Imma just vent while its still fresh! I am sitting in my classroom right now and I am baffled at my Co teachers behavior. As I previously stated that this week was a huge week for me for I am being evaluated by my school and the board of education. To add salt on the wound it doesn't help that me or my co teacher has no experience teaching not to mention the language barrier. Anyways she is stressing today we showed the school are open class. On my behalf it went smooth for me. Of course it was rehearsed they made me rehearse it but it was still natural for me. However her on the other hand she was so nervous..She let her nervousness dictate her performance. That is one of the things athletics taught me.. All my life I have preformed in front of others. I won some I lost some.However I was never worried about who was watching or anything like that I just did my best. No different for teaching in my eyes. I am no teacher by any means! I love talking, I love kids, I know English, and I am enthusiastic about the material I am presenting...
Well you know what they say Birds of a feather flock together...Lol well she was starting to bring me down I just started to get in a fowl mood just because her whole attitude towards me went down because she did not do well and it didn't go according to how she thought it should have. Anyways I just had to vent for a moment because everyone wants to do good at their job no one wants go half hearted or not give your all...If I wouldn't give my all I wouldn't have came to KOREA. We have two days to fix and tweak this SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE English lesson. Needless to say I will be glad when Friday is over. I hope everyone and anyone that is reading has a good day and rest of the week...Until then my friends. please please please if u have AN attitude at this moment of time. Please stop and pray and put some LATITUDE IN THAT ATTITUDE. Peace!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Week Ahead
I am going to make this real short I have a busy week.
Tuesday- Practice for my open class. Pay day. Also budgeting for the month. Dinner with Sujin. Big mike. Joey and Kristin
Wedensday- Might go ball near Jamsil (The sight of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul) or might go to as basketball game with my friend JLEE
Thursaday- I will be in deep depression. No turkey! no mac and cheese! no gravy no collard greans. no biscuts. no cornbread. no cranberry sauce my brotha's favorite. Imma have to hit my man Bro Man up and listen to him talk about food that usually will help alittle...My taste buds know that TURKEY day is around the corner. I don't know how to explain to them that they won't be getting any Turkey this year lol! Its all good though.. If I don't go to someone's house out here I will be going to a place called December 12th where I go every thursday for free food. (the board of education here in Korea pays for korean teachers and english teachers to come together and converse over dinner) usually it turns out to be just foreigners catching up for the week.
Friday- Open Class. Have to knock it out...Imma just be me..Image is everything here. Imma pray about it and be me thats all I can do.
Saturday- My school is dragging me to some mountian...Hopefully I won't have a repeat with what happened in Turkey..WILL see though..AND 23!
Sunday- Practice @ Gangnam
p.s. - The week always goes fast. The weekend even faster. I am trying to take time slow and enjoy myself but it feels like someone is pressing the fast forward button. Soon I will be back in the states. Hopefully coaching somewhere..Until then a day @ a time. Urs truly
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Korean Cell Phone BiLL!
My first Bill came for my phone today. Now before I start to talk about how much it costs let me start by telling everyone about my previous cell phone usage in the states. Back home My cell phone a month was about 65-75 usd a month. This included 450min and 500 additional text sent and recieved! and free incoming calls and free after nine! If you go over your text I think its 10cents or something like that a message. Well back home I always sent about 1000 text maybe a month.
Things did not change here once getting my phone I picked up where I left off hahha I message everyone and all the time! By the end of the month I noticed that I had sent and recieved alot of messages and I am sure that I used all my alloted minutes....Plans arent like plans in the states although it is very similar. Here it is very inexspensive to text so everyone texts! I have 300 free minutes with free incoming calling and 100 additional free text messages! For this month I have not montiored my cell phone usage. If I needed to send a message or send a text I did just that withought thinking about it...Well my GRAND TOTAL FOR THE FIRST MONTH without regulating my cell phone came to! 32,000 Won lol which in American Dollars is about $22.00 I think I can manage that! lol well just wanted to give a post on how my first cell phone bill was. If you ever get the urge to get a calling card! holla at me 010-2250-2129...Until then as always remember lifes good!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov 17th's Thoughts
Me and my homie Bonnie
Me and my co teachers. And my friend joe from Australia
Me and another co teacher at school. One out of 7 males that teach at the school
ALL MY VA Homies... I GOT LOVE FOR VA AND THE BURG! lol...Some more of my CO teachers Soo Jin and Kristin lolIt has been a minute since I have last posted! I apologize for not staying on top of my posts. When I first thought about coming out here I wanted to know everything! I would read blogs of people that were already out here! It sparked my interest as well as valuable information before making the ultimate step. None the less it keeps me sane and keeps my thoughts organized. I never know who is reading but as I always say its for my sanity. Excuse me for grammatical errors and literary devices. I just want to vibe out without worrying about all of that! So just follow me. Im gonna vibe out.
