Hello all,
Yes, I know...old habits die hard. I have not updated in a while...oh well. Sorry...I've been busy...ok lazy...ok busy AND lazy! Better? Ok...let's go.
Regarding SLP and my year there, I have decided to move on and think of it as a great learning experience (and not dwell on the drama and bore you with all that shit), where I was fortunate enough to have a schedule where I could do many things outside of work. I enjoyed the year...yes there were bumps along the way...but hey...aren't all jobs like that? There were miserable people, immature people, people who didn't care. But you know what? There were also some amazing people who will be a part of my life forever...and THAT'S what counts. I KNOW I was a good teacher and good for the school...regardless of what some psychotic/JEALOUS ex-co-workers said or feel. I was a GOOD role model for the kids, I did my work, I put in my time...and I was successful (in MANY ways...just thinking of my old students and their faces when I came into the room...it completely made my day...and I KNEW then that I was doing "good")...and guess what? The SLP experience led me down here to where I am now, in Gwangju where I can hardly STOP smiling...seriously!
I teach at a well-known Private Kindergarten called Sewoon. It has been around since 1976. I am a foreign english teacher for the ENGLISH Kindergarten. They also have a Korean Kindergarten too. I teach "Stanford" class from 9-12:30...where I then get a delicious lunch, made especially for the teachers. At 1, I teach the Korean Kindergarteners for 40mins. They are usually VERY eager to learn. It also helps that I have a Korean co-teacher in the room with me at all times (during the morning too!). At 1:40, Hagwon (after-school English academy) starts. My supervisor just bought the Hagwon and changed the name from "ABC English Academy" to "Sewoon and Simon"...cute name...hehe. I currently teach two classes on Tue/Thurs, three on Mon/Weds/Fri, and then teach an evening class from 6-7pm 6 days a week...and yes I get paid overtime! The kids are great for the most part. I love my morning kids...they are very eager to learn, and my co-teacher is new, so she is letting my control and lead the class, which is great for me, since I'm new as well...so I get to learn by making those little mistakes and bettering myself all the way. The kids seem to like me, and the mornings seem to go by quickly. The year just started however, so give I'll give everything more time before I say everything is AMAZING...hehe. The organization of practically everything could be better...but honestly, such is Korea. I've dealt with it for 1.5 years, and will continue to, WITHOUT complaining. I get paid much more than last year, and honestly, I do around HALF the work. It's simply crazy. So my new mantra..."shut up and do your work" seems to be working well. I don't complain, and I always am there to help my superiors out. Why? Because I LIKE WORKING. YES...I just said I like working. It makes me feel useful. I feel like I'm worth something when I'm busy teaching a class. It's a great feeling. Plus, me helping out/being around if needed makes me look better/more reliable to the higher-ups...which puts me in great position if I want to extend my contract and want a raise, or simply if I need a favor...like asking for the afternoon off next Tuesday, to see Melody Gardot perform in Seoul/see my Korean family! :)
Life is pretty damn good. I love being in Korea, and really can't complain about much here. I am really looking forward to getting a cat in around 11 days, and going to Japan for a long weekend in April to see James Taylor and Carole King perform in Tokyo! Of course, a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland is a must...come on...do you expect anything else from me??? LOL.
Till I post again (hopefully soon)...happy Spring to all...
Greg :)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
New year, new entries...hopefully
Hello again,
Stay tuned for more entries from my continued experience teaching in Korea. I finished my contract in Uijeongbu, and now have begun my new contract in Gwangju.
I am DETERMINED to be better at updating my thoughts and experiences for everyone to see, and selfishly, for myself too. I look forward to entertaining you as much as possible with my gramatical mistakes, excessive use of "..." and what not.
Again, stay tuned...I shall commence with entries soon; most importantly, a long and poignant story of my last months at SLP (with 100% drama included!) to conclude that chapter of my life.
With that lovely taste in my mouth, I leave to go to bed, and contemplate when I'll find the time to write again (maybe by Sunday nite?)...ah, we'll see.
