Our First Snow!

Jennifer Teacher: How's the weather?

Fifth Graders: It's snowy!

To the left: The view from my office window.

Up above: The view from the lunch room.

Middle: A snowball I was given after a student was told he couldn't attack the
Canadian teacher with it... in the classroom.

Third graders making a snowman out front!

Above: The of the school's side yard.  Such a pretty ice tree!

Volunteering

Six days a week, for the past eleven years, there is a pastor just outside of Incheon, South Korea who serves the homeless with soup and (now that winter is fast approaching) a mitten and coat distribution.

Jeff caught wind of a volunteer opportunity to come pitch in, so we went this past Sunday to try and lend a helping hand.

The pastor, a bunch of members from his congregation, and this handful of foreigners all helped set up, tear down, serve, and distribute.  Amazingly, it only ran for an hour total before the whole shebang was cleaned up and packed away again.

It was a calm night of trying to figure out where my help was best needed... nothing ground-breaking or earth-shattering, but it felt good to get out and be a part of a nonprofit again. 

A Hike and a Bike Ride

In an attempt to catch up on the ridiculous amount of stories I didn't blog about my first year here, I would like to share a little tale of a heroic, noble adventure I went on all by my lonesome when I had a day off a few months back.

Well... maybe it wasn't that heroic or noble... maybe it was a bit humbling and ridiculous. But either way, here is my story.

So, I wanted to take advantage of having a day off of work, and decided to climb a small mountain near my apartment that always taunted me.  It looked so majestic and I couldn't justify why I hadn't climbed it yet, given the convenience of its location.  

Some would say it doesn't deserve the title of mountain... small hill might be more accurate, but to it's credit, there is a really cool looking oriental gazebo on top that I just had to check out. 

Once I made it up top, via a small trail and a lot of stairs, I found the cobwebby gazebo, where I ate lunch and enjoyed a look around.  While enjoying my view, I was struck with inspiration to find the waterfront within view when I got back to the bottom.  I could tell the general direction I need to go in, so when I got back down to my bike, I was on my way!

About twenty minutes into my ride, I got completely trapped in a massive, maze-like industrial complex.  It's safe to say that it shaved about three years off of my life from sheer inhalation of toxic chemicals and stress.

I've actually been told that about seven years ago, Ansan experienced pink snow due to the air pollution from a local hair dye plant.

Yeah.

As I said, this little adventure took place a few months back, so I can safely say that I haven't grown any extra limbs or gone blind as a result of the air pollution.  I cannot, however, say that I ever successfully made it to the waterfront.

Trainer Man

I was concerned about how the trainer man and I would recover our awkward misunderstanding, but it turns out, all was fine.  He handled it well and greeted me with a goofy smile and the normal questions about if I would actually commit to anaerobic exercise, or if I would just be there for a run.

Late last week, however, I think he finally gave up on me.  You see, the week before, I had been pretty busy so I mostly came in the mornings, to get my run in.  When I finally showed up during his evening shift on the following Monday, he greeted me with a, "Long time no see!"  I agreed and explained about the mornings.  He wasn't having it, though.  "I want to see you every day!"  Well, alright.  Good trainer that he is.  So I mapped out my plan to be there both the next day and the day after, when we could do a legit workout instead of just my run.

As life goes, however, things popped up, and I, once again, could only hit the gym in the mornings.  When I waltzed in on Thursday evening he shook his head as he said a sorrowful, "Nice to meet you."

He no longer offered to help me find CNN (fortunately for my equilibrium), and refrained from making his usual, "You superwoman!" comments as I ran.

It was a sad day.

My New Gym

I'm about a month into my new gym membership.  As the weather started getting colder, I decided my runs would be far more enjoyable indoors.  So I snagged a good deal at a gym on my block, and am quite happy with it!

When I first showed up, the trainer man (English name - Robby) did a full body scan for me on some strange contraption.  He then sat me down and drew pictures to try to explain that I needed to gain a lot of muscle.  A lot.  According to him, something to the tune of 16 pounds of muscle.  Right.

