Holidays in Korea!

Wow time is flying! I cant believe that its almost New Years! This time last year I was in practice running countless suicides and having two a days getting ready for the second half of the season! Now I am Half way around the world about to spend the new years in a New Country! Not to mention that I will have the opportunity to celebrate two New Years!! The Solar New Years in which WE celebrate back home in the states and also the Lunar New Year which is Jan 26th and 27th in which most Asian countries recognize as the New Year!

So Let me give you a quick quick quick update of what has happened in the past Week. I am going to type really fast so please excuse my grammar and all of that! Ok I was super excited about being in another country for Xmas bACk home Xmas for the past couple of years has always been a good time to relax take some time off of basketball..But there was always the thought of having to go back to practice so didn't get to enjoy like I really wanted to! But looking back at it now I miss it! Anyways Xmas eve me and my friends. Mike from chi town and joe from Australia via the states, and sue from Canada and states we all went to a famous place to shop called Dongdaemun at least I thought I was going shopping! Ok in my contract it says that if your payday falls on a holiday which is the 25th so xmas falled on my payday. You should receive your pay on the 24th! Ok So I was so amped to get paid..I get to the bank and my money is not there! So I could have gotten mad which I was Little but there wasn't any reason to get bent out of shape there was nothing NOTHING I could do! I checked on Xmas it wasn't there! then finally the 26th I called my co teacher and calmly asked her Why I wasn't paid. She told me that the lady in the office forgot?! lol haha hahhaha all you can do is laugh really lol....hahahha how do you forget to pay an employee! I tell you what One day I should not show up to school and say that I forgot however Two wrongs don't make a right...Long story short My money was put in my account that day resuming my Holiday! I WOULD not let that Major incident get in the way of me enjoying my Holiday!

Fast Forwarding to Xmas! Its funny to me how small the world is. A friend I went to college with is from Japan! Her family moved to Korea about a year ago! I got a call saying that she was in town for break! It was perfect timing it was good catching up with things going on back at home and at school and also seeing a familiar face was something I appreciated for the Holidays!!

I am still enjoying my time here trying to pick up on the language! Tomorrow I will go and have an exchange lesson with one of my friend and his co teacher. We will go and speak English in exchange for Korean lessons. It's a good way to learn about Korean Culture as well as share your own with Koreans that normally do not often get to speak English! IT WOrks out great for both parties!

Final Thoughts: TO live here in Korea you have to be able to go with the flow. Plans, itinerary , and things change on the drop of a Dime. In a sense you have to have patience, understanding, and a willingness to grow. IN MY EXPERIENCE AND I am not speaking for all NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS HERE! I am speaking for myself "In my experience here thats the biggest thing I would say that very few things are planned and at a drop of a call your whole day could go the other direction. However with that said! Korea is a great place to meet different people around the world! Experiencing a different culture and way of life and also a chance to take a break from the norm...All in all the GOOD def out weighs the BAD!!!! SO as I always say! Until next Post! Always Always Always! Remember lifes good!!!!!!!!!!!

Late Night Thoughts

What! A week. I had a great week this week. My school had an English FESTIVAL, had training in a part of Korea I haven't seen yet, Got a chance to kick it with my Homie MARIA AND JIN SUN after Maria's game in GUri, and Also met a mutual Friend. It was a great week. This week It's kind of crazy. My vacation starts I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do for my break. This week I think I am going to dedicate some more time and trying to learn Hongul. I have many Korean friends that know English alittle but not fluent enough to have in depth conversations. It's about 1:19 am in the morning I should be sleep but I just wanted to get my thoughts out while its fresh! Im loving Korea! I know time flys. I am trying to enjoy every moment each conversation and each meal. I know life's short and I want to live it to the fullest! I have ran into some that just bash Korea, the people, the food, and the lifestyle. Then my question is why are they here? Im CONFUSED lol sure things get complicated because of cultural differences and miscommunication but at the end of the day I am loving being immersed in the Korean Culture. I know very soon I will be back in the states not having to dry my clothes on the floor or turn a button on to turn the hot water on. So in this time I am going to enjoy myself through the good and the bad! Cause thats just what im doing loving my time here! peace

Koreans- Respectful & Gentle People

Ive been here for almost three months. People ask me how Koreans treat you. I usually respond by saying for the most part they will bend over backwards for you. Granted that everyone gets angry or is rude at some point. However respect is a huge thing in their culture. On two occasions I have been at the right place at the right time to catch rare footage to support my statement that Koreans are respectful and peaceful people here are some videos to support my statement lol

