The cloud drifts overhead. It begins to darken and suddenly the sky opens and rain just falls. My make up's ruined and there are puddles in my shoe. But it isn't a cold rain, it's warm and it feels good on my skin. It makes my hair do crazy loopdiloops and stick out at all angles but strangely I'm okay with that. I'm smiling, I'm skipping, and I'm singing song lyrics in English to some bewildered looking Koreans. The hill I'm climbing doesn't look so daunting, my legs have adjusted to the incline. I feel pretty confident, I even skip up the last 10 meters and scuttle to my apartment building.
This is how it felt to let go of the excess. Separating the then from now, the here from there.. it wasn't easy. It was cold water- no, it was a god damn ice cube in my bright red toms followed by a sickly sweet smirnoff ice chugged on my knee. I hate that shit.
I feel like I'm floating to the surface finally, and I'm sure I'll dip and dive a bit.. but my confidence is back and I am having a wonderful time meeting new people from new places. It's exciting, it's shiny, and it's just so god damned beautiful to me. There is so much that I miss, but there is so much more that I look forward to building for myself here, in the now.
This is bliss.
Wednesday 29 May 2013
Monday 27 May 2013
The Weekend
People in this city have WAY more energy and enthusiasm than I am accustomed to.
This weekend started after a friday from hell. One of my children acts out tirelessly, it is because his parents do not discipline him at home and while he is an absolutely sweetheart and loves to give teacher hugs and snuggles... he also likes to push Theos chair in super fast so that he gets winded. Or pull Sally onto the floor, or take all of the flash cards off the board. It's just non stop.
Johann wasn;t feeling too fabulous either, so i fixed that boy up with some advil and we hit up some BBQ in KSU. We stopped by Almost Famous to say hay to Joel and then caught the subway home at an early hour. it's nice to have responsible friends sometimes :)
Saturday was a completely different story. Johann & Joel went up to daegu to see Sasha, but I am on a budget so I decided to kick it in Busan instead. I did laundry during the day, went for a walk in seomeyon where I purchased the most adorable leopard print blouse (shocking, I know! Lauren.. likes leopard? get out of town!!) It was on sale. I painted my nails, conditioned my hair, plucked my eye brows and had a nap. Around 6 I wandered down to Sharky's at Gwangalli Beach. I met Neil and Jen there for some beers, but they turned in early. Adam & mark also came out, so I ended up spending my evening with them. I wore my heels for most of the night, and didn't die so I see that as a victory. We went to Wolfhounds in Haeundae I enjoy people watching those who had just left the Pirate Party on the Big Rock boat. There was a man dressed up like a parrot. I was pleased!
After Wolfhound's, I went with Davis, Drew, and Paige to KSU. We got some cheesy kimchi and then headed over to Eva's to watch some soccer, Mark & Adam were there. I also made friends with a guy named Hermann who likes hockey - awesome!! I got home after the sun rose, and slept most of sunday. I woke up, tried to make breakfast and failed, watched some movies on netflix, went for a run.. then put my dry clothes back in my closet. I met Johann for some excellent BBQ dinner, we mad plans to hike next weekend.
I don't think I have ever pulled an all-nighter other than when I was paper writing in Uni. I don't know how often my body will cooperate with that, I am way too lazy and enjoy sleeping far too much. I feel like I slept through most of my weekend. I am still adjusting to the time change so perhaps that's part of it? We shall see! Regardless, I am looking forward to exploring PNU & going for a hike with Johann next weekend. Great things to come!
Oh, and work was great today. Two boys form orange class stayed home sick :( but one of them was the kid who acts up a lot so.. we actually had a productive class!! Hooray!!! we sang Old Macdonald, and learned barn animals. It's funny how quick they catch on when they don't need to worry about someone pushing their chair in or throwing pencils at their heads. HA.
This weekend started after a friday from hell. One of my children acts out tirelessly, it is because his parents do not discipline him at home and while he is an absolutely sweetheart and loves to give teacher hugs and snuggles... he also likes to push Theos chair in super fast so that he gets winded. Or pull Sally onto the floor, or take all of the flash cards off the board. It's just non stop.
