Work passed rather uneventful. Even though I only had 4 classes, it was still a little hard getting through the day. The last week or so of not getting a lot of sleep has really started piling up.
After work, I hopped on a bus and headed to the downtown area. I had to buy a textbook for level 3 of my Korean class! I got the textbook and met Jacob at California Pizza Kitchen. I was really craving pizza so we decided we'd go there. We got the "taco" pizza or something like that and it was really good. I picked off my chicken and gave it to Jacob. We finished dinner and walked to my class building. Jacob waited in the cafe for me while I went to class.
Class was pretty good. I like the new teacher, but now some of the material is a little bit more challenging. I'm glad that I'm now in the middle/low end of the students. It gave me a lot of motivation to do studying outside of class. I needed something to get me back into the swing of studying and being in a class that challenges me seems to be the ticket. The previous classes, I could coast by with what I already knew, but it seems that I will need to work some now.
When I finished classes, Jacob and I took the subway back to the other side of town together. Even though it was only 2 days since we last saw each other it was good to see him tonight.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Soccer and Groceries
Work went pretty fast today. The 4th graders took a test and then played a heads up 7 up spin off game so it was easy.
After work, I headed home and had to leave almost right away for soccer. This week our game was at 6pm. Jacob, because of his injury and a work meeting wasn't able to come. It felt weird to go to soccer without him and not have anyone to warm up with since I arrived early. Ray and Stefano showed up a little bit later and asked about Jacob and his heel. We played the bottom team in the league. They needed to borrow a few players, but we still ended up beating them. The final score was 8-1. The last 10 minutes or so, I switched with John so he could come out of goal. In goal I had 2 really good saves.
When we finished the game, they asked if we wanted to join in and help any other team. I was considering it, but I knew I wanted to get some things from the HomePlus store so I decided I would pass. I went to HomePlus and I was there for an hour. It was nice to just wander and see if anything caught my eye. I picked up a few kitchen items I needed, in addition to the groceries. I took a backpack with me and I almost couldn't fit everything in the backpack. It was heavy, but luckily I didn't have to travel too far.
I came home and unpacked all my groceries and relaxed for the evening.
After work, I headed home and had to leave almost right away for soccer. This week our game was at 6pm. Jacob, because of his injury and a work meeting wasn't able to come. It felt weird to go to soccer without him and not have anyone to warm up with since I arrived early. Ray and Stefano showed up a little bit later and asked about Jacob and his heel. We played the bottom team in the league. They needed to borrow a few players, but we still ended up beating them. The final score was 8-1. The last 10 minutes or so, I switched with John so he could come out of goal. In goal I had 2 really good saves.
When we finished the game, they asked if we wanted to join in and help any other team. I was considering it, but I knew I wanted to get some things from the HomePlus store so I decided I would pass. I went to HomePlus and I was there for an hour. It was nice to just wander and see if anything caught my eye. I picked up a few kitchen items I needed, in addition to the groceries. I took a backpack with me and I almost couldn't fit everything in the backpack. It was heavy, but luckily I didn't have to travel too far.
I came home and unpacked all my groceries and relaxed for the evening.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Whirl Wind and FULL Wednesday
What a roller coaster day! I didn't get much sleep again. I was up late thinking about my contract and whether to renew or not. It's been on my mind a lot as I only have a few more weeks to make the decision.
The 4th graders did a role play of our textbooks version of "The Three Little Pigs". They were so cute. They really enjoy the role play activity and it's interesting how much difference a year makes, knowing my 5th graders would NOT do that or enjoy that activity.
In the afternoon Jacob met with his social worker to talk about information she had regarding his birthmom. He called me after the meeting to tell me what they talked about.
When work finished, I took off for Hwa Sun's, my "unni" (older sister). I haven't seen her and Jaebin since the end of January. It was great to catch up with her. Going to her house always feels like coming to a second home. Her youngest brother and his wife had their second baby. There were some complications so her parents were taking care of their toddler. So, Hwa Sun was taking care of the parents' dog. Pass the dependent, haha.
Anyway, Hwa Sun made dinner--we had bulgogi, kimchi cheon (kind of like pancakes) and soybean paste stew. I talked with her and Jaebin did his homework. It's sad these days when I go visit Jaebin now he's doing homework. A little bit later, Hwa Sun's husband came home. He had stopped at the grocery store, so we had strawberries. It was good to see both of them and talk with them.
