle painted stones
Soldiers armed with rifles and armored vehicles beyond the walls
I would be able to power baebureun knocked Goliath.
Democracy, hail, Long live the Freedom!
U.S. dollar hail, gold Hooray!
Yellow and falling in the street shouting that Ginkgo
Chanbiman going into winter is falling.
Candy - Cute Story(s)
So today is Halloween in the US. Some celebrate it here. The kids wanted to use it as an excuse to play. I don't think so.
I had just finished teaching a class and was headed back to my office when two students stopped me. One of the girls offered me a piece of candy. It was so sweet of her. I didn't think till later that it was her way of saying, "This is a US holiday. I respect that and want to make you happy."
I have such sweet students. They are good kids, even if they like to be a handful at times.
I had just finished teaching a class and was headed back to my office when two students stopped me. One of the girls offered me a piece of candy. It was so sweet of her. I didn't think till later that it was her way of saying, "This is a US holiday. I respect that and want to make you happy."
I have such sweet students. They are good kids, even if they like to be a handful at times.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Night of Firsts
Last night a fellow English Teacher (let's call him Mr. M) took me on his motorcycle to downtown Daegu to go see a movie.
I've never ridden a motorcycle before. I pointed out I am most likely a bit heavier than he is used to balancing. He gave me some pointers that a passenger on a motorcycle should know. When going into a turn, you have to lean into it. If you don't then bad things can happen like crashing. Most people can be scared to follow through with this, so I should look over his should the whole time. If turning right, look over his right shoulder. If turning left, look over his left shoulder.
Put on a helmet and gloves, hoped on, and we took off. His bike is built a bit different than most. You ride up higher and have to lean over the bike. So I am sitting up high. There is an area in front of him that I can brace my hands on to keep from going side to side. Also perfect to brace against when he is slowing down or stopping.
I mentioned before that in Korea, the drivers on the road don't necessisarily drive like they do in America. This is especially true of motorcycles. The weave through traffic, drive between cars, and drive on the edge of the road. I did my best to notice which mirror he was checking to get clues if he was about to cut through left or right. That way I could lean in the appropriate direction. If he was going between tight areas... I stayed straight and tried to keep calm. It was fun though.
People who ride a lot generally have a pair of leathers... pants, jacket, etc. It protects you a lot more in the event of crashing. Let's see, high speeds with nothing between you and all around you. I really wish I had leather pants and a leather jacket.
It was scary at first. Still is actually. But I got some technique to how to ride along and that helps immensely. So of the ways you ride a jetski or a horse apply. Most I had to figure out as we went along.
It was quite a workout. Going fast and then slowing down. My arms supported all my upper body weight (of which there is much, I'm not light) whenever we weren't stopped or excellerating. I can really feel it this morning but don't mind. I'm rather proud that I did something instead of sitting all evening.
We went to downtown Daegu. Got to the place where the theater was. The lobby of it is up on the 5 floor. We got tickets to Real Steel and then knowing we had a lot of time to spare until it started, we went and got crepes. Crepes here are better than in the states. They have ice cream inside!
Then we went walking around looking at stuff. They celebrated Halloween tonight because who can party on Monday. So there were many decorations and costumes. We ended up at a bar. No one was there. He taught me how to play darts. He doesn't drink so we didn't get anything. Also, unless you want me falling asleep on the way back, I shouldn't.
From there we went back and watched the movie. It was a 4D 2 D movie. The 4D means it had physical effects... the seats tilted in ALL directions, the backs and seats of our seats had things in them that punched or rattled. Blasts of air and such. Lights all over the ceiling and walls to help with effects. Pretty cool, though I am not sure how much I like my chair moving on me. 2D means no glasses to make it 3D.
The movie was pretty cool. People learning to go after dreams in a smart fashion as well as who is really important... their family. Loved the music. The main character was none other than Hugh Jackman... sigh :)
Then we went to another bar. This time it was late enough that people were there. He taught me to play pool. It was fun. While he set it up, I went to get drinks. He asked for a cider. Since he doesn't drink, I knew it was safe to order one too. It was basically a sprite. We each won at least one game :) It was getting crowded though and he was getting up early in the morning so we left.
Drove back. It was easier on the bike the second time. Also now it was late enough that traffic wasn't so bad. So we made it back in better time. Like 10 minutes faster at least.
Overall it was a night of firsts. First bike ride. First bar. First darts game. First pool. First 4D movie. Kinda nice to get out.
I've never ridden a motorcycle before. I pointed out I am most likely a bit heavier than he is used to balancing. He gave me some pointers that a passenger on a motorcycle should know. When going into a turn, you have to lean into it. If you don't then bad things can happen like crashing. Most people can be scared to follow through with this, so I should look over his should the whole time. If turning right, look over his right shoulder. If turning left, look over his left shoulder.
Put on a helmet and gloves, hoped on, and we took off. His bike is built a bit different than most. You ride up higher and have to lean over the bike. So I am sitting up high. There is an area in front of him that I can brace my hands on to keep from going side to side. Also perfect to brace against when he is slowing down or stopping.
I mentioned before that in Korea, the drivers on the road don't necessisarily drive like they do in America. This is especially true of motorcycles. The weave through traffic, drive between cars, and drive on the edge of the road. I did my best to notice which mirror he was checking to get clues if he was about to cut through left or right. That way I could lean in the appropriate direction. If he was going between tight areas... I stayed straight and tried to keep calm. It was fun though.
People who ride a lot generally have a pair of leathers... pants, jacket, etc. It protects you a lot more in the event of crashing. Let's see, high speeds with nothing between you and all around you. I really wish I had leather pants and a leather jacket.
It was scary at first. Still is actually. But I got some technique to how to ride along and that helps immensely. So of the ways you ride a jetski or a horse apply. Most I had to figure out as we went along.
It was quite a workout. Going fast and then slowing down. My arms supported all my upper body weight (of which there is much, I'm not light) whenever we weren't stopped or excellerating. I can really feel it this morning but don't mind. I'm rather proud that I did something instead of sitting all evening.
We went to downtown Daegu. Got to the place where the theater was. The lobby of it is up on the 5 floor. We got tickets to Real Steel and then knowing we had a lot of time to spare until it started, we went and got crepes. Crepes here are better than in the states. They have ice cream inside!
Then we went walking around looking at stuff. They celebrated Halloween tonight because who can party on Monday. So there were many decorations and costumes. We ended up at a bar. No one was there. He taught me how to play darts. He doesn't drink so we didn't get anything. Also, unless you want me falling asleep on the way back, I shouldn't.
From there we went back and watched the movie. It was a 4D 2 D movie. The 4D means it had physical effects... the seats tilted in ALL directions, the backs and seats of our seats had things in them that punched or rattled. Blasts of air and such. Lights all over the ceiling and walls to help with effects. Pretty cool, though I am not sure how much I like my chair moving on me. 2D means no glasses to make it 3D.
The movie was pretty cool. People learning to go after dreams in a smart fashion as well as who is really important... their family. Loved the music. The main character was none other than Hugh Jackman... sigh :)
Then we went to another bar. This time it was late enough that people were there. He taught me to play pool. It was fun. While he set it up, I went to get drinks. He asked for a cider. Since he doesn't drink, I knew it was safe to order one too. It was basically a sprite. We each won at least one game :) It was getting crowded though and he was getting up early in the morning so we left.
Drove back. It was easier on the bike the second time. Also now it was late enough that traffic wasn't so bad. So we made it back in better time. Like 10 minutes faster at least.
