So I have officially been in Korea for 10 mos now, and all i can say is wow. The time flew by so quickly, but recently my school has asked me to renew my contract. So given the current economic situation I have to consider it. My stay has been amazing. The people have been great. I think that I have been able to grow a lot spiritually and as a person. So next week I will make the final decision, but i well keep you all posted. I will try to get better at posting on the blog. In about 2 weeks one of my line sister will be visiting me in Ko-rea. So I will try to post some pics.
Peace & Blessings,
Friday, June 26, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Back For Real
I'm sorry I know that it has been awhile since I last blogged, but Seoul has been keeping me busy. I am trying to work on that, but now I think that I am realizing that I just have to remember to take breaks as well as say no. This weekend is a four day weekend because its Buddhas bday and Children s day. So no work till Wed!!. You know I am happy, even though I will miss my beastly kiddies, especially my first grade they are so adorable. I promise I will try to do better with blogging from now on. So have been so busy cuz I recently started teaching an after school program for the District, which I really like. But all is well, I'm simply enjoying life right now, and giving God the glory, and excited for his next steps in my life. Talk to you soon,
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Kicked out the Choir
So this week I had my first and last choir practice for my principals retirement party. Luckily I found out that the other native English speaker had been ask to come too, and he informed me that he couldn't sing either. So things were looking up. Koreans are really big into this thing called Norebang, which is essentially Karaoke. So they are used to hearing people who cant sing, sing their hearts out. So when I arrived at choir practice I assumed that there would only be a few teachers who could sing.
Boy was a wrong. I got their and teachers were warming-up like professionals and the choir director was the business. I was like oh snap, let me see if I can blend in, but they were hitting notes so high I was like let me just try to lip sing this. It was hilarious because the few times i would sing, the choir director would point to the area next to me, and be like someone is off, and I was like man its probably me. So, after about an hour into practice, two teachers say some to our co-teacher in Korean and everyone looks at us. So me and the other teacher are like, well they must be trying to kick us out. This happens to us a lot, they come up with random excuses for us to leave things, but hey usually by that time I'm ready to go.
So co-teacher looks at us, and is like we thought you guys may be uncomfortable having to sit silently during the first song, because its in Korean. I was like I was just going to lip sync or ohh all the way through. So the other teacher called the principal for you, and you guys can leave. I was like man. It was my singing. I know it.
Boy was a wrong. I got their and teachers were warming-up like professionals and the choir director was the business. I was like oh snap, let me see if I can blend in, but they were hitting notes so high I was like let me just try to lip sing this. It was hilarious because the few times i would sing, the choir director would point to the area next to me, and be like someone is off, and I was like man its probably me. So, after about an hour into practice, two teachers say some to our co-teacher in Korean and everyone looks at us. So me and the other teacher are like, well they must be trying to kick us out. This happens to us a lot, they come up with random excuses for us to leave things, but hey usually by that time I'm ready to go.
So co-teacher looks at us, and is like we thought you guys may be uncomfortable having to sit silently during the first song, because its in Korean. I was like I was just going to lip sync or ohh all the way through. So the other teacher called the principal for you, and you guys can leave. I was like man. It was my singing. I know it.
Dupped K-Town Style
So This Friday will mark the end of the academic year for Korean Students. So that means two weeks of vacation for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well minus one day, because I have to come in to see what grade I will be teaching next school year which begins March 1. I had almost made it through my first full semester without getting in trouble, then at happened at lunch last week. My co-teacher was visiting the US with students who had won an English competition for our school.
So I was sitting down at the table, and I saw the Principal eying me. I was trying not to make eye contact, and just as I picked up my chopsticks I saw the vice-principal starting to come my direction, and he had a wary smile. So I knew the message was for me, because he gets nervous when he has to speak English. So I'm looking at him, an he's like do you want to participate int eh Principals retirement ceremony. I was like sure, because my co-teacher had already told me that I needed to attend, and that day may be a long day for us, because all the faculty and staff have to go out to eat with her. So I assumed at the most they just wanted me to say a few words or read a peom in English or something.
