Last night I had chicken and beer with my cousins and my cousin's ex-coworker (whose name I have no idea). And it went terribly wrong, but hilariously so. This guy, the ex-coworker didn't speak any English at all but kept trying to have conversation with me. And I am terrible at discerning whether I'm being hit on or not, but the translated version I would receive was stuff like "let's spend more time together" "let's hang out again" "Your cute" etc. However, my older cousin decided that was a bad idea and she was not a fan of that, so when he would ask me, she would answer for me and say something like "No, she doesn't like you." The guy was a little offended by that, but it was quite funny. At the end of the night, he tried to reach in for a hug and my cousin got so upset. And then tried to shake my hand "western style" and again, so upset. "No! Don't touch her. She doesn't like you!" hahaha I love that I've got my unni looking out for me. This guy though, when I first sat down and started eating, I had some trouble cutting my chicken. So he completely took my fork and tongs from me and starting cutting. Then he tried to feed me....awkward.
But, I think I probably will not have a Korean boyfriend here...ever. It's really hard to understand what these guys want. Western guys are a little easier to understand. I can tell when they want a relationship or when they just need some action. But these Korean guys, I think mainly because of the language barrier, it's very difficult to tell. And I think they've got all these ideas about western women from the media, and will expect western women to be a certain way. It's kind of like a fantasy. So I just don't think it would be a good idea for me. On top of that, Korean men (like Korean women) have a lot of expectations for their significant other, and I would fail to meet the majority of those expectations. Therefore...no thank you. Unnecessary drama.
My only friend here might be leaving. I'm not a fan of that...not at all. I have no idea how to even try to convince him to stay. At the same time though, I of course don't want him to be miserable and want him to make the right choices for his life. But I'd be very sad without him...especially so early in the game.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A New Day
Yesterday...oh yesterday.
I had to go to the immigration office (AGAIN, second day in a row) to file for my foreigner ID card. Wow. Worst experience ever. I had to wait, with Judy, for 4 hours. Holy Margarine. Not fun. We literally passed out in the waiting room...drool and all. Finally when they called our number, we presented my paperwork and the lady informed Judy that it was incorrect because the policy had changed like yesterday (which was also why we had to wait such a long time). Judy asked the lady why she wasn't informed or there wasn't any sort of signage about the policy change, and the ladies response was "That's not our responsibility to inform you. You should have checked online." Judy was pissed. She's done this several times with the other foreign teachers so she usually doesn't check the policy. I had to take a new picture, instead of the one I had already taken. The one I already took (and paid for) was ok, not great, but not terrible. I could live with it (and they had photoshopped my face to be smaller!). The picture on my foreinger ID card has my hair completely pulled back--which in turn makes my face look super round and I wasn't allowed to smile. Worst picture EVER.
This morning my co worker accidentally slept in and I had to add his morning class to mine, making my class a total of 11 people. This is CROWDED for my hagwan and it made me a little nervous. My class was pretty upset about it as well. My class is advanced and his is pre advanced, so I tried to cater to his class a little and my class was very offended by it. Literally, "We're not middle schoolers." Uhh..ok...you're also not the only ones in class (these are full grown adults too haha!) And we were reading an article outloud and my class read completely first...so we were sitting at a round table..well rectangle and my class was sitting 2 on each side closest to me and the rest of the class was behind them. The reading usually just goes around and my class, to ensure they were taken care of, instead of reading fully around the table, one lady cut off another from Eddie's class, and just started reading and so all of my class read and then Eddie's class got to jump in. Geez louise. Sharing is caring people. But I suppose they just want to make sure they get the education they're paying for!
This weekend..or rather this upcoming Monday is Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving. So that should be pretty interesting!
I had to go to the immigration office (AGAIN, second day in a row) to file for my foreigner ID card. Wow. Worst experience ever. I had to wait, with Judy, for 4 hours. Holy Margarine. Not fun. We literally passed out in the waiting room...drool and all. Finally when they called our number, we presented my paperwork and the lady informed Judy that it was incorrect because the policy had changed like yesterday (which was also why we had to wait such a long time). Judy asked the lady why she wasn't informed or there wasn't any sort of signage about the policy change, and the ladies response was "That's not our responsibility to inform you. You should have checked online." Judy was pissed. She's done this several times with the other foreign teachers so she usually doesn't check the policy. I had to take a new picture, instead of the one I had already taken. The one I already took (and paid for) was ok, not great, but not terrible. I could live with it (and they had photoshopped my face to be smaller!). The picture on my foreinger ID card has my hair completely pulled back--which in turn makes my face look super round and I wasn't allowed to smile. Worst picture EVER.
