An odd occurrence happened on this particular Friday. As I have mentioned my wife has prepared herself for a new job-filling the shoes of my co-worker Clare. She was given an opportunity when I had went to TTI headquarters on Tuesday. Since Clare decided to quit and the date where they need a new teacher (May 3rd) is in close proximity my wife has had to be pushed faster than a standard 7 days. Everything she has needed to do has been pushed up into 3 days.
Regardless of my feelings of this job TTI is my boss. They are my go to people if there are problems. The woman who got me the job has shown how unreliable she really is and has made me regret getting the job-but nonetheless I will do it.
My wife had to meet with TTI in the morning in respects to filling out a contract and actually finishing up or rather tying up loose ends. Unfortunately that isn't what happened.
Each morning from the time I get up until 1pm I want to sit and relax whether its watching tv, snacking, or just writing emails. However, today the head teacher ZED called my wife and not only bitched about my teaching but told my wife some high expectations that are absurd.
This woman has a pathetic life. She has a child and spends her time watching the child and preparing for lessons. There is no sense of enjoyment. She is a boring person at least to me. My wife has been barely introduced the door and won't start teaching officially until Monday and this woman who is actually just a co-worker to me wants to put my wife into a lower position. She talks about me behind my back, and she flat out is a low person.
I complained about her to my friend Jessica who in turn complained to Mrs. Kim, the woman who got me the job and there was a small punishment for Zed and since that moment we haven't talked much. I was told by Zed to bring the problems to her but today she crossed that line and I won't ever go back. I went to TTI headquarters today with my wife and we complained about her.
Are we stirring the wasps nest?
I am tired of politics, gossiping and drama at the workplace. Some speculate that Zed is jealous of my wife. I make a lot of money, she also will make a lot of money so that means the two of us have a lot of money and ZEd only has her money... poor baby. Its life and frankly its none of her business.
I am so angry with Zed I can't believe the gall of this woman. I will take her to task with all of my energy until she is relieved of duty for she has crossed a line that she can't go back on.
I hope you all agree with me and that's why I hate Korea in a nutshell.
I hate defending myself but I must. This job is showing me that I can't get away from needless drama, back biting actions and just bitching and complaining that's wasting time.
Please for heavens sake show me that you are in agreement.
I really agree with you Katherine I think my current type of teaching isn't good for anyone. more later... i gotta get up at 6am to go for a lousy hike... yes I am not looking forward to it I have to help my wife with preparation and I just put in a 20 hour work day its not much I know but with all the stress and extra baggage attached I am more liable to telling this school to go fuck themselves... only when my wife quits though. If she does quit it won't be unreasonable after the stunt the teacher pulled today. For bloody fucks sake she is just a co-worker and this isn't Harvard its fucking ANMIN in the middle of Yeonsan-dong which isn't important at all. What are Koreans teaching their kids... That they need to grow up and whine about more money? That they always have to be better that they need to compare themselves this makes me sick to my stomach.
I wish the job market in America would open up I wish I could use my geography skills and sometimes I wish I could go back to Missoula the paradise of the northwest.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Recap
Teaching Methods
Previously I stated that I came here with no experience and with the intent to just follow the direction put for by the director or boss of the school or schools that I would work at. This is true and this wasn't mean to be disrespectful. A better word for methods should be STYLE. All schools are set up differently and all teachers bring a different characteristic to the classroom.
I should begin by writing about my perspective of work. I feel in my heart its important to do the best job you can. In my experiences working in Korea I have found that people with authority seldom change their positions on how they feel about certain things. I don't hold any ill will towards previous job sites, directors, or fellow co-workers. It is my job to adapt and grow in accordance to each situation.
I used to work alone in a classroom which meant I had to control the kids 100%, guide them to what I wanted to do whether it was grammar, game, or anything else. Thinking back in Gumi sometimes I wonder what I did in the classroom because I was confused. I didn't do very well because I was young and inexperienced. I mentioned I prepared to much because I was told that I needed to do extra materials.
I am stating the truth here when I say I was miserable in Gumi. Now, I think more of the blame should be put on me than on the school, kids, etc. Its a harsh thing to say but I didn't belong there. As I said I had to write report cards each month with comments about my kids. I felt ashamed because there was no discipline and kids literally could get away with anything they wanted. I was bitten and called BABO "idiot" and these weren't the worst things that happened to me there. As a result I gave up on what I called "education"- if a kid can't show common sense I didn't want to teach them. So, I tried to be as negative as possible on their report cards so they would hopefully drop.
The irony is that my wife worked there for another year after I left I had the highest amount of students who attended there. After I had left the students began dropping faster. I wanted a chance to walk into a classroom to think and hear my own voice but the kids would scream and get me in trouble so it wasn't an enjoyable experience. I am not creative I will admit that.
The Educational system or methods that I have now are much different-I share a classroom which means that I don't need to control the kids. That's in my contract. On Wednesdays I teach at another school and I change my class every 20 minutes. I don't care once again that I only have 4 hours of work I care about saving my voice and having the help that I need. In my opinion, I am not suited for teaching kids. I lack patience, creativity, and I am prone to exposing a temper.
Next
Quality and Quantity
As a teacher my sole job is to teach. I want to teach well and do my job effectively. I sincerely mean this. I have been told that I am too sincere. I care too much sometimes. I think this is ironic. At YBM which I truly did love that work there was an incentive for high attendance. If I got a high return I would get some extra month. There was quality in the syllabus because it was designed and implemented each month. I had a foundation to go off of.
In Korea the Korean teachers make money based off of attendance factors alone. That's the truth and its sad since sometimes there were only 5 students in the class. I am not Korean, and I am bound by my own contracts that I agreed to. I don't want to hear complaints about the number of students.
Why is this my problem? Why should it be? Obviously if I don't have students I can't have a job but if there is a program to follow this should fix that potential problem.
As I write this I look at the clock and I notice that I have to leave in maybe 20 minutes. I will be at work early in hopes to discuss a good plan for today. I cringe because chances are I won't be able to get a decent plan rolling in time. I thought or assumed co-teaching was a team effort but apparently not.
I don't keep extra books here because the Korean teacher needs it for a ppt. I can deviate away from the book, nor can I use the workbooks that I could have done in Gumi. Mr. Jeongs method was much better and I see that now.. its only a little too late.
I know that company's must pay the bills to run the place. Its really no different than running your own house. If I am lazy at home and don't pay the bills I get in trouble. If I don't do chores then the house get dirty and everyone feels bad.
My opinion about money is this. I don't care how much you make especially as a foreigner-if a company can't pay you on time, or makes you do extra work without pay than its a bad company and you would be a fool for doing it. I was told once that YBM has to pay the electricity and other things. I understand that but they do have a duty to just pay me the promised amount regardless of the total amount. (I teach you pay me) that's it.
Kids aren't in the class by choice. They are put there because their parents have no idea how to help them. My problems in the classroom with kids these days stem from improper behavior. They don't exhibit proper social skills. They may be kids but I can't believe that they can call me stupid to my face,etc.
I am disheartened with a lot of the Korean Education system. They don't teach kids right and wrong. They make excuses for them and they also pawn them off as a business venture. I prepared myself for the work force by graduating at a University but I still have a lot of things to learn from people who can't show proper respect.
IT is what it is....
Sometimes I don't think learning English is the real aim in the school. I think crunching numbers, calling parents and insuring the money is the truth.
My agency that I am working at right now is purely business minded. They don't know what Education is. There are two sides to every penny.
The work that is entailed, required or thus my responsibility and the $ or business. I think the $ is the higher force. I do have a kind soul and when I was teaching adults I willingly opened up to them but I can't do that with kids especially when I am surrounded by hypocrites who can't tell the parents that their child is causing problems.
I will go to work now but I think I will elaborate on these points more. I am not a racist nor do I have prejudice but I do have strong convictions that I can see aren't being shared here.
Previously I stated that I came here with no experience and with the intent to just follow the direction put for by the director or boss of the school or schools that I would work at. This is true and this wasn't mean to be disrespectful. A better word for methods should be STYLE. All schools are set up differently and all teachers bring a different characteristic to the classroom.
I should begin by writing about my perspective of work. I feel in my heart its important to do the best job you can. In my experiences working in Korea I have found that people with authority seldom change their positions on how they feel about certain things. I don't hold any ill will towards previous job sites, directors, or fellow co-workers. It is my job to adapt and grow in accordance to each situation.
I used to work alone in a classroom which meant I had to control the kids 100%, guide them to what I wanted to do whether it was grammar, game, or anything else. Thinking back in Gumi sometimes I wonder what I did in the classroom because I was confused. I didn't do very well because I was young and inexperienced. I mentioned I prepared to much because I was told that I needed to do extra materials.
I am stating the truth here when I say I was miserable in Gumi. Now, I think more of the blame should be put on me than on the school, kids, etc. Its a harsh thing to say but I didn't belong there. As I said I had to write report cards each month with comments about my kids. I felt ashamed because there was no discipline and kids literally could get away with anything they wanted. I was bitten and called BABO "idiot" and these weren't the worst things that happened to me there. As a result I gave up on what I called "education"- if a kid can't show common sense I didn't want to teach them. So, I tried to be as negative as possible on their report cards so they would hopefully drop.
The irony is that my wife worked there for another year after I left I had the highest amount of students who attended there. After I had left the students began dropping faster. I wanted a chance to walk into a classroom to think and hear my own voice but the kids would scream and get me in trouble so it wasn't an enjoyable experience. I am not creative I will admit that.
The Educational system or methods that I have now are much different-I share a classroom which means that I don't need to control the kids. That's in my contract. On Wednesdays I teach at another school and I change my class every 20 minutes. I don't care once again that I only have 4 hours of work I care about saving my voice and having the help that I need. In my opinion, I am not suited for teaching kids. I lack patience, creativity, and I am prone to exposing a temper.
Next
Quality and Quantity
As a teacher my sole job is to teach. I want to teach well and do my job effectively. I sincerely mean this. I have been told that I am too sincere. I care too much sometimes. I think this is ironic. At YBM which I truly did love that work there was an incentive for high attendance. If I got a high return I would get some extra month. There was quality in the syllabus because it was designed and implemented each month. I had a foundation to go off of.
In Korea the Korean teachers make money based off of attendance factors alone. That's the truth and its sad since sometimes there were only 5 students in the class. I am not Korean, and I am bound by my own contracts that I agreed to. I don't want to hear complaints about the number of students.
Why is this my problem? Why should it be? Obviously if I don't have students I can't have a job but if there is a program to follow this should fix that potential problem.
As I write this I look at the clock and I notice that I have to leave in maybe 20 minutes. I will be at work early in hopes to discuss a good plan for today. I cringe because chances are I won't be able to get a decent plan rolling in time. I thought or assumed co-teaching was a team effort but apparently not.
I don't keep extra books here because the Korean teacher needs it for a ppt. I can deviate away from the book, nor can I use the workbooks that I could have done in Gumi. Mr. Jeongs method was much better and I see that now.. its only a little too late.
I know that company's must pay the bills to run the place. Its really no different than running your own house. If I am lazy at home and don't pay the bills I get in trouble. If I don't do chores then the house get dirty and everyone feels bad.
My opinion about money is this. I don't care how much you make especially as a foreigner-if a company can't pay you on time, or makes you do extra work without pay than its a bad company and you would be a fool for doing it. I was told once that YBM has to pay the electricity and other things. I understand that but they do have a duty to just pay me the promised amount regardless of the total amount. (I teach you pay me) that's it.
Kids aren't in the class by choice. They are put there because their parents have no idea how to help them. My problems in the classroom with kids these days stem from improper behavior. They don't exhibit proper social skills. They may be kids but I can't believe that they can call me stupid to my face,etc.
I am disheartened with a lot of the Korean Education system. They don't teach kids right and wrong. They make excuses for them and they also pawn them off as a business venture. I prepared myself for the work force by graduating at a University but I still have a lot of things to learn from people who can't show proper respect.
