So, since I'm in writing mode already (I'll explain soon), I decided to take a break and blog! Not much going on this way, but teaching and chilling...
I just wanna give a shout out to God! Whew, He's kept me through a year in Korea!
I've gained some things, lost some things, but in the bigger picture, it was all part of His plan. <insert praise break here> ^^
BTW "^^" is the Korean equivalent of our smiley face. It is used just as commonly as our "LOL." But, that is NOT what I want to write about.
Let me tell you what's been going down in good ole' Korea!
1) School is still going great! I'm truly blessed to have not only 1--but 2 schools that I adore and mesh very well with.
2) I've started language exchange with a new acquaintance from school. We're both learning each others' languages, so it's perfect. And the company isn't bad either! ALSO, I've started taking a Korean language class. I'm really enjoying it; but I've been sketchy on attendance lately. Why? That brings me to number...
3) I'm entering a teaching competition! Lemme tell you all about it...
So, last Tuesday, my head co-teacher came to me in a frantic state. I thought something was wrong. Come to find out, she really wanted me to enter a teaching competition. I'm like, <look left, look right> are you sure? I mean, I enjoy what I do, but I'm not a certified teacher. She showed me all the requirements, and it looked pretty foreign, but because I like her a lot and don't want to disappoint the school, I did what any good Korean employee--I mean employee would do. I said "sure!"
So--real talk--I've been working on this competition package in most of my free time since that day. I've recorded a class period (nerve wrecking) and started editing...thinking I'm doing something! Ummm, nope! I just finished editing the video today with all the finishing touches. At 5 today, I started working on the written part...My Lord! It's gonna be a long night. But to top it all off...this submission is only for the first round of eliminations! If, by some miracle, I don't make it to the last round (yep, I'm that confident) then this work may all be in vain!
The great thing is, I'm really enjoying putting how I feel about teaching here onto paper. And, I thank God for college...it definitely prepped me for this moment by writing 20 page "A" papers in a night or so. ^^
So all in all, I'm not sad that I accepted. I am sad for my night...because all I foresee is black and white for a while in the near future! *chuckle*
Until next time give whatever you're doing your all, you will enjoy it much more!!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Brighten up my day why dontcha?
I just got off the phone with my father; wishing him a Happy Birthday from many miles away. It's amazing how that man has the ability to brighten my spirits just by hearing his voice! He's always so cheery and easy going; I pray I get to that point in my life; sooner rather than later.
It really just amazes me; so I decided to blog about it. That.Is.All.
Until next time, be the one who brightens someone's day!
It really just amazes me; so I decided to blog about it. That.Is.All.
Until next time, be the one who brightens someone's day!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Another bright idea...
Today, I pressed the snooze button twice! I was just plain dragging. It's getting colder and naturally I am going into hibernation mode. I went to bed at 10: 00 pm, so there's no excuse of not enough sleep. Then, I went outside to find that it is raining! Aha! That explains this sluggish feeling. So, I call my teacher to tell her that I will be a few minutes late; because I literally sat on the bed looking at the wall for an extra 10 mins--at nothing. I suspected I had no classes today, because it's mid-term time. Sure enough, I get to school and my co-teacher quickly says "Oh, so sorry...no (with the arms crossed over each other) classes today; testing. "Oh, no problem." I reply; thinking in my mind--this definitely should have been a day off.
Oh well. I can't complain. I'm getting some things done that I needed to attend to, so it's all good.
So, when I am left alone to think; I always come up with bright ideas. Problem is, it's very rare that I ever act on them. <insert "however" motion here> I'm getting to the point in my life that I see and believe faith without works is dead. So, I've decided to try and do something drastic--different---dramatic! I won't let you in on it just yet, but just know...I'm going to try.
There's no reason for me to be confused in a world where there's so many opportunities. Yeah, the US economy is suffering right now--but that's the beauty of NOT having to be in the US. There are days I wish I had the 'American Dream;' a house, white picket fence, a husband that loves me, and at least one child. But as soon as that thought passes, an even more vivid picture comes to mind. Foreclosure--no fence--marital problems--a child I can't afford. Not saying that it has to be that extreme...but it could be--and I'm not taking that chance.