This morning my co worker accidentally slept in and I had to add his morning class to mine, making my class a total of 11 people. This is CROWDED for my hagwan and it made me a little nervous. My class was pretty upset about it as well. My class is advanced and his is pre advanced, so I tried to cater to his class a little and my class was very offended by it. Literally, "We're not middle schoolers." Uhh..ok...you're also not the only ones in class (these are full grown adults too haha!) And we were reading an article outloud and my class read completely first...so we were sitting at a round table..well rectangle and my class was sitting 2 on each side closest to me and the rest of the class was behind them. The reading usually just goes around and my class, to ensure they were taken care of, instead of reading fully around the table, one lady cut off another from Eddie's class, and just started reading and so all of my class read and then Eddie's class got to jump in. Geez louise. Sharing is caring people. But I suppose they just want to make sure they get the education they're paying for!
This weekend..or rather this upcoming Monday is Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving. So that should be pretty interesting!
Monday, September 5, 2011
More Today!
I FINALLY got through to my middle school students! We played a 2 learning games to teach them adverbs and verbs. So HOORRAAAYYY. They had fun and I think they actually learned something. So I'm very excited about that, now I just have to think of new games for EVERY class! Geeeeez louise.
I suddenly have 6 new students which is really strange...but ok. This place really keeps you on your toes when it comes to your schedule. I was told by my boss on Friday not to come to my 10am class because it was canceled and yet got a phone call today because I had a student at 10am. Uhr....what?
And my emotions about...this place...are up and down. And all I can hear in my head when I think about it is robot voice saying "Emotions? What are Emotions?" There's a head tilt in their somewhere too. But...so I really like this place. It exactly what I've always been attracted to, a good scene, fashionable clothes, busy streets, high heels. However, now that I'm a little older, I'm realizing that maybe what I'm attracted to isn't the best thing for me? Clearly what I want has never worked out in the past, so perhaps I should change my wants...but when your heart is reaching for it's most wanted desires, it's extremely hard to tell it no. So, I'm sort of struggling with that. And the fact that I'm here for a year, so I can let myself be here and enjoy myself for a year, but what's going to happen when my year (or 2 or 5 or 82 years) are over? How will I feel then? Will I be able to change my heart? And I think that maybe I'm so enjoying everything because it's new. Will I eventually get bored with it? Like I do with the all the other cities? I don't know. But my roller coaster emotions are a little hard to deal with. AND there are times where I don't quite feel at ease, like I realize I don't belong and then my emotions plummet and it's a whole cycle of tough stuff!!
My mom is officially gone. She's on her flight back to the states, so I'm on my own! EEEEk, scary...but at the same time... FREEEEEEEEDOM!!!! And sooo thankfully we resolved our issues. I'm so glad for that because I'm not sure what I'd do without my mom, she's legit. my best friend which sounds super lame, but is actually awesome.
I suddenly have 6 new students which is really strange...but ok. This place really keeps you on your toes when it comes to your schedule. I was told by my boss on Friday not to come to my 10am class because it was canceled and yet got a phone call today because I had a student at 10am. Uhr....what?
And my emotions about...this place...are up and down. And all I can hear in my head when I think about it is robot voice saying "Emotions? What are Emotions?" There's a head tilt in their somewhere too. But...so I really like this place. It exactly what I've always been attracted to, a good scene, fashionable clothes, busy streets, high heels. However, now that I'm a little older, I'm realizing that maybe what I'm attracted to isn't the best thing for me? Clearly what I want has never worked out in the past, so perhaps I should change my wants...but when your heart is reaching for it's most wanted desires, it's extremely hard to tell it no. So, I'm sort of struggling with that. And the fact that I'm here for a year, so I can let myself be here and enjoy myself for a year, but what's going to happen when my year (or 2 or 5 or 82 years) are over? How will I feel then? Will I be able to change my heart? And I think that maybe I'm so enjoying everything because it's new. Will I eventually get bored with it? Like I do with the all the other cities? I don't know. But my roller coaster emotions are a little hard to deal with. AND there are times where I don't quite feel at ease, like I realize I don't belong and then my emotions plummet and it's a whole cycle of tough stuff!!
