Hello again,
So just a quick update. So, I had an eventful last couple of days. I am so happy to be feeling better. I am not 100%, but I am almost there. I had to get outside of my apartment! Friday, my co-teachers and I went to Hyewa, which is a neighborhood near mine. It has more shopping, restaurants, bars, and noribongs(karaoke rooms). So we went to this restaurant/bar called "Cream beer." It was a nice atmosphere. It also had this "cream" you pour on your beer. It made the crappy Korean beer taste much better. Then we decided, since we didn't want to go out to the major foreigner bars that we would stay in Hyewa. We went to a noribong. It wasn't the nicest in the world, but it sufficed for what we wanted.
The next day I met up with a few friends at Spabee's restaurant(it means spaghetti and beer). Its an Italian restaurant, we have gone to many times. It is ran by a very nice Korean gentleman. We then were deciding if we were going to a movie. Well one of my new friends, Rachel was new to Korea, so we decided Noribong was much better way to get to know each other. It was quite the site. It was quite gorgeous for a noribong. It had glass floors when you walk in. And a nice private room with a view of the local shopping district. As you may have seen from the pictures we found a frog suit, and it was quite entertaining. For all of us, even the two who didn't put it on!
I dunno if many of you saw my facebook, but I just found out that my kitty Neko passed away. When I left for Korea I had to leave her behind. It wasn't something I wanted to do, but my friends were very amazing about me doing this experience. And although it pained me much to leave her behind, at the time we all felt (myself included) this was a great opportunity for me. Well, I am not one to talk about my emotions or talk about them well at any rate, so leaving her was harder than most people realize. And I write better than I speak, as most of you know. I had her from 3 weeks old. She was part of a litter that was without a mom. We kept 2 of the kittens. Santino was a great kitty too. Unfortunately, Santinp couldn't survive the fight. Neko, fought long and hard to get strong enough, and oh did she ever. I am not the greatest parent. But, Neko and I had our routine. And we snuggled consistently, and she always slept on my chest when we went to sleep. She was a bit crazy, but I loved that about her, even though at times it drove me nuts. And I think she knew I was leaving. Her mood started changing a little before I left, like she knew things would be different. She was a smart little thing.
My friends are really great people for taking care of Neko. I can't thank them enough for doing everything they could to make sure she was okay and happy. I mean that so much more than I can express properly. Apparently she got sick suddenly. She was living with my friend as an indoor out door cat. They took her to the doctor, and he said there was nothing they could do. I heard that she was happy and doing really well prior to that. So that is really great for me to know she was loved and happy. She will be missed. I will miss her. RIP- Neko 4/2008-8/2009
Update me please. I am halfway through my 6th month. So Update me. I miss you all very much.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Month 6 ;-)
HI HI HI HI~
So, I am in Month 6! It is so weird. I have to say it has flown by. As most of you know last month and this month I was really sick. So I am now getting better, so I can write and let you know what happened. Well at the beginning of August I felt like I had a stuffy nose. I thought it was just my normal allergies, but my allergy medicine wasn't working. Well I had one of my Korean co-teachers write me a note to go to the pharmacy for sore throat and sneezing. The medicine worked for a day, then I got worse. So after a week, I went to the doctor. The ladies(possibly nurses??) couldn't spell my name in Korean and didn't speak any English. It was awesome! The doctor seemed more worried about if I had swine flu, rather than what was actually wrong with me. So he perscribed me medicine for 3 days. As you probably guess, it didn't work, and I went back again. He then was wearing a mask when he heard I was back, and said my symptoms still weren't swine flu, so prescribed me 4 more days of medicine. Well I started to feel better for like 2 days, and I was so excited. It was a Friday. Sunday, my nose felt stuffy. I was trying to be positive.
The next day I got food poisoning. It was awesome!!! I felt like my stomach was eating itself! And that night, during all of that. I came down with a fever. I decided it was due to my stomach ache. I was wrong! The fever got worse. So I went to the ER with my Manager of our school and Jimmy(Angie my supervisor's assistant). They don't speak English well, so again my symptoms and problems were not relayed properly. Not their fault, they were really nice about it. I also got tested for SWINE FLU! Awesome! Clearly, didn't have it since I was not exposed to anyone with SWINE FLU, since I had mainly been at school and my apartment. Still, I took the medicine, hoping to feel better and nothing! Then finally I went to go see another doctor and made Angie go with me, so I could describe to the doctor what was wrong with me exactly and how long I had been sick. So he finally said ANTIBIOTIC!!! YAY! And wouldn't you know, I started getting better the next day. Now it is 5 days later and I am almost back to my normal self.
SO yeah, that's why I wasn't writing for a while. There wasn't anything good to write about. All I wanted was to go to a CVS or Walgreen's or something. It sucked! I can't pretend it was good, it wasn't. I figured if I wrote while sick, I would sound like such a Debbie Downer, that I couldn't.
I had a good few people who were really great during that time, and that made it easier.
So this weekend, I am going OUTSIDE!! I have to! The cabin fever set in weeks ago. I remember getting snowed in for 1 day and going crazy! So just imagine basically a month!
Few things:
I didn't update, because there wasn't much to say. But, email me! I want updates. I can't believe it has been this long. I really miss y'all so much!
BIG HUGS and lots of Love from SK!
Rosie
So, I am in Month 6! It is so weird. I have to say it has flown by. As most of you know last month and this month I was really sick. So I am now getting better, so I can write and let you know what happened. Well at the beginning of August I felt like I had a stuffy nose. I thought it was just my normal allergies, but my allergy medicine wasn't working. Well I had one of my Korean co-teachers write me a note to go to the pharmacy for sore throat and sneezing. The medicine worked for a day, then I got worse. So after a week, I went to the doctor. The ladies(possibly nurses??) couldn't spell my name in Korean and didn't speak any English. It was awesome! The doctor seemed more worried about if I had swine flu, rather than what was actually wrong with me. So he perscribed me medicine for 3 days. As you probably guess, it didn't work, and I went back again. He then was wearing a mask when he heard I was back, and said my symptoms still weren't swine flu, so prescribed me 4 more days of medicine. Well I started to feel better for like 2 days, and I was so excited. It was a Friday. Sunday, my nose felt stuffy. I was trying to be positive.