There's no sure way to ever be prepared for the unexpected. However, I'm looking forward to seeing how this "bright idea" pans out. If favorably, I will say this, my questions about my next step in life will be answered.
I'm actually excited about my upcoming weekend in the house. I need time to get this plan started. Until next time, find something extreme to do, even if on a small scale! Wear red panties under a white dress (yes, you can now wear winter white after Labor Day ^0^), shave your beard off after having it for 20 years, or if you wanna be REALLY dramatic, love others as you want them to love you. Yeah, I know--that's random. But love can get in "anywhere" in my life. :-)
Oh well. I can't complain. I'm getting some things done that I needed to attend to, so it's all good.
So, when I am left alone to think; I always come up with bright ideas. Problem is, it's very rare that I ever act on them. <insert "however" motion here> I'm getting to the point in my life that I see and believe faith without works is dead. So, I've decided to try and do something drastic--different---dramatic! I won't let you in on it just yet, but just know...I'm going to try.
There's no reason for me to be confused in a world where there's so many opportunities. Yeah, the US economy is suffering right now--but that's the beauty of NOT having to be in the US. There are days I wish I had the 'American Dream;' a house, white picket fence, a husband that loves me, and at least one child. But as soon as that thought passes, an even more vivid picture comes to mind. Foreclosure--no fence--marital problems--a child I can't afford. Not saying that it has to be that extreme...but it could be--and I'm not taking that chance.
There's no sure way to ever be prepared for the unexpected. However, I'm looking forward to seeing how this "bright idea" pans out. If favorably, I will say this, my questions about my next step in life will be answered.
I'm actually excited about my upcoming weekend in the house. I need time to get this plan started. Until next time, find something extreme to do, even if on a small scale! Wear red panties under a white dress (yes, you can now wear winter white after Labor Day ^0^), shave your beard off after having it for 20 years, or if you wanna be REALLY dramatic, love others as you want them to love you. Yeah, I know--that's random. But love can get in "anywhere" in my life. :-)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sigh and SMH
Well, it's been over a year since I've been in Korea...and I must say; it has been well worth the ride. But now that the ride is over, should I get on again, or make my rounds of this amusement park i.e. "the rest of the world?"
I'm very undecided at this point. Part of me wants to go home, because I miss my people. But is missing my family and friends enough to go back home to no job, or instability? I don't think so. Sometimes, you have to face the facts and make the hard choices to get ahead in life.
As I'm typing this, I'm crying on the inside...gone are the days where I can make easy decisions that have no "real" effect on my future. Here are the days of setting myself up to be where I want to be in life. I just had a birthday and along with age came wisdom.
So, please pray that I make the decision that will only enhance my future. That I'm in the right place at the right time. That I don't fall victim to the "I want" mentality once again, and follow the "I need to" instead.
Until next time, try hard to make decisions with every possible outcome in mind. "You're never too old to be what you might have been" ~George Eliott...I'm living proof of that.
I'm very undecided at this point. Part of me wants to go home, because I miss my people. But is missing my family and friends enough to go back home to no job, or instability? I don't think so. Sometimes, you have to face the facts and make the hard choices to get ahead in life.
As I'm typing this, I'm crying on the inside...gone are the days where I can make easy decisions that have no "real" effect on my future. Here are the days of setting myself up to be where I want to be in life. I just had a birthday and along with age came wisdom.
So, please pray that I make the decision that will only enhance my future. That I'm in the right place at the right time. That I don't fall victim to the "I want" mentality once again, and follow the "I need to" instead.
Until next time, try hard to make decisions with every possible outcome in mind. "You're never too old to be what you might have been" ~George Eliott...I'm living proof of that.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Class is now in session...
Okay, it seems these posts are becoming fewer and further in between...but that's just evidence that I'm having way too much fun here!!
I can honestly say, staying here another year (with the same conditions) would be no sweat off my brow! I am however, looking forward to visiting home this coming winter for like a month or so...can't wait!
