Friday, July 24, 2009
Dancing wedding
I couldn't sleep and ran into this video of a dancing wedding. I think that if I ever get married that it should be exactly like this. I even shed a tear because it was so wonderful. Check it out.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Last Day
Finally the day has cometh!
The last day!
Students may think they are the only ones rejoicing, but they are wrong.
So yay for this day.
The last day!
Students may think they are the only ones rejoicing, but they are wrong.
So yay for this day.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Kidnapping is fun
Last night we kidnapped one of our Korean teachers and took him out for his birthday. He was so surprised that we knew his birthday and got him a cake. We went to dinner first and ate pork and cake and had lots of soju of course. We then headed to a norebang and sang and danced the night away. Jenika and I scored three perfect scores together, lol, and are now the duet queen and queen. I walked our other Korean teacher back to her car and I asked about Jin's ring and he was telling the truth. I hate being wrong. Grr. Now I am going to have to send him a text message. Crap.
After I got home I was full of soju, cake, and pork (not the best combination) and had to make myself a grilled cheese sandwich in an effort to sober up before bed. The sandwich and a call to Caroline helped so thanks grilled cheese and Caroline.
Pictures will follow soon.
After I got home I was full of soju, cake, and pork (not the best combination) and had to make myself a grilled cheese sandwich in an effort to sober up before bed. The sandwich and a call to Caroline helped so thanks grilled cheese and Caroline.
Pictures will follow soon.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Good and the Awkward
So this past weekend was a bit of a hit and miss for me. Stephanie and I went out to Club day which is a weird name since it starts late at night and ends in the early morning hours around 5 or so. You can buy one ticket and go to several different clubs in the Hongdae area in Seoul. It only happens once a month and I had been meaning to go for a while, but am lazy.
So anyway we started out walking around thinking we knew where we were going, but were totally off. Luckily it took us only about an hour or so to find most of the clubs (we wanted to scout the area so we could have a plan) and finally settled on DD. It wasn't bad. The music was decent hip hop and they had a cooling system that was spot on. After an hour though the music started to go into "I have no idea what this is" territory and we decided to go outside to get a water and chill. We ended up sitting on the edge of the sidewalk with other girls taping our feet and watching a fight.
The fight itself needs its own paragraph because it was so funny. This huge bald tattooed dude comes out of nowhere and suddenly punches another very small guy in the back of the neck. He goes flying and gets put into a headlock before the bouncers stepped in. They separated them and it took the small guy two minutes to get angry. Delayed reaction indeed. Then he started caterwauling and making the guy twice his size flip out. It lasted long enough that they were able to swing at each other again and for me to finish my bottle of water. Idiots.
After the fight and cool down, Steph and I went to SAAB. The music there was amazing, but there was only one aircon in the club and it was by the bar, which is the one place I never go to when dancing. I got so hot that my hair was dripping and the rest of my body was covered in a sheet of sweat. We went to the bathroom several times to dry off, but after a little while I had to get out of there. Powerade and another pow wow on the street were in order. Most people who walked by commented on my fan (yes I take my fan out dancing, its hot).
We were most surprised by what I dubbed "UKs". They are undercover Koreans, the ones on summer vacation from North America. You are walking down the street and hear fluent English and look around, but there are no foreigners, just Korean people. That's when it hits you that there is an UK in your presence. I, of course, have no problem with this, but it was seriously funny when they kept coming up to us asking where we were from and how our vacation in Seoul was going, haha. Stephanie had to explain several times that we live in Korea. Ah, good times.
I was starving by the time we finished our drinks so we headed to Lotteria for some snacks. I heart their cheese sticks and they hit the spot perfectly. Soon it was time to head to the MRT so we could get a seat on the first train home at 5:30 am. By the time I got to bed at 7 am I had been up for a solid 24 hours. And what a good 24 hours they were.
We moved from our sleeping positions around 2:30 pm to get dressed and eat some CoCo. We planned to meet JJ (Jin and Ju) at the bar later that night since we last saw them in February and needed some JJ time. Really we were celebrating me signing the contract with SMOE, but JJ time was still needed. Not smart on our part. As Steph said the next day, "Hanging out with usually drunk people is different when you are all sober." Yes it was. Very different and awkward. Ju now had a girlfriend (which I somehow knew about before he told us) and Jin was wearing what looked like a couple's ring on his left index finger.
Sidenote: The guy gets his girlfriend couple rings for their 100 day anniversary. They usually wearing it on their left hand on their wedding ring finger if they are super serious or on their right hand if they are just serious, but not super serious.
I saw the ring and got really excited thinking he had a girlfriend also, but he denied it. Now a few months ago I would have left it at that, but I had a very horrible experience with a couple ring wearing guy. Steph had met this guy named Minho aka B-boy and we all decided to go to the zoo together. He invited his friend who suddenly had to work the day of and was going to meet us there later. Later in my mind is a couple of hours. Later in his mind was seven hours. We were leaving when he finally showed up which was fine. We had a great time, but here is where the trouble began. At the zoo I noticed his couple's ring on his left ring finger and said something to Stephanie about it. I really wanted the cultural dish on this whole couple ring thing so I figured I could ask him. And I did. When he denied that he was a part of a couple and only wore it as an accessory I was confused, but to each his own. I did notice the many phone calls he received throughout his short time with us (probably 1 1/2 hour of time spent but at least 7 or more phone calls either made by him or he answered). Ok, maybe I should be a detective and not a teacher. Anyway, back to the story. Finally B-boy confirmed that the couple's ring was a couple's ring and that the guy was embarrassed to tell us.
So after telling you this long story about the guy who lied I am trying to say that I didn't believe Jin. I know it was only one guy who lied, but I told him that I wanted to understand more about the couple ring culture, not date him. He shouldn't have felt that he had to lie. So now I am certain that Jin is hiding something. I know he is a senior and studying like a mad man, but he is hiding something. And with that huge elephant in the room, the night ended without a single answer. Ju didn't even help us out, stupid bro code. Although here I think they would Konglish that word and make it 브로 그오드 pronouncing it as beu ro ceu oh deu. hehe. I heart Konglish.
So the night ended on a unfulfilled note. I was still down the next day (you know how I want to know everything) and decided to shop to lift my spirits. I hadn't shopped in ages and I needed a new pair of sunglasses since I have broken all three of the ones I brought here with me. I was able to to get two pairs and a new watch. All on sale of course. I love shopping sales racks.
So from this blog you should have learned that telling Julia a lie about a ring is bad, dancing all night is good, and shopping can cure almost anything. Can you tell I have been writing lessons plans for the last two days? :)
Here are some pictures from this past weekend. I didn't take any Friday night since we were all sweaty, but I do have some from my contract celebration.
Steph was making a rock and roll face and Jin jumped in at the last second.
Jin with streamers that came with the cake
So anyway we started out walking around thinking we knew where we were going, but were totally off. Luckily it took us only about an hour or so to find most of the clubs (we wanted to scout the area so we could have a plan) and finally settled on DD. It wasn't bad. The music was decent hip hop and they had a cooling system that was spot on. After an hour though the music started to go into "I have no idea what this is" territory and we decided to go outside to get a water and chill. We ended up sitting on the edge of the sidewalk with other girls taping our feet and watching a fight.
