Its November 29th, 2010 and its a day of beginnings, endings and a line of continuity that will hopefully stay constant.
First off, its my last day at MLS. I will be so happy when I am walking out the door tonight hopefully around 8:53 to take a subway home and I never have to think of MLS again. A woman who didn't deliver who failed to communicate and has taken advantage of my kindness and sincerity yet again. I tried my best. I wanted more hours and I expected to be paid my measly amount on time. None of which happened. Good riddance is all I have to say.
Secondly, its going to be less than 48 hours until I teach my first YBM class as a full time employee. I have waited out the time and finally my time is back!
Lastly and most importantly today marks my 1 year Anniversary. Next year I will be looking back and think wow what did we actually do on our 2nd year of marriage but for now here is the highlight reel of our marriage.
November-December 2009: finished my contract at YBM lived together in a very small cozy one room. enjoyed the streets of Nampo for our lunch time.
January- lived in America for a short time 3 weeks. Met some friends and visited with my family. I drove a car for the first time and it was unfortunately an all too short of a homecoming.
February-March-April-May-June-July Gwangan Lixville is a very nice area, good apartment, getting too small. Had our fair share of fights over Korean culture, work mentality and personal goals. Our marriage is under a lot of growth. We worked for an agency I did 6 months, my wife worked 2 months. Agency was garbage and we stayed at home for a month.
YBM-TTI-MLS and back to YBM its the 3 letter Acronym game.
YBM has been consistent for us since we have also joined as the Saturday full time staff.
non work related information
WE have a pattern of enjoying Dunking Donuts, we like to go to Mr. Pizza. We like to watch tv on our laptops during our break time. MY wife has taken up swimming which is good for us since we both need our own time.
We need to find some more commonalities and share some hobby this coming year.
The next phase for me is looking towards making a brand new start. YBM is a guarantee for 2 months and after that I can't really say. I hope to start another blog shortly. I think that this blog has served its purpose but I may end my posts on this account shortly, then again I may not. I want a fresh direction and maybe find new advents in my life.
more to follow.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Remember Remember the end of November
The last two months have been like clockwork especially this month. There haven't been many surprises but a few special events that happened in my little neck of the woods.
Each day marks nearly the same in occurrences. I have been given a new work schedule where my hours were cut (nearly 200 dollars in losses) My work schedule simply went 2-1-2-1-2 for the week. My private teaching class that happened every Thursday was unexpectedly canceled as well. YBM on Saturday continued to roll full throttle as I am teaching 5 hours each Saturday including later this week. Tonight is my big work day the mid week hump I have 2 hours.
My brother in law got married on November 14th in City Hall Busan. He and his new wife live in PNU area and have a nice big apartment.
It was my fathers' 54th birthday on November 16th.
ON November 23rd, 2010 North Korea attacked South Korea in a show of force. I think this is just to send a message to America or a squabble over something pathetic with South Korea whatever it was for I am certain it won't last.
Apparently people are still choosing to not believe certain world events and still think America is evil. America isn't the best country (there is no such thing as best country) nor is America always right but I do believe that our education is one of the best in the world. I still can't believe that people would think Neil Armstrong didn't really walk on the moon.
thats for a later blog.
November 25th, Happy Thanksgiving sure wish I could be home for it. You would think Koreans would be a little bit more compassionate for American holidays since we have to give them plenty of understanding for their holidays. Which I don't really like anymore. I respect their society but I don't want to be apart of it no longer. Part of me hopes that the situation escalates so I can just go home.
November 29th Our wedding Anniversary and perhaps my last day of work!
On December here we come~
Each day marks nearly the same in occurrences. I have been given a new work schedule where my hours were cut (nearly 200 dollars in losses) My work schedule simply went 2-1-2-1-2 for the week. My private teaching class that happened every Thursday was unexpectedly canceled as well. YBM on Saturday continued to roll full throttle as I am teaching 5 hours each Saturday including later this week. Tonight is my big work day the mid week hump I have 2 hours.
My brother in law got married on November 14th in City Hall Busan. He and his new wife live in PNU area and have a nice big apartment.
It was my fathers' 54th birthday on November 16th.
ON November 23rd, 2010 North Korea attacked South Korea in a show of force. I think this is just to send a message to America or a squabble over something pathetic with South Korea whatever it was for I am certain it won't last.
Apparently people are still choosing to not believe certain world events and still think America is evil. America isn't the best country (there is no such thing as best country) nor is America always right but I do believe that our education is one of the best in the world. I still can't believe that people would think Neil Armstrong didn't really walk on the moon.
thats for a later blog.
November 25th, Happy Thanksgiving sure wish I could be home for it. You would think Koreans would be a little bit more compassionate for American holidays since we have to give them plenty of understanding for their holidays. Which I don't really like anymore. I respect their society but I don't want to be apart of it no longer. Part of me hopes that the situation escalates so I can just go home.
November 29th Our wedding Anniversary and perhaps my last day of work!
On December here we come~
Friday, November 19, 2010
REDEMPTION with a twist of KARMA
Hello! Its November 19th, and I can't wait until December.
December 29th, 2009 Mr. Andrew Pendergast a Canadian Businessman with little to no real Teaching Experience said his goodbyes to me. He lacked a backbone and was a man who rejected westerners just to kiss ass up to Korean business politics. He worked 10 months at YBM and ended up quitting before his contract. Much like Michael Stuart and Brett ( a couple teacher who came, saw and ran away from YBM) He had personal reasons to leave but since he departed in a hurry he lost out on his airfare and bonus. He didn't go to bat for me when I tried to defend myself and my teaching tenure at YBM. Much like most people here he didn't give a shit about anyone other than his lame old ass. YBM didn't prosper and no one was happy.
Along came Dell Williams. YBM changed, it grew and people were happy. Dell is a friend and my boss and is finally someone I can respect and appreciate.
This December I will begin working the split shift again at YBM I will work hours between 6:40am-12:00pm and again from 6:00pm-10:00 maybe more as well as my Saturdays.
Dell gave me 10 free months of Saturdays where I worked appox. 5 classes a Saturday... He trusted me blindly, he finally told HQ about me and now opportunity has knocked.....
I quit my job at MLS I actually broke my personal morals and ran away to work for a better company, more hours, more pay, more structure, and for a man who showed me his hand. (card game)....
I am not a Joker and I am not a fool. I don't chastise the hand that feeds me nor do I aim to disappoint. I have 40 days of service regardless of my Performance.
Perfect Preparation prevents poor Performance is a motto I learned in 8th grade I will attest to this following.
YBM and more specifically Dell has given me a second chance, a rebirth and a chance to vindicate myself. I want to write Mr. Andrew and tell him he is pathetic and a weak man for not attempting to help me sooner. People do deserve second chances and people do deserve to be heard. We all make mistakes its how we curb or change them that count. How should we measure a man?
I don't like Korea and I really loathe Korean culture simply because its full of mistakes but no one wants to take the time to learn the right ways and no wants to change their stance on anything. People here believe they are always right and they don't want to try to understand someone's predicaments especially Foreigners.
Example, I will be officially done with MLS by December but all my boss could think about was herself. How can she find a new foreigner. She asked me to find one for her. She complained that she may lose everything because of me. She understood me for wanting more hours but she is angry at me for screwing her and she just wants to control me, meeting me on her time not mine. Not coming to work everyday even when we need to talk about things. Now, when she sees me its just blaming me. .....
She blackmailed me, she didn't pay me the full amount of a measly 800 dollars, she cut my classes and frankly she doesn't try to understand the big picture. My work that I did for her was voluntary but she expected more and more and more. REDEMPTION....
I believe in Karma. However I don't think its necessarily what comes around goes around. I feel bad for running away on my MLS director and I sure hope that doesn't follow me again and again. I have had many bad experiences in Korea and sadly for me MLS wasn't the worst not by a long shot.
I have felt that YBM treated me wrong last year I kept my integrity in check I followed my intuition and I think that I had enough good Karma points that being able to return is going to pay dividends.
I am happy because until January 31st I have the ability to prove myself as a great ESL teacher. Its a second chance and no matter what happens February 1st I can respect YBM for doing the right thing.
