I think I missed the big day... My six month anniversary! Can you believe it? Six months in Seoul! It feels funny because the amount of time I have left on my contract is shorter than the amount of time I've been here. My goodness...
However, there are a few other big days I want to highlight...
First, the Fourth of July is coming and this will be my first Independence Day outside of the country. I love the Fourth of July, it is easily one of my favorite holidays. So, I will definitely be wearing red, white and blue this Friday! I'll find my own way to celebrate!
Second, and more important than the others... My dad's birthday! I really miss my dad. When I went home a few weeks ago, we'd find odd times to just sit and talk. I'd wake up early because I was still on Korean time and he'd be up stretching. We'd end up sitting in the office until he had to go to work. Another time, I went to lunch at the clubhouse and was sitting out on the secluded porch, but he found me and we'd talk for an hour or two. While my mom is without a doubt, one of my best friends, I really am beginning to think that I am secretly a daddy's girl.
Maybe not so secretly... It's just that I think most everything about my dad is really cool. I like his stories, his music, his jokes, his advice, his artwork, his movies, (most of) his books... And as I get older I find myself adopting more and more of his favorite as my favorites. I'm sure some shrink could come up with a complex theory about my subconscious and some deep need to garner parental favor, but I think it is far more simple than that. My did is just really great and the more I grow up, the more I realize he's been that way all along!
And let me add one more story... If only because I don't ever want to forget it. When I arrived home a few weeks ago I met my mom at the house. Dad was at work, but we planned on meeting him for lunch at the clubhouse. After chatting with mom, we were running ahead of schedule and drove over to meet him at his office. It was a new office I'd never seen, so I climbed the stairs not sure where I was going. But, I heard my dad's voice and peaked around the corner. I didn't want to interrupt his conversation with one of his staff, I just wanted to wave and let him know I was there when he was ready to go. But, he saw me and stopped his conversation mid-sentence. His whole face looked happy. His face went from night to day. He smiled, he bounced. And I was so so so happy to see my dad. It was my favorite part of my entire trip home.
I don't think my pops reads this blog, but just in case... Happy Birthday Dad! You're the best!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I Don't Think I Can Dance...
I had my first tap lesson last night! It was fantastic! I've taken tap before, but never like this. In the past, the instructor is always trying to teach you something right away so you can feel a bogus sense of accomplishment. But, this instructor has no interest in that. She is about technique. I spent almost two hours taping my toe; knees bent, back straight, chin up, hands on hips and trying not to move a single muscle above my ankle. I kept my heel one inch off the ground and tried to pull my toe as far upwards as possible so that I could see the tap on the bottom of my shoe in the mirror. This sounds far easier than it is... My shins burned as I tried with all my might to get my toe up and then do a quick tap followed by a hard flap. (Taps and flaps are not the same!) And after four eight counts on one foot, I'd switch. In most other classes they'd have you doing shuffles and a simple shuffle-heel-toes by the end of class so you could feel like you are "really learning to tap." Instead, I learned to tap my toe... Over and over and over again. And I still looked like a lopsided, drunken flamingoish-bird while doing it. BUT... BUT... BUT... It was awesome! More fun than I knew what to do with! I can't wait till my next lesson on Saturday!
On a quick side note... If I take one thing away from my experience in Korea, it will be the understanding of what it feels like to be a minority. I was the only non-Korean in the class. Wow. I keep thinking I'll get used to it, but when I walk into a new room and a dozen pair of eyes turn to look... I realize that the "deer in the headlights" feeling may not be something you ever get used to.
But, the second lesson I'll take is that people are capable of incredible warmth and kindness... no matter what language they speak. At the end of the class I had to stand in front of everyone and show what I learned. (Seriously, I stood in front of the class and tapped my toe! That's it. Toe up. Toe down. FOR EIGHT COUNTS!). But, the really hard part was introducing myself. Since I was new I had to say my name, and I also added that I was from California.Then I didn't know what else to say. I was puzzled and nervous and frozen... But, some random Korean guy gave a friendly cheer/holler and started enthusiastically clapping for me. I felt like I'd been rescued by a stranger. And as the class ended and all the groups and friends left together I walked out alone and a bit intimidated from the whole experience, but as I turned up the street someone yelled, "Goodbye. Goodbye." I turned to see some of the tappers were going in the other direction, but called after me to say goodbye.