The fight itself needs its own paragraph because it was so funny. This huge bald tattooed dude comes out of nowhere and suddenly punches another very small guy in the back of the neck. He goes flying and gets put into a headlock before the bouncers stepped in. They separated them and it took the small guy two minutes to get angry. Delayed reaction indeed. Then he started caterwauling and making the guy twice his size flip out. It lasted long enough that they were able to swing at each other again and for me to finish my bottle of water. Idiots.
After the fight and cool down, Steph and I went to SAAB. The music there was amazing, but there was only one aircon in the club and it was by the bar, which is the one place I never go to when dancing. I got so hot that my hair was dripping and the rest of my body was covered in a sheet of sweat. We went to the bathroom several times to dry off, but after a little while I had to get out of there. Powerade and another pow wow on the street were in order. Most people who walked by commented on my fan (yes I take my fan out dancing, its hot).
We were most surprised by what I dubbed "UKs". They are undercover Koreans, the ones on summer vacation from North America. You are walking down the street and hear fluent English and look around, but there are no foreigners, just Korean people. That's when it hits you that there is an UK in your presence. I, of course, have no problem with this, but it was seriously funny when they kept coming up to us asking where we were from and how our vacation in Seoul was going, haha. Stephanie had to explain several times that we live in Korea. Ah, good times.
I was starving by the time we finished our drinks so we headed to Lotteria for some snacks. I heart their cheese sticks and they hit the spot perfectly. Soon it was time to head to the MRT so we could get a seat on the first train home at 5:30 am. By the time I got to bed at 7 am I had been up for a solid 24 hours. And what a good 24 hours they were.
We moved from our sleeping positions around 2:30 pm to get dressed and eat some CoCo. We planned to meet JJ (Jin and Ju) at the bar later that night since we last saw them in February and needed some JJ time. Really we were celebrating me signing the contract with SMOE, but JJ time was still needed. Not smart on our part. As Steph said the next day, "Hanging out with usually drunk people is different when you are all sober." Yes it was. Very different and awkward. Ju now had a girlfriend (which I somehow knew about before he told us) and Jin was wearing what looked like a couple's ring on his left index finger.
Sidenote: The guy gets his girlfriend couple rings for their 100 day anniversary. They usually wearing it on their left hand on their wedding ring finger if they are super serious or on their right hand if they are just serious, but not super serious.
I saw the ring and got really excited thinking he had a girlfriend also, but he denied it. Now a few months ago I would have left it at that, but I had a very horrible experience with a couple ring wearing guy. Steph had met this guy named Minho aka B-boy and we all decided to go to the zoo together. He invited his friend who suddenly had to work the day of and was going to meet us there later. Later in my mind is a couple of hours. Later in his mind was seven hours. We were leaving when he finally showed up which was fine. We had a great time, but here is where the trouble began. At the zoo I noticed his couple's ring on his left ring finger and said something to Stephanie about it. I really wanted the cultural dish on this whole couple ring thing so I figured I could ask him. And I did. When he denied that he was a part of a couple and only wore it as an accessory I was confused, but to each his own. I did notice the many phone calls he received throughout his short time with us (probably 1 1/2 hour of time spent but at least 7 or more phone calls either made by him or he answered). Ok, maybe I should be a detective and not a teacher. Anyway, back to the story. Finally B-boy confirmed that the couple's ring was a couple's ring and that the guy was embarrassed to tell us.
So after telling you this long story about the guy who lied I am trying to say that I didn't believe Jin. I know it was only one guy who lied, but I told him that I wanted to understand more about the couple ring culture, not date him. He shouldn't have felt that he had to lie. So now I am certain that Jin is hiding something. I know he is a senior and studying like a mad man, but he is hiding something. And with that huge elephant in the room, the night ended without a single answer. Ju didn't even help us out, stupid bro code. Although here I think they would Konglish that word and make it 브로 그오드 pronouncing it as beu ro ceu oh deu. hehe. I heart Konglish.
So the night ended on a unfulfilled note. I was still down the next day (you know how I want to know everything) and decided to shop to lift my spirits. I hadn't shopped in ages and I needed a new pair of sunglasses since I have broken all three of the ones I brought here with me. I was able to to get two pairs and a new watch. All on sale of course. I love shopping sales racks.
So from this blog you should have learned that telling Julia a lie about a ring is bad, dancing all night is good, and shopping can cure almost anything. Can you tell I have been writing lessons plans for the last two days? :)
Here are some pictures from this past weekend. I didn't take any Friday night since we were all sweaty, but I do have some from my contract celebration.
Steph was making a rock and roll face and Jin jumped in at the last second.
Jin with streamers that came with the cake
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Things I have learned while putting off making lesson plans
1. I found a new site that has subbed movies and TV shows. I will not be changing my alliance with mysoju anytime soon, but its nice to know there are more sites out there that are easy to use.
2. The aircon is controlled by the central office which means that they can turn it off at anytime. I can't tell you how hot we were today in the English Zone because they office deemed us not important enough. By the way, the zone is on the top floor of the school and I don't think I have to tell you that heat rises...
3. Johnny Depp gave a waiter a 4,000 usd tip when the bill was 4,400 usd. Why is that news? The man owns his own island. I think that he can afford to tip big.
4. I haven't uploaded pictures in a while. I was looking at my blog and its not at all fun to read anymore. Where are the pictures?!
5. This weekend Seoul will greet me for the millionth time. I usually buy my plane ticket the day before, but today all the flights I wanted were booked. I had to get an earlier one which will totally screw up the meet and greet airport routine that Steph and I have. I can either take a taxi into the city by myself or ride the MRT. Its a tough choice because while the taxi ride is usually around 1 hour and the MRT is close to 2 hours, the price difference is wide.
6. I am more spend conscious now. People have been telling me this repeatedly for the past three months. I guess because I never talk about money people always assumed I didn't care.
7. My bangs are getting too long. I can barely see more hair than screen.
And finally a picture.
Yes, you make remark repeatedly on how fabulous I look.
2. The aircon is controlled by the central office which means that they can turn it off at anytime. I can't tell you how hot we were today in the English Zone because they office deemed us not important enough. By the way, the zone is on the top floor of the school and I don't think I have to tell you that heat rises...
3. Johnny Depp gave a waiter a 4,000 usd tip when the bill was 4,400 usd. Why is that news? The man owns his own island. I think that he can afford to tip big.
4. I haven't uploaded pictures in a while. I was looking at my blog and its not at all fun to read anymore. Where are the pictures?!
5. This weekend Seoul will greet me for the millionth time. I usually buy my plane ticket the day before, but today all the flights I wanted were booked. I had to get an earlier one which will totally screw up the meet and greet airport routine that Steph and I have. I can either take a taxi into the city by myself or ride the MRT. Its a tough choice because while the taxi ride is usually around 1 hour and the MRT is close to 2 hours, the price difference is wide.
6. I am more spend conscious now. People have been telling me this repeatedly for the past three months. I guess because I never talk about money people always assumed I didn't care.
7. My bangs are getting too long. I can barely see more hair than screen.
And finally a picture.
Yes, you make remark repeatedly on how fabulous I look.
Friday, June 19, 2009
My Nail Fiasco
I feel like my broken nail and my two lost nails are a sign that I am either to rough on my hands and/or I shouldn't have fake nails. They do make my hands appear longer and more delicate, but I live a crazy life. I can't keep running to the nail salon to have to redo my nails every time something like this happens. I have been twice already and my embarrassment level has reached a critical point. Maybe I will go to another nail salon. Spread my embarrassment around.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Goodness and a broken nail
This weekend was packed with major goodness.