My mom is officially gone. She's on her flight back to the states, so I'm on my own! EEEEk, scary...but at the same time... FREEEEEEEEDOM!!!! And sooo thankfully we resolved our issues. I'm so glad for that because I'm not sure what I'd do without my mom, she's legit. my best friend which sounds super lame, but is actually awesome.
Oh, Korea.
Today's been pretty interesting. The best part I think, is that I stopped by my coworkers house just now on my way back up to my room because we were supposed to go for a walk today, but I got stuck doing something else all day that I will tell you about in a smidge. I peeked around the corner at his apartment and heard noise (like tv noise) and so I knocked on the door...no answer BUT the noise turned off. LMAO. AWKWARRRD. Luckily there aren't peep holes in Korea so he couldn't see it was me, though I don't know who else knocks on his door. I kind of assumed maybe his girlfriend was there.
Today I had to go to immigration to get my ID card. And it was a hot mess. There were 158 people in front of me, so about a 3 hour wait. We got their at 3 and around 3:30 we decided to leave because I have a class at 6. So I have to go back tomorrow :(
My co-worker was the one that took me. She's so funny...so Korean. She asked me where I got my perm done, and I told her it was natural. "WOW! Really? Can I touch it??" Hilarious.
On the way back to the apartment, she asked the bus driver if the bus went to my stop and he COMPLETELY ignored her. Didn't even look at her or acknowledge that she was there! And the guy behind us said it stopped there and then literally SHOVED us onto the bus. Really rude stuff people! Then he sat behind me and like hugged my chair so I couldn't lean back. But she kept commenting about him and you could tell he was totally eves dropping on our conversation. So eventually, he leaned back in his own seat. Strange people, these people.
But now...middle school kids :( BAHHH.
Today I had to go to immigration to get my ID card. And it was a hot mess. There were 158 people in front of me, so about a 3 hour wait. We got their at 3 and around 3:30 we decided to leave because I have a class at 6. So I have to go back tomorrow :(
My co-worker was the one that took me. She's so funny...so Korean. She asked me where I got my perm done, and I told her it was natural. "WOW! Really? Can I touch it??" Hilarious.
On the way back to the apartment, she asked the bus driver if the bus went to my stop and he COMPLETELY ignored her. Didn't even look at her or acknowledge that she was there! And the guy behind us said it stopped there and then literally SHOVED us onto the bus. Really rude stuff people! Then he sat behind me and like hugged my chair so I couldn't lean back. But she kept commenting about him and you could tell he was totally eves dropping on our conversation. So eventually, he leaned back in his own seat. Strange people, these people.
But now...middle school kids :( BAHHH.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
That Fan is Now Brown
Life has randomly spiraled out of control and I'm not exactly sure what's happening. Last night I went out with Eddie to meet his friend a few cities over. We had a few drinks and had some fun. The plan was that I was supposed to go have a drink or two and then come back and Eddie would stay there. But when the time came for me to hop on the bus, I realized..well I had had a few drinks, it was dark, I didn't have a phone because I gave it to my mother for her to travel to see her brother and it would have been the first time I was riding the bus alone. Needless to say, I chickened out and stayed there for the night. I texted my mom to tell her (which I personally think is a courtesy, since I'm an adult and haven't had a curfew for about 8 years now) and she called me. My aunts were apparently in my apartment... MY apartment...and I suppose it shined a bad light on me for spending the night out. But frankly, I wasn't out doing anything scandalous and if they want to judge and gossip about me being a tramp that's their business not mine or my moms.
However, that's apparently not how my mom saw it. And when I got back to my apartment the next morning, the shit hit the fan (pardon my french). And I'm not exactly sure why. I'm so incredibly upset about it and everything that's been said and done, but there's nothing I can do to resolve the situation because she can't see anything passed her own point of view, which is how it's always been. So now she's upset and I'm upset and she goes home tomorrow. While yes, I'll be glad to have my freedom back, I don't like the idea of her leaving on bad terms.