Johann wasn;t feeling too fabulous either, so i fixed that boy up with some advil and we hit up some BBQ in KSU. We stopped by Almost Famous to say hay to Joel and then caught the subway home at an early hour. it's nice to have responsible friends sometimes :)
Saturday was a completely different story. Johann & Joel went up to daegu to see Sasha, but I am on a budget so I decided to kick it in Busan instead. I did laundry during the day, went for a walk in seomeyon where I purchased the most adorable leopard print blouse (shocking, I know! Lauren.. likes leopard? get out of town!!) It was on sale. I painted my nails, conditioned my hair, plucked my eye brows and had a nap. Around 6 I wandered down to Sharky's at Gwangalli Beach. I met Neil and Jen there for some beers, but they turned in early. Adam & mark also came out, so I ended up spending my evening with them. I wore my heels for most of the night, and didn't die so I see that as a victory. We went to Wolfhounds in Haeundae I enjoy people watching those who had just left the Pirate Party on the Big Rock boat. There was a man dressed up like a parrot. I was pleased!
After Wolfhound's, I went with Davis, Drew, and Paige to KSU. We got some cheesy kimchi and then headed over to Eva's to watch some soccer, Mark & Adam were there. I also made friends with a guy named Hermann who likes hockey - awesome!! I got home after the sun rose, and slept most of sunday. I woke up, tried to make breakfast and failed, watched some movies on netflix, went for a run.. then put my dry clothes back in my closet. I met Johann for some excellent BBQ dinner, we mad plans to hike next weekend.
I don't think I have ever pulled an all-nighter other than when I was paper writing in Uni. I don't know how often my body will cooperate with that, I am way too lazy and enjoy sleeping far too much. I feel like I slept through most of my weekend. I am still adjusting to the time change so perhaps that's part of it? We shall see! Regardless, I am looking forward to exploring PNU & going for a hike with Johann next weekend. Great things to come!
Oh, and work was great today. Two boys form orange class stayed home sick :( but one of them was the kid who acts up a lot so.. we actually had a productive class!! Hooray!!! we sang Old Macdonald, and learned barn animals. It's funny how quick they catch on when they don't need to worry about someone pushing their chair in or throwing pencils at their heads. HA.
Friday 24 May 2013
Gatsby
Today I had a pretty rough day at work. There is one child in my orange class who acts out a fair bit.. it's not that he is stupid by any means, in fact I think that he isn't challenged enough. When I single him out and ask him questions, he always has the correct answers... but he is so energetic. he flails, he hits, he bites, the throws things.. he hits other students... it's a bloody nightmare. I hope I wasn't that disruptive when I was a child... I don't think that I hit, but I'm pretty sure I was a pain in the ass. Props to my teachers! I'm fairly confident I will find a way to get through to him.. we all learn differently, it may just take a while long.r One can only hope that he doesn't disrupt the rest of the lot.. I have faith in him, let's hope he doesn't break my heart.
Today I felt lonely. Lately I have been experiencing so much, but there has been a definite break in communication to home. I have written my mama an email each day, but none of them seem to be going through. I knew there was an issue, because she always writes me back (even when I am just forwarding silly things, or being an idiot). I hope to have an active cellphone soon, I want to phone home. Every little thing that has happened I have thought to myself "I should call home" but sometimes it scares me. I want my dad.. anytime I have been away from home, I could have calle dome and my dad would always answer " How's it going pumpkin pie?" and I always knew whatever the problem was he would fix it He would be wherever I was within the day, no questions asked. My mom is the same, she will always find a way to call. As much as I would like to play the hero and say that I am an adult, sometimes you just need your parents to prop yu up and assure you that you are doing alright. Some of the foreign teachers in Busan think that the Korean parents are too hard on their kids.. but I can relate. I am where I am, and have had the opportunities that I have only because my parents taught me to work hard, to be responsible.. and while sometimes that stressed me out, or made me upset... I am so thankful for it. I am in a different country, far away from what I know... and I am okay. I am okay because I know that no matter what I have a mother at home who loves me more, I am sure, than I will ever know... and a father in heaven who is smiling down. It is bitter sweet, because I miss them both every day... but I am glad to hear that they are proud. That is all I ever wanted.
