Okay Okay Okay. I am back to blogging!
The past few weeks have been great here in Korea.
I am completely back into the swing of things and have been loving the weather. It is getting very very warm and humid.
I am not sure how hot it going to get here, but it is going to be extremely humid I hear. Maybe like New Orleans and Florida in the Summertime? I will be sure to let you know.
Tomorrow will be my forth week into my last term as a English teacher! The kids are angels this term! I don't want to jinx it, but they are a whole lot better than last term. Last term the kids might have had it out for me. At least I am convinced they did.
This term the kids are interested in learning English and want to know more. A couple of my middle school kids are kind of a pain and like to joke around. When they have their phone out I take it and answer it!!! They they freak out! I am not joking either. I answer it and say, "Steven is in class right now, don't call back or i'll answer again!" The kid on the phone loses it and hangs up right away.
Sometimes being a teacher is so much fun and makes my day.
My weekends have been filled with little adventures to various clubs and outdoor activities.
This past weekend I went to a bar with a couple of newer teachers that I work with. We were out until 6AM! We went to this bar for a couple of hours, Korean Karaoke, and another bar to dance! We then went to get coffee at 6AM. I was pretty impressed I was able to stay out that late considering I only had a couple of drinks and was exhausted from a full week of teaching.
If you don't believe me, ask my brother Matt because I wished him a Happy Birthday that morning!!!
The reason I haven't updated my blog in a while is because I have had a full schedule for the last 5 weeks. I picked up two more classes and have had been at school from 1:30- 10PM everyday getting ready for the week.
This next week I am going to be on a normal schedule and having some more time to not be as stressed.
Oh wait I forgot to mention one of my best friends from home just got engaged, Kristen Klein!
I have been friends with her since like third grade!!!! Her boyfriend, Matt, proposed in the Bahamas when they were on a cruise!!!! I am thrilled for them and love them as a couple!!! Super cute!!!
I love Korea and have loved every minute of being here, but I can't wait to come home and celebrate with her :)
Love to everyone!!!
Kristen
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Back in Action :)
Woah! What a crazy couple of weeks!
I have without a doubt been on the move from pretty much everywhere. Between taking two thirteen hour plane rides and getting back into the swing of things at work, the word "crazy" just doesn't cut it.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way.
The wedding was absolutely spectacular and breathtaking. I had the most fantastic time I can really ever remember having, EVER!
Claire was a gorgeous bride and I enjoyed sharing those moments with her before the ceremony.
We got our hair and makeup done and drank our delicious mimosas beforehand.
I am super excited to first have a sister in-law and second, I am excited to see what family adventures lay before us.
Can't ask for anyone else who admires my brother for who is he more than Claire :)
Being back in the United States brought back pleasant memories and emotional surprises. I didn't realize how emotional I was going to be even just sitting in the airport! I guess what I am trying to say is that home truly is where the heart is.
If I had been home for longer than a week, going back to Korea would have been extremely tough.
Don't get my wrong, I love my job and I love where I am, but there is no replacement to being surrounded by people you love.
The week showed me how adventurous I actually am. I knew that coming to Korea to teach English was a different path than most people take after college. Although I found myself thinking, 'Wow! How was I not that nervous coming to a foreign country?'
I also took time at home to think about the next couple of months in Korea. I do miss home every now and again, but what I have now become aware of is how precious my next three months are. They will fly by and I need to live in the moment of enjoying every second.
Just a quote to end this post!
"The world is what we think it is. If we can change our thoughts, we can change the world."
Love you!
Kristen
I have without a doubt been on the move from pretty much everywhere. Between taking two thirteen hour plane rides and getting back into the swing of things at work, the word "crazy" just doesn't cut it.
However, I wouldn't have it any other way.
The wedding was absolutely spectacular and breathtaking. I had the most fantastic time I can really ever remember having, EVER!
Claire was a gorgeous bride and I enjoyed sharing those moments with her before the ceremony.
We got our hair and makeup done and drank our delicious mimosas beforehand.
I am super excited to first have a sister in-law and second, I am excited to see what family adventures lay before us.