It has been almost two months since I first arrived here in South Korea. Time fly's doesnt it! I am still in that phase of excitement. No two days are alike like a snowflake. I am always on my toes. I could be walking to get something to eat in my city and get a phone call and be on the bus/train to Seoul to meet up with some friends! I wanted to get settled in before starting to really emerge myself in the language. I have picked up phrases and words here and there but nothing extensive. It is very easy to let a year go by without learning the language you can get by just fine by sticking to English and not even trying. However I am not one of those people I feel like if your in their country least respect them by trying to learn there language instead of always coming out speaking English. That is what I do. I greet them in korean and try to pronounce what I am trying to ask. Once that fails hahah i HAVE no choice but to go to English but the thing is im trying. The people here are extremly nice they will bend over backwards to help you in anyway they can. Lol funny story I was having a minor problem with my Internet and I called the company and told the guy i was having problems. By time i hung up the phone he was knocking at my door cheezin lol hahah I just laughed....The customer service is great out here im not even gonna lie like I said they will bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need!
It also has been tight getting to meet people from all over the world. I love it! I thrive on it really. First of all I like to talk actually I love to talk my favorite subject was Lunch due to all the socializing! Nah im kidding but for real. I love meeting people from all over the world and that is exactly what I have done....Here is the run down on the people that I have met thus far...Australians, South Africans, New Zealand, Canadians, And of course Americans. I often find myself laughing when my friend joe talks because things are named different in Australia for example
I call it a socket or outlet he calls it a POWERPOINT so when he said where is your PowerPoint lol I said its on the computer. I said I am going to Mcd's he says he is going MACKERS? lol i said what is that he said u know McDonald's...I say whats good...he says what up mate...I say good look when thanking someone he says chose mate....I say yeah this is "tight" or that joint is tight...he says man this is hectic....lol so in other words its always funny how even in the english language there are variations from place to place
Now even though I am having a great time out here in Korea Imma keep it real with things that irritate me that I have to get used to! Here is my 10 irritations in no order!
1. When it rains riding on the subway or bus! I would literally empty out my bank account and pay for a pocket of fresh air!
2. Smoke! people smoke everywhere here. It is almost as worse as Turkey! they smoke like chimnys over here.
3. My school planning social outings for me! Lol last week I came to school they said "jered on wedensday your gonna go to the movies and then to dinner ok? Is that asking me or telling me lol I mean i didnt mind going to watch 007 and dinner afterwards but its not so cool when its gonna be something I dont like to do! So ask me don't tell me!
4. Drying my clothes on the floor! No Dryer! Laundry is basically a day event lol. however dry cleaning here is rather cheap! so it evens out!
5. Pushing a button to turn on my hot water heater! America we just go in the shower and turn the hot water knob without thinking. In Korea I have to turn the heater on before taking a hot shower!
6. People coughing without covering their mouths!
7. KIMCHI!! - Sorry everyone says u will get used to it!! Not I. I will never like kimchi! So this is def on the list...For those of you that don't know what Kimchi is look it up!
8. Coins! lol haha I got so many coins the highest note out here is 10,000 Won which is like USD 10 dollar bill...Imagine in the states if that was our highest note!
9. IF you want to teach in Korea you have to be able to deal with change of plans!!! lol hahah man plans and things change here on the drop of a dime lol what you thought you were doing could vanish like a fart in the wind lol....gotta be able to adapt and roll with the flow this should actually be RANKED 1. lol
10. Taking my shoes off at school!!!! and having to walk around in sandals in the winter!!!
+ my school having the windows open!! the school is concrete the insulation is horrible they be stingy with the heat!!
SAD DAYS so Far and SOOn to come
Missing D's wedding
My DAD and Brotha's Bday
THANKSGIVING!
XMAS
SISTER BDAY
MOM BDAY
START OF EMU' BBALL SEASON WE 2-0 THO HOLLA BACK!