This evening I went to dinner with my coworkers, and it was lovely. I am thankful that they are all so laid back and accepting. I did not know that our school had an evening hagwon program upstairs.. there is another Canadian girl Victoria who is from Ottawa. She seems really nice, and we have plans for saturday. I am looking forward to that, she likes hockey. she's in.
I also went to see The Great Gatsby with Johann, Joel, and Mark. I'm not sure whether or not I liked this film version, I will have to think about it... but I do love the story. I am not looking forward to my early morning with the trouble child.. but perhaps tomorrow he will behave better for me. I bought stickers.. let's see if that helps??
Today I felt lonely. Lately I have been experiencing so much, but there has been a definite break in communication to home. I have written my mama an email each day, but none of them seem to be going through. I knew there was an issue, because she always writes me back (even when I am just forwarding silly things, or being an idiot). I hope to have an active cellphone soon, I want to phone home. Every little thing that has happened I have thought to myself "I should call home" but sometimes it scares me. I want my dad.. anytime I have been away from home, I could have calle dome and my dad would always answer " How's it going pumpkin pie?" and I always knew whatever the problem was he would fix it He would be wherever I was within the day, no questions asked. My mom is the same, she will always find a way to call. As much as I would like to play the hero and say that I am an adult, sometimes you just need your parents to prop yu up and assure you that you are doing alright. Some of the foreign teachers in Busan think that the Korean parents are too hard on their kids.. but I can relate. I am where I am, and have had the opportunities that I have only because my parents taught me to work hard, to be responsible.. and while sometimes that stressed me out, or made me upset... I am so thankful for it. I am in a different country, far away from what I know... and I am okay. I am okay because I know that no matter what I have a mother at home who loves me more, I am sure, than I will ever know... and a father in heaven who is smiling down. It is bitter sweet, because I miss them both every day... but I am glad to hear that they are proud. That is all I ever wanted.
This evening I went to dinner with my coworkers, and it was lovely. I am thankful that they are all so laid back and accepting. I did not know that our school had an evening hagwon program upstairs.. there is another Canadian girl Victoria who is from Ottawa. She seems really nice, and we have plans for saturday. I am looking forward to that, she likes hockey. she's in.
I also went to see The Great Gatsby with Johann, Joel, and Mark. I'm not sure whether or not I liked this film version, I will have to think about it... but I do love the story. I am not looking forward to my early morning with the trouble child.. but perhaps tomorrow he will behave better for me. I bought stickers.. let's see if that helps??
Monday 20 May 2013
Four Airports, Three Big Hills, Two Sore Feet, One Happy Girl.
It has been a little while since my last blog entry, but in a very short amount of time many things have happened.. like that time I packed my life up in two big suitcases, and one small carry-on, then moved to South Korea to teach English at a Hagwon.
My school is called Seogang SLP Gaegeum. It is in Gaegeum-dong, and my house is a very short walk up three VERY intense hills. The neighbourhood is unlike anything I have ever lived in.. something is always going on, people are always walking by. I think it will take me some time to adjust to that.
I am very fortunate that my coworkers are so laid back and outgoing. I hit it off right away with a girl named Kristy from Philly, she is the bomb! She taught me how to load my metro card to ride the train, and introduced me to home plus which is very similar to walmart. You can buy EVERYTHING at home plus, and there are some legit deals. I paid about 40$ for a router, a hair straightener, and a blow dryer. I was very happy! I have also befriended Jess & Neil, who are a couple from Nebraska. They are my closest neighbours and are absolutely lovely! They took me for dinner at an excellent chicken place today after work, which is awesome because I have not been to that area in our neighbourhood yet. Their kitchen has mould so they do not cook at home, so we are planning on splitting groceries and have cooking nights at my house. I have not hung out with Kylie or Claire yet, but we are all going for dinner sometime this week. I am looking forward to getting to know them as well! I teach Kylie's son Theo, he is a sweetheart.
