Saturday, December 31, 2011
Spice
So I finally know the secret to eating spicy flavored foods. The advice is from a Korean too. Simply keep eating it. Evidently spicy foods is an addiction and if you eat it enough, you won't be able to stop. Is this really advice I want to take?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Teas
I am so grateful I stocked up on teas. When I first got sick, I was pretty worried since I forgot to bring cough syrup with me. Indeed it was a hard few days there. I kept gargling salt water, drinking nice warm and soothing teas, and taking hot showers. Anything and everything to be able to breathe easier. In Korea, when you are sick you have to deal with it. You still go about your day even if your temperature is 102.5 and your throwing up. That is the way life is here. The only exception is if your in the hospital.
The reason? How else will they know you are diligent.
Thankfully, this week was my vacation. And those teas my lifesavor. Each cup I drank, I could feel it making it easier to breathe. More like each sip. It is partially just from being warm. I think the warm water alone would have done good. Also though, I think tea has some very good healing properties. And yes, I put in my honey. I have gotten plenty of advice. I don't know why honey works. It does though. If your sick, drink a warm drink with honey in it. Lemon too if you can handle that.
The reason? How else will they know you are diligent.
Thankfully, this week was my vacation. And those teas my lifesavor. Each cup I drank, I could feel it making it easier to breathe. More like each sip. It is partially just from being warm. I think the warm water alone would have done good. Also though, I think tea has some very good healing properties. And yes, I put in my honey. I have gotten plenty of advice. I don't know why honey works. It does though. If your sick, drink a warm drink with honey in it. Lemon too if you can handle that.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Out and About
This last weekend wasn't the best. I wasn't feeling very well so stayed in bed the whole time. Monday evening I thought to myself, enough is enough. I'm getting up and out of here tomorrow. Tomorrow came. I wondered if I should just go to the office and work on lesson plans. But you know, if I am going to all the work of getting out of here then I should make it worth it.
So I bundled up, grabbed tissues and my purse, and started hiking to Namsan to catch a bus. Didn't get very far. The shortcut behind the cafe that goes down hill... had ice. I fell of course. A Korean lady saw me and ran over chattering in Korean. I gave her a thumbs up and she motioned me to the other side of the brick path. So I jumped over and gave the thumbs up again and she knodded, chattering a mile a minute the whole time. I smiled to her and went on my way.
At the bottom off to the side is a backyard to some apartments. Oh Lord please hide my blunder from their eyes and memory! Kept walking. Got to the front of those apartments where people were waving and saying goodbye to some other people. I bowed and kept walking.
One of the cars passed me and stopped. I walked up to it and looked inside. I couldn't tell if he was a teacher here or not. So many look the same. He offered a ride and so I climbed in. I said Jain, and he asked where after that. So I said Sawol station and he knodded and said Gyeongsan. As he drove, I learned he was the father of a freshman highschool girl age 18. He had another older daughter, but would really like a son. His English was good (to me, he didn't think so) because he went to seminary in the Philippians. I was like, "Seminary? So you are a pastor?" He knodded and said he was director of something or another at the conference office. Oh boy... someone important.
He asked where I was going from Sawol and I said downtown. His office is downtown so he kept driving. I want to buy presents for family back home, but I don't know what to buy. He said truly Korean gifts required a guide to find them or make them. He gave me his business card and I wrote his wife's name and number on it. She will take me shopping sometime next month. I am excited, but unsure what it will be like. Anyrate, he dropped me off at Banwondong. Or so I thought.
This is the stop on the route where you can either walk or switch trains. I always have walked. Well, I didn't recognize anything. So I went downstairs and went to exit 12. It was not the exit 12 I knew. How come I get lost every time I go downtown by myself? Anyrate, I figured out that Banwondang plaza and station are two separate things. I started walking in the direction I figured was the right direction (and I was right.)
As I was walking along, a tall Korean (taller than me by a lot) spoke English to me. I was surprised and he carried an easy conversation. He said he had seen me around there before and did I work in the area. I told him I was a teacher, and no I didn't. (I think it was a pick up line.) He was trying to call the owner of a space that was right there about renting it for an office. He had been to New York and that was why his English was so good. I tried asking if I was going in the right direction. He wasn't sure of where the Lotte Young Plaza was. A white guy and his Korean girlfriend walked by.
Okay, I'm adjusting to Korea very well because I rather ask a Korean who may not understand English well for directions instead of another foreigner who probably shops there all the time. What is not right about this?
My friendly Korean guy pointed to them and was really excited. He was like, "He has a Korean girlfriend! I want a foreigner girlfriend!." I was like, "that is my cue... bye." He stopped some other Korean ladies and asked them for me and they gave directions. I think he wanted to escort me there, but I wasn't willing to wait for him to finish setting up the agreement for renting that office space. Also, I am pretty sure he was in his 40s. Boyfriend?! I got a bit uncertain and gracefully made my exit.
I now knew where I was and enjoyed the rest of my trip. In the end I didn't do any shopping. Just got supper and saw a movie. A movie in English might I point out. That was really important. I am starting to say some of my phrases super basic like a Korean who is learning English. So being in a setting where normal English (even if it was a bit old English... Sherlock Holmes) was used was nice.
So I bundled up, grabbed tissues and my purse, and started hiking to Namsan to catch a bus. Didn't get very far. The shortcut behind the cafe that goes down hill... had ice. I fell of course. A Korean lady saw me and ran over chattering in Korean. I gave her a thumbs up and she motioned me to the other side of the brick path. So I jumped over and gave the thumbs up again and she knodded, chattering a mile a minute the whole time. I smiled to her and went on my way.