It's great to be different. But sometimes it's nice to feel the same.
Before I wrap this up, I have to share a deep secret... My guilty pleasure television show is "So You Think You Can Dance." I can't help it! I understand the ridiculousness of summer reality television. I know there are about a thousand other activities that could better entertain and stimulate me, but I am hooked! And, normally I'd never let anyone in on this little secret... But, I just about flipped out with last night's episode.
There was one dance performance where the pair captured a range of emotion that captured me and made me hold my breath. It was beautiful and bittersweet. A man attached to his work. A woman attached to the man. Her pain and rage at her own dependence and inability to walk away. His cold composure as he prioritizes his work and still is able to take her heart right out of her chest. Dance is artwork.
Watch the ending, where he walks away. Her complete rage. It's like she is enclosed and trying to break her way out of an emotional prison. Her anger seems all consuming, but it isn't anger at him, it's anger at her own vulnerability and attachment to a man she knew would disappoint her.
Oh... and I like the pop song. Sue me.
See if you see what I see... (The dance starts at about 2:45.)
On a quick side note... If I take one thing away from my experience in Korea, it will be the understanding of what it feels like to be a minority. I was the only non-Korean in the class. Wow. I keep thinking I'll get used to it, but when I walk into a new room and a dozen pair of eyes turn to look... I realize that the "deer in the headlights" feeling may not be something you ever get used to.
But, the second lesson I'll take is that people are capable of incredible warmth and kindness... no matter what language they speak. At the end of the class I had to stand in front of everyone and show what I learned. (Seriously, I stood in front of the class and tapped my toe! That's it. Toe up. Toe down. FOR EIGHT COUNTS!). But, the really hard part was introducing myself. Since I was new I had to say my name, and I also added that I was from California.Then I didn't know what else to say. I was puzzled and nervous and frozen... But, some random Korean guy gave a friendly cheer/holler and started enthusiastically clapping for me. I felt like I'd been rescued by a stranger. And as the class ended and all the groups and friends left together I walked out alone and a bit intimidated from the whole experience, but as I turned up the street someone yelled, "Goodbye. Goodbye." I turned to see some of the tappers were going in the other direction, but called after me to say goodbye.
It's great to be different. But sometimes it's nice to feel the same.
Before I wrap this up, I have to share a deep secret... My guilty pleasure television show is "So You Think You Can Dance." I can't help it! I understand the ridiculousness of summer reality television. I know there are about a thousand other activities that could better entertain and stimulate me, but I am hooked! And, normally I'd never let anyone in on this little secret... But, I just about flipped out with last night's episode.
There was one dance performance where the pair captured a range of emotion that captured me and made me hold my breath. It was beautiful and bittersweet. A man attached to his work. A woman attached to the man. Her pain and rage at her own dependence and inability to walk away. His cold composure as he prioritizes his work and still is able to take her heart right out of her chest. Dance is artwork.
Watch the ending, where he walks away. Her complete rage. It's like she is enclosed and trying to break her way out of an emotional prison. Her anger seems all consuming, but it isn't anger at him, it's anger at her own vulnerability and attachment to a man she knew would disappoint her.
Oh... and I like the pop song. Sue me.
See if you see what I see... (The dance starts at about 2:45.)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Adorable Overload...
Speaking of dance...
After six months of searching, I found tap dance lessons! They are cheap. They are close and I started tonight. I'm a bit tired, so I'll write more about the lesson later.
But, the real reason I'm posting is that I just HAD to share this picture.
It's Chris and Mike. Chris, the boy who gave me a spontaneous hug and told me "No Goodbye," is in the green shirt. The other boy is Mike, the heart breaker who keeps smelling my hair, kissing me on the elbow and whispering sweet nothings in my ear, "I like Jacki Teacher."
That sure is one hell-of-a-lot of adorable!
After six months of searching, I found tap dance lessons! They are cheap. They are close and I started tonight. I'm a bit tired, so I'll write more about the lesson later.
But, the real reason I'm posting is that I just HAD to share this picture.
It's Chris and Mike. Chris, the boy who gave me a spontaneous hug and told me "No Goodbye," is in the green shirt. The other boy is Mike, the heart breaker who keeps smelling my hair, kissing me on the elbow and whispering sweet nothings in my ear, "I like Jacki Teacher."