Friday I headed to the Taewha River Festival with Natalie. I love the opening night because they have music and fireworks. This time I got a surprise when Davichi (at least I think it was Davichi. I know it was a girl from the super group Woman's Generation) and SG Wannabe showed up. I rushed forward with Natalie in tow so we could get as close as possible. What a night.
The next day I head to Busan for some shopping with Hope and our Korean friend Sue. We met Sue's friend Jessica there. We ripped the shopping center a new one with our focused plan of attack. The building has a spa, restaurants galore, fashion, etc. I was able to pick up some new cardigans and Hope got some dresses. We then headed to the outlets near the beach and let Donna Karen know exactly what we thought of her. They were having an 80% sale and I was able to pick up a cute summer dress that I am wearing at this exact moment with my bright green cardy. Yes, I look fabulous!
All the shopping made us thirsty and hungry so went to the Van Gogh Restaurant/Cafe. Its on the water and had some really great views. We sat there so long that we got hungry again, lol, and went to this pretty little Italian restaurant down the way. It was quite yummy. On the way back to Ulsan we hit some major fog which Sue has never driven in so it was interesting to be in that situation. Fog is something that I miss from home.
Sunday I went over to Laura V's house with Hope to have chocolate pancakes and hang out. Laura V and I now share a knee issue, although her story is way more entertaining than mine, so she is out of commission for a bit. After being there for a while, Hope and I met Natalie at the River Festival/International Rock Festival to listen to music. One band looked so wild that when he looked at me I had to look away.
The need to walk over the water bridge became quite large so I dragged the other girls to do it with me. All it is is floating plastic things stuck together to form a walkway. The best part were the security guards at each end decked out in full suits. I wondered what they would do if I fell in and almost went in just for that reason, but I looked to pretty that day to ruin it with toxic river water.
I was starving after I laughed so hard at the security guards so Hope and I went for some good pork. Laura G. spotted us sitting there eating and joined us.
Yesterday after school I headed to get my nails done (if you saw their state you would have made me) and they looked really nice until today when I cracked one. I am just too rough on them so I am going to head there after school and see if I can get them to fix it. I hope they have time.
I know I always say that I will put up pictures soon, but lets face it. I won't. At least until summer vacation. Sorry, but I can barely get my TEFL and school work done.
Friday I headed to the Taewha River Festival with Natalie. I love the opening night because they have music and fireworks. This time I got a surprise when Davichi (at least I think it was Davichi. I know it was a girl from the super group Woman's Generation) and SG Wannabe showed up. I rushed forward with Natalie in tow so we could get as close as possible. What a night.
The next day I head to Busan for some shopping with Hope and our Korean friend Sue. We met Sue's friend Jessica there. We ripped the shopping center a new one with our focused plan of attack. The building has a spa, restaurants galore, fashion, etc. I was able to pick up some new cardigans and Hope got some dresses. We then headed to the outlets near the beach and let Donna Karen know exactly what we thought of her. They were having an 80% sale and I was able to pick up a cute summer dress that I am wearing at this exact moment with my bright green cardy. Yes, I look fabulous!
All the shopping made us thirsty and hungry so went to the Van Gogh Restaurant/Cafe. Its on the water and had some really great views. We sat there so long that we got hungry again, lol, and went to this pretty little Italian restaurant down the way. It was quite yummy. On the way back to Ulsan we hit some major fog which Sue has never driven in so it was interesting to be in that situation. Fog is something that I miss from home.
Sunday I went over to Laura V's house with Hope to have chocolate pancakes and hang out. Laura V and I now share a knee issue, although her story is way more entertaining than mine, so she is out of commission for a bit. After being there for a while, Hope and I met Natalie at the River Festival/International Rock Festival to listen to music. One band looked so wild that when he looked at me I had to look away.
The need to walk over the water bridge became quite large so I dragged the other girls to do it with me. All it is is floating plastic things stuck together to form a walkway. The best part were the security guards at each end decked out in full suits. I wondered what they would do if I fell in and almost went in just for that reason, but I looked to pretty that day to ruin it with toxic river water.
I was starving after I laughed so hard at the security guards so Hope and I went for some good pork. Laura G. spotted us sitting there eating and joined us.
Yesterday after school I headed to get my nails done (if you saw their state you would have made me) and they looked really nice until today when I cracked one. I am just too rough on them so I am going to head there after school and see if I can get them to fix it. I hope they have time.
I know I always say that I will put up pictures soon, but lets face it. I won't. At least until summer vacation. Sorry, but I can barely get my TEFL and school work done.
Oww, that's got to hurt
I was reading allkpop today and struck gold. Tuesdays always make me a bit down so when I watched this video of 2pm's Chansung being poked in the eye by his bandmate I almost fell out of my chair. I watched it twice laughing the whole way through because Chansung may be dancing, but he can only see out of one eye. At one point he almost punches another guy because he can't see him, lol. Love it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Things you learn while eating watermelon
I think a few entries back I wrote about my awkward relationship with my Co-teachers and how I didn't like the feeling at all. I can't remember the last time I had an awkward relationship with someone that I had to see everyday. It seems impossible, but leave it to me to make it possible. It was confirmed last night by an outside source (another teacher at another school) that the Cos feel the same way. They think I am cold and that I don't like them because I don't ask them to help me. I don't ask them to help me because I know they are busy and I don't want to bother them. Way to make middle school really middle school again. I am working on smiling more to them. I hope that helps.
I am close to the end here in Ulsan. I am ready for something new, yet I know I will miss the simple life I lead here. It makes me sad, but I need to see more places and live in more places. I am addicted to traveling (and strawberry banana coolattas).
I think I have made a breakthrough with one of my really troubled students (knock on wood). She started the year as the mean girl and now with a lot of patience and me practicing my Korean, we can really get things done and learned. I am thankful.
This weekend was spent with no phone since I turned it off. I just needed a break from everything and everyone. I went for a run that was a lot longer then I expected, but took me near a small mountain/large hill. I decided I needed to climb it, really climb it meaning not take the stairs to the top. It was probably the most challenging feat I accomplished in a while.
I just checked out Epik High's blog. I have been really behind on the fun Internet things I used to do. I realized that they have up all their updates and pictures from their tour, yet I have nothing about their concert in Seoul. I should feel really bad, but instead I just feel sorta bad. I promise to work on it because that concert was really hip (word of the day for my Grade 8 students).
The weather is a bit wacky now. Its the windy season so that means my perfectly styled bangs get an interesting new style on my walk to anywhere. Its nice when I am running though like constant air con.
Last week in Korean class we had a challenge, speak to Korean people. We met at McDonald's and decided on our challenges; mine was to order us food and drinks. The others had to ask strangers on the street for directions to different places. It was all caught on camera and I am waiting for Shiffaun to load them. Our Korean teacher took us to a restaurant after the other students were done so I could do my challenge. The pork restaurant was delicious and once the staff knew what was going on with our table, they were quick to join in. Our teacher got incredibly drunk incredibly fast. My favorite quote from the night can't be put in this blog, but I can definitely share with you my second favorite quote:
Korean Teacher (KT): "Jenika" (looking at me)
Jenika: "That's Julia."
