Work wasn't too bad today. One of my classes got cancelled because they were having a Children's Day celebration in their homeroom. That was a nice surprise. Also, when I came into the English room, I noticed there had been some writing on the whiteboard that was erased, but it was kind of stained on the board still. I could barely make out the following message:
To Amy teacher
We are 민경 수경 지영 (Min Kyung, Su Kyung and Ji Yeong)
really LOVE YOU
See you soon
how you are?
I was so happy to see a message left from my old 6th graders. It makes me really sad that I keep missing them! I'm guessing that they are here while I am still at work. I don't know how to leave a message for them and to tell them to come to my office right next door!
After work, I headed downtown to look for shoes again. Still on a mission. After doing some quick browsing, it was off to class. Now there is only one more week of Friday classes! When class was finished I returned home to relax.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Happy, happy day
Happy Birthday Jung Yoon!!!
Jenny and I had a leisurely morning. I didn't think the construction was too loud, but she said it was a little noisy. I was going to run out and grab something for breakfast, but she was still full from dinner. Since it was her birthday, she got a lot of calls. Her dad called and wanted to talk to me--he's so sweet. Jung Yoon had to help translate a bit for me (his accent is a little bit difficult for me to understand) but he asked if I was having fun living in Seoul and that I need to come and visit them again. So very kind.
Then we headed out to meet Jacob in Hapjeong and continued on to Itaewon. We went to Left Coast burgers and it was absolutely amazing! Jenny and I ordered the mini pulled pork sandwiches and split them, Jacob got the Juicy Lucy, and we shared an order of the baked mac n cheese and "totchos" (which were handmade tator tots with special spicy ranch sauce, cheese and veggies). Wow. So, so, good. Unfortunately after lunch Jung Yoon had to get going because she needed to have a birthday dinner with her family down in Jinju (3 1/2 hours by bus). So we walked her to the subway and said our goodbyes. After she left, Jacob and I walked around Itaewon a little more; I finally got to look at the antique shops around there and take some fun pictures. We then went for churros at a place we saw awhile back. It was pretty good. After sitting and talking there we headed to Hyehwa area to see about getting tickets for the special "starry nights" at the palaces. (They will have extended hours at some of the palaces and light up the paths and there is also a full moon.) Unfortunately there weren't any tickets so we had to pass for tonight. We will try again another night, but it ends on the 11th. We walked around Hyehwa a little but I had expected it to be a bit more romantic from the things I had heard about the area.
We decided to have a light dinner at my place, so we got kimbap. When we walked into the shop Jacob noticed that a whole family sitting started staring at me. I was busy looking at the menu and taking our order. Then I looked over and saw them--I heard "Amy ssem itda!" (It's Amy teacher) at the same time Jacob asked me, "are those your students?" And yes, it turned out to be 3 of my students-all in one family. (a 4th, 5th and 6th grader) I waved and said hello and then we took our food to go. At home, I also made some rice and mandu. Jacob and I went to Emart to fill up some of my water bottles and he headed home early-ish because he has his first day working at GOAL tomorrow!
PS--is it May already?!
Jenny and I had a leisurely morning. I didn't think the construction was too loud, but she said it was a little noisy. I was going to run out and grab something for breakfast, but she was still full from dinner. Since it was her birthday, she got a lot of calls. Her dad called and wanted to talk to me--he's so sweet. Jung Yoon had to help translate a bit for me (his accent is a little bit difficult for me to understand) but he asked if I was having fun living in Seoul and that I need to come and visit them again. So very kind.
Then we headed out to meet Jacob in Hapjeong and continued on to Itaewon. We went to Left Coast burgers and it was absolutely amazing! Jenny and I ordered the mini pulled pork sandwiches and split them, Jacob got the Juicy Lucy, and we shared an order of the baked mac n cheese and "totchos" (which were handmade tator tots with special spicy ranch sauce, cheese and veggies). Wow. So, so, good. Unfortunately after lunch Jung Yoon had to get going because she needed to have a birthday dinner with her family down in Jinju (3 1/2 hours by bus). So we walked her to the subway and said our goodbyes. After she left, Jacob and I walked around Itaewon a little more; I finally got to look at the antique shops around there and take some fun pictures. We then went for churros at a place we saw awhile back. It was pretty good. After sitting and talking there we headed to Hyehwa area to see about getting tickets for the special "starry nights" at the palaces. (They will have extended hours at some of the palaces and light up the paths and there is also a full moon.) Unfortunately there weren't any tickets so we had to pass for tonight. We will try again another night, but it ends on the 11th. We walked around Hyehwa a little but I had expected it to be a bit more romantic from the things I had heard about the area.
