Perks

I don't normally talk about work on here since it's generally very repetitive day in and day out, but this term might be one of my favorites, even though my 4:00 lower level class on Tuesdays and Thursdays causes me unnecessary headaches. It seems to me I always claim _________ term is my favorite, but I'm serious about this one... for now. Ha

This term I've been lucky enough to have more higher level classes, which can make interaction with students far more enjoyable. It's easier to talk with them about a broader range of subjects, and come to better see and understand their likes / dislikes. Of course, personalities also depend on this level of interaction as some of my higher level classes have really quiet kids who seem to rather be anywhere but in the room with the teacher with the lame, cheesy jokes.

Although we do manage to get our work completed, discussions of the sometimes dull topics become way more entertaining when we go slightly off-topic or create off the wall examples. I think it helps both the students and myself to get through the long 3 hours of class.

Some of my classes have very small numbers, such as my Monday night class with 2 kids, so it feels more like we're hanging out and enjoying each other's company, or at least I enjoy their company. Any chance I can learn more about them and discuss movies, their hopes/dreams of the future, their lives outside CDI, etc. makes me enjoy my job more.

This feels like a lot of rambling (sorry) but basically loving the kids, both elementary and middle school (especially middle school since that is my background), and the ways they keep me amused. There are some kids I will really truly miss when I do finally return to the U.S.

July 4 Photos

Or perhaps... just our pre-Harry Potter party. Again, we had to pretend.

Here are a few photos from our impromptu celebration by the Han River:



I love this photo so much, mostly because the background of the bridge across the Han River is amazing.

And then begins the fun and our inner children coming out to play...

Blue Skies Again

At last, "rainy season" is over, or it appears to be over. It has been rainy and gloomy for the past 3 weeks, if not longer.

That means I've had to wear shoes that cover my toes for 3 weeks.... I love kicking off my shoes and being barefoot (especially in the car when I was a child), but alas no such thing til now. Well, even now I can't really be barefoot on the streets of Seoul, but I can at least wear flip flops again.

By now Harry Potter has been released in the U.S. Hope y'all are loving it. We went to the fancy theater in CoEx shopping center because there's better A/C and seats. We were also surprised to see that the lobby had a gallery of set and movie photos from Harry Potter since the beginning. Crazy seeing how much the actors have grown, which is silly because I'm the same age. Now, the only way to complete this Harry Potter journey is to go to Harry Potter World in Universal... who's with me!?!?

Harry Potter Harry Potter!!!

In the U.S. Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows part 2 does not come until the midnight showings late Thursdays, but Korea is finally becoming lucky and getting it Wednesday morning... add in the time zones, and we'll get it about 2-3 days ahead of the U.S.

This is a hugeee step above the first part. South Korea was *literally* the LAST country to get Harry Potter - on December 16, one month after the first release date. At the time, the U.S. and South Korea didn't have their trade agreement, or were in the process of amending it.

Originally we heard whispers of not getting it until December again, which would've been utterly terrible because at that point it'd probably be available on DVD in the U.S. Then it changed to July 15, then July 14, and now finally July 13, a lucky find while searching the theater times on Sunday.

CANNOT WAIT!!!! But also slightly disappointed knowing a large chunk of childhood is about to be over. I can remember my mom bringing home the first book from the library and her reading it to my sister and me in my bedroom. And then watching the first movie during Thanksgiving vacation in Destin, FL that rainy weekend.

Stay tuned for thoughts and other ramblings...

Mini American Vaca

This weekend I went with a small group of co-workers to the Army base outside of Seoul in Pyeongtaek to stay with my co-worker's sister and brother-in-law. I think this might've been my first time on a base, but it was a great relaxing weekend.

We rode up Saturday morning to Osan near the Air Force base to meet them and their young daughters for lunch and shopping. Osan is known for their cheap knock-off but totally legit looking designer purses and wallets. I bought a Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis purple wallet (yes, I had to look this up because I know nothing about designer wear).

After shopping, we went onto the Air Force base to eat lunch at Chili's -- my first time there in at least a year. I had a hard time choosing from the large menu, but made sure to get a side Caesar salad. (good) Caesar dressing, I have missed you!!!

Once finished with lunch, we drove for about 15 minutes to the Army base, which was located far in the country near several rice fields. The family housing is very similar to residence halls in college, until you open the door to their home. Once inside, it looks more like a US-style home: large kitchen / living room area, small office, several bedrooms, couple of bathrooms, and a small balcony.

I missed TV, watching movies on screens larger than my netbook, normal looking bathrooms, large spacious living, and perhaps most of all - Wii!!! We played many many rounds of Mario Kart Racing, and for a person who hasn't touched a Wii in close to a year, I did fairly well, much to others' chagrin. muwhaha

We left Sunday afternoon, but not before we got a tour of the base (their military planes and vehicles are SO cool!) and eating lunch in the food court.

After being away from things for so long, and adapting to these new surroundings, it's great to return to things reminiscent of home, even if for a short while.

Happy Post July 4th

Hope everyone had a cheerful July 4th, despite the rain I hear some people had in their areas.

Despite being away from the festivities, some co-workers and I managed to celebrate in our own way. Saturday afternoon I made my long-desired hash browns while some other friends made breakfast burritos for a delicious "American" brunch. Sunday we had intended to feast on meat meat meat at a Brazilian restaurant, but the non-stop rain resulted in my friend and I not waking up until 2pm. So, instead we hid away from the rain until dinnertime, met up with other co-workers for Korean gogi. Seriously, if there's one thing I'm going to miss when I eventually leave Korea, it will be their beyond amazing barbeque.

Monday we all had to work from 4pm - 10pm, but our branch is one of the few branches that provides light dinner... and I suppose in honor of our holiday, they gave us hot dogs with the fixings.

After work, we went home, changed, and met up for fried chicken, watermelon, and Cass (Korean beer -- basically an extremely watered down Bud Light). Prior to dinner, some of us stopped by Diaso, similar to Dollar Tree but with several floor levels, and bought the cheap firework sets. The good news is they sell them year-round, so....

After eating, we stopped by one of the many 7-11s to purchase snacks, drinks, ice cream, etc. before walking our dinner off over to the river. By this time it was close to midnight so we knew many people would not be near the river.

And then the firework show began. Clearly we are still children at heart. I lost count of how many fireworks we set off, though they weren't giant, but enough to satisfy our firework tastes and honor "Amurica". And certainly last longer than most Fourth of July shows.

We shot off Roman candles (and OF COURSE had to pretend we were in Harry Potter as red and green lights shot from the end). Spinning little UFO-like fireworks kept us highly amused, as did the ones that made noise as they flew around (possibly dangerous). The fountains were cool for 10 seconds... and begged for one of the boys to jump over it, which they naturally did. Boys. -_-

And sparklers. Safe and minimal danger for a klutzy person like me! :D And I discovered I have good aim with the poppers. Must be from my practice of darts.

One of my co-workers took photos, so perhaps at some point once he uploads them to Facebook, I can add them to the blog.

Cheers! Happy Fourth!