Then I saw the surprised look on his face and th surrounding teachers, and he turns to the Principal, and is like she said yes. So, he then says do you want to do ...., but I couldn't make it out. I was hungry and mins away from my black bean noodles (which i love), and i had asked him to repeat it a couple of times, and the other teacher was trying to help to, but it was just so loud in the cafeteria. So, I broke my own rule, and was just like ok.
Then everyone started smiling, and the Principal comes over, and his like do you know these two songs (which she starts to hum). One is in Korean and the other is in English, and I was like no. She was like not eve the second one (Annie Laurie), and she was determined to keep singing it to me, until how recognized it, and I was like yeah sure. I just wanted to eat my black bean noodles. Then the other teacher was like you will sing those two songs at the ceremony. I was uh, wait, oh snap. Apparently the vice-principal was trying to tell me I would be in a choir. So I was like, ok as long as I don't have to do no solos ill be alright.
So I was sitting down at the table, and I saw the Principal eying me. I was trying not to make eye contact, and just as I picked up my chopsticks I saw the vice-principal starting to come my direction, and he had a wary smile. So I knew the message was for me, because he gets nervous when he has to speak English. So I'm looking at him, an he's like do you want to participate int eh Principals retirement ceremony. I was like sure, because my co-teacher had already told me that I needed to attend, and that day may be a long day for us, because all the faculty and staff have to go out to eat with her. So I assumed at the most they just wanted me to say a few words or read a peom in English or something.
Then I saw the surprised look on his face and th surrounding teachers, and he turns to the Principal, and is like she said yes. So, he then says do you want to do ...., but I couldn't make it out. I was hungry and mins away from my black bean noodles (which i love), and i had asked him to repeat it a couple of times, and the other teacher was trying to help to, but it was just so loud in the cafeteria. So, I broke my own rule, and was just like ok.
Then everyone started smiling, and the Principal comes over, and his like do you know these two songs (which she starts to hum). One is in Korean and the other is in English, and I was like no. She was like not eve the second one (Annie Laurie), and she was determined to keep singing it to me, until how recognized it, and I was like yeah sure. I just wanted to eat my black bean noodles. Then the other teacher was like you will sing those two songs at the ceremony. I was uh, wait, oh snap. Apparently the vice-principal was trying to tell me I would be in a choir. So I was like, ok as long as I don't have to do no solos ill be alright.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wait till I Can Speak Korean... And I ain't Telling no one :)
So I like to consider myself a very observant person, and I also I find Korean people to be vary expressive with their emotions in terms of body language and facial expression. Today was one of those days where you keep hearing you name, but you don't get a translation at school. I hope they are saying good things, but who knew that there is so much happening at an Elementary school. I have heard a couple of fights, and I only wish I could understand was going on? I'm like just give me a little time, I'm about to learn some Korean and start interpreting everything. I already can guess a lot of stuff that is going on based on facials expression.I just love how my vice-principal will say my name and then say something else, but I can never get a translation from anyone. That's ok. Wait till I speak Korean, and I ain't telling no one, and I am going to be all in the business. :)
Hair Did
I knew the day would come, when I would have to do something with my hair in Korea, but I was dreading it. I just honestly didn't know where i was going to go. But I had to ask some sorors, cuz it was getting rough, and they were dropping those subtle hints, like i know where you can get your hair done. lol. So a trusted soror told me about Ms. Chong shop at family hair care.
So I wen to the shop in Itaewon (westerners hotspot) and it was a nice quaint shop. I really liked it. To my surprise there was a woman of African descent there who spoke Korean. Her accent sounded like she might have been from London or the Caribbean. I am not quite sure. So I was the lone customer at first. Ms. Chong felt through my hair and was like umm, you want motions? I was like ok. ok.
