My schedule has been completely changed as of tomorrow. I will no longer be teaching Science. I only had one class before, but I really liked my Science class. I got Language added to my arsenal. Thanks. I'm not much of a fan of the semantics and technicalities of language. I learned more English grammar because of Spanish class than I ever learned in an English class. Anyway, my Tuesday/Thursday schedule remains the same. The nice thing is that I now have a prep period everyday but Wednesday. I have two on Tuesday to make up for that though. The reason we are switching the schedule is because BIS hired a new teacher because our grade 2 classes are getting too big and too crazy. The new teacher will only be part-time and work Monday, Wednesday, Friday and is taking some of my most hated and most beloved classes. However, all the current teachers are dealing with the same situation. I had also planned two of the classes I lost until December so it kind of makes me feel like my work was useless. I have however designed and new lesson plan sheet which is much more efficient and visual than before.
Other than that, nothing else in the way of news. We have a three day weekend coming up because of National Foundation Day on Friday. It'll be nice to have a 3 day weekend, but other than dinner with friends on Thursday night, I don't have much planned. Maybe the HiSeoul festival, maybe palace tours, maybe a walk through Olympic Park. Perhaps swimming laps in the Olympic pool or checking out the shooting range? Who knows, but I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and the weather looks promising thus far for a relaxing, outdoor weekend.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Noraebang
Last night was another Spanish meetup and some new people were there, which was really nice. We went to a restaurant in Sinchon that had separate conference style rooms that you can rent out, have some food, drinks and a meeting all at the same time. It was pretty kitschy, but fun. After dinner, a group of us headed to Hongdae for some dancing. On the way to the bar, Tinpin, we encountered a stand where a woman was selling cocktails in a bag. It was like a Capri Sun, but for adults and at 3,000W a pop, hard to pass up. After we hung out at Tinpin for a bit we decided to head to a noraebang. A noraebang is a karaoke room people can rent out with their friends and you can sing to your heart's content. They have a ton of songs in English, including recent hits and old ones too. I sang a lot of songs! Loren and I belted out, "Hey Jude," Megan and I sang "Goodbye Earl" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." I decided to solo on "Mmmbop" and "Don't Bring Me Down." It was so much fun! Afterward we hit up the street food where I tried tteokbokki for the first time, it was very spicy, but incredibly tasty.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Picnic, 6am and Crying Kids
Last Sunday, after a super crazy Friday/Saturday, Loren and I had a picnic lunch by the Han River. It was a gorgeous day, it was pretty warm but a great day nonetheless. After lunch of ramyeon (라면), kimchi and kimbap we walked along the river and eventually found a deserted area by the National Assembly Building. It was a perfect day to walk around a part of Seoul I hadn't really explored yet. After we walked our way through the National Assembly complex, we went to a small park where people were riding bikes, roller blading and enjoying a Sunday afternoon stroll. It was a peaceful way to end a crazy, yet fun weekend.
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My weekend, as mentioned above was crazy. I met up with Loren and his visiting friends in Itaweon. Itaewon is the foreign part of Seoul, where it feels like you are walking into America. I kid you not, English is heard everywhere and there are a ton of foreigners. I had been trying to avoid Itaewon, but in the past week I had gone 3 times (once for dinner/drinks with Loren, dinner with Kristen and then out on the town with Loren, Colin, Jesse, Sandra and Woon Ha). Anyway, Friday night I met up with everyone and we went to a few bars, had a few drinks and it was 3:00 before I knew it. However, the night didn't end there. Sandra and I decided to head to Gangnam (where I live, sort of) and go to this huge club, NB (Noise Basement). There were a gazillion people there and it was incredibly hot, but the DJ was awesome and I danced more than I think I have in my entire life. We finally parted ways at about 6am! I'm not sure I've ever been out that late before, but it was fun. I didn't wake up until 4p on Saturday!
This week is going quickly, it is almost Wednesday here and I am tired already. The kids seem to be on sugar highs 24/7 and they have decided not to listen anymore. I've sent more kids out in the past few days than I have in almost 2.5 months. Today a little girl broke down in tears when I sent her out for cheating. It was a spelling test that has absolutely no effect on her grade and she was cheating. She is new to the class, but seriously why must an 11 year old cheat on a spelling test? She was bawling and I didn't feel bad. I shouldn't either, she should have thought about getting a 0 and her mom getting mad before she decided to cheat. I'm not perfect by any means and I probably did far worse at age 11, but still. It's not my fault she made a poor decision. Other than that, my previously "worst" kindergarten class is becoming my favorite. Ever since I started teaching them reading 3 days a week they have become much better. They still struggle with reading (especially the two boys, Danny and Mike for those of you who have seen the picture), but they try hard. I've never had to teach anyone to read before, but it's hard work. In a way, it's my favorite though. Progress is easily tracked when someone is learning to read. The kids have a field trip on Friday so I have the morning off, that'll be nice. October 3rd is a holiday so that means one more 3 day weekend!
