It has been a little over 3 weeks since I quit my job and so far I haven't regretted it. I am still working a lot at YBM. This month I got a few substitute hours during the week for Jim and Dell and I put together a new successful Saturday program that I hope to expand next month!
I also have picked up a new business writing course and a few other additional assignments. Its keeping me on my toes. Its so hot here and I am spending most of my time at home.
We are cleaning out our house in hopes to get some more space, rid the roaches, and start again this coming fall. I am really looking forward to September and hope that my writing can take off. I really like writing and want to do more with this site as well as my writing in general.
In the future I am hoping to get out of my home more as well as I would like to waltz around Busan for the next 10 months or so.
Life is full of opportunities and while I have a short rope for Korea I am still hopeful!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Human Impermanence
Happy Monday if there could ever be such a thing. Today was just another typical day in the events that unfolded in the Dynamic city of Busan. I didn't get much accomplished and thats just my own fault. Other than following my wife at a market and taking a quick walk on the beach I didn't do anything in particular.
With so much free time on my hands I spend a lot of time deep in complexity. I am trying to determine the right course of action and make events that I would like to see happen.
Perhaps the best thing that happened today was seeing a bicyclist who has ridden all over the world....This was a real good chance to get some motivation. This man came from Argetina with a tent on his back flap and passing through Europe and Central Asia on his way to China.
It is now Wednesday night ad I am about to Venture off to DaDaePo for the first time. This is the beach located near Sinpyeong. It should provide for an entertaining evening.
This was from last week and this monday was no different. Tuesday repeated as well....
I spent most of my time at home watching movies and doing some R&R since I will be extremely busy tomorrow. The weather is so hot and there really isn't anything to report here keep reading for more stories!
With so much free time on my hands I spend a lot of time deep in complexity. I am trying to determine the right course of action and make events that I would like to see happen.
Perhaps the best thing that happened today was seeing a bicyclist who has ridden all over the world....This was a real good chance to get some motivation. This man came from Argetina with a tent on his back flap and passing through Europe and Central Asia on his way to China.
It is now Wednesday night ad I am about to Venture off to DaDaePo for the first time. This is the beach located near Sinpyeong. It should provide for an entertaining evening.
This was from last week and this monday was no different. Tuesday repeated as well....
I spent most of my time at home watching movies and doing some R&R since I will be extremely busy tomorrow. The weather is so hot and there really isn't anything to report here keep reading for more stories!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
An undiscovered Country
I finally made it out to DaDaePo Beach! I think that this place is really wonderful. Its a lot different than typical Busan.
Dadaepo is the largest area in Busan. Its located near Hadan/Sinpyeong Jangnim. This is the factory side of the city and unfortunately not well liked by tourists or most people in Busan. However, for housing the largest commune in Busan its more like country side estates overlooking a harbor.
I went there with my friend Mr. Kim. He is the restaurant owner that I have become acquainted with and is someone I consider one of my best friends. I stayed in his apartment which is on the 14th floor. He has 6 bedrooms. One for his Chinese worker (she's illegal, but thats not important to me) She also can't speak English but her Korean is superb. He also has a bedroom for his father and 3 spare rooms. We ended up drinking a lot of beer at a pub and then eating chicken and drinking more beer as well. I was disappointed that we left half the pitcher but he was treating me since I was his guest.
We went to bed at 2am and got up at 8 for a nice breakfast that he cooked. His house is so luxurious. He has oak tables and antique chairs, fine china, state of the art equipment especially in the kitchen. Would you expect anything else from a restaurant owner? I don't.
I had a nice time and hope to go back there ASAP. My wife went to Gumi so this was my vacation period.
In the morning, I also had to go to the library with him to teach his volunteer class. It was nice and good to see something different in Busan rather than the typical daily monotonous situation. I went to Nampo-dong and had a sad meeting with Dell since my papers weren't available I had left them in my home a good 40 minute trip back out East. I went home and prepped as much as I could and think its about done. I have one more day to finalize it but I am hoping that I can just DO IT.
My teaching career is on the line.
Dadaepo the undiscovered country and more to come...
Dadaepo is the largest area in Busan. Its located near Hadan/Sinpyeong Jangnim. This is the factory side of the city and unfortunately not well liked by tourists or most people in Busan. However, for housing the largest commune in Busan its more like country side estates overlooking a harbor.
I went there with my friend Mr. Kim. He is the restaurant owner that I have become acquainted with and is someone I consider one of my best friends. I stayed in his apartment which is on the 14th floor. He has 6 bedrooms. One for his Chinese worker (she's illegal, but thats not important to me) She also can't speak English but her Korean is superb. He also has a bedroom for his father and 3 spare rooms. We ended up drinking a lot of beer at a pub and then eating chicken and drinking more beer as well. I was disappointed that we left half the pitcher but he was treating me since I was his guest.