~Greg :)
Stay tuned for more entries from my continued experience teaching in Korea. I finished my contract in Uijeongbu, and now have begun my new contract in Gwangju.
I am DETERMINED to be better at updating my thoughts and experiences for everyone to see, and selfishly, for myself too. I look forward to entertaining you as much as possible with my gramatical mistakes, excessive use of "..." and what not.
Again, stay tuned...I shall commence with entries soon; most importantly, a long and poignant story of my last months at SLP (with 100% drama included!) to conclude that chapter of my life.
With that lovely taste in my mouth, I leave to go to bed, and contemplate when I'll find the time to write again (maybe by Sunday nite?)...ah, we'll see.
~Greg :)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's been a while...
Hello everyone...
It's been a while (as the title suggests). I'm sitting in my apartment...buzzed, and smoking away from my hookah, and thinking, WOW...I haven't updated my blog since before Christmas. Let me see how well I can do with updating the past 2.5 or so months. Here we go...
Christmas break was everything I could have hoped for...and more. Seeing Lauren, Roann, and everyone else in NYC was fantastic. I loved the Disney Meet in CT seeing Laurie, Ashley, Shawn and Tina. As mentioned on my facebook profile, I am in complete Disney withdrawl, and having the chance to talk Disney for 4+ hours was amazing! Seeing my family was also a treat. I really miss Amanda, and seeing her, and spending some quality time with her was great. Although it was too short, spending a few hours with Claire was also really great. I miss her a lot, and her judgement and overall amazingness are just a few of her amazing qualities, and we had a great time together. Another highlight was spending New Years Eve with Jess Aker. We are truly "BFFs" and I love her to death...and having that time together was priceless. Another amazing night was when my dad and I spent some quality time together seeing YOUR Boston Celtics TOTALLY TROUNCE Washington. We had a great time together. Also seeing my aunts was refreshing, instead of just talking to them on the phone from 8,000 miles away weekly. I miss everyone at home terribly now...but I know they all miss me too, and it's only a couple more months (ok...5!) until I see them again...for a week or for good is still up in the air...more on that within the next month or so. Stay tuned...
The last stand-out was seeing Rita in CA on my trip back to Korea. She is a truly amazing person, and spending a few hours with her was great...as was the breakfast food!!! hehe.
Flash-forward to coming back to Korea. I arrived, and immediately went back to work, and found myself with the busiest schedule of all the teachers! PS...nothing has changed since in that regards...I STILL have the busiest schedule...with MANY students, and a TON of classes. But it makes the days go faster...and I have to admit. I love it. Most of the time. January was a mess though...getting back onto "autopilot" mode (as I call it) took almost a month, but it was worth it. February generally sucked...mainly because I had an issue within myself...whether to be the fun, more REALAXED teacher, or strict MEAN teacher. Overall, I settled for a bit of both...and it seems to have worked. The kids are learning, and they seem to enjoy me as a teacher, and I like teaching them for the most part...so no complaints currently. *crosses fingers*
Another update should be Lunar (Chinese) New Year. I went to Hong Kong...solo, to enjoy Hong Hong Disneyland. The weather wasn't the best, but HK Disneyland was awesome. I enjoyed the park, even though it was rather small, and the food was great! I loved being able to get re-charged Disney style on my own time! Highlights of the trip were my room...seeing the fireworks from my balcony...the food (I already mentioned), the live shows (specifically Festival of the Lion King), and the special events for Chinese New Year. I saw a traditional Lion dance, a traditional parade down Main Street, and collected "good luck" stickers with characters on them...really cool. I also DID NOT go overboard with trinkets and gifts...just enough to satisfy myself, and a few chosen others *cough LAUREN CHECK YOUR SNAIL MAIL *cough* HAPPY BIRTHDAY *cough*. It was a memorable time, and definitely worth the money and time to go.