KT: "Yes. Julia, I like your earrings and your style is very good, but your Hangul (Korean) is not good."
Everyone died right there from laughter.
Trying to master that language has been the hardest part. I can write, I can read, but my speaking is atrocious. I wonder if that's because my English is somewhat odd to begin with.
The funniest thing happened to me last week. I walked into the lunch room and all the teachers were there. I looked for a place to sit and glanced at the gym teachers' table. There appeared to be a new guy/substitute for the shorter, broad shouldered guy. It took me two days to figure out that it was the same guy, but just with glasses. When I finally figured it out, I busted out laughing. No wonder I have an awkward relationship here, they all must think I am crazy. (Ok the story was way funnier in my head.)
I promise to upload any pictures that I have. I have plenty, sorry.
Music I have been listening to:
K.Will
MC Mong
8eight
2NE1
Shinee (I change Juliette to Julia just because I like my name, lol)
DJ Shine
SG Wannabe
Super Junior
Just for fun here is W-inds with G-Dragon from Big Bang. Big Bang is trying to break into the Japanese market and W-inds agreed to let G-Dragon do some rapping. The video itself is my favorite. Its like an 80s flashback and it hurts my eyes to watch most of it.
I am close to the end here in Ulsan. I am ready for something new, yet I know I will miss the simple life I lead here. It makes me sad, but I need to see more places and live in more places. I am addicted to traveling (and strawberry banana coolattas).
I think I have made a breakthrough with one of my really troubled students (knock on wood). She started the year as the mean girl and now with a lot of patience and me practicing my Korean, we can really get things done and learned. I am thankful.
This weekend was spent with no phone since I turned it off. I just needed a break from everything and everyone. I went for a run that was a lot longer then I expected, but took me near a small mountain/large hill. I decided I needed to climb it, really climb it meaning not take the stairs to the top. It was probably the most challenging feat I accomplished in a while.
I just checked out Epik High's blog. I have been really behind on the fun Internet things I used to do. I realized that they have up all their updates and pictures from their tour, yet I have nothing about their concert in Seoul. I should feel really bad, but instead I just feel sorta bad. I promise to work on it because that concert was really hip (word of the day for my Grade 8 students).
The weather is a bit wacky now. Its the windy season so that means my perfectly styled bangs get an interesting new style on my walk to anywhere. Its nice when I am running though like constant air con.
Last week in Korean class we had a challenge, speak to Korean people. We met at McDonald's and decided on our challenges; mine was to order us food and drinks. The others had to ask strangers on the street for directions to different places. It was all caught on camera and I am waiting for Shiffaun to load them. Our Korean teacher took us to a restaurant after the other students were done so I could do my challenge. The pork restaurant was delicious and once the staff knew what was going on with our table, they were quick to join in. Our teacher got incredibly drunk incredibly fast. My favorite quote from the night can't be put in this blog, but I can definitely share with you my second favorite quote:
Korean Teacher (KT): "Jenika" (looking at me)
Jenika: "That's Julia."
KT: "Yes. Julia, I like your earrings and your style is very good, but your Hangul (Korean) is not good."
Everyone died right there from laughter.
Trying to master that language has been the hardest part. I can write, I can read, but my speaking is atrocious. I wonder if that's because my English is somewhat odd to begin with.
The funniest thing happened to me last week. I walked into the lunch room and all the teachers were there. I looked for a place to sit and glanced at the gym teachers' table. There appeared to be a new guy/substitute for the shorter, broad shouldered guy. It took me two days to figure out that it was the same guy, but just with glasses. When I finally figured it out, I busted out laughing. No wonder I have an awkward relationship here, they all must think I am crazy. (Ok the story was way funnier in my head.)
I promise to upload any pictures that I have. I have plenty, sorry.
Music I have been listening to:
K.Will
MC Mong
8eight
2NE1
Shinee (I change Juliette to Julia just because I like my name, lol)
DJ Shine
SG Wannabe
Super Junior
Just for fun here is W-inds with G-Dragon from Big Bang. Big Bang is trying to break into the Japanese market and W-inds agreed to let G-Dragon do some rapping. The video itself is my favorite. Its like an 80s flashback and it hurts my eyes to watch most of it.
My new addiction
Dunkin Donuts Strawberry Banana Coolatta.
Seriously addicted. To the point of the girls behind the counter know me. Scary, yet very effective.
Monday, May 25, 2009
What I have been up to lately...
- I have started to read Harry Potter The Takes of Beedle the Bard even though I have never read the original Harry Potter books. You have to start somewhere.
- I finally started my TEFL certificate after being in Asia for almost 3 years. Doing it now made me realize that I would have died if I had even attempted it during my years at FuHsing.
- I spent some time at the Soju Festival on Friday and even more time passed out from it.
- I no longer enjoy Korean class, but I shall power through until the very end. It might become fun again.
- I never thought I say this, but I am bored with my favorite Korean dish, bibimbab. What a sad day.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Stand By Me
This is one of my favorite songs and such a great video. I just had to share it.
Amazing 'Stand By Me' Rendition
Amazing 'Stand By Me' Rendition
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Long Time, No Write
It's been almost a month since my last post. Lots of things have been going on, but I feel like I don't have the creativity right now to write about it.
So here are some quick facts about my life in Ulsan right now:
The end of the parade.
The floats parked together at the end of the parade
Buddha float.
Another float
The birds on this float were really flying.
The performace area.
Hope and Buddha.
So here are some quick facts about my life in Ulsan right now:
I am getting my hair done today. I will try to convince Polly that I my naturally red/brown hair is not in. All brown is good and so are trimmed bangs.
Korean class is going, but not as well as before. They are making me speak now.
Speaking of Korean, on Saturday I went to a wine bar where a Korean woman came up to our table and didn't speak a lick of English. I could understand her. Go Jieun and Kimmie Teachers!
I bought a new perfume, Escada: Moon Sparkling. Its fresh and fruity. Perfect for spring and rainy days.
The English Zone is going well. I now stay there all day as there is a sofa for napping and a wall full of windows to enjoy the sunshine.
I have invested in small headbands to keep my unruly bangs in check. I have come to the realization that small heads need small headbands.
Mobis Phoebus broke my heart in the second game of the semi-finals. I had trouble watching the next two games because of it.
I am still running everyday, but with the weather getting warmer I will probably go back to doing yoga for an hour and cut my running down.
They have closed my favorite club in Ulsan, Orange, and turned it into an over forties club. Now I have to dance at S2 where the fog machine is turned on high.
I watched the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers. It was crap compared to Hana Yori Dango and Meteor Garden, the Japanese and Taiwanese versions. I was so disappointed that I don't even reference it in class anymore.
I got an email from my classmates in Ireland. They want to do a five year reunion next spring. I can't believe that its been almost five years already. That was my first international home, good times. I still speak Gaelic almost everyday to keep it fresh or as Big Bang's Lollipop says "F.R.E.S.H."
I am becoming a huge Big Bang fan. I have Taeyang's sticker on my phone and I want to steal one of my student's Big Bang folder that I can't find anywhere.
I am also a huge Epik High fan. They will be preforming in Seoul this weekend with KERO ONE and MYK.
I can't decide if I should go or not. I enjoy their music, but I was thinking about also going to see The Ballerina Who Fell in Love with a B-Boy. They have a sequel to the original show out now, but I rather not see it. The boy gets a disease, its Korea so someone always gets a disease, and he breaks up with the girl and then they get back together all through dance. I love the original. Its similar to Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles.