That sure is one hell-of-a-lot of adorable!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Dance...
I was just thinking about what I'll do when I spend a month or two in Buenos Aires. I just figured it out... Dance lessons. Dancing and dancing and dancing. Tango lessons. Tap lessons. Ballroom lessons. Yes! Yes! Yes!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Feminism...
Living in Korea I have been insulated from most of the political commentary surrounding the primary season. I had to search for it, mostly from newspapers and online sources. And the distance resulted in my missing most of the rampant sexism surrounding Hillary Clinton's candidacy. But, now that Hillary Clinton has left the race, the issue of sexism is being included in the post-game analysis. And while I supported Obama, the discussion surrounding Hillary Clinton has left me feeling simultaneously saddened and livid.
I'm deeply saddened by the news media. I expected sexism when Hillary became a legitimate presidential candidate. But, even with these expectations, I was still too naive and optimistic. I expected the sexism to be from older generations, and I expected it to be subtle. I expected newscasters to only hint at stereotypes, out of fear of becoming too politically incorrect. But, I couldn't have been more wrong. Comparisons of Clinton to a nagging spouse, to an ex-wife outside of probate court, to Lorena Bobbitt, to a sexless monster, to Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" and to dozens of other awful female caricatures, highlighted the lack of fear the news media felt. The media caters to it's audience. If the viewing audience was offended by sexist remarks and bigotry, then the news media would have steered clear. In short, they knew their audience and they weren't worried. That saddens me.
It also infuriates me because I am a woman. And the people with podiums and illusions of credibility who disseminate "truth" and "fact" have created impossible expectations and a double standard. They have decried women for being too emotional and moody, but mocked strong and powerful female decision makers. They have claimed a fear of a female candidate focusing on "women's issues" while refusing to acknowledge that any issue that affects half a county's population should be the concern of the entire population. And even worse, they have failed to ever apply the same standard to male counterparts; never questioning the legitimacy of a male's candidacy based upon his "men's issue" agenda. These media faces and voices have a national podium from which their words seep into homes, classrooms and minds. Their total failure to recognize the impact of their rhetoric is appalling and vile. Hundreds (literally hundreds) of studies have shown that words drastically influence the way we identify, humanize and treat one another. There is no doubt that just a few select words used to label another as different or inferior, results in others altering their treatment according to the description. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. And so I am infuriated when I hear newscasters using hateful and derogatory words that cast a vision of females as "others." Furthering that rhetoric, further perpetuates the prophecy.
Feminism is about respect.
It isn't about being the same.
It's about being equal.
Four quarters and a dollar.
I'm deeply saddened by the news media. I expected sexism when Hillary became a legitimate presidential candidate. But, even with these expectations, I was still too naive and optimistic. I expected the sexism to be from older generations, and I expected it to be subtle. I expected newscasters to only hint at stereotypes, out of fear of becoming too politically incorrect. But, I couldn't have been more wrong. Comparisons of Clinton to a nagging spouse, to an ex-wife outside of probate court, to Lorena Bobbitt, to a sexless monster, to Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" and to dozens of other awful female caricatures, highlighted the lack of fear the news media felt. The media caters to it's audience. If the viewing audience was offended by sexist remarks and bigotry, then the news media would have steered clear. In short, they knew their audience and they weren't worried. That saddens me.
It also infuriates me because I am a woman. And the people with podiums and illusions of credibility who disseminate "truth" and "fact" have created impossible expectations and a double standard. They have decried women for being too emotional and moody, but mocked strong and powerful female decision makers. They have claimed a fear of a female candidate focusing on "women's issues" while refusing to acknowledge that any issue that affects half a county's population should be the concern of the entire population. And even worse, they have failed to ever apply the same standard to male counterparts; never questioning the legitimacy of a male's candidacy based upon his "men's issue" agenda. These media faces and voices have a national podium from which their words seep into homes, classrooms and minds. Their total failure to recognize the impact of their rhetoric is appalling and vile. Hundreds (literally hundreds) of studies have shown that words drastically influence the way we identify, humanize and treat one another. There is no doubt that just a few select words used to label another as different or inferior, results in others altering their treatment according to the description. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. And so I am infuriated when I hear newscasters using hateful and derogatory words that cast a vision of females as "others." Furthering that rhetoric, further perpetuates the prophecy.