At the bottom off to the side is a backyard to some apartments. Oh Lord please hide my blunder from their eyes and memory! Kept walking. Got to the front of those apartments where people were waving and saying goodbye to some other people. I bowed and kept walking.
One of the cars passed me and stopped. I walked up to it and looked inside. I couldn't tell if he was a teacher here or not. So many look the same. He offered a ride and so I climbed in. I said Jain, and he asked where after that. So I said Sawol station and he knodded and said Gyeongsan. As he drove, I learned he was the father of a freshman highschool girl age 18. He had another older daughter, but would really like a son. His English was good (to me, he didn't think so) because he went to seminary in the Philippians. I was like, "Seminary? So you are a pastor?" He knodded and said he was director of something or another at the conference office. Oh boy... someone important.
He asked where I was going from Sawol and I said downtown. His office is downtown so he kept driving. I want to buy presents for family back home, but I don't know what to buy. He said truly Korean gifts required a guide to find them or make them. He gave me his business card and I wrote his wife's name and number on it. She will take me shopping sometime next month. I am excited, but unsure what it will be like. Anyrate, he dropped me off at Banwondong. Or so I thought.
This is the stop on the route where you can either walk or switch trains. I always have walked. Well, I didn't recognize anything. So I went downstairs and went to exit 12. It was not the exit 12 I knew. How come I get lost every time I go downtown by myself? Anyrate, I figured out that Banwondang plaza and station are two separate things. I started walking in the direction I figured was the right direction (and I was right.)
As I was walking along, a tall Korean (taller than me by a lot) spoke English to me. I was surprised and he carried an easy conversation. He said he had seen me around there before and did I work in the area. I told him I was a teacher, and no I didn't. (I think it was a pick up line.) He was trying to call the owner of a space that was right there about renting it for an office. He had been to New York and that was why his English was so good. I tried asking if I was going in the right direction. He wasn't sure of where the Lotte Young Plaza was. A white guy and his Korean girlfriend walked by.
Okay, I'm adjusting to Korea very well because I rather ask a Korean who may not understand English well for directions instead of another foreigner who probably shops there all the time. What is not right about this?
My friendly Korean guy pointed to them and was really excited. He was like, "He has a Korean girlfriend! I want a foreigner girlfriend!." I was like, "that is my cue... bye." He stopped some other Korean ladies and asked them for me and they gave directions. I think he wanted to escort me there, but I wasn't willing to wait for him to finish setting up the agreement for renting that office space. Also, I am pretty sure he was in his 40s. Boyfriend?! I got a bit uncertain and gracefully made my exit.
I now knew where I was and enjoyed the rest of my trip. In the end I didn't do any shopping. Just got supper and saw a movie. A movie in English might I point out. That was really important. I am starting to say some of my phrases super basic like a Korean who is learning English. So being in a setting where normal English (even if it was a bit old English... Sherlock Holmes) was used was nice.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Dwight Nelson
I spent Christmas Eve, and my Sabbath, watching an online sermon by Dwight Nelson. I really like this pastor and the thoughts that he brings to the table. However, I also am suspicious of pastors and their intentions. Some are genuinely interested in humanity and helping us know Jesus better. Others think they are, but in reality want to take what they learned in theology school and transplant it into your brain. I'm not fond of the latter but run across them every now and then.
As I was saying, I enjoy listening to Dwight Nelson. A relative of mine asked me some weeks ago concerning a post I had made. I had been enthusiastic about what I had learned from Dwight Nelson regarding the angel Gabriel. She asked if it was biblical. I said of course, since there had been texts for everything he had said. I encouraged her to go research it for herself. Well it has been bothering me so I started that sermon over with the studyguide printed out and ready.
I didn't even get halfway through when I depressedly stopped. He has good ideas. I can see the gears in the brain turning. However, some of what he claims is in the Bible wasn't there when I looked them up. Some of what he said was fact, well, according to my New King James Version Bible isn't specific. It doesn't say one way or the other. It was simple assumption. Other things he said were on the mark and I am appreciative for those insights as they help me understand God better. So mixed blessing.
After writing down notes and going back and forth, I feel that even if you love your pastor and trust him... you should still look it up for yourself. I can't ask Nelson any questions as he is from a big church across the ocean. I can pray though for direction and keep studying. That is what I intend to do.
As I was saying, I enjoy listening to Dwight Nelson. A relative of mine asked me some weeks ago concerning a post I had made. I had been enthusiastic about what I had learned from Dwight Nelson regarding the angel Gabriel. She asked if it was biblical. I said of course, since there had been texts for everything he had said. I encouraged her to go research it for herself. Well it has been bothering me so I started that sermon over with the studyguide printed out and ready.
I didn't even get halfway through when I depressedly stopped. He has good ideas. I can see the gears in the brain turning. However, some of what he claims is in the Bible wasn't there when I looked them up. Some of what he said was fact, well, according to my New King James Version Bible isn't specific. It doesn't say one way or the other. It was simple assumption. Other things he said were on the mark and I am appreciative for those insights as they help me understand God better. So mixed blessing.