I have been a social butterfly lately. I have been to parties, picnics, shopping excursions, and eating out with people, not by myself. Dad will be proud.
These next two weeks of school will be nice. I have two half days starting today and no classes on Friday. Next week I have one day of classes, then a day off, then three days of no students at school. I still have to be in the school, but it's alright. I will take what I can get.
Last night there was a lantern parade for Buddha's birthday then a performance by locals. Hope and I watch some of the performances and then went to Rotiboy to eat a Roti bun and drink hot chocolate. 
Roti bun and hot chocolate.
We discussed plastic surgery. I think we are turning Korean.
No, I am not getting plastic surgery.
I am learning to swear in Korean.
I had a mild case of food poisoning last week. I ate some bad strawberries and was sick for about a week.
Well that is all I can remember right now.
The end of the parade.
The floats parked together at the end of the parade
Buddha float.Another floatThe birds on this float were really flying.The performace area.Hope and Buddha.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Frolicking with Fashion
This past weekend was full of fashion. Friday nightwe made a game plan for Saturday and Sunday at Mr. Pizza and then went back to her apartment for some good old American Idol, motown style. Go Anoop!!! (Please vote for him!)
We left early on Saturday for the Vandalist by Vandal fashion show. I picked the show because of the name and picture of the designer. Yang Hee Min didn't disappoint me. It was amazing with feathers, gold painted half naked dancer and models high stepping. I took lots of pictures and videos so everyone at home could experience it. After the show we walked around some of the boutiques set up and admired clothes, bags and shoes.
Lunch as usual was CoCo curry, but this time we went to a different branch. Not my favorite I have to say. The tables were close together and of course we got seated next to the only other foreigner in the place. Steph and I barely spoke to each other the entire time. Instead we listened to this 28 year old girl from Denmark with a married and pregnant 19 year old sister, old mom, and sick grandmother. It was interesting, but not something I can imagine myself repeating.
The shopping began after lunch and a stop at Red Mango, this yogurt/fruit place. It was good and I can see myself going back when it gets warmer outside. Our first shopping stop was Uniqlo where my mission included leggings and a hoodie. Steph's mission was shirts and jeans. I kicked my mission out of the park, but Steph left without jeans. (I did go back to the store the next day to return a couple of my purchases, but overall I think I was successful.)
On to Marks and Spencer and the next mission: jeans. We both succeeded although mine are short. Luckily they are skinny jeans and look good with flats and tucked inside of boots. I also walked out with a new coat and to make my life even more magically, everything was on sale.
We droppped off our purchases at Steph's abode and headed out for some dinner at Lotteria. It is Korea's version of McDonalds/Mos Burger and I had only been there one time before. It wasn't bad. I don't really like fast food so I doubt I will make a habit of eating there, but its not bad for a late night dinner. We followed that with a bottle of soju and kimchi and noodle soup.
Sunday after we returned the clothes to Uniqlo we tried to buy Steph a computer, but they were sold out and didn't know when their next shipment would be in. So instead of a computer, we bought little cookies and ate them while watching a Bollywood style aerobics class.
Every time I fly back Steph and I race back to our houses to see who will get there first since her house is so far away from the airport. Usually I win, but I am here to report that for the first time, Stephanie Annand Zank won yesterday. She beat me by three minutes. I hope to regain my title next month.
We left early on Saturday for the Vandalist by Vandal fashion show. I picked the show because of the name and picture of the designer. Yang Hee Min didn't disappoint me. It was amazing with feathers, gold painted half naked dancer and models high stepping. I took lots of pictures and videos so everyone at home could experience it. After the show we walked around some of the boutiques set up and admired clothes, bags and shoes.
Lunch as usual was CoCo curry, but this time we went to a different branch. Not my favorite I have to say. The tables were close together and of course we got seated next to the only other foreigner in the place. Steph and I barely spoke to each other the entire time. Instead we listened to this 28 year old girl from Denmark with a married and pregnant 19 year old sister, old mom, and sick grandmother. It was interesting, but not something I can imagine myself repeating.
The shopping began after lunch and a stop at Red Mango, this yogurt/fruit place. It was good and I can see myself going back when it gets warmer outside. Our first shopping stop was Uniqlo where my mission included leggings and a hoodie. Steph's mission was shirts and jeans. I kicked my mission out of the park, but Steph left without jeans. (I did go back to the store the next day to return a couple of my purchases, but overall I think I was successful.)
On to Marks and Spencer and the next mission: jeans. We both succeeded although mine are short. Luckily they are skinny jeans and look good with flats and tucked inside of boots. I also walked out with a new coat and to make my life even more magically, everything was on sale.
We droppped off our purchases at Steph's abode and headed out for some dinner at Lotteria. It is Korea's version of McDonalds/Mos Burger and I had only been there one time before. It wasn't bad. I don't really like fast food so I doubt I will make a habit of eating there, but its not bad for a late night dinner. We followed that with a bottle of soju and kimchi and noodle soup.
Sunday after we returned the clothes to Uniqlo we tried to buy Steph a computer, but they were sold out and didn't know when their next shipment would be in. So instead of a computer, we bought little cookies and ate them while watching a Bollywood style aerobics class.
Every time I fly back Steph and I race back to our houses to see who will get there first since her house is so far away from the airport. Usually I win, but I am here to report that for the first time, Stephanie Annand Zank won yesterday. She beat me by three minutes. I hope to regain my title next month.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Phoebus Fever
It's taking me a while to write the post about my weekend. I have been quite ill and trying to get my lesson plans ready for the opening of the English Zone at DMS (my school).
Friday was quite nice. I went over to Hope's apartment to watch TV with her and Laura V. We ate pizza and candy, read some celebrity gossip and watched the weirdest workout show I have ever seen. They weren't really working out, just posing for the camera. My favorite one was the guy, he looked like he so didn't want to be there in his daisy dukes and skin tight wife beater.
I couldn't stop blowing my nose though and neither could Hope. Laura V. who is always sick was the healthiest person in the apartment. Just sad. We packed it in early since we were all ill and Laura V. was getting up early to visit a friend in another city.
Saturday, Hope and I were suppose to go and eat American style breakfast with a bunch of other foreigners, but that didn't exactly work out. Both of us were so tired from being sick that we couldn't get out of our beds. Instead I made french toast and rested on my warm floor until it was time for the Mobis game.
I will be the first to admit that I was a bit overdressed for the game (even though I have seen many Korean men and women in full get-ups) but I knew that I would be doing something afterwards and I didn't want to have to change. I am bit lazy, haha. And yes I know I was sick at the time, but I was in the mood to groove.
The game itself was excellent. I knew we were playing the Busan MagicWings and that we had beaten them quite soundly before so I was prepared for a win. What I got was a showdown. Busan was not going to go down without a fight and boy did they fight. We were tied by the half time but it took a lot to get to that point since we were behind most of the first half.
Friday was quite nice. I went over to Hope's apartment to watch TV with her and Laura V. We ate pizza and candy, read some celebrity gossip and watched the weirdest workout show I have ever seen. They weren't really working out, just posing for the camera. My favorite one was the guy, he looked like he so didn't want to be there in his daisy dukes and skin tight wife beater.
