So, it's been non-stop rain for the past like 5 days straight! I mean rain every 2 hours or so...or just raining for a straight 6 hours!
At least it's not cold and rainy, right!? LOL...gotta count your blessings.
Anyhoo, it's been a slow, but interesting past couple of months since my last post. Things are going very well with the new schools and contract, and I'm seriously considering another year in Korea after this contract is up. Hey, why not? I have great friends (few, but that's all you need), a great doggie (Joey) and a car that gets me from point A to B, with no troubles...My sister and niece are still here, and LIFE IS GOOD.
I'm slowly but surely reacquainting myself with Jesus and all the fullness of joy that He has for me...I mean really, this is what this journey was all about, and I'm very happy and satisfied...
On different notes, the Boryeong Mudfest 2011 is happening next weekend!! I'm excited, because I hear it's a lot of fun...trip may be cancelled if I'm not feeling better though. I have a mild, yet irritating, summer cold. You know the kind where your nose is stuffy but running...your head feels like it's about to explode...and your nose area has pressure??? Yep, that's how I feel. And now, as I type, I'm sweating like a pig. Granted, it's very humid today...but I don't normally sweat like this! Back to the point of getting better...I have Mudfest going on this weekend, and the following Friday, I'm flying out for Boracay, Philippines!!
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!! I am "super-uber" excited! I thought coming to S.K. was exciting, but this....THIS is me fulfilling my dreams! I can't wait to wake up to paradise...SN: Hope it's not raining...but even if it is, I'll be waking up in paradise! Can't wait to taste Filipino food, and get massages on the beach, and explore caves, and snorkel and etc, etc. I'm really gonna enjoy myself.
After all, I need to find a future spot for my honeymoon!! LOL. That was so left-field, but a woman can dream right...dreams do become reality, I'm living proof of that. I think I'll even take my notebook to hopefully get some inspiration for my upcoming novel.
Well, that's all I have for you today...one day, I'll share with you my near "banged up/locked up" experience...but not today; I'm not ready to rehash that just yet...still too fresh. Until next time, remember, every action begins with a thought...choose to think positively, and your dreams WILL become reality. (at least that's what I believe) :-)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Mini-Vacation...That's what's up!!
So, in the last week from 5/5-5/13, I've had a mini vacation! We've had 4 days off in that short period of time, as well as desk warming for much of the remaining days! I love it! The days off have been Children's Day, Buddha's Birthday, the "sandwich day" as my friend explained; is the day between a weekend and a holiday; no need to come to work, and Teacher's Day. I can't think of a better way to celebrate being a teacher than to be off of work! LOL.
During this time, I decided to try and see some South Korean culture...the rain zapped my energy some of the time, but I did manage to get out and see the Oeam Folk Village (just minutes from my apartment), and go to the The Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan! I have some great pictures to show you!
Click here to view pictures. I hope you enjoy!
Not much to talk about today; until next time, <insert blank face here.> :-)
During this time, I decided to try and see some South Korean culture...the rain zapped my energy some of the time, but I did manage to get out and see the Oeam Folk Village (just minutes from my apartment), and go to the The Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan! I have some great pictures to show you!
Click here to view pictures. I hope you enjoy!
Not much to talk about today; until next time, <insert blank face here.> :-)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Let's take it back....
So, it's Buddha's birthday, and the rain has come out to play. Which in turn, means my booty is staying in today!
It's been an eventful long weekend, so I can't even complain. I have so much to share with you, but I think I'll break it up into a couple of posts as to not overwhelm you. Let's backtrack to what's been going on in my world since we last spoke....
Since the beginning of April, my work load has lightened tremendously! I think that first month of working terribly hard to impress my co-teachers and students has paid off! Let's compare.
THEN:
1) It took me long hours to plan 11 different lessons...I mean like every day I was at my computer until about 10ish going over lessons, planning, finding activities, etc. It was imperative to find out what my co-teachers liked/didn't like, and to find the balance of how we would co-teach. All of this is, of course, by trial and error, because we don't have time to sit down and plan together.