We went to bed at 2am and got up at 8 for a nice breakfast that he cooked. His house is so luxurious. He has oak tables and antique chairs, fine china, state of the art equipment especially in the kitchen. Would you expect anything else from a restaurant owner? I don't.
I had a nice time and hope to go back there ASAP. My wife went to Gumi so this was my vacation period.
In the morning, I also had to go to the library with him to teach his volunteer class. It was nice and good to see something different in Busan rather than the typical daily monotonous situation. I went to Nampo-dong and had a sad meeting with Dell since my papers weren't available I had left them in my home a good 40 minute trip back out East. I went home and prepped as much as I could and think its about done. I have one more day to finalize it but I am hoping that I can just DO IT.
My teaching career is on the line.
Dadaepo the undiscovered country and more to come...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Failed Endeavors
Well, as always it seems I disappear and make a return at some point but never at a real up to date opportune time. My apologies.
Life is pretty busy especially in the fast lane of Korea. I tell you what for all the negative comments I write there are many positive points about living here. Its not up to me to judge the country, culture etc but rather just the implications, quests, promises, trials etc. that effect my life and at this moment my career path.
Due to recent events I am thinking of changing my career. The economy is in shambles and things look grim in America but the truth is that its affecting everyone. Its why I am not working at YBM and at this moment why I am unemployed as well. I chose to walk away from this job but now I am in a pickle since I still have no promising job looming.
I was given a business ESL course in Jungang dong that has been taken away from me not once, not twice but thrice. I made the mistake of agreeing to their time changes, and then asking about the dates. As a result of my inability to guarantee a 6 month period they gave it to another teacher even though he is overbooked already.
Its out of my hands now but the truth is I was angry since I did all of the leg work. I bought a book, prepared for 4 days of class lesson plans and discussed it with my boss. It all fell through because of lack of communication and poor business techniques.
Moving on... YBM is my life in BUSAN now. I work there only on Saturdays and I will do a film class which may be the successful step in my teaching career and if not the definite last stop before I change my career. I am simply burned out and really ready to come home. I wish my wife could see that but 2012 is coming soon, right?
Tomorrow is Monday and all things said and done its a chance to start over. I will be awaiting my meetings and class which starts in 6 days!
Life is pretty busy especially in the fast lane of Korea. I tell you what for all the negative comments I write there are many positive points about living here. Its not up to me to judge the country, culture etc but rather just the implications, quests, promises, trials etc. that effect my life and at this moment my career path.
Due to recent events I am thinking of changing my career. The economy is in shambles and things look grim in America but the truth is that its affecting everyone. Its why I am not working at YBM and at this moment why I am unemployed as well. I chose to walk away from this job but now I am in a pickle since I still have no promising job looming.
I was given a business ESL course in Jungang dong that has been taken away from me not once, not twice but thrice. I made the mistake of agreeing to their time changes, and then asking about the dates. As a result of my inability to guarantee a 6 month period they gave it to another teacher even though he is overbooked already.
Its out of my hands now but the truth is I was angry since I did all of the leg work. I bought a book, prepared for 4 days of class lesson plans and discussed it with my boss. It all fell through because of lack of communication and poor business techniques.
Moving on... YBM is my life in BUSAN now. I work there only on Saturdays and I will do a film class which may be the successful step in my teaching career and if not the definite last stop before I change my career. I am simply burned out and really ready to come home. I wish my wife could see that but 2012 is coming soon, right?
Tomorrow is Monday and all things said and done its a chance to start over. I will be awaiting my meetings and class which starts in 6 days!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Creepy Crawlers
I stumbled upon a slang term that is commonly used in America but since my departed days I no longer use slang in my spoken contexts.
Unfortunately in my house there are many cockroaches we hear them in the walls and we each kill at least 3 baby ones everyday. This has been going on since Summer has begun. Hopefully the coming of September will put an end to their arrival in the house.
I came home last night at 11pm to find a big one hovering above my bed frame. This roach was a giant and I had to chase him across the room to kill it. Maybe in America they are bad everywhere or just in the midwest I am not really sure since I haven't ever had to deal with them until now, but I do know that I am sick to death of them. They creep around the house and crawl beneath me when I am sleeping.
Personally, I won't touch them I will swat them with a broomstick or throw shoes at them but I won't pick them up with my hand after they are dead. There have been some nights where my wife has woke up in the middle of the night on a quest to rid them out of our house. I am left feeling drowsy and more angry about my living conditions in Korea I can't wait until September!
oops I was just called away again on another killing my 4th of the night. Me-4 wife-1 its a low night sadly or happy whichever one makes you feel better.