I couldn't stop blowing my nose though and neither could Hope. Laura V. who is always sick was the healthiest person in the apartment. Just sad. We packed it in early since we were all ill and Laura V. was getting up early to visit a friend in another city.
Saturday, Hope and I were suppose to go and eat American style breakfast with a bunch of other foreigners, but that didn't exactly work out. Both of us were so tired from being sick that we couldn't get out of our beds. Instead I made french toast and rested on my warm floor until it was time for the Mobis game.
I will be the first to admit that I was a bit overdressed for the game (even though I have seen many Korean men and women in full get-ups) but I knew that I would be doing something afterwards and I didn't want to have to change. I am bit lazy, haha. And yes I know I was sick at the time, but I was in the mood to groove.
The game itself was excellent. I knew we were playing the Busan MagicWings and that we had beaten them quite soundly before so I was prepared for a win. What I got was a showdown. Busan was not going to go down without a fight and boy did they fight. We were tied by the half time but it took a lot to get to that point since we were behind most of the first half.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Chocolate Milk and Ulsan Mobis
With the Mobis season coming to end, I can't help feeling sad.
Its taken me almost all season to figure out why I feel so connected to this team. At first, I thought it was it's stats which I looked up even before going (there's no reason to pay money to watch a team lose night after night when I can sit in my house and watch them on the TV). Mobis is a strong team with strong coaches (Go Coach Jae Hak!). They are no underdogs, but they inspire even small children to raise their arms and yell (I witnessed this at the last game, a boy no older than 2 was so excited after a basket that he jumped up from his father's lap, it was adorable).
Many people ask me "Who is your favorite player?" but I am always hard pressed to pick one. I like the game and the team as a whole. Each player is important and Mobis is an example of excellent teamwork. Even with the exit of Blankson and the introduction of Bowen late in the season, the team rarely missed a beat.
I guess if someone had a gun to my head and made me pick my favorite player I would choose number 11, Park Goo Young.
He's a great team leader and can shoot. Number 24, Woo Seung Youn came out of nowhere midseason in my mind and I can't help but admire his skills.
Lastly has to be number 12, Ham Ji Hoon.
I never really noticed him until a couple of games ago. His drives to the baskets and hook shots are solid every time. He is probably the most consistent player on the team.
As most people know I don't really like fan favorite number 34 Kim Hyo Bum.
I tried, really I did, but he always getting "hurt" and drags the game out. I'm sure he is told to act that way, but I never did like players like that. He does make me laugh though. He speaks fluent English and whenever he is mad he goes off in English, not Korean. One game an American player from another team was mad at him and said something unkind in English not knowing that Kim Hyo Bum could understand him. I though Hyo Bum was going to fight him right there. He is quite interesting to watch. He is a good player so that keeps my anger down a bit whenever he suddenly "dies" on the court.
I realized that besides Korean class, the Mobis games are a big part of my schedule. Whether they are playing in Ulsan or away I have to be watching. I scheduled my Japan and Taiwan trips around their games. I make sure I am at home so I can watch their games on TV when they play in other cities. Some would say I am addicted, but I think its about what makes me feel comfortable in Korea. When I move somewhere I always latch onto something that reminds me of home. This year has been chocolate milk and Ulsan Mobis basketball. Taiwan was Snickers ice cream bars and Peanut M&Ms. Ireland was just plain Snickers and potato chips (thankfully I had to walk about 5 miles to and fro school so I ended up losing weight), lol.
Yes, I do notice that I have an addiction to chocolate.
Now that Mobis is ending I am unsure how I will fill the void. At first, I will probably run more often, instead of two hours a day, maybe three. This weekend I checked out a soccer tournament at the university, but if Daniel isn't playing whats the point? Soccer was always the most boring sport for me. A huge field and one tiny ball going back and forth. It always seems to move so slow. Ulsan doesn't have a baseball team so I can't go to their games. Well, technically I can travel an hour and watch the Busan team play. They are supposed to be quite good this year, getting new talent in.
There are two more games left so I shall try to savor them. I have already been given an autographed basketball from the staff and a smaller basketball from Number, 5, Ha Sang Yoon.
Good times. No one can say that I didn't get anything from the game, lol.
I will be putting my pictures and videos together after the season is over since I will have so much free time, haha.
In other news, this weekend was the St. Paddy's Day celebration. I have tons of pictures of people in green which I will put up tomorrow. There was a Paddy's Day Hunt, but I didn't compete. Instead I ate pancakes with Hope and went bowling. Saturday was also White Day so it was quite odd to see all the foreigners drunk and in green and the Korean couples out celebrating their love, lol.
Sidenote: Valentine's Day here is for the woman to give the man a gift. White Day is for the man to give the woman a gift. Black Day is when single people get together and eat black noodles. They all fall on the 14th starting in February.
Tuesday will also be spent in green in celebration of the actual St. Patrick's Day. I have a green headband that is really shiny, lol. It's my favorite day and green is my favorite color. Good times ahead.
Its taken me almost all season to figure out why I feel so connected to this team. At first, I thought it was it's stats which I looked up even before going (there's no reason to pay money to watch a team lose night after night when I can sit in my house and watch them on the TV). Mobis is a strong team with strong coaches (Go Coach Jae Hak!). They are no underdogs, but they inspire even small children to raise their arms and yell (I witnessed this at the last game, a boy no older than 2 was so excited after a basket that he jumped up from his father's lap, it was adorable).
Many people ask me "Who is your favorite player?" but I am always hard pressed to pick one. I like the game and the team as a whole. Each player is important and Mobis is an example of excellent teamwork. Even with the exit of Blankson and the introduction of Bowen late in the season, the team rarely missed a beat.
I guess if someone had a gun to my head and made me pick my favorite player I would choose number 11, Park Goo Young.
He's a great team leader and can shoot. Number 24, Woo Seung Youn came out of nowhere midseason in my mind and I can't help but admire his skills.
Lastly has to be number 12, Ham Ji Hoon.
I never really noticed him until a couple of games ago. His drives to the baskets and hook shots are solid every time. He is probably the most consistent player on the team.As most people know I don't really like fan favorite number 34 Kim Hyo Bum.
I tried, really I did, but he always getting "hurt" and drags the game out. I'm sure he is told to act that way, but I never did like players like that. He does make me laugh though. He speaks fluent English and whenever he is mad he goes off in English, not Korean. One game an American player from another team was mad at him and said something unkind in English not knowing that Kim Hyo Bum could understand him. I though Hyo Bum was going to fight him right there. He is quite interesting to watch. He is a good player so that keeps my anger down a bit whenever he suddenly "dies" on the court.I realized that besides Korean class, the Mobis games are a big part of my schedule. Whether they are playing in Ulsan or away I have to be watching. I scheduled my Japan and Taiwan trips around their games. I make sure I am at home so I can watch their games on TV when they play in other cities. Some would say I am addicted, but I think its about what makes me feel comfortable in Korea. When I move somewhere I always latch onto something that reminds me of home. This year has been chocolate milk and Ulsan Mobis basketball. Taiwan was Snickers ice cream bars and Peanut M&Ms. Ireland was just plain Snickers and potato chips (thankfully I had to walk about 5 miles to and fro school so I ended up losing weight), lol.
Yes, I do notice that I have an addiction to chocolate.