Can't ask for anyone else who admires my brother for who is he more than Claire :)
Being back in the United States brought back pleasant memories and emotional surprises. I didn't realize how emotional I was going to be even just sitting in the airport! I guess what I am trying to say is that home truly is where the heart is.
If I had been home for longer than a week, going back to Korea would have been extremely tough.
Don't get my wrong, I love my job and I love where I am, but there is no replacement to being surrounded by people you love.
The week showed me how adventurous I actually am. I knew that coming to Korea to teach English was a different path than most people take after college. Although I found myself thinking, 'Wow! How was I not that nervous coming to a foreign country?'
I also took time at home to think about the next couple of months in Korea. I do miss home every now and again, but what I have now become aware of is how precious my next three months are. They will fly by and I need to live in the moment of enjoying every second.
Just a quote to end this post!
"The world is what we think it is. If we can change our thoughts, we can change the world."
Love you!
Kristen
Monday, April 25, 2011
Down to the Wire
Soooooo I can't think of anything but coming home for the wedding. I am constantly getting distracted from everything!
Even in class I am super excited and the kids might wonder if there is something wrong with me.
I know that when I come back to South Korea I still have another thirteen or fourteen weeks, but right now all I want to think about is coming home!!!!
I try on the bridesmaid dress pretty much everyday even through it is big for me! I bought a pair of shoes the other day to go with other dresses I bought for the wedding weekend.
School is going well still. I haven't had the middle school kids in a while because of their exams. It is a nice break from those silly kids! Teaching middle school students basically tells me how much I don't want to teach that age group when I come back.
Younger kids are more fun even though they require more energy.
Last weekend I went to visit a friend in Daejeon which is an hour south of Seoul on the KTX. I haven't seen her since my birthday and wanted to check out a new city. It was a blast! She had us over for a BBQ:) Her apartment was incredible though. She has a loft and her view from her fifteenth floor apartment was incredible. You can see the entire city!
We went out that night to some neat bars. My favorite was called the "Tree House Bar" with a swing and bridge inside the bar. You also were able to put the beer bottle cap on the ceiling. There was some material on the ceiling that made the caps stick!
The weather here has been strange. Last weekend it was pretty nice maybe in the 60s. Right now it is super dark and looks like some crazy storm will pass through any minute. Might rain the entire week :(
I'll have to remember my umbrella!!!
Have great week!!!!
Kristen
Even in class I am super excited and the kids might wonder if there is something wrong with me.
I know that when I come back to South Korea I still have another thirteen or fourteen weeks, but right now all I want to think about is coming home!!!!
I try on the bridesmaid dress pretty much everyday even through it is big for me! I bought a pair of shoes the other day to go with other dresses I bought for the wedding weekend.
School is going well still. I haven't had the middle school kids in a while because of their exams. It is a nice break from those silly kids! Teaching middle school students basically tells me how much I don't want to teach that age group when I come back.
Younger kids are more fun even though they require more energy.
Last weekend I went to visit a friend in Daejeon which is an hour south of Seoul on the KTX. I haven't seen her since my birthday and wanted to check out a new city. It was a blast! She had us over for a BBQ:) Her apartment was incredible though. She has a loft and her view from her fifteenth floor apartment was incredible. You can see the entire city!
We went out that night to some neat bars. My favorite was called the "Tree House Bar" with a swing and bridge inside the bar. You also were able to put the beer bottle cap on the ceiling. There was some material on the ceiling that made the caps stick!
The weather here has been strange. Last weekend it was pretty nice maybe in the 60s. Right now it is super dark and looks like some crazy storm will pass through any minute. Might rain the entire week :(
I'll have to remember my umbrella!!!
Have great week!!!!
Kristen
Friday, April 15, 2011
April Showers Brings May Flowers
I know I know I said I would write at the end of March. Got a little busy :-/
The weather here is really starting to warm up! Today it is going to be in the mid 60s with extra sun!!
I have definitely been missing the warm sunshine. Just the other day I was able to sit out by a park and just relax before school.
The past couple of weeks have been somewhat of a roller coster ride. I have taken up a new class because a woman at our branch is pregnant. I am happy to do it though because I like the class I teach. Still young kids, just another level up.