Anyway, that night, he brought me through an ab workout, and it felt... like death.  I was sore for days.  Apparently having a health regiment of running and yoga for a year doesn't do much for your core body strength.  Who would have thought?!

I took a day off after that, and came back the next day for just a run.  He wasn't too happy about that.  He told me that running was good, but I do it too much.  Need to focus on my anaerobic!

Now, I know what he's saying.  But that's just not what I'm going for.  The only reason for this membership was so I could have a place to run in the evenings.  Nonetheless, he continues to try to get me to do some strength training - one fun evening I agreed to do some partner exercises with him.  It was a riot.  But, honestly, not something I have the time or motivation to keep up.

About two weeks ago he decided to make my runs a little more enjoyable and moved me to a treadmill with a tv.  He then found the CNN Travel channel, completely in English -  and you know what?!  That run flew by!

When I was walking home, however, I realized that bouncing around while staring at a small screen a few inches from my face doesn't do good things for my equilibrium.

The best part, however, was not that I unfocused my eyes and made myself dizzy... no.  The best part was on my way out, when I tried to ask what channel he had set the tv to.  Trying to match the broken English he would understand, I said, "Thank you.  TV.  CNN.  What number?"

He heard, "Thank you for your help.  Can I please get your number."

So... he said, "My phone number?"  (With a twinkle in his eye.)

I looked around a bit, and realized that it was better to let things be awkward now than to let the situation snowball.  So I explained that it wasn't his phone number I wanted, but the number of the CNN channel.

The poor guy just smiled, blushed a little, and said, "Oh, my shameful.  My shameful."  Bid me farewell and hid his face as I waited for the incredibly slow elevator to reach my floor.

Personality Test

I decided to teach four of my girl students how to play MASH the other day.  It went over so well, that I decided to try another higher level, conceptual idea.  The pictures below are the drawings they made as I prompted them through a personality test.  Traditionally, this personality test isn't drawn out, but due to limited English skills, I figured this was the best way to do it.

The first step is to have them draw a box. I don't provide any prompting, but ask them to draw their box as specifically as they can.  (This represents how they view themselves... big, small, shiny and polished or old and worn down.)

Next, they draw a ladder. Once again, there's no prompting them beyond reminding them that it can be any size, color, etc. (This represents their friendships, tall and plentiful, strong or weak.)

The third item is to draw a flower/flowers.  (This is their future - colorful and plentiful, specific, or rich.)

Fourth is a horse. (This is their significant other - current or future.)

And last is a storm.(The problems in their life - looming and scary, or off in the distance and exciting.)

Apparently she will date someone with spiky hair and short legs. ;)

Cooking Cookies

My faithful fourth graders and I gave cooking another go.  Gotta make the most of the fact that we still have access to an oven!  This time was chocolate chip cookies - and they turned out perfect!  The mix was actually a gift from my family in Tennessee (thanks so much!!).

The girls were a bit shocked at the muscle required to mix the ingredients together, and the mom was just as hesitant about using her mostly-neglected oven.  But when all was said and done, the cookies actually went over with the girls better than the blueberry crisp had.  I find that a little hard to believe, given how insanely delicious the crisp was, but whatever floats their boat.

The mom's comment to me at the end of the night while pointing to my measuring cup: 

"Your cup, magic cup. All cooking from cup is good taste!"

Fall Colors

 

 

Here is a quick snippet of the recent 

foliage change in Ansan.  It's sooo 

beautiful!  I snapped these pictures 

while walking home from the subway 

station.  And the building with the 

neat roof is one that I can see 

from my apartment window.

I wish fall could last 

all year long...

Thanksgiving

I decided to celebrate American Thanksgiving with my Day Care class.  We learned all about yummy turkey and pumpkin pie, being thankful, and my mom's birthday!