IT is what it is....
Sometimes I don't think learning English is the real aim in the school. I think crunching numbers, calling parents and insuring the money is the truth.
My agency that I am working at right now is purely business minded. They don't know what Education is. There are two sides to every penny.
The work that is entailed, required or thus my responsibility and the $ or business. I think the $ is the higher force. I do have a kind soul and when I was teaching adults I willingly opened up to them but I can't do that with kids especially when I am surrounded by hypocrites who can't tell the parents that their child is causing problems.
I will go to work now but I think I will elaborate on these points more. I am not a racist nor do I have prejudice but I do have strong convictions that I can see aren't being shared here.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Teachers Corner Part 2
So as always I am opening my blog up for new suggestions...Today I met with a friend of mine and ended up discussing my hobby...blogging.. I shared that I thought it would be a good strategy just to share teaching methods and systems that I am coming across in Korea.
Today's topic: Preparation and work ethic
As a foreigner in Korea the truth of the matter is that we have it easy. Every foreigner makes a lot of money in contrast to their Korean counterparts. We don't have to do half the amount of work either. This is neither fair nor right but its the way it is. I guess giving up ones homeland for a year or so has its perk right?
Regardless I came to Korea to learn. In Gumi I was told that I shouldn't play games I wasn't exactly told how to teach but I had to teach through trial and error. My preparation was overboard. I tried to hard to make extra curricular activities that would basically appease the children's parents. I wrote false report cards to try to lure them to come back again and again. I actually tried to keep the rotten apples out and as a result of this I pushed my quality over Yale's quantity... I won only because I stayed 14 months but I lost because no director cares about teaching quality its simply by the numbers.
Fast forward a year and a half.... much to my chagrin I am back with kiddies. I have them only for 4 hours a day though. There's a lot that I am able to put up with. I will work to the best of my ability and try to "educate" them as best as I can. Unfortunately my program is so unorganized that I still find it hard to fit in.
I am not given full classroom control nor do I have the Korean teacher's support. They tell me what to teach and like this week since the teacher is quitting she wanted me to go as far into the book as possible. It isn't teaching its just pushing their agenda to fulfill a quota. Like it or not it is what it is.
A class goes by so fast 50 minutes. I review for 25 minutes and these days I am trying to incorporate a game but I am not here to play games I am here to do the best I can. I have heard stories from people that many foreigners just dick around in the classroom. They play ridiculous games and sometimes they aren't educational. Foreigners take advantage of the slack and just make the easy benjamins.
I took my job so seriously at YBM. I tried to fix problems and I tried to be the go to man for the newbies as well as for veterans who just happened to not know the quirks of the place-for all the good it did me I got my contract bonus and a foot in my ass. Thanks for your job your duty. I thought my work was better than they made it out to be. I thought that I could have been able to stay longer since I had opened the communication lines.
Now I am stuck in a 3rd job which I still hate but will manage since my wife is no my co-worker. I feel that there is no communication whatsoever from the agency, the co-workers or anyone else for that matter. There is just a ruthless competition. "I have 50 students, you have 45.... I need to do some more private teaching. blah blah blah. There are no comments on how to improve the inefficiency of the program but rather just complaining.. Am I complaining?
No I have decided that whatever it is it will be. I don't care to make changes and I won't cater myself for a company that will just run rough shod over me and take me for every penny that I am worth. I think I am someone who has a lot to offer any company. I will do overtime work, I will travel, I will problem solve but I won't do anything for you if there is no communication and no support system... Go fuck yourselves.
Listen and Repeat... I am a tape recorder a tool held in a vice like gripe by people who have no concept of talent. Its like forced child labor to me. There is no creativity at all. Yes, I could find new ways and try to show a new door for these people but not when I am not respected for my efforts...
As koreans say "Fighting" which means try hard but I don't believe in that anymore there is no victory for anyone but the owner or people at the top. To put it simply its the powers that be they just are what they are.
In Korea people just think oh I have a job so I can make money so I am happy. They don't find self-improvement and almost have a fatalistic approach to life.
Some comments have been told to me on this blog that you read this just to get a unique perspective of one persons abroad experience. If you think a trip to Korea is fun I recommend changing that mind.
I flat out hate living in Korea. I think that Koreans need to change their minds-I am the one that has had to adapt and learn for 3 years but when it comes to me being a teacher Koreans refuse to try to learn another way. I got a news flash for all of you Koreans aren't always right and if you asked me I would think that most of the time they are wrong.
Am I too negative, maybe but I think the truth needs to be told and that ideas need to be shared.
Last comment I don't have any power in the classroom so I can't prepare any materials that may be too hard for them. I don't have people who can communicate or at least try communicating nor do I have people who can't see past the box they put themselves in.
Please write lengthy comments I look forward to it thats all from the teacher's corner for today
Today's topic: Preparation and work ethic
As a foreigner in Korea the truth of the matter is that we have it easy. Every foreigner makes a lot of money in contrast to their Korean counterparts. We don't have to do half the amount of work either. This is neither fair nor right but its the way it is. I guess giving up ones homeland for a year or so has its perk right?
Regardless I came to Korea to learn. In Gumi I was told that I shouldn't play games I wasn't exactly told how to teach but I had to teach through trial and error. My preparation was overboard. I tried to hard to make extra curricular activities that would basically appease the children's parents. I wrote false report cards to try to lure them to come back again and again. I actually tried to keep the rotten apples out and as a result of this I pushed my quality over Yale's quantity... I won only because I stayed 14 months but I lost because no director cares about teaching quality its simply by the numbers.
Fast forward a year and a half.... much to my chagrin I am back with kiddies. I have them only for 4 hours a day though. There's a lot that I am able to put up with. I will work to the best of my ability and try to "educate" them as best as I can. Unfortunately my program is so unorganized that I still find it hard to fit in.
I am not given full classroom control nor do I have the Korean teacher's support. They tell me what to teach and like this week since the teacher is quitting she wanted me to go as far into the book as possible. It isn't teaching its just pushing their agenda to fulfill a quota. Like it or not it is what it is.
A class goes by so fast 50 minutes. I review for 25 minutes and these days I am trying to incorporate a game but I am not here to play games I am here to do the best I can. I have heard stories from people that many foreigners just dick around in the classroom. They play ridiculous games and sometimes they aren't educational. Foreigners take advantage of the slack and just make the easy benjamins.
I took my job so seriously at YBM. I tried to fix problems and I tried to be the go to man for the newbies as well as for veterans who just happened to not know the quirks of the place-for all the good it did me I got my contract bonus and a foot in my ass. Thanks for your job your duty. I thought my work was better than they made it out to be. I thought that I could have been able to stay longer since I had opened the communication lines.
Now I am stuck in a 3rd job which I still hate but will manage since my wife is no my co-worker. I feel that there is no communication whatsoever from the agency, the co-workers or anyone else for that matter. There is just a ruthless competition. "I have 50 students, you have 45.... I need to do some more private teaching. blah blah blah. There are no comments on how to improve the inefficiency of the program but rather just complaining.. Am I complaining?
No I have decided that whatever it is it will be. I don't care to make changes and I won't cater myself for a company that will just run rough shod over me and take me for every penny that I am worth. I think I am someone who has a lot to offer any company. I will do overtime work, I will travel, I will problem solve but I won't do anything for you if there is no communication and no support system... Go fuck yourselves.
Listen and Repeat... I am a tape recorder a tool held in a vice like gripe by people who have no concept of talent. Its like forced child labor to me. There is no creativity at all. Yes, I could find new ways and try to show a new door for these people but not when I am not respected for my efforts...
As koreans say "Fighting" which means try hard but I don't believe in that anymore there is no victory for anyone but the owner or people at the top. To put it simply its the powers that be they just are what they are.
In Korea people just think oh I have a job so I can make money so I am happy. They don't find self-improvement and almost have a fatalistic approach to life.
Some comments have been told to me on this blog that you read this just to get a unique perspective of one persons abroad experience. If you think a trip to Korea is fun I recommend changing that mind.
I flat out hate living in Korea. I think that Koreans need to change their minds-I am the one that has had to adapt and learn for 3 years but when it comes to me being a teacher Koreans refuse to try to learn another way. I got a news flash for all of you Koreans aren't always right and if you asked me I would think that most of the time they are wrong.
Am I too negative, maybe but I think the truth needs to be told and that ideas need to be shared.
Last comment I don't have any power in the classroom so I can't prepare any materials that may be too hard for them. I don't have people who can communicate or at least try communicating nor do I have people who can't see past the box they put themselves in.
Please write lengthy comments I look forward to it thats all from the teacher's corner for today
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Teacher's Corner
Today I went to the Sports Complex Station in order to meet the Agency about my teaching. This agency is located at YBm Engoo headquarters where apparently TTI and YBM share an office. TTI is a company that I have no idea what they are about or how good of a company they are. Its ironic that my old job YBM and TTI are sharing a building together. There is no immediate affiliation with Engloo and ELS but the mother company YBM is the same.
I enquired about a position for my wife and the irony is that she may be my new partner which may or may not be good for us. Working at this after school program has brought me mixed results. I love the money, I love the time but as I keep writing about I don't enjoy the line of work. I am not complaining about working hard God knows that I put in so many hours at YBM and was happy to be doing it too!
The truth is that I need to think more of a Career- 25 years of service where I truly dedicate my life to making a better future for all people involved. I can't smile in the mirror that these kids don't give two shits in the world about ESL and me for that matter.
Today I was happy I may have found my wife a new job where we can work together and still share a lot of time.
On to the work front. As I may have mentioned the on going drama going on at Anmin is coming to an end. The teacher I work with may be a little hypocritical but she isn't brainless. She's quitting at the end of this week. I am a little sad to see her go simply because she does prepare well and sometimes she is helpful.
I taught my 4 hours and felt relaxed until the 3rd class. They don't listen at all. Listen repeat that's all they need to do but they failed miserably and unlike the Korean teacher I have to yell at them and try to figure out how to solve their stupidity. I don't speak any Korean but I do understand when people say be quiet sit down etc.
As a teacher I want to educate people the best way possible. I don't think this exists in Korea. A country that is only driven for profit and nothing else makes me give up on the education system. I dream big, I dream of being a real teacher or a person who really cares about what they do but the truth is there is no satisfaction from the work that I do here. I wasted 4 years in my university to tell students Apple Bird Cat its crazy and nonsense.
How can I be a better teacher? How can I make myself motivated to be better with real intentions instead of hiding behind ideals that are truly unattainable. Currently my wife and I are needing to discuss some things and since its late I need to get going I want to hear your responses..asap
I enquired about a position for my wife and the irony is that she may be my new partner which may or may not be good for us. Working at this after school program has brought me mixed results. I love the money, I love the time but as I keep writing about I don't enjoy the line of work. I am not complaining about working hard God knows that I put in so many hours at YBM and was happy to be doing it too!
The truth is that I need to think more of a Career- 25 years of service where I truly dedicate my life to making a better future for all people involved. I can't smile in the mirror that these kids don't give two shits in the world about ESL and me for that matter.
Today I was happy I may have found my wife a new job where we can work together and still share a lot of time.
On to the work front. As I may have mentioned the on going drama going on at Anmin is coming to an end. The teacher I work with may be a little hypocritical but she isn't brainless. She's quitting at the end of this week. I am a little sad to see her go simply because she does prepare well and sometimes she is helpful.
I taught my 4 hours and felt relaxed until the 3rd class. They don't listen at all. Listen repeat that's all they need to do but they failed miserably and unlike the Korean teacher I have to yell at them and try to figure out how to solve their stupidity. I don't speak any Korean but I do understand when people say be quiet sit down etc.
As a teacher I want to educate people the best way possible. I don't think this exists in Korea. A country that is only driven for profit and nothing else makes me give up on the education system. I dream big, I dream of being a real teacher or a person who really cares about what they do but the truth is there is no satisfaction from the work that I do here. I wasted 4 years in my university to tell students Apple Bird Cat its crazy and nonsense.