The next day I got food poisoning. It was awesome!!! I felt like my stomach was eating itself! And that night, during all of that. I came down with a fever. I decided it was due to my stomach ache. I was wrong! The fever got worse. So I went to the ER with my Manager of our school and Jimmy(Angie my supervisor's assistant). They don't speak English well, so again my symptoms and problems were not relayed properly. Not their fault, they were really nice about it. I also got tested for SWINE FLU! Awesome! Clearly, didn't have it since I was not exposed to anyone with SWINE FLU, since I had mainly been at school and my apartment. Still, I took the medicine, hoping to feel better and nothing! Then finally I went to go see another doctor and made Angie go with me, so I could describe to the doctor what was wrong with me exactly and how long I had been sick. So he finally said ANTIBIOTIC!!! YAY! And wouldn't you know, I started getting better the next day. Now it is 5 days later and I am almost back to my normal self.
SO yeah, that's why I wasn't writing for a while. There wasn't anything good to write about. All I wanted was to go to a CVS or Walgreen's or something. It sucked! I can't pretend it was good, it wasn't. I figured if I wrote while sick, I would sound like such a Debbie Downer, that I couldn't.
I had a good few people who were really great during that time, and that made it easier.
So this weekend, I am going OUTSIDE!! I have to! The cabin fever set in weeks ago. I remember getting snowed in for 1 day and going crazy! So just imagine basically a month!
Few things:
I didn't update, because there wasn't much to say. But, email me! I want updates. I can't believe it has been this long. I really miss y'all so much!
BIG HUGS and lots of Love from SK!
Rosie
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
STARTING MONTH 5 :)
Well again it has been a few weeks... I am so busy I couldn't remember my shoes on Tuesday. I walked into work in my flipflops! We are doing a month of intensives which means I have more classes. It blows, because we already had so many classes. But, it only lasts until the end of August. That means I will almost be halfway through. I really love the kids, and my co-teachers are amazing. SO that helps when you get really stressed out.
Good news- My brother-in-law is here in Korea finally! I know it is a little ways to travel to him, but it is so great to have family here! It is so strange that it worked out that we are both here at the same time. Also, my sister sent me the greatest gift. I only received one so far, but she sent me a box of food from home (she said she sent 2, which is so incredible of her)! It was the greatest thing ever, not just the food, but receiving mail was so great. It was the first piece of mail I have gotten since my roommate sent me my going away party cd a few weeks after I arrived in Korea.
I hung out with a few of my friends I met in Korea on Friday. It was a really good time. We went to dinner and we drank Japanese liquor. I will post a few pictures. I am so lazy when it comes to that.
I will write more soon.
Take care everyone! MISS YOU! ***BIG HUGS**
Good news- My brother-in-law is here in Korea finally! I know it is a little ways to travel to him, but it is so great to have family here! It is so strange that it worked out that we are both here at the same time. Also, my sister sent me the greatest gift. I only received one so far, but she sent me a box of food from home (she said she sent 2, which is so incredible of her)! It was the greatest thing ever, not just the food, but receiving mail was so great. It was the first piece of mail I have gotten since my roommate sent me my going away party cd a few weeks after I arrived in Korea.
I hung out with a few of my friends I met in Korea on Friday. It was a really good time. We went to dinner and we drank Japanese liquor. I will post a few pictures. I am so lazy when it comes to that.
I will write more soon.
Take care everyone! MISS YOU! ***BIG HUGS**
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
new quick video blog!--korean fashion!
So I was people watching in the Shopping area in Meyongdong in Seoul. I took a bunch of pictures.. It is quite entertaining if I do say so myself!
Let me know what you think~!
I miss you and love you all loads!
BIG HUGS!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
27 in Korea
HI :)
SO again it has taken me a minute to write another blog....
Okay so a re-cap... Well first as you may have been able to tell, I was getting a bit down from work and homesickness. I am actually doing better now. I have been here almost 4 months. Its kind of crazy right?!?!
Well last month I started venturing out of my bubble that I accidentally decided to hibernate in. Possibly due to the negativity and draining days that haegwons (private schools) bring. I met some really cool people from my new friend Sharon. They are all English teachers, but they have public school jobs... so much more positive! They live in Incheon, which is a city right near Seoul. They are all different and wonderful. I have just begun getting to know them, and I think they are great. It has definitely put me into the positive perspective again. We went to a really cool bar the first night which was called Flare, and it had some guy tossing fire. I will post a video of that. I am sort of backed up on pictures and videos.
Then Karrin and I went with them to Muuido, a small island outside of Incheon. Don't get excited, its not one of those fancy beaches... some of you Ohioans can relate with Put N Bay. Not even like the mini, mini island my family and I boat to off the coast of Tampa. Anyway, it was a really great time. It was a 3 hour ordeal to get there. We waited at a bus stop for way over an hour, and we ended up taking a cab with two people who were waiting for a bus too. We get there and our huts are actually on the beach. They were cramped space for 4 people, which 2 can sleep comfortably. I say comfortably with a hard floor and a pillow, but for $8 a night, it wasn't horrible. It was the 4th of JULY, so we had sparklers and firecrackers, and a fire. It was a good company, good conversation, good scenery kind of experience. So yes, very glad to have met them.. :)
Next, MY BIRTHDAY **BLECK** EW 27
So, I am the youngest Houston child, who is creeping quickly to the big THREE ZERO! Its really weird. So I spent the entire week and a half, remembering all of my 27 years young. I went through quite a few emotions with regard to it. I missed my friends and family like crazy, mostly like a 7 year old wants to go home at 9:00pm at their sleepover! haha... yeah strange... Not necessarily the breakdown my 30th will bring, but definitely brought some strange feelings. Anyway, the conclusion... I am happy in the place I am right now, and the person that I am now. So, be it 21 or 51, I am cool with right now. Whichever country I may be in...