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My weekend, as mentioned above was crazy. I met up with Loren and his visiting friends in Itaweon. Itaewon is the foreign part of Seoul, where it feels like you are walking into America. I kid you not, English is heard everywhere and there are a ton of foreigners. I had been trying to avoid Itaewon, but in the past week I had gone 3 times (once for dinner/drinks with Loren, dinner with Kristen and then out on the town with Loren, Colin, Jesse, Sandra and Woon Ha). Anyway, Friday night I met up with everyone and we went to a few bars, had a few drinks and it was 3:00 before I knew it. However, the night didn't end there. Sandra and I decided to head to Gangnam (where I live, sort of) and go to this huge club, NB (Noise Basement). There were a gazillion people there and it was incredibly hot, but the DJ was awesome and I danced more than I think I have in my entire life. We finally parted ways at about 6am! I'm not sure I've ever been out that late before, but it was fun. I didn't wake up until 4p on Saturday!
This week is going quickly, it is almost Wednesday here and I am tired already. The kids seem to be on sugar highs 24/7 and they have decided not to listen anymore. I've sent more kids out in the past few days than I have in almost 2.5 months. Today a little girl broke down in tears when I sent her out for cheating. It was a spelling test that has absolutely no effect on her grade and she was cheating. She is new to the class, but seriously why must an 11 year old cheat on a spelling test? She was bawling and I didn't feel bad. I shouldn't either, she should have thought about getting a 0 and her mom getting mad before she decided to cheat. I'm not perfect by any means and I probably did far worse at age 11, but still. It's not my fault she made a poor decision. Other than that, my previously "worst" kindergarten class is becoming my favorite. Ever since I started teaching them reading 3 days a week they have become much better. They still struggle with reading (especially the two boys, Danny and Mike for those of you who have seen the picture), but they try hard. I've never had to teach anyone to read before, but it's hard work. In a way, it's my favorite though. Progress is easily tracked when someone is learning to read. The kids have a field trip on Friday so I have the morning off, that'll be nice. October 3rd is a holiday so that means one more 3 day weekend!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
My thoughts on American Politics...
I thought I'd take a brief moment to discuss American politics. First off, I am very happy that I am half a world away from the debacle that is known as American politics. To me, politics have generally, and will always be, a popularity contest. Not the same type of popularity contest that exists in high school or even college because clearly nobody cares who the smartest, best looking person is. Which in a way is good, but also bad. The issues one faces while the president of student council are far less appealing nor important as one faces while the President of a country. I don't think deciding on prom decorations or service projects rank too high on the list of a country. A President must deal with the failing economy, endless and unnecessary wars and a slew of other problems, including health care and education. I know I mentioned that being the smartest doesn't matter, but I'm not sure I could back someone who finished near the bottom of their class. At the same time, it doesn't matter where one went to college. Prestigious Ivy League or not, the name of a school on a resume doesn't necessarily mean one is qualified for a job. Unless it's Hamburger University and you wish to manage a McDonald's.
Another thing that shouldn't matter is experience. In the case of the President of the United States, experience in politics or foreign policy may actually be a bad thing. Look where "experience" has gotten us in the last eight years. America needs someone with a new look on things, a new agenda. We need to start over. A myriad of problems exist within our 50 states, but we are so focused on other things, in other countries. Obviously we need to be aware of potential threats and what is happening around the world, but we also need to focus on our people. I think we need someone who can bring America back to it's people and start helping the world instead of trying to impose our ideals upon it. We need to be more globally aware, but sometimes we need to see America for what it really is. Education is failing in rural areas because jobs are being lost, whole cities are shutting down because of shifting economic priorities and large corporations need to be bailed out by the Federal Reserve. I would be the first person to tell you that I want to change the world and I want to help as many people as I can, but what if America becomes one of the countries we hear about on TV all the time. The countries without clean water, basic daily needs. This already occurs in many places throughout the country. However, we can't do anything or expect help when we are so self-centered. When did America stop being "For the people, by the people" and start being "four people, how can we buy people?"
Living abroad has made me more aware of America's perception to the world. We aren't as popular as many of us believe. America isn't the greatest or grandest country in the world, nor do we need to be. We just need to be a country that we started out to be. Opening our arms to people looking for a better life, working together to form a more perfect union. It seems that we have lost our way over the last several hundred years. I know that the world changes and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the way America has changed, but we still have a lot more changing to do. We can't go back, but why stay in a rut?