Well until tomorrow yet again Ill be on Creepy Crawl watch....
Unfortunately in my house there are many cockroaches we hear them in the walls and we each kill at least 3 baby ones everyday. This has been going on since Summer has begun. Hopefully the coming of September will put an end to their arrival in the house.
I came home last night at 11pm to find a big one hovering above my bed frame. This roach was a giant and I had to chase him across the room to kill it. Maybe in America they are bad everywhere or just in the midwest I am not really sure since I haven't ever had to deal with them until now, but I do know that I am sick to death of them. They creep around the house and crawl beneath me when I am sleeping.
Personally, I won't touch them I will swat them with a broomstick or throw shoes at them but I won't pick them up with my hand after they are dead. There have been some nights where my wife has woke up in the middle of the night on a quest to rid them out of our house. I am left feeling drowsy and more angry about my living conditions in Korea I can't wait until September!
oops I was just called away again on another killing my 4th of the night. Me-4 wife-1 its a low night sadly or happy whichever one makes you feel better.
Well until tomorrow yet again Ill be on Creepy Crawl watch....
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Moving On
No one can argue that life is full of twists and turns and that no one truly can know what awaits us around the next bend. Its been a good week since I quit my job and since then I have had a little down time to plan my future.
I taught my first classes at YBM on Saturday and starting in about a week I will teach a business English course to employees at Techcross a shipping company in Jungang-dong. I am really excited about this since I can finally return to teaching adults!
I am also putting together a film class which is going to be of some difficulty as it is requiring a lot of work to put my film program together. I think that this program will jump start a potential new career move in my ESL world of Teaching. I sure hope so since this is about all I got going for me right now.
I have to implement this new project in 7 days from now and hopefully it can be met with success!
Until next time moving onward and hopefully upward!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Trading Places
3 years ago I graduated from my University. I was on top of the world. I proved many people wrong and showed everyone I could get a flimsy piece of paper and make my way into the workforce. At this time I had to say goodbye to all of my friends and I also thought of past promises I had made. I told many people I would go to their countries.
With no real legitimate work plans, no girlfriend and no money I set aside my way of life to try a new one in Korea. In retrospect I wish I had never came here this country is so confusing even for the inhabitants. But thats them this is me.
I got married. I played the dating game perfectly. I gave her plenty of time and we made the right choices together. We didn't marry right away, we waited 2 years and then some. I regret that she didn't meet my family first, hadn't tried living in America at all or give in to my wedding wishes a little but that's Love too right?
I don't agree with her entirely but I do think that Love binds and causes us to accept more easily.
my situation is grim to me. I hate my job situation because I am never good enough. I am called at weird times. Before I had quit this company job they successfully ruined a lunch, a dinner, a saturday and my vacation time. Why would I ever willingly want to live here?
Well once again out of Love- I am staying here until December of 2011 and it can't come fast enough.
I have failed to show my wife what great things there are in America but she will wake up someday.
I value my freedom, my unalienable rights to life liberty and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. That one is the big one for me you can't spell happy and have Korea apart of that. The condescending attitudes, the money talks, the lack of privacy, the close mindedness and for me i am supposed to grin and bare it. I can't complain.
For 3 years I have endured, I have tried hard to conquer my problems. I was told to leave 2 times. I don't think thats a solution. In my marriage I think I am doing everything right. I followed her wishes and got this house that I am living in. I work hard and provide as much as I can. I am lazy when it comes to domestic duties. I don't cook much, clean enough etc. but I do my best to provide a loving atmosphere.
I want a few things: 1/ children to be American citizens. 2. To live in America 3. to follow the true American dream which is to find my calling on my time.
Is that so hard to ask for?
Well if it becomes a problem I may have to change my lifestyle. Love is powerful strong and everything good but there are unfortunately boundaries to Love. I can't change my wishes, and aspirations and I can't give up everything. Can she give up everything? '
Is it fair to ask her like that? There was a time when everyone thought being an American was the greatest now maybe not due to recent events however if she doesn't like it she could always go back... I just know that no matter what I am done with Korea at some point.
There is no fixing Korea. Selfishness, Stupidity, Greed and arrogance are rampant and they are nothing that I want to be apart of.
Lets do a quick review
1. I had a fortune teller pick my wedding date.
2. I had a lengthy picture day for our albums, etc.
3, I got married in Gumi the worst place on Earth for me
4. I settled in this house for maybe 2 years.
5. I worked 6 days a week until I just quit my job which is effectively starting Wednesday
6. I worked as hard as possible at YBM but they told me too find a new job.
Anyways enough complaints for now hope you liked the posting
With no real legitimate work plans, no girlfriend and no money I set aside my way of life to try a new one in Korea. In retrospect I wish I had never came here this country is so confusing even for the inhabitants. But thats them this is me.