2) In the after school classes, students were mis-behaving (just to try me), and it seemed like no matter what I did--no matter how much I planned, it wasn't enough to keep the students' attention. SMH. This was a pretty frustrating period for me.
3) I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get in between schools on the designated days in time. Even with the bike I purchased, I had to take taxis on certain days...and the costs were adding up; not to mention the time it took me to transition.
NOW:
1) I am planning 11 different lessons in a fourth of the time it took me before. I can actually leave my books at the school because my planning periods (desk warming hours) are enough time to finish everything and some! Practice makes perfect. I am leading the class 100% for most classes--some co-teachers even leave if they must; they trust that the students and I have a good rapport! This means so much to me! The students listen and respond well in most of my classes.
2) My afterschool classes have come full circle. One thing I learned in orientation and have heard several times since is, if you are not having fun teaching, the students are not having fun learning. I realized that the problem resided with me, not the students. I sat down and took some time to assess the levels of my different after-school classes. I realized that I had been trying to teach advanced lessons to a class that needs to learn the basics and teaching too simply for my class who needs more challenges. I made the adjustments, added in structure to all class, and voila! the perfect recipe for learning appeared!
3) I purchased a car! Yep, I did it! After going back and forth, I decided that a car would not only help me save time and money for those hectic days, but would give me the freedom to move about the country! It seemed like having a car was meant to be; no longer than 30 days after starting my new contract, a friend sold her car to me to buy a new car. It was in my price range, and came from a trusted buyer. Can't beat that. I even purchased an English language navigation system. OMG...having a car sure beats an hour on the bus. Still, I only drive on the days I must...I'm still on my bike 2 days of the week, and on the bus/subway 3 days a week. If I didn't do combination transportation, I'd probably be spending more on gas then on taxis....Take a look at my car! She's a peasant by some standards, but in my eyes she's a Queen!
<something happened to my pics; will repost soon>
It's been an eventful long weekend, so I can't even complain. I have so much to share with you, but I think I'll break it up into a couple of posts as to not overwhelm you. Let's backtrack to what's been going on in my world since we last spoke....
Since the beginning of April, my work load has lightened tremendously! I think that first month of working terribly hard to impress my co-teachers and students has paid off! Let's compare.
THEN:
1) It took me long hours to plan 11 different lessons...I mean like every day I was at my computer until about 10ish going over lessons, planning, finding activities, etc. It was imperative to find out what my co-teachers liked/didn't like, and to find the balance of how we would co-teach. All of this is, of course, by trial and error, because we don't have time to sit down and plan together.
2) In the after school classes, students were mis-behaving (just to try me), and it seemed like no matter what I did--no matter how much I planned, it wasn't enough to keep the students' attention. SMH. This was a pretty frustrating period for me.
3) I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get in between schools on the designated days in time. Even with the bike I purchased, I had to take taxis on certain days...and the costs were adding up; not to mention the time it took me to transition.
NOW:
1) I am planning 11 different lessons in a fourth of the time it took me before. I can actually leave my books at the school because my planning periods (desk warming hours) are enough time to finish everything and some! Practice makes perfect. I am leading the class 100% for most classes--some co-teachers even leave if they must; they trust that the students and I have a good rapport! This means so much to me! The students listen and respond well in most of my classes.
2) My afterschool classes have come full circle. One thing I learned in orientation and have heard several times since is, if you are not having fun teaching, the students are not having fun learning. I realized that the problem resided with me, not the students. I sat down and took some time to assess the levels of my different after-school classes. I realized that I had been trying to teach advanced lessons to a class that needs to learn the basics and teaching too simply for my class who needs more challenges. I made the adjustments, added in structure to all class, and voila! the perfect recipe for learning appeared!