EMU GRADUATION
SENIOR NIGHT
I have a creative way at looking at things that made it possible for me to make this journey. First of all I love to travel so that played a factor into my decision into coming. Also I didnt feel like being married to a 9 to 5 behind a desk. I dont mind the hours and working hard. I just didnt want to feel like I had to go to work everyday to pay bills. I wanted to enjoy waking up every morning early and feel like I have accomplished something...For this job I feel that way. Every morning that I wake up and I get to school and see the kids cheezin saying "Helllo misster lyyyooon" It makes you feel important. Imma keep it real with everyone. Im not gonna front living out here. I kinda feel like a mini Rock star sort of. I go on the subway little kids wave and say hello. Parents nod and are obviously intrigued wondering what I am doing in Korea because clearly I am not in the military (Military guys are usually well always cleaned shaved and much bigger than I am. But the fresh shave and haircut give it away). When I go to lunch the kids scream and yell my name all wanting hand shakes and autographs in English cursive. It would be very easy for someone to come over here and think very highly of themselves and get big headed...However I vow never to get like that because Honestly everyday I put on my shoes my jacket and I head for the door to school Im being me! Im not changing for no being on this earth. Day in Day out im gonna be me! Take it or leave it. I love life. i DONT act or put on a facade. Some people say I joke to much or dont take things seriously well there is a time and place for everything. I believe some people travel abroad and try to make up this make believe life that they have back home and sometimes I can sense it sometimes I cant. When people ask me where I am from I say MARYLAND not DC...DC IS DC and Maryland is Maryland...some people back home have a severe case of this lol ! Yes we are close to DC but just cause you live near DC doesn't make you from there..Its not about where your from its about where your at!...I said all that to say...A year is a long time! However time does fly. Its kind of Bittersweet! Some say man Jered you could change in a year...yeah very true I could. Some ways I will because I am being exposed to a different lifestyle and culture but one thing for sure I will NEVER NEVER NEVER CHANGE THIS IS J EVERYDAY. until then remember folks....LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE......lifess gooodd holllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaa attttttttttttttt yaaaaaaaaaaa boiiiiiiiii
It has been almost two months since I first arrived here in South Korea. Time fly's doesnt it! I am still in that phase of excitement. No two days are alike like a snowflake. I am always on my toes. I could be walking to get something to eat in my city and get a phone call and be on the bus/train to Seoul to meet up with some friends! I wanted to get settled in before starting to really emerge myself in the language. I have picked up phrases and words here and there but nothing extensive. It is very easy to let a year go by without learning the language you can get by just fine by sticking to English and not even trying. However I am not one of those people I feel like if your in their country least respect them by trying to learn there language instead of always coming out speaking English. That is what I do. I greet them in korean and try to pronounce what I am trying to ask. Once that fails hahah i HAVE no choice but to go to English but the thing is im trying. The people here are extremly nice they will bend over backwards to help you in anyway they can. Lol funny story I was having a minor problem with my Internet and I called the company and told the guy i was having problems. By time i hung up the phone he was knocking at my door cheezin lol hahah I just laughed....The customer service is great out here im not even gonna lie like I said they will bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need!
It also has been tight getting to meet people from all over the world. I love it! I thrive on it really. First of all I like to talk actually I love to talk my favorite subject was Lunch due to all the socializing! Nah im kidding but for real. I love meeting people from all over the world and that is exactly what I have done....Here is the run down on the people that I have met thus far...Australians, South Africans, New Zealand, Canadians, And of course Americans. I often find myself laughing when my friend joe talks because things are named different in Australia for example
I call it a socket or outlet he calls it a POWERPOINT so when he said where is your PowerPoint lol I said its on the computer. I said I am going to Mcd's he says he is going MACKERS? lol i said what is that he said u know McDonald's...I say whats good...he says what up mate...I say good look when thanking someone he says chose mate....I say yeah this is "tight" or that joint is tight...he says man this is hectic....lol so in other words its always funny how even in the english language there are variations from place to place
Now even though I am having a great time out here in Korea Imma keep it real with things that irritate me that I have to get used to! Here is my 10 irritations in no order!
1. When it rains riding on the subway or bus! I would literally empty out my bank account and pay for a pocket of fresh air!
2. Smoke! people smoke everywhere here. It is almost as worse as Turkey! they smoke like chimnys over here.
3. My school planning social outings for me! Lol last week I came to school they said "jered on wedensday your gonna go to the movies and then to dinner ok? Is that asking me or telling me lol I mean i didnt mind going to watch 007 and dinner afterwards but its not so cool when its gonna be something I dont like to do! So ask me don't tell me!
4. Drying my clothes on the floor! No Dryer! Laundry is basically a day event lol. however dry cleaning here is rather cheap! so it evens out!