We decided to have a light dinner at my place, so we got kimbap. When we walked into the shop Jacob noticed that a whole family sitting started staring at me. I was busy looking at the menu and taking our order. Then I looked over and saw them--I heard "Amy ssem itda!" (It's Amy teacher) at the same time Jacob asked me, "are those your students?" And yes, it turned out to be 3 of my students-all in one family. (a 4th, 5th and 6th grader) I waved and said hello and then we took our food to go. At home, I also made some rice and mandu. Jacob and I went to Emart to fill up some of my water bottles and he headed home early-ish because he has his first day working at GOAL tomorrow!
PS--is it May already?!
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| Happy Birthday to my Best friend!! |
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| Our BBQ Sandwiches and Mac n Cheese |
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| Group pic |
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| Fun with mirrors |
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| Chairs! |
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| Fun with mirrors |
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| Locks for sale |
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| Cool Graffiti |
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| Turkish Delight!! |
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| Strawberry Ade |
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| Churro~~ |
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Open Class and REUNITED WITH JENNY!
Today I had off one period because my 4th grade COT was having open class with that class. It was a nice break in the morning. Lunch was pretty good today too--there was cheese pork cutlets and a creamy potato soup. After lunch SangJi and I practiced/ran through our open class lesson and then it was time to go and teach!
Actually, there was only one mom watching so that was nice--I was so afraid there would be a huge crowd of parents. There were about 5 teachers that watched and most of them stayed the whole time. I also saw the principal and one of the VP's for maybe 2 minutes at the most. I think it went okay, but my COT was a little concerned because she said the teachers evaluating us looked so serious she was nervous!
After work, I was originally supposed to go to the staff dinner, but since Jung Yoon could meet me, I told them I couldn't go and skipped out. I met Jung Yoon at Sangsu and we went to Gusto for dinner. Delicious! I got nachos and Jenny got a burrito. It was so fun talking wtih her and catching up. Her boyfriend called while we were eating and I got to say hello to him. He's doing his military service right now and can't see Jenny on her birthday or their anniversary (coming up in a few days). We browsed Hongdae for a little bit, walking off our dinner and with me showing Jung Yoon dessert cafe after dessert cafe that I love or want to try. When we went into a place and Jung Yoon told me that she loved red velvet cake, I knew exactly where to take her so we walked back to Sangsu and went to the red velvet place Jacob and I have been to before. We took a bus to Sinchon to meet Jacob for a drink. I was glad two of my favorite people could meet each other and hang out. Jacob asked her to tell him 10 things about herself and he did the same. Jung Yoon and I headed home and it was great to show her my place and have her spend the night. We stayed up late talking.
Actually, there was only one mom watching so that was nice--I was so afraid there would be a huge crowd of parents. There were about 5 teachers that watched and most of them stayed the whole time. I also saw the principal and one of the VP's for maybe 2 minutes at the most. I think it went okay, but my COT was a little concerned because she said the teachers evaluating us looked so serious she was nervous!
After work, I was originally supposed to go to the staff dinner, but since Jung Yoon could meet me, I told them I couldn't go and skipped out. I met Jung Yoon at Sangsu and we went to Gusto for dinner. Delicious! I got nachos and Jenny got a burrito. It was so fun talking wtih her and catching up. Her boyfriend called while we were eating and I got to say hello to him. He's doing his military service right now and can't see Jenny on her birthday or their anniversary (coming up in a few days). We browsed Hongdae for a little bit, walking off our dinner and with me showing Jung Yoon dessert cafe after dessert cafe that I love or want to try. When we went into a place and Jung Yoon told me that she loved red velvet cake, I knew exactly where to take her so we walked back to Sangsu and went to the red velvet place Jacob and I have been to before. We took a bus to Sinchon to meet Jacob for a drink. I was glad two of my favorite people could meet each other and hang out. Jacob asked her to tell him 10 things about herself and he did the same. Jung Yoon and I headed home and it was great to show her my place and have her spend the night. We stayed up late talking.
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| Red Velvet cupcake! |
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| Jenny with our desserts |
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Terrible Tired Tuesday has some Terrific News!
My 3rd 6th grade class didn't show up, so my COT called their homeroom teacher to find out what was up. Turns out some of the boys started fighting in class and the class got in trouble (or something like that). So we ended up going to their classroom to have class. They were all a bit agitated and even more unruly than normal. Also, their homeroom teacher is actually off right now; she got married over the weekend so the have a substitute this week.
Then, my COT and I got to practice our Open Class lesson twice in the afternoon. It didn't go over as perfectly as we had both hoped and I'm a little nervous. However, the class we picked to do the open class with is really sweet and generally quite well behaved. I think they will do well tomorrow.