Fast forward to now. It's March. As mentioned, I'm very busy...all the time, but I have to say I'm doing well. I'm stressing out about the decision to stay vs. go after 1 year, but honestly in my mind, right now it's a win/win situation. The new teachers are here, and they're great...very friendly. One more teacher will be coming at the end of the month. I'm told by Amy (my supervisor) that the new girl will take one of my classes which would be great). Amy is also supposedly leaving, which stinks because she totally has my back. But I'm holding out hope that she stays, and you can bet I'll ask her for a reccomendation before she leaves. She's a great woman, and a really good friend to me. My new partner teacher is also a great girl, and for the most part, I get along with everyone at work (can't ask for much more than that, right??). I still frequent the Seoul Arts Center...I'm seeing an Opera on Saturday, and a ballet next Saturday. I got a year pass for Everland, the really cool amusement park/zoo outside Seoul. I saw Chris a couple weekends ago, and had a GREAT time catching up with him.
The BEST news of all is MY MOM AND MY AUNT are coming to visit. My mom is coming April 28, until May 6, and my Aunt arrives the next day (May 7) and we'll be going to Tokyo Disneyland together on the 9th-11th. I'm really excited. Jeong is also supposedly still coming out in mid-April. And also, the headmaster of CHCH (my high school) is coming out towards the end of April, and he wants me to speak at his meetings with alumni and perspective families. So yes, my life is CRAZY busy, and come a month or so from now, it will be even CRAZIER. And yes, I'm TOTALLY looking forward to it.
As the people who know me best know...I live my life to the fullest. I seek adventure and fun at all times. I can honestly say I'm happy...nervous about the future, but truly happy for what I have, and for what will come. Let's just wish for a girlfriend, a steady FUN and challenging job at home, good health for me and my family/friends, and a lifetime pass for all the 5 Disney Parks, and I'll be set for life...lol.
~Greg :)
It's been a while (as the title suggests). I'm sitting in my apartment...buzzed, and smoking away from my hookah, and thinking, WOW...I haven't updated my blog since before Christmas. Let me see how well I can do with updating the past 2.5 or so months. Here we go...
Christmas break was everything I could have hoped for...and more. Seeing Lauren, Roann, and everyone else in NYC was fantastic. I loved the Disney Meet in CT seeing Laurie, Ashley, Shawn and Tina. As mentioned on my facebook profile, I am in complete Disney withdrawl, and having the chance to talk Disney for 4+ hours was amazing! Seeing my family was also a treat. I really miss Amanda, and seeing her, and spending some quality time with her was great. Although it was too short, spending a few hours with Claire was also really great. I miss her a lot, and her judgement and overall amazingness are just a few of her amazing qualities, and we had a great time together. Another highlight was spending New Years Eve with Jess Aker. We are truly "BFFs" and I love her to death...and having that time together was priceless. Another amazing night was when my dad and I spent some quality time together seeing YOUR Boston Celtics TOTALLY TROUNCE Washington. We had a great time together. Also seeing my aunts was refreshing, instead of just talking to them on the phone from 8,000 miles away weekly. I miss everyone at home terribly now...but I know they all miss me too, and it's only a couple more months (ok...5!) until I see them again...for a week or for good is still up in the air...more on that within the next month or so. Stay tuned...
The last stand-out was seeing Rita in CA on my trip back to Korea. She is a truly amazing person, and spending a few hours with her was great...as was the breakfast food!!! hehe.
Flash-forward to coming back to Korea. I arrived, and immediately went back to work, and found myself with the busiest schedule of all the teachers! PS...nothing has changed since in that regards...I STILL have the busiest schedule...with MANY students, and a TON of classes. But it makes the days go faster...and I have to admit. I love it. Most of the time. January was a mess though...getting back onto "autopilot" mode (as I call it) took almost a month, but it was worth it. February generally sucked...mainly because I had an issue within myself...whether to be the fun, more REALAXED teacher, or strict MEAN teacher. Overall, I settled for a bit of both...and it seems to have worked. The kids are learning, and they seem to enjoy me as a teacher, and I like teaching them for the most part...so no complaints currently. *crosses fingers*
Another update should be Lunar (Chinese) New Year. I went to Hong Kong...solo, to enjoy Hong Hong Disneyland. The weather wasn't the best, but HK Disneyland was awesome. I enjoyed the park, even though it was rather small, and the food was great! I loved being able to get re-charged Disney style on my own time! Highlights of the trip were my room...seeing the fireworks from my balcony...the food (I already mentioned), the live shows (specifically Festival of the Lion King), and the special events for Chinese New Year. I saw a traditional Lion dance, a traditional parade down Main Street, and collected "good luck" stickers with characters on them...really cool. I also DID NOT go overboard with trinkets and gifts...just enough to satisfy myself, and a few chosen others *cough LAUREN CHECK YOUR SNAIL MAIL *cough* HAPPY BIRTHDAY *cough*. It was a memorable time, and definitely worth the money and time to go.