There is a lot more that I could say about YBM, MLS Korea etc but I want to hear some questions
December 29th, 2009 Mr. Andrew Pendergast a Canadian Businessman with little to no real Teaching Experience said his goodbyes to me. He lacked a backbone and was a man who rejected westerners just to kiss ass up to Korean business politics. He worked 10 months at YBM and ended up quitting before his contract. Much like Michael Stuart and Brett ( a couple teacher who came, saw and ran away from YBM) He had personal reasons to leave but since he departed in a hurry he lost out on his airfare and bonus. He didn't go to bat for me when I tried to defend myself and my teaching tenure at YBM. Much like most people here he didn't give a shit about anyone other than his lame old ass. YBM didn't prosper and no one was happy.
Along came Dell Williams. YBM changed, it grew and people were happy. Dell is a friend and my boss and is finally someone I can respect and appreciate.
This December I will begin working the split shift again at YBM I will work hours between 6:40am-12:00pm and again from 6:00pm-10:00 maybe more as well as my Saturdays.
Dell gave me 10 free months of Saturdays where I worked appox. 5 classes a Saturday... He trusted me blindly, he finally told HQ about me and now opportunity has knocked.....
I quit my job at MLS I actually broke my personal morals and ran away to work for a better company, more hours, more pay, more structure, and for a man who showed me his hand. (card game)....
I am not a Joker and I am not a fool. I don't chastise the hand that feeds me nor do I aim to disappoint. I have 40 days of service regardless of my Performance.
Perfect Preparation prevents poor Performance is a motto I learned in 8th grade I will attest to this following.
YBM and more specifically Dell has given me a second chance, a rebirth and a chance to vindicate myself. I want to write Mr. Andrew and tell him he is pathetic and a weak man for not attempting to help me sooner. People do deserve second chances and people do deserve to be heard. We all make mistakes its how we curb or change them that count. How should we measure a man?
I don't like Korea and I really loathe Korean culture simply because its full of mistakes but no one wants to take the time to learn the right ways and no wants to change their stance on anything. People here believe they are always right and they don't want to try to understand someone's predicaments especially Foreigners.
Example, I will be officially done with MLS by December but all my boss could think about was herself. How can she find a new foreigner. She asked me to find one for her. She complained that she may lose everything because of me. She understood me for wanting more hours but she is angry at me for screwing her and she just wants to control me, meeting me on her time not mine. Not coming to work everyday even when we need to talk about things. Now, when she sees me its just blaming me. .....
She blackmailed me, she didn't pay me the full amount of a measly 800 dollars, she cut my classes and frankly she doesn't try to understand the big picture. My work that I did for her was voluntary but she expected more and more and more. REDEMPTION....
I believe in Karma. However I don't think its necessarily what comes around goes around. I feel bad for running away on my MLS director and I sure hope that doesn't follow me again and again. I have had many bad experiences in Korea and sadly for me MLS wasn't the worst not by a long shot.
I have felt that YBM treated me wrong last year I kept my integrity in check I followed my intuition and I think that I had enough good Karma points that being able to return is going to pay dividends.
I am happy because until January 31st I have the ability to prove myself as a great ESL teacher. Its a second chance and no matter what happens February 1st I can respect YBM for doing the right thing.
There is a lot more that I could say about YBM, MLS Korea etc but I want to hear some questions
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Toy Cake
Well, I will be leaving Korea in 197 days from now and I am sure it will be the happiest moment of my time here. But lets not get into that kind of posting. I attended what I hope will be my last Korean wedding.
The concept of weddings is very different in Korea than it is in America. For me A wedding is a time for renewal and celebration with family and friends. Its the end of Single life and the start of a romantic blooming love affair. I would have loved to dance to music with my friends and family back home. I would have loved to have a day affair for my wedding where it wasn't just contingent on my clothes. I would have loved to stuff my wife's mouth full of the first piece of cake, and most importantly I would have loved to see everyone come to my wedding and know exactly why they were there. MY friend from Kindergarten, My college roommate, all my life and all the memories I have would come out in full swing at a typical wedding in America.
Well Welcome to Korea. We are Koreans and we do it this way so here is a review of the weekend.
1. I visited with her family (mom, sister, brother etc.) for 2 hours just to say hello. My sister in laws family ended up coming back to my house to spend the night simply to get ready the next morning for the festive day. Step one was doing up the hair for the hanbok costume. Yes, its a costume.... I have been here long enough to think that its stupid. My parents in law spent 1000 dollars for me and my wife to have them and they are never worn. They are for "royalty" and frankly its a part of culture that is dying out.
Before I write anymore I will say I am happy for my brother in law. He met a wonderful woman and now the whole family is married. I love my family but I still don't agree with all of the thinking especially since I am drug along most of the time.
Question: I am tired and literally sick so why do I need to spend family time before the wedding (a day of family activities)? I wondered about this on Saturday night as I struggled to teach effectively. Saturday night turned out to be more than I anticipated with my family sleeping in my one room squalor of a house. Snoring, alarms, baby cries the whole nine yards.
The wedding was fine. Good food, quick and painless.....
My nephew asked my wife is it just a toy cake since we aren't going to eat it? In Korea the bride and groom just cut the cake with a big knife they do this together and there is no actual eating of the cake... They don't push food into the brides mouth and the appearance is just kept. After there was a Hanbok drinking festivity where they all changed their clothes and shared a drink with a lot of the relatives. I didn't partake simply because I didn't want to drink and also I don't want to bow and do that again and again.
I have a problem and this is where you should all leave comments....
Here it is.... I am a worldly man. I don't want to judge anyone as being stupid, or strange etc. (Anything negative) Facts are I hate Korea. I deem this place as unacceptable for me and my well being. Regardless of marriage, etc I just don't like it here. People here do weird things but its OK for them but not OK for them to enforce their beliefs on me. Its just a lifestyle that I am cut out for. Also, I have worn out my welcome I no longer want to try new Korean things because its not interesting for me. I have lived here 3 years and admit fully that I stayed too long but I don't want to know the great history of Korea. Its been told to me like a sacrilegious story time again and again. I don't care how important rice is to these people, I don't want to know or care about Hanbok the silly looking costume only worn by women at weddings. I am a 21st century man I don't want to care about trivial things that are simply not up to date like a toy cake.
Bottom line is that I am tired of feeling Korean pressure, western bull shit and all the expenses are coming out of my pocket. No one seems to care what I truly think its more about propriety and some twisted views of reality.
----
The concept of weddings is very different in Korea than it is in America. For me A wedding is a time for renewal and celebration with family and friends. Its the end of Single life and the start of a romantic blooming love affair. I would have loved to dance to music with my friends and family back home. I would have loved to have a day affair for my wedding where it wasn't just contingent on my clothes. I would have loved to stuff my wife's mouth full of the first piece of cake, and most importantly I would have loved to see everyone come to my wedding and know exactly why they were there. MY friend from Kindergarten, My college roommate, all my life and all the memories I have would come out in full swing at a typical wedding in America.
Well Welcome to Korea. We are Koreans and we do it this way so here is a review of the weekend.
1. I visited with her family (mom, sister, brother etc.) for 2 hours just to say hello. My sister in laws family ended up coming back to my house to spend the night simply to get ready the next morning for the festive day. Step one was doing up the hair for the hanbok costume. Yes, its a costume.... I have been here long enough to think that its stupid. My parents in law spent 1000 dollars for me and my wife to have them and they are never worn. They are for "royalty" and frankly its a part of culture that is dying out.
Before I write anymore I will say I am happy for my brother in law. He met a wonderful woman and now the whole family is married. I love my family but I still don't agree with all of the thinking especially since I am drug along most of the time.
Question: I am tired and literally sick so why do I need to spend family time before the wedding (a day of family activities)? I wondered about this on Saturday night as I struggled to teach effectively. Saturday night turned out to be more than I anticipated with my family sleeping in my one room squalor of a house. Snoring, alarms, baby cries the whole nine yards.
The wedding was fine. Good food, quick and painless.....
My nephew asked my wife is it just a toy cake since we aren't going to eat it? In Korea the bride and groom just cut the cake with a big knife they do this together and there is no actual eating of the cake... They don't push food into the brides mouth and the appearance is just kept. After there was a Hanbok drinking festivity where they all changed their clothes and shared a drink with a lot of the relatives. I didn't partake simply because I didn't want to drink and also I don't want to bow and do that again and again.