Now that Mobis is ending I am unsure how I will fill the void. At first, I will probably run more often, instead of two hours a day, maybe three. This weekend I checked out a soccer tournament at the university, but if Daniel isn't playing whats the point? Soccer was always the most boring sport for me. A huge field and one tiny ball going back and forth. It always seems to move so slow. Ulsan doesn't have a baseball team so I can't go to their games. Well, technically I can travel an hour and watch the Busan team play. They are supposed to be quite good this year, getting new talent in.
There are two more games left so I shall try to savor them. I have already been given an autographed basketball from the staff and a smaller basketball from Number, 5, Ha Sang Yoon.
Good times. No one can say that I didn't get anything from the game, lol.I will be putting my pictures and videos together after the season is over since I will have so much free time, haha.
In other news, this weekend was the St. Paddy's Day celebration. I have tons of pictures of people in green which I will put up tomorrow. There was a Paddy's Day Hunt, but I didn't compete. Instead I ate pancakes with Hope and went bowling. Saturday was also White Day so it was quite odd to see all the foreigners drunk and in green and the Korean couples out celebrating their love, lol.
Sidenote: Valentine's Day here is for the woman to give the man a gift. White Day is for the man to give the woman a gift. Black Day is when single people get together and eat black noodles. They all fall on the 14th starting in February.
Tuesday will also be spent in green in celebration of the actual St. Patrick's Day. I have a green headband that is really shiny, lol. It's my favorite day and green is my favorite color. Good times ahead.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Revising the Co
I need to revise my statement about the woman sitting across from me.
She isn't my new co teacher. For all I know she has been here for years, I have just never seen her before. (Although I do think she is new because she wasn't talking to anyone in the cafeteria yesterday I will no longer assume so.)
A woman came yesterday to introduce herself to me. She is the new teacher and her English name is Crystal. She took three years off to raise her two children (the woman looks like she isn't a day over 22 which means she is at least 27) and now she is back teaching English. I have to say she is the nicest person and she shares my love for Colin Firth.
This gives us:
1. Something in common.
2. Something to talk about other then the weather and how the weekend went.
3. She can teach me how to say "I want to marry Colin Firth." in Korean. Very important sentence in my opinion.
As I was I writing this blog another Co came up to me to introduce herself. She was a 9th grade teacher last year, but since they are gone, she has moved back to the 7th grade. She wants me to call her Hee (Her whole name is Kim Gyoung Hee). She seems quite nice. I am unsure of her love for Colin Firth or other good looking male celebrities. I shall inquire at later date and let you know my findings. I hope she is a Family Outing or Infinite Challenge fan (Korean TV shows I will blog about at a later time when I can gush about how much I truly love them). I would love to talk to a Korean person about these shows.
Also I just wanted to let you know that I can now count forwards and backwards (slowly) in Korean. No applause necessary.
She isn't my new co teacher. For all I know she has been here for years, I have just never seen her before. (Although I do think she is new because she wasn't talking to anyone in the cafeteria yesterday I will no longer assume so.)
A woman came yesterday to introduce herself to me. She is the new teacher and her English name is Crystal. She took three years off to raise her two children (the woman looks like she isn't a day over 22 which means she is at least 27) and now she is back teaching English. I have to say she is the nicest person and she shares my love for Colin Firth.
This gives us:
1. Something in common.
2. Something to talk about other then the weather and how the weekend went.
3. She can teach me how to say "I want to marry Colin Firth." in Korean. Very important sentence in my opinion.
As I was I writing this blog another Co came up to me to introduce herself. She was a 9th grade teacher last year, but since they are gone, she has moved back to the 7th grade. She wants me to call her Hee (Her whole name is Kim Gyoung Hee). She seems quite nice. I am unsure of her love for Colin Firth or other good looking male celebrities. I shall inquire at later date and let you know my findings. I hope she is a Family Outing or Infinite Challenge fan (Korean TV shows I will blog about at a later time when I can gush about how much I truly love them). I would love to talk to a Korean person about these shows.
Also I just wanted to let you know that I can now count forwards and backwards (slowly) in Korean. No applause necessary.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
First Day Back
I am finally back at school. My posts can begin again. (Who actually wants to read about my 7 weeks of vacation?)
Being that its the first day of school, I don't have to teach. Now all I have to do is find out if that extends to the rest of the week. Some teachers already know that they won't teach all week. I can only hope that my co has yet to tell me this glorious news.
This morning she came over and said "Because it's the first day back, you don't have to teach. You can prepare for the semester."
My response, "Ok, but I already prepared last semester."
So now I am finished the work I needed to do. I hole-punched name cards, made a 2nd schedule of my classes to glue into my notebook, created three more games, and made a Co Teacher/Class Index so I will always know what teacher will be there with me.
All I have to do is print it out, but the printer doesn't work.
In other exciting news, I have a new co. I don't know her name (do I really know any one's names?) but she sits across from me. The woman who sat across from me moved somewhere else this semester (maybe the back of my head looks less angry and for the record I was never angry, just thoughtful). I feel a bit sorry for the new co since she is new and everyone is already in their little cliques. I know exactly how she feels, but she has a chance to fit in here. She speaks Korean, lol.
Today I had a 'light bulb going off' moment. I figured that out that I wouldn't be so bored at lunch if I had something to distract me. So I put my IPod underneath my clothes like the kids do and ate lunch with Sheryl Crow, Rain, and the Wicked cast. It was highly interesting.
In case anyone was wondering, Taiwan went well. It was hot and humid as usual, but the food was great. People remembered me from certain stores and restaurants. My style got many positive reviews from people (I would always respond with "Well, now I have time to dress myself instead of throwing on the first thing I see.") My students all remembered me (they better after two years of teaching them). The funniest moment of FuHsing came from CT (Crazy Tommy) and Josh, 2 Ai of course:
I am standing outside of the classroom at the end of the school day and Josh sees me peeking into the room while the homeroom teacher is yelling at Tommy (as usual, haha).
Josh: Miss Juliaaaaaa! (He is waving his arms like he is landing an airplane.)
Me: Hi Josh. (While holding a finger to my mouth to make him listen to his teacher and not run to me.)
Josh: Look its Miss Julia!!! (Grabbing kids and pointing at me, obviously I hold no authority, lol.)
Tommy looks over with a dazed look on his face at me. I wave at him and he waves back in a drugged out fashion. I figured he was sad from being yelled at. They all come out of the classroom a couple minutes later and gather around me.
Me: Hi CT!
Tommy: Huh?
Josh: Haha, CT, Crazy Tommy. That's your name, remember?
Tommy: Oh, yeah. Miss Julia what are you doing here. (Starts to sniffle, tears welling up in his eyes.) Didn't you go back to to to America? (Points his finger in a direction I guess is where America lies.)
Me: Yes, I did. Now I am on vacation here and I came to see you. I missed you.
Tommy: (still sniffling) Ok. (shuffles away)
Me: Bye CT.
Tommy: (he just puts up an arm to signal that he heard me. I guess he was still mulling over my appearance.)
So cute. The kids were all fabulous. Some kept staring at me until I said hello and then they would say "Oh, Miss Julia. Hello!" My hair has changed drastically I guess with my new Korean bangs, but I was always changing my hair at FuHsing. Theresa told me that every time I came in with new hair (which was about once a month), the kids would say to her "Miss Julia changed her hair again!" She would reply "Well at least it isn't blue!" haha.