After writing down notes and going back and forth, I feel that even if you love your pastor and trust him... you should still look it up for yourself. I can't ask Nelson any questions as he is from a big church across the ocean. I can pray though for direction and keep studying. That is what I intend to do.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Instant
Something I find I really like here in South Korea is the wide use of instant drinks. Coffee packets, tea packets. You just add them to water and drink. It is always so tasty.
I have always struggled with knowing how much cream and/or sugar to put in my coffee. I finally found a brand, Gevalia, that I really like. I only need some creamer and was fine without the sugar. Obviously I couldn't bring my coffee pot with me so I left all my coffee supplies at grandma's.
Tea was simple for me to make. Stick the tea bag or tea container into the cup, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes (I like it strong) and then drink. No sugar necessary for me.
Now I am in Korea where all these wonderful packets sit on the store shelves. I have plenty to choose from. They are the right mix and combination. I am glad. I first started with coffee that had chocolate in it. So yummy and a great way to help one feel better if lonely or cold. Then today (because of my sore throat) I bought more tea and discovered that they also come in instant packets. I had been using peppermint tea, but picked up a few others including lemon. Also got some honey. Anyrate, I made pomegranate first and sipped my warm drink. I was surprised at how sweet and yummy it was. No wonder Koreans consider tea dessert. Now I have a cup of raspberry tea. The packet is perfect for the normal cup size of 8 ounces!
I have always struggled with knowing how much cream and/or sugar to put in my coffee. I finally found a brand, Gevalia, that I really like. I only need some creamer and was fine without the sugar. Obviously I couldn't bring my coffee pot with me so I left all my coffee supplies at grandma's.
Tea was simple for me to make. Stick the tea bag or tea container into the cup, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes (I like it strong) and then drink. No sugar necessary for me.
Now I am in Korea where all these wonderful packets sit on the store shelves. I have plenty to choose from. They are the right mix and combination. I am glad. I first started with coffee that had chocolate in it. So yummy and a great way to help one feel better if lonely or cold. Then today (because of my sore throat) I bought more tea and discovered that they also come in instant packets. I had been using peppermint tea, but picked up a few others including lemon. Also got some honey. Anyrate, I made pomegranate first and sipped my warm drink. I was surprised at how sweet and yummy it was. No wonder Koreans consider tea dessert. Now I have a cup of raspberry tea. The packet is perfect for the normal cup size of 8 ounces!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Staff Party
Today was such a crazy and unplanned day. Classes canceled, classes switched, students asking complicated questions, take-out supper, lots of Monopoly Deal. However the biggest surprise was after supper at 6pm. We went to an event held by the school. All the staff here at YoungNam SahmYook academy gathered for games and a raffle. Everyone got something in the raffle (prizes being things you use around the house like tissues, sesame oil, and laundry detergent.) I won deordorizer containers. A lady near me won kimchi containers. Michael won vegetable rinse and serve containers. We played a championship style series of games. The game involves sticks that you throw on a blanket. Depending how they land determines how your team can move their pawns on the "game board." It reminds me of the board game "Sorry." There was tons of food to eat. Mandarins, crackers and chips that you can only find in South Korea, small lotto chocolates, and juice. I definitely had my fair share of chocolates and such. However I got in quite a few cups of orange juice so I wasn't COMPLETELY unhealthy ;) On our way out, we each got a package of toilet paper... which is 30 rolls. Your set for several months on that :) Saves money and time too. Those aren't easy to carrying from E Mart on the bus.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Holiday Care Package
Over the weekend and the last two days I have been struggling to keep my chin up. Holiday season is here and I am basically by myself. I want nothing more than to be stateside for the rest of the year, but unfortunately that isn't possible.
Then today as I sat dismally in chapel, listening to the students perform with their instruments, Teacher Martin came by and told me I had a parcel in the office. I blinked and asked if he meant I had a package. He knodded and left. As soon as chapel was over, I tore out of the auditorium and to the administrative office. There sat a box with my name on it.
Excitedly I carried it to my office. Inside was a wonderful birthday card from my dad. Then green, green, and more green. We all know that is my favorite color. There were Christmas decorations, candy, clothing, my favorite scent from Bath and Body Works... and a much coveted prize - silverware. I have normal knives, forks, and spoons. Thank the Lord!
Then I came to a note... don't go any further until December 24, Christmas Eve. Hey now! Hehe. That was an awesome idea and gives me yet something more to look forward to. Thank you dad and Linda! I miss you all so much!
Then today as I sat dismally in chapel, listening to the students perform with their instruments, Teacher Martin came by and told me I had a parcel in the office. I blinked and asked if he meant I had a package. He knodded and left. As soon as chapel was over, I tore out of the auditorium and to the administrative office. There sat a box with my name on it.
Excitedly I carried it to my office. Inside was a wonderful birthday card from my dad. Then green, green, and more green. We all know that is my favorite color. There were Christmas decorations, candy, clothing, my favorite scent from Bath and Body Works... and a much coveted prize - silverware. I have normal knives, forks, and spoons. Thank the Lord!
Then I came to a note... don't go any further until December 24, Christmas Eve. Hey now! Hehe. That was an awesome idea and gives me yet something more to look forward to. Thank you dad and Linda! I miss you all so much!
ARC and Bank Account
I got my Alien Registration Card yesterday. Yay! Now we are going to try to get me a bank account again. Looking forward to it. Hope that paypal can be hooked up with it. That would make so much a lot easier.
Oh yeah, and for those cards that aren't in the mail yet, today I will be putting the rest in. So mail! Yay! And if you would like me to send you a card... just say so. I will gladly go buy one or write a letter and send you mail.