I have a problem and this is where you should all leave comments....
Here it is.... I am a worldly man. I don't want to judge anyone as being stupid, or strange etc. (Anything negative) Facts are I hate Korea. I deem this place as unacceptable for me and my well being. Regardless of marriage, etc I just don't like it here. People here do weird things but its OK for them but not OK for them to enforce their beliefs on me. Its just a lifestyle that I am cut out for. Also, I have worn out my welcome I no longer want to try new Korean things because its not interesting for me. I have lived here 3 years and admit fully that I stayed too long but I don't want to know the great history of Korea. Its been told to me like a sacrilegious story time again and again. I don't care how important rice is to these people, I don't want to know or care about Hanbok the silly looking costume only worn by women at weddings. I am a 21st century man I don't want to care about trivial things that are simply not up to date like a toy cake.
Bottom line is that I am tired of feeling Korean pressure, western bull shit and all the expenses are coming out of my pocket. No one seems to care what I truly think its more about propriety and some twisted views of reality.
----
Friday, November 12, 2010
Rat Race
In every big city in the world there is the overwhelming competitive nature to try to out do one another. Drones, a term used to describe people carrying out their civic duties on a daily basis without a conscience to change their abilities, skills, or routines but just drift aimlessly through life. I guess a person who relies on the labor of others but in other words just doesn't think about life for oneself but relies entirely on a meaningless job...now that could sadly be me. .... In our modern world people believe more is better, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence well there is too sides to every coin. Now that introduced in samplers let me get down to the meat and gristle of the matter.
I'm embroiled in a capitalistic scheme here in Busan where everywhere I go I hear money talk a big rush to get more money and that everyone else has it better than the next etc etc. Well I think this society has disillusioned itself to believing that money is the savior of all things horribly wrong. Money will always be first. Its become embodied as a natural resource encompassing family planning, vacations etc. Pastimes are a thing of the past unless you count sleeping in English class as a hobby. A parents money at work... a child who is 14 is sleeping in my class apparently not able to withstand the pressures that she deals with each day. poor little lass my heart is just bleeding for her my teenage years were a blast compared to this drama princess... anyways.
I feel sorry for the blind ignorant parents who think that they are actually helping their poor excuse as a child. Frankly, and I know this sounds bad but English Education is like child labor. They don't want to do it but they are forced to recite the ABCs because the business world says so. Well no wonder most of them grow up and can't speak English very well. (that's also because they think to learn English in a Korean way is the right way...uh). Well forget about those poor little boys and girls who aren't doing much more than following the whims of their parents... This post is about me.....
Me.... I want to change my life. I want to pick up my life where I left it. I want to tackle dreams that are bigger than myself. I want to make a difference in someones life and have people love my work that I do whether its teaching someone how to speak English, teach someone cultural behaviors, or simply open a door for someone literally and figuratively. I want to look at every Korean director in the face and say you're pathetic since you need to count your student body like a stupid University Enrollment figure simply to forecast HOW much money you have. Is that all that's important?
I have lost my persona in this rat tunnel just for the elusive dollar. I have seen friends succumb to greed and the ever so want for more money transgress on the people's mind where ever I go. I personally have tracked my margins + and - and kept a budget, cut unneeded expenses, splurged lived like a God for a week, a hobo the next and I have done this 1. to consolidate for losses 2. To see what its was like and 3. to have fun and live a little.
I started a red box with my blue won money and counted over 100 WHY? to show how unnecessary saving money could be. Its my pocket money right?
The truth be told is that the more I make the more I spend and the more I spend on unnecessary things the more I regret later. I have this notion in my mind that I need to save a lot for some unknown future especially since I am married. SO my questions to you I pose 2
1. What is it that we save for in this big unknown future that makes living for today a hard concept to follow? Why save?
2. Why do we push ourselves to work harder when we know that work or money isn't making us happy?
I think that Appreciation and Respect for Who we are, are important components towards a person in order for them to be truly happy. It doesn't matter what the job is so much that the person's labors are heard in some form.
The janitor who cleaned the ballroom can feel satisfied that many people are enjoying a nice party behind clean doors.
A teacher can feel happy if the students are interested eager and wanting to learn. This doesn't happen here. I hear foreigners who make their kids laugh because they just goof off the whole time but that's not my style. I have been punished for actually giving a damn where is the logic in this notion.....
Some rat race I am getting carpal tunnel...
Cheers!
I'm embroiled in a capitalistic scheme here in Busan where everywhere I go I hear money talk a big rush to get more money and that everyone else has it better than the next etc etc. Well I think this society has disillusioned itself to believing that money is the savior of all things horribly wrong. Money will always be first. Its become embodied as a natural resource encompassing family planning, vacations etc. Pastimes are a thing of the past unless you count sleeping in English class as a hobby. A parents money at work... a child who is 14 is sleeping in my class apparently not able to withstand the pressures that she deals with each day. poor little lass my heart is just bleeding for her my teenage years were a blast compared to this drama princess... anyways.
I feel sorry for the blind ignorant parents who think that they are actually helping their poor excuse as a child. Frankly, and I know this sounds bad but English Education is like child labor. They don't want to do it but they are forced to recite the ABCs because the business world says so. Well no wonder most of them grow up and can't speak English very well. (that's also because they think to learn English in a Korean way is the right way...uh). Well forget about those poor little boys and girls who aren't doing much more than following the whims of their parents... This post is about me.....
Me.... I want to change my life. I want to pick up my life where I left it. I want to tackle dreams that are bigger than myself. I want to make a difference in someones life and have people love my work that I do whether its teaching someone how to speak English, teach someone cultural behaviors, or simply open a door for someone literally and figuratively. I want to look at every Korean director in the face and say you're pathetic since you need to count your student body like a stupid University Enrollment figure simply to forecast HOW much money you have. Is that all that's important?
I have lost my persona in this rat tunnel just for the elusive dollar. I have seen friends succumb to greed and the ever so want for more money transgress on the people's mind where ever I go. I personally have tracked my margins + and - and kept a budget, cut unneeded expenses, splurged lived like a God for a week, a hobo the next and I have done this 1. to consolidate for losses 2. To see what its was like and 3. to have fun and live a little.
I started a red box with my blue won money and counted over 100 WHY? to show how unnecessary saving money could be. Its my pocket money right?
The truth be told is that the more I make the more I spend and the more I spend on unnecessary things the more I regret later. I have this notion in my mind that I need to save a lot for some unknown future especially since I am married. SO my questions to you I pose 2
1. What is it that we save for in this big unknown future that makes living for today a hard concept to follow? Why save?
2. Why do we push ourselves to work harder when we know that work or money isn't making us happy?
I think that Appreciation and Respect for Who we are, are important components towards a person in order for them to be truly happy. It doesn't matter what the job is so much that the person's labors are heard in some form.
The janitor who cleaned the ballroom can feel satisfied that many people are enjoying a nice party behind clean doors.
A teacher can feel happy if the students are interested eager and wanting to learn. This doesn't happen here. I hear foreigners who make their kids laugh because they just goof off the whole time but that's not my style. I have been punished for actually giving a damn where is the logic in this notion.....
Some rat race I am getting carpal tunnel...
Cheers!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
ELS Academies
Here is a random post since I haven't been writing much lately. A few updates to begin...
Currently I have a head cold and I think its because of getting a haircut and the onset of winter. Its getting cold here which gives me mixed blessings. I can stay at home all day and watch TV but I am also wasting too much time doing a whole lot of nothing.
A new job offer has presented itself and I am going to take it barring unforeseeable happenings. It will hurt my current boss but I don't care now.
Here is a run down of the problems I deal with at MLS and ESL Places in general.
1. My pay is part time and has always been given to me late. I haven't received full pay (800) because she has cut my hours. She can't remember my bank account from the first time I gave it too her. So, in short I am now part time even on part time already.