I headed home around 9. On my way, my good friend Emily messaged me. She is thinking about coming to visit in July, if she had the funds to do so! How exciting! I was lucky enough to catch Amanda on skype when I got home and we talked for almost an hour. It's been awhile since she and I have talked. Afterwards, I talked with my Mom and Grandpa. I was very glad to see both of them and talk with them about making a decision whether to stay another year or not. I still haven't decided and I only have another week or two to make that decision.
Such an eventful day~
The 4th graders did a role play of our textbooks version of "The Three Little Pigs". They were so cute. They really enjoy the role play activity and it's interesting how much difference a year makes, knowing my 5th graders would NOT do that or enjoy that activity.
In the afternoon Jacob met with his social worker to talk about information she had regarding his birthmom. He called me after the meeting to tell me what they talked about.
When work finished, I took off for Hwa Sun's, my "unni" (older sister). I haven't seen her and Jaebin since the end of January. It was great to catch up with her. Going to her house always feels like coming to a second home. Her youngest brother and his wife had their second baby. There were some complications so her parents were taking care of their toddler. So, Hwa Sun was taking care of the parents' dog. Pass the dependent, haha.
Anyway, Hwa Sun made dinner--we had bulgogi, kimchi cheon (kind of like pancakes) and soybean paste stew. I talked with her and Jaebin did his homework. It's sad these days when I go visit Jaebin now he's doing homework. A little bit later, Hwa Sun's husband came home. He had stopped at the grocery store, so we had strawberries. It was good to see both of them and talk with them.
I headed home around 9. On my way, my good friend Emily messaged me. She is thinking about coming to visit in July, if she had the funds to do so! How exciting! I was lucky enough to catch Amanda on skype when I got home and we talked for almost an hour. It's been awhile since she and I have talked. Afterwards, I talked with my Mom and Grandpa. I was very glad to see both of them and talk with them about making a decision whether to stay another year or not. I still haven't decided and I only have another week or two to make that decision.
Such an eventful day~
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Reunion
Work went okay. The 6th graders finished their presentations and the 5th grade classes were pretty easy. At the end of teaching 6 classes, I was feeling pretty worn out. I wrote some letters to people back home for the rest of the afternoon.
I stopped at home to get envelopes before going to the post office. When I got to my building, the doorman gave me a letter from my Great Aunt. It was great to get a letter from her. I also thought it was such a coincidence that I got a letter from her the day I was sending one to her!
I went to the post office-since it's in the new location I had to backtrack almost all the way back to school. Then I walked back to the subway to meet Jacob as he was coming from his work. We went to Sangsu Station and walked to Hongdae from there to meet his friend Line and her boyfriend. He met Line last spring--she was adopted to Denmark and is like a big sister to him. We met in the Hongdae park and chatted for a little before moving to Burger B for dinner.
We ate and they reminisced. After we finished eating, Line pulled out some macaroons from a shop she and Jacob went to often. They were really, really delicious. Line asked Jacob if he had taken me there and I said no. She was shocked and Jacob protested he must have taken me at some point. I insisted no and then it dawned on him he hadn't because we've been exploring so much and finding a lot of other good dessert places. He likes cronuts better than the macaroons (which surprised Line). We all walked back towards Hongdae station and said goodbyes for the evening.
On the subway, I was squished against the door because it was so crowded. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get off at the next stop for my transfer, but luckily a lot of other people got off there too, so the car emptied out and I just had to push a little to get out.
I stopped at home to get envelopes before going to the post office. When I got to my building, the doorman gave me a letter from my Great Aunt. It was great to get a letter from her. I also thought it was such a coincidence that I got a letter from her the day I was sending one to her!
I went to the post office-since it's in the new location I had to backtrack almost all the way back to school. Then I walked back to the subway to meet Jacob as he was coming from his work. We went to Sangsu Station and walked to Hongdae from there to meet his friend Line and her boyfriend. He met Line last spring--she was adopted to Denmark and is like a big sister to him. We met in the Hongdae park and chatted for a little before moving to Burger B for dinner.
