So, I guess we'll start with this: The way it is in Korea, is you say hello to EVERYONE. Its so simple, I don't know why people bitch about it. Anyong-ha-sayo. Simple. To friends is simply anyong. In which the VP did to me the other day.
We'll start with this lady:
I've been excused from one of the basic professional needs, knowing names. You've met my co-teachers, Mrs. Park and Hanna. Now we'll meet some more. The lady above is called 'morning' as that is all the knows in English. Every morning I say "morning" and she just finally got it. One of the nicest ladies ever! She pulled me in real close for this shot. On my birthday she sang: "Oh say can you see" in the happy birthday rhythm. She's awesome, no sarcasm!
Oddly enough this is Hanguel (which is the Korean word for...Korean). He's a buddy, he's a P.E teacher who majored in English and will most likely take over for when Mrs. Park has her kid.
This, is Mrs. Park. My illusive 3rd co-teacher who is normally late. She's 5 mths pregnant now and is a bit of a tyro English speaker. Though, as any Korean is to me, one of the nicest ever.This is the boss. El presidente as I secretly call him, the principal of Seoukhyung Elementary. Bit of an awkward picture, he really had me there....He's a great guy though.
Speaking of nice people, here's Hundizzly. AKA, homegirl. She's teaching 2nd gradas now.
Caught me a bit off guard there Hunni, she took the pic too quick!This is the Vice Principal and he pretty much runs the school. He's a hell of a guy, who gave my Dad one of the biggest most classiest bows ever. He's an interesting guy, he's got logic. Something that lacks in South Korea.
For instance, the story over Summer is that instead of July 18th to Sept. 3rd off, I've got 4 weeks worth of teaching from 9 to 12. Then 'desk warming' until 5. Ideal for a potential graduate student yes, but also a bit odd to force someone to stay at work until 5. Regardless of what they may do...
- Play Call of Duty 4
- NOT study for the fallacy that is the GRE (see facebook note, in 1753 studies...its works 43% of the time, EVERY TIME)
- Not blog, as I've been kicked out of blogger.
- Email every institution in America about their Psychology programs
- Work on publishing work on the cognition of quarterbacks
- Apply (to the 7th power) to graduate schools. yes i'm applying to 7 schools.
- Mess with the kids (seriously its a goal of mine everyday to make a korean say "really?!?")
I mean it, I"M NOT COMPLAINING, but, I could do that from a coppee shop.
Well, I'm glad you asked. A few things I've gotten kids saying 'really' about:
1. I know Barack Obama.
2. I'm 55 (born in 1965, ah crap, I gotta change that to 1955....damn math) bahha
3. I have 4 girlfriends (gwangju, seoul, texas-uh, mokpo)
4. I know 'sarah-teacher' (a hagwon friend of mine)
5. Many, many many many many more. they're kids!
Speaking of kids: here's Lukey and I on my cowboy themed birthday:
...longest I've ever worn a cowboy hat.
The weekend before the craziness that was June 5th, 2010 (we celebrated saturday night - and confused by Koreans as a Canadian holiday cause there were so many foreigners out). We went to a baseball game in Gwangju. About 45 minutes up the road, Kwangju is. Korean am I.
Hanguel (korean) is spoken in Yoda form: and there is no G, P, B, V, L, and a few others dictated by the word. (ladio = radio for instance). the L and R confusion thing.
Meju hana juice say o. (one beer please).
Odie, guy o? (where are you going?).
Je sagin juice say o (please give me those pictures)
Kesung hi-plus ca juice say o (please take me to kesung hi-plus)
Hanguel mal, mo ly o (i don't know korean language)
Notice the lack of articles, big toughie in teaching.
These explain themselves. They're shouting KIA, KIA, KIA!!! And yes, that is live. octopus.