New Years Eve

Just got back to the apartment after spending an afternoon
in town.  The walk there was icy.

Yes, it was cold out.  However I had a late lunch in a small
pizza place.  The owner spent several years in the USA.
He remembered how hard it was to get Korean food in the US,
so he worked hard to provide familiar food to foreigners.
Aka, pizza.  He was evidently one of the first in the Daegu area.

While in town, I was able to buy baskin robbins ice cream
on sale.  Also went to PB to pick up bread and couldn't
turn down a sparkling white grape juice bottle.

Getting back was difficult.  The traffic was pretty slow.
However was in Jain, the trusty Taxi man helped me to arrive
safe and sound.  Thanks to him, I didn't walk back in the dark
on ice.  Something I had feared.  Totally paid him, with
oranges as a tip.

Now I am sitting here creating the most unique blog post ever!

HAPPY NEAR YEAR'S EVE!!!

Eye Smile

Just something cute.  I pointed out to one of my students that when she took pictures of herself with her phone, she opened her eyes super wide and it made her look extraterrestrial.  Her friends agreed with me.  I explained that she was prettier when she acted normal because her eyes would crinkle in the corner when she smiled.  Another student piped up, saying that was an eye smile.  Eye smiles are always prettier.  I then got to explain that you know when a person is smiling for reals and when it is fake.

Monday's Birthday Pictures

Thanks to Willis, I have pictures of this morning.  Yay!

Birthday Mondays

So evidently on Saturday after I left campus for the book club, the English teachers were chilling at school with a cake for me.  That was really thoughtful of them.  Come Monday morning, I am sitting here with yummy cake and Porporo Character tops that are edible.  Yummy ^_^  It was a fun surprise and really made my day.

Birthday

Today was my birthday.  I had an enjoyable time forcing myself to wake up and head over to the school for classes.  The staff greeted me with bright and joyful salutations.  Geoffrey apologized he couldn't find a can of frosting and gave me a huge bowl of donuts instead.  Charles gave me cocoa flavored hard candy.  Food is always a safe bet lol.  Anyrate, got through my classes and ran to town for the book club.  And that, my friends, is when the real fun began.

The book club consists of three Korean females and myself.  We met at one of their apartments and inspected her new living quarters.  It was the largest living space I have seen in Korea yet.  The living room was spacious with large bedrooms and amazing bathrooms.  One of which even had a bathtub with a glass divider separating that part of the room from the rest.  The true jewel was the kitchen.  It had part of the counter extend into the room as well as an oven.  She won't use the oven because she doesn't know how.  I quickly volunteered to teach them how to make cookies, cakes, and casseroles   They laughed and said to some bake anytime, and they would help eat it.

For my birthday, Emma brought a cake.  It was a normal cake with layers, whipped topping and filling, chocolate drizzle, and fruit slices.  I claimed the strawberries and served everyone large generous portions that generally female Koreans wouldn't touch.  They are very particular about their weight and what society might think of them.  Still we all enjoyed.

Afterwards I met up with a friend downtown.  We went to a Turkish place for supper.  From there he helped me learn exactly where the different streets downtown were and what was where.  That was fun and we got a lot of exercise.  I ran into the Mannam group that I had done the flashmob with.  They were selling handmade Christmas cards for orphans.  We ended up going to a Norabang.  My first trip.  It was a blast.  We bought an hour, got a room, pulled out the music list, picked a few songs, and sang like our voices were more professional than they really were.  It was great.  I even got some scores with the highest being 82% accuracy which really surprised us.

Afterwards we saw the time (11pm) and ran for the subway.  We caught one of the last ones to the stop where his car was.  Got in and he drove me back to school.  He took the mountain route.  When we got to the top, he pulled over and turned off the lights.  I opened my door and looked up.  Orion sparkled in the heavens.  I was so surprised at all the beautiful stars.  I haven't seen them in so long.  Reminded me of the farm, the endless trips to and from the farm at night, and of Mauna Kea.  Was spectacular.  I just got in.  It is almost 1am.  I have never stayed out so late, but it was such a wonderful birthday that I don't mind.

Survivor

When expats come to South Korea, they often either bring a hobby or pick up a new hobby.  I've seen many fill their spare time (or not so spare time) with things like extreme motorcycling, rockclimbing, kitesurfing, photography, cooking, NFL news, hiking, drawing, reading, volunteering, sewing, acting, hair accessories, etc.  People might just do it as a hobby for themselves, a service or business, or a way to meet others.  Something that makes this place more like a home.