We ate and they reminisced. After we finished eating, Line pulled out some macaroons from a shop she and Jacob went to often. They were really, really delicious. Line asked Jacob if he had taken me there and I said no. She was shocked and Jacob protested he must have taken me at some point. I insisted no and then it dawned on him he hadn't because we've been exploring so much and finding a lot of other good dessert places. He likes cronuts better than the macaroons (which surprised Line). We all walked back towards Hongdae station and said goodbyes for the evening.
On the subway, I was squished against the door because it was so crowded. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get off at the next stop for my transfer, but luckily a lot of other people got off there too, so the car emptied out and I just had to push a little to get out.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Tired Monday
Last night I had trouble sleeping again and didn't get much sleep. It made for a long and tiring day. Luckily, my day was pretty easy. Today the 6th graders had a speaking test/presentation about their favorite season. After classes, we had a staff meeting about sexual harassment (I think) that was an hour and a half with a guest speaker.
When work was over, I went to Hongdae to meet Krystle. She wanted to go to a Japanese restaurant, so I figured I'd give Japanese another shot. I ordered udon (noodles) with beef and an egg. Well, the broth was quite salty and the beef fatty. I wasn't crazy about it--Japanese food still hasn't won me over. After dinner Krystle and I walked around and did some window shopping. It was quite cold today and we were both getting chilled so Krystle decided to head home. It was just the time that Jacob was finishing up teaching, so I walked over to Eastern (adoption agency) and waited for him. We took a taxi to his neighborhood and went to the grocery store's food court for Jacob's dinner and some groceries. Then I grabbed a bus to the subway and came home.
When work was over, I went to Hongdae to meet Krystle. She wanted to go to a Japanese restaurant, so I figured I'd give Japanese another shot. I ordered udon (noodles) with beef and an egg. Well, the broth was quite salty and the beef fatty. I wasn't crazy about it--Japanese food still hasn't won me over. After dinner Krystle and I walked around and did some window shopping. It was quite cold today and we were both getting chilled so Krystle decided to head home. It was just the time that Jacob was finishing up teaching, so I walked over to Eastern (adoption agency) and waited for him. We took a taxi to his neighborhood and went to the grocery store's food court for Jacob's dinner and some groceries. Then I grabbed a bus to the subway and came home.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Lazy Sunday
I had a great relaxing Sunday. Jacob came over in the morning. Because of his injury he didn't go to soccer. I was debating going, but I didn't sleep well Saturday night and figured taking it easy today would be best.
Anyway, we went to the bibimbap restaurant again for lunch. The imo ("aunt"-and more polite term for an older lady, especially one working in a restaurant) there already recognizes us. Lunch was pretty good. After lunch we hung out and watched some tv. In the evening we made a chicken stir fry with veggies and mandu as an appetizer.
It was just so nice to bum around and not rush off to do anything. :)
Anyway, we went to the bibimbap restaurant again for lunch. The imo ("aunt"-and more polite term for an older lady, especially one working in a restaurant) there already recognizes us. Lunch was pretty good. After lunch we hung out and watched some tv. In the evening we made a chicken stir fry with veggies and mandu as an appetizer.
It was just so nice to bum around and not rush off to do anything. :)
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Wedding Day
We woke up and heard voices in the guesthouse. Apparently there were 2 other Korean girls staying there in a different room. Jacob and I got ready and I grabbed some bakery for us for breakfast. We were going to stay at the guesthouse til closer to the wedding, but figured maybe other people were there and I could visit with my Inje University friends. We grabbed a taxi and got to the church about 30 minutes before the wedding--it turned out to be the perfect amount of time I think. There were already quite a few people there.
We stood outside--it was sunny and warm, but very windy which made it a bit cool. I saw my friend Bit Chan and he came over to talk to us. He was surprised to see me there. In the foyer of the church were tables set up with wedding pictures and tables to pick up food tickets for lunch and a place to drop off money (typical Korean wedding custom is to give money and not gifts; Koreans can expect to have the wedding paid off by the wedding gift money given). We saw Ji and gave him a hug and met his Mom and Dad. He told us to go have a seat in the church on the right side. We sat down and waited as the church filled up. They had a nice service--after the homily, Ji gave a speech to Yeojin, then her parents and finally his parents. Then Yeojin gave a short speech to the parents as well. Finally, they did this cute thing where we all said the different parts of their name. We said "Jeong" (Yeojin's last name) and Ji said something that started with "Jeong"; then "Yeo" and "Jin". I guess it's kind of hard to explain... Finally, they said their vows, exchanged rings and lastly had two friends sing songs to them before finishing up the ceremony.
