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.
Monday, April 7, 2014
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! |
Friday, April 4, 2014
Trip to Suncheon
Work went well. The first two 5th grade classes were surprisingly well behaved. They were a little loud, but did their work and settled down quickly. The first class finished early so as a treat I played "Let it Go" from "Frozen" for them. For some reason 3rd and 4th period subject classes were cancelled, but only if the homeroom teacher wanted to cancel them. As it turns out, our 3rd period homeroom teacher wanted to cancel, but the 4th wanted to have class. So I had a nice break in the morning.
After lunch, I jetted out to head to Yongsan Station. Jacob went to the doctors in the morning with his guesthouse manager to get his ankle checked out. Turns out the doctor thinks the Achilles has a minor tear. He got a crutch, ankle brace, medicine and an ice pack thing to wear. We met at Yongsan and got our tickets and found our train. I was so happy I finally had a leisurely time getting to the train and wasn't rushed or crazy.
Jacob and I settled in for a little over 3 hour train ride. We both dozed for a bit and talked on the way down. As it turns out, the guesthouse we booked was directly across from the station which was really nice. There was no one else staying there, so we had a dormitory room all to ourselves. We took a short rest and then went to look for dinner. I was a bit concerned about Jacob walking much, but he said he wanted to stretch his legs and we just took it slow. We ended up going to a kimbap restaurant and ordering ramen and kimbap. After dinner, we got some bread and a snack for the evening. At the guesthouse we just watched tv. Ji called and said he wanted to meet us but they had to have dinner with Yeojin's family first. I figured it wouldn't work out--besides, the night before getting married he should be hanging out with us?! Anyway, I think it was best we took it easy with Jacob's ankle.
After lunch, I jetted out to head to Yongsan Station. Jacob went to the doctors in the morning with his guesthouse manager to get his ankle checked out. Turns out the doctor thinks the Achilles has a minor tear. He got a crutch, ankle brace, medicine and an ice pack thing to wear. We met at Yongsan and got our tickets and found our train. I was so happy I finally had a leisurely time getting to the train and wasn't rushed or crazy.
Jacob and I settled in for a little over 3 hour train ride. We both dozed for a bit and talked on the way down. As it turns out, the guesthouse we booked was directly across from the station which was really nice. There was no one else staying there, so we had a dormitory room all to ourselves. We took a short rest and then went to look for dinner. I was a bit concerned about Jacob walking much, but he said he wanted to stretch his legs and we just took it slow. We ended up going to a kimbap restaurant and ordering ramen and kimbap. After dinner, we got some bread and a snack for the evening. At the guesthouse we just watched tv. Ji called and said he wanted to meet us but they had to have dinner with Yeojin's family first. I figured it wouldn't work out--besides, the night before getting married he should be hanging out with us?! Anyway, I think it was best we took it easy with Jacob's ankle.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Another Disappointing Soccer Match
Work went fine. The bad 5th grade class actually did really well in the activity I planned. It was a pleasant surprise. In the afternoon I did planning because tomorrow I will be leaving work early again.
I came home and took a short break before meeting Jacob at my subway station for soccer. We got to the stadium and warmed up a little. They asked us to join in the 6pm game, so we helped out for the second half. Then our game--the team we were playing at first only had 1 member of the original team. Maybe 10 minutes later another member showed up, but they got several good players to help them. We started out really well-Jacob made 2 quick goals. Also, Nicolaj was there and he hadn't come for awhile. Then they scored two goals too. We got a third in before the first half ended. The second half we fell apart because we had most of our weaker players together and they scored 2 more. The ref was really bad and made some bizarre calls resulting in a free PK for the other team that they made, now pushing the score 3-4. Right after, Jacob made a goal and it was 4-4. Then they made one more so we lost 4-5.
After the game, Jacob was limping a bit and said that the girl on their team stepped on his Achilles and he was in a bit of pain. We went to the bibimbap place for dinner and he got the bulgogi hot bibimbap and I got rice cake in soy sauce. Both were really good.
I came home and took a short break before meeting Jacob at my subway station for soccer. We got to the stadium and warmed up a little. They asked us to join in the 6pm game, so we helped out for the second half. Then our game--the team we were playing at first only had 1 member of the original team. Maybe 10 minutes later another member showed up, but they got several good players to help them. We started out really well-Jacob made 2 quick goals. Also, Nicolaj was there and he hadn't come for awhile. Then they scored two goals too. We got a third in before the first half ended. The second half we fell apart because we had most of our weaker players together and they scored 2 more. The ref was really bad and made some bizarre calls resulting in a free PK for the other team that they made, now pushing the score 3-4. Right after, Jacob made a goal and it was 4-4. Then they made one more so we lost 4-5.