How can I be a better teacher? How can I make myself motivated to be better with real intentions instead of hiding behind ideals that are truly unattainable. Currently my wife and I are needing to discuss some things and since its late I need to get going I want to hear your responses..asap
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Hanaro and Mybi
I am obsessed I will admit it. A weekend that was unfortunately too short lived is almost over.
It started with a drinking fiasco with my friend Dell up in Dalmaji hill late friday night. Saturday was resting and entertaining my wifes' friends ( I went to Nampo-dong from my home twice by Subway its a 35 minute commute each way.
Today we decided to go to PNU (Pusan National University). Each time I go out whether its to work or around the streets of Busan I look around for coins, mybi cards etc. Last night I had a dream that I had found the ever so elusive Mybi card. Today while walking in PNU I happened to spot a beautiful star shaped Hanaro Card. This is the same as a mybi card... I even get a bigger discount because the fare price is 770 won instead of 990 won. I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this today.
The amount that was found on the card was 14,000 won which is similar to finding $14.
After finding this my wife and I treated ourselves to some pajeon and rice wine. (Makoli)
This was a tasty snack and it took us into the mountainous area of PNU. We sat at the track watching a soccer game until we got tired of it, eventually walking all the way to Oncheonjang and going to Home Plus.
I think these traveling cards are quite useful for us. The joy of finding one isn't about the money which may be a lot but the uses I can do with them. For example, vending machine coffee. Today we bought some tea using the new card. the uses of these cards are endless.
1. Subway or Bus transportation.
2. transfer
3. Vending machine coffee
4. Taxi ride
5. Toll gate pay
6. convenience store purchasing
7. Parking permits.
8. Vending machine for books, snacks, etc.
9.
10.
I can't think of the other uses yet but I will give me some time.
After spending the better part of the day outside we relaxed back at the ole fort, watching pretender, playing gostop and just waiting with a new promise for tomorrow.
It started with a drinking fiasco with my friend Dell up in Dalmaji hill late friday night. Saturday was resting and entertaining my wifes' friends ( I went to Nampo-dong from my home twice by Subway its a 35 minute commute each way.
Today we decided to go to PNU (Pusan National University). Each time I go out whether its to work or around the streets of Busan I look around for coins, mybi cards etc. Last night I had a dream that I had found the ever so elusive Mybi card. Today while walking in PNU I happened to spot a beautiful star shaped Hanaro Card. This is the same as a mybi card... I even get a bigger discount because the fare price is 770 won instead of 990 won. I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this today.
The amount that was found on the card was 14,000 won which is similar to finding $14.
After finding this my wife and I treated ourselves to some pajeon and rice wine. (Makoli)
This was a tasty snack and it took us into the mountainous area of PNU. We sat at the track watching a soccer game until we got tired of it, eventually walking all the way to Oncheonjang and going to Home Plus.
I think these traveling cards are quite useful for us. The joy of finding one isn't about the money which may be a lot but the uses I can do with them. For example, vending machine coffee. Today we bought some tea using the new card. the uses of these cards are endless.
1. Subway or Bus transportation.
2. transfer
3. Vending machine coffee
4. Taxi ride
5. Toll gate pay
6. convenience store purchasing
7. Parking permits.
8. Vending machine for books, snacks, etc.
9.
10.
I can't think of the other uses yet but I will give me some time.
After spending the better part of the day outside we relaxed back at the ole fort, watching pretender, playing gostop and just waiting with a new promise for tomorrow.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Dalmaji hill..What are friends for?
Getting off at Jangsan Station I met my new friend Dell. I need to tell you about my best friends here. I don't have many friends in Busan but the two best friends I have are very important to me. Yesterday I had a night out on the town and proceeded to drink for the first time in many months (since America)
I went to a bar named Star Face and discussed work, YBM, Korea children, wife, kids etc. I needed a night out badly. I am not a heavy drinker nor do I drink frequently. I used to be a beer snob in my University where I would pass up cheap lame beers for something with a little taste. My favorites at that time were Samuel Adams Winter lager, Hefeweizen, and The holiday variety pack from Samuel Adams. I never drank hard alcohol. I think whiskey, tequila and soju are all too potent and just a killing medicine more like poison but on this particular night I ended up having 6 shots of Tequila. I had a good time with Dell and can't wait to do it again but the night had an interesting twist. My wife and her brother came and picked me up at 12:00 simply because my wife worried about my well being. I was happy she came since I didn't want to really stay out much later. Dell is a great person. He has good charisma, and I get good vibes from him. He has been in Korea for 8 years and has just taken over the YBM institute at Nampo-dong. I believe in him when he said he could help me get my old job back slowly but surely. I am hoping that in the weeks or months to come I can get in on that position and hopefully be able to work there again!
I had an interesting day again today. I went to Nampo-dong with my wife in order to have a meal with the Seullongtong Restaurant friends place. His name is Mr. Kim. He has opened up some opportunities for me in the future I just have to be patient. He is an interesting person to me and is someone that I have come to know quite well.
what are friends for? Last week he gave me a tour of Nampo-dong and helped me enjoy the weekend. This month i didn't get a chance to work at YBM I had so much free time. Next weekend is the last time I will have some free time and then its back to work for me. I hope to have more adventures with MR. Kim and Dell in the near future.
Another night out in Jangsan? I sure wish I could bring my co-pilot Peter with me...
I went to a bar named Star Face and discussed work, YBM, Korea children, wife, kids etc. I needed a night out badly. I am not a heavy drinker nor do I drink frequently. I used to be a beer snob in my University where I would pass up cheap lame beers for something with a little taste. My favorites at that time were Samuel Adams Winter lager, Hefeweizen, and The holiday variety pack from Samuel Adams. I never drank hard alcohol. I think whiskey, tequila and soju are all too potent and just a killing medicine more like poison but on this particular night I ended up having 6 shots of Tequila. I had a good time with Dell and can't wait to do it again but the night had an interesting twist. My wife and her brother came and picked me up at 12:00 simply because my wife worried about my well being. I was happy she came since I didn't want to really stay out much later. Dell is a great person. He has good charisma, and I get good vibes from him. He has been in Korea for 8 years and has just taken over the YBM institute at Nampo-dong. I believe in him when he said he could help me get my old job back slowly but surely. I am hoping that in the weeks or months to come I can get in on that position and hopefully be able to work there again!
I had an interesting day again today. I went to Nampo-dong with my wife in order to have a meal with the Seullongtong Restaurant friends place. His name is Mr. Kim. He has opened up some opportunities for me in the future I just have to be patient. He is an interesting person to me and is someone that I have come to know quite well.
what are friends for? Last week he gave me a tour of Nampo-dong and helped me enjoy the weekend. This month i didn't get a chance to work at YBM I had so much free time. Next weekend is the last time I will have some free time and then its back to work for me. I hope to have more adventures with MR. Kim and Dell in the near future.
Another night out in Jangsan? I sure wish I could bring my co-pilot Peter with me...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
In God We trust
A little expression on the back of every American coin that conveys a simple message.
What does this mean exactly? Someone should ask Dan Brown for some conspiracy theories involving the Puritans, capitalism, God, Religion and the Masons but besides the historic origins and roots lets examine how it effects each of our lives and in particular today.
Each day I ride the subway to work. $1 each way. I ride the subway for almost 20 minutes and always pray that some interesting thing will happen. For example, I take great joy in finding some coins on the street. I hope to GOD that I can find any coin of any amount or that God will grant me my wish that I can find a Mybi card which could be a bigger prize.
Today God granted me my wish and I found 50 cents. This is a small token of appreciation because I don't have any joy for the 4 hours that I am stuck in my classroom. I can't wait to leave and tomorrow I hope my meeting with Dell will bring some good news.
Money -the ticket at which we run. I usually ask God for health, happiness and hope for a better future but this small favor of finding money makes me just feel a little better. I think I have found nearly $10 dollars this year.
I don't believe in God in a deep sense per say, I don't go to church and I don't believe in praying or making other people follow me but I do have faith for a better tomorrow and something better for humanity.
Today I had coffee with a foreigner who I had only met twice. Each time i go out I think of new ideas and ways to find improvement. I hope that the answers will come. This blog for example is my solace and one of few places that are truly just for me.
I hope that we can all work together more and make a brighter future that will truly shine for all people.
What does this mean exactly? Someone should ask Dan Brown for some conspiracy theories involving the Puritans, capitalism, God, Religion and the Masons but besides the historic origins and roots lets examine how it effects each of our lives and in particular today.
Each day I ride the subway to work. $1 each way. I ride the subway for almost 20 minutes and always pray that some interesting thing will happen. For example, I take great joy in finding some coins on the street. I hope to GOD that I can find any coin of any amount or that God will grant me my wish that I can find a Mybi card which could be a bigger prize.
Today God granted me my wish and I found 50 cents. This is a small token of appreciation because I don't have any joy for the 4 hours that I am stuck in my classroom. I can't wait to leave and tomorrow I hope my meeting with Dell will bring some good news.
Money -the ticket at which we run. I usually ask God for health, happiness and hope for a better future but this small favor of finding money makes me just feel a little better. I think I have found nearly $10 dollars this year.
I don't believe in God in a deep sense per say, I don't go to church and I don't believe in praying or making other people follow me but I do have faith for a better tomorrow and something better for humanity.
Today I had coffee with a foreigner who I had only met twice. Each time i go out I think of new ideas and ways to find improvement. I hope that the answers will come. This blog for example is my solace and one of few places that are truly just for me.
I hope that we can all work together more and make a brighter future that will truly shine for all people.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Re-establishing Ties and walking with Confucius
A night out on the town in order to reconnect with a long lost friend of mine. A day that started out with the typical no promises and a dead end (walking to Anmin elementary for yet again a lost cause) turned into a fruitful day after work finished.
I used to have a stereotypical dream of Asia. I would go there learn the arts of Caligraphy, Zen thinking, and maybe pick up Taekwondo. I have no such interest in any of these other than maybe Caligraphy. I thought of Asia as a land that was truly a Land of the morning calm. This man that I have come to know for almost 2 years has made my understanding of Korea all the more deeper and make me strive to open more doors instead of close them.
When I first met him, he was the lead talked in my hot topic class. He would provide much deeper thought than any other student. Later I was asked to join him for lunch everyday. He spent around 500 dollars maybe more on me just for lunch. I had the same lunch with him each day. daegutong soup, later fried spicy pork. At first I thought it was just because I was his teacher and that he wanted to treat his teacher. Many Koreans feel obligated to doing something more or extra for the teacher. Later, I also thought it was just to help me out with getting married so he would help me out with life lessons and help me save some lunch money. The truth is that our relationship got a lot deeper than just saving money, killing time for conversations at lunch or a treat to a teacher.
he and I would walk from Jungang dong station to Jagalchi everyday after lunch this was a 20-30 minute walk and our exercise for the day. It was our chance to reflect about YBM, future talks, hopes dreams etc. It was a special time in my life where it unfortunately ended when his class was cancelled at YBM and he moved to Seomyeon.
At this night we ate galbei, I introduced him to my wife and we drank soju. This night he also taught me about the Korean manner of exchanging cups after finishing a shot of soju. I have so much more to learn from him and need to make more use of the time.
That was last night...
Today I went to kyungsung university area at a place called Iggae Dae to do my 3 hours of teaching, I had an easy day but today is just not as good as last night..
Onward and upward I go...
Monday, April 19, 2010
GoStop Prophecy
Walking to work today I happened to find yet again another gostop Card. Gostop is a card game that I play with my wife quite often. The point is to try to get matchings by fate and collect a cumulative group of 7 points. Its fun. Gostop is a hard red card and the one that I found was different than the others that I have collected so far.
I go to work everyday and stopping at 6pm is my pleasure. Lately, this school has been giving me enough problems that its all I can do to not walk away. Today was no different. I had a girl flip me off which occasionally happens anyways and the teacher tried to cover it up for her. "oh it must have been a different finger than the one that you said she did. This is the smartest girl in the class, she was one of my favorites but now I don't want to make kids like me simply because I no longer give a shit whether they learn or not.