For me, I have picked up or improved upon hobbies myself.  I'm still big into artistic things, most notably drawing.  I love to read and write.  I've picked up photography a little, though not as much as others who are more hardcore.  Something though that I have also started is watching whole seasons of a TV show instead of an episode here or there.  I finally am learning what some of my friends are so excited about.

One TV show I am rewatching tonight is the very first season of "Survivor."  I remember this season and hearing the theme music is very nalstogic.  You see, it played in the summer time when I was at my grandparents farm.  I remember the dying late afternoon sun casting shadows on the ground as I helped water the flowerbeds and garden.  Then Grandma and I would watch Survivor while we prepared supper.  Precious memories of perhaps my most favorite place on earth.  The farm.  So re-watching it brings those memories back fresh and I treasure them.  Even if summer's humidity was a bit on the sticky side and mosquitoes and chiggers annoying.  Good memories of a time, place, and people I care about.

Bus Ride

Tonight virtually everyone on the bus was going to an apartment complex in Gyeongsan or to Namsan.  On the bus, I was standing in the aisle because there wasn't enough seats.  So were several others.  As a foreigner, I am well aware I stand out and that every expression or behavior is observed by someone.  So I figured that I would make sure not to take the first empty seat in order to not appear to be a "selfish foreigner."  After letting someone else have a seat instead of me three times, a man at the very back stood and made his way past me to the side door.  I looked at where he had been sitting.  It was the back seat at the end of the aisle.  In order for the two people on either side of it to get out, I would have to stand and move out of their way.  Koreans are small enough they they wouldn't have to do this.  Figuring I would be an inconvenience if I sat there, I didn't take it but continued to stand.  I figured another Korean would soon take the seat.  No one did and after a few bus stops, the man returned to his seat.  Then we reached the apartment complex that is along the route and half the bus seriously got off.  My mouth dropped open.  I have never seen a bus empty so quickly, even at this stop.  I turned and saw a seat near the back open now. I was just thinking about taking it when the guy who had stood earlier motioned to it and said, "sit down."  I happily obliged.

Orphans and Santa

Went to town today to finish buying the gifts for the gift bags for orphans that I had been given charge of.  Walked into e-mart and past another foreigner.  Like a good expat, I duly didn't talk to him.  Actually, that is more of a habit now instead of purposefully ignoring them.  He was an older gentleman.  At one time his hair most likely was a light brown.  But at that moment, dressed in everyday clothes and glancing at me with a twinkle in his eye and gentle smile on his face... I was sure I was looking at Santa.  The white hair and beard couldn't have been fake.

Needless to say, I felt a rush of happiness and a feeling of being home.  I couldn't help it.  After I walked past and into another aisle, I realized I really wanted to see him again.  So I looked for him.  But Santa was nowhere to be found.  I was sad about that, but then I remembered the smile he had given me and I felt all warm inside again.  Who said Santa was just for kids.  When you are far from home, he is for you too.

Showers

Good morning everyone.  Another cold day in South Korea.  A very cold day.  Not the only one saying that either ;)

All the 3rd graders in middle school are studying for high school exams.  The 1st and 2nd graders are taking finals right now.  Not sure what High School is up to, but I think that my high school class is canceled for this week so waiting to hear more on that.

Been taking showers in the evening over in the girl's dorm during studyhall.  My shower doesn't have hot water long enough except to quickly (very quickly) wash my hair.   Obviously two minutes doesn't cut it.  I had mentioned it to Emma who talked to Michelle (high school girl's dean) who then offered the dorm facilities.  Since it is just across the road and I could have the shower room to myself, I accepted.  Makes this girl very happy.  Been taking my time since it is reserved for me from 8pm to 9pm.

The school's maintenance crew came over to my place to look at my hot water heater.  Keith said he was wondering what was going on because he saw out the window both maintenance workers walk into my place, then Michelle running over (literally, Koreans run places) a few moments later.  I explained that they were checking out my hot water heater and Michelle translated for me that it was just the way it was.  So maybe they will install a larger one.  If they do install a larger one, I might be able to wash with hot water in the washing machine.  How nice is that idea :)

Anyrate, that is the basic news there.

News (and self praise)

The festival at the elementary school in Pahong yesterday was a success.  Many principals and teachers commented on my portfolio that showed the many worksheets, quizzes, and tests I have create.  They were envious of the materials and resources I had made.  Creativity is sadly lacking in Korean schools.  They do not know how to make their own.  Union College has taught me well.

At the festival, there was a reporter.  He interviewed me on who I was, where I was from, how long I had been in Korea, and why I was at the festival.  I could hardly say because I was told to.  Instead I explained I was getting a view of how other schools taught their students.  Except for a high school, our school was the best.