Oh yeah, and for those cards that aren't in the mail yet, today I will be putting the rest in. So mail! Yay! And if you would like me to send you a card... just say so. I will gladly go buy one or write a letter and send you mail.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Out with the old and in with the new...?
Well I guess everyone is aware now that Kim Jong Il is dead. North Korea is on a delicate balance at the moment. Though there is a chosen heir, the possibility of a power struggle is very high. Let us pray this danger stays in North Korea. Though that is questionable as there are already rumors of a missile strike in Seoul. Waiting to see what happens. United States of America is looking really good at the moment. I'm ready to come home if the need arises. However, God placed me here so if He wants me to stay put then I will.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/18/world/asia/north-korea-leader-dead/?hpt=hp_t1
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/18/world/asia/north-korea-leader-dead/?hpt=hp_t1
Speech Contest
Today at the auditorium, Michael and Linda were the judges for the speeches the students gave. Between sets of speeches, I went up and asked questions. Basically between that and a raffle the kids got a lot of presents. It was fun. However the whole thing was like two hours long so it got a bit old. It was also impromptu so I was really uncertain of what was to happen when. Good thing Teacher Oh was there to tell me what to do and say when.
Going Home
So the school changed their minds about whether I could go home during winter break or not. I am allowed to. YES!!!
So I was going to show up and surprise everyone, but you know, after all the drama of the last couple weeks I am just telling you straight up. I am going to come home. Not for as long as I would have liked. Jetlag is going to be a problem. However I am going stateside!
I have so much to do. I am going to empty my storage unit in Lincoln and move everything back to the farm like grandma has been telling me to do. Should have listened to her. Must go find my brother and chill with him. I GET TO DRIVE MY CAR!!!! Yes!
I wish I could visit everyone, but I don't think that is going to happen. Next year, hopefully, I will have better luck on the timing and working with the school. The school though is very strange in their ideas. Things that are okay in America are not okay here.
So excited I can just get back and see my brother... I love the rest of you as well. Just remember, he is my twin. I really want to see him.
I leave here hopefully on January 20... and that means I will probably arrive January 20. Funny huh. Will email and all that when I get an actual plane ticket in my hand. The school is only paying for me to go to the states. I have to pay my way back. So I am totally saving. So excited!
So I was going to show up and surprise everyone, but you know, after all the drama of the last couple weeks I am just telling you straight up. I am going to come home. Not for as long as I would have liked. Jetlag is going to be a problem. However I am going stateside!
I have so much to do. I am going to empty my storage unit in Lincoln and move everything back to the farm like grandma has been telling me to do. Should have listened to her. Must go find my brother and chill with him. I GET TO DRIVE MY CAR!!!! Yes!
I wish I could visit everyone, but I don't think that is going to happen. Next year, hopefully, I will have better luck on the timing and working with the school. The school though is very strange in their ideas. Things that are okay in America are not okay here.
So excited I can just get back and see my brother... I love the rest of you as well. Just remember, he is my twin. I really want to see him.
I leave here hopefully on January 20... and that means I will probably arrive January 20. Funny huh. Will email and all that when I get an actual plane ticket in my hand. The school is only paying for me to go to the states. I have to pay my way back. So I am totally saving. So excited!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Fork or Chopsticks
In my last post I talked about my amazing American meal at Travelers. Well I forgot one small detail. When I tried to eat the coleslaw with a fork, it wasn't working out to well. Can't believe I'm saying this, but chopsticks are easier to use. I no longer am good at using forks ~_~
Travelers
Last night Linda, Michael and his girlfriend Jimi, and I went downtown to the CGV IMAX theater to watch Mission Impossible 4. I like Tom Cruise. I enjoy the movies he is in and think he is really good looking.
Anyrate, after the movie we were trying to decide where to go get supper at. Michael mentioned some sort of Korean noodles. I wasn't in the mood for Korean food so I suggested the Lotteria where you can get chicken and burger sandwhiches with fries. Linda loves the fries there so she was game. Jimi never gave an opinion, I wonder what she likes to eat? Anyrate, Michael is a vegetarian so that was the best place. He mentioned Burger King as it has better burgers for those of us who eat meat. We just couldn't decided.
Then he suggested Travelers. It has good food no matter what you eat or don't eat. So we went. We sat down and they brought us menus. There was pasta, burgers, appetisers, breakfast, and drinks. Oh man, choosing was hard. I ended up with ordering coleslaw, cheese burger, and cider (Korean version of sprite and better tasting.) They have real American food there! The dill pickle was an actual dill pickle, not sweet. They had ranch dressing. The burger tasted normal ^_^ It was so nice. I am tempted to go back either for supper Christmas Eve or sometime Christmas Day. I might not. Here is why.
Travelers is a bar. Those days it might be packed. Last night it wasn't that full. We played darts and Foosball. It was a lot of fun. However near or on holidays it will probably have a lot of drunk partying going on. I am uncertain I want to be in that environment for Christmas.
Anyrate, after the movie we were trying to decide where to go get supper at. Michael mentioned some sort of Korean noodles. I wasn't in the mood for Korean food so I suggested the Lotteria where you can get chicken and burger sandwhiches with fries. Linda loves the fries there so she was game. Jimi never gave an opinion, I wonder what she likes to eat? Anyrate, Michael is a vegetarian so that was the best place. He mentioned Burger King as it has better burgers for those of us who eat meat. We just couldn't decided.