Feminism is about respect.
It isn't about being the same.
It's about being equal.
Four quarters and a dollar.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Job Security...
Well, good times at the hagwon!
I’ve mentioned that there has been a bit of disruption at the school.
It’s getting worse.
All of my classes have fewer students. Three months ago I taught 12 classes. I had about 6-9 students in each class. I now teach 9 classes. Each of my classes has about 4-6 students. In one of my classes I have one student. In another I have only three. This decrease in students didn’t seem like a big deal. The hagwon has had waves of students as they come and go. But, recently the students are going and I don’t see them coming back. But, even worse, the staff are leaving also. Our principal was fired about three months ago. The two top Korean teachers quit. We had two or three directors come and work for the hagwon, only to quit within a few weeks or days. One of the foreign teacher’s contract expired so he went back to his home country. And about a week ago the director of the school, the top administrator, stopped coming to work. No one knew where she went, but today it was official… She quit. Things aren’t looking so good here at the hagwon. A new director arrived today, but there is no guarantee that he will stay. In fact, he has never run a hagwon before so I am a bit skeptical. In short, the school has seen brighter days.
But, I should note… I am not worried. If the hagwon shut down tomorrow, I would be more than fine. Job security is not an issue when you are an English teacher in Korea.
On a brighter note, some of my students are adorable. One of them, Mike, is five years old and today he held my hand and pulled me close to the ground so that he could talk to me. He had to get right next to my ear so that I could hear him, he said just barely loud enough for me to hear, "I like Jacki Teacher." Yep... That's me! Jacki Teacher Extraordinaire!
I’ve mentioned that there has been a bit of disruption at the school.
It’s getting worse.
All of my classes have fewer students. Three months ago I taught 12 classes. I had about 6-9 students in each class. I now teach 9 classes. Each of my classes has about 4-6 students. In one of my classes I have one student. In another I have only three. This decrease in students didn’t seem like a big deal. The hagwon has had waves of students as they come and go. But, recently the students are going and I don’t see them coming back. But, even worse, the staff are leaving also. Our principal was fired about three months ago. The two top Korean teachers quit. We had two or three directors come and work for the hagwon, only to quit within a few weeks or days. One of the foreign teacher’s contract expired so he went back to his home country. And about a week ago the director of the school, the top administrator, stopped coming to work. No one knew where she went, but today it was official… She quit. Things aren’t looking so good here at the hagwon. A new director arrived today, but there is no guarantee that he will stay. In fact, he has never run a hagwon before so I am a bit skeptical. In short, the school has seen brighter days.
But, I should note… I am not worried. If the hagwon shut down tomorrow, I would be more than fine. Job security is not an issue when you are an English teacher in Korea.
On a brighter note, some of my students are adorable. One of them, Mike, is five years old and today he held my hand and pulled me close to the ground so that he could talk to me. He had to get right next to my ear so that I could hear him, he said just barely loud enough for me to hear, "I like Jacki Teacher." Yep... That's me! Jacki Teacher Extraordinaire!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Back. Baby. Back...
There is no explanation for why I haven't written. The world was turning, but I just didn't get around to writing about any of it.
But, there is plenty going on...
This morning I was teaching at the elementary school. When I first started working there I only taught a few classes and there were two other foreign teachers. Last week both of those teacher's contracts expired and they went back to their home countries. The director of the school asked me to join their staff as a full time employee and teach a few more classes. No problem. Now, I teach at two different hagwons. I teach grade school and middle school in the afternoon and three classes of 5, 6 and 7 year olds in the morning. But, despite spending most of my time with the older kids in the afternoon, most of my fun stories come from the younger kids.
The class of six-year-olds is the my most trying class. There are 12 students, 10 boys and 2 girls. And, you haven't seen chaos until you have tried to lead 12 six-year-olds, who don't speak English in a craft using crayons, scissors and glue sticks! At all times at least half of the students need my immediate and undivided attention. And while six students are vying for my attention and approval, the other six are usually taking advantage of the moment and looking for ways to cause destruction and bodily harm to one another. It is quite a balancing act.