2. I teach 6 kids all of which have already lost their luster with me. They come late and don't give a rats ass. Frankly, I no longer think being a teeny bopper is an excuse for lazy habits. I had to pay attention to HEALTH class, MATH, art and all the rest of the "boring pursuits" Whats it to them that some tool "me" is getting the cold shoulder in a room that is already cold because of the weather and their poor attitudes and is having a wage conflict with a woman who can't see new perspectives.
So there you go there are my main reasons for quitting asap and thus breaking a new contract all so I can earn 3 times the amount I am making now. .....
Foreigners WELCOME TO KOREA here is a list of what I think you can expect here.
1.They care where you graduated from. They want to know if you are a big timer or from a little league. If you have worked here for 3 years in a full time position then you can move on to a University but only if you have a MASTERS from America. Foreigners are little dummies. They get drunk at a little bar on the beach rub elbows with a big cheese in a Uni position and then before you know it they get a University job. They don't have a masters nor do they have the expertise.
2. I turned in many resumes looking for full time work and no one gave me a call. I walked into the office and asked many companies of which told me they would call me asap but they never did. Apparently someone got hired immediately doing the same thing I did but because my timing was off by 2 months I lost out. Is it fair that my credentials are passed up? Before someone says "lifes not fair" why don' t you think about this question....
If there are standards and uniform regulations than why can they be bypassed and therefore the Company's ethic, moral, and professional decree is reduced to rubble in my mind? What good is a company without actual guidelines in place to manage?
Here is what happened to my tenure at MLS... I walked in asking for part time work and got exploited. I wanted to find more work to make that shift more bearable. I genuinely helped my boss out so I could hopefully get more classes and I asked my boss multiple times to throw me a rope.
Is my boss a bad person? No. Is she a typical boss? of course. Has she treated me well? Not entirely.
A few free meals and some small compliments isn't how Nick Palmer is won over.
ELS Academies prefer
1. American, Canadians, Australians, British and New Zealanders pretty much in that order.
2. Koreans prefer White Teachers over others. I hate that fact. My best friend here is African American and I have seen happenings at various institutes that I have worked at deal with Racism. I know it exists everywhere but I don't want to hear about it.
3. My posts are all about Koreans well duh? I live in Korea I eat Korean food, I have a Korean wife, I teach Korean dummies (sorry but its true). I am tired of sugar coating it.
Here is a country filled with egotism that "WE are Koreans, we are special" has left a bad taste in my mouth. A country that wants English so badly but can't use it properly because they don't follow a native approach but rather a Konglish way. well how's this...conglishiastions you sure are doing wonderful. For the 3rd time in 3 years I hate working in an environment that has put profit and pride above practical performances of true English grit.
I write my blog to put down my thoughts
I write this so others can ask me questions maybe show agreement, share their knowledge, forte experience whatever they can so maybe we can pull together and actually make differences. I want to save foreigners from making the same mistakes I did.... Coming to Korea in the first place, working for a director who sounded to good to be true.... I haven't learned yet.
For all of you mongers that have read my blog in the past I will be leaving Korea hopefully forever in June next year. I can't wait. I think all of you tend to read my posts in a one sided argument. I have always been cast as the bad guy and if you are tired of me you just ignore me kind of like the same thing I am fighting here....plainly and simply Recognition. You don't have to agree with me but it would be nice to not read negative comments.
11-11-2010 happy chocolate stick day....well tata till later
Currently I have a head cold and I think its because of getting a haircut and the onset of winter. Its getting cold here which gives me mixed blessings. I can stay at home all day and watch TV but I am also wasting too much time doing a whole lot of nothing.
A new job offer has presented itself and I am going to take it barring unforeseeable happenings. It will hurt my current boss but I don't care now.
Here is a run down of the problems I deal with at MLS and ESL Places in general.
1. My pay is part time and has always been given to me late. I haven't received full pay (800) because she has cut my hours. She can't remember my bank account from the first time I gave it too her. So, in short I am now part time even on part time already.
2. I teach 6 kids all of which have already lost their luster with me. They come late and don't give a rats ass. Frankly, I no longer think being a teeny bopper is an excuse for lazy habits. I had to pay attention to HEALTH class, MATH, art and all the rest of the "boring pursuits" Whats it to them that some tool "me" is getting the cold shoulder in a room that is already cold because of the weather and their poor attitudes and is having a wage conflict with a woman who can't see new perspectives.
So there you go there are my main reasons for quitting asap and thus breaking a new contract all so I can earn 3 times the amount I am making now. .....
Foreigners WELCOME TO KOREA here is a list of what I think you can expect here.
1.They care where you graduated from. They want to know if you are a big timer or from a little league. If you have worked here for 3 years in a full time position then you can move on to a University but only if you have a MASTERS from America. Foreigners are little dummies. They get drunk at a little bar on the beach rub elbows with a big cheese in a Uni position and then before you know it they get a University job. They don't have a masters nor do they have the expertise.
2. I turned in many resumes looking for full time work and no one gave me a call. I walked into the office and asked many companies of which told me they would call me asap but they never did. Apparently someone got hired immediately doing the same thing I did but because my timing was off by 2 months I lost out. Is it fair that my credentials are passed up? Before someone says "lifes not fair" why don' t you think about this question....
If there are standards and uniform regulations than why can they be bypassed and therefore the Company's ethic, moral, and professional decree is reduced to rubble in my mind? What good is a company without actual guidelines in place to manage?
Here is what happened to my tenure at MLS... I walked in asking for part time work and got exploited. I wanted to find more work to make that shift more bearable. I genuinely helped my boss out so I could hopefully get more classes and I asked my boss multiple times to throw me a rope.
Is my boss a bad person? No. Is she a typical boss? of course. Has she treated me well? Not entirely.
A few free meals and some small compliments isn't how Nick Palmer is won over.
ELS Academies prefer
1. American, Canadians, Australians, British and New Zealanders pretty much in that order.
2. Koreans prefer White Teachers over others. I hate that fact. My best friend here is African American and I have seen happenings at various institutes that I have worked at deal with Racism. I know it exists everywhere but I don't want to hear about it.
3. My posts are all about Koreans well duh? I live in Korea I eat Korean food, I have a Korean wife, I teach Korean dummies (sorry but its true). I am tired of sugar coating it.
Here is a country filled with egotism that "WE are Koreans, we are special" has left a bad taste in my mouth. A country that wants English so badly but can't use it properly because they don't follow a native approach but rather a Konglish way. well how's this...conglishiastions you sure are doing wonderful. For the 3rd time in 3 years I hate working in an environment that has put profit and pride above practical performances of true English grit.
I write my blog to put down my thoughts
I write this so others can ask me questions maybe show agreement, share their knowledge, forte experience whatever they can so maybe we can pull together and actually make differences. I want to save foreigners from making the same mistakes I did.... Coming to Korea in the first place, working for a director who sounded to good to be true.... I haven't learned yet.
For all of you mongers that have read my blog in the past I will be leaving Korea hopefully forever in June next year. I can't wait. I think all of you tend to read my posts in a one sided argument. I have always been cast as the bad guy and if you are tired of me you just ignore me kind of like the same thing I am fighting here....plainly and simply Recognition. You don't have to agree with me but it would be nice to not read negative comments.
11-11-2010 happy chocolate stick day....well tata till later
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A weeks past
A Brand new month and yet another way to start off Korea.
I am looking forward to making some amends and try to curb the situations that I have disgracefully fallen into.
Here is a look at whats going on in Nick's little corner of the world.
The Good the Bad and The Ugly.
Start off with the Good, I am reading National Geographic the magazine and thus trying to get back into my major as well as the habit of reading. I am learning about Animal migrations. Last month I read about Whales and their unfortunate plight dealing with deep sea trolling, fishing, and the lucrative undertaking of OIL... I also just finished Jeff Shaara's The Last Full Measure and his movie Gods and Generals which were about the Civil War.
Today I went to Nampo-dong and spent the afternoon shopping and eating. I was able to visit with a friend of mine and figure out a few leisure activities including a brand new bookstore in the Department Store.
I didn't find anything worth while to buy so I just browsed. My wife bought a shirt from Thursday Island, and a book for her class at YBM.