Anyway... I will right more this weekend I presume. I love you all and miss you very much. You are in my thoughts everyday!
***BIG HUGS**** from SK
PS I still need addresses people! Seriously! Mine is listed below, and I know I have a crap load of things I need to send out, so some addresses I have others I need.... so even if you are just expecting a postcard, GET ON giving me your addresses!
SO again it has taken me a minute to write another blog....
Okay so a re-cap... Well first as you may have been able to tell, I was getting a bit down from work and homesickness. I am actually doing better now. I have been here almost 4 months. Its kind of crazy right?!?!
Well last month I started venturing out of my bubble that I accidentally decided to hibernate in. Possibly due to the negativity and draining days that haegwons (private schools) bring. I met some really cool people from my new friend Sharon. They are all English teachers, but they have public school jobs... so much more positive! They live in Incheon, which is a city right near Seoul. They are all different and wonderful. I have just begun getting to know them, and I think they are great. It has definitely put me into the positive perspective again. We went to a really cool bar the first night which was called Flare, and it had some guy tossing fire. I will post a video of that. I am sort of backed up on pictures and videos.
Then Karrin and I went with them to Muuido, a small island outside of Incheon. Don't get excited, its not one of those fancy beaches... some of you Ohioans can relate with Put N Bay. Not even like the mini, mini island my family and I boat to off the coast of Tampa. Anyway, it was a really great time. It was a 3 hour ordeal to get there. We waited at a bus stop for way over an hour, and we ended up taking a cab with two people who were waiting for a bus too. We get there and our huts are actually on the beach. They were cramped space for 4 people, which 2 can sleep comfortably. I say comfortably with a hard floor and a pillow, but for $8 a night, it wasn't horrible. It was the 4th of JULY, so we had sparklers and firecrackers, and a fire. It was a good company, good conversation, good scenery kind of experience. So yes, very glad to have met them.. :)
Next, MY BIRTHDAY **BLECK** EW 27
So, I am the youngest Houston child, who is creeping quickly to the big THREE ZERO! Its really weird. So I spent the entire week and a half, remembering all of my 27 years young. I went through quite a few emotions with regard to it. I missed my friends and family like crazy, mostly like a 7 year old wants to go home at 9:00pm at their sleepover! haha... yeah strange... Not necessarily the breakdown my 30th will bring, but definitely brought some strange feelings. Anyway, the conclusion... I am happy in the place I am right now, and the person that I am now. So, be it 21 or 51, I am cool with right now. Whichever country I may be in...
Anyway... I will right more this weekend I presume. I love you all and miss you very much. You are in my thoughts everyday!
***BIG HUGS**** from SK
PS I still need addresses people! Seriously! Mine is listed below, and I know I have a crap load of things I need to send out, so some addresses I have others I need.... so even if you are just expecting a postcard, GET ON giving me your addresses!
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 7th 2009
Hey guys!
It has been a minute, but it has been really hectic here. Let's see where did I leave off. Well I have made a couple new friends since the last time I wrote. It definitely makes the experience a little easier here. I went to this island with them last weekend. Its a beach, not super nice, but decent. We slept in huts on the beach,caught some actual crabs, and had some sort of fire war... which I got hit in the skirt with :( Luckily not the leg. What can I say, the 4th of July excites people! We had an adventure the next day returning to the mainland. It was a 3 our debacle to get there, but Karrin and I found a shortcut on the way back. (airport limousine-bus from the airport to Seoul)
The hours still suck at my job, but I have managed to work out a flow for things. It doesn't make much less time but I don't go in at 8am anymore. Its like 9-9:30 now. The co-workers are all in the same boat, and stressed at our hours too. They are all great people and I wish it wasn't so stressful so we could hang out more.
Two of the the foreign teachers like me quit from our office last month. They finish up at the end of July. It can be that tough some days. But, they are good guys and we are going to miss them. After they leave, we have summer "intensives" basically they work us to the max hours we can work (just classes, still have all the other crap). So I will have 42-3 classes or so a week... fun fun fun!
Anyway that is a little about what is up with me... so my plea to people back home... write me an email update I miss you!!! It sucks I can't spend my birthday with you guys again this year.
Love everyone so much!!! Miss you so much!
*******BIG HUGS******
It has been a minute, but it has been really hectic here. Let's see where did I leave off. Well I have made a couple new friends since the last time I wrote. It definitely makes the experience a little easier here. I went to this island with them last weekend. Its a beach, not super nice, but decent. We slept in huts on the beach,caught some actual crabs, and had some sort of fire war... which I got hit in the skirt with :( Luckily not the leg. What can I say, the 4th of July excites people! We had an adventure the next day returning to the mainland. It was a 3 our debacle to get there, but Karrin and I found a shortcut on the way back. (airport limousine-bus from the airport to Seoul)
The hours still suck at my job, but I have managed to work out a flow for things. It doesn't make much less time but I don't go in at 8am anymore. Its like 9-9:30 now. The co-workers are all in the same boat, and stressed at our hours too. They are all great people and I wish it wasn't so stressful so we could hang out more.
Two of the the foreign teachers like me quit from our office last month. They finish up at the end of July. It can be that tough some days. But, they are good guys and we are going to miss them. After they leave, we have summer "intensives" basically they work us to the max hours we can work (just classes, still have all the other crap). So I will have 42-3 classes or so a week... fun fun fun!
Anyway that is a little about what is up with me... so my plea to people back home... write me an email update I miss you!!! It sucks I can't spend my birthday with you guys again this year.
Love everyone so much!!! Miss you so much!