However, that's apparently not how my mom saw it. And when I got back to my apartment the next morning, the shit hit the fan (pardon my french). And I'm not exactly sure why. I'm so incredibly upset about it and everything that's been said and done, but there's nothing I can do to resolve the situation because she can't see anything passed her own point of view, which is how it's always been. So now she's upset and I'm upset and she goes home tomorrow. While yes, I'll be glad to have my freedom back, I don't like the idea of her leaving on bad terms.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
TGIF...yeah, right!
Today was kind of an interesting day. I started out not knowing what time I had to work, and then realized how unorganized things can be. I got to work, and didn't know what class I was teaching or where it was! And the Saturday class is 3 hours long, soooo...wow. I ended up with 3 people in class 2 women and 1 man. The guy kept checking out my goods and it made me a little uncomfortable because in that setting, I'm not quite sure what to do about that situation! But other than that the class went alright, I felt like I actually managed the time well, and they were very good at having conversations even if I wasn't necessarily leading it. However, I think that the man and one woman had some serious issues with each other because she's more liberal and modern whereas he's very conservative and they really bumped heads a lot.
Then, I had lunch and cleaned and took a nap and was pretty bored for a while. Luckily Eddie came over and we went for a nice long walk. I think hanging out with him is going to be good for my health, he seems very outdoorsy and healthy so that's nice for me! We walked to this random stream which is really pretty and that led us to a lake and a park and it was wonderful. It'll be a great place to go running before the weather goes sour. He also pointed out the redlight district when we walked passed it...two streets over from mine, awesome.
The street behind my house is really neat, it's called Rodeo [Row-Day-Oh] (like Rodeo Drive in L.A. not like the rodeo with cowboys and bulls). But it's really busy and full of restaurant and bars and street vendors. Today they were selling (?) little baby bunnies wearing jackets. TOOOOOO cute!
And kids in Korea drive their bikes or hotwheels like their parents are stereotyped to drive their cars...sooo, needless to say, little kids run me off the sidewalk on a daily basis. It's kind of a thing here that pedestrians really don't matter, so bikers (bicyclers, motorcyclers and mopeders) will run you off the street and then look at you like "How DARE you be walking on MY sidewalk?!?" because yes, they drive on the sidewalk. And the kids give you the same look. Craziness. I often wonder if maybe they do it on purpose to me because I'm a foreigner, or if they do it everyone haha.
Then, I had lunch and cleaned and took a nap and was pretty bored for a while. Luckily Eddie came over and we went for a nice long walk. I think hanging out with him is going to be good for my health, he seems very outdoorsy and healthy so that's nice for me! We walked to this random stream which is really pretty and that led us to a lake and a park and it was wonderful. It'll be a great place to go running before the weather goes sour. He also pointed out the redlight district when we walked passed it...two streets over from mine, awesome.
The street behind my house is really neat, it's called Rodeo [Row-Day-Oh] (like Rodeo Drive in L.A. not like the rodeo with cowboys and bulls). But it's really busy and full of restaurant and bars and street vendors. Today they were selling (?) little baby bunnies wearing jackets. TOOOOOO cute!
And kids in Korea drive their bikes or hotwheels like their parents are stereotyped to drive their cars...sooo, needless to say, little kids run me off the sidewalk on a daily basis. It's kind of a thing here that pedestrians really don't matter, so bikers (bicyclers, motorcyclers and mopeders) will run you off the street and then look at you like "How DARE you be walking on MY sidewalk?!?" because yes, they drive on the sidewalk. And the kids give you the same look. Craziness. I often wonder if maybe they do it on purpose to me because I'm a foreigner, or if they do it everyone haha.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 2, TGIF
Today was kind of challenging, but I think in a good way...maybe. I have discovered that my method of teaching is not exactly respected here. Korean's are very scientific when it comes to their approach to learning, so creative thought isn't accepted or understood. And as a creative writing major, I wanted to implement some of that creative element into my classes, and well I learned this morning that for most of my classes, that's a failure. Only 1 class took to it, and that was my class with the two ladies. They're really funny and very well educated, and speak English very well. All of my other students are business people, which surprised me. I expected to have some university students. I have 1 class of middle school/high school every other day, but that's it! That class is going to be rough, it's 2 hours instead of 1, so I have to figure out what to do with them!