After the ceremony, they had a big family picture taken. Then, it was time for the friends' photo. When that was finished, we headed out to have lunch. It was a big buffet and the seating was mostly outside which was nice, but windy and a little chilly. At first Jacob and I sat with a few ET friends, but then we all decided to move to tables in the sun, so we sat with a few different guys the next time. It was good to see them all, but it was hard to catch up with all of them. I was just happy to see all of them and remember all the good times we had together in the past. It was nice to be around them all again like old times. We saw Ji and Yeojin take some pictures in the traditional Korean hanbok and we took some group pictures with friends outside. Then, people started heading out and finally we got a chance to snap a picture with Yeojin and then Ji before they rushed to the airport for their honeymoon.
Jacob and I had a lot of time to kill in Suncheon, but unfortunately due to Jacob's ankle and the windy and cool weather we didn't want to do anything outside. When I booked the train ticket, I didn't realize Ji and Yeojin were leaving immediately after the wedding for their honeymoon and had hoped we'd have some time to visit with them so I had gotten a 7:20pm train. We went to the station to see if we could switch to an earlier time, but there wasn't any room. So, we walked to the Emart to look for a snack. We hung out in the food court there and then walked back to the station and waited in a cafe there. Another long 3 hour train ride back and we were back in Seoul.
We stood outside--it was sunny and warm, but very windy which made it a bit cool. I saw my friend Bit Chan and he came over to talk to us. He was surprised to see me there. In the foyer of the church were tables set up with wedding pictures and tables to pick up food tickets for lunch and a place to drop off money (typical Korean wedding custom is to give money and not gifts; Koreans can expect to have the wedding paid off by the wedding gift money given). We saw Ji and gave him a hug and met his Mom and Dad. He told us to go have a seat in the church on the right side. We sat down and waited as the church filled up. They had a nice service--after the homily, Ji gave a speech to Yeojin, then her parents and finally his parents. Then Yeojin gave a short speech to the parents as well. Finally, they did this cute thing where we all said the different parts of their name. We said "Jeong" (Yeojin's last name) and Ji said something that started with "Jeong"; then "Yeo" and "Jin". I guess it's kind of hard to explain... Finally, they said their vows, exchanged rings and lastly had two friends sing songs to them before finishing up the ceremony.
After the ceremony, they had a big family picture taken. Then, it was time for the friends' photo. When that was finished, we headed out to have lunch. It was a big buffet and the seating was mostly outside which was nice, but windy and a little chilly. At first Jacob and I sat with a few ET friends, but then we all decided to move to tables in the sun, so we sat with a few different guys the next time. It was good to see them all, but it was hard to catch up with all of them. I was just happy to see all of them and remember all the good times we had together in the past. It was nice to be around them all again like old times. We saw Ji and Yeojin take some pictures in the traditional Korean hanbok and we took some group pictures with friends outside. Then, people started heading out and finally we got a chance to snap a picture with Yeojin and then Ji before they rushed to the airport for their honeymoon.
Jacob and I had a lot of time to kill in Suncheon, but unfortunately due to Jacob's ankle and the windy and cool weather we didn't want to do anything outside. When I booked the train ticket, I didn't realize Ji and Yeojin were leaving immediately after the wedding for their honeymoon and had hoped we'd have some time to visit with them so I had gotten a 7:20pm train. We went to the station to see if we could switch to an earlier time, but there wasn't any room. So, we walked to the Emart to look for a snack. We hung out in the food court there and then walked back to the station and waited in a cafe there. Another long 3 hour train ride back and we were back in Seoul.
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| Some of their wedding pictures on display |
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| Ji walking down the aisle |
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| Yeojin with her Dad down the aisle |
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| Lovely couple |
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| The friends! Can you spot Jacob and me? Left side, in the front! |
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| Some ET friends and me at lunch |
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| ET friends :) |
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| Captain Sailor Moon, Hansy, me and Justin |
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| Best Dressed Couple ;) |
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| Hopefully not our last picture with Ji before he moves to New Zealand! |
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