Speaking of YBM I got cheated out of the month of January. I don't think I will be working as much as I expected in a couple months. I think the politics and the communication breakdown has ran its course and I won't be able to make a new stand towards vindicating myself as an ESL Teacher. I actually got screwed at my other job site too since I told them I would quit and therefore won't be working for their adult classes, or the blessed childrens classes that I currently have. I am done with them maybe even in the next 2 weeks.
I work for a home school once a week as well and get a lousy 30 dollars for it. Its a drag and a thorn on my side. It started out as a way for me to show my wife I can bring home some bacon and thus as a present from my friend (admitting that it was for pity) and now its turning into a thing where I am helping them out, saving them more money, and taking a load of off their shoulders. If I quit it would hurt them a lot but I am thinking of quitting since I can't get 40 dollars. BIG FUCKING deal 10 dollars but my friend is being too cheap and all bow to the law of Korean culture which says that they can't change their ways not even to save their own asses.
So there's work. Its sickening and I am in the middle of the good ole rat race where now there is too much supply of foreigners and not enough demand. Low Rates, less privates, less English lessons, lower amount of students and more complaining and I am living in the shit hole.
YES, I admit I married into it and I am stuck and I am coming home in June and I have some prejudices but everyone does as I found out on Saturday.
7 days 5 MLS one YBM one homeschool, A trip to PNU, a trip to NAMPO DONG (on Saturday and Sunday)
Next Week.... a trip to YBM to complain about my pay, my schedule and maybe a nail in the coffin. A trip to PNU to say hello (a waste of time) and A Wedding event on Sunday which knowing my family I will be too tired for. WOW
READERS leave that one alone. I don't want to hear a negative complaint. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Well A fond Farewell until next time!
DISCLAIMER:
I write with what's in my heart. I want to tell people what I really think and want people to understand me better. I met a new friend that is a fellow blogger and really enjoyed listening to her stories. Her insights helped me see things differently and thus I learned. To all of you other people who leave comments I find you all to be detrimental since most of the time you have spat out something to me in haste and or in holier than thou lecture filled with brimstone of negative or hostility towards me. Write me an email if you are so damn upset and or better yet get a life. Obviously you misunderstood me somewhere down the line.
I had to get that off of my chest since I am leaving out a lot of the details in regards to all of my jobs. I don't want to taint this blog post any further with garbage.
I am looking forward to making some amends and try to curb the situations that I have disgracefully fallen into.
Here is a look at whats going on in Nick's little corner of the world.
The Good the Bad and The Ugly.
Start off with the Good, I am reading National Geographic the magazine and thus trying to get back into my major as well as the habit of reading. I am learning about Animal migrations. Last month I read about Whales and their unfortunate plight dealing with deep sea trolling, fishing, and the lucrative undertaking of OIL... I also just finished Jeff Shaara's The Last Full Measure and his movie Gods and Generals which were about the Civil War.
Today I went to Nampo-dong and spent the afternoon shopping and eating. I was able to visit with a friend of mine and figure out a few leisure activities including a brand new bookstore in the Department Store.
I didn't find anything worth while to buy so I just browsed. My wife bought a shirt from Thursday Island, and a book for her class at YBM.
Speaking of YBM I got cheated out of the month of January. I don't think I will be working as much as I expected in a couple months. I think the politics and the communication breakdown has ran its course and I won't be able to make a new stand towards vindicating myself as an ESL Teacher. I actually got screwed at my other job site too since I told them I would quit and therefore won't be working for their adult classes, or the blessed childrens classes that I currently have. I am done with them maybe even in the next 2 weeks.
I work for a home school once a week as well and get a lousy 30 dollars for it. Its a drag and a thorn on my side. It started out as a way for me to show my wife I can bring home some bacon and thus as a present from my friend (admitting that it was for pity) and now its turning into a thing where I am helping them out, saving them more money, and taking a load of off their shoulders. If I quit it would hurt them a lot but I am thinking of quitting since I can't get 40 dollars. BIG FUCKING deal 10 dollars but my friend is being too cheap and all bow to the law of Korean culture which says that they can't change their ways not even to save their own asses.
So there's work. Its sickening and I am in the middle of the good ole rat race where now there is too much supply of foreigners and not enough demand. Low Rates, less privates, less English lessons, lower amount of students and more complaining and I am living in the shit hole.
YES, I admit I married into it and I am stuck and I am coming home in June and I have some prejudices but everyone does as I found out on Saturday.
7 days 5 MLS one YBM one homeschool, A trip to PNU, a trip to NAMPO DONG (on Saturday and Sunday)
Next Week.... a trip to YBM to complain about my pay, my schedule and maybe a nail in the coffin. A trip to PNU to say hello (a waste of time) and A Wedding event on Sunday which knowing my family I will be too tired for. WOW
READERS leave that one alone. I don't want to hear a negative complaint. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Well A fond Farewell until next time!
DISCLAIMER:
I write with what's in my heart. I want to tell people what I really think and want people to understand me better. I met a new friend that is a fellow blogger and really enjoyed listening to her stories. Her insights helped me see things differently and thus I learned. To all of you other people who leave comments I find you all to be detrimental since most of the time you have spat out something to me in haste and or in holier than thou lecture filled with brimstone of negative or hostility towards me. Write me an email if you are so damn upset and or better yet get a life. Obviously you misunderstood me somewhere down the line.
I had to get that off of my chest since I am leaving out a lot of the details in regards to all of my jobs. I don't want to taint this blog post any further with garbage.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Giving it Your All
MY Personal feeling about the True meaning of English Academies in Korea
I have worked at MLS in the Kyungsungdae University District for 2 months now. I am now slowly learning to regret it yet again. Unfortunately I have regretted coming to Korea in the first place simply because my teaching career isn't what I want it to be and furthermore teaching in general isn't what its all cracked up to be.
My situation is simple. I work part time and I get part time pay. I do my best and I do everything that is stipulated by my official contract. I am not a Teacher not a Businessman. I am paid for my service to the school and I have a life outside of work. That is only a view that Americans hold. Why should a company have the key to my life?
I gave my boss a few hours of my free time to help her try to "lure" more students. The only reward I hoped for out of this was getting a chance to teach more hours. I don't know being married and only being able to contribute 800 dollars a month to our marital fund sounds pretty bad to me. I wanted my boss to just say Thank you and APPRECIATE my help. Appreciation is a word that I don't think Koreans can comprehend.
As an American I think that I go to work and I get paid that's expected. I also feel that their is actual appreciation for what I have done whatever it may be. I don't want a pat on the back, I don't want to hear a insincere Thank you all I want is to be understood.
I don't give a shit about how well the company is doing. Simple math folks. I have 3 students... They pay 170 each for my class. That's less than my pay. Is it my problem? I don't think so. Well, when bad news hits the office point to the foreigner.
I don't party, I don't show up late, I don't owe people money, I don't gamble, I try to prepare more and give more than my all. But enough is enough I was lead by my boss that she would be someone different. I thought she and I were a compatible duo and finally after waiting nearly 3 years I had found an easy fit. I was sorely wrong. I am now going to work tomorrow evening and I will sign a new contract. My new contract will be effective through December and maybe January. Why am I deciding to work for her and not take a new job?
3 reasons
1). I don't have anything lined up yet and even if I did I don't want to teach kids anymore and frankly that's all there is at the moment here in Korea.
2). There is an infinite supply of Foreigners unfortunately too many and they are all coming for the grand adventure of earning 2. something WON WON WON per month. I want to grab the nearest bag and puke.
3. I am not a quitter. This means that I will give my boss a chance to change her mind and hopefully make something work out. In my mind I have already given up on the notion of working happily in Korea. Its definitely not worth the airplane ticket I spent to get to this country.
Well there's to giving it all. Let me know what you think I am curious. This is the bad news that I got last Friday and Thanks to my "wonderful" boss it made me really question WHY THE Hell I am doing teaching in Korea. I want to start a career I don't want to listen to babble talk or Baloney and dub it English nor to I want to play office politics in a language that I can't understand or in a culture whose values are too steep and way too rigid to bed to a more realistic practical view of English. 1. to simply come and learn English not to play games. Lastly, to put the money where your mouth is and quit preaching about how there isn't enough money.
You are talking to someone who makes very little and isn't interested about hearing how bad The big Boss head honcho has it. Life's always cozier at the top right?