My heart is no longer in this teaching business. I had so much fun with adults that now being back with kids is still heartache even though its been 2 months thus far.
To make matters worse, I called the agency when I was going home and found out that my pay won't be until tomorrow. I could care less when my pay is going to come because at this moment I am not needing money. I am irritated because last month I got in trouble (with my wife) when my pay was late. I didn't care that it would be another day but because my wife was angry it ruined the date in PNU and I had to call everyone. Jessica my friend, Mrs. Kim my boss, the teachers I work with all just to get an understanding of why I hadn't gotten paid yet.
This time I called the agency and they said my 80 year old boss is just to busy to pay you she will do that tomorrow. Apparently in all the hype she totally spaced out that Sunday was the 18th and today being the 19th its definitely time to go to the bank and put the money into my account.
This woman is trying to sell her part of a franchise. She has a lot of business contracts and quotas to fill and just like every other businessman she passes her work onto others so she can focus her attention onto other things. Typical business ploy and typical Korean greed. I hate that people think their jobs are so much more important than others. I am a teacher just because I make more money than some other occupations doesn't make me feel like I am more important. I have the same respect from a anthropologist to janitor to Zoo keep and anything in between. I expect that people will do their job WHY DO I SERIOUSLY HAVE TO FIGHT PEOPLE FOR MENIAL THINGS?
If you are new to this blog and just an American trying to get a fresh perspective on Korea try not to have too high of expectations. Katherine-If you are reading this could you please tell me more about yourself, do you have a blog can you show me something about yourself. I pour my hear out to everyone who wants to learn or read but not many of my readers want to share about themselves. Please enlighten me.
So Should I go or should I stop going to this school? I am fed up with this system.
Anmin Elementary? Its a disaster in the making.
The game GoStop is making me feel like a debate because this school has left me in a quandary. In some ways it makes me feel like I did back in Gumi. I don't ever want to feel like that again more to follow.
I go to work everyday and stopping at 6pm is my pleasure. Lately, this school has been giving me enough problems that its all I can do to not walk away. Today was no different. I had a girl flip me off which occasionally happens anyways and the teacher tried to cover it up for her. "oh it must have been a different finger than the one that you said she did. This is the smartest girl in the class, she was one of my favorites but now I don't want to make kids like me simply because I no longer give a shit whether they learn or not.
My heart is no longer in this teaching business. I had so much fun with adults that now being back with kids is still heartache even though its been 2 months thus far.
To make matters worse, I called the agency when I was going home and found out that my pay won't be until tomorrow. I could care less when my pay is going to come because at this moment I am not needing money. I am irritated because last month I got in trouble (with my wife) when my pay was late. I didn't care that it would be another day but because my wife was angry it ruined the date in PNU and I had to call everyone. Jessica my friend, Mrs. Kim my boss, the teachers I work with all just to get an understanding of why I hadn't gotten paid yet.
This time I called the agency and they said my 80 year old boss is just to busy to pay you she will do that tomorrow. Apparently in all the hype she totally spaced out that Sunday was the 18th and today being the 19th its definitely time to go to the bank and put the money into my account.
This woman is trying to sell her part of a franchise. She has a lot of business contracts and quotas to fill and just like every other businessman she passes her work onto others so she can focus her attention onto other things. Typical business ploy and typical Korean greed. I hate that people think their jobs are so much more important than others. I am a teacher just because I make more money than some other occupations doesn't make me feel like I am more important. I have the same respect from a anthropologist to janitor to Zoo keep and anything in between. I expect that people will do their job WHY DO I SERIOUSLY HAVE TO FIGHT PEOPLE FOR MENIAL THINGS?
If you are new to this blog and just an American trying to get a fresh perspective on Korea try not to have too high of expectations. Katherine-If you are reading this could you please tell me more about yourself, do you have a blog can you show me something about yourself. I pour my hear out to everyone who wants to learn or read but not many of my readers want to share about themselves. Please enlighten me.
So Should I go or should I stop going to this school? I am fed up with this system.
Anmin Elementary? Its a disaster in the making.
The game GoStop is making me feel like a debate because this school has left me in a quandary. In some ways it makes me feel like I did back in Gumi. I don't ever want to feel like that again more to follow.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Weekend Roller Coaster
On Thursday I had the house to myself as my wife went to visit her family in Gumi for the evening. I had to prepare my own dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day on Friday. After finishing up classes at 6 I went home just angry that my school is still fucking with me.
I want to seriously quit that school asap. So, I went to talk to Jessica about this on Saturday at YBM. After discussing this I had fun with perhaps my best friend in Korea. Mr. Kim is a restaurant owner who treats me lavishly. I feel so spoiled. I always get free coffee, snacks, and sometimes a dinner. I enjoy his company and am happy to have one outlet in this chaos.
On Saturday night my sister in law and her family stayed in the house. It was interesting having a family sleep in our small house together with us. I don't mind because they are family and my niece and nephew are quite fun most of the time.
Today being Sunday we went to the Haeundae Aquarium where we looked at fish, sharks, penquins, and other exotic animals of the sea. Pictures to follow. After that we went to a Raw fish restaurant in Millak dong and ate some very expensive fish.
I got up at 8 am after having gone to bed around 2 in the morning, I went to the Haeundae Aquarium at 11, a restaurant around 2, Bexco for a Science expo at
Friday, April 16, 2010
Answers to your Questions
An After School teacher....
Last December I met with a woman who was the president of the After School Agency. We met and had a lunch in order to discuss job duties, responsibilities and basically my future. It was a short meeting but the main point that I addressed was Teaching time. I wanted to know what my responsibilities were. I was told that I was a co-teacher, I would only teach part of the time (maybe most) I would be paid to teach 4 hours maybe 5 or 6 depending on the school. I would work from 12pm to 6pm or somewhere within those hours. I cared a lot because I take my job seriously.
When I started working at Anmin I was told I would just teach with only one teacher per day and switch the next day. I wouldn't teach 20 minutes and switch classrooms like I originally was told but I would just stay in the same classroom the entire day. I thought that the Korean teacher would translate, initiate the activities at least part time or help me design the curriculum. I am being paid to fulfill my duties as best as I can. I am getting no communication or direction from the Korean staff. Its important that they do their job. They need to stay in the classroom and control the kids at the bare minimum. They need to give some explanations when my lesson is too hard.
Lastly, they shouldn't critique my decisions or strategies. I wanted to have the kids practice some writing. How do you spell April, May etc. The material seems to always be to hard. I treat the kids like someone who has to learn because they certainly don't want to learn. I am furious that my material is disregarded and challenged.
Today I wanted to have the kids raise their hands and give me the answer something really basic and unheard of here in Korea the Korean teacher told me to not have them raise their hands. She said shouting is OK. Lady what planet do you live on? I don't want that in MY classroom.
I hope this answers your questions. I would like to discuss in more detail. I have asked you all many times to please attach your email address or facebook or something so I can learn more about your perspectives. WE should share strategies and ideas.
I don't even know who all of you are Katherine, but maybe I would like to.
Yes I only teach 4 hours but its ironic because most people teach 6 hours. I don't care about the time, the money or the location I just want respect is that too much to ask for? I am trying my best I have for as you mentioned Bryant nearly 3 years. I think my teaching deserves some merit.
Also, most foreigners are always trying to get more money with private teaching and always thinking of doing less and getting more. I just do my job the way I was told and take criticism that isn't earned with a grain of salt. I am not defending myself but trying to do the thing that is right.
Last December I met with a woman who was the president of the After School Agency. We met and had a lunch in order to discuss job duties, responsibilities and basically my future. It was a short meeting but the main point that I addressed was Teaching time. I wanted to know what my responsibilities were. I was told that I was a co-teacher, I would only teach part of the time (maybe most) I would be paid to teach 4 hours maybe 5 or 6 depending on the school. I would work from 12pm to 6pm or somewhere within those hours. I cared a lot because I take my job seriously.
When I started working at Anmin I was told I would just teach with only one teacher per day and switch the next day. I wouldn't teach 20 minutes and switch classrooms like I originally was told but I would just stay in the same classroom the entire day. I thought that the Korean teacher would translate, initiate the activities at least part time or help me design the curriculum. I am being paid to fulfill my duties as best as I can. I am getting no communication or direction from the Korean staff. Its important that they do their job. They need to stay in the classroom and control the kids at the bare minimum. They need to give some explanations when my lesson is too hard.
Lastly, they shouldn't critique my decisions or strategies. I wanted to have the kids practice some writing. How do you spell April, May etc. The material seems to always be to hard. I treat the kids like someone who has to learn because they certainly don't want to learn. I am furious that my material is disregarded and challenged.
Today I wanted to have the kids raise their hands and give me the answer something really basic and unheard of here in Korea the Korean teacher told me to not have them raise their hands. She said shouting is OK. Lady what planet do you live on? I don't want that in MY classroom.
I hope this answers your questions. I would like to discuss in more detail. I have asked you all many times to please attach your email address or facebook or something so I can learn more about your perspectives. WE should share strategies and ideas.
I don't even know who all of you are Katherine, but maybe I would like to.
Yes I only teach 4 hours but its ironic because most people teach 6 hours. I don't care about the time, the money or the location I just want respect is that too much to ask for? I am trying my best I have for as you mentioned Bryant nearly 3 years. I think my teaching deserves some merit.
Also, most foreigners are always trying to get more money with private teaching and always thinking of doing less and getting more. I just do my job the way I was told and take criticism that isn't earned with a grain of salt. I am not defending myself but trying to do the thing that is right.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Teacher lessons
Another day in Yeon-san, another 4 hours down the tube wasted on ignorance and pure stupidity.
I have nothing but complaints for today.
I am sick of this school and think a change is necessary and hopeful in the near future. I go at 1:30 just to try to please the teachers who I will work with on that particular day. I do this so they can discuss their lesson plans, strategies and hopefully hear some positive news.
Today there was nothing of interest reported and there was limited help. The first lesson plan I ended up improvising on the spot. The school has limited equipment, the teachers at the school don't share their power points, CDs, or any other supplies so its a fend for yourself situation.
Throughout the day she would answer her phone and be talking about the agency from my standpoint, she wold be contacting students' parents, and do anything other than tell the kids to follow along. I am not paid to yell at them but I end up having to. I feel like its just like an Academy all over again.
The last straw was when she stepped out of the classroom to talk to a fellow teacher, administrator, or parent and didn't come back for 15 minutes including 5 minutes when the class was over. I teach the whole time now. I thought 45 minutes was enough even too much but now I do most of the work.
Today the teacher also refused to give me any sort of help. She gave a few brief explanations and gave many students some stern looks. This isn't teaching to me its babysitting. I desperately am wanting out.
I am getting 2.5 for 19 hours a week, 4 or less hours a day and I think its crap. A dog could do more than me.
This teacher really is starting to need some teaching lessons on how to be an effective teacher. I can't believe she calls herself a teacher.
I have nothing but complaints for today.
I am sick of this school and think a change is necessary and hopeful in the near future. I go at 1:30 just to try to please the teachers who I will work with on that particular day. I do this so they can discuss their lesson plans, strategies and hopefully hear some positive news.
Today there was nothing of interest reported and there was limited help. The first lesson plan I ended up improvising on the spot. The school has limited equipment, the teachers at the school don't share their power points, CDs, or any other supplies so its a fend for yourself situation.
Throughout the day she would answer her phone and be talking about the agency from my standpoint, she wold be contacting students' parents, and do anything other than tell the kids to follow along. I am not paid to yell at them but I end up having to. I feel like its just like an Academy all over again.
The last straw was when she stepped out of the classroom to talk to a fellow teacher, administrator, or parent and didn't come back for 15 minutes including 5 minutes when the class was over. I teach the whole time now. I thought 45 minutes was enough even too much but now I do most of the work.