I made it into the news at anyrate.  Also, because I promoted Union College, my college's name also appeared in the news.  Koreans are not used to the word "college" and so he kept trying to add University at the end.  "Union College University" and "Union College and Lincoln Nebraska University."  I finally wrote it out for him and labeled college, city, and state so that he would understand.

Here are the links to the news as well as to the photo.

http://222.239.76.25/~ynnews/board.php?board=kkkpohang&config=&command=body&no=993
http://222.239.76.25/~ynnews/data/board/kkkpohang/file_in_body/3/bbefc0b03c0ce.JPG

What is said about me is really just one sentence.  The reporter didn't elaborate on anything, but instead mentioned all the main events.  So I guess my presence was a main event.

I'll include a copy of the translation of where I and my two students appear from google since I doubt many of you reading this can read Hangul.

Mindy and Mr. Yeungnam thirty-six Middle School Native teachers in the state of Nebraska located in the U.S. Central Great Plains Dance   a sophomore at and fluent commentary seam wells Kim, Hyun - Ji Yang,

Pahong and a Sore Throat

Yesterday I was approached by a teacher and told I would be going to Pahong for an elementary school's English festival today.  Surprised, I agreed.  I was worried by evening though because my throat was starting to hurt.  Didn't sleep last night at all.  I half fell asleep and had crazy dreams where my throat was torturing me.  It wasn't restful.

Today I got up, taught one class, then was ushered out to the car.  I talked with a teacher and it was arranged that I would visit a hospital and get meds while in Pahong.  We started driving and after awhile we reached our destination.  We set up our booths and then went to the hospital.  While there, it started to snow.

By the end of the day, everyone was worried because the snow was sticking and covering the ground in about a quarter of an inch.  Doesn't seem like much, but it was enough to cause everyone to be wary.  The buses drove with their emergency flashers on and the taxis have never been so slow.

The teacher who was bringing me and three other students back was really worried about me because of my sore throat.  She bought me oranges.  It is Korean culture to go to work when you are sick.  I assumed that meant no one cared about you.  I was wrong.  She was so concerned that she ended up paying a taxi to take me back to school.

One of my students was translating for me and explained that the Korean teacher was worried.  I pointed out people got sick all the time.  She said I was special.  That the teacher was worried for me and that she, the student, was also worried for me.  Honestly I have been sicker, but it felt really good to have such caring evidenced to me.

The roads are icy enough that Sabbath School is canceled in the morning.  So I can rest.  Something I intend to do a lot of over this weekend.

Snow

We have had snow flurries and a light dusting of snow before.  Today is the first day there was still snow on the ground after lunch.  Some of it had turned to ice, so you had to keep an eye out for the ice patches.  There isn't very much thankfully.  With the weather officially in the 20s in the evening and early morning, I have switched today to my winter coat.  The thick gray one my grandma had bought me.  Instantly my freshmen were commenting that I was so beautiful.  I wonder if they say this to butter me up or are truly meaning what they say.  It brings a smile regardless of the reason.

I'm keeping an eye on my students.  With the colder weather, they are more likely to get sick or have chapped lips and hands. I can't really help them with these problems, but I want to be aware if possible and if the opportunity arises then I want to help them.  Chap stick for example.

Sorry the picture isn't better.  Was trying to keep the light from the window from blurring the picture.  Also the lights are off in the classroom for a movie they are watching.  They even turned my light beside my desk off.  So this was the best I can do.  Hopefully you can see my smile and the pretty top I am wearing.

Another Blush Alert

Actually this isn't a blush alert... I saw in my stats that out of all the posts I have written on my life here, on Korean culture, and on trivia that the post with the most views was the one that was potentially an embarrassing topic.  So I decided to do an experiment and see if the title alone would general more views.

Still, I'm not one to waste a chance to write.  So Korean trivia time!

Oh wait, before the trivia, I want to share a link.  This link has any and all expats teaching in South Korea laughing so hard that the building shakes causing nearby Koreans to wonder if it is their first earthquake.  Here is it!  http://kikinitinkorea.tumblr.com/

Okay, now on to the trivia!  And yes, stole my info from google, but you should like it anyways.

1.  In Korea we eat with metal chopsticks.  I never thought about it but evidently the rest of the Asian world uses wooden chopsticks.  Metal is very difficult to use evidently so to see the 5 foreigners using them impresses our fellow Korean teachers.  In older days, the chopsticks were tipped in silver for the wealthy as it was assumed that they would turn black on contact with poison, thus saving the wealthy person's life.