*******BIG HUGS******
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friends
Hoon- my first friend in Seoul.HI :)
What's new with me:
So I was getting really homesick for the past couple of weeks. I really miss my friends. I miss coming home to my zoo and friends. It is not the easiest thing ever. I am not used to this sort of thing anymore. I used to be when I was younger and moved frequently. Many of you understand what its like going to a new city where you don't know anyone, i.e. Michelle, Katie, Paul, Eddie, Maya, Suzanne, Laura. Its good and bad, as with anywhere you are. Good connections are difficult to make. They are much easier when you are home, because you have commonalities, even just proximity helps in building relationships. Also, genuine laughter makes everything better.
So I was getting really homesick for the past couple of weeks. I really miss my friends. I miss coming home to my zoo and friends. It is not the easiest thing ever. I am not used to this sort of thing anymore. I used to be when I was younger and moved frequently. Many of you understand what its like going to a new city where you don't know anyone, i.e. Michelle, Katie, Paul, Eddie, Maya, Suzanne, Laura. Its good and bad, as with anywhere you are. Good connections are difficult to make. They are much easier when you are home, because you have commonalities, even just proximity helps in building relationships. Also, genuine laughter makes everything better.
It was exciting, overwhelming and new when I got here. I was very fascinated by Seoul. There is a lot to figure out, when not being able to read or speak, it becomes a bit frustrating. Then work got tough, not difficult, just so many hours (part time my ass). I was exhausted. It was taking a huge toll on me. I was really exhausted and consistently sick. So, I joined a gym. Yeah not the best idea when you are to sick to go. I have gone since, but at first it was difficult. My job was long, and as many of you know, running after kids is very difficult. They get sick, you get sick.
Well I happened to meet 2 good new friends. I ventured out again. It was good. Laughing is definitely the best medicine. They are helping me explore more, food, places and people. I feel the rest of the year will be different. I am hopeful, plus my brother-in-law will be here soon, and I can show him what I have seen and learned so far :)
Well big hugs, if anyone wants to send anything postcards letters, please send to my school:
Attn: Ms. Rosemary Houston
YBM ECC Sungbuk ECC
143-5 Udam Building 2nd floor
Somun-dong 6 ga, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-036
YBM ECC Sungbuk ECC
143-5 Udam Building 2nd floor
Somun-dong 6 ga, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-036
LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 3, 2009
Hi hi hi :)
SO the week and a half of hell is finally over! We had to do end of the month evaluations. I didn't have the most kids to evaluate, but I did have a lot. I had 58 or 53 kids to evaluate. THAT BLOWS! Because, it isn't during our normal scheduled hours, it time before/after work. Some teachers do them from home, as I said before. But, I won't work if I try to do it at home! So I spent some days working past 8pm. Since I am the newest, I have no idea how the other teachers have done this for so long!! Its going to be a tough year. But, I never said I was expecting to have a year vacation. I realize I have to earn my keep. But, sometimes I just don't want to! Especially when you hear, "teacher, teacher, teacher look, teacher he did this, teacher he is speaking Korean, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher." There is a reason I am not a parent at this stage in my life! I deal with a lot of different ages too: from 6-14. The most prominent age is 6 years old Korean, which is 5 American. I can't explain when the dates switch or whatever, I can just say they believe you are alive in the womb, so they count that into the age.
SO another stressful thing is, on top of my evaluations (OH AND BEING SICK!), I had to prepare for this open class. Which (I mean no disrespect to the school) I think they blow. It makes the teachers have extra work (that they don't get compensated for), and added stress of having the parents in the classroom! Which I know that ALL the "main" teachers hate it, but we are so glad when it is finished. Not all teachers have to do the open class, just the main Kindergarten teachers. Mine is finished! My co-teacher for the class (she is the Korean teacher for the class), witnessed me getting super stressed! SO glad its over. I hate extra work. WE already work so much!
Anyway, we have a 3-day weekend coming up, so I am looking forward to not going into work!!!!!YAY!
K- little update BUH BYE!
SO the week and a half of hell is finally over! We had to do end of the month evaluations. I didn't have the most kids to evaluate, but I did have a lot. I had 58 or 53 kids to evaluate. THAT BLOWS! Because, it isn't during our normal scheduled hours, it time before/after work. Some teachers do them from home, as I said before. But, I won't work if I try to do it at home! So I spent some days working past 8pm. Since I am the newest, I have no idea how the other teachers have done this for so long!! Its going to be a tough year. But, I never said I was expecting to have a year vacation. I realize I have to earn my keep. But, sometimes I just don't want to! Especially when you hear, "teacher, teacher, teacher look, teacher he did this, teacher he is speaking Korean, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher." There is a reason I am not a parent at this stage in my life! I deal with a lot of different ages too: from 6-14. The most prominent age is 6 years old Korean, which is 5 American. I can't explain when the dates switch or whatever, I can just say they believe you are alive in the womb, so they count that into the age.
SO another stressful thing is, on top of my evaluations (OH AND BEING SICK!), I had to prepare for this open class. Which (I mean no disrespect to the school) I think they blow. It makes the teachers have extra work (that they don't get compensated for), and added stress of having the parents in the classroom! Which I know that ALL the "main" teachers hate it, but we are so glad when it is finished. Not all teachers have to do the open class, just the main Kindergarten teachers. Mine is finished! My co-teacher for the class (she is the Korean teacher for the class), witnessed me getting super stressed! SO glad its over. I hate extra work. WE already work so much!
Anyway, we have a 3-day weekend coming up, so I am looking forward to not going into work!!!!!YAY!
K- little update BUH BYE!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
week 6! Yes I said week 6!
SO everyone, how goes it?
It is still SEOUL here!
I have been up to a little more. The weather has been permitting. I am intermittently sick, but it comes with the job. I love the kids most days. Other days, I realize why I am not a PARENT! They are fun, but they are still kids. The more grown up kids are harder, like 9-12 years old. They don't listen, and are just as frustrated with not knowing English at such a late age. We work hard here, but if I decide to stay a second year, I will definitely do it at a public school, not private. They get paid more, more vacation, and less classes to teach in a day. I teach between 7-9 a day. And with all the prep work, I end up working from around 9 am to 7 pm. At the end of the month, we work longer than that doing evaluations. I stayed until 10:30 pm and came in at 8:30 some days. Other teachers do their evals from home, too. I do have breaks during the day, but I am usually doing work. On rare occasions I will step out for lunch, or walk back to my apartment since it is only 5-10 minutes away. So I really am pretty busy throughout the whole week. Which sucks for writing, pictures, and sending things, because post offices aren't open weekends (mostly).