Overall it was a night of firsts. First bike ride. First bar. First darts game. First pool. First 4D movie. Kinda nice to get out.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
English Sabbath School
Today was a lot of fun at English Sabbath School. At the beginning they sang a song we learned a dance to last time. And I got called up front to join the leaders. Then I had the lesson, which was a lot of fun. We enjoyed going over a story that I had learned some in-depth layers on back home. Then there was a game where one word at a time was scrambled and moved on the screen really fast. The kids were given a category and had to figure out the English word. One of the categories was teacher and I know my name when I see it. The answer was indeed Mindy... with a huge red heart behind it :) Last time I had been given a plant by a student for Love Delivery. So I had to give it away this week. The other person who had gotten a plant was not here today, so I gave hers away as well. As I was heading back to my seat, I was told I was having closing prayer. So I returned up front. I spent a lot of time up front today, but I didn't mind. It was a lot of fun and the students showed me how happy they are that I am here. It made my day and I know it will make the next week easily when things get stressful to just remember the joy I felt at worshiping with them.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Game Night
There are times when you realize you have to change up the schedule and do something fun.
Last week I came to that realization. So I began planning. We needed a game night and treats.
So we set it up among us English teachers to get together tonight. Finding out that between us we had or could get the needed ingredients for nonbake cookies and pinwheels, I eagerly offered to make them.
That is the reason the other day for my lone venture to E Mart. I needed salsa and cream cheese for the pin wheels.
Last night I met over at one of their apartments and cooked. Tonight we got together, had those plus haystacks, and enjoy rummikube.
An hour and a half later, we were happy, full, and ready for bed. Yes, it is just after 7pm but we are all tired. It is the end of the week :)
Last week I came to that realization. So I began planning. We needed a game night and treats.
So we set it up among us English teachers to get together tonight. Finding out that between us we had or could get the needed ingredients for nonbake cookies and pinwheels, I eagerly offered to make them.
That is the reason the other day for my lone venture to E Mart. I needed salsa and cream cheese for the pin wheels.
Last night I met over at one of their apartments and cooked. Tonight we got together, had those plus haystacks, and enjoy rummikube.
An hour and a half later, we were happy, full, and ready for bed. Yes, it is just after 7pm but we are all tired. It is the end of the week :)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Fr Cul - Cute Story
So my freshmen culture class was a fun bunch today. They were talking when I started class so I started the first line of the homework star. Throughout the class, more lines appeared. Finally we finished the section in their textbooks and got into the workbooks. As they finished the workbooks, I let them have free time.
Some of the boys playing Monopoly Deal started speaking in Korean. That is not allowed in an International class where they are to speak only English. I called out, "Whoa! Is that Korean I hear?" I turned and headed to the white board.
Immediately the whole class went into an uproar. Three of the boys came running up and stood between me and the white board. More surrounded me. All of them begging, please, don't do it!
It was too cute! My darn easy ability to smile and laugh popped up and I busted up laughing. I shook my head and said no. I added that if they stopped me, I would start another star. They scattered.
"Twinkle Twinkle Homework Star..."
Some of the boys playing Monopoly Deal started speaking in Korean. That is not allowed in an International class where they are to speak only English. I called out, "Whoa! Is that Korean I hear?" I turned and headed to the white board.
Immediately the whole class went into an uproar. Three of the boys came running up and stood between me and the white board. More surrounded me. All of them begging, please, don't do it!
It was too cute! My darn easy ability to smile and laugh popped up and I busted up laughing. I shook my head and said no. I added that if they stopped me, I would start another star. They scattered.
"Twinkle Twinkle Homework Star..."
CoTeach - Story of Fire and Me
This week for co teaching I am sharing a powerpoint I made of when I was four years old. It is a story about a gas stove, pretty fire, and me. We lived in a house with a gas stove in the living room. You could see the fire through the glass when it was on. I liked to watch "the pretty fire of red, orange, and yellow." I told them how I would sit in front of the stove with my doll house, dolls, and pink plastic cars to play.
I am a curious child is a phrase I used a lot.
I touched the stove three times. In my memory, it all happened in one day. The first time, because it was pretty. The second time, because my plastic car had not been hurt so I thought it was safe. The third time because the fire went out so I assumed it was safe.
I am a curious person who sees something from many angles. I always wonder if something is good or okay under different situations or conditions. This is a prime example of that.
I am a curious child is a phrase I used a lot.
I touched the stove three times. In my memory, it all happened in one day. The first time, because it was pretty. The second time, because my plastic car had not been hurt so I thought it was safe. The third time because the fire went out so I assumed it was safe.
I am a curious person who sees something from many angles. I always wonder if something is good or okay under different situations or conditions. This is a prime example of that.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
First Shopping Trip Alone - Story
So I headed from the main building down to the two buses. I walked up to the second one and talked to some happy students. They directed me to the bus driver when I asked where to pay. He asked where I wanted to go. I said E Mart. He said... other bus.
So to the other bus I went. Sat. The driver was looked over, "E Mart?" Yes... A few minutes later the bus driver came back into the bus, looked at me again, and handed me an orange. Since I was missing supper to catch this bus, I was happy for it. A student showed me where to put the orange peels.
We got underway. A freshman girl who had been told to make sure I got off at E Mart came and sat with me for a few minutes. We talked and then she went back to her seat.
Behind me was three boys. Two sitting and one standing. The standing one is a student of mine. They kept saying English curse words: hell and shit. I rolled my eyes. Yes, those are English words. I know what they mean. Not impressed. Soon they started saying my name and another English teacher's name. I got it now, they were hoping to indirectly get my attention and talk to me. I obliged.
The one standing said the other two were mean. He goofed around and such. Then one of the sitting boys said the standing boy was in love with me. Cute. I have no doubt it is true. I pulled the naive female act... my best defense. The standing boy of course immediately said, "Not true, not true!" I nodded with him and added, "He couldn't. Too big an age difference." The standing boy quickly agreed. Agreed too much. Lovely... a student has a crush on me.
One of the sitting students asked if he could sit next to me. I quickly agreed and pointed out he had been standing a long time. He sat and we talked a bit. Again, me playing happy and oblivious female. At one point he mentioned that at E Mart the carts are locked together. You needed a 100 won coin to get a cart. He started to reach for his back pocket. I knodded and said yep... one of the teachers had taken me to E Mart and showed me how to buy things there. He quickly pulled his hand back. I added that this trip was to see if I had learned to travel by myself.
Evidently the whole bus knew that already. It was cute. I enjoyed being near the students and seeing a part of their daily routine outside the cafe. And for awhile there, I felt more child and less adult. I'm so ignorant in their culture it isn't hard.
So to the other bus I went. Sat. The driver was looked over, "E Mart?" Yes... A few minutes later the bus driver came back into the bus, looked at me again, and handed me an orange. Since I was missing supper to catch this bus, I was happy for it. A student showed me where to put the orange peels.
We got underway. A freshman girl who had been told to make sure I got off at E Mart came and sat with me for a few minutes. We talked and then she went back to her seat.
Behind me was three boys. Two sitting and one standing. The standing one is a student of mine. They kept saying English curse words: hell and shit. I rolled my eyes. Yes, those are English words. I know what they mean. Not impressed. Soon they started saying my name and another English teacher's name. I got it now, they were hoping to indirectly get my attention and talk to me. I obliged.
The one standing said the other two were mean. He goofed around and such. Then one of the sitting boys said the standing boy was in love with me. Cute. I have no doubt it is true. I pulled the naive female act... my best defense. The standing boy of course immediately said, "Not true, not true!" I nodded with him and added, "He couldn't. Too big an age difference." The standing boy quickly agreed. Agreed too much. Lovely... a student has a crush on me.
One of the sitting students asked if he could sit next to me. I quickly agreed and pointed out he had been standing a long time. He sat and we talked a bit. Again, me playing happy and oblivious female. At one point he mentioned that at E Mart the carts are locked together. You needed a 100 won coin to get a cart. He started to reach for his back pocket. I knodded and said yep... one of the teachers had taken me to E Mart and showed me how to buy things there. He quickly pulled his hand back. I added that this trip was to see if I had learned to travel by myself.
Evidently the whole bus knew that already. It was cute. I enjoyed being near the students and seeing a part of their daily routine outside the cafe. And for awhile there, I felt more child and less adult. I'm so ignorant in their culture it isn't hard.
First Shopping Trip Alone
So my two fellow English teachers have been eager that I learn to travel by myself around South Korea. Something simple like a shopping trip for instance. This is an important skill to know. It involves buses, subways, and taxis. Also just plain conquering my fear of being alone.
