Work went alright; I'm so thankful Friday I only teach 4 classes. I had a meeting with my 6th grade COT to plan for Monday's lesson. It made me a bit stressed because I'm used to having my plans done further ahead than that. After we met, I spent the rest of the afternoon editing and revising the lesson to satisfy my COT.
I headed to downtown to meet Jacob. We went to Outback for his one year in Korea. :) I let him pick where he wanted to go since it was a special day for him. It is also White Day (Korean "Valentine's Day" where the guy gives a girl chocolate or white items)! I got some Hershey Kisses and face wash. For Jacob's one year, I got him some character socks, one of them had the Korean flag and tiny people all over it. I ordered a flatbread pizza, but it had sooo much garlic on it. When we finished dinner, we headed over to my class and again Jacob waited for me in the cafe. In class the first half we spent working on speaking in the formal way. The second half we moved through a few grammar points and got information about our test next week. It is only going to be 3 chapters which is a lot less scary than I imagined.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
BIG GAME
It was hard to get through the school day because I was so excited for our soccer game. I had 3, 4th grade classes and one 5th grade class--I've heard this is the "worst" class of the 5th grade. They lived up to their bad name too.
After work I stopped at a bakery to get a snack for Jacob and me before soccer and came home. Jacob's 2 centers he teaches at are now in my "gu" (/구/ district) 2 subway stops away. He went to meet the centers and then came over before soccer. It had started out warm during the day, but it sprinkled and got windy so it really cooled off.
We went to soccer a bit early so we could warm up thoroughly. Strangely the field lights weren't on, so we warmed up in the dark. This was a big game for us because the team we were playing against was ranked 1st in the league. If we beat them, then we'd be first in the league. Once everyone arrived and the lights got turned on, we heard from their captain and the league organizer that they needed some people because they only had 2 people from their own team and borrowed several other players. It's kind of unfair that it isn't an automatic win for us when we donate our own players and they can't field a team of their own roster. We played well--Jacob had an absolutely beautiful goal and everyone was talking about how awesome it was. I ended up playing in goal for the last half of the first half. When we started the second half, no one was willing to go in goal, so I went back in goal for another half of the time. Finally after we scored another goal I announced loudly "does anyone want to go in goal now?!" and Felix was nice enough to step in. Then it was game on. I hadn't done much running so I still had a lot of energy and moved around the field a bit. Then, Jacob set me up for a goal and out of the corner of my eye I see another teammate Ray come running up and he tried for the ball but he missed--but it's okay because I was on the back post and slid to knock it in! I was ecstatic--my first goal for the league! We won the game 5-2. After the game, Jacob and I grabbed some dinner.
After work I stopped at a bakery to get a snack for Jacob and me before soccer and came home. Jacob's 2 centers he teaches at are now in my "gu" (/구/ district) 2 subway stops away. He went to meet the centers and then came over before soccer. It had started out warm during the day, but it sprinkled and got windy so it really cooled off.
We went to soccer a bit early so we could warm up thoroughly. Strangely the field lights weren't on, so we warmed up in the dark. This was a big game for us because the team we were playing against was ranked 1st in the league. If we beat them, then we'd be first in the league. Once everyone arrived and the lights got turned on, we heard from their captain and the league organizer that they needed some people because they only had 2 people from their own team and borrowed several other players. It's kind of unfair that it isn't an automatic win for us when we donate our own players and they can't field a team of their own roster. We played well--Jacob had an absolutely beautiful goal and everyone was talking about how awesome it was. I ended up playing in goal for the last half of the first half. When we started the second half, no one was willing to go in goal, so I went back in goal for another half of the time. Finally after we scored another goal I announced loudly "does anyone want to go in goal now?!" and Felix was nice enough to step in. Then it was game on. I hadn't done much running so I still had a lot of energy and moved around the field a bit. Then, Jacob set me up for a goal and out of the corner of my eye I see another teammate Ray come running up and he tried for the ball but he missed--but it's okay because I was on the back post and slid to knock it in! I was ecstatic--my first goal for the league! We won the game 5-2. After the game, Jacob and I grabbed some dinner.
 |
| Jacob and me after the game |
 |
| Our matching boots! |
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Soccer Shoes Purchased
Nothing too special at work. I met the 4th graders again. I can't get over how cute they are. It's fun to see them still excited about English and willing to participate in class.
After school I went to Hongdae to meet Jacob for a snack. He was teaching class a little bit later than normal. We got japchae hoddeok 잡채 호떡/ a sweet fried dough filled with noodles and vegetables. It was delicious, though I had a hard time deciding between the japchae hoddeok and the regular sweet one (filled with sugar and sometimes nuts). When Jacob went to class, I went shopping--on the hunt for a birthday present. I wasn't successful though.