Fast forward to now. It's March. As mentioned, I'm very busy...all the time, but I have to say I'm doing well. I'm stressing out about the decision to stay vs. go after 1 year, but honestly in my mind, right now it's a win/win situation. The new teachers are here, and they're great...very friendly. One more teacher will be coming at the end of the month. I'm told by Amy (my supervisor) that the new girl will take one of my classes which would be great). Amy is also supposedly leaving, which stinks because she totally has my back. But I'm holding out hope that she stays, and you can bet I'll ask her for a reccomendation before she leaves. She's a great woman, and a really good friend to me. My new partner teacher is also a great girl, and for the most part, I get along with everyone at work (can't ask for much more than that, right??). I still frequent the Seoul Arts Center...I'm seeing an Opera on Saturday, and a ballet next Saturday. I got a year pass for Everland, the really cool amusement park/zoo outside Seoul. I saw Chris a couple weekends ago, and had a GREAT time catching up with him.
The BEST news of all is MY MOM AND MY AUNT are coming to visit. My mom is coming April 28, until May 6, and my Aunt arrives the next day (May 7) and we'll be going to Tokyo Disneyland together on the 9th-11th. I'm really excited. Jeong is also supposedly still coming out in mid-April. And also, the headmaster of CHCH (my high school) is coming out towards the end of April, and he wants me to speak at his meetings with alumni and perspective families. So yes, my life is CRAZY busy, and come a month or so from now, it will be even CRAZIER. And yes, I'm TOTALLY looking forward to it.
As the people who know me best know...I live my life to the fullest. I seek adventure and fun at all times. I can honestly say I'm happy...nervous about the future, but truly happy for what I have, and for what will come. Let's just wish for a girlfriend, a steady FUN and challenging job at home, good health for me and my family/friends, and a lifetime pass for all the 5 Disney Parks, and I'll be set for life...lol.
~Greg :)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Going Home...
Hey everyone.
I will be leaving my apartment in less than a half hour to go HOME. I can't believe how fast the past four months have gone. I truly have a lot to be thankful for during this holiday season. I have an incredible family, a great support system at home, a nice apartment, and a job. WOW...you can't get much better than that!
I am all packed, and ready to go. It will be a whirlwind tour of the "New England area" plus New York, as I'll be home for roughly 10 days. Among other things, I will be celebrating a belated Christmas and Hanukkah with family, seeing the Nutracker, seeing YOUR champions...the Boston Celtics, going to a Disney Meet (yay!), going to NYC and visiting all my friends in the area there, catching up with friends in my area (including many dinner dates!) and just spending good quality time with my parents, sister, and aunts.
Again, it's very hard to believe that the time has gone so fast. I remember when I first started my countdown at around 91 days...it's been a rewarding couple months since then, and this break is well needed, and (I feel) pretty well deserved. I will need a clear head when I get back, as I will have new classes, new students, and new material...which I will have to DIVE right into literally the day after I get back to Korea. Fun stuff! But you know what...I'm ready for it! I know I can do it...I know I can be successful, and I know I will get the hang of things and that "everything" will end up being OK, if not better. These four months have taught me a lot...including that I really do have a lot to give to this world. And judging by how "good" I feel now that I have finished four months with students, turning them into better English speakers...I know that the next eight MAY be a challenge, but nonetheless, a GOOD one; I'm DEFINITELY up for it...and I know that I will sincerely do the best I can.
Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah everyone! Look for a "HOME" recap post when I return!