3) I purchased a car! Yep, I did it! After going back and forth, I decided that a car would not only help me save time and money for those hectic days, but would give me the freedom to move about the country! It seemed like having a car was meant to be; no longer than 30 days after starting my new contract, a friend sold her car to me to buy a new car. It was in my price range, and came from a trusted buyer. Can't beat that. I even purchased an English language navigation system. OMG...having a car sure beats an hour on the bus. Still, I only drive on the days I must...I'm still on my bike 2 days of the week, and on the bus/subway 3 days a week. If I didn't do combination transportation, I'd probably be spending more on gas then on taxis....Take a look at my car! She's a peasant by some standards, but in my eyes she's a Queen!
<something happened to my pics; will repost soon>
The registration and title transfer was so easy and cheap to do. And getting my Korean license wasn't bad either. The only hassle was getting to the US Embassy in Seoul to get my US license notarized. UGH...that's a story for another day. Insurance is affordable and I'm on the road legitimately!
So, anyway. The moral of the story is...when there are problems, look within for the answers/solutions. I am having soooo much "more" fun since finding new and exciting ways to teach. I'm enjoying my new found freedom...and loving Korea so much more lately. Not to mention the weather has finally broken, and the warmth is spreading. Love is in the air...and it is coming from me! :-)
Until next time, continue to live, laugh, & love...but do it all a little harder!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Ready for the weekend!
So...it's been a month since I started at my two new schools...I am TOIRED! Yes, I did misspell tired...because that's how I feel!! Although this schedule is far better than my old one, there's still some things to be desired. But c'est la vie, right?
On another note, I'm trying to get my mud fest body right! Ya'll remember bike week in South Carolina?? Well, this is nothing like that! HA! Gotcha!! From what I've heard, it's a bunch of natives and foreigners alike hanging out at a beach with the main attraction being MUD! Wanna read about it? http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/07/16/us-korea-mud-idUSSEO31940820080716
Anywhoo, getting back to what I was saying...I'm on a mission to get an acceptable beach body in place by Mud Fest this year...if not sooner. So, I've enlisted the help of a friend...a bicycle!! Seeing as the elliptical that was gifted to me is not being used...I have to trick myself into another way to get exercise. Oh, I HATE exercise, when I know it's exercise. So, I rode the bike to the station today and also the mile or so distance from the subway to my school (that I usually walk). Talk about ACTION! I am soooo hurt, but it's a good feeling pain.I did find out however, that it's much easier to walk! LOL. I was huffing, puffing, and wheezing by the time I got to school...when normally, I just mildly perspire.
Hopefully, together with eating kimchi everyday, my metabolism will speed up, and the pounds will drop. We'll just have to see!!
I am glad I have the bike, but I hate how I acquired it. My good friend is leaving Korea 2 months earlier than planned...I'll really miss her! But in all bad things, there's a silver lining. She gets to be home where she's needed. And as for me; guess I get to make some new friends....
Until next time...kimchi & rice for breakfast!!!
On another note, I'm trying to get my mud fest body right! Ya'll remember bike week in South Carolina?? Well, this is nothing like that! HA! Gotcha!! From what I've heard, it's a bunch of natives and foreigners alike hanging out at a beach with the main attraction being MUD! Wanna read about it? http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/07/16/us-korea-mud-idUSSEO31940820080716
Anywhoo, getting back to what I was saying...I'm on a mission to get an acceptable beach body in place by Mud Fest this year...if not sooner. So, I've enlisted the help of a friend...a bicycle!! Seeing as the elliptical that was gifted to me is not being used...I have to trick myself into another way to get exercise. Oh, I HATE exercise, when I know it's exercise. So, I rode the bike to the station today and also the mile or so distance from the subway to my school (that I usually walk). Talk about ACTION! I am soooo hurt, but it's a good feeling pain.I did find out however, that it's much easier to walk! LOL. I was huffing, puffing, and wheezing by the time I got to school...when normally, I just mildly perspire.