Then he suggested Travelers. It has good food no matter what you eat or don't eat. So we went. We sat down and they brought us menus. There was pasta, burgers, appetisers, breakfast, and drinks. Oh man, choosing was hard. I ended up with ordering coleslaw, cheese burger, and cider (Korean version of sprite and better tasting.) They have real American food there! The dill pickle was an actual dill pickle, not sweet. They had ranch dressing. The burger tasted normal ^_^ It was so nice. I am tempted to go back either for supper Christmas Eve or sometime Christmas Day. I might not. Here is why.
Travelers is a bar. Those days it might be packed. Last night it wasn't that full. We played darts and Foosball. It was a lot of fun. However near or on holidays it will probably have a lot of drunk partying going on. I am uncertain I want to be in that environment for Christmas.
Friday, December 16, 2011
YN36 International Christmas Party
Tonight we held our Christmas party with the students. It was pretty neat. We split into two teams. Amelie and a lot of students decorated and set up the Globish Center. Emma, Linda, Michael and I set up the Shakespeare room. We played a mixture of Christian and Christmas music while preparing food. Also got sidetracked with some students... shuffling! Then finally it was time to start our party.
Class president opened it up with a few words, the principle talked, prayer, and then we dug into the food. After that we had the gift exchange, then sent the juniors off with gifts and messages, and then we had our dance. Michael brought a lot of energy to that. I joined some students in shuffling. My own dance routine was a hit. Hiphop style ;) Then we played Linda's game of Mission Impossible. While they were off running all over the school completing the list of missions, we started cleaning up our respective areas.
Then we ended the evening at the auditorium at the candle light service for the juniors... both middle school and high school. Afterwards there was a lot of hugging and crying. A lot of them won't see each other again. Graduation seems to be dreaded as much as loved I guess. Then I finally was able to get off my feet.
But I can't sleep. Silly me... I had 4 Dr. Peppers and am more awake than I should be :P
Class president opened it up with a few words, the principle talked, prayer, and then we dug into the food. After that we had the gift exchange, then sent the juniors off with gifts and messages, and then we had our dance. Michael brought a lot of energy to that. I joined some students in shuffling. My own dance routine was a hit. Hiphop style ;) Then we played Linda's game of Mission Impossible. While they were off running all over the school completing the list of missions, we started cleaning up our respective areas.
Then we ended the evening at the auditorium at the candle light service for the juniors... both middle school and high school. Afterwards there was a lot of hugging and crying. A lot of them won't see each other again. Graduation seems to be dreaded as much as loved I guess. Then I finally was able to get off my feet.
But I can't sleep. Silly me... I had 4 Dr. Peppers and am more awake than I should be :P
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Birthday
I have had an unexpected birthday so far. Last night, I went out to eat at the Outback Steakhouse. Everyone was busy and will be very busy for the next day or two so I figured I would go by myself. However Teacher Michael and his girlfriend met up with me there and we had a good evening. It was nice.
Then today I was surprised at worship with a cake and candle. Well, not a cake really. Think of little debbie snack cakes stacked in a pretty way with a candle stuck in. Easy to serve ^_^ I made my wish and blew out the candle.
Throughout the day, students said happy birthday, sang happy birthday, played happy birthday songs, and gave me notes wishing me the best. It was amazing. And another cake like the one earlier appeared and they sang it all over again and I blew out the candles and made the same wish again.
I wished for something that I figured I could have. The principle already expressed a desire for me to not go home this coming break, so I didn't wish for that. My brother is in the states and soon to deploy, so I couldn't wish for him or other family/friends to be here. I stayed with something more practical. If I do my research and see if it is possible, then my wish might come true! If it does, I will tell you.
Now the day is coming to an end. This has been a pretty neat birthday. So many have expressed their good wishes for me. There have been some testimonies and confessions of how much I mean to them. So sweet. Today was a good day.
Then today I was surprised at worship with a cake and candle. Well, not a cake really. Think of little debbie snack cakes stacked in a pretty way with a candle stuck in. Easy to serve ^_^ I made my wish and blew out the candle.
Throughout the day, students said happy birthday, sang happy birthday, played happy birthday songs, and gave me notes wishing me the best. It was amazing. And another cake like the one earlier appeared and they sang it all over again and I blew out the candles and made the same wish again.
I wished for something that I figured I could have. The principle already expressed a desire for me to not go home this coming break, so I didn't wish for that. My brother is in the states and soon to deploy, so I couldn't wish for him or other family/friends to be here. I stayed with something more practical. If I do my research and see if it is possible, then my wish might come true! If it does, I will tell you.
Now the day is coming to an end. This has been a pretty neat birthday. So many have expressed their good wishes for me. There have been some testimonies and confessions of how much I mean to them. So sweet. Today was a good day.
Break Plans
I have had several questions come my way about what I will be doing between school semesters from Dec 23 to the end of February. Well, it is really hard to say. A lot of my plans have fallen through. So I don't know anymore what I am doing for Christmas. I was going to go to Palgone Mountain with a group, but not enough signed up that we are aware of. So they are planning to cancel it.
For about three weeks in January I will be teaching classes for winter camp. I have two conversation classes in the afternoon from about 1pm to 3pm. I might be able to pick up two more to teach in the late morning. Waiting to hear back from a high school Korean teacher on that.
I am starting a masters course in January. I will be focusing on that through January and February.
I have two or three days in the beginning of February to teach conversation classes.