So I decided that today I would go get on one of the buses the students take and go to E Mart without either of them. It wasn't an easy decision.
They have spent the past two weeks talking to me about how I could get there and get back. We went over options and where to go and how to do stuff.
I spent even more time mulling it over and over. If I think about something enough, I usually end up doing it.
So plan A. Get on the bus at the school that leaves at 5:25pm and ride it until I see E Mart, then at the next stop get off. Cross the street. Go to E Mart. Shop. Then head outside.
From here there are many options. The easiest thing to do is walk to the curb and climb into a taxi. So that was the end of plan A.
Plan B. Walk outside of E Mart and turn left. Walk to the nearest bus stop. I have three options:
1. Get on a bus 399 that miraculously goes to Namsan, and walk the last ten minutes home.
2. Get on bus 399 and end up at the bus station in Jain...
a. walk an hour back.
b. get a taxi and be back in 5 minutes.
3. Get on bus 990 and ride to Jain.
a. walk
b. taxi
Plan C. You will love plan C. Call for help:
1. Via taxi cab driver
2. Pay phone
I have three numbers I can call and say... foreign teacher delivery for Sahm Yook, how do you want her delivered. And they would rush to save me.
In the case the taxi driver didn't understand my attempt to speak Sahm Yook, Namsan, or Jain... I have a lovely piece of paper covered in info. Phone numbers of those who can give him directions. The address of the school. The address of a famous beef place in Namsan, from there I could direct the driver to school or walk. Bus info. Basically everything I need to get back to school.
Plan A worked well. The backups weren't needed.
I took a taxi back. The driver was super nice. He drove carefully, slowly, in his lane, and spoke so clearly that I could hear each syllable. That is an accomplishment. When we got back, he didn't take 15,200 won... just the 15,000 won. He got my bags out of the car for me. He turned his taxi so the lights lit up my door so I could see to unlock it. Really nice Korean!
So I decided that today I would go get on one of the buses the students take and go to E Mart without either of them. It wasn't an easy decision.
They have spent the past two weeks talking to me about how I could get there and get back. We went over options and where to go and how to do stuff.
I spent even more time mulling it over and over. If I think about something enough, I usually end up doing it.
So plan A. Get on the bus at the school that leaves at 5:25pm and ride it until I see E Mart, then at the next stop get off. Cross the street. Go to E Mart. Shop. Then head outside.
From here there are many options. The easiest thing to do is walk to the curb and climb into a taxi. So that was the end of plan A.
Plan B. Walk outside of E Mart and turn left. Walk to the nearest bus stop. I have three options:
1. Get on a bus 399 that miraculously goes to Namsan, and walk the last ten minutes home.
2. Get on bus 399 and end up at the bus station in Jain...
a. walk an hour back.
b. get a taxi and be back in 5 minutes.
3. Get on bus 990 and ride to Jain.
a. walk
b. taxi
Plan C. You will love plan C. Call for help:
1. Via taxi cab driver
2. Pay phone
I have three numbers I can call and say... foreign teacher delivery for Sahm Yook, how do you want her delivered. And they would rush to save me.
In the case the taxi driver didn't understand my attempt to speak Sahm Yook, Namsan, or Jain... I have a lovely piece of paper covered in info. Phone numbers of those who can give him directions. The address of the school. The address of a famous beef place in Namsan, from there I could direct the driver to school or walk. Bus info. Basically everything I need to get back to school.
Plan A worked well. The backups weren't needed.
I took a taxi back. The driver was super nice. He drove carefully, slowly, in his lane, and spoke so clearly that I could hear each syllable. That is an accomplishment. When we got back, he didn't take 15,200 won... just the 15,000 won. He got my bags out of the car for me. He turned his taxi so the lights lit up my door so I could see to unlock it. Really nice Korean!
Korean's View of Cold
I wanted to wear my red and black scarf I brought with me to Korea. It is cold enough now. However the only shirt I could figure out that would be suitable is a plain black short-sleeved one. Wanting to avoid all black, I pulled out grey slacks. Their my favorite pair so I am happy.
At school I left my jacket in my toasty warm office and headed out to my first co-teaching class. When I got there the teacher, bundled in long-sleeves like all sane people should be, asked if I was cold. I admitted I was a little cold.
He responded, "Oh! You are so strong! Your a healthy woman."
Bonus points for me!
In Korea being strong and healthy is a compliment. Being able to go about my day in short-sleeves impressed both staff and students. I could only do this because (1) I am in my office in between these ventures and (2) I know it will get warmer later. Not warm enough to be without some sort of long sleeves in the wind, but enough so that I will be okay.
At school I left my jacket in my toasty warm office and headed out to my first co-teaching class. When I got there the teacher, bundled in long-sleeves like all sane people should be, asked if I was cold. I admitted I was a little cold.
He responded, "Oh! You are so strong! Your a healthy woman."
Bonus points for me!
In Korea being strong and healthy is a compliment. Being able to go about my day in short-sleeves impressed both staff and students. I could only do this because (1) I am in my office in between these ventures and (2) I know it will get warmer later. Not warm enough to be without some sort of long sleeves in the wind, but enough so that I will be okay.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Translation Funny
This was sent to all the teachers here... I think something went wrong in the translation on google:
Hello?
No difference in the shoe rack above the main entrance MainAura owners are looking for shoes.
I'll throw up if you do not see the owner ~^^;;
Thank you.
Hello?
No difference in the shoe rack above the main entrance MainAura owners are looking for shoes.
I'll throw up if you do not see the owner ~^^;;
Thank you.
Communicating Options
While overseas, it is important to stay in contact with loved ones back home.
I use facebook a lot. I post pics, check on friends and family, and chat with those who are awake when I am.
I blog a lot. I just ran across on the internet tips for oversea survival. One of blogging. So I am doing the right thing right now!
I email those who don't have facebook or just plain prefer email to facebook. A nice means of communication.
Before I came I got magic jack, a device and service that allows me to use the internet to call people without costing anyone international charges. Handy. Now to time it right so that I call when people are awake :)
Finally, I broke down and was talked into getting a skype account. Perfectly free to chat. Also free to call/video call those who also have skype. Friends in my college town have skype so yesterday we arranged a video call. I got to see my twin brother and many good friends I have been missing. We talked and joked around. They pulled pranks on each other. It was niffty. Then they all went to sleep.
There are many options for keeping in touch. I am still experimenting with mine. I am getting good at translating my time with home time. Daylight savings will throw that off since we don't have that here. Oh well. Part of the adventure!
I use facebook a lot. I post pics, check on friends and family, and chat with those who are awake when I am.
I blog a lot. I just ran across on the internet tips for oversea survival. One of blogging. So I am doing the right thing right now!
I email those who don't have facebook or just plain prefer email to facebook. A nice means of communication.
Before I came I got magic jack, a device and service that allows me to use the internet to call people without costing anyone international charges. Handy. Now to time it right so that I call when people are awake :)
Finally, I broke down and was talked into getting a skype account. Perfectly free to chat. Also free to call/video call those who also have skype. Friends in my college town have skype so yesterday we arranged a video call. I got to see my twin brother and many good friends I have been missing. We talked and joked around. They pulled pranks on each other. It was niffty. Then they all went to sleep.
There are many options for keeping in touch. I am still experimenting with mine. I am getting good at translating my time with home time. Daylight savings will throw that off since we don't have that here. Oh well. Part of the adventure!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lyrics turned worship
I was listening to a song that for many is a secular song. The writers of the song I think meant for it to be a song that wasn't spiritual as much as a reminder that God is always there even in the hard times - no matter how many hard times there are.
Here is what I wrote from what I got out of that song:
We can be lonely. We can be sad. Everything we lived for can be gone. Our hearts' can feel so broken. We want nothing more than to leave this world too. The words others speak to us mean nothing. They seem so lifeless. Yet, we remember in the back of our mines that once upon a time... we were not so worthless. There is a God who cares about us. This war isn't over. We still have to try to be strong. But we can depend on Him, and someday He will take us home. These are not wasted years. None of it is in vain. As long as we have hope, then that at least remains. There is a light brighter than the sun that conquers all the heartache we have endured. It is His love.