I apologize for that, however, I can email as much as people like. I can send a message here and there every day. But, I don't want to frustrate people asking them everything that is going on back home. Some days it feels like I TIVO through my life back home, as if people are only giving me the important updates if any at all. Like.." this is boring and mundane, so I won't bother updating her just yet..." But honestly folks, that is the stuff I am desperate for. I love hearing the stupidest things. You can send me an email and say, "I drove into BP and thought of you", or "I saw the bus and thought about when you didn't have a car for a really long time..." or " I remember when..." "just wanted you to know I was thinking about you." Its that kind of stuff that means the most to me right now.
I need addresses so I can send you post cards or cool little things I find. And don't tell me you don't have time to email me your address, because it takes two seconds. Plus, who doesn't like getting mail???
Okay so more about me, my hair was fading back to blond, so I put a bunch of blond chunks in. EVERYONE here has brown or black hair, so I felt I wanted to be different (Maya was so right!) It looks great, and fun. Plus, Karrin saw it and let me dye hers fun too!
I went to Seoul Tower, which you can see the whole city from the Hill it sits on. It was pretty cool. I took pictures, but if you aren't on Myspace or Facebook, you will have to give me your email so I can send you the link to the pictures. ... or I will have to go back to my flickr account. The city is becoming home to me (Suzanne was right...two months my dear, I am almost there).
My co-teachers are really awesome. We all have fun and struggle with work at the same time. We can go out and talk and compare lives... its great. Some of them really have made it easy to ponder my life and what I want. I never want to digress again, that is for sure. I am never going to miss my cube, but I do miss my co-workers at AmTrust. They were really great people. Even when the job sucked, I always had really great people to help me make it through the day.
And, lastly I haven't written as much as I would like, but I have read two books. Which is a great start I feel. I am starting my third tonight.
Well there is so much more for me to learn while I am here, so much for me to see and experience. I can't wait to share more of them with you.
Okay so DEUCES.. I love you all!!!
BIG HUGS FROM SUNGBUK SEOUL!
It is still SEOUL here!
I have been up to a little more. The weather has been permitting. I am intermittently sick, but it comes with the job. I love the kids most days. Other days, I realize why I am not a PARENT! They are fun, but they are still kids. The more grown up kids are harder, like 9-12 years old. They don't listen, and are just as frustrated with not knowing English at such a late age. We work hard here, but if I decide to stay a second year, I will definitely do it at a public school, not private. They get paid more, more vacation, and less classes to teach in a day. I teach between 7-9 a day. And with all the prep work, I end up working from around 9 am to 7 pm. At the end of the month, we work longer than that doing evaluations. I stayed until 10:30 pm and came in at 8:30 some days. Other teachers do their evals from home, too. I do have breaks during the day, but I am usually doing work. On rare occasions I will step out for lunch, or walk back to my apartment since it is only 5-10 minutes away. So I really am pretty busy throughout the whole week. Which sucks for writing, pictures, and sending things, because post offices aren't open weekends (mostly).
I apologize for that, however, I can email as much as people like. I can send a message here and there every day. But, I don't want to frustrate people asking them everything that is going on back home. Some days it feels like I TIVO through my life back home, as if people are only giving me the important updates if any at all. Like.." this is boring and mundane, so I won't bother updating her just yet..." But honestly folks, that is the stuff I am desperate for. I love hearing the stupidest things. You can send me an email and say, "I drove into BP and thought of you", or "I saw the bus and thought about when you didn't have a car for a really long time..." or " I remember when..." "just wanted you to know I was thinking about you." Its that kind of stuff that means the most to me right now.
I need addresses so I can send you post cards or cool little things I find. And don't tell me you don't have time to email me your address, because it takes two seconds. Plus, who doesn't like getting mail???
Okay so more about me, my hair was fading back to blond, so I put a bunch of blond chunks in. EVERYONE here has brown or black hair, so I felt I wanted to be different (Maya was so right!) It looks great, and fun. Plus, Karrin saw it and let me dye hers fun too!
I went to Seoul Tower, which you can see the whole city from the Hill it sits on. It was pretty cool. I took pictures, but if you aren't on Myspace or Facebook, you will have to give me your email so I can send you the link to the pictures. ... or I will have to go back to my flickr account. The city is becoming home to me (Suzanne was right...two months my dear, I am almost there).
My co-teachers are really awesome. We all have fun and struggle with work at the same time. We can go out and talk and compare lives... its great. Some of them really have made it easy to ponder my life and what I want. I never want to digress again, that is for sure. I am never going to miss my cube, but I do miss my co-workers at AmTrust. They were really great people. Even when the job sucked, I always had really great people to help me make it through the day.
And, lastly I haven't written as much as I would like, but I have read two books. Which is a great start I feel. I am starting my third tonight.
Well there is so much more for me to learn while I am here, so much for me to see and experience. I can't wait to share more of them with you.
Okay so DEUCES.. I love you all!!!
BIG HUGS FROM SUNGBUK SEOUL!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
video blog #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ7Xrrb-nZM
Kinda boring, but just an update :)
LOVE YOU!!!
BIG HUGS!!!!!
Kinda boring, but just an update :)
LOVE YOU!!!
BIG HUGS!!!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 6th, 2009
Today starts for me a little earlier than most. Today is a day to be thankful, to remember and to reflect. Today is a day to remember Kayte, remember all of the promises each of us made when she passed away two years ago today.
Today I am so thankful to have had her in my life, even as briefly as it was. Though, I think of her everyday, I treasure each and every memory I have.