We met up again and traveled back to my area. For dinner, we went to one of our favorite (chain) BBQ restaurants and ordered kalmaegisal /갈매기살/ pork. I hadn't had that kind of BBQ in awhile so it really hit the spot. After dinner, we went to my Emart and I tried on a pair of turf shoes. I was debating between the youth 3 1/2 and 4, and ended up going with the 4's even though they seemed a bit looser and bigger. Jacob has the same pair (in adult size) and said that it was suggested to go a half size larger. The 3 1/2's felt snug and wouldn't stretch at all. Jacob went home and I relaxed a bit before going to bed.
After school I went to Hongdae to meet Jacob for a snack. He was teaching class a little bit later than normal. We got japchae hoddeok 잡채 호떡/ a sweet fried dough filled with noodles and vegetables. It was delicious, though I had a hard time deciding between the japchae hoddeok and the regular sweet one (filled with sugar and sometimes nuts). When Jacob went to class, I went shopping--on the hunt for a birthday present. I wasn't successful though.
We met up again and traveled back to my area. For dinner, we went to one of our favorite (chain) BBQ restaurants and ordered kalmaegisal /갈매기살/ pork. I hadn't had that kind of BBQ in awhile so it really hit the spot. After dinner, we went to my Emart and I tried on a pair of turf shoes. I was debating between the youth 3 1/2 and 4, and ended up going with the 4's even though they seemed a bit looser and bigger. Jacob has the same pair (in adult size) and said that it was suggested to go a half size larger. The 3 1/2's felt snug and wouldn't stretch at all. Jacob went home and I relaxed a bit before going to bed.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Goodbye Dinner for MK
I met the last of my 6th graders today and half of my 5th grade classes. I like getting to show them some things about me and my life back home. My COT, Sophie, told me that some of them were quite impressed with our house and said that I was a "rich teacher" because the house is so big. Everyone oohed and ahhed over Toby too, of course.
It was a really long day--I have 6 classes on Tuesday so it's a lot of work. It didn't help that I had stayed out late the night before, coming home from Bucheon. I made a note to not do anything too late Monday nights anymore!
After work, I went to Sangsu to meet Jacob. We got some bread as a snack and walked around and looked for the restaurant MK picked. We waited for 6:30 to roll around so we could meet Bora. The 3 of us went in and got a table and looked over the menu. MK picked a Japanese restaurant. The staff was loud and energetic. They made a lot of noise and bowed to us when we sat down. After we received our first dish MK arrived. It was good to see Bora and MK and have time to catch up, all of us together. MK and Bora continued to order a few other dishes as well. Most of the food had seafood in it, and even dishes we asked for no seafood or didn't show any in the description still came with some. Since Jacob is allergic and I don't like seafood, we had a more difficult time eating at this place.
We finished dinner and MK and Bora wanted to go for "second round" and get more food. They wanted ddeokboki /떡볶이/ spicy rice cakes, so Jacob and I went with, but didn't really eat anything. We all walked to the subway together and went our separate ways.
It was sad knowing this is the last time we'd meet while MK lived in Seoul. However, I'm happy for her big move back to Inchon since she'll be close to her parents.
It was a really long day--I have 6 classes on Tuesday so it's a lot of work. It didn't help that I had stayed out late the night before, coming home from Bucheon. I made a note to not do anything too late Monday nights anymore!
After work, I went to Sangsu to meet Jacob. We got some bread as a snack and walked around and looked for the restaurant MK picked. We waited for 6:30 to roll around so we could meet Bora. The 3 of us went in and got a table and looked over the menu. MK picked a Japanese restaurant. The staff was loud and energetic. They made a lot of noise and bowed to us when we sat down. After we received our first dish MK arrived. It was good to see Bora and MK and have time to catch up, all of us together. MK and Bora continued to order a few other dishes as well. Most of the food had seafood in it, and even dishes we asked for no seafood or didn't show any in the description still came with some. Since Jacob is allergic and I don't like seafood, we had a more difficult time eating at this place.
We finished dinner and MK and Bora wanted to go for "second round" and get more food. They wanted ddeokboki /떡볶이/ spicy rice cakes, so Jacob and I went with, but didn't really eat anything. We all walked to the subway together and went our separate ways.
It was sad knowing this is the last time we'd meet while MK lived in Seoul. However, I'm happy for her big move back to Inchon since she'll be close to her parents.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Trip to Bucheon
The good news about my schedule is that the first period I don't have class. It's nice to settle in for an extra 40 minutes on a Monday morning. I met my old 5th graders, now 6th graders today. It was so nice to see them again! :) I got a lot of big waves and extra loud "hi's" from them. I was happy to see familiar faces and wished I could remember all of their names. It was good to see faces I recognized and know a little bit about their behaviors and attitudes. I sent a message to my old 5th grade COT to tell her I met some of our favorite students and our trouble makers. It made her smile to think of them again.We had to adapt a lot and change things as we went from class to class. I felt super rusty up in front of the class, but everything worked out okay. I think they were extra patient with me only because they knew me.