Here is what I wrote from what I got out of that song:
We can be lonely. We can be sad. Everything we lived for can be gone. Our hearts' can feel so broken. We want nothing more than to leave this world too. The words others speak to us mean nothing. They seem so lifeless. Yet, we remember in the back of our mines that once upon a time... we were not so worthless. There is a God who cares about us. This war isn't over. We still have to try to be strong. But we can depend on Him, and someday He will take us home. These are not wasted years. None of it is in vain. As long as we have hope, then that at least remains. There is a light brighter than the sun that conquers all the heartache we have endured. It is His love.
Starbucks Star-eyed.
So last night when we went to E Mart, we ended our trip in the food court. It was late so I decided supper wasn't a good idea anymore after all the free samples that had been available in the grocery section. I stopped at my all time favorite place: starbucks.
This time I went in to buy. As usual for starbucks standards, the workers were super kind and friendly. Both flashed me big grins and looked eager to help. I bought my all time favorite drink, caramel frapp without whipped cream. The guy that was behind the desk was really nice and I really wanted to say thank you in Korean. That is the second word I know in Korean.
Unfortunately, he was so nice... and good looking... that I couldn't remember the word for the life of me. So after an awkward pause I said thank you in English, smiled foolishly, and retreated to a table. He took it in stride. Probably figured out that I liked him.
The joys of being in Korea is that I most likely will never run into him again. Yay! Go me!
This time I went in to buy. As usual for starbucks standards, the workers were super kind and friendly. Both flashed me big grins and looked eager to help. I bought my all time favorite drink, caramel frapp without whipped cream. The guy that was behind the desk was really nice and I really wanted to say thank you in Korean. That is the second word I know in Korean.
Unfortunately, he was so nice... and good looking... that I couldn't remember the word for the life of me. So after an awkward pause I said thank you in English, smiled foolishly, and retreated to a table. He took it in stride. Probably figured out that I liked him.
The joys of being in Korea is that I most likely will never run into him again. Yay! Go me!
Taxi Ride
Last night I went to E Mart for much needed groceries. In Korea, if you are going to buy something you need to make sure you can carry it. Dragged stuff out to the curb and got into a taxi.
The taxi driver (didn't know Sahm Yook.... or Namsan... but recognized Jain) started driving back to the school. As he was driving, I was amused to note that I was in one lane and he was in another.
Then I was thoroughly humored as we ran a red light... and another... and another... and another.
The drivers in South Korea have to be more skilled and aware of what is happening around them than those in the US are for this very reason. You have someplace to be, you get there as quickly as you can. And you do it by whatever means necessary. If there is no one crossing the intersection and no traffic camera... you drive through even if the light is red.
The taxi driver (didn't know Sahm Yook.... or Namsan... but recognized Jain) started driving back to the school. As he was driving, I was amused to note that I was in one lane and he was in another.
Then I was thoroughly humored as we ran a red light... and another... and another... and another.
The drivers in South Korea have to be more skilled and aware of what is happening around them than those in the US are for this very reason. You have someplace to be, you get there as quickly as you can. And you do it by whatever means necessary. If there is no one crossing the intersection and no traffic camera... you drive through even if the light is red.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Not Cute Test Answer
Test Question:
Remembering what the chapter was about, why do you think the students would want to build a house?
Answer:
They want to relax after playing soccer.
(What?)
Remembering what the chapter was about, why do you think the students would want to build a house?
Answer:
They want to relax after playing soccer.
(What?)
Cute Test Answer
Test Question: How might citizens improve their community?
Answer: They might watch movies.
Answer: They might watch movies.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Translators
Translating Koreans words is a very amusing process.
If you use google, due to the lack of words in the Korean language, you can get some very humorous translations. Try it sometime :)
In the case of chapel and church, it is up to our English students. Three are asked so join us three teachers and translate for us. The first time I was very impressed. Today, I got insight into how difficult it is for them. The girl who sat by me told me she was nervous. I learned why. She couldn't translate hardly a thing. It was okay, we have fun otherwise. I felt bad for her because she felt bad for not being of use.
If you use google, due to the lack of words in the Korean language, you can get some very humorous translations. Try it sometime :)
In the case of chapel and church, it is up to our English students. Three are asked so join us three teachers and translate for us. The first time I was very impressed. Today, I got insight into how difficult it is for them. The girl who sat by me told me she was nervous. I learned why. She couldn't translate hardly a thing. It was okay, we have fun otherwise. I felt bad for her because she felt bad for not being of use.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Chapstick
Korean students have interesting habits.
1. They come to school even when they are sick. Yes, that includes temperature.
2. They don't use chapstick.
I can understand being so hard working that you go until you in your death bed. The chapstick thing is beyond me though. Evidently it is so expensive or something over here that they don't use it.
Results: sniffling and coughing kids running to get tissues for their bleeding lips.
I am so tempted to get them all chapstick for my birthday. Backwards I know, but man alive! Who likes running around with bleeding lips?
Let's see:
1 literature class: 16 students?
3 culture classes: 44 students?
2 conversation classes: 30 students?
90 things of chapstick! Or maybe not... that wasn't even including when I co-teach for other teachers... and those classes are bigger... that would probably be around $300 for just my classes wouldn't it :P
But bleeding lips... wow.
1. They come to school even when they are sick. Yes, that includes temperature.
2. They don't use chapstick.
I can understand being so hard working that you go until you in your death bed. The chapstick thing is beyond me though. Evidently it is so expensive or something over here that they don't use it.
Results: sniffling and coughing kids running to get tissues for their bleeding lips.
I am so tempted to get them all chapstick for my birthday. Backwards I know, but man alive! Who likes running around with bleeding lips?
Let's see:
1 literature class: 16 students?
3 culture classes: 44 students?
2 conversation classes: 30 students?
90 things of chapstick! Or maybe not... that wasn't even including when I co-teach for other teachers... and those classes are bigger... that would probably be around $300 for just my classes wouldn't it :P
But bleeding lips... wow.
Firsts
Had several firsts this weekend.
Due to lack of planning on my part, I didn't have enough food to eat all weekend in my apartment. I mean I could have if I wanted really spicy and weird tasting ramen for each meal. It just didn't seem like a good idea though.
So Saturday night I went to the cafe by myself for the first time. I really rather not do things by myself. Especially if I haven't done and been there before by myself. I got to the cafe, hesitantly filled up my tray, and sat down near two staff. They glanced over and went back to talking. I picked up my chopsticks and started eating. Which was hard since my hands were shaking so much. That was one tasty meal though and dessert was really good. Dough fried in a ring with the taste and texture of funnel cakes. They were covered in sugar :)
Went again on Sunday for lunch and supper... with supper being amazing again.
Another first was I walked to Namsan by myself on Sunday. I realized if I closed my eyes, it wouldn't be hard to imagine being at my grandparents farm. When I got there, I ran into students at the bus stop. The grocery store turned out to be closed, so I should have gone and hung out with them. That way I wouldn't totally ride the bus alone. I headed back home instead, and ran into more students on their way to town. That was kinda neat.
Survived that as well :)
Then after supper one of the Korean teachers and I went for a walk. She and I had sat together at supper and though we didn't say much, it was kinda neat what we did talk about. We are all human with our own joys and fears.
Due to lack of planning on my part, I didn't have enough food to eat all weekend in my apartment. I mean I could have if I wanted really spicy and weird tasting ramen for each meal. It just didn't seem like a good idea though.
So Saturday night I went to the cafe by myself for the first time. I really rather not do things by myself. Especially if I haven't done and been there before by myself. I got to the cafe, hesitantly filled up my tray, and sat down near two staff. They glanced over and went back to talking. I picked up my chopsticks and started eating. Which was hard since my hands were shaking so much. That was one tasty meal though and dessert was really good. Dough fried in a ring with the taste and texture of funnel cakes. They were covered in sugar :)
Went again on Sunday for lunch and supper... with supper being amazing again.