I got married. I played the dating game perfectly. I gave her plenty of time and we made the right choices together. We didn't marry right away, we waited 2 years and then some. I regret that she didn't meet my family first, hadn't tried living in America at all or give in to my wedding wishes a little but that's Love too right?
I don't agree with her entirely but I do think that Love binds and causes us to accept more easily.
my situation is grim to me. I hate my job situation because I am never good enough. I am called at weird times. Before I had quit this company job they successfully ruined a lunch, a dinner, a saturday and my vacation time. Why would I ever willingly want to live here?
Well once again out of Love- I am staying here until December of 2011 and it can't come fast enough.
I have failed to show my wife what great things there are in America but she will wake up someday.
I value my freedom, my unalienable rights to life liberty and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. That one is the big one for me you can't spell happy and have Korea apart of that. The condescending attitudes, the money talks, the lack of privacy, the close mindedness and for me i am supposed to grin and bare it. I can't complain.
For 3 years I have endured, I have tried hard to conquer my problems. I was told to leave 2 times. I don't think thats a solution. In my marriage I think I am doing everything right. I followed her wishes and got this house that I am living in. I work hard and provide as much as I can. I am lazy when it comes to domestic duties. I don't cook much, clean enough etc. but I do my best to provide a loving atmosphere.
I want a few things: 1/ children to be American citizens. 2. To live in America 3. to follow the true American dream which is to find my calling on my time.
Is that so hard to ask for?
Well if it becomes a problem I may have to change my lifestyle. Love is powerful strong and everything good but there are unfortunately boundaries to Love. I can't change my wishes, and aspirations and I can't give up everything. Can she give up everything? '
Is it fair to ask her like that? There was a time when everyone thought being an American was the greatest now maybe not due to recent events however if she doesn't like it she could always go back... I just know that no matter what I am done with Korea at some point.
There is no fixing Korea. Selfishness, Stupidity, Greed and arrogance are rampant and they are nothing that I want to be apart of.
Lets do a quick review
1. I had a fortune teller pick my wedding date.
2. I had a lengthy picture day for our albums, etc.
3, I got married in Gumi the worst place on Earth for me
4. I settled in this house for maybe 2 years.
5. I worked 6 days a week until I just quit my job which is effectively starting Wednesday
6. I worked as hard as possible at YBM but they told me too find a new job.
Anyways enough complaints for now hope you liked the posting
Sunday, August 1, 2010
July's Up!
Its the closure of the month and I have just returned from my Seoul Trip. The first trip to the capitol city since getting back to Korea last January.
Nothing of major importance happened. I went to Gumi the day before in order to get our wedding photos taken care of and basically prepare for our interview.
We arrived in Seoul where I spent a lot of my time being bored. We met a couple of her cousins by accident although I am certain the family managed to get everyone to contact each other. I was angry because I wanted a private vacation with my wife but to my chagrin we just ended up visiting.
Am I wrong? Am I getting old before my time?
I have worked everyday in Korea including Saturdays just to make money. I had a small problem that festered because Koreans can't admit that their methodology sucks. I ended up quitting and just wanted 2 days without thinking of KOREAN family, KOREAN language, and housework but NO I couldn't even escape that.
After getting up at 8am on Friday after a restless night we went to the Visa place to fill out paperwork. My wife had to go make copies and apparently we didn't need to get our record notarized so we wasted maybe 60-90 dollars oops oh well whats money uh?
We paid another 450 dollars for processing etc and were out lickedy split or under an hour. 10:51 we went out to have our first meal of the day and plan what could have been a vac period but we decided that we had had enough BS for the day and took a bus for 5 hours back to Busan.
I didn't talk to one foreigner in Seoul and as it turned out all the processing etc was done by Koreans. I really couldn't understand why Americans can't run their own embassy. I was treated in a cold manner as was my wife and instead of just doing the decent thing we were told to come back in 3 weeks even though I officially had an appointment.
Everyone here's the message I have for you. I hate Korea and I am not going to hide behind pretenses. My feelings have deep reasons that go back to my early Gumi days.
There are plenty of good things here but they don't out weigh the negatives at least to me. I think every Korean person needs to step back and think that the way Europeans, Americans, even the god awful Japanese live is at times better than Korea. Korea isn't the best. They are so arrogant and too proud of themselves in my view.
People are afraid to step out of their box because they are afraid that they will lose what little they already have.
Its August and its time to find a new job and start again this is the last fresh start I will attempt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