Well that's enough rants for today Thanks for reading :)
I have worked at MLS in the Kyungsungdae University District for 2 months now. I am now slowly learning to regret it yet again. Unfortunately I have regretted coming to Korea in the first place simply because my teaching career isn't what I want it to be and furthermore teaching in general isn't what its all cracked up to be.
My situation is simple. I work part time and I get part time pay. I do my best and I do everything that is stipulated by my official contract. I am not a Teacher not a Businessman. I am paid for my service to the school and I have a life outside of work. That is only a view that Americans hold. Why should a company have the key to my life?
I gave my boss a few hours of my free time to help her try to "lure" more students. The only reward I hoped for out of this was getting a chance to teach more hours. I don't know being married and only being able to contribute 800 dollars a month to our marital fund sounds pretty bad to me. I wanted my boss to just say Thank you and APPRECIATE my help. Appreciation is a word that I don't think Koreans can comprehend.
As an American I think that I go to work and I get paid that's expected. I also feel that their is actual appreciation for what I have done whatever it may be. I don't want a pat on the back, I don't want to hear a insincere Thank you all I want is to be understood.
I don't give a shit about how well the company is doing. Simple math folks. I have 3 students... They pay 170 each for my class. That's less than my pay. Is it my problem? I don't think so. Well, when bad news hits the office point to the foreigner.
I don't party, I don't show up late, I don't owe people money, I don't gamble, I try to prepare more and give more than my all. But enough is enough I was lead by my boss that she would be someone different. I thought she and I were a compatible duo and finally after waiting nearly 3 years I had found an easy fit. I was sorely wrong. I am now going to work tomorrow evening and I will sign a new contract. My new contract will be effective through December and maybe January. Why am I deciding to work for her and not take a new job?
3 reasons
1). I don't have anything lined up yet and even if I did I don't want to teach kids anymore and frankly that's all there is at the moment here in Korea.
2). There is an infinite supply of Foreigners unfortunately too many and they are all coming for the grand adventure of earning 2. something WON WON WON per month. I want to grab the nearest bag and puke.
3. I am not a quitter. This means that I will give my boss a chance to change her mind and hopefully make something work out. In my mind I have already given up on the notion of working happily in Korea. Its definitely not worth the airplane ticket I spent to get to this country.
Well there's to giving it all. Let me know what you think I am curious. This is the bad news that I got last Friday and Thanks to my "wonderful" boss it made me really question WHY THE Hell I am doing teaching in Korea. I want to start a career I don't want to listen to babble talk or Baloney and dub it English nor to I want to play office politics in a language that I can't understand or in a culture whose values are too steep and way too rigid to bed to a more realistic practical view of English. 1. to simply come and learn English not to play games. Lastly, to put the money where your mouth is and quit preaching about how there isn't enough money.
You are talking to someone who makes very little and isn't interested about hearing how bad The big Boss head honcho has it. Life's always cozier at the top right?
Well that's enough rants for today Thanks for reading :)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Winter's Haven
There are 3 Seasons in Korea. Very Hot for 3 months Very Cold for 3 months maybe 4 and normal nearly perfect weather for 6 months. Of course they are spaced in between each other so its hot-perfect-cold-perfect but there really is no difference between Fall and Spring.
Its the onset of winter and unlike the crackling of a nice warm fire, dark nights, a shortened day and the howling of the wind as snow cakes itself to the windows Winter here in Busan is completely different.
The Pitter patter on my window is a huge gust of wind icy to the touch but there is no snow flurries or billows of powder that would make any skier go nuts. When walking outside the moon looks beautiful but there is hardly any glow. There are no stars in the sky here in Busan. I am not sure why that's the case but whatever the reason may be there are no wishes to be made.
Its definitely winter when I am cooped up in the house with nothing much to do other than read or watch TV. here is a few announcements and updates.
1). Its cloudy out which is a typical winter scene in Busan. Cloudy yet really cold. Sadly, I am pondering What should I do when I am bored? Reading, Writing Trivial posts and Watching TV are slowly gutting me. I do need something else believe it or not.
2. My wife has spent the last 3 days in Gumi her hometown which gave me a chance to relax a little and just focus on me but I wasted it away walking around the house.
3. I start work here soon in about 2 hours. I am not excited at all. I have to talk to my boss about "contract Malarkey and I think I need another change of venue yet again.
I hope that this post in all its infinite space stirs up some thoughts with anyone out there. I wish I could go to Japan sooner and I wish I had something else going on but alas here I am waiting for my Thunder.
Its the onset of winter and unlike the crackling of a nice warm fire, dark nights, a shortened day and the howling of the wind as snow cakes itself to the windows Winter here in Busan is completely different.
The Pitter patter on my window is a huge gust of wind icy to the touch but there is no snow flurries or billows of powder that would make any skier go nuts. When walking outside the moon looks beautiful but there is hardly any glow. There are no stars in the sky here in Busan. I am not sure why that's the case but whatever the reason may be there are no wishes to be made.
Its definitely winter when I am cooped up in the house with nothing much to do other than read or watch TV. here is a few announcements and updates.
1). Its cloudy out which is a typical winter scene in Busan. Cloudy yet really cold. Sadly, I am pondering What should I do when I am bored? Reading, Writing Trivial posts and Watching TV are slowly gutting me. I do need something else believe it or not.
2. My wife has spent the last 3 days in Gumi her hometown which gave me a chance to relax a little and just focus on me but I wasted it away walking around the house.
3. I start work here soon in about 2 hours. I am not excited at all. I have to talk to my boss about "contract Malarkey and I think I need another change of venue yet again.
I hope that this post in all its infinite space stirs up some thoughts with anyone out there. I wish I could go to Japan sooner and I wish I had something else going on but alas here I am waiting for my Thunder.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Closure of Piff
Pusan International Film Festival is an event that happens each year. This year the dates of the festival were October 7th thru the 15th. I was able to see 2 movies in Centum City and tour the beach at Haeundae. The other location that I didn't get to hit up this year was at Nampo-dong. Here is the center stage of PIFF and were over the course of the year Food Stands selling Duck bokki, Sundae, and other assorted Korean snacks occur. the proceeds help fund PIFF and all the directors, actors, and other VIP assembled people put on this event. I haven't decided if this year was my last PIFF or if I will go to the next one in 2011.
There are many different colors I had hoped to capture most of them.
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| Movie Ticket! |
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| for me and my wife! |
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| Erratum-A Polish film it was alright a little bit too serious |
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| Scene from the movie |
Weekly Ramblings
Is it not the job of a blogger to keep readers posted even when nothing seems to be going on? I am happy that some of my postings have been well taken lately. I am always trying to paint a fresh picture into the minds of my readers and currently I am also exploring the depths of others in order to get a better more insightful view of details about Korea, Life and trivialities in general.
Apparently I have a holiday tomorrow. I am supposed to work 20 days a month and last month I worked 16 which included the 1st of this month. My boss must be behind schedule as she gave me a day off even though I don't technically deserve one nor want or require one. I am working 2 hours at an Academy that isn't as esteemed as I thought it was. Unfortunately I am teaching less than 6 students and that isn't very good business if you are my boss. Truth be told I work 40 hours a month and make 800 bones. If anyone really cares.
In America no one asks about your salary and how much you make but here it might as well be a label on your t-shirt. I never would even think of peeking at my dads pay stub growing up...once I did and I couldn't understand all the numbers... pension fund, taxes for this and that etc. etc.
I decided to help my boss this week. I gave her 2 days of volunteer work. A little spree that I did where all I had to do was give out a flier. Piece of cake. I finally resolved my stupid book dilemma I had with her as well. ....
ok so get this...
'
If I teach at a school they should provide me with some supplies right? They should reimburse me for my educational materials and they should also train me when giving my contract right?
I bought a book because I was told to get my own material for the class. I spent 20,000won and after waiting over a month I finally got my refund. I had to volunteer two hours of my time not to mention prep time at home and travel time etc. and then I was told to take a day off which may cut me 40,000 won.
Its now Sunday I just finished working at YBM and then went to PNU (BUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY) to stay with my brother in law and visit my sister in law as well. I was planning on going the distance with MLS but due to recent events I am thinking of cutting out early. I will finish my contract at the end of November.