But, the best part of the class is the distinct personalities that emerge amidst the bedlam. For example, the lovesick Tiara. Tiara at the ripe, old age of six is infatuated with one of the former teachers, James. She draws hearts and pictures for him and I realized today that she doesn't really understand that James isn't coming back. It was a bit sad. She asked, "James Teacher?" which in her limited English meant, "Where is James Teacher?" I explained that James was gone. The language barrier prevented a fuller explanation and I don't think it sank in. I could sense her disappointment, but as she resumed her coloring I suspected it wouldn't be long before Tiara finds a new man in her life! And as for me, I think I am going to be a bit of a heart breaker as well. One of my six year olds has been smelling me. He especially likes to smell my hair and today he finally made his move... He kissed my arm. That's right, a stolen kiss on the elbow... Talk about romance!
But, what is even better than a kiss? I'll tell you what's better... a hug. Before I leave class everyday, I always practice greetings with the students. "Hello." "How are you?" "I am fine. Thank you." And I always end the lesson with "Goodbye." As the end of class neared, I sat in my mini chair (Oh yeah, I sit in one of the tiny, three foot tall, wooden chairs!) and started the usual greetings. Before I got to the end one of the boys shouted, "No goodbye!" I smiled and said, "Yes goodbye!" Looking distraught, he shouted "No goodbye!" He got up from his chair, walked over and put his arms around my neck to give me a long hug. And that, ladies and gentlemen was the best part of my day. At 10:45am, I could have just packed up and gone home, because it doesn't going to get any better than that.
Of course, I also have the more unique personalities. One of the boys, loves to clean. Whenever we do crafts he rushes to finish his project so that he can get the little plastic broom and dustpan and start cleaning up all the paper scraps. He lives to clean! Another one of the boys, Victor, is the class clown. He loves to only finish coloring half of the page and then hand it to me with a clever look in his eye. I always act playfully astonished and say "No color? No. No. No." And hand it back to him and he cracks up. He just giggles and giggles.
I could go on and I will eventually tell you more stories... After all, I spend my mornings sitting on the floor, surrounded by miniature people, coloring, singing the Itsy-Bitsy-Spider song and making funny faces. There is definitely a lot of blog material there!
But, onto other news. Mad Cow Disease. Holy smokes! These people are angry! Angry! Angry! For those of you who don't watch, read or listen to the news, or for those of you who just live in a cave (but somehow have internet access to read this blog), the new president of South Korea has just re-negotiated to allow the United States to import beef. South Korea has refused to allow US beef since 2003 due to a fear of Mad Cow Disease. After US beef got a clean bill of health from the WTO last September, the new South Korean president decided to lift the importation ban. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people protesting, resignations from most all members of the president's staff, approval ratings even worse than Bush's and pressure for him to leave office. Did I mention that these people are angry? Of course, much of the anger is based on sensationalism and faulty information. Imported beef has turned into a hot-button issue, surrounded by half-truths and rumormongering. But, the new President isn't making things easier for himself. He has failed to provide accurate information to the public and has accepted weaker safety restrictions than both Taiwan and Japan have demanded for imported US beef. In my opinion, the Mad Cow Disease issue shouldn't be this heated. But, the relationship between the United States and South Korea is in the midst of many changes and the anger over Mad Cow Disease may be an outlet to vent some of the rising steam. Here is a short article that summarizes a few other issues South Koreans have with the US. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/OPINION02/806140316
On a loosely related note, it is important to keep in mind the unique relationship between North and South Korea and the United States. There are 35,000 US troops still stationed in Korea, just a few miles from the DMZ. President Bush calls North Korea, a rogue state and a member of the Axis of Evil. But, the US considers South Korea a valuable trading partner. In 2007, America provided 11.7 percent of South Korea's imports and bought 14.5 percent of its exports. Despite the US's condemnation of North Korea, most South Koreans don't see North Korea as an evil twin. Instead, they see it as a long lost brother and seek reunification. They see North Korea as part of Korea and blame the United States and other outside actors for dividing their country. A relationship like that is bound to cause conflict. So, I think the US beef importation issue is further fueled by deep seeding, historic US resentment.
Okay. Okay. I'll wrap this up. This blog is getting long and a probably a bit too heavy.
But, before I go, a quick shout-out to two of my loyal readers. These guys actually read this blog. No kidding. And last weekend they made big news... They got married! I couldn't be there, but from the pictures and video (already posted on Facebook!) it was beautiful and fitting for this good-humored pair. Congratulations Brian and Lindsey. You are both genuinely wonderful people. I am a better person for knowing you and thrilled for you both!