Yep, mom's birthday always falls right around Thanksgiving, so I figured that should be an important part of the curriculum, too!  ;)  My students were super pumped about it, and gladly all gathered together to sing a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday that I was able to send to her via Kakao Talk.

Learning that American's eat Turkey for Thanksgiving was also pretty entertaining given that my school has a pet turkey.  I have no idea why we have a pet turkey.  But we do.  Strange.  Even stranger, while getting together with some fellow expats to celebrate the holiday later that evening, another foreign teacher informed me that he as turkeys, chicken, and four reindeer at his school.  Huh.  Makes for a fun Christmas!

At least they know what a turkey is though - because they certainly don't have much access to them here.  Grocery shopping for one was not fruitful... they are extremely hard to come across and priced through the roof since they are all imported from Australia.  Needless to say, I had chicken for dinner.

Nonetheless, I thought these two pics were too cute not to share.  We made hand turkeys, and I had them make a list of three things they were thankful for.  The little boy's third item made my day.

 
Boy:
1. My Family
2. My Brother
3. Pie

Girl:

1. My Friends

2. My Teacher

3. Mom

Halloween

Six of us make up the English department at my new school.  Four Koren teachers, and two foreigners - a Canadian, named Zach, and myself.

Zach is incredibly into Halloween, and celebrates every year by designing his own costume (typically movie and/or superhero themed).  This year was Iron Man.  The students were soooo pumped! His costume was made mostly of pizza boxes, hot glue, and loads of spray paint.  He even rewired a flashlight that he jerry-rigged into his sleeve to bring it up a notch.

Each year he goes to pubs in town, and in Seoul, and enters into costume competitions.  Each year he wins.  This year, I believe the estimated cash grab was around $800. Yeah.

He also brought in some of his old helmets/masks so the students could try them on.  I give him credit for even letting them near the stuff - these kids are not gentle creatures!

To build suspense, I asked all of my third grade classes if they had scene Iron Man today.  That he was somewhere in the building, and if they were on the look-out, maybe they'd be lucky enough to meet him.  They were PUMPED. 

Coffee Mug

Last Friday, I was being mobbed by a group of fifth grade girls who all wanted to touch my hair, when we heard a loud crash.  I was almost a bit thankful for it, because although it is sweet to have a group of people complimenting you and giving you attention, it's a bit overwhelming when they're all literally trying to touch you, haha. 

Either way, the small crowd broke from around me and we all went to go investigate the source of the crash.  As I walked to the front of the classroom, I saw my coffee cup shattered on the floor.  Thankfully, there was not much coffee left in it, and what there was, was cold.  But, nonetheless.  Man down. 

I had left my mug on a side table, forgetting that the students who are waiting for their next class often pile up their coats and backpacks there. 

Minor details, though.  A cup is a cup.  Both the third grade girls who had accidentally knocked it off the table, and my fifth grade admirers looked so concerned and asked if a few times if I was ok.  Such sweet girls.

I meant to get a replacement cup this weekend, but forgot about it.  Which was especially disappointing when it came time to pour my cup of freshly bought instant coffee this morning.  (Yum - seriously.  Instant coffee is delicious in this country!)

But never fear - two third grade girls showed up just after first hour with this sweet little note and replacement mug.

It's amazing how much a little thoughtfulness can perk up your morning.  Instant smile on my face and warmth in my heart. 

Blueberry Crisp!

Why did my Tuesday rock?  Because I spent it helping some hungry fourth graders learn to make Blueberry Crisp!  We took a vote between making apple crisp or blueberry crisp, and blueberry won.  They were so excited to cook - especially given that only one out of the four of them has an oven at home.  The dad informed me that they use it a grand total of once a year!  Right...I'm gonna up that number.  Next week - chocolate chip cookies!  (I'm taking full advantage of their enthusiasm and my new-found access to an oven.)

They did a great job!  And it was fun because this was their first exposure to oatmeal.  I tried to explain how I eat it for breakfast, but I'm not sure they understood.  The mom was shocked at me using 1/3 cup of butter in the mixture.