Then she called the woman of African descent, was called over to do my hair. I was like man this is tight. Then i noticed everyone was watching, and there was a whole of talk in Korean going on. They obviously done perms here before, the the crowd dissipated. Then next thing you know another client comes in to get her hair braided. She says hi to everyone, and then as she sitting under the dryer and I'm still in the middle of my perm, when suddenly the other client whispers loudly so Tasha does Perms now? I'm like WTF? We are not serious. So this explains the crowd, I must be one of her first heads. I was like damn. The last thing you want to hear is that your some one's first perm. Then I saw the finished product and i was extremely happy. I must admit that they can't get all the credit, it was in part due to the fabulous cut that my four club's mom gave me a couple of years ago. I can honestly say that was the best cut anyone has ever given me in my life. But man my hair was off the chain. After tasha permed it, Ms. Chong blow dried and flat ironed it. I mean my hair was just blowing in the wind. Also, the customer service was off the chain. I am going back in two weeks to get braids, and probably a mani and a pedi. I will be a regular there and proudly spread the word, because I even got a nice massage of my neck and shoulder. My hair is even surviving working out everyday. I don't know what to say. :) I just hope that I can find someone as good as them in America. :) I am so excited that I found someone on my first try, at a reasonable price. :)
So I wen to the shop in Itaewon (westerners hotspot) and it was a nice quaint shop. I really liked it. To my surprise there was a woman of African descent there who spoke Korean. Her accent sounded like she might have been from London or the Caribbean. I am not quite sure. So I was the lone customer at first. Ms. Chong felt through my hair and was like umm, you want motions? I was like ok. ok.
Then she called the woman of African descent, was called over to do my hair. I was like man this is tight. Then i noticed everyone was watching, and there was a whole of talk in Korean going on. They obviously done perms here before, the the crowd dissipated. Then next thing you know another client comes in to get her hair braided. She says hi to everyone, and then as she sitting under the dryer and I'm still in the middle of my perm, when suddenly the other client whispers loudly so Tasha does Perms now? I'm like WTF? We are not serious. So this explains the crowd, I must be one of her first heads. I was like damn. The last thing you want to hear is that your some one's first perm. Then I saw the finished product and i was extremely happy. I must admit that they can't get all the credit, it was in part due to the fabulous cut that my four club's mom gave me a couple of years ago. I can honestly say that was the best cut anyone has ever given me in my life. But man my hair was off the chain. After tasha permed it, Ms. Chong blow dried and flat ironed it. I mean my hair was just blowing in the wind. Also, the customer service was off the chain. I am going back in two weeks to get braids, and probably a mani and a pedi. I will be a regular there and proudly spread the word, because I even got a nice massage of my neck and shoulder. My hair is even surviving working out everyday. I don't know what to say. :) I just hope that I can find someone as good as them in America. :) I am so excited that I found someone on my first try, at a reasonable price. :)
Split Personality
I know people say I'm crazy, but I'm really not. I promise, but in Korea, I have recently notice that I have inner voice that tells me things in my head. It seems to be pretty helpful at least, i think its what keeps me sane. :) For example the other day my principal told me I need to lose 10 kg, so she wants me to walk to work everyday, instead of taking the subway. The inner voice is trick please, I hope she don't see me getting on the subway everyday. The outward reaction ok sure I will do, and I smile politely. A little boy attempts to play handball in the middle of my English class: First reaction what the hell is wrong with you? Are we serious? Don't make me Shank you. The inner voice says: Brianne he is just a child, enrolled in classes 14 hours a day. Give him a break. Simply ask him to stop. A drunk Korean man sits next to me on the subway, when there are hella open sits, and tried to touch my leg. First reactions. I will knock you the f out. I am twice your size. Choke him. Inner voice: Brianne making a fist is a assault in Korea. We don't do Korean prisons, so simply do a reactive karate chop and give him the stank eye and move on. Just wait to you learn some harsh Korean words.
I mean I could go on and on and on. I find that my inner voice comes out a lot these days in the company of fellow westerners or Koreans. Its interesting cuz I had noticed it a few times before in America, but I am starting to realize how smart the voice is. I didn't nearly give her enough credit. I just hope she doesn't get tired of me.
I mean I could go on and on and on. I find that my inner voice comes out a lot these days in the company of fellow westerners or Koreans. Its interesting cuz I had noticed it a few times before in America, but I am starting to realize how smart the voice is. I didn't nearly give her enough credit. I just hope she doesn't get tired of me.
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