My friends Joel & Johann are out here, so that is a comfort. They took me camping with some folks we met the last time I was in Busan. I am really lucky to come to this strange place and already know so many people. We went camping in Gogjye on a beach, it is an island so we had to take the metro to sasang and then take a bus to the island. It is funny that I have been here for a week now and have already been on vacation! I already knew Paige, Davis, and Megan, but I got to meet Mark, Adam, Ethan, and Drew. Drew I sort of met when I went out drinking with Davis in February but not really. I recognized him because I had thought that he was funny. yeah, he's actually hysterical and the man makes a legit fire. Mark and Adam are from the UK and remind me of my cousin Cesca's friends. mark and I share a birthday, though he is a year older. I am really excited to get to know my new friends better, they are all beauties and I am sure we'll have a wonderful time together.
Camping was a riot. We set up camp beside what we named the "babbling brook". The name is appropriate, that thing was babbling all night long but it kept our drinks cold and the boys occupied during the day (they built a damn). We are all sunburnt, and we were rained out but everyone remained super positive even when we woke up and broke camp on sunday whilst hungover at 6 am. I was really impressed that even in a torrential downpour, with no dry clothes and hangovers everyone was still so fun. Seriously, I am stoked I know these people. I am so thankful that they invited me to come along.
Today at school was my second day teaching on my own. I am really getting to know my students as they relax around me. I am naturally gifted when it comes to animals and small children - I really do think that they like me. Perhaps that is just the honeymoon stage, but we will see what will come! I am really excited about how quickly they picked up my name, and about how excited they are to show me their homework at the beginning of every class.. "teacher perfect?! REALLY?!" I am careful to give praise when it is due, as I feel that they might not receive much otherwise. i can relate to these kids as I was always busy as a child with many many activities... I always had so much homework because of my french courses. Second languages can be so hard, but I hope to continue making it as much fun as I possibly can.
Tomorrow we go on a field trip, I am excited to see what kind of field trip this is. I am not, however, excited about the massive pile of marking that I have to do tomorrow during my free period. Boo-urns!
Saturday my friend Zach and some of his friends are coming down from Gumi/Daegu to go to this Pirate Party on a pirate ship. We will start out our night with some cheesy kimchi, then make our way to either Sharky's or the Thirsty Moose. From there a shuttle bus will take us to this pirate ship and we will booze cruise the night away. I actually randomly met one of Zach's buddies on the beach this weekend, apparently Zach was around the same area but we didn't cross paths. It is too bad, Zach went to DW Poppy Secondary in Langley, which is where I grew up. I have known him for a while now but have not seen him since Graduation. It will be nice to reconnect.
That is all that I can stand to write for now, but I will add more as it comes along. I will do my best to write often, and in detail. I miss everyone very much, and I am very excited to share some good stories with all of you. I am now going to set myself on reorganizing the furniture in my apartment as the lay out does nothing for me. I will post pictures when I am finished!!
xoxo
My school is called Seogang SLP Gaegeum. It is in Gaegeum-dong, and my house is a very short walk up three VERY intense hills. The neighbourhood is unlike anything I have ever lived in.. something is always going on, people are always walking by. I think it will take me some time to adjust to that.
I am very fortunate that my coworkers are so laid back and outgoing. I hit it off right away with a girl named Kristy from Philly, she is the bomb! She taught me how to load my metro card to ride the train, and introduced me to home plus which is very similar to walmart. You can buy EVERYTHING at home plus, and there are some legit deals. I paid about 40$ for a router, a hair straightener, and a blow dryer. I was very happy! I have also befriended Jess & Neil, who are a couple from Nebraska. They are my closest neighbours and are absolutely lovely! They took me for dinner at an excellent chicken place today after work, which is awesome because I have not been to that area in our neighbourhood yet. Their kitchen has mould so they do not cook at home, so we are planning on splitting groceries and have cooking nights at my house. I have not hung out with Kylie or Claire yet, but we are all going for dinner sometime this week. I am looking forward to getting to know them as well! I teach Kylie's son Theo, he is a sweetheart.