Hopefully, together with eating kimchi everyday, my metabolism will speed up, and the pounds will drop. We'll just have to see!!
I am glad I have the bike, but I hate how I acquired it. My good friend is leaving Korea 2 months earlier than planned...I'll really miss her! But in all bad things, there's a silver lining. She gets to be home where she's needed. And as for me; guess I get to make some new friends....
Until next time...kimchi & rice for breakfast!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A Day to Remember Part 2
So, as I was saying...the morning was crazy but doable....So, after I finish with this school at 1:50 p.m., I am due to be at my next school's after-school program by 2:10...did I mention I work in the countryside of the city? There are no direct buses & no frequent taxis in sight. So, I call the taxi driver that gave me his card. Someone answers but hangs up in my face. I know my Korean sucks...but dang! LOL.
I call another taxi number, and the lady kept hanging up on me. I keep right on calling back until she decided to dumb down the conversation for me and listen. We ended up on the same page, and a taxi came shortly after that. Much to my dismay, I arrived to the after-school program 10 mins late on my first day!! <insert sad face here>
The administrators were very understanding, and shuffled me right in to work. The kids seemed to enjoy watching my short PowerPoint presentation introducing myself. They were just tickled pink to see pictures of my family and what not.
Phew! The clock struck 4:40 p.m. and my day was complete. 8 classes in one day! I'm tired, but feeling accomplished. I'm actually doing something that matters, and the kids aren't all burnt out by the time they get to me. Now, to find a way home!!! I was so ready to go, I packed my bags and walked my happy feet down the winding dirt road to the main street. Confused on the bus to get back home, I flagged a taxi, and luckily met some co-workers at the E-Mart up the street. We shared a taxi home. All I kept thinking to myself is...I have to do this ALL over again tomorrow.
SN: Tomorrow (Tuesday) came and went without much of a stitch. I got out early and caught the bus to my first school (avoided the entire taxi drama) and arrived early. I had caught sight of the bus number that ran past my school the previous day (Monday), and just set out for a morning adventure. It was pretty straight forward. It happened to be upper elementary and middle school testing day, so I had absolutely NO classes! That was grrrrreeeeeat! I had the entire day to plan really cool lessons for my after-school kids.
Back to our regularly scheduled program: I am enjoying myself so far. It's too early for an opinion, but in the here and now, I like it! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I don't work past 2, so I have time to plan, plan, plan, and plan! AND to top it all off, my after-school program does count as overtime!! Woo-hooo! "Mo money, Mo money!" This goes along just great for my savings plan while in Korea. Look at God...in my Kesha and Layla voice "MIGHTY GOD!" Yeah, I'm not perfect, but I know from whom my blessings flow!
One thing I can say with certainty is this: I couldn't leap over hurdles in high school track, but in life's hurdles, it seems my jumps are getting stronger, higher, and more coordinated with every try. And with Grace & Mercy on my sides, I am invincible!
Until next time, try Gimchi (Kimchi) cooked; you might just enjoy it!!
I call another taxi number, and the lady kept hanging up on me. I keep right on calling back until she decided to dumb down the conversation for me and listen. We ended up on the same page, and a taxi came shortly after that. Much to my dismay, I arrived to the after-school program 10 mins late on my first day!! <insert sad face here>
The administrators were very understanding, and shuffled me right in to work. The kids seemed to enjoy watching my short PowerPoint presentation introducing myself. They were just tickled pink to see pictures of my family and what not.
Phew! The clock struck 4:40 p.m. and my day was complete. 8 classes in one day! I'm tired, but feeling accomplished. I'm actually doing something that matters, and the kids aren't all burnt out by the time they get to me. Now, to find a way home!!! I was so ready to go, I packed my bags and walked my happy feet down the winding dirt road to the main street. Confused on the bus to get back home, I flagged a taxi, and luckily met some co-workers at the E-Mart up the street. We shared a taxi home. All I kept thinking to myself is...I have to do this ALL over again tomorrow.