Anyhoo, recently, I've just restarted the Fall semester...the first couple of weeks there was plenty going on; classes cancelled, etc. In this third week of the month, after a long weekend due to the Chuseok (추석) holiday, class is fully back in session. Oh, BTW, I'm one of the few teachers that actually had to work on this Wednesday...it seems most had the day off due to school birthdays or school holidays. Meh! Oh well, it is what it is. I didn't get the "Best Teacher Award," for complaining, ya know!?
Oh, I didn't tell you about that huh? Well there were 5 teachers of about 60 teachers selected by our hiring university as the best teachers. They took into consideration the reviews of our co-teachers. I was pleasantly suprised to be the one of the recipients of this award. I do work hard, but I have fun doing it, and kinda just feel like I'm doing "my job." Glad to see good work ethic is rewarded here...not only with a nice certificate, but with bonus money as well!! Asaaa! LOL.
Aside from that, not much has been going on, except personal development. I've quit a couple of habits that aren't good for me, I've started on my first work of art "Life, Love & Loss." I've embraced the answers within me and started to appreciate who I am, sans all the frills. I can't complain. Life.Is.Good.
Thank God for every day I'm here...I am truly blessed.
My birthday is coming up in 14 days...I'll be a whopping 29 years old. O.M.G. LOL. It's all good though! I plan to party like it's 1999...I'm actually quite undecided on just "how" to celebrate my birthday. I'll keep you posted of what I decide. Another big date coming soon: October 3rd=start of Grad School! Sigh...I will be a busy woman from here on out. A typical week will look like this MTWTFSaSun: BUSY. :-)
I realize though, I'll be busy accomplishing short-term goals for future success; I wouldn't have it any other way! I'll see you around soon.
Until next time, GET BUSY!! No one creates your destiny but you. Toodles!
I can honestly say, staying here another year (with the same conditions) would be no sweat off my brow! I am however, looking forward to visiting home this coming winter for like a month or so...can't wait!
Anyhoo, recently, I've just restarted the Fall semester...the first couple of weeks there was plenty going on; classes cancelled, etc. In this third week of the month, after a long weekend due to the Chuseok (추석) holiday, class is fully back in session. Oh, BTW, I'm one of the few teachers that actually had to work on this Wednesday...it seems most had the day off due to school birthdays or school holidays. Meh! Oh well, it is what it is. I didn't get the "Best Teacher Award," for complaining, ya know!?
Oh, I didn't tell you about that huh? Well there were 5 teachers of about 60 teachers selected by our hiring university as the best teachers. They took into consideration the reviews of our co-teachers. I was pleasantly suprised to be the one of the recipients of this award. I do work hard, but I have fun doing it, and kinda just feel like I'm doing "my job." Glad to see good work ethic is rewarded here...not only with a nice certificate, but with bonus money as well!! Asaaa! LOL.
Aside from that, not much has been going on, except personal development. I've quit a couple of habits that aren't good for me, I've started on my first work of art "Life, Love & Loss." I've embraced the answers within me and started to appreciate who I am, sans all the frills. I can't complain. Life.Is.Good.
Thank God for every day I'm here...I am truly blessed.
My birthday is coming up in 14 days...I'll be a whopping 29 years old. O.M.G. LOL. It's all good though! I plan to party like it's 1999...I'm actually quite undecided on just "how" to celebrate my birthday. I'll keep you posted of what I decide. Another big date coming soon: October 3rd=start of Grad School! Sigh...I will be a busy woman from here on out. A typical week will look like this MTWTFSaSun: BUSY. :-)
I realize though, I'll be busy accomplishing short-term goals for future success; I wouldn't have it any other way! I'll see you around soon.
Until next time, GET BUSY!! No one creates your destiny but you. Toodles!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Vacation, Vacation, Vacation!!
So, I've been on vacation for the past 2 weeks, and I must say, THIS IS WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR by coming to Korea!
I mean, it's been gravy!! I went to Boracay, Philippines for 6 days 5 nights, and enjoyed myself, by myself!! Of course, I met some wonderful people who made my stay even more enjoyable, but for the most part, I was thrilled at being at my own every beck and call!
You can see pictures and commentary via this link: Boracay, Philippines
I won't go into many details, because most of my experience can be covered under these two words: rest & relaxation!