Another first was I walked to Namsan by myself on Sunday. I realized if I closed my eyes, it wouldn't be hard to imagine being at my grandparents farm. When I got there, I ran into students at the bus stop. The grocery store turned out to be closed, so I should have gone and hung out with them. That way I wouldn't totally ride the bus alone. I headed back home instead, and ran into more students on their way to town. That was kinda neat.
Survived that as well :)
Then after supper one of the Korean teachers and I went for a walk. She and I had sat together at supper and though we didn't say much, it was kinda neat what we did talk about. We are all human with our own joys and fears.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Worship Thought - Disciples
You know a person grows up hearing about Jesus twelve disciples. They become a generic group. Unbelieving, doubting, quick tempered, uneducated fishermen. Yeah there is a tax collector in there. One denies Christ. One betrays Christ then kills himself. It is all very... well frankly depressing.
This past week those of us in the English teaching program (English and Korean teachers) have been learning more about these disciples from an adaptation of the Desire of Ages. I have had it on my mind all week and can't go to sleep until I type it up.
First let's talk about John. There is a reason why he grew the closest to Jesus. He was the youngest and so had a more child-like heart than the others. He was more receptive and trusting and so Jesus was able to communicate His deepest teachings through him to His people. He had to lose his temper and criticism of others though.
Philip was a sincere man honestly looking for the truth. His downfall was that he was slow to believe, even with Jesus' miracles. I can completely understand that. So many times I wanted to believe in things I was learning about Jesus, but for some reason I wasn't quite as trusting as I should have been.
Nathaniel, like John, had a child-like trust as well. He had his share of unbelief as well. But he studied and learned and grasped. Jesus patiently cultivated him turning Nathaniel from student to teacher.
Jesus spent time with His disciples, as He called them and gathered them around Him, to pray for them and ordinate them for the coming ministry. He spent a lot of time at this point out on the hillside. A lot of time in prayer when everyone else was sleeping.
While this was going on, someone who looked important pressed in among the disciples. He showed that he was a smart and skilled person. He wanted to join this inner circle. The disciples took him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and saw Judas: knew what choices he would make and the selfish reasons he had for wanting to join them. Jesus didn't turn him away though. There was at least a sliver of desire in Judas to be a good man, and Jesus would give him every chance He could by having him within His influence day after day.
"Later history of Judas would show the danger of allowing worldly consideration to have weight in deciding someone's fitness for the work of God." However with Judas, Jesus took him as he was and worked with him just like He did with the others. Judas clung selfishly to revenge and sullen thoughts, thus allowing Satan access.
All the disciples were corrected, and they all stayed with Him despite that. As each of the disciples slowly came closer to Jesus, they inadvertently drew closer to each other as well.
Jesus did not choose to use angels who had never fallen. He chose to use those who are like those He wishes to save. His disciples differ so much in a way that allowed those they were reaching to be able to connect with one of them.
We are flawed. We make mistakes. We have our doubts and less-than-perfect past. Our lives aren't so grand now either. However Jesus is using us to reach others. He gladly will give us personally the education He knows we need. He eagerly embraces each person and strives to keep us as close to Him as we allow. He doesn't force, but He never gives up.
He is our Humble Hero.
This past week those of us in the English teaching program (English and Korean teachers) have been learning more about these disciples from an adaptation of the Desire of Ages. I have had it on my mind all week and can't go to sleep until I type it up.
First let's talk about John. There is a reason why he grew the closest to Jesus. He was the youngest and so had a more child-like heart than the others. He was more receptive and trusting and so Jesus was able to communicate His deepest teachings through him to His people. He had to lose his temper and criticism of others though.
Philip was a sincere man honestly looking for the truth. His downfall was that he was slow to believe, even with Jesus' miracles. I can completely understand that. So many times I wanted to believe in things I was learning about Jesus, but for some reason I wasn't quite as trusting as I should have been.
Nathaniel, like John, had a child-like trust as well. He had his share of unbelief as well. But he studied and learned and grasped. Jesus patiently cultivated him turning Nathaniel from student to teacher.
Jesus spent time with His disciples, as He called them and gathered them around Him, to pray for them and ordinate them for the coming ministry. He spent a lot of time at this point out on the hillside. A lot of time in prayer when everyone else was sleeping.
While this was going on, someone who looked important pressed in among the disciples. He showed that he was a smart and skilled person. He wanted to join this inner circle. The disciples took him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and saw Judas: knew what choices he would make and the selfish reasons he had for wanting to join them. Jesus didn't turn him away though. There was at least a sliver of desire in Judas to be a good man, and Jesus would give him every chance He could by having him within His influence day after day.
"Later history of Judas would show the danger of allowing worldly consideration to have weight in deciding someone's fitness for the work of God." However with Judas, Jesus took him as he was and worked with him just like He did with the others. Judas clung selfishly to revenge and sullen thoughts, thus allowing Satan access.
All the disciples were corrected, and they all stayed with Him despite that. As each of the disciples slowly came closer to Jesus, they inadvertently drew closer to each other as well.
Jesus did not choose to use angels who had never fallen. He chose to use those who are like those He wishes to save. His disciples differ so much in a way that allowed those they were reaching to be able to connect with one of them.
We are flawed. We make mistakes. We have our doubts and less-than-perfect past. Our lives aren't so grand now either. However Jesus is using us to reach others. He gladly will give us personally the education He knows we need. He eagerly embraces each person and strives to keep us as close to Him as we allow. He doesn't force, but He never gives up.
He is our Humble Hero.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Festival
Today was a very interesting day.
Started in the auditorium with worship and opening ceremonies.
Then there was neat stuff to enjoy the rest of the day. Even if you were a teacher!
There was artwork displayed in the halls. There was videos and such the kids put together. They were all good too. There was the talent show. The talent show is absolutely amazing!
The students imitate those they idolize. K-Pop groups. Their dance routines. In some cases, guys dress in girls' outfits and performed to a girl band's song . Funny, but not as neat as some of the other stuff that they did. Truly talents kids though.
For us English teachers, we had a game where the students tried to get us to get as many words as possible before time ran up. It was good practice for them, no matter their level in the English language. We took down their points score and such.
The prizes we told them about though disappeared. Another teacher who hadn't planned the prizes with the Korean teachers and us came and took them. Gave them away at another activity. Oh well. We will find another way to reward the students I hope. They did their best.
It rained all day but it didn't diminish the spirit of the day. Koreans love the arts and are more willing to participate than American students. They gave it their all and we had a blast!
Started in the auditorium with worship and opening ceremonies.
Then there was neat stuff to enjoy the rest of the day. Even if you were a teacher!
There was artwork displayed in the halls. There was videos and such the kids put together. They were all good too. There was the talent show. The talent show is absolutely amazing!
The students imitate those they idolize. K-Pop groups. Their dance routines. In some cases, guys dress in girls' outfits and performed to a girl band's song . Funny, but not as neat as some of the other stuff that they did. Truly talents kids though.
For us English teachers, we had a game where the students tried to get us to get as many words as possible before time ran up. It was good practice for them, no matter their level in the English language. We took down their points score and such.
The prizes we told them about though disappeared. Another teacher who hadn't planned the prizes with the Korean teachers and us came and took them. Gave them away at another activity. Oh well. We will find another way to reward the students I hope. They did their best.
It rained all day but it didn't diminish the spirit of the day. Koreans love the arts and are more willing to participate than American students. They gave it their all and we had a blast!
Eggs
As we all know, in the United States we have a lot of white eggs in grocery stores. They are so big. If you want organic or brown eggs, they cost a pretty penny if you can even find them.
Here is South Korea, all the eggs are brown. Should the event occur where white eggs are found, and it is unlikely, then they are extremely expensive.
In the cafe, all boiled eggs are brown. Fried eggs are yellow and brown. It takes some getting used to. They look like they were steamed too long.