I'm happy to say that it was a huge success!  About 15 people enjoyed some blueberry crisp and ice-cream by the time the night was through.  And most got seconds ;)

 

Skype

Skype is the reason I have been able
to stay in Korea for as long as I have.

Every Sunday night is 

Skype-date with Mums night.  

And every two weeks or so, it's time to 

play catch up with Nat and her babies.

This past weekend, Dad and I were even able to play guitar together!  I had been messing around on my guitar and was reminded of a song that he plays...he was just a text message (yay Kakao Talk!) and a Skype date away from teaching me.  :)  Technology sure can be great!

Cooking Class

Today was my lucky day!  One of the English classrooms was used for a Cub Scouts meeting.  And what did they do today?  The had a cooking class!  The students made a traditional Korean snack, translated in English to, "rice cake."  It's not what you think of when you hear "rice cake" back in the States.  At least, not for me.  Back home, rice cakes were cripsy, airy snacks that were usually flat, round, and sweetened.  I think Quaker was the brand I used to eat.  We'd either get apple cinnamon, or chocolate chip.  Mmmm!  Rice cakes in Korea are totally different, though.  They are small, round, doughy, sometimes different colors, and occasionally covered with powder. 

No matter what color you choose, however, they all taste the same.  Exactly the same.  And quite honestly, they're kind of tasteless.  On that note, maybe it wasn't my lucky day.  This table of girls was really excited to share their treats with me.  When one offered me a rice cake, they all followed suit and watched for my delighted reaction to each individual taste-test.  I gave a good reaction, and ended up eating way more rice cakes than I will ever feel the need to again.

Chocolate

Ok, I'm officially done being sad about ridiculous things.  Why?  Because my new school is amazing.  (Also, because it's ridiculous to be sad about silly things.)  But nonetheless, let's move on to my wonderful school. 

First of all, beach-themed chocolates were passed around the office for our culinary enjoyment.  What can beat that?! 

Also, the Japan cup can be salvaged.  I have a ridiculously creative and handy Canadian coworker who is going to lend me some superglue and save the day! 

And... my coteacher hopped right on the microwave dilemma.  At 10:30 this morning, I was walking back to my apartment to meet the microwave repair man - yay for warranties!  (And yay for sneaking out for a minute to get a change of scenery.)  When the repairman saw my microwave, he looked baffled.  Not because it's so absurd, but because it's an LG appliance, and he was a Samsung repairman.  Oops.  Guess we called the wrong company.  But that actually worked in my favor - because now I get to meet another repairman at my house at 4 this afternoon - and get out of work almost an hour early because of it.  Happy early weekend to me!

Broken Things

It's been a bit of a tumultuous week.  When I came home form work today, I found it quite fitting to discover the following:

This is...well, was... my favorite cup.  The one that I used every morning for tea or coffee.  Jaime and I got a set of two to split when we visited Osaka, Japan for Christmas.  I didn't have time to finish my tea this morning, so I put my cup in my kimchi fridge to keep it fresh while I was at work.  But lo and behold, the tea froze, expanded, and cracked my cup.  I guess it wasn't as necessary as I thought to have my school buy a mini-fridge with a freezer.  My little kimchi drawer apparently does get cold enough to do the trick.  :(

And this... this little gem of a microwave.  This was more comic relief than anything.  But I suppose it will need to be replaced.  For some mysterious reason, whenever I plug it in, it instantly turns on and starts revolving.  It's done that ever since I first tried it out.  The teachers at my school were a bit confused, given that they've used it for a few years and never had an issue.  But I just figured it got jostled around a little too much when it was being transported to my apartment.  As of this evening, however, it took its' strangeness up a notch.  When I tried to reheat my ramen (I know, not a nutritious or delicious sounding dinner, but as I said, it's been a tumultuous week, and I haven't even thought about going to a grocery store), things didn't quite work.  As soon as I plugged it in, it did it's usual revolving routine.  I turned the power off, hit the 1 minute button, and watched my ramen spin around.  After probably three minutes, it was still spinning.  The  display screen was blank, so I'm actually just guessing it had been three minutes.  Either way, when I took out my ramen, the bowl was still cold.  No matter what button I pushed, the noodles never warmed up.  Thus, I ran down to the convenient store, picked up a small carton of milk, and poured myself a bowl of cereal.  