Greg :)
I will be leaving my apartment in less than a half hour to go HOME. I can't believe how fast the past four months have gone. I truly have a lot to be thankful for during this holiday season. I have an incredible family, a great support system at home, a nice apartment, and a job. WOW...you can't get much better than that!
I am all packed, and ready to go. It will be a whirlwind tour of the "New England area" plus New York, as I'll be home for roughly 10 days. Among other things, I will be celebrating a belated Christmas and Hanukkah with family, seeing the Nutracker, seeing YOUR champions...the Boston Celtics, going to a Disney Meet (yay!), going to NYC and visiting all my friends in the area there, catching up with friends in my area (including many dinner dates!) and just spending good quality time with my parents, sister, and aunts.
Again, it's very hard to believe that the time has gone so fast. I remember when I first started my countdown at around 91 days...it's been a rewarding couple months since then, and this break is well needed, and (I feel) pretty well deserved. I will need a clear head when I get back, as I will have new classes, new students, and new material...which I will have to DIVE right into literally the day after I get back to Korea. Fun stuff! But you know what...I'm ready for it! I know I can do it...I know I can be successful, and I know I will get the hang of things and that "everything" will end up being OK, if not better. These four months have taught me a lot...including that I really do have a lot to give to this world. And judging by how "good" I feel now that I have finished four months with students, turning them into better English speakers...I know that the next eight MAY be a challenge, but nonetheless, a GOOD one; I'm DEFINITELY up for it...and I know that I will sincerely do the best I can.
Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah everyone! Look for a "HOME" recap post when I return!
Greg :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
So Soon!
Hey everyone.
December is here, and there's 9 days until Christmas. WOW! I can't believe it! I will be on a plane bound for the states, to see my family and friends in LESS THAN 10 DAYS! I'm so excited, and anxious to see everyone again.
Work-wise, I just have to make some session tests for the students, most are already made. Session tests will be given out next Tuesday, and Wednesday. Besides that, there's not much else to do, besides finish all the books/material by Friday or Monday, which I'm on pace for. So all systems are go on that end.
In terms of packing, I will start this weekend, taking out the suitcases, and packing the clothes, Xmas gifts, and then finally, last-minute things. I will be seeing concerts this weekend, and in between that, I will be doing some FINAL Xmas shopping for a few certain people. Otherwise, I am pretty much done...I hope my friends/family don't mind unwrapped gifts!!!
I'm just hoping these last days fly by as fast as the last 90 or so did! Hope everyone is well! Can't wait to be home SOON!
~Greg :)
December is here, and there's 9 days until Christmas. WOW! I can't believe it! I will be on a plane bound for the states, to see my family and friends in LESS THAN 10 DAYS! I'm so excited, and anxious to see everyone again.
Work-wise, I just have to make some session tests for the students, most are already made. Session tests will be given out next Tuesday, and Wednesday. Besides that, there's not much else to do, besides finish all the books/material by Friday or Monday, which I'm on pace for. So all systems are go on that end.
In terms of packing, I will start this weekend, taking out the suitcases, and packing the clothes, Xmas gifts, and then finally, last-minute things. I will be seeing concerts this weekend, and in between that, I will be doing some FINAL Xmas shopping for a few certain people. Otherwise, I am pretty much done...I hope my friends/family don't mind unwrapped gifts!!!
I'm just hoping these last days fly by as fast as the last 90 or so did! Hope everyone is well! Can't wait to be home SOON!
~Greg :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
First Snow!!!
Hey everyone. SHOCK. I'm posting twice in a month!!! WOW!
Ok well here's the deal...It snowed today! Sure, it was kind of dinky, and the flakes were really small, and it was only for like 10 minutes...but it SNOWED! I was so happy! :)
It's been really cold here for the past week. I've had to use my heater...which really only heats the floor...it takes a LONG time for it to reach the rest of the room (although my feet are happy and warm when I'm walking around...lol!)
Well that's about it. Don't expect to hear from me again for a long time. LOL!