Embarrassing story of the day. My second class of the morning is just 1 lady, and she's really friendly, but (I've noticed--maybe it's just me, but the ladies are often very forthcoming with their personal issues, i.e. marriage problems) she's a little sad I think. So today she was a little late, and I waited for her to show up. My stomach has been a smidge uncomfortable lately, I'm not sure why...but it was really bad today and yesterday. When I thought she wasn't going to show up to class, I packed up my bag and let one rip before turning to walk out the door. Before I got to the door, she rushes in! And it was SMELLY. So, I quickly pulled out my super delicious Vic. Secret lotion and slathered it on to cover the smell. She didn't seem like she noticed with was awesome.
My mom has gone south to visit her brother (and has taken my phone with her!), so I am on my own. It's kind of nice because my agenda is completely mine, but of course, I'm a little scared since I don't speak the language!
Korean fashion: Mullets, acid wash jeans, perms and highwaters are in style...but that's just the men.
I really miss my buddy. It's more that I miss him though. I'm really sad for him right now. I think when he goes back to my mom's house he'll be much better, but right now from what I'm hearing his behavior is breaking my heart, because as his mom I know he's really sad. He normally adjusts really well to new places, but I'm always with him in new situations. So, I think he's scared and he feels abandoned. And I don't like it. I don't like being away from him. And I KNOOOOOW he's just a cat.
*EDIT*
I feel so much better now! <3 exercise and "fresh" air...the air is not exactly fresh here...pollution and all. Eddie took me for a mini hike, we walked up to the wall (the fortress wall from my previous post) and we walked the entire perimeter of the wall. It was beautiful...SUPER hot, but gorgeous. And my back really hurts now, but the endorphins have kicked in and I feel much better than I did this morning. He's been great, though. Really helpful and friendly...though I think I talk a lot about stupid things and sometimes worry about that scaring people away, but oh well, I am who I am and who I am is who I am. :) It's too late to change now!
Embarrassing story of the day. My second class of the morning is just 1 lady, and she's really friendly, but (I've noticed--maybe it's just me, but the ladies are often very forthcoming with their personal issues, i.e. marriage problems) she's a little sad I think. So today she was a little late, and I waited for her to show up. My stomach has been a smidge uncomfortable lately, I'm not sure why...but it was really bad today and yesterday. When I thought she wasn't going to show up to class, I packed up my bag and let one rip before turning to walk out the door. Before I got to the door, she rushes in! And it was SMELLY. So, I quickly pulled out my super delicious Vic. Secret lotion and slathered it on to cover the smell. She didn't seem like she noticed with was awesome.
My mom has gone south to visit her brother (and has taken my phone with her!), so I am on my own. It's kind of nice because my agenda is completely mine, but of course, I'm a little scared since I don't speak the language!
Korean fashion: Mullets, acid wash jeans, perms and highwaters are in style...but that's just the men.
I really miss my buddy. It's more that I miss him though. I'm really sad for him right now. I think when he goes back to my mom's house he'll be much better, but right now from what I'm hearing his behavior is breaking my heart, because as his mom I know he's really sad. He normally adjusts really well to new places, but I'm always with him in new situations. So, I think he's scared and he feels abandoned. And I don't like it. I don't like being away from him. And I KNOOOOOW he's just a cat.
*EDIT*
I feel so much better now! <3 exercise and "fresh" air...the air is not exactly fresh here...pollution and all. Eddie took me for a mini hike, we walked up to the wall (the fortress wall from my previous post) and we walked the entire perimeter of the wall. It was beautiful...SUPER hot, but gorgeous. And my back really hurts now, but the endorphins have kicked in and I feel much better than I did this morning. He's been great, though. Really helpful and friendly...though I think I talk a lot about stupid things and sometimes worry about that scaring people away, but oh well, I am who I am and who I am is who I am. :) It's too late to change now!
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