blog #5

Greeting from the future…..

Last night we finally got our apartment put together. The delivery men brought our futon, which is the biggest, ugliest, tackiest, most comfortable, enjoyable futon I have ever sat on. After the delivery men sat on our futon to test its structural stability, we went to “old faithful,” the restaurant just down the block from us. I think the most expensive item on the menu is $5.50, but we have yet to indulge because everything else is so delicious. I had bop (rice) and chicken or beef bulgogi (thin strips of meat), Duck partook in some ramyeon noodles with dumplings in the broth, also very delicious. For a grand total of $6, oh yea, we also had some kimchi, pickled radish, and some other greens. Then Duck and I were off to max mart (I think), a huge department store plus grocery store plus appliance store (like a super wal-mart). To get coat hangers and other varies necessities, I only mention the coat hangers because that is all I wanted, but we got about 50 dollars worth of other stuff for the Duck. We will go back Sunday, after I get my settlement money (signing bonus).

I am beginning to enjoy my second school much more. Last week (the first time teaching), I thought it was going to be a pain. To come up the mountain every Thursday and Friday, to also come equipped with lesson plans. But today was very enjoyable. I arrived at school earlier than normal today, to prepare lessons and print off some crossword puzzles. To my surprise there was a lock on my door, and I could not open it. Until the lady I share my office with showed up, so I thought “shit” today is going to be terrible, and so is tomorrow. As I am rushing to print off my lesson plans for the 4 classes, the bell rings and I am late for my first class. I rush down their 2 minutes late and the teacher has started without me “shit.” So they finish the game they are in the middle of, and it’s my turn. That’s when everything turned around and I felt extremely comfortable in front of the students. I also did not get to the crosswords in time, so I can use them tomorrow (that means I only have to plan for 30 minutes). The rest of the day sort of fell into place like my first class, after my 4 classes were done, then it was on to soccer time. Not until after I played tag with the 6th graders. I love soccer time and tag by the way. I know it sounds ridiculous but I was not the only teacher that does these things with the students. Actually, Thursday is called club day, and the different clubs consist of: Playing soccer, journalism, Korean drums, and extra art time. So natural I went with soccer today, but I think I hear the Korean drums beating my name for next Thursday.