In the morning, I sent Jung Yoon (Jenny) a message saying I wished she could come to Seoul because I didn't have work on Thursday (her birthday) and it would be so nice to see her. She told me that she wished she could come too, but had 3 classes. Then in the afternoon messaged me and said she found out she has a "business" trip and will come to Seoul TOMORROW!! The meeting unfortunately finishes around 10pm, but she asked if she could stay the night with me. Could she spend the night with me?! Duhh, of course!! So, I will get to see her on her birthday! How amazing and awesome!
After work, I came home and got started on making dinner. I decided I would make a meatloaf because I have leftover potatoes and was trying to think what would go well with the mashed potatoes. Well, I was a little worried how it would turn out because I don't have a loaf pan, but it turned out okay--instead I just made it kind of low and filled my square pan. I made the mashed potatoes garlic mashed, of course. And we had cheese broccoli on the side as well. Americana at its finest! When we finished eating we talked and just hung out.
A little bit later, Jenny messaged me saying she heard back from a company and would be able to meet me sooner in the day--as soon as I was finished with work! We arranged the plans and I was so excited I could barely get ready for bed.
Then, my COT and I got to practice our Open Class lesson twice in the afternoon. It didn't go over as perfectly as we had both hoped and I'm a little nervous. However, the class we picked to do the open class with is really sweet and generally quite well behaved. I think they will do well tomorrow.
In the morning, I sent Jung Yoon (Jenny) a message saying I wished she could come to Seoul because I didn't have work on Thursday (her birthday) and it would be so nice to see her. She told me that she wished she could come too, but had 3 classes. Then in the afternoon messaged me and said she found out she has a "business" trip and will come to Seoul TOMORROW!! The meeting unfortunately finishes around 10pm, but she asked if she could stay the night with me. Could she spend the night with me?! Duhh, of course!! So, I will get to see her on her birthday! How amazing and awesome!
After work, I came home and got started on making dinner. I decided I would make a meatloaf because I have leftover potatoes and was trying to think what would go well with the mashed potatoes. Well, I was a little worried how it would turn out because I don't have a loaf pan, but it turned out okay--instead I just made it kind of low and filled my square pan. I made the mashed potatoes garlic mashed, of course. And we had cheese broccoli on the side as well. Americana at its finest! When we finished eating we talked and just hung out.
A little bit later, Jenny messaged me saying she heard back from a company and would be able to meet me sooner in the day--as soon as I was finished with work! We arranged the plans and I was so excited I could barely get ready for bed.
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| Meatloaf, cheesy broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes |
Monday, April 28, 2014
Rainy Monday
It was back to being a bit colder today and it was also rainy. It hasn't rained in awhile I don't think (besides yesterday).
Work went okay. The Open Class is this week so that is looming large in the future. I did a little work and reviewed the lesson plan for the Open Class with my COT.
After work, I went home and took a short break before meeting Jacob for dinner. He had training until his teaching job started, so we weren't able to meet right after school. It was nice to relax at home for a little. I wanted to go for a run (run to Hongdae again), but it was a little too chilly for my liking.
Jacob and I have an uncanny sense of wanting to eat the same thing for dinner. Usually before I ask what he wants I have an idea of where I want to go and am always surprised to hear his answer as one of the options I wanted. It happened again today, both of us wanting to get some BBQ. When he finished work, we met up and went to 구이가, the BBQ place we first hung out at. We ordered 갈매기살, a type of pork. It was delicious, as usual. After dinner, we were going to walk around a bit-even walk back to his area, but it was raining a lot so we took a taxi and went to Peter Pan bakery for a scone. It was really delicious. Then I grabbed a bus and headed home. Also, one of Jacob's students gave him an "old" phone, her used phone; we're going to see if it is possible for me to switch phones and use it instead of my older iphone. Fingers crossed as I'm not sure how much more life this phone has in it!
I stopped at the Emart to get a few things and hoped that the meat would be on sale. It wasn't quite late enough for the meat to be at a discount, but I did buy some garlic. I find it very entertaining that there are 1kg bags of peeled garlic cloves for sale (the smallest bag I could find and bought probably has a good 20-30 cloves). Only in Korea...
Work went okay. The Open Class is this week so that is looming large in the future. I did a little work and reviewed the lesson plan for the Open Class with my COT.
After work, I went home and took a short break before meeting Jacob for dinner. He had training until his teaching job started, so we weren't able to meet right after school. It was nice to relax at home for a little. I wanted to go for a run (run to Hongdae again), but it was a little too chilly for my liking.
Jacob and I have an uncanny sense of wanting to eat the same thing for dinner. Usually before I ask what he wants I have an idea of where I want to go and am always surprised to hear his answer as one of the options I wanted. It happened again today, both of us wanting to get some BBQ. When he finished work, we met up and went to 구이가, the BBQ place we first hung out at. We ordered 갈매기살, a type of pork. It was delicious, as usual. After dinner, we were going to walk around a bit-even walk back to his area, but it was raining a lot so we took a taxi and went to Peter Pan bakery for a scone. It was really delicious. Then I grabbed a bus and headed home. Also, one of Jacob's students gave him an "old" phone, her used phone; we're going to see if it is possible for me to switch phones and use it instead of my older iphone. Fingers crossed as I'm not sure how much more life this phone has in it!