Today the teacher also refused to give me any sort of help. She gave a few brief explanations and gave many students some stern looks. This isn't teaching to me its babysitting. I desperately am wanting out.
I am getting 2.5 for 19 hours a week, 4 or less hours a day and I think its crap. A dog could do more than me.
This teacher really is starting to need some teaching lessons on how to be an effective teacher. I can't believe she calls herself a teacher.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Paths Collide
Yesterday I mentioned I got an announcement that I would be going to a new school. At such a short notice this not only surprised me but was quite rude regardless of the cultural background. Its not good to hear from 3rd parties what your job schedule is going to become.
At this new site I work with a woman who just quit YBM. My wife is the one that actually replaced her. She will be quitting again in a month since she will be moving to Canada in May. Its ironic because we have already met each other and working with her is going to be easy. At this new school my path crosses the kids for only 20 minutes. I teach only 8 times and the 8 times are ridiculously easy. I wasn't tired at all and I finished at 4pm.
After work I met my wife in Kyung-sung University to eat Samgyapsal and enjoy our day/evening together. All in all its going to be a nice new job. It was also great to go out and have a mid-week date.
I pray that I can find a new job as soon as possible. I am tired of the 4 classes back to back with 50 minutes. Its not quite the way I imagined teaching. The kids lose interest in 30 minutes and I can't do enough to make them interested. Sometimes its quite pathetic that the kids are falling asleep because their ability is just too low but the Korean teacher expects them to understand what I am saying. Where there is no will there certainly isn't a drive. This country is border-line retarded with motivation. Yet they say Fighting but they truly have no real knowledge of this word. Most people give up and stoop to complaining.
I am sorry I will admit it I hate most of people's thinking in this country they push themselves until they keel yet they believe that here is so much... its not true.
I used to think when East meets west a unique blend could happen but most people are rejecting western ideals (like learning English) or sometimes Eastern ways are frowned upon.
and so when paths cross memories happen... time to go for now part 1 et all.
At this new site I work with a woman who just quit YBM. My wife is the one that actually replaced her. She will be quitting again in a month since she will be moving to Canada in May. Its ironic because we have already met each other and working with her is going to be easy. At this new school my path crosses the kids for only 20 minutes. I teach only 8 times and the 8 times are ridiculously easy. I wasn't tired at all and I finished at 4pm.
After work I met my wife in Kyung-sung University to eat Samgyapsal and enjoy our day/evening together. All in all its going to be a nice new job. It was also great to go out and have a mid-week date.
I pray that I can find a new job as soon as possible. I am tired of the 4 classes back to back with 50 minutes. Its not quite the way I imagined teaching. The kids lose interest in 30 minutes and I can't do enough to make them interested. Sometimes its quite pathetic that the kids are falling asleep because their ability is just too low but the Korean teacher expects them to understand what I am saying. Where there is no will there certainly isn't a drive. This country is border-line retarded with motivation. Yet they say Fighting but they truly have no real knowledge of this word. Most people give up and stoop to complaining.
I am sorry I will admit it I hate most of people's thinking in this country they push themselves until they keel yet they believe that here is so much... its not true.
I used to think when East meets west a unique blend could happen but most people are rejecting western ideals (like learning English) or sometimes Eastern ways are frowned upon.
and so when paths cross memories happen... time to go for now part 1 et all.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
habits and Rules
The habits and manners and beliefs that one may find in the middle of KOREA.
A few questions.... Should certain concepts be held universally or should we all play the rules only in the environment? Do the values of a culture define an individual from another culture or do my own values with intrinsic value hold more weight?
Each day Korean people shave, dress up and wear formal attire under most professional settings including the classroom. Most teachers that are Korean happen to be women and thus we have a new set of rules and regulations that apply.
* I am going to talk about the dress code to begin with. According to my wife and maybe the entire nation of Korea teachers are supposed to be held to a higher standard that average citizens. This is a Confucius thought and sometimes I think its confusing even for Koreans to understand much less follow. Native instructors aren't held to the same beliefs as Korean teachers are but nevertheless they are still judged as being dirty if unshaven, unprofessional if they are wearing jeans, and always scrutinized as making too much money in contrast to their counterpart. I come from a culture who doesn't judge every nook or cranny of my appearance. While looking neat and being ready are important it doesn't make a man less professional for his facial hair. I think Koreans need to wake up and smell the coffee. They waste so much time comparing themselves to others. They can't see their own beauty and how alluring they can be. they also miss the point in what is truly important.
Today at my school I had a communication breakdown. The Agency refused to call me and deal with my new schedule so as a result I had to call them and straighten up my schedule. I believe that my bosses should always clue me in and tell me whats going on before they do it. I think that working for this agency requires more communication and if this doesn't happen I really believe in finding a new job. I am after all an ESL conversation teacher-Communication is the main emphasis of my job. It isn't much but there is something. I heard that they were afraid to deal with an English person over the phone what kind of lunatic ass bullshit is that?
I hope you are laughing your ass off because this company really hocks some lame shit. I want to take their ties and strangle them and take their fancy suit coats and shove it up their asses. I can't believe that a country thinks that a boss can escape talking to their employers. I personally was just going to take the day off since nobody seemed to think I was important enough to talk to.
This country for all of its magical wonders and things that they have overcome have a lot to learn. I really am not so negative but I hate living under these conditions I want something better. I want things the way that they were for me when I was growing up. I think that there needs to be a lot of changes soon.
I taught 4 classes today and its starting to all run together just like the Gumi days. Kids don't appreciate what effort I do. I am literally a pretender in the classroom. I teach some interesting things and show kids important ideas but like today nobody was listening. The Korean teacher wasn't doing anything. There is no sense of co-teaching at all.
I show up 30 minutes before my classes. There is no assistance waiting for me. I get a 5 minute lecture and then its go time. I can't really figure out the system. Mr. Jeong had control, and he showed communication. YBM had a system Levels 1-5 this school has nothing. There is just a long walk looking for coins while waiting for the 50 minutes to end.
MY habits are writing a blog and spouting my feelings about the bullshit that happens. Its unfortunate that there is more negative things here than positive. Sadly, I hate working here because there is nothing but whining complaining and a road to nowhere. yet again
A few questions.... Should certain concepts be held universally or should we all play the rules only in the environment? Do the values of a culture define an individual from another culture or do my own values with intrinsic value hold more weight?
Each day Korean people shave, dress up and wear formal attire under most professional settings including the classroom. Most teachers that are Korean happen to be women and thus we have a new set of rules and regulations that apply.
* I am going to talk about the dress code to begin with. According to my wife and maybe the entire nation of Korea teachers are supposed to be held to a higher standard that average citizens. This is a Confucius thought and sometimes I think its confusing even for Koreans to understand much less follow. Native instructors aren't held to the same beliefs as Korean teachers are but nevertheless they are still judged as being dirty if unshaven, unprofessional if they are wearing jeans, and always scrutinized as making too much money in contrast to their counterpart. I come from a culture who doesn't judge every nook or cranny of my appearance. While looking neat and being ready are important it doesn't make a man less professional for his facial hair. I think Koreans need to wake up and smell the coffee. They waste so much time comparing themselves to others. They can't see their own beauty and how alluring they can be. they also miss the point in what is truly important.
Today at my school I had a communication breakdown. The Agency refused to call me and deal with my new schedule so as a result I had to call them and straighten up my schedule. I believe that my bosses should always clue me in and tell me whats going on before they do it. I think that working for this agency requires more communication and if this doesn't happen I really believe in finding a new job. I am after all an ESL conversation teacher-Communication is the main emphasis of my job. It isn't much but there is something. I heard that they were afraid to deal with an English person over the phone what kind of lunatic ass bullshit is that?
I hope you are laughing your ass off because this company really hocks some lame shit. I want to take their ties and strangle them and take their fancy suit coats and shove it up their asses. I can't believe that a country thinks that a boss can escape talking to their employers. I personally was just going to take the day off since nobody seemed to think I was important enough to talk to.
This country for all of its magical wonders and things that they have overcome have a lot to learn. I really am not so negative but I hate living under these conditions I want something better. I want things the way that they were for me when I was growing up. I think that there needs to be a lot of changes soon.
I taught 4 classes today and its starting to all run together just like the Gumi days. Kids don't appreciate what effort I do. I am literally a pretender in the classroom. I teach some interesting things and show kids important ideas but like today nobody was listening. The Korean teacher wasn't doing anything. There is no sense of co-teaching at all.
I show up 30 minutes before my classes. There is no assistance waiting for me. I get a 5 minute lecture and then its go time. I can't really figure out the system. Mr. Jeong had control, and he showed communication. YBM had a system Levels 1-5 this school has nothing. There is just a long walk looking for coins while waiting for the 50 minutes to end.
MY habits are writing a blog and spouting my feelings about the bullshit that happens. Its unfortunate that there is more negative things here than positive. Sadly, I hate working here because there is nothing but whining complaining and a road to nowhere. yet again
Monday, April 12, 2010
Helping People
So I have been perusing through my old posts and I see that many of my posts are negative and a few have a positive slant. I feel like I am just a news reporter seeing the world through my eyes and trying to be subjective and objective as possible. Naturally I don't want to be negative. I think negative energy breeds hostility and corrupts individuals on a path full of hatred, ignorance and overall a wasted life as well as potential in growth.
To begin with some new ideas and positive energy. I LOVE MY WIFE. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be able to do this job everyday and unfortunately I couldn't be happy here as well. She cooks wonderful meals for me, she takes care of me in every single way possible. We do many wonderful things together whether its playing Gostop at home, walking on the beach, riding on the subway to PNU or NAMPO-dong or just watching The Pretender we spend quality time together.
In our house 305 we have many books and have a shelf of treasure ranging from American treasures from Quinns hot springs, or Missoula, or things that we have collected around Korea. Its nice to look at each day. As I said I feel I don't spend as much time here as I would like. I am seeing the streets in Yeon-san dong too much and its leading no where there.
I have decided that its more important to help people. I need to help my wife more. I need to do things for her that I should be doing naturally but may have neglected in doing so since I have returned.
I have talked to many of of my former friends and these days I feel like everyone has lost sight of their goals and happiness. I don't talk to many people now since they have seemed to have lost their own way. I had a dear friend of mine show me how I could improve myself. She told me that if I try hard to be a teacher and start in Korea I could emerge as a successful person. Because of her I came but now she can't see her own directions and its unfortunate that we can't help each other out.
That's a personal note on a social note we are all wandering around trying to solve the pieces of the puzzle that come to us. We all don't know what to do and we all don't help each other by ignoring the simple pleasantries of life. In a world that has a lot of untold stories and mysteries we are all dooming ourselves by ignoring the basic essentials that we need. Life isn't about work, its not about teaching ABCs its simply about making sure we are all ok at the end of the day.
I had a student kick the Korean teachers dice. The dice is used for her teaching practices. Its used to reward the students or assign a student a seat. This is a personal object of the teachers it wasn't or isn't supposed to be kicked. The lesson in all simplicity is Don't damage other peoples items, you should obviously treat other people's things with more care they aren't mine to deal with. I think this is a basic lesson.
I want to go one step further in my new quest to help people. First, I want people to realize their dreams. Second, I want people to learn the bare basics that we all learned or adhered to in kindergarden or at least we were supposed to. But Finally I would like to help people see what they have and not take things for granted. To give an open hand when someone needs help. I would like to be a guide if possible and show people the way towards finding their own answers. Lastly, living a full completely happy life is important.
Tomorrow is a new day-My teaching is gone to shit but I am ever so hopeful that I can find some new answers and get on a new path. A path where I am walking with my wife to bliss. A happy place for the two of us to always enjoy no matter what.
To begin with some new ideas and positive energy. I LOVE MY WIFE. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be able to do this job everyday and unfortunately I couldn't be happy here as well. She cooks wonderful meals for me, she takes care of me in every single way possible. We do many wonderful things together whether its playing Gostop at home, walking on the beach, riding on the subway to PNU or NAMPO-dong or just watching The Pretender we spend quality time together.