But, there is plenty going on...
This morning I was teaching at the elementary school. When I first started working there I only taught a few classes and there were two other foreign teachers. Last week both of those teacher's contracts expired and they went back to their home countries. The director of the school asked me to join their staff as a full time employee and teach a few more classes. No problem. Now, I teach at two different hagwons. I teach grade school and middle school in the afternoon and three classes of 5, 6 and 7 year olds in the morning. But, despite spending most of my time with the older kids in the afternoon, most of my fun stories come from the younger kids.
The class of six-year-olds is the my most trying class. There are 12 students, 10 boys and 2 girls. And, you haven't seen chaos until you have tried to lead 12 six-year-olds, who don't speak English in a craft using crayons, scissors and glue sticks! At all times at least half of the students need my immediate and undivided attention. And while six students are vying for my attention and approval, the other six are usually taking advantage of the moment and looking for ways to cause destruction and bodily harm to one another. It is quite a balancing act.
But, the best part of the class is the distinct personalities that emerge amidst the bedlam. For example, the lovesick Tiara. Tiara at the ripe, old age of six is infatuated with one of the former teachers, James. She draws hearts and pictures for him and I realized today that she doesn't really understand that James isn't coming back. It was a bit sad. She asked, "James Teacher?" which in her limited English meant, "Where is James Teacher?" I explained that James was gone. The language barrier prevented a fuller explanation and I don't think it sank in. I could sense her disappointment, but as she resumed her coloring I suspected it wouldn't be long before Tiara finds a new man in her life! And as for me, I think I am going to be a bit of a heart breaker as well. One of my six year olds has been smelling me. He especially likes to smell my hair and today he finally made his move... He kissed my arm. That's right, a stolen kiss on the elbow... Talk about romance!
But, what is even better than a kiss? I'll tell you what's better... a hug. Before I leave class everyday, I always practice greetings with the students. "Hello." "How are you?" "I am fine. Thank you." And I always end the lesson with "Goodbye." As the end of class neared, I sat in my mini chair (Oh yeah, I sit in one of the tiny, three foot tall, wooden chairs!) and started the usual greetings. Before I got to the end one of the boys shouted, "No goodbye!" I smiled and said, "Yes goodbye!" Looking distraught, he shouted "No goodbye!" He got up from his chair, walked over and put his arms around my neck to give me a long hug. And that, ladies and gentlemen was the best part of my day. At 10:45am, I could have just packed up and gone home, because it doesn't going to get any better than that.
Of course, I also have the more unique personalities. One of the boys, loves to clean. Whenever we do crafts he rushes to finish his project so that he can get the little plastic broom and dustpan and start cleaning up all the paper scraps. He lives to clean! Another one of the boys, Victor, is the class clown. He loves to only finish coloring half of the page and then hand it to me with a clever look in his eye. I always act playfully astonished and say "No color? No. No. No." And hand it back to him and he cracks up. He just giggles and giggles.
I could go on and I will eventually tell you more stories... After all, I spend my mornings sitting on the floor, surrounded by miniature people, coloring, singing the Itsy-Bitsy-Spider song and making funny faces. There is definitely a lot of blog material there!
But, onto other news. Mad Cow Disease. Holy smokes! These people are angry! Angry! Angry! For those of you who don't watch, read or listen to the news, or for those of you who just live in a cave (but somehow have internet access to read this blog), the new president of South Korea has just re-negotiated to allow the United States to import beef. South Korea has refused to allow US beef since 2003 due to a fear of Mad Cow Disease. After US beef got a clean bill of health from the WTO last September, the new South Korean president decided to lift the importation ban. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people protesting, resignations from most all members of the president's staff, approval ratings even worse than Bush's and pressure for him to leave office. Did I mention that these people are angry? Of course, much of the anger is based on sensationalism and faulty information. Imported beef has turned into a hot-button issue, surrounded by half-truths and rumormongering. But, the new President isn't making things easier for himself. He has failed to provide accurate information to the public and has accepted weaker safety restrictions than both Taiwan and Japan have demanded for imported US beef. In my opinion, the Mad Cow Disease issue shouldn't be this heated. But, the relationship between the United States and South Korea is in the midst of many changes and the anger over Mad Cow Disease may be an outlet to vent some of the rising steam. Here is a short article that summarizes a few other issues South Koreans have with the US. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/OPINION02/806140316
On a loosely related note, it is important to keep in mind the unique relationship between North and South Korea and the United States. There are 35,000 US troops still stationed in Korea, just a few miles from the DMZ. President Bush calls North Korea, a rogue state and a member of the Axis of Evil. But, the US considers South Korea a valuable trading partner. In 2007, America provided 11.7 percent of South Korea's imports and bought 14.5 percent of its exports. Despite the US's condemnation of North Korea, most South Koreans don't see North Korea as an evil twin. Instead, they see it as a long lost brother and seek reunification. They see North Korea as part of Korea and blame the United States and other outside actors for dividing their country. A relationship like that is bound to cause conflict. So, I think the US beef importation issue is further fueled by deep seeding, historic US resentment.