This morning we experienced something even more unusual for a western. Small, little quail eggs. Wow.
Sports Day
Today we had no school. The entire school (except junior high schoolers) participated all day in sports!
There was so many activities: calisthenics, tug of war, hula hoops, jump rope, soccer goalie shots, dodge ball, free throw baskets, kickball, soccer, relays, obstacle course, and many more. I was only out there an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. So these are only the activities I saw them competing in.
It started bright and early. They are big on ceremony. They had a lot of fun. For the obstacle course, the girls had to get items from the crowd part way through and take those to the finish line. Teachers was one "item" and I got to run it :) It was fun.
The parents provided lunch. Oh so nice and tasty! We got free gifts too :)
The students got prizes. It was a lot of fun.
When I wasn't there, I was in my office writing lesson plans and creating tests for next week :P
There was so many activities: calisthenics, tug of war, hula hoops, jump rope, soccer goalie shots, dodge ball, free throw baskets, kickball, soccer, relays, obstacle course, and many more. I was only out there an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. So these are only the activities I saw them competing in.
It started bright and early. They are big on ceremony. They had a lot of fun. For the obstacle course, the girls had to get items from the crowd part way through and take those to the finish line. Teachers was one "item" and I got to run it :) It was fun.
The parents provided lunch. Oh so nice and tasty! We got free gifts too :)
The students got prizes. It was a lot of fun.
When I wasn't there, I was in my office writing lesson plans and creating tests for next week :P
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Lunar New Year
A person's age is different by Korean standards than we are used to. Everyone has the same birthday. The Lunar New Year is when it is celebrated.
If you are born in December and a month later is the lunar New Year, then you are a year old. If you are born a day before, then you are a year old. In the same way, being born the day after the lunar New Year, you have to just sit tight and wait for the next one to be a year old.
I might be 22 years old in the States. However here I am 23. When the New Year comes around, by Korean standards I will be 24. Interesting isn't it.
If you are born in December and a month later is the lunar New Year, then you are a year old. If you are born a day before, then you are a year old. In the same way, being born the day after the lunar New Year, you have to just sit tight and wait for the next one to be a year old.
I might be 22 years old in the States. However here I am 23. When the New Year comes around, by Korean standards I will be 24. Interesting isn't it.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Old and New
One of my Korean teachers has an interesting way of putting things. When asked about eating dog she said she couldn't. I asked why not? Was it suddenly against the law? Was she allergic? Not at all. Her generation and younger just prefers not to. They don't like it. Same with rice cake. She doesn't like rice cake. She prefers bread. In fact, anyone in their 20s or younger are a lot more westernized than we could realize.
She refers to anyone in their 20s or younger as the New Generation. Everyone older doesn't mind the old ways. They like to eat a lot of traditional foods that the New Generation wouldn't even try now. They still live in many ways as they did 50-100 years ago. The further away from big cities you go, the more you see of their old way of life. Namsan is an example of that.
Far enough away, there are elements around the village of their old lifestyle. If you walk just a little further to some of the even smaller settlements you will see more. Toilets are wherever you squat out there. A shower is a bucket of water. Homes are small structures that we would consider a beat up shed.
In town and in bigger cities are the younger citizens of Korea. They are becoming more and more westernized and the difference is surprising. A lot of what I read online before coming over was good preparation for their culture. Some of it though, at least in town, is outdated.
She refers to anyone in their 20s or younger as the New Generation. Everyone older doesn't mind the old ways. They like to eat a lot of traditional foods that the New Generation wouldn't even try now. They still live in many ways as they did 50-100 years ago. The further away from big cities you go, the more you see of their old way of life. Namsan is an example of that.
Far enough away, there are elements around the village of their old lifestyle. If you walk just a little further to some of the even smaller settlements you will see more. Toilets are wherever you squat out there. A shower is a bucket of water. Homes are small structures that we would consider a beat up shed.
In town and in bigger cities are the younger citizens of Korea. They are becoming more and more westernized and the difference is surprising. A lot of what I read online before coming over was good preparation for their culture. Some of it though, at least in town, is outdated.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Energetic Night
So I got through my last class and settled into my office chair with a sigh. Monday was over. Now the fun could begin. All us English teachers and our amazing Korean teachers gathered together to enjoy a few rounds of intense monopoly deal. Great game. Great social rejuvenation.
Then as we were heading out for supper, we realized that cafe food just wasn't going to cut it. We wanted pizza. So it was called in and one of us took his motorcycle into town to pick it up. Each English teacher bought their own amazing pizza. One got a bulgogi pizza. One got a sweet potatoe pizza. I disappointed Koreans everywhere and got a plain cheese pizza. This was a disappointment because it is the only pizza without corn on it.
We played 6 amazing games of rumikube... each of us winning twice. It was a lot of fun and I know I couldn't stop laughing. The coke didn't help: caffeine and sugar. Both get into my system and I get super jumpy and hyper.
After that a friend and I went to the weight room. It was my first time there. He showed me where to get the key, what equiptment was there, and then we each started exercising to our hearts' content. I got my 10 inclined situps out of the way. Need to do more next time. Then jumped on the bike and did arm curls while biking. 150 arm curls per hand. I think I am going to get a bigger weight next time. Benchpressed the bar 20 times. Then enjoyed the treadmill. I couldn't jog on it without making it stop running so I settled for a fast walk. After the bike, it was a good workout. Finished up with their idea of a hula hoop. Bigger, thicker, heavier, with knobs on the inside that give your stomach and back quick a beating up. That will take some getting used to.
Then we returned the key and cooled off as we walked back to our respective apartments. I feel pretty motivated so am going to practice the four hip hop routines I know. Then I will try to master Tai Chi again... well, the next form that has kept me at a standstill.
I was pretty blah this weekend. Kinda in the dumps a little bit. Didn't really get out much except for an amazing walk. Classes today were a joy. I couldn't stop smiling even when some of my classes had impatient students unwilling to return to studying after midterms. Other classes my students were a dream and eager to participate in class. For a Monday, it was a good day.
Then as we were heading out for supper, we realized that cafe food just wasn't going to cut it. We wanted pizza. So it was called in and one of us took his motorcycle into town to pick it up. Each English teacher bought their own amazing pizza. One got a bulgogi pizza. One got a sweet potatoe pizza. I disappointed Koreans everywhere and got a plain cheese pizza. This was a disappointment because it is the only pizza without corn on it.
We played 6 amazing games of rumikube... each of us winning twice. It was a lot of fun and I know I couldn't stop laughing. The coke didn't help: caffeine and sugar. Both get into my system and I get super jumpy and hyper.
After that a friend and I went to the weight room. It was my first time there. He showed me where to get the key, what equiptment was there, and then we each started exercising to our hearts' content. I got my 10 inclined situps out of the way. Need to do more next time. Then jumped on the bike and did arm curls while biking. 150 arm curls per hand. I think I am going to get a bigger weight next time. Benchpressed the bar 20 times. Then enjoyed the treadmill. I couldn't jog on it without making it stop running so I settled for a fast walk. After the bike, it was a good workout. Finished up with their idea of a hula hoop. Bigger, thicker, heavier, with knobs on the inside that give your stomach and back quick a beating up. That will take some getting used to.
Then we returned the key and cooled off as we walked back to our respective apartments. I feel pretty motivated so am going to practice the four hip hop routines I know. Then I will try to master Tai Chi again... well, the next form that has kept me at a standstill.
I was pretty blah this weekend. Kinda in the dumps a little bit. Didn't really get out much except for an amazing walk. Classes today were a joy. I couldn't stop smiling even when some of my classes had impatient students unwilling to return to studying after midterms. Other classes my students were a dream and eager to participate in class. For a Monday, it was a good day.
Midterm Exhaustion
Midterms must have been pretty rough for the students. In all the classes, the teachers are teaching a little bit and then giving the students free time. I did that for my junior culture class (favorite students!) and the girls promptly passed out. The boys did the homework before they too fell asleep. I looked around in surprise. Didn't they just have the whole weekend off? It is their culture to push and push. Silly students. I care about them though. I want to help them learn. I can't do anything though if they are asleep.
