A couple of days in the life...
Trip Start
Aug 07, 2007
1
16
112
Trip End
Ongoing
Uijeongbu,
Korea Rep.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
It's getting cold here. Ice in some places which requires some quick thinking carves on the long board. Had my first Korean lesson tonight with Coleton and one of our supervisors. I figured it's time to start learning the language. Had a big moment today about heading home after my contract is up. Thoughts of teaching in Ottawa, coaching wrestling, all the snow there and the companionship and love from friends and family, weighed on my mind. Then of course I slipped back into the life here and how much I will be able to do both domestically and abroad. After walking home I thought about bailing on the nightly run as I was chilled to the bone. I stopped on the floor below mine and Abbey said he was going regardless. Not about to be out done by a South African who is fearless in the throws of the cold, I threw on my gear and we were off for a 5km. Heck I'm from Ottawa! After our run we did some dips and pull-ups at the park and then headed home. Next time he wants to bail I have to motivate him, after all that's what training partners are for.
December 6th 12:39am
Ran into Abbey on my way to work today, we set off cruising, dodging metal sharks and riding free. The board allows me to get to work quicker and in return gives me more snooze time. On my way home tonight from a friends house I had a simple conversation with a Korean man at the subway stop. They always ask where you are from and I'm always glad to say Canada, love that country, my home. It gives me a base and I know that where ever I go I'll always think of home and be grateful for her comforts, even if our strong dollar means less return on my WON.
Signed a background check form for work today, they are tightening up on who can teach here now. There have been instances of people forging diplomas and dangerous individuals teaching here...I guess it's a rightful step. After all it is common practice in Canada so why not here. My principal has been hinting for me to sign on for another year and quite frankly, even with those moments of homesickness, I think I'll sign. All in all I make about as much as if I had been teaching in Ottawa for 5-6 years, guaranteed. The job is great and I feel I am at an awesome place starting with the youngest of students. I will quote a teacher in Ottawa that finished his last year, before retiring, in a kindergarten class:
"They're like little sponges"
That they are! From here I feel ready to move on to any other grade. Each having its own joys, be it conversations about the letter A or about the balance of trade and on into the implications of the grim world presented in the novel "1984".
I hope everyone is having a joyous month and whether you like snow or not, whether you hate or love shopping for gifts in the mad rush of capitalistic consumerism, whether you will be with your family or alone with new friends in a strange land, you take time to enjoy this coming holiday season and be thankful for the blessings that you have. I know I will.
Thanks for reading.