In our house 305 we have many books and have a shelf of treasure ranging from American treasures from Quinns hot springs, or Missoula, or things that we have collected around Korea. Its nice to look at each day. As I said I feel I don't spend as much time here as I would like. I am seeing the streets in Yeon-san dong too much and its leading no where there.
I have decided that its more important to help people. I need to help my wife more. I need to do things for her that I should be doing naturally but may have neglected in doing so since I have returned.
I have talked to many of of my former friends and these days I feel like everyone has lost sight of their goals and happiness. I don't talk to many people now since they have seemed to have lost their own way. I had a dear friend of mine show me how I could improve myself. She told me that if I try hard to be a teacher and start in Korea I could emerge as a successful person. Because of her I came but now she can't see her own directions and its unfortunate that we can't help each other out.
That's a personal note on a social note we are all wandering around trying to solve the pieces of the puzzle that come to us. We all don't know what to do and we all don't help each other by ignoring the simple pleasantries of life. In a world that has a lot of untold stories and mysteries we are all dooming ourselves by ignoring the basic essentials that we need. Life isn't about work, its not about teaching ABCs its simply about making sure we are all ok at the end of the day.
I had a student kick the Korean teachers dice. The dice is used for her teaching practices. Its used to reward the students or assign a student a seat. This is a personal object of the teachers it wasn't or isn't supposed to be kicked. The lesson in all simplicity is Don't damage other peoples items, you should obviously treat other people's things with more care they aren't mine to deal with. I think this is a basic lesson.
I want to go one step further in my new quest to help people. First, I want people to realize their dreams. Second, I want people to learn the bare basics that we all learned or adhered to in kindergarden or at least we were supposed to. But Finally I would like to help people see what they have and not take things for granted. To give an open hand when someone needs help. I would like to be a guide if possible and show people the way towards finding their own answers. Lastly, living a full completely happy life is important.
Tomorrow is a new day-My teaching is gone to shit but I am ever so hopeful that I can find some new answers and get on a new path. A path where I am walking with my wife to bliss. A happy place for the two of us to always enjoy no matter what.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Power of Being
I think people spend most of their lives in search for meaning. They want to know who they are and what they are capable of. It doesn't matter what profession they go into or what they study but we are all striving for answers for our existence.
I went to Nampo-dong today to meet an old friend of mine. Just talking to him and sipping on some coffee made me feel better about my surroundings. I have a 2 day respite a full weekend off this month unlike any other time I have had in Korea thus far. The power of (human) beings is in constant evolution and making connections is so important. A new perspective can change the way how one feels about the current situation. Last weekend Dell, the new YBM director encouraged me he planted some seeds in my future. This weekend Mr. Kim helped me see life in a different aura. I am lucky that I have great people around here. I may dislike Korea and feel a lot of negativity due to my battles in the classroom, on the streets or just inside my head but having some time for speculation always clears my head.
We discussed many things. In particular we talked about Jobs. I mentioned a fact that I believe to be true in today's modern world. Its who you know that's important. In the job market I could get lucky and score big if I know someone who has a great place for me in their working environment. I want to take this one step further and point out that while this may be true the Golden rule that I learned as a kid still applies...
Simply reaching out with Random Acts of Kindness is critical to our being. I think if we disregard the tangible results and rewards we can uncover the true oneness that burns in each of us. Regardless of where we come from.
I have been watching a lot of THE PRETENDER lately and in this show one man named Jarod is on a lifelong quest to find out who he is and in the process he is changing the world-one person at a time while at the same time seeing humanity for the first time. Its really a unique show because it should make us all realize life's potentials.
Life's a gift we should live it up.
here I am back in my humble abode room 305 thinking of signing off for the evening my posts are always a little bit incomplete but hopefully leaving you thinking I welcome your comments!
I went to Nampo-dong today to meet an old friend of mine. Just talking to him and sipping on some coffee made me feel better about my surroundings. I have a 2 day respite a full weekend off this month unlike any other time I have had in Korea thus far. The power of (human) beings is in constant evolution and making connections is so important. A new perspective can change the way how one feels about the current situation. Last weekend Dell, the new YBM director encouraged me he planted some seeds in my future. This weekend Mr. Kim helped me see life in a different aura. I am lucky that I have great people around here. I may dislike Korea and feel a lot of negativity due to my battles in the classroom, on the streets or just inside my head but having some time for speculation always clears my head.
We discussed many things. In particular we talked about Jobs. I mentioned a fact that I believe to be true in today's modern world. Its who you know that's important. In the job market I could get lucky and score big if I know someone who has a great place for me in their working environment. I want to take this one step further and point out that while this may be true the Golden rule that I learned as a kid still applies...
Simply reaching out with Random Acts of Kindness is critical to our being. I think if we disregard the tangible results and rewards we can uncover the true oneness that burns in each of us. Regardless of where we come from.
I have been watching a lot of THE PRETENDER lately and in this show one man named Jarod is on a lifelong quest to find out who he is and in the process he is changing the world-one person at a time while at the same time seeing humanity for the first time. Its really a unique show because it should make us all realize life's potentials.
Life's a gift we should live it up.
here I am back in my humble abode room 305 thinking of signing off for the evening my posts are always a little bit incomplete but hopefully leaving you thinking I welcome your comments!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Room 305
I have been watching too much Pretender lately. This show is incredible actually. I miss it a lot from when I was a child. I shared this with my father and brother. Room 305 happens to be our home in the Gwangan liz ville apartments.
In our home we have many projects going on. My wife is sewing currently. She is making some slippers and lately she just finished a curtain. Our home is getting more homelier but its also a little small to me. Its perfect for us but because its in a high rise apartment (only 4 levels) there isn't much space....I guess its a good thing there isn't a sub-level in our apartment...right?
In many ways I still haven't settled in to our new home. I am kind of lazy or real lazy according to my wife. I don't cook at all, I don't do housework or do the dishes I offer but tis always met with skepticism and sometimes I feel bad because of that.
All things aside I also am gone most of the time. I work only 4 hours but I leave my house around 1pm and get back a little bit before 7. When I get home I eat a delicious meal prepared by my wife. It was really good today I ate meatballs!
Its unfortunately my bed time and I will have to continue this story or a new one tomorrow.
I am doing some rummaging or trying to sift through things in my life. Rearrange all of my elements from teaching styles, correspondences, and cleanliness in the house.
I hope to write again more soon. Please write some comments etc. I want to hear from you as soon as possible.
In our home we have many projects going on. My wife is sewing currently. She is making some slippers and lately she just finished a curtain. Our home is getting more homelier but its also a little small to me. Its perfect for us but because its in a high rise apartment (only 4 levels) there isn't much space....I guess its a good thing there isn't a sub-level in our apartment...right?
In many ways I still haven't settled in to our new home. I am kind of lazy or real lazy according to my wife. I don't cook at all, I don't do housework or do the dishes I offer but tis always met with skepticism and sometimes I feel bad because of that.
All things aside I also am gone most of the time. I work only 4 hours but I leave my house around 1pm and get back a little bit before 7. When I get home I eat a delicious meal prepared by my wife. It was really good today I ate meatballs!
Its unfortunately my bed time and I will have to continue this story or a new one tomorrow.
I am doing some rummaging or trying to sift through things in my life. Rearrange all of my elements from teaching styles, correspondences, and cleanliness in the house.
I hope to write again more soon. Please write some comments etc. I want to hear from you as soon as possible.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Out in the Country
A found a piece that I had written over a year ago about my first arrival to Busan...here it is...
OUT of the Country
I have been in Korea for 9 days now. Its amazing how fast time seems to go here already for me. I want to do a quick wrap up because I don’t know how much time I will have to write adequate stories in the near future.
I arrived 2 Sundays ago with no hassles or delays. I got my baggage and went through customs just like before but this time with a sense of familiarity. I got on the bus in order to meet my associate trainer for my three day orientation program. Unfortunately along the way the bus driver lost my baggage and my ride didn’t pick me up. His wedding anniversary was more important and he couldn’t have scheduled someone else. Instead he made me wander around the streets for 2 hours looking for the Samsung motel where I would stay for my first 3 days in Korea. I was livid.
Orientation was fun! I was hanging out with mainly British people but also a few other foreigners all of whom were decent folks and a pleasure to have met them. After this stint was finished I was given a KTX ticket and headed to Busan where I was to meet up with my gf and also my new job site. KTX is the fastest train in Korea.
Christmas! That was the best day in Korea because it was the day I was looking forward to seeing all year. My happiness of seeing my gf get off the train was speechless. We had some good food even though I am still getting used to the time difference and we shopped a little. Christina bought me some nice shirts and pants for my job. They look really good on me^^
I got a new phone it’s a pre-paid phone it cost me a total of 100 dollars and I will have to add more on it later so I am saving the minutes right now.
Work looks to be alright. I will have 8 classes a day for the month of January when I will be officially starting.
This past weekend I went to Daegu and met my girlfriend again there. Daegu was always a nice getaway but I hope that we can do more in Busan or Seoul with each other. Daegu is a good place to go shopping and eating only I think.
I fell asleep on the train on the way back to Busan and was awakened by a passenger as they were all getting off. Busan is the final destination and I think I was the last person off the train. If they didn’t wake me I would have went back to Seoul later that night. The final run.
This ends that story but it makes me remember what it means to be a traveller again and shows me a shadow of my former self as I began to slowly adjust to here. Sadly all of those days and times are over but I am continually disembarking on a new journey..yet again I am soon going to set foot out towards Yeonsan.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Full Time Part-Timer
I should consider myself lucky..Why one may ask? Well I have 4 hours a day which is truly considered part-time but I get paid for a full day. I don't care about that I just want to focus on my teaching so I am going to try to put things into perspective.
Today is Wednesday and my lucky day is that I get to venture out to Shinjae Elementary near Centum City. I only teach at this school once a week. This school has had its schedule change on me just like Anmin but the rational has been different. While working at Anmin I have seen my schedule go from 1 to 5 to a morning schedule (one week) back to 1 to 5 and now 2 to 6 for the past month. At Shinjae I worked from 12:50-4:40 I have had a snow day, a 2 week vacation, and now for the last 2 times I have taught an extra hour until 5:30.
I like it at Shinjae. The kids are terrible. They are a disrespectful lot and they can get away with it because their parents force them to go there. Today there were parents wandering the halls for some god awful reason. I hate parents they think their kids are angels on earth and its a a sickening attitude that really needs to be changed. When I was a kid if I did something wrong my parents punished me accordingly.
Today a rumor is going around that I am going to be shipped out because my agency wants to reschedule. Well Damn you Miss. Kim. I wanted you to find a solution at my school at Yeon-san. I have 2 Korean teachers who gossip, try to be the boss, and don't do to much. Their school is a little too lax. While they give me some benefits its not enough. I have a program at Shinjae that isn't so bad but nobody seems to ask for my input. The latest is that the Koreans in Yeon-san inquire about my job in Shinjae and heard news before I did about my future.
I am really tired of this program. Bottom line is that I don't care about my hours, pay or school. I care about my wife number 1. And myself #2. I would rather work a desk job and get almost the same amount of pay. Morality and honor are more valuable to me than all the money in the world.
If I quit Shinjae I would really like to come private teach there and make some additional money. I am hoping that a new job will find me as soon as possible.
The biggest goal about being a full time part timer is that I can write my book, go to school and relax most of the time while making some extra money on the side. I am praying a new job will find me as soon as poosible.
Anyone want to bet my co-worker will be the biggest bitch tomorrow?
Today is Wednesday and my lucky day is that I get to venture out to Shinjae Elementary near Centum City. I only teach at this school once a week. This school has had its schedule change on me just like Anmin but the rational has been different. While working at Anmin I have seen my schedule go from 1 to 5 to a morning schedule (one week) back to 1 to 5 and now 2 to 6 for the past month. At Shinjae I worked from 12:50-4:40 I have had a snow day, a 2 week vacation, and now for the last 2 times I have taught an extra hour until 5:30.