To all my friends back home, have a drink together. You all are in my thoughts too.
Love you, BIG HUGS!
05-06-07
Today I am so thankful to have had her in my life, even as briefly as it was. Though, I think of her everyday, I treasure each and every memory I have.
To all my friends back home, have a drink together. You all are in my thoughts too.
Love you, BIG HUGS!
05-06-07
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Start of week 3
Sorry its been so long.
So I have been busy this last week getting on my feet after being really sick. I have been basically just working a lot. Some of the kids drive me crazy, but I am learning a lot. It is a great break from working for so long. I feel more my age. I felt like the grey cube of death was going to be my life. Now I am in SOUTH KOREA. HOLY EFF... who would have thought this a year ago!?!?!?
I am sad I will be missing my family trip to Florida this June. I miss my family and my niece and nephew so much. I really need their addresses: HINT HINT KATIE AND MICHELLE! It is going to be different being here.
So a little stuff about Korea. My boss took Karrin and I to a restaurant in a popular foreigner part of the city. We got to cook our own beef and pork. It was making our own soup in the middle of the table. We then went to this bar where they played basically only American Hip Hop and R&B. It was kind of interesting to watch all of these Koreans singing along to the words (well most of the words). A couple of local guys sat down and talked to Karrin and I for a bit. One of them told me, the lyrics are too fast, so they usually only know the chorus. :) They were really funny. It was great meeting people who weren't just teachers. So my boss took us to this club, which I was really excited to see a "real" club. Unfortunately, there are no fire code limits on people. You walk in and can't move. It was like swimming through people. We left within about 5-10minutes.
Sunday we went to a Lantern Festival for Buddha's birthday! It was really awesome, I really just wish it was warmer. I should have pictures up in a few days.
So send me emails, update me on what is going on with you... I miss you guys!!
So I have been busy this last week getting on my feet after being really sick. I have been basically just working a lot. Some of the kids drive me crazy, but I am learning a lot. It is a great break from working for so long. I feel more my age. I felt like the grey cube of death was going to be my life. Now I am in SOUTH KOREA. HOLY EFF... who would have thought this a year ago!?!?!?
I am sad I will be missing my family trip to Florida this June. I miss my family and my niece and nephew so much. I really need their addresses: HINT HINT KATIE AND MICHELLE! It is going to be different being here.
So a little stuff about Korea. My boss took Karrin and I to a restaurant in a popular foreigner part of the city. We got to cook our own beef and pork. It was making our own soup in the middle of the table. We then went to this bar where they played basically only American Hip Hop and R&B. It was kind of interesting to watch all of these Koreans singing along to the words (well most of the words). A couple of local guys sat down and talked to Karrin and I for a bit. One of them told me, the lyrics are too fast, so they usually only know the chorus. :) They were really funny. It was great meeting people who weren't just teachers. So my boss took us to this club, which I was really excited to see a "real" club. Unfortunately, there are no fire code limits on people. You walk in and can't move. It was like swimming through people. We left within about 5-10minutes.
Sunday we went to a Lantern Festival for Buddha's birthday! It was really awesome, I really just wish it was warmer. I should have pictures up in a few days.
So send me emails, update me on what is going on with you... I miss you guys!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
the start of Week 3
So it's been about 16-17 days. I am really happy I came. My friend Karrin and I went to this huge mall on Sunday for dinner. It was great. We sat outside and talked for a while. We talked about a ton of things about life, family, friends, careers. We talked about how I travelled a lot and did a lot by the time I was 21, and how after that I planted myself for a few years in Cleveland. I am very happy I came back there. I met some people who have really changed my life. Some I realized are important family to me.
In that time, so much has happened with my family as well. My nephew is officially "chemo free" as I call it, since December 15th. Both my niece and nephew (Bella and Angelo) are doing well in school. My sisters are both going back to school and have really great families. My brother is living in Prague with my nephew Sammy.
This was a huge decision to come here. Who knows if I will continue this type of work for a few years, but it is a great way to see the world. I am so glad I have the support of my family and friends!
I am meeting some very interesting people. My co-foreign teachers are from all over the US, and the Native teachers are great and really cool people.
OHOHOH yeah---I made a potential new friend all on my own! :) He doesn't work at my school, nor is he another English teacher. He may only work at the bank down the block. Who knows, he may be able to show me around SK?!?!
I will write a more detailed blog with video's and such later in the week :)
Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all. Big HUGS from far away!
In that time, so much has happened with my family as well. My nephew is officially "chemo free" as I call it, since December 15th. Both my niece and nephew (Bella and Angelo) are doing well in school. My sisters are both going back to school and have really great families. My brother is living in Prague with my nephew Sammy.
This was a huge decision to come here. Who knows if I will continue this type of work for a few years, but it is a great way to see the world. I am so glad I have the support of my family and friends!
I am meeting some very interesting people. My co-foreign teachers are from all over the US, and the Native teachers are great and really cool people.
OHOHOH yeah---I made a potential new friend all on my own! :) He doesn't work at my school, nor is he another English teacher. He may only work at the bank down the block. Who knows, he may be able to show me around SK?!?!
I will write a more detailed blog with video's and such later in the week :)
Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all. Big HUGS from far away!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Week 2 SEOUL
SO.... its been almost 2 full weeks. It has gone by so fast, yet it feels like I have been here forever! It's not like a vacation, because you are thrown into living your life. Its new and exciting, but at the same time there is a calm about being here. It kind of feels like I am doing what I should be doing.
I really do like my job. Its not easy by any means, but the people are great and most of the kids are great. I found out today my apartment is one of the biggest. It actually is a huge studio. It comes with a washer and a full kitchen. I really actually like my bathroom or "wet room". It is actually really cool. You don't realize what a hassle curtains and whatnot can be sometimes. I do miss baths, but its just because the option is gone. I only took like 2 or 3 a year anyway.