5. Pushing a button to turn on my hot water heater! America we just go in the shower and turn the hot water knob without thinking. In Korea I have to turn the heater on before taking a hot shower!
6. People coughing without covering their mouths!
7. KIMCHI!! - Sorry everyone says u will get used to it!! Not I. I will never like kimchi! So this is def on the list...For those of you that don't know what Kimchi is look it up!
8. Coins! lol haha I got so many coins the highest note out here is 10,000 Won which is like USD 10 dollar bill...Imagine in the states if that was our highest note!
9. IF you want to teach in Korea you have to be able to deal with change of plans!!! lol hahah man plans and things change here on the drop of a dime lol what you thought you were doing could vanish like a fart in the wind lol....gotta be able to adapt and roll with the flow this should actually be RANKED 1. lol
10. Taking my shoes off at school!!!! and having to walk around in sandals in the winter!!!
+ my school having the windows open!! the school is concrete the insulation is horrible they be stingy with the heat!!
SAD DAYS so Far and SOOn to come
Missing D's wedding
My DAD and Brotha's Bday
THANKSGIVING!
XMAS
SISTER BDAY
MOM BDAY
START OF EMU' BBALL SEASON WE 2-0 THO HOLLA BACK!
EMU GRADUATION
SENIOR NIGHT
I have a creative way at looking at things that made it possible for me to make this journey. First of all I love to travel so that played a factor into my decision into coming. Also I didnt feel like being married to a 9 to 5 behind a desk. I dont mind the hours and working hard. I just didnt want to feel like I had to go to work everyday to pay bills. I wanted to enjoy waking up every morning early and feel like I have accomplished something...For this job I feel that way. Every morning that I wake up and I get to school and see the kids cheezin saying "Helllo misster lyyyooon" It makes you feel important. Imma keep it real with everyone. Im not gonna front living out here. I kinda feel like a mini Rock star sort of. I go on the subway little kids wave and say hello. Parents nod and are obviously intrigued wondering what I am doing in Korea because clearly I am not in the military (Military guys are usually well always cleaned shaved and much bigger than I am. But the fresh shave and haircut give it away). When I go to lunch the kids scream and yell my name all wanting hand shakes and autographs in English cursive. It would be very easy for someone to come over here and think very highly of themselves and get big headed...However I vow never to get like that because Honestly everyday I put on my shoes my jacket and I head for the door to school Im being me! Im not changing for no being on this earth. Day in Day out im gonna be me! Take it or leave it. I love life. i DONT act or put on a facade. Some people say I joke to much or dont take things seriously well there is a time and place for everything. I believe some people travel abroad and try to make up this make believe life that they have back home and sometimes I can sense it sometimes I cant. When people ask me where I am from I say MARYLAND not DC...DC IS DC and Maryland is Maryland...some people back home have a severe case of this lol ! Yes we are close to DC but just cause you live near DC doesn't make you from there..Its not about where your from its about where your at!...I said all that to say...A year is a long time! However time does fly. Its kind of Bittersweet! Some say man Jered you could change in a year...yeah very true I could. Some ways I will because I am being exposed to a different lifestyle and culture but one thing for sure I will NEVER NEVER NEVER CHANGE THIS IS J EVERYDAY. until then remember folks....LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE......lifess gooodd holllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaa attttttttttttttt yaaaaaaaaaaa boiiiiiiiii
Friday, November 07, 2008
"As you stand as a monument to the One's that came Before"
Its Amazing to me how everything works out for the best. When I first decided to come to Korea I was supposed to leave shortly after I got back from my trip to Germany and Switzerland. My plan was to be gone by the time my lease ran out of my apartment back in Va. I was rushing trying to get things in order! It was chaos working 40hrs a week at a graphic design shop on top of taking two course trying to finish up my degree on schedule and on time. With the weight of 40hrs a week, school, trying to pack making sure things are in order, and most importantly spending time with my homies. To make a long story short my first contract did not go through and allowed more time with my family. Which worked out great! I got to spend the whole month with my MOM + DAD and most importantly my Grandmother. In that month I learned alot about her! I cooked for her! At times I was annoyed by her because she is older. But soon realized she can't help that she sometimes forgets her cain downstairs. Or picks her nose at the dinner table instead of going to the bathroom. It was more than that. I actually spent quality time with her. Watching the price is right and channel 9 the only DC statiton she watches, taking her to appointments. Asking her about how she felt about the elections. What she used to do when she was younger! What her favorite foods are. What foods she doesnt like! What does she like to do.