I was originally supposed to eat dinner and spend this evening with my host family, but I had to cancel.  My landlord was scheduled to come by around 6pm to fix my shower and bathroom sink, so I had to stick around my apartment.  Given that it's now after 7, I'm assuming that he forgot.  

Jenny Goes to Kindergarten

Today was officially my first day of kindergarten... ever.

When I was younger, I skipped right from day care to first grade.  Kind of.  When we lived in Florida, I attended a half-day day care.  But at the age of four, when my family moved to Ireland, I jumped right into their equivalent of first grade.  They start children in the education process pretty young, so I attended some version of first and second grade in Ireland before returning to the States, where I was enrolled in first and second grade again (to stay with my age group). 

My original plan in coming to Korea was to work in a city called Paju as an English-immersion kindergarten teacher at a private school.  That job didn't work out, though, so I ended up teaching first through sixth graders at a public school here in Ansan.

At my current school, however, I am scheduled to teach one kindergarten class every Wednesday.  Quite the change from the original plan - 40 hours a week as the only teacher, down to 40 minutes a week with three Korean women by my side.  And man, am I glad!

I can't imagine being a full-time kindergarten teacher, even if I do speak the same language as the students!  The kids are 5-6 years old (in Korea, they say they are seven... it's complicated), and they are full of energy, emotions, wiggles, and saliva.  Yeah.  When we had circle time this afternoon, one particular little boy scooted right up next to me... adorable and enthusiastic, but I was sprayed with spit each time he spoke.

To make things just a bit more complicated, there is no working computer in the classroom, nor is there a white board.  Yikes.  So, I have to come up with songs to sing A Capella, simple games to play that I have all the materials for, and loads of patience.  The difficult thing about that is that this school apparently has no supplies for making materials.  I think a few years back there was a budget cut...which they are no longer under, but as a result, they've gotten into the habit of teaching frugally.  Thus, they don't have any supplies.  I suppose it's good for the environment to not be burning through lots of paper and various materials, but it sure would be helpful!

They do, however, have a piano in the classroom.  Kind of wishing I had stuck out lessons for more than a year when I was a kid.  Huh...

Seokho Elementary School

 

           My New Classroom!


Here is what my new classroom looks like - much more colorful and warm than at my previous school. The big screen in the middle of the white boards is actually a touch screen, which I am definitely still getting used to. I've lost track of how many times I've accidentally advanced a slide show because I let my fingers get too near the screen.  

Down below is a picture of my desk and the teachers' "office" (aka hallway).  It's a pretty tight squeeze, especially when students come to visit, but I like how social it is.  It's easy enough to get into the zone and not be bothered by those around you, but it's also super nice to have other people so close by.  At my previous school it was just my coteacher and I tucked away in an overly spacious and sterile office all day long.  It was always dead silent, tense, and awkward.  Needless to say, this set up is a nice change of pace.

Also included in our little hallway office is a mini fridge, a sink (laden with tooth brushes and toothpaste), a malnourished plant, and a drawer full of delicious instant coffee and tea!

I've heard rumors that my computer is slow, but it hasn't inconvenienced me yet... knock on wood!  

A teacher warned me today that it gets really cold in this area during the winter and showed me her heated seat cushion.  I'm not looking forward to winter too much, but then again...I never am.  I heard a rumor that it was possible to get feet warmers that plug into your USB port on the computer.  I might be willing to give that a try in a month or two!

Mini Fridge!!

My new fridge arrived!!  My kitchen is now complete. :)  Unfortunately, it is empy...