My friends Joel & Johann are out here, so that is a comfort. They took me camping with some folks we met the last time I was in Busan. I am really lucky to come to this strange place and already know so many people. We went camping in Gogjye on a beach, it is an island so we had to take the metro to sasang and then take a bus to the island. It is funny that I have been here for a week now and have already been on vacation! I already knew Paige, Davis, and Megan, but I got to meet Mark, Adam, Ethan, and Drew. Drew I sort of met when I went out drinking with Davis in February but not really. I recognized him because I had thought that he was funny. yeah, he's actually hysterical and the man makes a legit fire. Mark and Adam are from the UK and remind me of my cousin Cesca's friends. mark and I share a birthday, though he is a year older. I am really excited to get to know my new friends better, they are all beauties and I am sure we'll have a wonderful time together.
Camping was a riot. We set up camp beside what we named the "babbling brook". The name is appropriate, that thing was babbling all night long but it kept our drinks cold and the boys occupied during the day (they built a damn). We are all sunburnt, and we were rained out but everyone remained super positive even when we woke up and broke camp on sunday whilst hungover at 6 am. I was really impressed that even in a torrential downpour, with no dry clothes and hangovers everyone was still so fun. Seriously, I am stoked I know these people. I am so thankful that they invited me to come along.
Today at school was my second day teaching on my own. I am really getting to know my students as they relax around me. I am naturally gifted when it comes to animals and small children - I really do think that they like me. Perhaps that is just the honeymoon stage, but we will see what will come! I am really excited about how quickly they picked up my name, and about how excited they are to show me their homework at the beginning of every class.. "teacher perfect?! REALLY?!" I am careful to give praise when it is due, as I feel that they might not receive much otherwise. i can relate to these kids as I was always busy as a child with many many activities... I always had so much homework because of my french courses. Second languages can be so hard, but I hope to continue making it as much fun as I possibly can.
Tomorrow we go on a field trip, I am excited to see what kind of field trip this is. I am not, however, excited about the massive pile of marking that I have to do tomorrow during my free period. Boo-urns!
Saturday my friend Zach and some of his friends are coming down from Gumi/Daegu to go to this Pirate Party on a pirate ship. We will start out our night with some cheesy kimchi, then make our way to either Sharky's or the Thirsty Moose. From there a shuttle bus will take us to this pirate ship and we will booze cruise the night away. I actually randomly met one of Zach's buddies on the beach this weekend, apparently Zach was around the same area but we didn't cross paths. It is too bad, Zach went to DW Poppy Secondary in Langley, which is where I grew up. I have known him for a while now but have not seen him since Graduation. It will be nice to reconnect.
That is all that I can stand to write for now, but I will add more as it comes along. I will do my best to write often, and in detail. I miss everyone very much, and I am very excited to share some good stories with all of you. I am now going to set myself on reorganizing the furniture in my apartment as the lay out does nothing for me. I will post pictures when I am finished!!
xoxo
Thursday 2 May 2013
Got the visa...
I've got my visa... but no plane ticket... yet.
Seeing as I've already quit my job(s), I don't have much else to do but what sports highlights, walk my dogs.. and watch the Trailer Park Boys on netflix. Let's get real here, that takes up about 88% of my time.
Jim Lahey drunk reminds me of my old roommate.
That scares me.
All for now! I'm off to Vancouver to meet up with Koby and to try and trade Whitecaps tickets for Vancouver Canucks Playoff Tickets...
I WANT THAT TOWEL.
Seeing as I've already quit my job(s), I don't have much else to do but what sports highlights, walk my dogs.. and watch the Trailer Park Boys on netflix. Let's get real here, that takes up about 88% of my time.
Jim Lahey drunk reminds me of my old roommate.
That scares me.
All for now! I'm off to Vancouver to meet up with Koby and to try and trade Whitecaps tickets for Vancouver Canucks Playoff Tickets...
I WANT THAT TOWEL.
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