Sophomore Conversation
The conversation classes are well-known for being the hardest to classes to teach. The Sophomores are well-known for being the toughest students to keep on task. Put the two together and voila, pandemonium.
Today is the first day after midterms. The students were not ready to get back into the swing of things. It was pretty hectic and crazy. As I was teaching the proper use of the words "for" and "when," they kept inserting into their sentences phrases like "play monopoloy deal" and "watch a movie."
Several students were very insistent that it was Korean culture to plays games after a test. That I should adapt to Korean culture. It was interesting to see their reactions when I told them I would email my superior concerning this and included a student's name in that.
Finally their energy knew no bounds. Between talking louder than me, using Korean, and rough-housing I decided it was a good time to implement the homework stars. I almost made two stars. The first earned them 25 sentences. Every time I have to do a star, that will go up. Hopefully they start policing each other. If not, then, well I will find a way to control my class.
I am going to definitely make a seating chart. The ultimate punishment for the boys is sitting next to a girl. And two of my girls need to be separated. I have already started asking if they have their textbooks and workbooks when I take attendance so that they have no excuse. If they don't have them, I will email my supervisor as they already were warned. Last but not least, they can stand against the wall for class if they can't keep from knocking each other to the ground.
As hectic as class was, I was laughing when I left. One girl had even written "Mindy I love u" on the board. It was sweet. I accomplished, somehow, what I had planned. They didn't get their workbooks done so it is homework. I'll check them when we have class again. All is planned and ideas are in place in case those plans need backup :D
Today is the first day after midterms. The students were not ready to get back into the swing of things. It was pretty hectic and crazy. As I was teaching the proper use of the words "for" and "when," they kept inserting into their sentences phrases like "play monopoloy deal" and "watch a movie."
Several students were very insistent that it was Korean culture to plays games after a test. That I should adapt to Korean culture. It was interesting to see their reactions when I told them I would email my superior concerning this and included a student's name in that.
Finally their energy knew no bounds. Between talking louder than me, using Korean, and rough-housing I decided it was a good time to implement the homework stars. I almost made two stars. The first earned them 25 sentences. Every time I have to do a star, that will go up. Hopefully they start policing each other. If not, then, well I will find a way to control my class.
I am going to definitely make a seating chart. The ultimate punishment for the boys is sitting next to a girl. And two of my girls need to be separated. I have already started asking if they have their textbooks and workbooks when I take attendance so that they have no excuse. If they don't have them, I will email my supervisor as they already were warned. Last but not least, they can stand against the wall for class if they can't keep from knocking each other to the ground.
As hectic as class was, I was laughing when I left. One girl had even written "Mindy I love u" on the board. It was sweet. I accomplished, somehow, what I had planned. They didn't get their workbooks done so it is homework. I'll check them when we have class again. All is planned and ideas are in place in case those plans need backup :D
Riddle - houses
There was a green house.
Inside it was a white house.
Inside that was a red house.
Inside that was a lot of babies.
What is it?
***
Answer: a watermelon.
Inside it was a white house.
Inside that was a red house.
Inside that was a lot of babies.
What is it?
***
Answer: a watermelon.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Exercise - New Place
Yesterday I was going stir crazy in my apartment and the weekend wasn't even half over yet. I thought about facebooking a fellow English teacher and begging to go for a walk, but figured I better wait until later afternoon. She had the same idea, and got a hold of me. We went walking where I hadn't been yet.
We took the road down towards Namsan, but instead of turning towards it, we went the opposite direction. Lo and behold there was a dam. Well, not right away. Went through a small village first. The reservoir is really low right now but it was so pretty. The mountains (they are not hills to me) surrounded it and reflected in the water. There were birds about. There were random flowers. It was really pretty.
The walk there and back was also interesting. Every INCH of spare ground was being used to grow flowers and vegetables. Small holding pens held cows and those cows will live in those small pens their entire lives. The people we met were friendly and we somehow managed to talk to each other despite our language barrier. Arches, walls, and even roof tops had plants on them with gourds, squash, and melons growing down from them. Yes, I walked under a melon.
It was a good way to get out. A good way to spend my Saturday.
We took the road down towards Namsan, but instead of turning towards it, we went the opposite direction. Lo and behold there was a dam. Well, not right away. Went through a small village first. The reservoir is really low right now but it was so pretty. The mountains (they are not hills to me) surrounded it and reflected in the water. There were birds about. There were random flowers. It was really pretty.
The walk there and back was also interesting. Every INCH of spare ground was being used to grow flowers and vegetables. Small holding pens held cows and those cows will live in those small pens their entire lives. The people we met were friendly and we somehow managed to talk to each other despite our language barrier. Arches, walls, and even roof tops had plants on them with gourds, squash, and melons growing down from them. Yes, I walked under a melon.
It was a good way to get out. A good way to spend my Saturday.
Preparing
Fridays are those blessed days dedicated to the creation of lesson plans and other needed materials for teaching with the following week.
This last Friday was no different. The English teachers don't have classes on Friday like the rest of the school. So that helps us concentrate entirely on next week. I have three culture, or social studies, classes that I teach. One for each grade level. This coming week I decided I wanted to incorporate beautiful powerpoints that went into more detail than their textbooks. I knocked myself out with those powerpoints too. Discussing with one of my Korean teachers, who aides me in the classroom, how I was doing the powerpoints led to the extension of those lessons with projects and presentations. Where possible, we threw in parts of movies to watch. All of this added another week and a half to one section of a chapter. It is thorough though and hopefully they will pick up more English. I must remember to be more animated in class as well :D
All my classes where I have a Korean helping me teach requires a lesson plan. Those are done. The classes I teach on my own don't even have a curriculum and we are figuring it out as we go. So those classes I gave up on the lesson plans for this coming week. Will try to figure out how much these kids can do in one class period and then try those again. Then there are the co-teaching classes where I show up for 20 minutes, do something random, then leave. The teachers in those classes didn't want me around the last two weeks due to studying for midterms. So I am still trying to figure out what to do for those ones.
Overall though, I feel confident about this coming week. There is no school on Thursday due to a festival, so I only had to plan three days. Granted in one class I planned the next 3.5 weeks. The point is, I am ready. Bring it on!
This last Friday was no different. The English teachers don't have classes on Friday like the rest of the school. So that helps us concentrate entirely on next week. I have three culture, or social studies, classes that I teach. One for each grade level. This coming week I decided I wanted to incorporate beautiful powerpoints that went into more detail than their textbooks. I knocked myself out with those powerpoints too. Discussing with one of my Korean teachers, who aides me in the classroom, how I was doing the powerpoints led to the extension of those lessons with projects and presentations. Where possible, we threw in parts of movies to watch. All of this added another week and a half to one section of a chapter. It is thorough though and hopefully they will pick up more English. I must remember to be more animated in class as well :D
All my classes where I have a Korean helping me teach requires a lesson plan. Those are done. The classes I teach on my own don't even have a curriculum and we are figuring it out as we go. So those classes I gave up on the lesson plans for this coming week. Will try to figure out how much these kids can do in one class period and then try those again. Then there are the co-teaching classes where I show up for 20 minutes, do something random, then leave. The teachers in those classes didn't want me around the last two weeks due to studying for midterms. So I am still trying to figure out what to do for those ones.
Overall though, I feel confident about this coming week. There is no school on Thursday due to a festival, so I only had to plan three days. Granted in one class I planned the next 3.5 weeks. The point is, I am ready. Bring it on!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Angong
Today we worked at the school for an hour, then the Vice Principle (VP) took us foreign teachers out to play tourist.
We went to the Angong folk village.
The day started out beautiful. The sun was shining. There was a good breeze. We jumped into the VP's car and headed off campus. We drove through Namsan and to Naim. In Naim, we stopped at a market to pick up snacks. Then we continued on our way for another hour.
