Chapter 10 Part 4

Monday came and my students had just found out it was my last day.  They weren’t happy.  Some of them cried.  Others were sad and held back the tears. And one little boy was extremely excited.  Time came for all of them to go home so they lined up and gave me hugs.  One of my favorite little boys, Henry, tried pulling me into the elevator with him.  I had tears in my eyes because he has a special place in my heart.  I was truly going to miss him. 

The next day, I brought my luggage to school and sat and waited for a few hours until they brought me to the bus station.  I tried to stay out of sight but the kids managed to catch sight of me and tell all the others.  Since they had already seen me, I had them line up to give them one last hug.  Romeo climbed on my lap and wouldn’t let go.  He said he was coming with me.  As much as I would have loved to take him, I don’t think his parents would have like that.  Later on, Bella had to be taken out of class because she was crying too much.  She came sit in my lap and held on tight.

Those kids really made me feel special.  And as much as they could work my nerves, I was going to miss (most of) them. 

Chapter 10 Part 3

The next couple weeks were just like all the others…days dragging on even though the week went by quick.  Then come the middle of November and I decided to put in my 20 day notice.  I was ready to go home and he was ready for me to be home.  

So in the those next few weeks, I packed and unpacked and packed again to make sure I met weight with the airlines.  They really have some crazy restrictions sometimes, especially the difference between the States vs Asia.  I met criteria in Asia but it was a possibility I'd have issues on my transfer flight in the States. 

 

The weekend before I left, Shannon, Sarah, and I went on the DMZ Tour (Demilitarized Zone).  This was the border between South and North Korea.  Let me just say it was extremely cold and by mid-day I couldn’t really feel my nose anymore.  The tour began at 7am.  We hoped on the tour bus and traveled to a few places and explored a bit before we headed for the next stop on the list.  Even though it was mostly country side that we saw, it was still cool to be in that area.  I can actually say I saw North Korea! We finally made it home for around 9pm.  What a long day!

 

Chapter 10 Part 2

That last week of October seemed to drag on forever.  It probably didn’t help we had to stay late a couple days. On Tuesday, we had a meeting that lasted longer than it should. Then I had to head out to tutor.  Wednesday rolled around and I was so glad it was hump day—although they seemed to be some of the more difficult days.  On Thursday, we went on a field trip to see a black light show in Suwon…it was a real nail biter…NOT.  I was so bored and was close to falling asleep.  I probably would have if I wouldn’t have been texting.  That night, we stayed after school to decorate for the Halloween Party the next day.  (They fed us which was the plus).  Friday was the Halloween party for the kids…all day…by the time 6 o’clock came I was exhausted and still had to go to the gym.  That was the most exhausted I had been in a while.  I struggled keeping my eyes open but gave in around 11…just wish I could have slept in.  

That Sunday, I decided to brave the crowds and do some grocery shopping at Home Plus.  I really wanted it to be a one stop outing but they didn’t have what I needed…wanted...so I headed home to drop off the stuff from Home Plus and made my way to E-mart afterwards.  E-mart on Sundays is never a good idea.  I knew that but went anyway…thankfully I’d been practicing the deep breathing and closing my eyes technique to keep patient.  If it wouldn’t have been for that, I would have pushed down an old lady…multiple ones.  I hate being pushed out of the way (and rotated in the process) when there is plenty of room beside me.  (Get yourself up off me people…I’m about done putting up with you).  But I guess I got my payback every time I got on the bus. I liked to block them from getting on…stick out the elbows, practice a wide stance…it’s amusing.  Anyways, the rest of Sunday was spent watching tv…ahh X-factor and Prison Break…oh yes!

Chapter 10 Part 1

The weekends were a treasured time.  My moments of silence and relaxation weren’t taken for granted.  Plus, Prison Break became my addiction.  It’s been out for some time but I had never really watched it until now.  I was lucky to catch it from the beginning of season 1.  It keeps me on the edge of my seat wanting more—wondering what’s going to happen—rooting for them every step of the way.  I’ve managed to watch to Season 3 before having to make myself stop from all the suspense and anxiousness I felt when watching…I’ll pick up later on!

Another show that fancies me is the X Factor.  I crack up at the ones who really think they can sing and totally suck at it.  It makes it that much funnier whey they say “music is my passion.  I love to sing.”  NEWSFLASH: I love to sing too and music is my passion as well but…I KNOW I SUCK AT SINGING.  Just because I enjoy something doesn’t make me good at it.  And never would I get on television claiming to be the best and sing in front of people…and especially then get mad because they told me I was horrible.  But I truly admire the ones with such a beautiful voice.  It captures my soul.  

Luckily we didn’t start the extra classes added to our schedule until November. It was the end of October so I had a little time to prepare.  Why were they even added…because parents complained saying they wanted more English lessons.  So would enter my one break a day, hair pulling, mentally tiring and challenging days.  I don’t have a problem working nor having one break a day but with the retarded rules we had to follow and the ever increasing workload and non-responsive kids, it became more difficult than ever. 

Chapter 9 Part 3

That Saturday (Shane and I’s one year anniversary), Shannon and I went to Songtan to do some shopping.  We had a relaxing day and got away from all the hustle and bustle of crowds.  Sunday, E-mart called our names.  Other than that, a much needed quiet weekend at home to recuperate from all the craziness of work. 

Come that following Monday, the school decided to inform us they were increasing our work load each week.  We were taking on 2 more kinder classes and I had to take on an additional afternoon class as well.  So irritating.  It may sound like I’m complaining but I had enough just dealing with the classes I had at the time.  Then to add 3 more per week…just added to the mental fatigue I already experienced.  For those who think teaching kids in a foreign language is easy, I must destroy that way of thinking.  Even though the joy of experiencing a new way of life in a different country is great, the teaching part is incredibly hard and tiring.

What I can’t seem to understand is how I can give some of them the answer, I can even write it on the board, and they STILL don’t know the answer….didn’t I just give it to you???  

The middle of October was open class day with orange where all the parents (some grandparents) came watch the class.  It was a little nerve racking but overall it went quite well (even though I’d been sick and didn’t have much of a voice).    A few days later was yellow’s turn.  It went well too…despite my fears the kids would clam up and the news I received from one of the kid’s parents.  The parent wrote in the memo book saying her child said I’m angry a lot and I should put them in time out instead of fuss at them.  I laughed at this.  Firstly, I understand the concern.  Second, she doesn’t know what goes on in class nor does she know what works and what doesn’t.  Third, it’s not even her kid that’s ever in trouble.  Fourth, the “angry” her kid is talking about is the ‘frustration” that pours fourth in the blatant disrespect and lack of listening by a fellow student.  Anywho…it went well.