After the game, Jacob was limping a bit and said that the girl on their team stepped on his Achilles and he was in a bit of pain. We went to the bibimbap place for dinner and he got the bulgogi hot bibimbap and I got rice cake in soy sauce. Both were really good.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Middle of the Week!
Wednesdays are generally pretty easy for me at the moment. I just support my 4th grade COT as needed for the lessons she prepared.
When work was done, I met Jacob in Sangsu. We hung out for a bit before meeting up with Bora. Since we were both a little hungry, we went to Gusto Taco and split a burrito. Then we met with Bora and they went to get acupuncture. Jacob's shoulder has been bothering him for awhile and Bora had suggested acupuncture-she wanted to go too. He decided he'd take her up on her offer. The place Bora normally goes to is near her home so she found one in Hongdae. I went along for moral support, but just stood in the ranks. I don't think I need acupuncture for anything at the moment, and I'm okay without needles! I took a picture of Jacob getting the electric massage, but didn't hear him call me when he had the needles on his back.
When we finished, Bora went home. Jacob and I went to get some soup for dinner. Afterwards, we wanted to get some hoddeok (the sweet fried pancake), but the usual stall we go to didn't have any. So we kept looking for another one. We couldn't find one and were wondering what to do when I remembered there is a Brazilian "snack bar" we wanted to try. So we walked to the restaurant called "Hi Pastel" and went in. We ordered 2 pastels and 2 coxhinas. They were both like fried dumplings with veggies and meat inside. There was no one else in there, so the women working talked with us a little. When we got our food, we also had a salad, so we assumed they gave us "service". However, when we went to pay our bill, they had charged us for a salad. :(
When work was done, I met Jacob in Sangsu. We hung out for a bit before meeting up with Bora. Since we were both a little hungry, we went to Gusto Taco and split a burrito. Then we met with Bora and they went to get acupuncture. Jacob's shoulder has been bothering him for awhile and Bora had suggested acupuncture-she wanted to go too. He decided he'd take her up on her offer. The place Bora normally goes to is near her home so she found one in Hongdae. I went along for moral support, but just stood in the ranks. I don't think I need acupuncture for anything at the moment, and I'm okay without needles! I took a picture of Jacob getting the electric massage, but didn't hear him call me when he had the needles on his back.
When we finished, Bora went home. Jacob and I went to get some soup for dinner. Afterwards, we wanted to get some hoddeok (the sweet fried pancake), but the usual stall we go to didn't have any. So we kept looking for another one. We couldn't find one and were wondering what to do when I remembered there is a Brazilian "snack bar" we wanted to try. So we walked to the restaurant called "Hi Pastel" and went in. We ordered 2 pastels and 2 coxhinas. They were both like fried dumplings with veggies and meat inside. There was no one else in there, so the women working talked with us a little. When we got our food, we also had a salad, so we assumed they gave us "service". However, when we went to pay our bill, they had charged us for a salad. :(
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| Jacob hooked up to the electric massage machine |
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| At Hi Pastel |
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| Ready to try our new snacks! |
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| Character socks from Jacob |
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Another Long Tuesday
What a long day. The first 5th grade class today had one student that really pushed my buttons. Every time I looked at him he was goofing off, bothering other students, talking and being a general disturbance. His voice is quite loud so it is especially burdensome. I had him stay after class so I could talk with him about paying attention more.
When our final class was over it was hard to feel motivated to do much work. I did a little bit of planning and my COT worked on preparing the schedule and information for summer camp because it's due next week! Summer camp?! It's 4 months away! Ick.
After work, I got a few groceries and came back to start on dinner. Jacob came over after he finished at his centers and we had a casserole. It had bread with cream cheese on the bottom and it was topped with beef, tomato sauce and veggies. It was really good. Jacob left right after dinner because he had a headache.
When our final class was over it was hard to feel motivated to do much work. I did a little bit of planning and my COT worked on preparing the schedule and information for summer camp because it's due next week! Summer camp?! It's 4 months away! Ick.
After work, I got a few groceries and came back to start on dinner. Jacob came over after he finished at his centers and we had a casserole. It had bread with cream cheese on the bottom and it was topped with beef, tomato sauce and veggies. It was really good. Jacob left right after dinner because he had a headache.
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| Jacob with the casserole |
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