But I received some good news from my school - they agreed to buy me a couch!  This way I don't have to scrounge the streets for one.  I'm not sure what the budget is, but I'll be couch hunting over the next week to see what I can find. 

A Tour of My New Apartment

Welcome to my new humble abode!  Whereas my last apartment was an officetel (it had an upper loft that separated the bed from the rest of the living area), this one is just a studio (a one room place).  Although this one is technically less extravagant  I already feel more comfortable here.  Part of it might be because I couldn't stand up straight in the loft at my old apartment.  Or maybe because there's more open floor space here.  Regardless, I feel quite content with it.   

 

My bathroom is MUCH more roomy than at my last place.  First of all, my sink and mirror aren't located inside my shower.  That's always a plus.  Second of all, I don't hit the ceiling when I try to blow dry my hair. Granted, there's not much of a divider to keep the rest of the bathroom dry when showering, but I brought my squeegee from my old place, so not to worry!  ;)  The only real downside to this set up is my shower head.  It seems to have lost the friction needed to keep it at a decent angle.  Until I get it fixed, I'll have to crouch directly under the nozzle.  For the last two mornings, I have tried to no avail to jerry-rig it with hair ties to keep it from angling straight down.

Also, I am eagerly awaiting a refrigerator.  As you can see, my refrigerator is located under my stove.  Well, maybe you can't see.  Because this is no ordinary fridge.  This is a kimchi fridge - dedicated soley to kimchi.  It looks to me like two drawers, but low and behold, it's cold inside those drawers!  There were four tubs arranged inside that were meant to hold kimchi, but I took out the top two so I'd have a place to put my own, western-style food.  Unfortunately, I had a bag of frozen blueberries that I am rapidly trying to down given that I won't have a freezer until my new fridge is installed.  I was informed that we would go to pick out my new mini fridge tomorrow.  So I will have two separate fridges - a kimchi fridge, and a mini fridge with a freezer.  I guess those two halves will make a whole.  The other foreign teacher at my school told me he found a make-shift way to make ice in one of the drawers, but I'm going to go ahead and opt for the actual freezer since I'm given the option.  

As for the rest of my kitchen, there's lots of cabinet space, and a washing machine that you can see off to the left.  Unfortunately, the school won't let me return the rice cooker, used bedding, or hordes of pots and pans that I don't need, so those are pretty much taking up any empty storage space I would have had.  Oh well, maybe that will keep me from gaining too many more possessions before packing up to go home! 

Here, you can see my lovely closet door.  The flower decals were already there, but I think they look nice, so I won't complain.  Especially since I have absolutely hardly any other decorations to put up at the moment.  As soon as I get my fridge, I will be able to magnet some pictures to it.  And once I get some tacks, I can put up my Thailand lanterns.  And as soon as I get some stronger tape, I can put up some pictures of Natalie's kids like I did at my old place.  But for now, the flower decals will have to do.  

Oh yeah, and did you notice all the awkward empty space on that whole section of my room?  Who would have thought a one room apartment could feel empty!  This school's contract didn't include providing a couch... so it's looking a little bare over there.  For now, I will take advantage of it by rolling my yoga mat out from time to time.  But the other foreign teacher said he'll be on the look out for free couches from me.  He said he comes across them fairly frequently and will see what he can do.

Last, but definitely not least, is my door.  It is completely decked out with The Little Prince.  There was actually more Little Prince decorations on one of the walls, but the landlord wallpapered over it before I moved in.  I'm kind of glad this wasn't taken down, though.  My friend Jaime had me read this short little book back in college, and it seems to be pretty popular over here.  I think it adds a bit of a philosophical touch to the room.  And it kind of makes me want to read the book again.

Ok, well, that's all for now.  I'll hopefully post an updated version of my crib once I have a fridge and some actual decorations up.  (And maybe even a couch!)

"It is the time that you have devoted to your rose that makes your rose important."  

The Little Prince