I stopped at the Emart to get a few things and hoped that the meat would be on sale. It wasn't quite late enough for the meat to be at a discount, but I did buy some garlic. I find it very entertaining that there are 1kg bags of peeled garlic cloves for sale (the smallest bag I could find and bought probably has a good 20-30 cloves). Only in Korea...
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Rainy Sunday
We then took a bus to the subway and went to World Cup stadium for soccer. It was raining, it had been raining all day really, and we saw the high school boys we sometimes play with. They were complaining about the rain and didn't walk outside with us. Jacob and I went to go sit and see who would show up. I was getting worried when it was 5 to 8 and we were the only ones. One guy, Ari showed up--he hasn't been there since the fall I think--and slowly others trickled in; Fredrik from last week and TC (his friend, but someone who came in the summer), Eirik and his friend, Stefano, Johan (finally, after quite an absence), Felix (also after quite a long absence), and then the 5 high school boys. So we ended up playing 3 teams of 5, with one (my team) that needed to pull an extra player each time. The weather, while rainy, was actually perfect for playing. It was a little cool, but not cold and after one 7 minute game I was already peeling off my layers. It was a fun night. I felt bad for Jacob sitting on the sidelines. I could tell he really wanted to play. John was in Hawaii, and Jacob is now the "vice captain" so he had to go to take the money and have the pennies. I told him he looked like a coach when he was pacing the sidelines.
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| The guys playing |
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| Action |
Saturday, April 26, 2014
100 Days with Jacob!
In the morning Jacob came over and we skyped with my Mom and Grandpa. It was good seeing both of them. Toby also made a brief appearance and Jacob thought it was funny that we could see Toby's tail behind the bed as he walked in and out of the room. We also exchanged our 100 days gifts. I got a really pretty necklace, a "Toby Junior" stuffed animal, and chocolate bar. :) Jacob liked the wallet and the picture frame I made.
After we finished talking with my Mom and Grandpa, we went to get lunch at a kimbap shop. Jacob had training so we didn't have a lot of time for lunch. After we finished eating our kimbap and omurice (fried rice with an omelet egg on top) we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. The names of the flavors can be so strange! Jacob got the Spiderman flavor and I got "My mother is an alien" flavor. It's one of my favorites--white chocolate and chocolate ice cream with chocolate covered pretzel pieces. Yum.
Jacob left for his training and meeting. I tidied my room up, did a little bit of walking and shopping in my area and got some groceries. Around 6, I left to go meet Jacob in Hapjeong. We wanted to go to the steak restaurant we went to for his birthday, but when we arrived, there was a long line down the stairs. He shook his head and we went in search of another place. We found another steak place we wanted to try, but again, there was a long wait. So, we wandered around and ended up picking a kind of cafe place called Pide. We ordered a pita sandwich and fries. It was good! After dinner, we were going to go to a French dessert place, but it was all the way back on the other side of the area we were in, so we went to a cupcake place near Hapjeong. Jacob got a red velvet cupcake and I got a carrot cake cupcake. They were both good. Afterwards, we stopped at Homeplus to get a few things before going home.
After we finished talking with my Mom and Grandpa, we went to get lunch at a kimbap shop. Jacob had training so we didn't have a lot of time for lunch. After we finished eating our kimbap and omurice (fried rice with an omelet egg on top) we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. The names of the flavors can be so strange! Jacob got the Spiderman flavor and I got "My mother is an alien" flavor. It's one of my favorites--white chocolate and chocolate ice cream with chocolate covered pretzel pieces. Yum.
Jacob left for his training and meeting. I tidied my room up, did a little bit of walking and shopping in my area and got some groceries. Around 6, I left to go meet Jacob in Hapjeong. We wanted to go to the steak restaurant we went to for his birthday, but when we arrived, there was a long line down the stairs. He shook his head and we went in search of another place. We found another steak place we wanted to try, but again, there was a long wait. So, we wandered around and ended up picking a kind of cafe place called Pide. We ordered a pita sandwich and fries. It was good! After dinner, we were going to go to a French dessert place, but it was all the way back on the other side of the area we were in, so we went to a cupcake place near Hapjeong. Jacob got a red velvet cupcake and I got a carrot cake cupcake. They were both good. Afterwards, we stopped at Homeplus to get a few things before going home.
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| Toby Junior, my necklace and chocolate |
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| Lunch! |
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| Chicken Sandwich |
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| Jacob at the cupcake shop |
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| Me with the cupcakes |
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| Jacob and me :) |
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