SN: Tomorrow (Tuesday) came and went without much of a stitch. I got out early and caught the bus to my first school (avoided the entire taxi drama) and arrived early. I had caught sight of the bus number that ran past my school the previous day (Monday), and just set out for a morning adventure. It was pretty straight forward. It happened to be upper elementary and middle school testing day, so I had absolutely NO classes! That was grrrrreeeeeat! I had the entire day to plan really cool lessons for my after-school kids.
Back to our regularly scheduled program: I am enjoying myself so far. It's too early for an opinion, but in the here and now, I like it! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I don't work past 2, so I have time to plan, plan, plan, and plan! AND to top it all off, my after-school program does count as overtime!! Woo-hooo! "Mo money, Mo money!" This goes along just great for my savings plan while in Korea. Look at God...in my Kesha and Layla voice "MIGHTY GOD!" Yeah, I'm not perfect, but I know from whom my blessings flow!
One thing I can say with certainty is this: I couldn't leap over hurdles in high school track, but in life's hurdles, it seems my jumps are getting stronger, higher, and more coordinated with every try. And with Grace & Mercy on my sides, I am invincible!
Until next time, try Gimchi (Kimchi) cooked; you might just enjoy it!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Day to Remember....SMH
So, today was my first day at the new schools. And what a day it was!! I think I handled it beautifully, but it was a rush rush, no time to breathe kind of day.
It started early, for one. LOL. And those of you who know me, know I'm not a morning person. Setting that aside, I put on my game face, and was ready by 7:45 am! 3 friends and I caught a taxi to the Sinchang Station to take the 8:02 subway to Onyang-Oncheon. We arrived at roughly 8:08, and went our separate ways.
I-thinking my Korean was pretty good-told the driver to go to Onyang 초등학교 /chodeunghaggyo/ which is how I was taught by my Korean co-teachers to say elementary school. So, we go around the block from where I used to live, and he tries to drop me off. So, I'm like, no ajeossi, Onyang blah blah blah...he's like, OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH, and starts driving again. He then arrives to Onyang-Oncheon Primary School...which is obviously not my school either. But he tells me to get out. The only good thing is that he was nice enough not to charge me the full fee because he took me to the wrong place (most taxi drivers don't care).
I call my co-teacher and have her talk to him before he stops. Apparently that didn't help, because he still dropped me off at the wrong school!! Anyway, so I call her back, and let her know what's going on. I catch another taxi and he takes me to the right place. He obviously sees the frustration on my face, because he begins to explain that I must say /kunyang/ before the school so that they know which school to go to! Thank Goodness!! Now, I know! LOL. Since I got out pretty early, I was still on time for classes...although a little flustered.
That was just the beginning of my day...stay tuned for Part II of a day to remember. I'm tired, and must be up at the crack of dawn again tomorrow...7-8 hours should keep the grouch away; I do not want her rearing her ugly head so soon!! LOL.
Until next time...breathe...things will get easier!
It started early, for one. LOL. And those of you who know me, know I'm not a morning person. Setting that aside, I put on my game face, and was ready by 7:45 am! 3 friends and I caught a taxi to the Sinchang Station to take the 8:02 subway to Onyang-Oncheon. We arrived at roughly 8:08, and went our separate ways.
I-thinking my Korean was pretty good-told the driver to go to Onyang 초등학교 /chodeunghaggyo/ which is how I was taught by my Korean co-teachers to say elementary school. So, we go around the block from where I used to live, and he tries to drop me off. So, I'm like, no ajeossi, Onyang blah blah blah...he's like, OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH, and starts driving again. He then arrives to Onyang-Oncheon Primary School...which is obviously not my school either. But he tells me to get out. The only good thing is that he was nice enough not to charge me the full fee because he took me to the wrong place (most taxi drivers don't care).