I like it at Shinjae. The kids are terrible. They are a disrespectful lot and they can get away with it because their parents force them to go there. Today there were parents wandering the halls for some god awful reason. I hate parents they think their kids are angels on earth and its a a sickening attitude that really needs to be changed. When I was a kid if I did something wrong my parents punished me accordingly.
Today a rumor is going around that I am going to be shipped out because my agency wants to reschedule. Well Damn you Miss. Kim. I wanted you to find a solution at my school at Yeon-san. I have 2 Korean teachers who gossip, try to be the boss, and don't do to much. Their school is a little too lax. While they give me some benefits its not enough. I have a program at Shinjae that isn't so bad but nobody seems to ask for my input. The latest is that the Koreans in Yeon-san inquire about my job in Shinjae and heard news before I did about my future.
I am really tired of this program. Bottom line is that I don't care about my hours, pay or school. I care about my wife number 1. And myself #2. I would rather work a desk job and get almost the same amount of pay. Morality and honor are more valuable to me than all the money in the world.
If I quit Shinjae I would really like to come private teach there and make some additional money. I am hoping that a new job will find me as soon as possible.
The biggest goal about being a full time part timer is that I can write my book, go to school and relax most of the time while making some extra money on the side. I am praying a new job will find me as soon as poosible.
Anyone want to bet my co-worker will be the biggest bitch tomorrow?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dime Chaser
My latest hobby again....
Living in a big city has its perks. For one thing people don't care about who you are. I know this sounds cold but most people don't label me as a foreigner but just see me as another passerby who is going about my own business. Another thing that is great about city life is people watching-I watch people all the time sum up other people or compare themselves. For example, a woman carrying an expensive bag and wearing expensive clothes is sized up by all the people riding the subway. Possible thoughts are: Is she rich? Does she have a boyfriend? Why does she wear a mini-skirt? Am I too fat? These are all of the possible answers and perhaps more that may enter ones mind. Matching exercise-an old woman may think Why is she wearing a mini-skirt, while another woman is thinking about her own weight...its humorous to me because people can't ever be happy with who they are.
That's natural I know that we are all wanting more and hoping to move to better or higher positions especially when its involving work but that obsessive routines I see on the subway really get to me. I really want to write down all of my observations since each morning or time I get on the subway I am doing a personal social field study to see how mankind is interacting with each other. Its not really pleasant my results. There just isn't any sense of care or thought behind the actions but rather out of a sense of instinct.
Actions are similar to a mouse finding a piece of cheese. An old man gets on the subway a teeny bopper gets up and gives his or her seat. The sign chimes the next stop and people rush to the door pushing or nudging just to get closer.
Am I hypercritical? Am I boring you to death yet? Its sure monotonous around here.
So as I mentioned I take to my hobby I am paying more attention to my surroundings and trying to gain a sense of what is happening around me. Chasing dimes is my newest thing. Dimes don't exist in Korea its similar to 10 won but that is closer to value to a penny. For the past 2 weeks I have found some extra income. It is income that actually makes me happy.
I don't know why i have some joy finding coins but I do. Today I only found 10won. It had been ran over by many cars but a penny is a penny. Yesterday I found 1000 won, before that I had found 200-400 won a few times, and I have also brought home 60 won home a few times. Last week it was raining- It was Wednesday and I was on my way to shinjae. I don't believe in God but I asked him to allow me to find a coin, or preferably a Mybi card, anything just to make my day brighter. He awarded me with 60won. I think I may be weird but its a perk for me to get me through the day.
I could use that money to buy a cup of coffee or candy at the convenience store but instead I store it in Mrs. Piggy. I have almost 5000won I believe in coins already and I just started last month. This is my way of saving for a personal budget!
Living in a big city has its perks. For one thing people don't care about who you are. I know this sounds cold but most people don't label me as a foreigner but just see me as another passerby who is going about my own business. Another thing that is great about city life is people watching-I watch people all the time sum up other people or compare themselves. For example, a woman carrying an expensive bag and wearing expensive clothes is sized up by all the people riding the subway. Possible thoughts are: Is she rich? Does she have a boyfriend? Why does she wear a mini-skirt? Am I too fat? These are all of the possible answers and perhaps more that may enter ones mind. Matching exercise-an old woman may think Why is she wearing a mini-skirt, while another woman is thinking about her own weight...its humorous to me because people can't ever be happy with who they are.
That's natural I know that we are all wanting more and hoping to move to better or higher positions especially when its involving work but that obsessive routines I see on the subway really get to me. I really want to write down all of my observations since each morning or time I get on the subway I am doing a personal social field study to see how mankind is interacting with each other. Its not really pleasant my results. There just isn't any sense of care or thought behind the actions but rather out of a sense of instinct.
Actions are similar to a mouse finding a piece of cheese. An old man gets on the subway a teeny bopper gets up and gives his or her seat. The sign chimes the next stop and people rush to the door pushing or nudging just to get closer.
Am I hypercritical? Am I boring you to death yet? Its sure monotonous around here.
So as I mentioned I take to my hobby I am paying more attention to my surroundings and trying to gain a sense of what is happening around me. Chasing dimes is my newest thing. Dimes don't exist in Korea its similar to 10 won but that is closer to value to a penny. For the past 2 weeks I have found some extra income. It is income that actually makes me happy.
I don't know why i have some joy finding coins but I do. Today I only found 10won. It had been ran over by many cars but a penny is a penny. Yesterday I found 1000 won, before that I had found 200-400 won a few times, and I have also brought home 60 won home a few times. Last week it was raining- It was Wednesday and I was on my way to shinjae. I don't believe in God but I asked him to allow me to find a coin, or preferably a Mybi card, anything just to make my day brighter. He awarded me with 60won. I think I may be weird but its a perk for me to get me through the day.
I could use that money to buy a cup of coffee or candy at the convenience store but instead I store it in Mrs. Piggy. I have almost 5000won I believe in coins already and I just started last month. This is my way of saving for a personal budget!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Big City Life
I really wonder what is happening in the city all the time. First off many people flock here because there is just so much more to do here than their is in the countryside like Daejeo. But the irony is, is that Daejeo puts on a festival at least once a year while the main features of the city don't have a special event like a Tomato festival.
I work in the Eastern part of the city. i take a subway to work that travels only 7 stops on 2 lines. The distance is quite small in contrast to the entire city. The place I used to work is 40 minutes away from where I work and live. Its amazing to think about that to me. The hustle and bustle of the city life will never cease to amaze me.
There are a few notes that happened today that I want to write about. First off, I got a small reprimand at work. The teacher I work with does very little to help me. She gives me some school powerpoint for a lesson, makes a few comments to the children like listen and wake up etc etc. and she may give some review either at the end or in the middle of class. This is most of her job responsibilities but she hasn't lived up to them so far. In my opinion 50 minutes is too long to teach children, the Korean teacher should do some more translating and also help do some lesson plans. I teach 5 days a week but when I am in her class she only teaches 3 days-the three days I am not working with her.
I had a discussion about this. my job responsibilities in relationship to my pay. I also talked about the relationship I have with the kids. She also wondered what gossip I had spread to Jessica who in turn mentioned something to her boss. Frankly, I was shocked that I had to get into it with my colleague yet again.
Busan is the home of 4.5 million people. There are 34 stops on line 1, 42 stops on line 2, and 17 on line 3. There are many other places in Busan I haven't even heard of much less been to yet. In my home state there are many interesting places that I hadn't been to. I could honestly spend a lifetime traversing the Flathead river, hiking the peaks in the Majestic Glacier park and if I am bored go down to Yellowstone. There was so much to do there and i wouldn't have to listen to the bullshit that is spewed here.
The truth is, is that the Koreans only care about money, the number of students and try to make quick profits. I am sick of dealing with it. I worked at YALE academy, where I thought my boss was engineering bad business tactics and not helping the teachers but he unfortunately wasn't the worst. YBM as great a company as they are exploited me for all the greed they could get from me. I worked a job that gave YBM 2,000 dollars a month. I had to do all the work (Everything) and I only got 350 dollars as overtime pay....so what thats business right? Well they took me for all the pennies they could squeeze and pushed me away but now the director is gone and a new age is starting at this company and for the time being I am happy to be part of it.
There is 4 YBM Centers in Busan and now I am apart of one again!
This new job sucks. I don't care about the pay its great.... i don't care about the hours its great I care about the treatment and the attitudes. These people are making me sick the stench of money and hollow interests is reeking. I may be mean, I may be prejudiced but I really fucking hate this country. They are just a bunch of greedy bastards looking to rip people off.
Right now half the people I know are depressed in their life...I think its pathetic that they can't look at life in a new light...
before you get your red pens out and blast me an email or post saying how negative this rage seems to be I want you to think about this. 1. you are not in my shoes. 2. I am trying to get you to think 3. I am not really so prejudiced... i am trying to find the brighter aspects of here... living with my wife, blogging, traveling, subways, food etc.
i hate politics, i hate whiny people, I don't like the condescending attitude from old people and I don't like the education system which is fraudulent. its set up to fail and more than that to just go in a spiraling downward cycle that leads to nowhere. Until the real eye-opening begins and the blame is cast aside this country has no hope.
My point is that I am a small person who wields little power in Busan so why am i being shafted for all the stupidity in this country?
I work in the Eastern part of the city. i take a subway to work that travels only 7 stops on 2 lines. The distance is quite small in contrast to the entire city. The place I used to work is 40 minutes away from where I work and live. Its amazing to think about that to me. The hustle and bustle of the city life will never cease to amaze me.
There are a few notes that happened today that I want to write about. First off, I got a small reprimand at work. The teacher I work with does very little to help me. She gives me some school powerpoint for a lesson, makes a few comments to the children like listen and wake up etc etc. and she may give some review either at the end or in the middle of class. This is most of her job responsibilities but she hasn't lived up to them so far. In my opinion 50 minutes is too long to teach children, the Korean teacher should do some more translating and also help do some lesson plans. I teach 5 days a week but when I am in her class she only teaches 3 days-the three days I am not working with her.
I had a discussion about this. my job responsibilities in relationship to my pay. I also talked about the relationship I have with the kids. She also wondered what gossip I had spread to Jessica who in turn mentioned something to her boss. Frankly, I was shocked that I had to get into it with my colleague yet again.
Busan is the home of 4.5 million people. There are 34 stops on line 1, 42 stops on line 2, and 17 on line 3. There are many other places in Busan I haven't even heard of much less been to yet. In my home state there are many interesting places that I hadn't been to. I could honestly spend a lifetime traversing the Flathead river, hiking the peaks in the Majestic Glacier park and if I am bored go down to Yellowstone. There was so much to do there and i wouldn't have to listen to the bullshit that is spewed here.
The truth is, is that the Koreans only care about money, the number of students and try to make quick profits. I am sick of dealing with it. I worked at YALE academy, where I thought my boss was engineering bad business tactics and not helping the teachers but he unfortunately wasn't the worst. YBM as great a company as they are exploited me for all the greed they could get from me. I worked a job that gave YBM 2,000 dollars a month. I had to do all the work (Everything) and I only got 350 dollars as overtime pay....so what thats business right? Well they took me for all the pennies they could squeeze and pushed me away but now the director is gone and a new age is starting at this company and for the time being I am happy to be part of it.
There is 4 YBM Centers in Busan and now I am apart of one again!
This new job sucks. I don't care about the pay its great.... i don't care about the hours its great I care about the treatment and the attitudes. These people are making me sick the stench of money and hollow interests is reeking. I may be mean, I may be prejudiced but I really fucking hate this country. They are just a bunch of greedy bastards looking to rip people off.