I didn't realize how much weight I had put on while working at that school until one of the homeroom teachers that I saw at least once a week for two years came up to me. She pointed at me, waved both hands and then made the "you lost a lot of weight" symbol with her hands, lol. In front of her entire class. Doesn't get much better.
Seeing all the teachers again made me miss that place. Seeing the new foreign teachers' haggard looks did not make me miss it. I was even nervous before I got on the plane about going to the school. As I climbed the stairs to the office I almost puked my Starbucks scone. Theresa said, "Julia, just remember you don't work here anymore." That helped a lot.
Some memorable quotes from that day:
Me: I do about 10% of the work that I use to do here.
Dorcas: That doesn't sound good. You are going to lose your edge.
Me: It's a nice break from the constant stress that was this school. (Oh, yes I did, lol)
David: Here comes trouble. (And then when no one was around he hugged me, haha.)
Maggie: Julia, come back soon.
Me: No.
Jack: Want to record?
Me: Nope.
Maggie: At least look at the computer screen.
Me: I am too lazy to take my boots off.
Jack: Because today you are back, you don't have to take off your shoes. (So sweet.)
The rest of the vacation was spent with Viki and Chris at the Dinosaur Restaurant, Batch at Casa, and doing all the eating and shopping one could possibly do.
I also got my hair cut by accident. Obviously my skills are not what they use to be when explaining my need for a trim. Instead my guy (who I saw once a week to get my hair conditioned, because let's face it, I barely had time to shower working at that school), who finally got a chance to cut my hair, took it for all it was worth. He gave me a whole new look and I was scared as cobra near a mongoose. So far it looks ok. He didn't know like Ting did that I never do my hair. I just let it go, let it flow. I am going to grow it out, I am feeling a longer look right now.
Now to my purchases: I bought (really stole it since it was on sale majorly) a new video camera, three new purses (which were all on sale), paintings, a new ring, and presents for my co teachers (which I just realized at this moment that I forgot at home). Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
One last quote. It came from a dinner that Steph had with her friend Luke. She asked him if his new girlfriend was pretty.
Luke: "In my heart, she's the most beautiful."
Being that its the first day of school, I don't have to teach. Now all I have to do is find out if that extends to the rest of the week. Some teachers already know that they won't teach all week. I can only hope that my co has yet to tell me this glorious news.
This morning she came over and said "Because it's the first day back, you don't have to teach. You can prepare for the semester."
My response, "Ok, but I already prepared last semester."
So now I am finished the work I needed to do. I hole-punched name cards, made a 2nd schedule of my classes to glue into my notebook, created three more games, and made a Co Teacher/Class Index so I will always know what teacher will be there with me.
All I have to do is print it out, but the printer doesn't work.
In other exciting news, I have a new co. I don't know her name (do I really know any one's names?) but she sits across from me. The woman who sat across from me moved somewhere else this semester (maybe the back of my head looks less angry and for the record I was never angry, just thoughtful). I feel a bit sorry for the new co since she is new and everyone is already in their little cliques. I know exactly how she feels, but she has a chance to fit in here. She speaks Korean, lol.
Today I had a 'light bulb going off' moment. I figured that out that I wouldn't be so bored at lunch if I had something to distract me. So I put my IPod underneath my clothes like the kids do and ate lunch with Sheryl Crow, Rain, and the Wicked cast. It was highly interesting.
In case anyone was wondering, Taiwan went well. It was hot and humid as usual, but the food was great. People remembered me from certain stores and restaurants. My style got many positive reviews from people (I would always respond with "Well, now I have time to dress myself instead of throwing on the first thing I see.") My students all remembered me (they better after two years of teaching them). The funniest moment of FuHsing came from CT (Crazy Tommy) and Josh, 2 Ai of course:
I am standing outside of the classroom at the end of the school day and Josh sees me peeking into the room while the homeroom teacher is yelling at Tommy (as usual, haha).
Josh: Miss Juliaaaaaa! (He is waving his arms like he is landing an airplane.)
Me: Hi Josh. (While holding a finger to my mouth to make him listen to his teacher and not run to me.)
Josh: Look its Miss Julia!!! (Grabbing kids and pointing at me, obviously I hold no authority, lol.)
Tommy looks over with a dazed look on his face at me. I wave at him and he waves back in a drugged out fashion. I figured he was sad from being yelled at. They all come out of the classroom a couple minutes later and gather around me.
Me: Hi CT!
Tommy: Huh?
Josh: Haha, CT, Crazy Tommy. That's your name, remember?
Tommy: Oh, yeah. Miss Julia what are you doing here. (Starts to sniffle, tears welling up in his eyes.) Didn't you go back to to to America? (Points his finger in a direction I guess is where America lies.)
Me: Yes, I did. Now I am on vacation here and I came to see you. I missed you.
Tommy: (still sniffling) Ok. (shuffles away)
Me: Bye CT.
Tommy: (he just puts up an arm to signal that he heard me. I guess he was still mulling over my appearance.)
So cute. The kids were all fabulous. Some kept staring at me until I said hello and then they would say "Oh, Miss Julia. Hello!" My hair has changed drastically I guess with my new Korean bangs, but I was always changing my hair at FuHsing. Theresa told me that every time I came in with new hair (which was about once a month), the kids would say to her "Miss Julia changed her hair again!" She would reply "Well at least it isn't blue!" haha.
I didn't realize how much weight I had put on while working at that school until one of the homeroom teachers that I saw at least once a week for two years came up to me. She pointed at me, waved both hands and then made the "you lost a lot of weight" symbol with her hands, lol. In front of her entire class. Doesn't get much better.
Seeing all the teachers again made me miss that place. Seeing the new foreign teachers' haggard looks did not make me miss it. I was even nervous before I got on the plane about going to the school. As I climbed the stairs to the office I almost puked my Starbucks scone. Theresa said, "Julia, just remember you don't work here anymore." That helped a lot.
Some memorable quotes from that day:
Me: I do about 10% of the work that I use to do here.
Dorcas: That doesn't sound good. You are going to lose your edge.
Me: It's a nice break from the constant stress that was this school. (Oh, yes I did, lol)
David: Here comes trouble. (And then when no one was around he hugged me, haha.)
Maggie: Julia, come back soon.
Me: No.
Jack: Want to record?
Me: Nope.
Maggie: At least look at the computer screen.
Me: I am too lazy to take my boots off.
Jack: Because today you are back, you don't have to take off your shoes. (So sweet.)
The rest of the vacation was spent with Viki and Chris at the Dinosaur Restaurant, Batch at Casa, and doing all the eating and shopping one could possibly do.
I also got my hair cut by accident. Obviously my skills are not what they use to be when explaining my need for a trim. Instead my guy (who I saw once a week to get my hair conditioned, because let's face it, I barely had time to shower working at that school), who finally got a chance to cut my hair, took it for all it was worth. He gave me a whole new look and I was scared as cobra near a mongoose. So far it looks ok. He didn't know like Ting did that I never do my hair. I just let it go, let it flow. I am going to grow it out, I am feeling a longer look right now.
Now to my purchases: I bought (really stole it since it was on sale majorly) a new video camera, three new purses (which were all on sale), paintings, a new ring, and presents for my co teachers (which I just realized at this moment that I forgot at home). Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
One last quote. It came from a dinner that Steph had with her friend Luke. She asked him if his new girlfriend was pretty.
Luke: "In my heart, she's the most beautiful."
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