The food is awesome. I really like Korean food. I know my family is probably shocked by that, considering I was so picky growing up. They the only thing I don't like about the food is when they throw in squid, the tentacles freak me out!
When I got here, I had to walk up 4 flights to my apartment. When I got to the top I was so out of breath. And up until the last month I was in Ohio, I ran about 2 miles every day. I was apparently still really lazy. I would circle parking lots to find the closest spot, instead of parking far away, because I always felt in a hurry in the USA. Its busy here, but I never feel rushed. I walk 5-8 minutes to work every day. Its really a pretty nice walk. Its so easy. There aren't super huge hills like in Akron, but its not as flat as Tampa. I feel so much better having to walk everywhere. It just helps when you have an awesome transportation system.
I have to say I thought more things would be in English, i.e. street names and such. Yeah that's not the case at all. I still only know 2 frases in Korean. I can say thank you and ask how much.
This last week I have been severely sick. I had some sort of flu or something, it was kind of miserable. But I came home every night drank some tea and went to sleep. I started losing my voice Wednesday. Still it's now Saturday at 6pm and I have no voice at all. My roommates and AmTrust people remember when I lost my voice in the fall last year. It only lasts like 3-4 days, but it still sucks, especially when you teach kids and can't talk over them. But, I do feel better, regardless of the loss of voice.
Well, If you want to skype or IM let me know. My skype is Rosieh714 and my AIM is Nekorosie :) I am either 13 or 14 hours ahead depending on where you live. For my Cali people its 16 hours ahead.
K- I love you all, miss you! You are in my thoughts always.
I really do like my job. Its not easy by any means, but the people are great and most of the kids are great. I found out today my apartment is one of the biggest. It actually is a huge studio. It comes with a washer and a full kitchen. I really actually like my bathroom or "wet room". It is actually really cool. You don't realize what a hassle curtains and whatnot can be sometimes. I do miss baths, but its just because the option is gone. I only took like 2 or 3 a year anyway.
The food is awesome. I really like Korean food. I know my family is probably shocked by that, considering I was so picky growing up. They the only thing I don't like about the food is when they throw in squid, the tentacles freak me out!
When I got here, I had to walk up 4 flights to my apartment. When I got to the top I was so out of breath. And up until the last month I was in Ohio, I ran about 2 miles every day. I was apparently still really lazy. I would circle parking lots to find the closest spot, instead of parking far away, because I always felt in a hurry in the USA. Its busy here, but I never feel rushed. I walk 5-8 minutes to work every day. Its really a pretty nice walk. Its so easy. There aren't super huge hills like in Akron, but its not as flat as Tampa. I feel so much better having to walk everywhere. It just helps when you have an awesome transportation system.
I have to say I thought more things would be in English, i.e. street names and such. Yeah that's not the case at all. I still only know 2 frases in Korean. I can say thank you and ask how much.
This last week I have been severely sick. I had some sort of flu or something, it was kind of miserable. But I came home every night drank some tea and went to sleep. I started losing my voice Wednesday. Still it's now Saturday at 6pm and I have no voice at all. My roommates and AmTrust people remember when I lost my voice in the fall last year. It only lasts like 3-4 days, but it still sucks, especially when you teach kids and can't talk over them. But, I do feel better, regardless of the loss of voice.
Well, If you want to skype or IM let me know. My skype is Rosieh714 and my AIM is Nekorosie :) I am either 13 or 14 hours ahead depending on where you live. For my Cali people its 16 hours ahead.
K- I love you all, miss you! You are in my thoughts always.
The kids saying their chant
They say this everytime they walk somewhere. "Are you READY? Yes we are! Hands on hips. Ok. Lets go. Ok." So cute, at least right now. :)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
WEEK ONE in SK
Well, sorry for the delay. It has been really hectic. I stayed in last night to sleep, because it has been so overwhelming. In a really good way though.
SO My first day teaching was Thursday. I was really exhausted, but it went well. I found out I had to teach my Kindergarden(ish) class about Easter. Well, they are very advanced in English and reading and writing, but they are still 5 years old. I am their Main foreign teacher, meaning I have them for both of their full English classes. So when I walked in, I was told to tell them like I would explain it to them like they were American 5 year olds, i.e. explaining the Easter Bunny and eggs. SO I basically told them the Easter Bunny lays eggs!! HAHA they didn't get it any way I told them. They just wanted to paint their eggs! But afterwards my one student, Si Jun said, "Rosemary Teacher, this is my first Easter ever!" They are able to have conversations, it is really mind blowing! Then while the eggs were drying, the teacher put on a few songs for the kids to sing along. Their favorite is "HOME ON THE RANGE!" HAHA When I was a kid, I didn't even like that song. My theory is that it is a slow enough song for them to sing along.
As the day went on, I had 6 more classes. One class couldn't speak any english. I was teaching them about feelings, ie happy, sad, mad, sick etc. They are so cute, but I feel like I am talking to a brick wall :) Apparently as the year goes on they get better. Hopefully, that isn't solely on how I teach! But, I am awesome, haha!
Afterwards, my co-teachers took me out for dinner. My co-worker Jamie and I went browsing at the shops by our school. I wanted to try on a dress (yes a dress people). They wouldn't let me. They started waving their hands in front of my boobs, and were saying, "no no no no." I felt like the prostitute walking into the fancy clothing store. Oh, yeah that was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! So Jamie grabbed my arm to leave, and all I was thinking was, "You work on commission right? Big mistake! Huge! I have to go shopping now." :)
Then I ended up on a 3 hour scavenger hunt to drop off an art piece for a show. It was pretty fun, although, this out of shape American running up and down subway stairs. I must admit it was probably funny to watch.
Friday, I didn't have to teach, but we had a seminar at work. It was a few hours, then the staff went out for lunch. We then went to a Cherry Blossom festival. It was absolutely beautiful. I took pictures. There was so much art everywhere. People made amazing art with flowers.
