Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

American "Thanksgiving" dinner was delicious. Angela was smart and looked online beforehand at the menu, so we were able to order a set deal for 17,000 won each: appetizer, main course, dessert, and drink. Mashed Potatoes and/or Potato Soup were not one of the appetizers, but French fries came with my ribs so all is right in the world.

After dinner, Angela and I looked around COEX for a little while (giant mall connected to Seoul World Trade Center), and when we came out we were surprised to find snow!! At first we couldn't tell if it was real or fake until we walked further outside and discovered it was real. I quickly snapped a photo on my phone. Last winter had some bad snow storms, hopefully it will not be the same this winter, but a little snow would be fun!!

Lets Be American!

That's the motto for Sunday. Due to work schedules and utter failure at finding somewhere to eat, Sean, our friends / coworkers, and I are going to meet at TGI Friday's Sunday for an American meal since that's the closest we can get... and we know they'll have potatoes, which we both really wanted. Ha

This weekend promises to be mighty chilly, something I don't look forward to, but also don't mind now that I've discovered how to properly maneuver my heating floors. Success!!

Speaking of chilly, lots to think about as well in the North Korea - South Korea tension. From this Sunday - Wednesday, South Korea and the US naval fleet USS George Washington are apparently conducting drills, according to various articles I've read and conversations I've heard from students. This concerns me because the North has threatened further action should this take place. I want to keep telling myself nothing will happen; the North is only trying to inflate its chest and appear more powerful than they are, but there is reason to be worried about them. Clearly they have thrown caution to the wind and done as they pleased despite countries' reactions. They can be unpredictable. Here's hoping things can be settled in some way less violent.

Current Events

Well, it seems as though my chances for a Thanksgiving meal are looking slimmer and slimmer... who would've thought it'd be this difficult to find some grub. Disappointing.

So if you've been paying attention to the news, the world is focused on the new conflict between the Koreas. Some people have asked if we're ok, if I'm leaving, what people's reactions are, etc.

1) Yes I'm fine. It was occurred on an island close to the SK and NK maritime borders, so no where near Seoul, though the focus now is here. The teachers didn't know anything happened until after we got to work when some students told us the events. I'm not sure how concerned the Koreans are, but we aren't too worried about a war breaking out. North Korea has a history of picking fights on South Korea, and usually nothing comes of it, but it's hard to predict if South Korea will actually retaliate. Walking around today was normal with nothing seeming out of place.

2) As of right now I haven't even considered leaving. The only way that'd happen is if war actually breaks out again. I'm registered with the US Embassy so I would hope they'd contact me should an evacuation become necessary. Our employers haven't said anything either, so I guess they're not worried. While the event was a terrible act, it was not large-scale enough to begin such considerations.

3) I asked my students today their thoughts on the events. Some thought war will come, others didn't have much of an opinion. One kid, Hades (love the name ha), predicts that if within a week something happens, then there will be war. If not, then no war. I found that comment to be rather interesting for a 12 or 13-year-old. How would a child of the same age respond in the US, a place that for the most part never has to worry about war in their backyard?

Turkey Hunt

Not only am I missing Harry Potter mania, I'm also missing Thanksgiving... or at least until I have located a place that serves Thanksgiving food this weekend. I think I might've found a winner. I have to call in the morning and find out if there are any reservations open. Planning to go with Angela, Sean, his friend and maybe a few co-workers. Very strange to think I'll be eating (hopefully) my first Thanksgiving meal without family.

Now I'm starting to feel more and more like a grown-up. It's tough realizing it might become more difficult to see family during the holidays as I get older for whatever reasons. Makes me more appreciative of the times I had even while complaining about the long drives to Indiana, or there being nothing to do there once 'family time' is over or begins to wind down. Sorry Mom, Dad... though there really isn't a lot to do there. ;)

One thing I'm thankful for is that this week is my last week in the fall term. Next week I get new kids. I'm extremely ready to say adios to some of my troublesome kids. I'm not sure what I'll be teaching next term yet, although my head instructor asked me to come in early tomorrow so that I can be trained in Bridge Reading. He said I've done well this term, so they'd like to see how I'd do in Reading. Totally made my day better, even if it means I have to come in a littler earlier. Considering I haven't had any one-on-one feedback from him since week 1 or 2, this is a real boost to my career confidence.

Oh, after playing out the love between my co-worker and myself since Friday, I think the kids were clued in it's not real. I was actually going to tell them the truth our last day this coming Friday, but when they asked after one of the desk teachers said that's not true, some of the girls acted really disappointed. hahaha I'm going to miss the great drawings they create when I leave the room during break. I think one of today's drawings showed me wearing a traditional Korean hanbok dress... More photos to come via Facebook.