I call my co-teacher and have her talk to him before he stops. Apparently that didn't help, because he still dropped me off at the wrong school!! Anyway, so I call her back, and let her know what's going on. I catch another taxi and he takes me to the right place. He obviously sees the frustration on my face, because he begins to explain that I must say /kunyang/ before the school so that they know which school to go to! Thank Goodness!! Now, I know! LOL. Since I got out pretty early, I was still on time for classes...although a little flustered.
That was just the beginning of my day...stay tuned for Part II of a day to remember. I'm tired, and must be up at the crack of dawn again tomorrow...7-8 hours should keep the grouch away; I do not want her rearing her ugly head so soon!! LOL.
Until next time...breathe...things will get easier!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The time has come...
So, it's finally that time! I am out with the old and in with the new! My current contract ends on tomorrow at 6:50 p.m. I'm cancelling it early at 6 months, if you haven't heard. Seems as if everything is going smoothly...except for the fact that a mysterious problem with the bank occurred on my last payday (this past Friday), and we are not getting paid until Monday...but whatever...I know what to do if any stunts are pulled. Nothing they can do to bring me down at this point!! Plus, I have my "friends" on speed dial if/when I need them!
S/N: Be praying for a solution to a major dilemma of my coworker's...the things going on 'just ain't right!' While I'm rejoicing, this person is still struggling for freedom from bondage.
I've already completely finished moving from my old apartment with some help from my special friend...yeah, that's right, I have a guy friend! I am in a relationship after a long while of "singledom" and it feels nice. Funny, how time and experience changes how you view things. I'm much more prone now to being content with the simple things, like: the way he makes me laugh when I'm angry (for no good reason); his lightheartedness; his energy, and compassion. Anywho, that's a side note...this post isn't about him! LOL.
Getting back to the subject at hand-I am pretty much free and clear of the past situation after this last day of working. I'll miss my children immensely, but even their smiles won't keep me in a somewhat depressing situation. I think I may be teaching at an elementary school that many of them attend, and I know for a fact I'll be in the same area...so I'm sure I'll see them around. So many of them gave me their cell phone numbers when I told them I'm leaving this past Friday. Sigh...if only I could take them with me...even the one who lost his mind and hit me! He has regained his sense after being "dealt with" by teacher. LOL.
So, pictures of the new place are coming soon...I expect to have new stories to share with you; of work, and vacation time! Soooo very excited about the 9 weeks of paid vacation included in my contract. I expect to get a visit home soon. Next week, here I come, with bells and whistles on!!
Those who know a word of prayer, pray my strength in the Lord! (Full Gospel Baptist Church..haha).
S/N: Be praying for a solution to a major dilemma of my coworker's...the things going on 'just ain't right!' While I'm rejoicing, this person is still struggling for freedom from bondage.
I've already completely finished moving from my old apartment with some help from my special friend...yeah, that's right, I have a guy friend! I am in a relationship after a long while of "singledom" and it feels nice. Funny, how time and experience changes how you view things. I'm much more prone now to being content with the simple things, like: the way he makes me laugh when I'm angry (for no good reason); his lightheartedness; his energy, and compassion. Anywho, that's a side note...this post isn't about him! LOL.
Getting back to the subject at hand-I am pretty much free and clear of the past situation after this last day of working. I'll miss my children immensely, but even their smiles won't keep me in a somewhat depressing situation. I think I may be teaching at an elementary school that many of them attend, and I know for a fact I'll be in the same area...so I'm sure I'll see them around. So many of them gave me their cell phone numbers when I told them I'm leaving this past Friday. Sigh...if only I could take them with me...even the one who lost his mind and hit me! He has regained his sense after being "dealt with" by teacher. LOL.
So, pictures of the new place are coming soon...I expect to have new stories to share with you; of work, and vacation time! Soooo very excited about the 9 weeks of paid vacation included in my contract. I expect to get a visit home soon. Next week, here I come, with bells and whistles on!!
Those who know a word of prayer, pray my strength in the Lord! (Full Gospel Baptist Church..haha).
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