Another thing that shouldn't matter is experience. In the case of the President of the United States, experience in politics or foreign policy may actually be a bad thing. Look where "experience" has gotten us in the last eight years. America needs someone with a new look on things, a new agenda. We need to start over. A myriad of problems exist within our 50 states, but we are so focused on other things, in other countries. Obviously we need to be aware of potential threats and what is happening around the world, but we also need to focus on our people. I think we need someone who can bring America back to it's people and start helping the world instead of trying to impose our ideals upon it. We need to be more globally aware, but sometimes we need to see America for what it really is. Education is failing in rural areas because jobs are being lost, whole cities are shutting down because of shifting economic priorities and large corporations need to be bailed out by the Federal Reserve. I would be the first person to tell you that I want to change the world and I want to help as many people as I can, but what if America becomes one of the countries we hear about on TV all the time. The countries without clean water, basic daily needs. This already occurs in many places throughout the country. However, we can't do anything or expect help when we are so self-centered. When did America stop being "For the people, by the people" and start being "four people, how can we buy people?"
Living abroad has made me more aware of America's perception to the world. We aren't as popular as many of us believe. America isn't the greatest or grandest country in the world, nor do we need to be. We just need to be a country that we started out to be. Opening our arms to people looking for a better life, working together to form a more perfect union. It seems that we have lost our way over the last several hundred years. I know that the world changes and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the way America has changed, but we still have a lot more changing to do. We can't go back, but why stay in a rut?
They look so cute...
Just a few of the kindergarteners at the park last week (click it to make it bigger). I'm not sure what they are doing, but I found this on my school's website and had to share with everyone.
Dylan, Mike, Rachel
Jessie, Lauren, David
Claire, Isabelle, Danny, Analise
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Just in case you missed it...
I just watched, and re-watched (4 times) the Tina Fey as Sarah Palin SNL skit. I love it.
And my favorite (relatively recent) Weekend Update with Tina Fey. Bitch is the New Black.
And my favorite (relatively recent) Weekend Update with Tina Fey. Bitch is the New Black.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Chuseok
This weekend is Chuseok (추석), or what most Americans refer to as Korean Thanksgiving. However, Chuseok is a time when Koreans go back to their hometowns to pay respect to ancestors and take care of their burial sites and offer them the harvest. It seems really interesting to me and while I was in Damyang and Boseong last weekend I saw my share of burial sites. All of my students were revved up yesterday and today in anticipation of a three (or more) day weekend. Yesterday I recieved a case of SPAM from my school as a Chuseok gift. Its the thought that counts right? Koreans have a special place in their hearts for SPAM as it seems to fly off the shelves and I've seen many a Korean with an identical case in their hands. I've thought about carrying a can or two with me at all times in case I run into a homeless person. I've never eaten the stuff, but I don't really feel like trying it now, I mean Korea has so much more to offer than SPAM (but it is in budae jjigae and I'm sure on some toasts and who knows what else). Today I got even more gifts. Right away this morning one of the Kindergarteners (Jessica) gave me a present (which later revealed chopsticks and a spoon) that said, "I <3 you to Refsland from Jessica." I also got honey rice cakes, songpyeon (송편), the traditional rice cake of Chuseok, a box of muffin like cakes from another student (Dayna) and a piece of potato pizza from Mr. Pizza (surprisingly delicious by the way). The best gift of all is a three day weekend though.
After work I went to COEX because I wanted to buy a Korean book from Bandi & Lunis. I found the one I was looking for and I think it will help me learn Korean and I am going to devote at least 45 minutes a day to the book and it's accompanying CD. The book is in a series and once I finish one, I'll move on. Part of me is afraid to learn Korean because I don't want to lose my Spanish, but at the same time, I have been reading Spanish newspapers online and I frequently talk to myself in Spanish. I should be ok and with Spanish group once a month I should be able to retain the majority of my Spanish, I've gone longer than a year or two before.
Tomorrow I am planning on meeting up with some people from a "New in Town" group to go on a cruise of the Han River at night and then out to dinner afterward. I think this will be fun and a river cruise has been on my list since I arrived in Seoul. It will also be good to meet some more people.
After work I went to COEX because I wanted to buy a Korean book from Bandi & Lunis. I found the one I was looking for and I think it will help me learn Korean and I am going to devote at least 45 minutes a day to the book and it's accompanying CD. The book is in a series and once I finish one, I'll move on. Part of me is afraid to learn Korean because I don't want to lose my Spanish, but at the same time, I have been reading Spanish newspapers online and I frequently talk to myself in Spanish. I should be ok and with Spanish group once a month I should be able to retain the majority of my Spanish, I've gone longer than a year or two before.
Tomorrow I am planning on meeting up with some people from a "New in Town" group to go on a cruise of the Han River at night and then out to dinner afterward. I think this will be fun and a river cruise has been on my list since I arrived in Seoul. It will also be good to meet some more people.
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