The last couple of weekends have been nice. I have celebrated a few birthdays! I went to visit my friend Ash for her birthday last weekend. She lives North East of Seoul and Lauren and I went up for a couple of hours. It is more of the countryside and absolutely stunning. It was great to get out of Seoul. Hopefully in the Summer I can take more weekend trips to enjoy the weather and bask in the sunshine.
Less than three weeks until I come home as well. It is unreal how fast time has gone. It only takes a person to leave his or her regular environment for a while to realize how precious time is. I have been looking up so many quotes and really relating to the travel and time ones. I have always been a quote person, but now even more than before.
Unfortunately I do have some rather sad news as well. Thursday night I found out my first friend in South Korea, Racheal and her boyfriend Brandon were leaving the next day to go home back to the States. I know she might be reading this, but I have to put my feelings somewhere because I am struggling. She went back mostly because of the radiation situation. I think her family really wanted her back home.
There have been traces of the radiation in South Korea but none that are life threatening right now according to several Koreans news sources.
I found out on Thursday night that she was leaving the next day at 8:00 A.M.
Today is Saturday and I am still feeling extreme sadness. She lived above me in the same apartment complex, worked with me, and was there for me throughout this journey.
I will continue to miss her even though I understand why she left. However the light seems a little dimmer in this ever growing city of lights. I hope that she continues to be happy and thrives through whatever journey she chooses.
Anyway, that is all for now. I cannot wait to come home and see you all for the wedding! 3 short weeks!!!
Love,
Kristen
The weather here is really starting to warm up! Today it is going to be in the mid 60s with extra sun!!
I have definitely been missing the warm sunshine. Just the other day I was able to sit out by a park and just relax before school.
The past couple of weeks have been somewhat of a roller coster ride. I have taken up a new class because a woman at our branch is pregnant. I am happy to do it though because I like the class I teach. Still young kids, just another level up.
The last couple of weekends have been nice. I have celebrated a few birthdays! I went to visit my friend Ash for her birthday last weekend. She lives North East of Seoul and Lauren and I went up for a couple of hours. It is more of the countryside and absolutely stunning. It was great to get out of Seoul. Hopefully in the Summer I can take more weekend trips to enjoy the weather and bask in the sunshine.
Less than three weeks until I come home as well. It is unreal how fast time has gone. It only takes a person to leave his or her regular environment for a while to realize how precious time is. I have been looking up so many quotes and really relating to the travel and time ones. I have always been a quote person, but now even more than before.
Unfortunately I do have some rather sad news as well. Thursday night I found out my first friend in South Korea, Racheal and her boyfriend Brandon were leaving the next day to go home back to the States. I know she might be reading this, but I have to put my feelings somewhere because I am struggling. She went back mostly because of the radiation situation. I think her family really wanted her back home.
There have been traces of the radiation in South Korea but none that are life threatening right now according to several Koreans news sources.
I found out on Thursday night that she was leaving the next day at 8:00 A.M.
Today is Saturday and I am still feeling extreme sadness. She lived above me in the same apartment complex, worked with me, and was there for me throughout this journey.
I will continue to miss her even though I understand why she left. However the light seems a little dimmer in this ever growing city of lights. I hope that she continues to be happy and thrives through whatever journey she chooses.
Anyway, that is all for now. I cannot wait to come home and see you all for the wedding! 3 short weeks!!!
Love,
Kristen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
End Of March
Alright! Hope everyone is doing well back in the States or wherever you are reading this from.
I have been pretty busy with school and sorting out the bad kids from a couple of classes.
I have a couple of classes that are absolutely fantastic and I honestly believe the kids are learning and having a bit of fun.
One class I actually don't know if the kids remember their English name when I call on them. They are in high level reading so I really don't feel bad for them.
All I can do is try and stay positive for them and occasionally come down to their level and see what the real problem is.
I officially have my flights booked to come home for the wedding in May! Ahhh I am just super excited. Sometimes I get so excited I have to jump around :) I do miss those friends and family I love!!!!
Well I know this post is short, but I do want to start writing more. I will update you this weekend or on Monday because it is my off day.
Love,
Kristen
I have been pretty busy with school and sorting out the bad kids from a couple of classes.