Then we all went to dinner and out to a club called HO bar. It played American music. They had RED BULL on the menu. SO I asked for a Red Bull and vodka, and it was this neon green color from a little brown bottle. Tasted so funny. Oh well I am not in OHIO anymore. We ended up at this punk rock club, which had really cool graffiti.
Saturday, Karrin and I went to the E-Mart. It was like 3 or 4 floors. HUGE! And there are hundreds of workers. It was such an adventure. HAHA. So I stayed in that night. I woke up and went to this shopping area with my boss. It was really fun. We went through this traditional Korean shopping area, then to the major shopping area. It was so different. It reminds me of New York, but completely different. If that makes any sense at all.
I am going to try to post pictures tonight.
Please email me your addresses so I can send post cards and such.
Hope everything is going well there in the USA~ :)
BIG HUGS AND KISSES!
SO My first day teaching was Thursday. I was really exhausted, but it went well. I found out I had to teach my Kindergarden(ish) class about Easter. Well, they are very advanced in English and reading and writing, but they are still 5 years old. I am their Main foreign teacher, meaning I have them for both of their full English classes. So when I walked in, I was told to tell them like I would explain it to them like they were American 5 year olds, i.e. explaining the Easter Bunny and eggs. SO I basically told them the Easter Bunny lays eggs!! HAHA they didn't get it any way I told them. They just wanted to paint their eggs! But afterwards my one student, Si Jun said, "Rosemary Teacher, this is my first Easter ever!" They are able to have conversations, it is really mind blowing! Then while the eggs were drying, the teacher put on a few songs for the kids to sing along. Their favorite is "HOME ON THE RANGE!" HAHA When I was a kid, I didn't even like that song. My theory is that it is a slow enough song for them to sing along.
As the day went on, I had 6 more classes. One class couldn't speak any english. I was teaching them about feelings, ie happy, sad, mad, sick etc. They are so cute, but I feel like I am talking to a brick wall :) Apparently as the year goes on they get better. Hopefully, that isn't solely on how I teach! But, I am awesome, haha!
Afterwards, my co-teachers took me out for dinner. My co-worker Jamie and I went browsing at the shops by our school. I wanted to try on a dress (yes a dress people). They wouldn't let me. They started waving their hands in front of my boobs, and were saying, "no no no no." I felt like the prostitute walking into the fancy clothing store. Oh, yeah that was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! So Jamie grabbed my arm to leave, and all I was thinking was, "You work on commission right? Big mistake! Huge! I have to go shopping now." :)
Then I ended up on a 3 hour scavenger hunt to drop off an art piece for a show. It was pretty fun, although, this out of shape American running up and down subway stairs. I must admit it was probably funny to watch.
Friday, I didn't have to teach, but we had a seminar at work. It was a few hours, then the staff went out for lunch. We then went to a Cherry Blossom festival. It was absolutely beautiful. I took pictures. There was so much art everywhere. People made amazing art with flowers.
Then we all went to dinner and out to a club called HO bar. It played American music. They had RED BULL on the menu. SO I asked for a Red Bull and vodka, and it was this neon green color from a little brown bottle. Tasted so funny. Oh well I am not in OHIO anymore. We ended up at this punk rock club, which had really cool graffiti.
Saturday, Karrin and I went to the E-Mart. It was like 3 or 4 floors. HUGE! And there are hundreds of workers. It was such an adventure. HAHA. So I stayed in that night. I woke up and went to this shopping area with my boss. It was really fun. We went through this traditional Korean shopping area, then to the major shopping area. It was so different. It reminds me of New York, but completely different. If that makes any sense at all.
I am going to try to post pictures tonight.
Please email me your addresses so I can send post cards and such.
Hope everything is going well there in the USA~ :)
BIG HUGS AND KISSES!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
FIRST BLOG FROM SEOUL
Hi everyone, I am just making this basic to get it started. I will post pictures soon.
1. I need to learn how to use chopsticks.
2. I used my first Korean word on my own today.
3. My back hurts from either the bed, the plane, or the 8 hours of observation in kiddie chairs.
4. The public transportation puts Cleveland to shame completely!
5. My co-workers and boss are so effin great, I really couldn't have asked for better.
6. I forgot how much it sucks to do my make-up properly every day.
7. I had my first "attempt" at using a toilet in the floor. Needless to say, I chickened out and we found another restroom for me to take my pee test. Believe me I have squatted a few times in my life, and that is just impossible to pee into a cup while squatting.
8. My kids are adorable and so smart. They kind of put American children to shame a little bit... :( 5 years old and can read and write and speak English after 1 year of classes. I thought I was a smart child (yeah no). Also, they call me Rosemary Teacher and stare at me all through class to make sure I watch how much they know.
9. The drivers are either crazy, reckless, or just amazing drivers, and yet the pedestrians are just ridiculously walking out in the middle of it.
10. Food: Korean food is kind of awesome! I went to an "Italian" restaurant, and the food is better than the ones in Cleveland. WTF.
1. I need to learn how to use chopsticks.
2. I used my first Korean word on my own today.
3. My back hurts from either the bed, the plane, or the 8 hours of observation in kiddie chairs.
4. The public transportation puts Cleveland to shame completely!
5. My co-workers and boss are so effin great, I really couldn't have asked for better.
6. I forgot how much it sucks to do my make-up properly every day.
7. I had my first "attempt" at using a toilet in the floor. Needless to say, I chickened out and we found another restroom for me to take my pee test. Believe me I have squatted a few times in my life, and that is just impossible to pee into a cup while squatting.
8. My kids are adorable and so smart. They kind of put American children to shame a little bit... :( 5 years old and can read and write and speak English after 1 year of classes. I thought I was a smart child (yeah no). Also, they call me Rosemary Teacher and stare at me all through class to make sure I watch how much they know.
9. The drivers are either crazy, reckless, or just amazing drivers, and yet the pedestrians are just ridiculously walking out in the middle of it.
10. Food: Korean food is kind of awesome! I went to an "Italian" restaurant, and the food is better than the ones in Cleveland. WTF.
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