Junior graduation to attend.
And then nothingness for two or three weeks... so focus on my masters course.
During this time, I plan to create a more thorough curriculum for several of the classes. I was thinking social studies... maybe literature. If we don't find more English teachers, they most likely will cut the culture classes so I will probably prefer to focus on the literature classes. However it works out, I plan to find ways to stay busy!
For about three weeks in January I will be teaching classes for winter camp. I have two conversation classes in the afternoon from about 1pm to 3pm. I might be able to pick up two more to teach in the late morning. Waiting to hear back from a high school Korean teacher on that.
I am starting a masters course in January. I will be focusing on that through January and February.
I have two or three days in the beginning of February to teach conversation classes.
Junior graduation to attend.
And then nothingness for two or three weeks... so focus on my masters course.
During this time, I plan to create a more thorough curriculum for several of the classes. I was thinking social studies... maybe literature. If we don't find more English teachers, they most likely will cut the culture classes so I will probably prefer to focus on the literature classes. However it works out, I plan to find ways to stay busy!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Psalms 3:1-3
WOW! I have a lot of enemies, Lord! It feels like the whole world has suddenly turned against me! Throngs of angry people thirst for my blood! They chase after me shouting, “Not even God can help you!” But none of this matters—it falls on deaf ears—because You, O Lord, are my protector, my source of strength, my reason to believe! ~Psalm 3:1-3 (Randy Reed Paraphrased Version)
1. If you have ever had a bad day, this describes it. If you have ever lived in a horrible situation, this describes it. If you ever had a horrible job, this describes it. No matter how dangerous, discouraging, and stressful life can be... David was there too.
2. This leads to my next point. No matter how dangerous, discouraging, and stressful life SHOULD be or seem... you can live a happy life. Maybe not relaxed, because we must always keep our guard up against the Deceiver. However, we don't have to worry. Someone we can trust, God the Creator and Savior, has got our backs.
3. This leads to another point. God is taking care of us. Someone can try to hurt our feelings, discourage us, use us, manipulate us, kill us... however they can't really touch us as long as we trust in God. Does that mean bad things won't happen? No. That means that nothing will happen that won't be used in some way to bring others to Jesus. That we will be okay no matter what does happen.
Should I keep peeling this onion? I don't know, I think it is a bottomless pit full of more insights than one person could ever find. I just wanted to highlight some simple notes from my crazy and disorganized brain on this text so that I could have a mental outline to keep it straight by. Also sharing it with you ;)
1. If you have ever had a bad day, this describes it. If you have ever lived in a horrible situation, this describes it. If you ever had a horrible job, this describes it. No matter how dangerous, discouraging, and stressful life can be... David was there too.
2. This leads to my next point. No matter how dangerous, discouraging, and stressful life SHOULD be or seem... you can live a happy life. Maybe not relaxed, because we must always keep our guard up against the Deceiver. However, we don't have to worry. Someone we can trust, God the Creator and Savior, has got our backs.
3. This leads to another point. God is taking care of us. Someone can try to hurt our feelings, discourage us, use us, manipulate us, kill us... however they can't really touch us as long as we trust in God. Does that mean bad things won't happen? No. That means that nothing will happen that won't be used in some way to bring others to Jesus. That we will be okay no matter what does happen.
Should I keep peeling this onion? I don't know, I think it is a bottomless pit full of more insights than one person could ever find. I just wanted to highlight some simple notes from my crazy and disorganized brain on this text so that I could have a mental outline to keep it straight by. Also sharing it with you ;)
Bus Door
I was riding back to Jain from a town trip tonight when I noticed that there is a door in the bus between us and the driver. He has his own glassed in work zone. Just how have I missed that for the last three months is beyond me.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Beef, it's what's for dinner
Tonight in celebration of our middle school being 2nd place in the nation, we ate out at a beef restaurant. Yummy food. Great friends. Life is pretty sweet.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
English Dorms
Tonight after supper I was chilling on my computer when a knock came at my door. Getting up, I opened it to find two girls standing there. They said there was a potluck at the English girls dorm. So I grabbed my shoes and ran over. It was in honor of the juniors who are graduating from middle school to high school. There was so much food... and I had already eaten!! I took a plate though, since they made me go through line first. Teacher Martin came behind me so I asked him what a lot of it was. I recognized the crab and didn't touch that, but there was plenty of other options.
After that we all went to the boys English dorm and watched a movie. "Knight and Day" starring Tom Cruise. Needless to say, the girls went wild during several scenes. There was Korean subtitles so they understood most of the movie. Now I am sitting in my apartment stuffed full wondering how I am supposed to even move.
After that we all went to the boys English dorm and watched a movie. "Knight and Day" starring Tom Cruise. Needless to say, the girls went wild during several scenes. There was Korean subtitles so they understood most of the movie. Now I am sitting in my apartment stuffed full wondering how I am supposed to even move.
Korean... somethings.
Last night Linda and I were talking while watching a lunar eclipse outside. Our breathe was freezing in puffs in the air so I started to sing "Puff the magic dragon." Only I changed dragon to girl at the last minute. This brought an explanation from Linda about Koreans and the use of the word magic by females in their society.
For a female to say she is magical or any variation of that, well, it means she is on her period.
So how do Koreans explain where babies come from if they are so tight-lipped about this kind of stuff? They tell their kids that they, "found them under the bridge." The Korean word for bridge and pelvis is the same. So a play on words tells the truth and keeps them from asking too many more embarrassing questions is used.