I have a couple of classes that are absolutely fantastic and I honestly believe the kids are learning and having a bit of fun.
One class I actually don't know if the kids remember their English name when I call on them. They are in high level reading so I really don't feel bad for them.
All I can do is try and stay positive for them and occasionally come down to their level and see what the real problem is.
I officially have my flights booked to come home for the wedding in May! Ahhh I am just super excited. Sometimes I get so excited I have to jump around :) I do miss those friends and family I love!!!!
Well I know this post is short, but I do want to start writing more. I will update you this weekend or on Monday because it is my off day.
Love,
Kristen
Monday, March 14, 2011
Successful Weekend!
I had such a great week last week and my weekend was even better.
I think I already mentioned that this term will be more difficult than the last because I have middle school students. I need to put a couple of them in their place. What I really mean is tell the Korean staff about how rude a few of them are to me. Completely disrespectful.
Friday I woke up super early to remember it was my birthday! I went to the gym and renewed my gym membership for about 6 months. They guy working there asked me how old I was and I told him twenty-three today! He was almost like jumping up and down and was super excited. I was nervous he wasn't going to let me get on the treadmill because he was dancing around!
I talked to my Mom on skype and opened a few things my parents had sent to me. I also received beautiful cards from Grandma Loie and Pa and Maureen! Lovely cards!
I went to school and some of my co-workers found out it was my birthday! Darn that facebook!! I went into class right at 4:00 and found a cake and birthday hat sitting on my chair. My class and I brainstormed for about ten minutes on where the cake came from! At 5:00 we took our first break and Racheal was the one who bought it to for me!!!
Super cute and I loved that she got me it! It was a light cream fruit cake, perfect for me:)
After work I was planning on booking it out of school, but found out about the tragedy in Japan and had to stay to look at the news reports. My Mom called wondering if I was okay because she had received many other phone calls from family. Nothing hit us and we were not affected in any way, but it was nice to hear that people were worried!!!
Thank you if you called!
Some co-workers and I then went to dinner and we met up with my friends who took a bus to get to Seoul! My friends Ash, Kat, Lauren, Braden, Sanam, and her friend Courtney all came to meet for dinner!
There was around twelve of us at an Indian restaurant I go to with Racheal. Great Meal! We ended up at a few other bars and I had four of my friends stay at my place for the night. It was hilarious because I don't have a lot of room, but we made it work!!!
The next day we went to do some shopping! I bought another dress I like for the wedding! I already have my bridesmaid dress...but I want a couple of dresses to wear for other functions that weekend. Unfortunately I have two dresses I like, but only should keep one. I want to save money. I will figure it out!!!
On to week three of the new term! I will be busy with school and planning other birthday parties that are coming up!!!!
Stay well!
Kristen
I think I already mentioned that this term will be more difficult than the last because I have middle school students. I need to put a couple of them in their place. What I really mean is tell the Korean staff about how rude a few of them are to me. Completely disrespectful.
Friday I woke up super early to remember it was my birthday! I went to the gym and renewed my gym membership for about 6 months. They guy working there asked me how old I was and I told him twenty-three today! He was almost like jumping up and down and was super excited. I was nervous he wasn't going to let me get on the treadmill because he was dancing around!
I talked to my Mom on skype and opened a few things my parents had sent to me. I also received beautiful cards from Grandma Loie and Pa and Maureen! Lovely cards!
I went to school and some of my co-workers found out it was my birthday! Darn that facebook!! I went into class right at 4:00 and found a cake and birthday hat sitting on my chair. My class and I brainstormed for about ten minutes on where the cake came from! At 5:00 we took our first break and Racheal was the one who bought it to for me!!!
Super cute and I loved that she got me it! It was a light cream fruit cake, perfect for me:)
After work I was planning on booking it out of school, but found out about the tragedy in Japan and had to stay to look at the news reports. My Mom called wondering if I was okay because she had received many other phone calls from family. Nothing hit us and we were not affected in any way, but it was nice to hear that people were worried!!!
Thank you if you called!
Some co-workers and I then went to dinner and we met up with my friends who took a bus to get to Seoul! My friends Ash, Kat, Lauren, Braden, Sanam, and her friend Courtney all came to meet for dinner!