Ok well here's the deal...It snowed today! Sure, it was kind of dinky, and the flakes were really small, and it was only for like 10 minutes...but it SNOWED! I was so happy! :)
It's been really cold here for the past week. I've had to use my heater...which really only heats the floor...it takes a LONG time for it to reach the rest of the room (although my feet are happy and warm when I'm walking around...lol!)
Well that's about it. Don't expect to hear from me again for a long time. LOL!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New updates!
Hey all!
So it's November. It's getting cold. And the air quality hasn't gotten much better (oh well!). I'm not sick anymore *knock on wood*, but I still occasionally have that cough that just WON'T go away.
Work is going well. I am on auto-pilot, and I am excited that there won't be any more changes in classes between now and Christmas. There are officially no more classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays until next year, so we use that time for presentations, learning about how each of us teach certain classes. Hopefully, it will be useful and effective. The kids are great (for the most part), and I enjoy teaching them...and it seems they have all really improved, which makes me feel REALLY good...that my effort and hard work I've put in is actually starting to show! It's a great feeling...truly.
Speaking of Christmastime, there's under 40 days now till Christmas, and till I get to go home! I am really excited and looking forward to seeing my family, and all my friends!!!! I have around half of my time home planned out, and will work on the the rest once December comes. I don't want to become obsessed with making plans and getting into that way of thinking, because honestly, it will only lead to homesickness (which I've had BAD recently). Like I said before, I'm on autopilot...the work week goes by SO quickly...and I really can't complain about anything here. Of course I miss EVERYTHING about home, and specifically the people there that I love and care about...but I know they love me and care about me...and me obsessing about it only adds stress and homesickness to my situation here...therefore, yes I'm freaking excited...and yes, I will plan (probably too much)...BUT there's still over 5 weeks left, and my priority (until I leave) SHOULD BE work and my life here.
Another piece of news: I bought my plane ticket for Hong Kong, and booked my hotel (park view room BABY!) for my trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, January 25-27! I can't wait!
That's pretty much it here. I miss everyone at home...but I'm doing well...hanging in there, and really enjoying my time here overall. I frequent the classical concert scene, and try to do something new every week. I got my haircut, which wasn't a disaster...and it seems like I've lost weight...so no complaining on my end!
Hope everyone reading this is doing well. Miss you all! Leave love!
~Greg
So it's November. It's getting cold. And the air quality hasn't gotten much better (oh well!). I'm not sick anymore *knock on wood*, but I still occasionally have that cough that just WON'T go away.
Work is going well. I am on auto-pilot, and I am excited that there won't be any more changes in classes between now and Christmas. There are officially no more classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays until next year, so we use that time for presentations, learning about how each of us teach certain classes. Hopefully, it will be useful and effective. The kids are great (for the most part), and I enjoy teaching them...and it seems they have all really improved, which makes me feel REALLY good...that my effort and hard work I've put in is actually starting to show! It's a great feeling...truly.
Speaking of Christmastime, there's under 40 days now till Christmas, and till I get to go home! I am really excited and looking forward to seeing my family, and all my friends!!!! I have around half of my time home planned out, and will work on the the rest once December comes. I don't want to become obsessed with making plans and getting into that way of thinking, because honestly, it will only lead to homesickness (which I've had BAD recently). Like I said before, I'm on autopilot...the work week goes by SO quickly...and I really can't complain about anything here. Of course I miss EVERYTHING about home, and specifically the people there that I love and care about...but I know they love me and care about me...and me obsessing about it only adds stress and homesickness to my situation here...therefore, yes I'm freaking excited...and yes, I will plan (probably too much)...BUT there's still over 5 weeks left, and my priority (until I leave) SHOULD BE work and my life here.
Another piece of news: I bought my plane ticket for Hong Kong, and booked my hotel (park view room BABY!) for my trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, January 25-27! I can't wait!
That's pretty much it here. I miss everyone at home...but I'm doing well...hanging in there, and really enjoying my time here overall. I frequent the classical concert scene, and try to do something new every week. I got my haircut, which wasn't a disaster...and it seems like I've lost weight...so no complaining on my end!
Hope everyone reading this is doing well. Miss you all! Leave love!
~Greg
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