Well It just made me think of that when I took a picture of one of my favorite students Su Park is what I call her. At the beginning of the english festival in my city. Korea is huge on RESPECT FOR ELDERS. FAMILY is a huge part of everything they do. I asked her if she hangs out with her Grandfather alot SHE responds "Of ourse! I love my grandfather! he lives with me dont you live with your grandmother and grandfather" Wow....Im thankful I didnt leave when I did...as always always always...lifes good!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
One Post about it & im done!
I feel the need to get on my blog and express my feelings the way I like. The one thing I do like about America is the freedom to choose your own religion, beliefs, and speech. Since this is my blog and I am not forcing it down anyones throat or writing on their walls and so forth...Those that know me...Know that I do not like to get involved with politics. I do keep up with what is going on in the world. It is always good to be informed however I have my issues with Goverment and so forth as a whole. However yesterday I did feel proud it was an unexplainable feeling! In my lifetime I have been through alot regarding Racism. I have been in situations that have hurt and often led me to the simple question of WHY? I believe that the media has tarnished the image of the African American Male. Now usually the people kids should look up to are their parents. For males their fathers! However it is a sad case that many of our African American Fathers are not around for whatever reason. Please please read carefully it is not about race. However having the most powerful looked at position in the World position held by a person of a different hue other than White speaks volume. Young males such as myself can now have a positive person to look up to...Not to imitate or agree with every word or every action. But to see that you can make a change and difference to those you come in contact every day!
That is what I am trying to do here in KOREA!!! That is why I wanted to come!!! When I WENT to Turkey & Greece in the summer of 07 in some parts I was the only black person those people have ever seen!!! They welcomed me as If I was there own!!! The same circumstance is how it is for the city that I am at in Korea. Yes, Koreans are up with the times! I HAVE everything here I had at home. However the city where I am at many have not had interaction with an African American! The school I work with from the princple to my co teachers to the kids! They make me feel nothing but welcomed and warm. In return I want to do the best job possible getting these kids to learn Englis. No two days are alike. Teaching is def a fullfilling I always knew it could be or would be. But not to this extent! Since I have been here I have been working with a group of 10 students on a english musical that we would preform in front of 30 different schools throughout my city. This was a big event. To watch them practice day after day and go out there and nail their performance I felt proud!!!
I am all over the map with my thoughts. But I just wanted to say. I am not a drug dealer. I am not a theif. I never went or plan to go to jail by Gods grace. I try to be upstanding. It's just me EVERYTHING IM NOT MADE ME EVERYTHING I AM....I just want to change lives in a positive way!!! but that is all for now!! until next time...Lifes good
That is what I am trying to do here in KOREA!!! That is why I wanted to come!!! When I WENT to Turkey & Greece in the summer of 07 in some parts I was the only black person those people have ever seen!!! They welcomed me as If I was there own!!! The same circumstance is how it is for the city that I am at in Korea. Yes, Koreans are up with the times! I HAVE everything here I had at home. However the city where I am at many have not had interaction with an African American! The school I work with from the princple to my co teachers to the kids! They make me feel nothing but welcomed and warm. In return I want to do the best job possible getting these kids to learn Englis. No two days are alike. Teaching is def a fullfilling I always knew it could be or would be. But not to this extent! Since I have been here I have been working with a group of 10 students on a english musical that we would preform in front of 30 different schools throughout my city. This was a big event. To watch them practice day after day and go out there and nail their performance I felt proud!!!
I am all over the map with my thoughts. But I just wanted to say. I am not a drug dealer. I am not a theif. I never went or plan to go to jail by Gods grace. I try to be upstanding. It's just me EVERYTHING IM NOT MADE ME EVERYTHING I AM....I just want to change lives in a positive way!!! but that is all for now!! until next time...Lifes good
Monday, November 03, 2008
Guri City! With my Homie Maria!
I truly love the game of basketball. There are certian things that I love doing. I love eating with good company. I enjoy and love to talk. And I love the game of basketball. Today was a Great day. Prob one of the best days since I got here! The weather was nice. I had my new camera by my side that I have wanted to get for awhile. I got to meet up with a good friend from back home Maria and go to her basketball game. There I met some of her closest friends that she has out here! One Karlyle who plays also in Yongin City and Chun In who is currently studying to come to the states. They were really chill and fun to kick it with. It was great to be in the Arena and in the atmosphere of basketball. After the game we went to get some food at OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE so you know I was happy I got some wings and fries I was pretty darn happy..Needless to say I enjoyed myself today and plan to attend as many games as I can throughtout the year...Until next time hope all is well and always always remember life's good!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)