I will say though, I thought I would go there and eat up the entire island! However, I ended up enjoying many cuisines aside from Filipino food. I only ate twice a day at most, because I wasn't interested much in food when there's massages for the same price as a meal! LOL.
The most memorable experience was sitting outside jamming with these Filipino guys I met! Shout out to Johnnie and the crew! You made my trip!! Here's a video of what I experienced:
I mean, it's been gravy!! I went to Boracay, Philippines for 6 days 5 nights, and enjoyed myself, by myself!! Of course, I met some wonderful people who made my stay even more enjoyable, but for the most part, I was thrilled at being at my own every beck and call!
You can see pictures and commentary via this link: Boracay, Philippines
I won't go into many details, because most of my experience can be covered under these two words: rest & relaxation!
I will say though, I thought I would go there and eat up the entire island! However, I ended up enjoying many cuisines aside from Filipino food. I only ate twice a day at most, because I wasn't interested much in food when there's massages for the same price as a meal! LOL.
The most memorable experience was sitting outside jamming with these Filipino guys I met! Shout out to Johnnie and the crew! You made my trip!! Here's a video of what I experienced:
Also, the jeepney ride was something else...it's just a motorbike with a cart and wheels attached to the side of it. It's used as the main form of transportation in Boracay. Here's this video:
Since I got back from Boracay, I've just rested, and enjoyed not having anything to do all day! I've visited family and friends, and just reflected on how nice this whole "teaching in Korea" experience has been after leaving my hagwon. Although I'd be finishing my year in a couple of weeks had I stayed at the hagwon, I dare say that it would have felt like waiting for your time to be released from prison.
With this new placement in the public school system, I've had the freedom to enjoy Korea and now surrounding countries. This is just the first of many countries I plan to tour before returning to the States (or not?). That's a whole nother blog. LOL
I started summer camp today, and the time flew past! 2 more weeks of half days, then it's the new semester...time to get back into teaching mode! Until next time, get your passports people! It's a whole new world out there awaiting you! :-)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Please Shine Down on Me!
So, as many of my FB and Twitter friends already know, I'm headed to the critically acclaimed Boracay, Philippines tomorrow! I'm so excited, I haven't been able to sleep in a few days...I'm guessing my first couple of days will really be a forced rest and relaxation! I plan on being a beach bum for most of my days there anyway!
There's only 2 things I'm not that excited about: 1-Having to go to the airport a day early because my flight leaves at 07:30 a.m.; 2- I'm going alone. The 2nd is really bittersweet, because while I know I'd enjoy the company of others, I am pleased to be able to consort with only myself on any activities.
The weather is beautiful here in South Korea, and I've just received word from the guesthouse I'm staying in that the weather is perfect there as well! (apparently the rainy seasons have departed...Asaaa!) I'll be off the grid for a few days at a time...this should be interesting; I'm used to having my internet and phone at my fingertips at all times.
Anyhoo, I'm not gonna bore you with more details...until I return! I should have plenty of pictures and stories to tell.
As I always say to people who claim 'my life is a movie,' well, my life is a book-with much more room for imagination and intrigue! Haha! I'm off to add more pages to this novel called "My Life." Wish me well, I'll post updates as soon as I can.
There's only 2 things I'm not that excited about: 1-Having to go to the airport a day early because my flight leaves at 07:30 a.m.; 2- I'm going alone. The 2nd is really bittersweet, because while I know I'd enjoy the company of others, I am pleased to be able to consort with only myself on any activities.
The weather is beautiful here in South Korea, and I've just received word from the guesthouse I'm staying in that the weather is perfect there as well! (apparently the rainy seasons have departed...Asaaa!) I'll be off the grid for a few days at a time...this should be interesting; I'm used to having my internet and phone at my fingertips at all times.
Anyhoo, I'm not gonna bore you with more details...until I return! I should have plenty of pictures and stories to tell.
As I always say to people who claim 'my life is a movie,' well, my life is a book-with much more room for imagination and intrigue! Haha! I'm off to add more pages to this novel called "My Life." Wish me well, I'll post updates as soon as I can.
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