There was around twelve of us at an Indian restaurant I go to with Racheal. Great Meal! We ended up at a few other bars and I had four of my friends stay at my place for the night. It was hilarious because I don't have a lot of room, but we made it work!!!
The next day we went to do some shopping! I bought another dress I like for the wedding! I already have my bridesmaid dress...but I want a couple of dresses to wear for other functions that weekend. Unfortunately I have two dresses I like, but only should keep one. I want to save money. I will figure it out!!!
On to week three of the new term! I will be busy with school and planning other birthday parties that are coming up!!!!
Stay well!
Kristen
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Start of a New Term
Definitely about time I updated this :)
Last week was my first week of my new term. Right now I think that my classes will go well just because I now have a lot of experience to manage my students. I have four high- level reading classes which are all composed of those greaaatttt middle school students. Does anyone sense some sarcasm?
Last term I only had elementary students. They can give me whichever level they want though. I am up the challenge and will learn from my mistakes as well.
I also have a couple of classes with the small elementary school students. I had a couple of the students last term as well. I am teaching the same level for the little kids, but a few of my students didn't level up. I will be honest. The test they take to get to a higher level is not easy.
Along with a new term at school comes a new classroom! I have a window and a room that doesn't get too warm....at least not yet! I am able to see the sun go down which is a bonus. How exciting that it will be getting darker later and I can see the change through the seasons.
The last couple of weekends I have been hanging out with some friends and doing a little shopping. I found a dress that I can wear to the rehearsal dinner for my brother's wedding :) I will be home in exactly two months!!! I asked for some time off and my faculty manager gave me an extra day! I will be home from May 5- May 15. I am booking my flights this week. They don't look very cheap, but I need to come home of course!
My Bridesmaid dress is being sent to me this week so I will have to see how that fits!!
Besides the fun festivities coming up back in the States, I am weighing my options for when I leave Korea.
Right now I am planning on taking the GRE, going to Grad School, and becoming a teacher....
Have no idea if I will actually want to do it when I leave here, but that is the plan right now. I am getting a few books to study here in Korea and maybe I will be able to take the test here. I might need to take a class because I haven't studied math in forever. Not sure how I will be doing things.
Nothing special going on this week at school. Just looking forward to the weekend with friends for my birthday on Friday!!! Twenty-Three years old? Ahhhhh!!!
Love,
Kristen
Last week was my first week of my new term. Right now I think that my classes will go well just because I now have a lot of experience to manage my students. I have four high- level reading classes which are all composed of those greaaatttt middle school students. Does anyone sense some sarcasm?
Last term I only had elementary students. They can give me whichever level they want though. I am up the challenge and will learn from my mistakes as well.
I also have a couple of classes with the small elementary school students. I had a couple of the students last term as well. I am teaching the same level for the little kids, but a few of my students didn't level up. I will be honest. The test they take to get to a higher level is not easy.
Along with a new term at school comes a new classroom! I have a window and a room that doesn't get too warm....at least not yet! I am able to see the sun go down which is a bonus. How exciting that it will be getting darker later and I can see the change through the seasons.
The last couple of weekends I have been hanging out with some friends and doing a little shopping. I found a dress that I can wear to the rehearsal dinner for my brother's wedding :) I will be home in exactly two months!!! I asked for some time off and my faculty manager gave me an extra day! I will be home from May 5- May 15. I am booking my flights this week. They don't look very cheap, but I need to come home of course!
My Bridesmaid dress is being sent to me this week so I will have to see how that fits!!
Besides the fun festivities coming up back in the States, I am weighing my options for when I leave Korea.
Right now I am planning on taking the GRE, going to Grad School, and becoming a teacher....
Have no idea if I will actually want to do it when I leave here, but that is the plan right now. I am getting a few books to study here in Korea and maybe I will be able to take the test here. I might need to take a class because I haven't studied math in forever. Not sure how I will be doing things.
Nothing special going on this week at school. Just looking forward to the weekend with friends for my birthday on Friday!!! Twenty-Three years old? Ahhhhh!!!
Love,
Kristen
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