Okay. Okay. I'll wrap this up. This blog is getting long and a probably a bit too heavy.
But, before I go, a quick shout-out to two of my loyal readers. These guys actually read this blog. No kidding. And last weekend they made big news... They got married! I couldn't be there, but from the pictures and video (already posted on Facebook!) it was beautiful and fitting for this good-humored pair. Congratulations Brian and Lindsey. You are both genuinely wonderful people. I am a better person for knowing you and thrilled for you both!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
9:59...
It turns out that I am definitly a hippo... but not in the way I thought. In fact, I'm not even a "Drinking Hippo" I am a "Thirsty Hippo" as in the Korean Hippo Dehumidifiers. It turns out that there is a really popular advertisement for "Thirsty Hippo" products, specifically dehumifiers that suck the water out of the air. My kids told me all about it today! Ha!
However, it reminds me of all the things I teased my teachers about. All it would take is one misstep and we would crucify the teacher.
Teacher didn't shave this morning? Homeless.
Teacher has messy hair? Crazy.
Teacher stuttered while reading? Retarded.
Teacher smiled too much? High.
Kids are ruthless. It's also funny how much I don't care now that I'm a teacher. I care when they love me. But, don't care when they hate me. What a nice little world I've created!
Nonetheless, I applauded my students for their clever teasing with a few jokes about teachers. And after we all had a bit of laugh at the expense of teachers, I told them that I didn't care if they made jokes, but those jokes can't happen during class, in Korean or disrupt my lessons. They seemed to accept my scolding, and I was reminded that they're kids just being kids.
Onto other news, I've been listening to an old mix CD my friend, Kyle, made for me when I moved to Nebraska. He made one CD titled, "Moving to Nebraska" and a few months later he sent me the sequel, "Surviving the Midwest." I've been listening to "Surviving the Midwest" and now that I am surviving Korea, a lot of the songs re-apply. There is something unique about being in a big, annonymous, foreign city listening to music that someone special picked especially for you. It's a moment of contrast, a personal experience midst an extremely impersonal experience. I like it a lot.
I'm in a very kind mood today. I'm usually in a good mood, and a relativly social mood, but today I am feeling uniquely kind. I just want to help my kids become smarter. I want to have more patience with the trouble makers. I want to share my umbrella with a stranger. This angelic disposition may not last long (I have to wake up very early tomorrow on my day off), but I'll make the most of it while it lasts.
So, I'm still power walking. Going on week three. Look at me go!
This month will mark six months in Korea. My time here is half over. Wow. Time flies. I don't expect this to be the last of my time in Korea, most of you know of my intention to return, but I am soon going to be on the downhill side of my time with this school. It's not that I don't like the school, it's just that I really like change!
Well, it is 9:59pm. I'm out of here!
However, it reminds me of all the things I teased my teachers about. All it would take is one misstep and we would crucify the teacher.
Teacher didn't shave this morning? Homeless.
Teacher has messy hair? Crazy.
Teacher stuttered while reading? Retarded.
Teacher smiled too much? High.
Kids are ruthless. It's also funny how much I don't care now that I'm a teacher. I care when they love me. But, don't care when they hate me. What a nice little world I've created!
Nonetheless, I applauded my students for their clever teasing with a few jokes about teachers. And after we all had a bit of laugh at the expense of teachers, I told them that I didn't care if they made jokes, but those jokes can't happen during class, in Korean or disrupt my lessons. They seemed to accept my scolding, and I was reminded that they're kids just being kids.