Bottom line about this post is simple:
Either I work 2 hours part time and make a small amount of money and thus need to find more work to support my marriage or I need to sell myself out to my boss who thinks my 2 hours of work are my life. What do you think pretty nuts a Rooney?
I have a lot more to say but unfortunately FAMILY TIME calls me.
Apparently I have a holiday tomorrow. I am supposed to work 20 days a month and last month I worked 16 which included the 1st of this month. My boss must be behind schedule as she gave me a day off even though I don't technically deserve one nor want or require one. I am working 2 hours at an Academy that isn't as esteemed as I thought it was. Unfortunately I am teaching less than 6 students and that isn't very good business if you are my boss. Truth be told I work 40 hours a month and make 800 bones. If anyone really cares.
In America no one asks about your salary and how much you make but here it might as well be a label on your t-shirt. I never would even think of peeking at my dads pay stub growing up...once I did and I couldn't understand all the numbers... pension fund, taxes for this and that etc. etc.
I decided to help my boss this week. I gave her 2 days of volunteer work. A little spree that I did where all I had to do was give out a flier. Piece of cake. I finally resolved my stupid book dilemma I had with her as well. ....
ok so get this...
'
If I teach at a school they should provide me with some supplies right? They should reimburse me for my educational materials and they should also train me when giving my contract right?
I bought a book because I was told to get my own material for the class. I spent 20,000won and after waiting over a month I finally got my refund. I had to volunteer two hours of my time not to mention prep time at home and travel time etc. and then I was told to take a day off which may cut me 40,000 won.
Its now Sunday I just finished working at YBM and then went to PNU (BUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY) to stay with my brother in law and visit my sister in law as well. I was planning on going the distance with MLS but due to recent events I am thinking of cutting out early. I will finish my contract at the end of November.
Bottom line about this post is simple:
Either I work 2 hours part time and make a small amount of money and thus need to find more work to support my marriage or I need to sell myself out to my boss who thinks my 2 hours of work are my life. What do you think pretty nuts a Rooney?
I have a lot more to say but unfortunately FAMILY TIME calls me.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
25 Random Things...and then some
Looking over old notes that I posted on FACEBOOK over a year ago I found an interesting old note that I will attach here and update it accordingly
February 22nd, 2009 Sunday
1. I am living in Korea now for the second time in my life. I am working in Busan teaching Hangooks how to speak English
2. I am going to get married to my Korean girlfriend in December and need to find a way to get a lot of money.
3. I am officially 25 years old in September but my age is 27 to my girlfriends family and 26 to all of Korea. Sometimes I don’t understand why they count your first day of your life as 1 year old.
4. I am trying to write a book and hope to be a published author someday.
5. I ate Chicken intestine called Dak dong Jib=chicken shit house is the literal translation. I did this with my student and she and I had 5 pitchers of beer. I was a little sick but managed to do well. I will teach them tomorrow so I hope that they say I am still ok.
6. my students are taking me out to eat or drink or both. I love them, not because of this but because they actually talk to me. All the Korean Women teachers like me a lot^^
7. I am currently planning on staying here for 3 years because of my gf, economy, job, and future outlooks. I can’t work this type of job back home unfortunately.
8. I am living in a studio with free internet because its wireless but slow, there is no tv, and nothing good in my house.
9. My gf wants me to BUY a house. Stressed out
10. I miss Missoula and everything that is there. Food For Thought, oval walking, Mount Sentinel, and all the good things that happened to me in my 4 year tenure.
11. I was once a runner and used to be able to run fairly decently.
12. I almost died when I was born. So I had CPR performed on me and not many people I know can say that. I actually don’t talk about it much.
13. I really want to find a way to rid the world of Prejudice.
14. I miss Depot nights with my 3 best friends
15. I met my girlfriends father and he said I was brave for entering his house. I am confident but still in shock for meeting my in-laws. Its just a little intimidating. I didn’t give him a heart attack yet.
16. I love her family so much. She has great brother, a sister, and wonderful niece and nephew. I played with her nephew so much.
17. I want to become boss, and a professor here at YBM or at the University systems in Busan and or in Seoul. I want this in 3 years.
18. Im living in Fast Forward and excited for future possibilities. I just hope that I am not restricted to just Korea.
19. I am 80% English and Norweigan the rest I don’t care.
20. I used to drink a lot in College but now I don’t drink much anymore
21. I like all music especially Reggae, Rock and Classic (old hits)
22. I am now talking and using the expression “your generation” when addressing younger folks.
23. I am the youngest person in the school I think. My students are mostly older than me but I know English . but I feel old.
24. I am a blogger, mad emailer, and worry a lot.
25. I want to hear from anyone but I think everyone is too busy now. I like this 25 random posting.
TODAY OCTOBER 18th, 2010
1. I am living in Gwangan Busan in South Korea working as an English Teacher
2. I was born on September 15th, 1984 in a log cabin in Somers Montana. This cabin is now on the historical registry. 9530 days ago actually....
3. I have a younger brother living in Loss Angeles doing some acting.
4). I have 1 uncle 4 aunts, and 16 cousins on my dads side and I have 3 uncles and 7 cousins on my moms side.
5). I met my great grandmother (mothers fathers side) and my great grandparents mothers mother side and my great grandfather fathers father
6. I am happy to say that I have a friend on every continent. I have met someone from Ghana Africa, many places in Europe like France, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Norway many people from Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
7. I have worked and lived abroad since June of 2007 and only went back home for 4 months August-December of 2008 and a 3 week break in January 2010. I am looking forward to going back home.
8. I have taught all age groups in Korea including 4year old elementary middle high school, university and company workers.
9. I love National Geographic and would do anything to get a job with them and save me from the bullshit of teaching. I don't enjoy teaching it hasn't been rewarding for me. Sadly enough.
10. I love Blogging, meeting new people and I am very committed to making relationships work out. The only thing I like about Korean manners is saving face.
11. I have an interest in Photography, writing, and am hoping to write a book still.
12. The Mybi Transportation card is the greatest debit card ever in Korea.
13. I like Happy Point as well. This allow me to save points when buying Coffee at Dunkin Donuts.
14. While I fight with my wife all too frequently I love her very much. She makes me a better person and we are good for each other. WE have been married for 324 days, dated since 1214 days ago and are enjoying our time together
15. We met at my first Academy. YALE Academy in Gumi, Korea. She was my first true girlfriend since no girl liked me in college. All the women I met here are shocked by this and frankly so am I. I am handsome enough not necessarily the model playboy sort but something I would have thought wouldn't be passed by.
16. PIFF Pusan International Film Festival is one of my favorite Events here.
17. Gwangan Beach is where I live now, Nampo-dong is where I work at YBM now usually only on Saturdays, and I work at Kyungsung University area at MLS 2 hours a week teaching middle school students. I need more work actually, but I would rather return back to school. PNU is one of my favorite areas as well.
18. Brett Farve and the Vikings are my favorite Sports TEAM. I always liked Brett even though he played for GB. I learned over here that you shouldn't hate someone simply because they are better than you or may even burn you especially when you will never meet them.
19. I always listen when people are talking to me and can give good advice. I love helping people solve problems from A-Z.
20. I like traveling because I wanted to learn more about myself.
21. I have 2 best friends from my Kindergarden days! CALEB and James I have 3 best friends from high school that were all football players and probably hated me because I was a skinny cross country runner in high school. We all would go to the Depot a lot and drink during college. I miss those times and I could honestly say those were the best times of my life. I picked fights with them for fun. The slap wars, the insult festivals, the hooligan raids remember the firecracker night Peter? The drunk brew haha's.... debaucheries I desperately want to get back to just have a reunion at least once.
22. My ultimate dream is to fix the problems going on in my family, buy the cabin back which was started by my great grandfather and follow some traditions that the old Palmer family followed. Maybe a bit of a pipe dream
23. I used to Run Cross country and was fairly good at it. I regret quitting and I at times regret coming to Korea. Simply put, I don't like the lifestyle, the blatant hostility, prejudices, etc. I was raised to respect people not judge them.
24. I like watching M*A*S*H, Law and ORDER SVU and now my favorite show of possibly all time is 2 and a half men.
25. while I don't write people much any more or feel like I do enough I do love you all. Friend or Foe a like.