Right now half the people I know are depressed in their life...I think its pathetic that they can't look at life in a new light...
before you get your red pens out and blast me an email or post saying how negative this rage seems to be I want you to think about this. 1. you are not in my shoes. 2. I am trying to get you to think 3. I am not really so prejudiced... i am trying to find the brighter aspects of here... living with my wife, blogging, traveling, subways, food etc.
i hate politics, i hate whiny people, I don't like the condescending attitude from old people and I don't like the education system which is fraudulent. its set up to fail and more than that to just go in a spiraling downward cycle that leads to nowhere. Until the real eye-opening begins and the blame is cast aside this country has no hope.
My point is that I am a small person who wields little power in Busan so why am i being shafted for all the stupidity in this country?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Tomato Girl
April 4th... 2010
Today marks the end of the Tomato festival in Daejeo Busan. Daejeo is the terminal station on line 3 and leads to a big open green farm field. In this field are dozens of crops of assorted variety but mainly greenhouses containing tomatoes. Annually there is a festival in Daejeo that comes on the first Saturday of the month.
After getting up we hit the subway late in the morning. We rode the subway for 30 minutes to get to our destination. It was a fun ride for me because I hadn't been to many of the stops along the way. Each day I travel from Suyeong-Mangmi-Baesan-Mulmangol-Yeonsan but today I went on 16 out of the 17 stops. I got off at Sports park where the festival was taken place.
From Gupo station (a train depot) to my destination was all outside so while traveling you could catch a great view of the Nakdong river and see the mountainous side of Busan. After getting off at Sports park we wandered around looking at tomatoes and eating some chicken.
I got a free tomato because I asked my wife if people would eat the tomatoes that were on display for a prize and a man overheard me and gave me one saying its delicious. I was the only foreigner at the festival. Two women asked me if they could get their picture taken with me.
I felt I was special since there were hundreds of Busanians there but just me the lone white guy in a thick crowded area gazing at tomatoes.
the smells were pleasant and being in the countryside of Busan sure felt different that being back in the city life.
A league away on the other-side of the world people mainly of christian persuasion were celebrating a day of Jesus known as Easter. I only miss the days of petting Mister my uncles cat and finding eggs with Matt, Desiree and Jack. I don't really see the connotation with Jesus but its not my business it was a lucky family day and I guess I should be thankful since now those day are sadly over.
*I will be adding to this post at a later time. Its now 7:30 and I have to go back to work tomorrow my wife is sick and I should do something for her.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
In My Stead
Today was filled with new perspectives. Yesterday I was told that I would be not able to work at YBM this month of April. I was disappointed because I am on the verge of making a year long contract with YBM and therefore starting in May I will be working a lot more back in the old Stomping grounds! The only bad news out of this is that I will have to wait another 28 days.
In a twist of fate it was my wife's first day of teaching at YBM. I am so happy because she is YBM material. I went to Nampo-dong to help her out since we are both still sickly. I am on the recovery while she is in the worst stage slightly feverish.
I am looking at the prospect of working with my wife next month and that will be exciting. It was too bad that YBM didn't have a lot of business this month but there is always next time.
While at Nampo-dong I talked to my future boss. Dell, the man who replaced Andrew as Supervisor. Arthur, Josh, and James should consider themselves so lucky now. Dell is a team player and something that Andrew wasn't able to fulfill. i ended up talking to Dell for a couple hours-In theory I may be able to work at YBM teaching a business class and also do weekend work!
It was my role today as a house-husband I cooked Spaghetti for lunch and dinner it was quite good but I am not used to this role. I was just happy to see my wife come home so we could eat and talk about the day.
As I said yesterday in my post here is a toast-------
Here's to new beginnings as well as endings. My wife enjoyed her first day of teaching and I am sure that the future is more promising! I learned a lot today and sadly I had more fun than I have in a while. I am tired, I am still sickly, and I am not working nor am I doing the the thing that I truly want but I have some new ideas. Here's to the FUTURE.
In a twist of fate it was my wife's first day of teaching at YBM. I am so happy because she is YBM material. I went to Nampo-dong to help her out since we are both still sickly. I am on the recovery while she is in the worst stage slightly feverish.
I am looking at the prospect of working with my wife next month and that will be exciting. It was too bad that YBM didn't have a lot of business this month but there is always next time.
While at Nampo-dong I talked to my future boss. Dell, the man who replaced Andrew as Supervisor. Arthur, Josh, and James should consider themselves so lucky now. Dell is a team player and something that Andrew wasn't able to fulfill. i ended up talking to Dell for a couple hours-In theory I may be able to work at YBM teaching a business class and also do weekend work!
It was my role today as a house-husband I cooked Spaghetti for lunch and dinner it was quite good but I am not used to this role. I was just happy to see my wife come home so we could eat and talk about the day.
As I said yesterday in my post here is a toast-------
Here's to new beginnings as well as endings. My wife enjoyed her first day of teaching and I am sure that the future is more promising! I learned a lot today and sadly I had more fun than I have in a while. I am tired, I am still sickly, and I am not working nor am I doing the the thing that I truly want but I have some new ideas. Here's to the FUTURE.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
New Beginnings
April 1st 2010~ A fools day among us.
I am sick still and actually had a hard time doing basic things like walking and just talking in the classroom. I am struggling with my teaching. Its something that shames me a great deal because its just not the job that I would like to do and I can't do it as well as I can. I haven't said this but its not because of the bullshit the Korean teachers are putting me through, or the kids lack of drive but it has to do with my ability at least part of it does. I am dealing with an imperfect school in a far from perfect society as an impostor thus playing a Fool-Today being an April Fool.
Working 2-6 has many benefits. The obvious one being I can sleep in and stay up late. I don't care how many work hours it really is though. I think its important to think of the type of work, enjoyment of the job and satisfaction level as well.
Its a new start hopefully a fresh start for the year-There are only 269 more days left of 2010- i am hoping to make them count for something more than just trivial.
Any suggestions???????????????????????????//
I am sick still and actually had a hard time doing basic things like walking and just talking in the classroom. I am struggling with my teaching. Its something that shames me a great deal because its just not the job that I would like to do and I can't do it as well as I can. I haven't said this but its not because of the bullshit the Korean teachers are putting me through, or the kids lack of drive but it has to do with my ability at least part of it does. I am dealing with an imperfect school in a far from perfect society as an impostor thus playing a Fool-Today being an April Fool.
Working 2-6 has many benefits. The obvious one being I can sleep in and stay up late. I don't care how many work hours it really is though. I think its important to think of the type of work, enjoyment of the job and satisfaction level as well.
Its a new start hopefully a fresh start for the year-There are only 269 more days left of 2010- i am hoping to make them count for something more than just trivial.
Any suggestions???????????????????????????//
Weddings in Korea-a tale of a happy SAJU
On November 29th, 2009 an important event happened in my life. I got married.
This was the happiest day of my life. It was something that I was waiting for ever since I left Gumi back in August of 2008. When I left a part of my soul had died for I had decided it was more important to leave and return to my heaven-Missoula than stay behind and battle the unfortunate circumstances that enshrouded Yale Academy. For 4 months I felt terrible and had to return to Korea. It was for this reason that I gave Korea a second chance. When I got married I didn’t write about it much because I was too busy in preparation for the special day.
So when I came back to Korea I didn’t waste anytime. I met my wife on Christmas and was able to spend my first two days back in Busan with her. I wasn’t going to start working until January 2nd, so I was also able to enjoy a New Year celebration in Daegu with her the following week. It was decided that I would be going to Gumi to meet her parents later that month for the New year in the lunar holiday. I was officially going to get married at this time.
So I started YBM and my ESL Career with adults was underway. I even had a bonus because I was given a kids’ program that gave me a small amount of overtime pay. I was riding high on cloud 9 so to speak, a new job, a new city, and soon to be married. Looking back I don’t know why I was in such a big rush. All I know is that I had met the woman of my dreams and wanted nothing short of spending time with her. It was also at this time that I would truly learn the meaning of Korean weddings.
To begin with the expectations are a lot higher than that of a western wedding. For example, in most occasions if not all the groom is expected to buy a house for the newlywed couple. Money is a huge factor as well as age, job and location.
I was in a big hurry to get married. I had just arrived to Busan and was hoping that we could get married at our convenience. I had just flown across the world to be with my bride and following traditional practices in my country it is usually agreed that the bride and groom plan a wedding date in accordance to their wishes. I was in for a big surprise when it was the brides’ father that determines the date. Not only this but a fortune teller known as a Saju picks the day.
I grew up thinking that fortune tellers were people just smoking dope and living a life being high all the time. All of this talk about this star lining up with that one was just garbage and a waste of talent skill and time but that’s the way of things here. Wasting time. In the tradition of the Lunar Calendar a date was set that was picked by the fortune teller that was best for the two of us depending on the date we were born.
Today is my 123rd day since I got married. There is no important meaning behind the date April 1st. I just wanted to let some readers know about Korean wedding traditions. I enjoy reading Horoscopes and predicting the future based on some hidden signs or meanings that we have to find for ourselves but a saju is still just a man and a man that may not be as intelligent as most people
Here is some superstitions that I have come to believe over the past 20 years. When I was in my youth I wrote a book-the main character was me and I was especially close to a girl named Kim, she had black hair. Although she was my sister in the book I believe I was thinking of my wife even then. I know it’s a stretch. When I was in college I had many Asian friends and they all told me that I would be perfect for an Asian women. Whether those predictions are true or not is a different story.
In conclusion, weddings may be slightly different in any culture but a marriage is still a marriage.
This was the happiest day of my life. It was something that I was waiting for ever since I left Gumi back in August of 2008. When I left a part of my soul had died for I had decided it was more important to leave and return to my heaven-Missoula than stay behind and battle the unfortunate circumstances that enshrouded Yale Academy. For 4 months I felt terrible and had to return to Korea. It was for this reason that I gave Korea a second chance. When I got married I didn’t write about it much because I was too busy in preparation for the special day.
So when I came back to Korea I didn’t waste anytime. I met my wife on Christmas and was able to spend my first two days back in Busan with her. I wasn’t going to start working until January 2nd, so I was also able to enjoy a New Year celebration in Daegu with her the following week. It was decided that I would be going to Gumi to meet her parents later that month for the New year in the lunar holiday. I was officially going to get married at this time.
So I started YBM and my ESL Career with adults was underway. I even had a bonus because I was given a kids’ program that gave me a small amount of overtime pay. I was riding high on cloud 9 so to speak, a new job, a new city, and soon to be married. Looking back I don’t know why I was in such a big rush. All I know is that I had met the woman of my dreams and wanted nothing short of spending time with her. It was also at this time that I would truly learn the meaning of Korean weddings.
To begin with the expectations are a lot higher than that of a western wedding. For example, in most occasions if not all the groom is expected to buy a house for the newlywed couple. Money is a huge factor as well as age, job and location.
I was in a big hurry to get married. I had just arrived to Busan and was hoping that we could get married at our convenience. I had just flown across the world to be with my bride and following traditional practices in my country it is usually agreed that the bride and groom plan a wedding date in accordance to their wishes. I was in for a big surprise when it was the brides’ father that determines the date. Not only this but a fortune teller known as a Saju picks the day.
I grew up thinking that fortune tellers were people just smoking dope and living a life being high all the time. All of this talk about this star lining up with that one was just garbage and a waste of talent skill and time but that’s the way of things here. Wasting time. In the tradition of the Lunar Calendar a date was set that was picked by the fortune teller that was best for the two of us depending on the date we were born.
Today is my 123rd day since I got married. There is no important meaning behind the date April 1st. I just wanted to let some readers know about Korean wedding traditions. I enjoy reading Horoscopes and predicting the future based on some hidden signs or meanings that we have to find for ourselves but a saju is still just a man and a man that may not be as intelligent as most people
Here is some superstitions that I have come to believe over the past 20 years. When I was in my youth I wrote a book-the main character was me and I was especially close to a girl named Kim, she had black hair. Although she was my sister in the book I believe I was thinking of my wife even then. I know it’s a stretch. When I was in college I had many Asian friends and they all told me that I would be perfect for an Asian women. Whether those predictions are true or not is a different story.
In conclusion, weddings may be slightly different in any culture but a marriage is still a marriage.
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