Okay, awkward moment. Bye.
For a female to say she is magical or any variation of that, well, it means she is on her period.
So how do Koreans explain where babies come from if they are so tight-lipped about this kind of stuff? They tell their kids that they, "found them under the bridge." The Korean word for bridge and pelvis is the same. So a play on words tells the truth and keeps them from asking too many more embarrassing questions is used.
Okay, awkward moment. Bye.
lunar eclipse
Saturday just after 9:30pm, a complete lunar eclipse started taking place. I have seen lunar eclipses before, the most notable memory being in college where a friend and I slipped out of the dorm at 2am to view it. And take silly pictures of our not-so-awake faces. Anyrate, last night I kept track of the moon through my bathroom window. When it had a good portion covered, she put on a coat and slippers so I could go outside. Knocked on Linda's door and we stood there talking and watching our breathe freeze in the air. It was cold. So we went back inside. A little later she came and got me so we could see the whole moon complete in shadow. I never can decide if during an eclipse the moon be orange or brown. Not that it matters. It is just random trivia.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Magic Jack
I have a program I can use to make phone calls in the US without it costing either my family and me international charges. However, this wonderful setup seems to have limits. Not every phone company works. I tried calling someone down in my hometown and it wouldn't connect. Evidently there isn't a contract between Craw-Kan and Magic Jack. All good things have an imperfection it seems.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
ARC
My alien registration card was applied for yesterday. Reallly excited about that. Went to the bank today, but found out we have to wait for the card to arrive in order to make a long term bank account. New policy. Since the card won't arrive for another three weeks... *sigh*
So am giving my kids finals now since they are out of their regular classes finals. Hopefully they do well. When they finish that, they will spend the rest of the year decorating for Christmas. Yay.
So am giving my kids finals now since they are out of their regular classes finals. Hopefully they do well. When they finish that, they will spend the rest of the year decorating for Christmas. Yay.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Ears
"My baby has bright ears," Teacher Oh told me today on our way to the immigration office. I sat there wondering if that meant "clean ears," "big ears," or something else. He asked if I knew what that meant. I didn't. There is a common Korean phrase that translates as someone having bright ears. This means that they hear things easily when asleep and wake up. So his baby is a light sleeper and wakes up at the slightest noise. Got it!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Korean Suicide Rates
Koreans take education very seriously. I am concerned for their health. The students are concerned for their health. It is their culture to improve themselves. Parents and educators force students to stay up until 2 or 2:30am only to rise again at 6:30 or 7am. If students feel too much stress, they kill themselves. It is a very normal occurance. Every 40 minutes, another person had killed themselves.
http://thecasualtruth.com/story/escalating-suicide-problem-asia
Below is a link to four students' stories. They are short and informative. I really wish you would take the time to read them.
http://www.alienteachers.com/1/post/2011/11/4-students-stories-that-sum-up-so-many-of-the-problems-korea-faces.html
Education isn't the only factor. Their ideal of beauty seems to be as well. This is a video of a documentary done by someone after she graduated from high school. It is just as informative.
http://vimeo.com/26833191
Please take the time to pay attention to this blog. Understand that you affect those around you. You might literally be holding someone's life in your hands at this very moment.
http://thecasualtruth.com/story/escalating-suicide-problem-asia
Below is a link to four students' stories. They are short and informative. I really wish you would take the time to read them.
http://www.alienteachers.com/1/post/2011/11/4-students-stories-that-sum-up-so-many-of-the-problems-korea-faces.html
Education isn't the only factor. Their ideal of beauty seems to be as well. This is a video of a documentary done by someone after she graduated from high school. It is just as informative.
http://vimeo.com/26833191
Please take the time to pay attention to this blog. Understand that you affect those around you. You might literally be holding someone's life in your hands at this very moment.
Fashion
Something interesting I noticed yesterday was in the fashion culture here. It affects those who come over. I talked to Teacher Michael about it and decided it was blog worthy.
Americans have a tendency to enjoy wearing jeans and casual shirts. Jeans are relatively cheap compared to slacks. Koreans on the other hand are always dressed business style. Slacks are super cheap and jeans are extremely expense. So when Koreans do wear jeans, they wear designer jeans that look good.
Foreigners come over here and live in this culture. I can't because I'm too big, but you buy clothes here that fit and they are really nice and preppy by American standards. Foreigners change when they come and live here. Their sense of style changes. They dress much nicer. They become walking fashion statements.
Yesterday when I went to Daegu, I went in black sweaters that had a red logo, a blue shirt with pink and orange dessert cactus on the front, and my really nice winter coat from JCPenny's. I looked in the mirror and thought, "Tacky, I'm going to get mobbed." I went to Daegu and every foreigner I saw looked like he belonged in a prep school, New York, England, or Paris. They had nice shirts, vests, hats that slant, and slacks.
However, if a foreigner just arrives, you know they are new. The way they dress screams, "American." They wear casual jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, whatever.
Americans have a tendency to enjoy wearing jeans and casual shirts. Jeans are relatively cheap compared to slacks. Koreans on the other hand are always dressed business style. Slacks are super cheap and jeans are extremely expense. So when Koreans do wear jeans, they wear designer jeans that look good.
Foreigners come over here and live in this culture. I can't because I'm too big, but you buy clothes here that fit and they are really nice and preppy by American standards. Foreigners change when they come and live here. Their sense of style changes. They dress much nicer. They become walking fashion statements.