I hope you like this post I am going to start a new blog in the near future... Any title ideas any other suggestions? I hope you like this one.... Time for some sack time.
February 22nd, 2009 Sunday
1. I am living in Korea now for the second time in my life. I am working in Busan teaching Hangooks how to speak English
2. I am going to get married to my Korean girlfriend in December and need to find a way to get a lot of money.
3. I am officially 25 years old in September but my age is 27 to my girlfriends family and 26 to all of Korea. Sometimes I don’t understand why they count your first day of your life as 1 year old.
4. I am trying to write a book and hope to be a published author someday.
5. I ate Chicken intestine called Dak dong Jib=chicken shit house is the literal translation. I did this with my student and she and I had 5 pitchers of beer. I was a little sick but managed to do well. I will teach them tomorrow so I hope that they say I am still ok.
6. my students are taking me out to eat or drink or both. I love them, not because of this but because they actually talk to me. All the Korean Women teachers like me a lot^^
7. I am currently planning on staying here for 3 years because of my gf, economy, job, and future outlooks. I can’t work this type of job back home unfortunately.
8. I am living in a studio with free internet because its wireless but slow, there is no tv, and nothing good in my house.
9. My gf wants me to BUY a house. Stressed out
10. I miss Missoula and everything that is there. Food For Thought, oval walking, Mount Sentinel, and all the good things that happened to me in my 4 year tenure.
11. I was once a runner and used to be able to run fairly decently.
12. I almost died when I was born. So I had CPR performed on me and not many people I know can say that. I actually don’t talk about it much.
13. I really want to find a way to rid the world of Prejudice.
14. I miss Depot nights with my 3 best friends
15. I met my girlfriends father and he said I was brave for entering his house. I am confident but still in shock for meeting my in-laws. Its just a little intimidating. I didn’t give him a heart attack yet.
16. I love her family so much. She has great brother, a sister, and wonderful niece and nephew. I played with her nephew so much.
17. I want to become boss, and a professor here at YBM or at the University systems in Busan and or in Seoul. I want this in 3 years.
18. Im living in Fast Forward and excited for future possibilities. I just hope that I am not restricted to just Korea.
19. I am 80% English and Norweigan the rest I don’t care.
20. I used to drink a lot in College but now I don’t drink much anymore
21. I like all music especially Reggae, Rock and Classic (old hits)
22. I am now talking and using the expression “your generation” when addressing younger folks.
23. I am the youngest person in the school I think. My students are mostly older than me but I know English . but I feel old.
24. I am a blogger, mad emailer, and worry a lot.
25. I want to hear from anyone but I think everyone is too busy now. I like this 25 random posting.
TODAY OCTOBER 18th, 2010
1. I am living in Gwangan Busan in South Korea working as an English Teacher
2. I was born on September 15th, 1984 in a log cabin in Somers Montana. This cabin is now on the historical registry. 9530 days ago actually....
3. I have a younger brother living in Loss Angeles doing some acting.
4). I have 1 uncle 4 aunts, and 16 cousins on my dads side and I have 3 uncles and 7 cousins on my moms side.
5). I met my great grandmother (mothers fathers side) and my great grandparents mothers mother side and my great grandfather fathers father
6. I am happy to say that I have a friend on every continent. I have met someone from Ghana Africa, many places in Europe like France, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Norway many people from Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
7. I have worked and lived abroad since June of 2007 and only went back home for 4 months August-December of 2008 and a 3 week break in January 2010. I am looking forward to going back home.
8. I have taught all age groups in Korea including 4year old elementary middle high school, university and company workers.
9. I love National Geographic and would do anything to get a job with them and save me from the bullshit of teaching. I don't enjoy teaching it hasn't been rewarding for me. Sadly enough.
10. I love Blogging, meeting new people and I am very committed to making relationships work out. The only thing I like about Korean manners is saving face.
11. I have an interest in Photography, writing, and am hoping to write a book still.
12. The Mybi Transportation card is the greatest debit card ever in Korea.
13. I like Happy Point as well. This allow me to save points when buying Coffee at Dunkin Donuts.
14. While I fight with my wife all too frequently I love her very much. She makes me a better person and we are good for each other. WE have been married for 324 days, dated since 1214 days ago and are enjoying our time together
15. We met at my first Academy. YALE Academy in Gumi, Korea. She was my first true girlfriend since no girl liked me in college. All the women I met here are shocked by this and frankly so am I. I am handsome enough not necessarily the model playboy sort but something I would have thought wouldn't be passed by.
16. PIFF Pusan International Film Festival is one of my favorite Events here.
17. Gwangan Beach is where I live now, Nampo-dong is where I work at YBM now usually only on Saturdays, and I work at Kyungsung University area at MLS 2 hours a week teaching middle school students. I need more work actually, but I would rather return back to school. PNU is one of my favorite areas as well.
18. Brett Farve and the Vikings are my favorite Sports TEAM. I always liked Brett even though he played for GB. I learned over here that you shouldn't hate someone simply because they are better than you or may even burn you especially when you will never meet them.
19. I always listen when people are talking to me and can give good advice. I love helping people solve problems from A-Z.
20. I like traveling because I wanted to learn more about myself.
21. I have 2 best friends from my Kindergarden days! CALEB and James I have 3 best friends from high school that were all football players and probably hated me because I was a skinny cross country runner in high school. We all would go to the Depot a lot and drink during college. I miss those times and I could honestly say those were the best times of my life. I picked fights with them for fun. The slap wars, the insult festivals, the hooligan raids remember the firecracker night Peter? The drunk brew haha's.... debaucheries I desperately want to get back to just have a reunion at least once.
22. My ultimate dream is to fix the problems going on in my family, buy the cabin back which was started by my great grandfather and follow some traditions that the old Palmer family followed. Maybe a bit of a pipe dream
23. I used to Run Cross country and was fairly good at it. I regret quitting and I at times regret coming to Korea. Simply put, I don't like the lifestyle, the blatant hostility, prejudices, etc. I was raised to respect people not judge them.
24. I like watching M*A*S*H, Law and ORDER SVU and now my favorite show of possibly all time is 2 and a half men.
25. while I don't write people much any more or feel like I do enough I do love you all. Friend or Foe a like.
I hope you like this post I am going to start a new blog in the near future... Any title ideas any other suggestions? I hope you like this one.... Time for some sack time.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What are Friends For and an Update
This post has a lot of pictures and hopefully a lot of information I hope you find it interesting since I took maybe 3 days to write it up. my adventure starts with a trip to NAMPO!  |
| Nampo-dong Subway Station 111 (a new sign maybe for the PIFF festival) |
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| Used Books in an area around Kukjae Market |
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| Comic Books that my wife just loves |
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| One of my best friends Kim, Hyun Dong a restaurant owner in Nampo dong |
Whenever I meet my friend I am usually in the company of my wife. We usually have lunch at his restaurant every Saturday. He has helped me figure out a lot of problems about living in Korea, some constructive advice about life, marriage and work. He has been there for me whenever I needed a friend and has acted like my father in many ways. A good friend indeed. A few days ago we spend the afternoon exploring Yongdusan park and talking about the city history circa 1950.
He used to be part of the US Military and enjoy talking about the military. He runs a Seoullongtong and Gom tang restaurant. I envy him since he has successfully managed a family run restaurant in the heart of Busan. Thank God I have met someone like him since I don't think I could live here without his understanding.
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| An outside view of his restaurant |
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| My imaginative wife talking to birds now |
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| Bonapetite! Kimchi, side dishes, rice and Seoullangtang |
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| Its hot and fresh Onions, broth, beef soup mix |
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| Aren't the inside dining table for a family of four or more wonderful behind the sliding glass doors? |
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| "GOM TANG" |
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| Yongdusan TripPArt 1... Bell that the Buddhists ring to commemorate special events and of course the tower which has 5 floors I think, Observation decks 1 and 2. Snack bar as well and 3 levels of pictures, Galleries, and a Ship museum |
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| The harbor |
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| My wife with General Lee in the background and a flower with a rotating clock |
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| We took many snapshots of various ships from around the world |
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| At the Restaurant! |
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