Lost in Translation

So my overactive imagination thought it'd be brilliant to travel to Japan to see Harry Potter because I'm jealous of all of youses in the US who can go see it now. Clearly that was an overreaction and did not happen once I began to research costs and whatnot. *sigh* Guess I'll just have to patiently wait a month for it to come out... But apparently I don't need to leave the country for an outrageous adventure.

Anyway, Went to dinner tonight with some co-workers, had a drink with them and left early since I'm going hiking with my other co-worker in the a.m. Also wanted to make sure I got on the subway before it closed at midnight (terrible terrible idea on Seoul's part). Things were fine until I went to transfer and for whatever reason we weren't allowed to transfer. So now I'm stuck somewhere I don't know and the taxis kept passing me for Koreans.

Finally got into a cab, and told him Guui-dong, then Guui station to make sure he knew where I meant. Apparently not. After a good 45 minutes and 18000 won later, I'm in Ui-dong. Long story short, through much laughter, apologies, and phone calls to a translator (I love that one of their first comments is always 'I Love America!' when they ask where you're from), I finally made it to Guui station, not before I thought I was gonna die with the high speeds, or vomit with the constant stop-and-go mixed with the high speeds, or not have anywhere to sleep. I felt bad. He felt bad. It was a mess but I paid 20,000 won just to make sure I covered the new cost and as a way to apologize.

The translator called him to talk to me a few minutes before I got out to apologize for the driver and wish me a safe, fun stay in Korea. He also said he hoped this didn't scare me or I guess leave a bad impression. Wasn't scared, just worried that I was heading somewhere I didn't know.

My first case of lost in translation. Note to self: subway over taxi, unless traveling with others. Note to self 2: Find some time to learn #*$%&^ Korean.

The Small Things

It's amazing what things kids notice I'd consider insignificant. For example, the girls noticed I changed my eye make-up. Promise no dramatic smoky eye. Instead all I put on was eyeliner instead of some eye shadow. Yup. Big change.

The boys, on the other hand, apparently have taken notice that one of my male co-workers comes in often to chat before classes start. Normally they seem terrified of him because he's so much taller, but for whatever reason today they interpreted this to mean we are madly in love and plan to wed January 1, 2011. Mind you, this will never happen for various reasons, yet they spent their last hour of class creating a critical thinking project about the memory they'll have when said co-worker and I get married... and *gasp* kiss. I wish I had grabbed one of the better drawings they did because it was great. I'm just glad they put so much effort into it! Who am I to stop creativity?

Other thing they chose to make fun of was the way I say 'Hush' with whatever slight Southern accent enjoys popping out now and then. Guess I'll be looking for a new word!!

Now, moving on to bigger things... photos from this weekend! Beautiful, fairly relaxing trip. Stairs were set up in the cave for easy and safe access, so felt like I was going into the Temple of Doom. A sign at the entrance showed photos of various wild life -- the photos of giant spider and centipedes had be nervous, but fortunately never saw them. Did see one bat, though!

Hello, I am Alive.

Apologies for the lack of posting. It's been very very busy with the iBT testing (kids find out results this coming week!) and classes in general. Plus, I met up with people and/or had dermatologist appointments (or slept through them....) so haven't had much chance to come here. Guess the good news is that I'm managing to stay active.

A bigger update will come after I upload photos from my day trip to outside of Seoul to visit a cave and ride a ferry with Angela. Details then. Just wanted to share that indeed, I am still alive.

iBT Testing

Today was Day 1 of iBT Testing. Monday and Tuesday were practice days for my Memory English classes. Today I had Bridge Listening, the more advanced class, so it was interesting proctoring their writing, reading, and listening sections. I enjoyed their speaking sections because it was clear they were nervous (yeah yeah sounds terrible of me), but they created good responses considering they had 15 seconds to think of a response, and 45 seconds to respond. They had to respond to the question of what one item they would bring on a trip other than the essentials. Funnily enough, many seemed to take it as a trip to a deserted island rather than a simple trip. I had answers ranging from a lighter, textbooks, food/water, to money.

iBT scores determine if a student will level up to the next class, or if he or she will have to repeat the class. However, this is not the sole measure of determining who repeats, and who levels up, but it is a big factor. I imagine some from my Memory English will repeat, or should based on their work ethic this term. Bridge Listening could go either way. As the name suggests, it is a bridge between the easier classes and the harder ones, so it's apparently not uncommon for students to repeat it before successfully leveling up.