Yesterday when I went to Daegu, I went in black sweaters that had a red logo, a blue shirt with pink and orange dessert cactus on the front, and my really nice winter coat from JCPenny's. I looked in the mirror and thought, "Tacky, I'm going to get mobbed." I went to Daegu and every foreigner I saw looked like he belonged in a prep school, New York, England, or Paris. They had nice shirts, vests, hats that slant, and slacks.
However, if a foreigner just arrives, you know they are new. The way they dress screams, "American." They wear casual jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, whatever.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Some More Transportation Firsts
I decided to go to Daegu by myself today. Took a bus, then took the subway. Watched the movie "Breaking Dawn Part 1," then took the subway, took the bus, took a taxi, and arrived home.
Simple right? Sorta was. I got lost using the subway portion of my trip... twice. So skipped out on the Australian steaks I was going to pick up for lunch and went straight to the movie. Was so grateful to recognize the theater.
A high school girl sat with me and walked me out. She knew English fairly well. Her mother teaches English. She thought I was in high school too. The pigtail braids I think did that. She was mortified to learn I was a teacher instead of a student. I told her it wasn't a big deal as that was a common occurance with me. Not entirely true, but I wanted to save face and help her feel more normal. Don't want to cause more stress on any student right now since it is finals... last thing I want to do is somehow help someone feel bad enough to kill themselves. Oh Korea, really?
Got back without a hitch. Grateful for that. Koreans are really nice and helpful. I was looking a bit lost several times and those nearby immediately hurried over to help. I understand more now why those who speak Spanish sometimes look a little lost in America. I wish I knew Spanish so I could help them with simple things like where to go and what stuff on the grocery shelf is.
Being here has shown me that new cultures are not an easy thing. I cling to my western culture quite a bit. It is a sense of familiarity and provides stability with so many new overwhelming things. So I can understand the people of other cultures who come to America would feel a bit in shock and insecure.
Simple right? Sorta was. I got lost using the subway portion of my trip... twice. So skipped out on the Australian steaks I was going to pick up for lunch and went straight to the movie. Was so grateful to recognize the theater.
A high school girl sat with me and walked me out. She knew English fairly well. Her mother teaches English. She thought I was in high school too. The pigtail braids I think did that. She was mortified to learn I was a teacher instead of a student. I told her it wasn't a big deal as that was a common occurance with me. Not entirely true, but I wanted to save face and help her feel more normal. Don't want to cause more stress on any student right now since it is finals... last thing I want to do is somehow help someone feel bad enough to kill themselves. Oh Korea, really?
Got back without a hitch. Grateful for that. Koreans are really nice and helpful. I was looking a bit lost several times and those nearby immediately hurried over to help. I understand more now why those who speak Spanish sometimes look a little lost in America. I wish I knew Spanish so I could help them with simple things like where to go and what stuff on the grocery shelf is.
Being here has shown me that new cultures are not an easy thing. I cling to my western culture quite a bit. It is a sense of familiarity and provides stability with so many new overwhelming things. So I can understand the people of other cultures who come to America would feel a bit in shock and insecure.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Hospital
So I had to go get my physical today. There is only one hospital in Daegu willing to help with getting the alien registration card. So we went there. Teacher Oh helped me walk through to all the places we needed to visit. Got tests done and my height confirmed. I am evidently 172 cm or something like that. There were no lines and that was doubly nice. Was in and out in less than 20 minutes and that says something. Was expensive though. About 72,000 won... which is about $65. Actually in America that is cheap, but here for me now it is expensive because I haven't been paid my next paycheck yet ^_^
Buson
Yesterday was my first time in Buson. It is a rather large city to the south of here. It is also considered one of the nicest places for foreigners to live. My school took all the teachers there to walk through an all girls school. It was pretty fancy and neat. I was shocked at the high tech level and diversity among the classrooms and hallways. That level of sophistication is something I definitely have not seen in any American school. It was pretty impressive.
We ate lunch in the bus on the way there. Kimbop. They handed out yummy bread and pringles too. Then every staff member got a gift bag full of oranges and sweets. Yummy.
For supper we went to a restaruant that speciallizes in sea food (hey it is next to the sea). I opted for a tofu soup that was rather salty and side dishes. Overall good food.
Using the restroom there was another story. When you went into the bathroom, if you were female you had another girl watch the door because it was a co-ed bathroom. The toilets were the squat style.
After that we went to the ocean. Or sea. Something. It was pretty to watch. In winter the waves are higher and more enjoyable to view.
Then our long 2 hour bus trip back. Hung out with two Korean assistants that helps us English teachers. They are super sweet and I enjoy talking to them. It was a great way to spend my Thursday.
We ate lunch in the bus on the way there. Kimbop. They handed out yummy bread and pringles too. Then every staff member got a gift bag full of oranges and sweets. Yummy.
For supper we went to a restaruant that speciallizes in sea food (hey it is next to the sea). I opted for a tofu soup that was rather salty and side dishes. Overall good food.
Using the restroom there was another story. When you went into the bathroom, if you were female you had another girl watch the door because it was a co-ed bathroom. The toilets were the squat style.
After that we went to the ocean. Or sea. Something. It was pretty to watch. In winter the waves are higher and more enjoyable to view.
Then our long 2 hour bus trip back. Hung out with two Korean assistants that helps us English teachers. They are super sweet and I enjoy talking to them. It was a great way to spend my Thursday.
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