Sorry. It's been too long.
I figure I have a decent excuse as to why I haven't blogged in what seems like 2 months. Wait, it HAS been almost two months. Damn. But honestly, I've been have such a great time over here.
At first, it was quite difficult to get into a solid daily routine because of my odd work hours (1 PM - 9 PM Monday through Friday). It was damn hard to coax myself out of bed because there really was no reason to wake up before, say, 10 or 11 AM. I'm definitely not complaining, I know a lot of people who would kill to be able to sleep until late without getting fired.
But, you see, I never got anything done doing things this way. I would wake up late, get or make something quick for breakfast, and shortly be off on my way to work. Then, I'd get home around 9:30 and I'd be too tired from teaching some of the cutest Korean students to do anything. So I'd get in bed a watch a movie.
Not conducive to a healthy blogging environment. No, not at all.
So, while I've been away, I've been working hard. I have completely altered my schedule. Mom, you would be proud of me. Now I wake up somewhere in between 8:30 and 9 AM and, in doing so, leaving myself plenty of time to exercise, make a well-balanced breakfast, and (not until now, of course) do a little blogging.
Go me.
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So, anyways, here is a brief recap of some of my endeavors since the last post:
1) I've been working a lot. I really have no real complaints about my job. The children are wonderful. I have to admit, they are much more fun to teach and be around than my former German students. The reason is simple - almost all of the WANT to be there. They want to learn, come prepared, and try hard. And they like to have fun doing it. Makes life a lot easier.
2) Had my first Korean Halloween. I had no clue as to what I wanted to be. I haven't had to think up a costume in the longest time, because I was always traveling or playing football games on Halloween in college. So, some friends and I went to a costume shop, and this was where I found (and fell in love with) a Jesus-type wig/beard combo. So, I was Jesus for Halloween. It made for a good laugh when out at the Halloween parties.
3) I went to Seoul again. This time the sole (get it?) objective wasn't to party all night. Instead, it was a nice, quiet, early Saturday afternoon trip with my main group of people. This group, consisting of Rhys, Stacey, Jamie, Emma, and Sarah, is my go to group when going out or doing anything. Nice people. So we all went up to Seoul and sat down for an absolutely delicious, 3-hour, Western lunch (I had a great burger, some fries, and a couple of good beers - Erdinger and Kilkenny). Then we all did a little bit of shopping. Rhys and I hit up the electronics market, which Rhys tells me is the largest one in Asia. I don't doubt it, either. This place was incredible. Long story short - I ended up buying myself and early Christmas present - and iPod Touch. The way I figured it, I had plenty of cash and hadn't treated myself to something nice in a long time. Not to mention, my iPod from 2004 is kaput. The Touch is wicked awesome and, IMO, a good buy.
These are kind of the main highlights. On the weekends, we often go downtown to have a few (and normally a few more) drinks at a few of our favorite places. Rhys recently introduced me to a bar called Rolling Stone, and it's already my favorite. The owner has a vinyl collection of pure classic rock. He must have over 3,000 records. He gives you paper so you can write down requests, and he just hangs out and keeps the music playing. The beers, although it's a bit pricey (you pay for the atmosphere) is self-serve. It is awesome.
I've also seen some great movies: District-9, One Week, and Inglorious Basterds. I recommend each one. One Week, in particular, is one you should all see. It don't know how big it was Stateside, but I really enjoyed that one. See it.
Here is a video of one of my favorite students, Robert. He's 9 years old. He loves cleaning, taking baths, and looking outside. None of these answers have been doctored, he seriously enjoys these things. Sadly, Robert wont be coming back to Langcon next semester, for reason unknown. Jamie and I like him so much that we're thinking of asking his mother if we can, on occasion, offer to hang out with him on Saturdays, just to have the kid around. He's SO funny.
Here's a few photos. One Jesus shot and then a bunch of the kids from my school. As you can see, they are adorable and fun to be around.
Anyways, I have to be on my way. My laundry is almost finished and I have to hang it up to dry. Then a nice hot shower is beckoning me - did I mention how damn cold it is here already? In the evenings, the temperature routinely dips down to -1 degrees Celsius. And it's only November 19th.
I'll try to make this whole blogging in the morning thing a routine.
Much love to you all.
-r