After work I took a little break at home before heading to Bucheon to meet Bohye. Unfortunately I haven't seen her since October! It's hard to believe that much time has passed since we met last. She works til 7:30 pm so it is difficult to meet and Bucheon is about an hour away from where I live. I took the subway and arrived at our meeting place. Bohye got her hair straightened so it was very long. She also got braces. We went to a dalk galbi restaurant (spicy stir fried chicken) and ordered pizza dalk galbi. It was pretty good. After dinner, we went to a Starbucks for a drink. There is a special "secret" menu with 3 very sweet and expensive drinks on it. We ordered one and a regular menu drink to share. I headed home after coffee and chatting. Bohye and I tentatively made plans to meet either later in the month or sometime in April.
It was a long trek home and I was quite tired, but it was good to see Bohye again.
After work I took a little break at home before heading to Bucheon to meet Bohye. Unfortunately I haven't seen her since October! It's hard to believe that much time has passed since we met last. She works til 7:30 pm so it is difficult to meet and Bucheon is about an hour away from where I live. I took the subway and arrived at our meeting place. Bohye got her hair straightened so it was very long. She also got braces. We went to a dalk galbi restaurant (spicy stir fried chicken) and ordered pizza dalk galbi. It was pretty good. After dinner, we went to a Starbucks for a drink. There is a special "secret" menu with 3 very sweet and expensive drinks on it. We ordered one and a regular menu drink to share. I headed home after coffee and chatting. Bohye and I tentatively made plans to meet either later in the month or sometime in April.
It was a long trek home and I was quite tired, but it was good to see Bohye again.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Usual Sunday
Jacob came over again in the morning so we could make brunch. We had breakfast burritos again. After eating, we headed out to soccer. There was a much smaller turnout than last week, I think because the weather is a bit cooler again. I think it ended up being 5 on 5. Bora also came this week, back from her business trip to Singapore. She was a real trooper and got hit by the ball several times. I asked if she was okay and she said she was fine; at the end of practice she told me that she really felt like she was improving and was having fun. I was relieved to hear that. I'm definitely impressed with her gumption and proud of her for coming and playing with us. I know it's not easy to play with a bunch of guys, a lot of them really good and know that you are a low skilled player. Anyway, afterwards, one guy Johan told me he was pleasantly surprised to see how I have improved since he hasn't made it to soccer in a few weeks. Eirik also told me that he's enjoyed seeing me grow and improve in the last few weeks as well. It meant a lot to me hearing it from both of those guys since they are some of the best players on our team.
After soccer Jacob and I took the bus to church. We were both a little hungry so we stopped at Tom n Tom's and split a pepperoni pretzel. It was pretty good--I like the pretzel dough from Auntie Anne's better, but overall I think I might have liked it a little bit more (it also had sauce and cheese--mm, cheese!). Church was okay, but it was a bit awkward when they asked people to introduce themselves. I know it shouldn't be such a big deal to stand up and say, "Hi, I'm Amy and I'm from the US" to the congregation, but if one doesn't want to do it, I don't think he or she should be cajoled or pressured into doing it. This week the Father even went so far as picking out people to introduce themselves.
When church was over we went to Noodle Box for dinner. Jacob walked me to the subway and then I came home. Even if it's not too cold during the day (low 40's-mid 30's) it still dips into the mid 20's at night and its so cold walking home. I am still eagerly awaiting spring's arrival!
After soccer Jacob and I took the bus to church. We were both a little hungry so we stopped at Tom n Tom's and split a pepperoni pretzel. It was pretty good--I like the pretzel dough from Auntie Anne's better, but overall I think I might have liked it a little bit more (it also had sauce and cheese--mm, cheese!). Church was okay, but it was a bit awkward when they asked people to introduce themselves. I know it shouldn't be such a big deal to stand up and say, "Hi, I'm Amy and I'm from the US" to the congregation, but if one doesn't want to do it, I don't think he or she should be cajoled or pressured into doing it. This week the Father even went so far as picking out people to introduce themselves.
When church was over we went to Noodle Box for dinner. Jacob walked me to the subway and then I came home. Even if it's not too cold during the day (low 40's-mid 30's) it still dips into the mid 20's at night and its so cold walking home. I am still eagerly awaiting spring's arrival!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Weekend, Finally
As usual, I couldn't sleep in, but it gave me time to get some things done around my place. I cleaned and did some other chores before heading out. I went to Hongdae to do some shopping for some upcoming birthdays. I walked on to Sinchon to get lunch; yesterday I really wanted to eat bibimbap, but didn't really have time since I was shopping and then had class. I was on the hunt for a Korean restaurant and went to the place Jacob took me to awhile ago. Unfortunately there was no bibimbap; I considered getting something else, but I really, really wanted bibimbap. I took off and went back into Hongdae to find a bibimbap place. I found a restaurant and got my bibimbap. It was ok, but I think next time I want bibimbap, I will eat at a place near my school-it was quite good. I briefly went through some stores in Sinchon and then on to Ewha to do some more shopping. Jacob and I met up and we had Quizno's for dinner. I came home and watched some TV and relaxed for the evening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)