2. The most prized rice in South Korea with the best flavor and texture is from the DMZ.  The most protected border in the world grows the best rice, on the South Korean side.  The people who dare live in there do not have to do military duty or pay taxes.  Of course they are in danger of stepping on land mines if they leave their houses so that is understandable.

3.  Koreans love being clean.  Even to the point of using a mop to clean the sidewalks of the city.

4.  Only in Korea would you find a bike randomly parked with no lock.  People do lock their bikes, but more people don't.  It is assumed that Koreans are really nice and kind.  That Korea is such a safe place because of that.  However, I want to point out that there are CCTV all over.  If you are in a public place, there most likely are cameras rolling.  A good thing for foreigners in the event of a traffic accident.

5.  Korea is huge on recycling.  I have never seen a place more concerned about recycling than here.  At home, you have a bucket or bag for all leftover foods.  There is a place for paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard.  If there is anything left over after that, then there are trash bags color coded by region.  Fast food places are no different in this.  You can't just dump your tray when you are done.

6.  Koreans who are promoting something (and yes, it is a common thing to do) wear sashes.  We don't know why.  They just do.  For any campaign or new issue they want to promote, there are people wearing sashes.  If you are lucky, they might be blaring some music and dancing too.

7. Finally there is the couple clothes.  Koreans are famous for their couple outfits.  Wearing the exact same thing but for their gender.  Hats, shirts, outfits, swimsuits, etc... So when I wear the same color as one of the male foreign teachers, I am careful to not sit near him at lunch.

Plane Tickets

Well it is official.  Three days ago I bought tickets online for between the states.  So with the school's tickets to and from the USA, I have the main part of my trip complete.  Took a bit of doing though.  Still, glad it is done :D  Now friends and family can work their schedules so that they can see me.  It has been a long year for some, and an even longer two years for others.

The school heater is fixed so I am once again working in a heated environment.  Makes a huge difference.  With so many late nights recently, I had not kept up with house chores.  Pleasantly happy that the laundry is caught up.  A student of mine likes to hang out sometimes and it is her influence that helped make that possible.

Speaking of that student, she is a Buddhist who takes her religion seriously.  Not just the praying part but also how you live your life.  She is hard working and her English has improved greatly.  She translates for me at chapel, vespers, and church.  Once a month, we go out on the weekend to town to hang out.  So her chances to learn English through conversation is making a difference.  This last weekend, she brought her notes along and I quizzed her for my final.  She passed with not a single mistake... as did over half the class.  Lol.

Anyrate, she showed me some of her breathing exercises and bows that she does as a Buddhist.  You know, it is more than for peace of mind that she does those.  It is really, really good for health.  By doing them every night, she is more limber than many girls her age.  She can compete with the boys in PE too.  She suggested that since I don't like exercising beyond walking, that I try at least just stretching.  That seemed easy enough and so last night that is what I did.  I simply stretched for 1.5 hours while watching two episodes of Star Trek.  Felt good to just do that instead of sitting like I do at work, home, on the bus, etc.

Okay so last weekend she taught me to stretch, is the inspiration for my clean house... one more thing I didn't say.  She loves Twilight so we went to see Breaking Dawn part 2 in the theater.  It was an amazing movie.  Sorry to those who can't stand it.  Let's just say I like and I'm on Team Jacob :)  Afterwards we went to a newly discovered Mexican place.  It was her first time eating Mexican food and she loved the hot sauce.  Might go there for Christmas.  I need to do something special for Christmas and my brother has made that option an option to consider.  That sentence doesn't sound right does it.  Sorry.  Been in Korea so long that I am starting to sound like my students.  Even a Korean teacher said that I was talking like the students.  My English ability, what little I had, has gone downhill a lot.  I use phrases that most Americans would find awkward simply because it is unusual.

Anyrate, enough of this novel.  Take care everyone!

Happy Tuesday

The heater in my office/classroom is broken so came to school decked with a hat, scarf, and gloves.  Missing Great Grandma Segebartt, so the scarf I chose to wear (even though it doesn't match my outfit) is one she made and gave me.  It is also the warmest scarf I own so double plus there.  Hopefully the heater can be fixed today.  The students were all cold yesterday.

Health Care Contrasts

This is why we need massive health reforms to our system. Obamacare isn't perfect, but at least it isn't just trying to strengthen the current system of stealing huge amounts of money from sick people.

I know that here in South Korea, the health skills, technology, and medical staff are higher quality than in the states.  Yet somehow the cost is a lot lower here than in the states.