Onto other news, I've been listening to an old mix CD my friend, Kyle, made for me when I moved to Nebraska. He made one CD titled, "Moving to Nebraska" and a few months later he sent me the sequel, "Surviving the Midwest." I've been listening to "Surviving the Midwest" and now that I am surviving Korea, a lot of the songs re-apply. There is something unique about being in a big, annonymous, foreign city listening to music that someone special picked especially for you. It's a moment of contrast, a personal experience midst an extremely impersonal experience. I like it a lot.
I'm in a very kind mood today. I'm usually in a good mood, and a relativly social mood, but today I am feeling uniquely kind. I just want to help my kids become smarter. I want to have more patience with the trouble makers. I want to share my umbrella with a stranger. This angelic disposition may not last long (I have to wake up very early tomorrow on my day off), but I'll make the most of it while it lasts.
So, I'm still power walking. Going on week three. Look at me go!
This month will mark six months in Korea. My time here is half over. Wow. Time flies. I don't expect this to be the last of my time in Korea, most of you know of my intention to return, but I am soon going to be on the downhill side of my time with this school. It's not that I don't like the school, it's just that I really like change!
Well, it is 9:59pm. I'm out of here!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Hungry Hungry Hippos...
Well, I learned my nickname among some of my students. "The Drinking Hippo." Yep... You heard it right! They are calling me a hippo. The drinking part comes from my constantly bringing water bottles to class, but the hippo part, there is no nice way to interpret that. They are calling me fat. I don't really see the justification, but I guess it only gives me more motivation to keep up the workouts.
The cute boy came back into town. We went out last night and had a great time. But, I think I'm starting to get bored. After all, one whole month with the same person... I really shouldn't get bored so easily. This is not good.
I've been learning new phrases from my Korean friends, "I like you." "I love you." "You're welcome." and "I miss you." The only problem is that once I learn a new phrase, the phrase keeps playing over and over in my mind. It's like a broken record and I want to say the phrase to everyone. So, yesterday I was running around saying "I love you. You're welcome" to just about everyone I met. I'm such a show off.
Hillary is a goner. I know this isn't news. But, we are going to have a Dem nominee before the week is through. Can you believe it? I was talking about it at dinner with some Europeans and I got so excited that I got goosebumps. They thought I was ridiculous, but I couldn't help myself.
I may never own a car again. I love not having one. No car payment. No car insurance. No gas. No parking. No maintenance. If I move back to the States or to Europe, I want to live in a big city and then I'll just car-share. It is about 1/3 the cost of owning a car and so easy! However, if I do ever buy a car... Mini Cooper all the way!
This summer is MY summer for movies. The movie line-up couldn't be better.
Indiana Jones.
The X-Files.
Sex and the City.
Penelope.
Batman.
Get Smart.
Finally, go listen to American Girl by the Goo Goo Dolls. The song is monopolizing my ipod.
The cute boy came back into town. We went out last night and had a great time. But, I think I'm starting to get bored. After all, one whole month with the same person... I really shouldn't get bored so easily. This is not good.
I've been learning new phrases from my Korean friends, "I like you." "I love you." "You're welcome." and "I miss you." The only problem is that once I learn a new phrase, the phrase keeps playing over and over in my mind. It's like a broken record and I want to say the phrase to everyone. So, yesterday I was running around saying "I love you. You're welcome" to just about everyone I met. I'm such a show off.
Hillary is a goner. I know this isn't news. But, we are going to have a Dem nominee before the week is through. Can you believe it? I was talking about it at dinner with some Europeans and I got so excited that I got goosebumps. They thought I was ridiculous, but I couldn't help myself.
I may never own a car again. I love not having one. No car payment. No car insurance. No gas. No parking. No maintenance. If I move back to the States or to Europe, I want to live in a big city and then I'll just car-share. It is about 1/3 the cost of owning a car and so easy! However, if I do ever buy a car... Mini Cooper all the way!
This summer is MY summer for movies. The movie line-up couldn't be better.
Indiana Jones.
The X-Files.
Sex and the City.
Penelope.
Batman.
Get Smart.
Finally, go listen to American Girl by the Goo Goo Dolls. The song is monopolizing my ipod.
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