Once we got to Angong, we drove to the folk village area. We didn't have to pay to drive in because us foreigners were along :) This entire year is tourist year. They let the foreigners do a lot of stuff for free! We parked and went to the Hahoe Mask Museum. They didn't allow pictures in there sadly. There were masks from all around the world with information on all of them. The history behind them. It was absolutely amazing.
After that, we went back to Angong and went out to eat. We went to a traditional Korean restaurant that Elizabeth II had visited. It was amazing!! Totally took a lot of pictures! The food was really good. I can't remember now what any of the dishes was called. I can tell you that it filled me up for the rest of the day. There was strips of beef covered in sauce with toppings. There was a noodle dish. There was a main dish that had many vegetables and chicken and noodles all covered in sauce. The chicken over here, by the way, still has the bone in it. There was fish and fish guts too, but I didn't try it. There were several other small dishes and rice, but I don't remember them much. I was having too much fun ;)
There was a game out on the lawn outside where you throw sticks into pots. It is really fun. We did that while we were waiting for our food to be ready. Of course we took pictures too ;)
After lunch we drove back to the folk village area and once again parked. Then we walked past the museum and the market that is set up there to a bus stop in that folk village area. We took a bus to the folk village itself. When we got off, we went to see a mask dance that was going on. The mask festival is this week. It was really funny even though I didn't understand the Korean words that were spoken. It wasn't just a dance, but a play as well.
Continuing our walk, we went around the entire village. There were so many neat buildings. You could see how the different dwellings were set up. The way that they heated them under the floors. There were some shops too and yes, I couldn't resist buying two or three items. We came to a playground. Their swings are super tall and you are supposed to stand on the swing and make it go that way. Also the teeter totters are meant to be jumped on, and I did pretty well if I say so myself. They are wide, thick boards that aren't more than a foot off the ground.
Down by the river is an amazing cliff. The river is super wide, wider than the Kansas river in Manhattan, KS. There are super wide sandbars. The boulders that fell from the cliff on the other side are more like small hills than boulders. And the trees are so thick and twisted that it is easy to climb them. My camera died at this point so I had others with me take pictures for me with their cameras.
We finally finished and headed back towards the school. We stopped in Namsan for supper. Had an amazing rice dish. You have a mound of fried rice with egg crumbles on top. You also have a sauce with vegetables diced up in it. You mixed the two and enjoy :) That particular dish comes with soup... but the octopus tentacles inside of it convinced us foreigners that we weren't that brave.
Finally we returned and I am not going to lie, I'm exhausted! It was a lot of fun though and I really enjoyed the day. It was well planned. Also the school was generous in not only providing that time off but paying for everything too.
We went to the Angong folk village.
The day started out beautiful. The sun was shining. There was a good breeze. We jumped into the VP's car and headed off campus. We drove through Namsan and to Naim. In Naim, we stopped at a market to pick up snacks. Then we continued on our way for another hour.
Once we got to Angong, we drove to the folk village area. We didn't have to pay to drive in because us foreigners were along :) This entire year is tourist year. They let the foreigners do a lot of stuff for free! We parked and went to the Hahoe Mask Museum. They didn't allow pictures in there sadly. There were masks from all around the world with information on all of them. The history behind them. It was absolutely amazing.
After that, we went back to Angong and went out to eat. We went to a traditional Korean restaurant that Elizabeth II had visited. It was amazing!! Totally took a lot of pictures! The food was really good. I can't remember now what any of the dishes was called. I can tell you that it filled me up for the rest of the day. There was strips of beef covered in sauce with toppings. There was a noodle dish. There was a main dish that had many vegetables and chicken and noodles all covered in sauce. The chicken over here, by the way, still has the bone in it. There was fish and fish guts too, but I didn't try it. There were several other small dishes and rice, but I don't remember them much. I was having too much fun ;)
There was a game out on the lawn outside where you throw sticks into pots. It is really fun. We did that while we were waiting for our food to be ready. Of course we took pictures too ;)
After lunch we drove back to the folk village area and once again parked. Then we walked past the museum and the market that is set up there to a bus stop in that folk village area. We took a bus to the folk village itself. When we got off, we went to see a mask dance that was going on. The mask festival is this week. It was really funny even though I didn't understand the Korean words that were spoken. It wasn't just a dance, but a play as well.
Continuing our walk, we went around the entire village. There were so many neat buildings. You could see how the different dwellings were set up. The way that they heated them under the floors. There were some shops too and yes, I couldn't resist buying two or three items. We came to a playground. Their swings are super tall and you are supposed to stand on the swing and make it go that way. Also the teeter totters are meant to be jumped on, and I did pretty well if I say so myself. They are wide, thick boards that aren't more than a foot off the ground.
Down by the river is an amazing cliff. The river is super wide, wider than the Kansas river in Manhattan, KS. There are super wide sandbars. The boulders that fell from the cliff on the other side are more like small hills than boulders. And the trees are so thick and twisted that it is easy to climb them. My camera died at this point so I had others with me take pictures for me with their cameras.
We finally finished and headed back towards the school. We stopped in Namsan for supper. Had an amazing rice dish. You have a mound of fried rice with egg crumbles on top. You also have a sauce with vegetables diced up in it. You mixed the two and enjoy :) That particular dish comes with soup... but the octopus tentacles inside of it convinced us foreigners that we weren't that brave.
Finally we returned and I am not going to lie, I'm exhausted! It was a lot of fun though and I really enjoyed the day. It was well planned. Also the school was generous in not only providing that time off but paying for everything too.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Skillet
There is a Christian Rock band I really enjoy listening to. The group, Skillet, has so many uplifting messages. They especially resound with teenagers and young adults who may feel overwhelmed at times with life.
There is a song called Hero I have been listening to. Here is some of the lyrics:
Who's gonna fight for what's right?
Who's gonna help us survive?
We're in the fight of our lives
And we're not ready to die
Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Who's gonna make 'em believe?
I've got a hero, I've got a hero
Living in me
It really means a lot to me to have bands out there like this.
Here is what Skillet wrote about this song when they were putting it out:
"This song is the platform over which the whole record was written. Basically every day seems to get weirder, darker and scarier with thousands of people losing their homes and hurting over a wide variety of reasons. You see so much negativity on the news, especially this sense of violence that's getting really crazy. With all this going on, it's easy to feel on the edge, but no matter how dark it gets, there's always hope in a new day and staying positive is the first step. And when you boil it all down, Christ is the one who gives us a reason to live and He's our 'Hero' who's fighting for all of this oppression and injustice."
Music resounds inside of me all day long. I like to put Christian music there that reminds me that Jesus has my back. Jesus will take care of me. Jesus can use me and even if I mess up He will save me just in time.
Skillet has many more amazing songs like Hero. They might be all rock band, but if something brings you closer to Jesus and reminds you of who He is and what He means, then who are we to judge?
There is a song called Hero I have been listening to. Here is some of the lyrics:
Who's gonna fight for what's right?
Who's gonna help us survive?
We're in the fight of our lives
And we're not ready to die
Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Who's gonna make 'em believe?
I've got a hero, I've got a hero
Living in me
It really means a lot to me to have bands out there like this.
Here is what Skillet wrote about this song when they were putting it out:
"This song is the platform over which the whole record was written. Basically every day seems to get weirder, darker and scarier with thousands of people losing their homes and hurting over a wide variety of reasons. You see so much negativity on the news, especially this sense of violence that's getting really crazy. With all this going on, it's easy to feel on the edge, but no matter how dark it gets, there's always hope in a new day and staying positive is the first step. And when you boil it all down, Christ is the one who gives us a reason to live and He's our 'Hero' who's fighting for all of this oppression and injustice."
Music resounds inside of me all day long. I like to put Christian music there that reminds me that Jesus has my back. Jesus will take care of me. Jesus can use me and even if I mess up He will save me just in time.
Skillet has many more amazing songs like Hero. They might be all rock band, but if something brings you closer to Jesus and reminds you of who He is and what He means, then who are we to judge?
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