I was going into burger king thinking I was going to get a meal and get a taxi and head home. This guy decides to go behind the counter! DID YOU NOTICE HE reached and ate a french fry! and Ate It! LoL if this happened in the states what in the WORLD DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN! THATS RIGHT HE IS BEHIND BARS FOR BEING INTOXICATED IN PUBLIC. Not here they just asked calmly not to do that and escorted him behind the counter this is support number 1!


hahahhaha these two guys are obviously drunk and fighting over who knows what! Lol the police come and calmly seperate the two! Once again what would have happened in the States? THATS RIGHT BOTH OF THEM KNUCKLE HEADS WOULD HAVE CAUGHT A CHARGE OR SOMETHING!!

Constructive Criticism

After coming back from a great weekend. The last thing I wanted to do was start off the week jaring off at the mouth with my Co teacher! As I stated before me and my co teacher get along fine off the field so to speak. Outside the classroom we are fine we talk and share are cultures with each other. However in the classroom we arent the greatest duo in education history lol. I think are main problems is communication. I keep telling here as we get to know each other and what we need to do we will be good. Anyways to make a long story short we had a spat this morning when disscusing the lesson. That spat opened up a can of worms of how I am not pulling my weight, sit at my desk, just walk around the classroom etc. Granted that is indeed what I do at times because she does not involve me in the lesson at all. So I just sit there. So therefore she does most of the lesson and I chime in from time to time when she asks me to do something and conduct the game. Well after our spat today it was all good. I was teaching the class myself! and she was there for discplinary actions and translating here and there!

This is how it should be! I should be teaching 70% and she should be teaching 30% before it was the other way around! Once she saw that the kid's were having fun! and were comfortable with me up there teaching she was at ease...I am a passionate person I do understand constructive criticism. Playing colliegate basketball has taught me that. Being able to take advice and learn from mistakes is very important in the work field or anything you do! My Co Teacher/ Boss told me the things she wants to see from me and thats what I am going to do.

I simply was being me during the lesson today and I believe that she saw the potential and the passion when I was teaching. This does give me hope for the future as I am still feeling my way around teaching! No one wants to feel unappreciated or that their doing a bad job! I just think our problem is communication and everyday we will get better at that...Until next time... Enjoy the photos below...And coming soon is VIDEO BLOGS FROM LUNCH, Health Club, Korean Cribs, and English Festival...Until next time I hope all is well and always always remember lifes good!

Dinner With Co Teachers/ Wedding Photos

Attention: Board with your Desk job, Just Graduated, Want to see the World, Lovers of Asia, and want TO travel on a free ticket. South Korea is for U!

I am the type of person I am going to give 100% or I am not going to do it all. If I am feeling something I am going to do it. If I have any doubt I will not go through with something. Also my friends always joke around and say I like to exaggerate some things but I don't think its exaggerating I think it's I'm passionate what I am doing and want to share with others. Yesterday, I was talking to an old friend catching up and expressed to her I was in Korea teaching English. I told her little bit about it and how it came about. So I figured I would make of post of those people that are interested. Once again I never know who is reading this blog I just post information and hope that it gets read more importantly its my way of giving back...

Teaching English in Korea
Requirements

Native English Speaker from- USA, NEW ZEALAND, GREAT BRIT IAN, SOUTH AFRICA, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, and CANADA

Degree from any credited University

Documents you will need

The signed contract
Your original degree
Sealed university transcripts (unopened)
Copy of the Info Page in your Passport
4 color passport photos
A Signed copy of your resume with correct address and contact information
Criminal Record Check

MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOU! (IMMA KEEP IT funky and real with You)

The Benefits

Round Trip Flight to and from Korea (I thought it was a joke! I did not come out of my pocket for my tickets. It was taking care of by my agent Teacheslkorea.com soon as I received my visa!) Before I knew it I was on a plane from DC- DETROIT-TOKYO-KOREA

Usually you will work M-F and work total amount of 22 hours. Which is about 4 classes a day (What they do not tell you is that you are at work from 8:30 to 4:30) However you are not working the whole day. School is out and kids go home around 1. So from 1- 430 its free time to do whatever you choose to within the school. In my time I email. Keep up with the site. Talk on skype. Watch videos. Try and learn Korean and talk to my other Co Workers.

Paid every month 2,000,000 yes 2 mill Won(It used to be about 1 to 1 but because of the economy it has gone done slightly but you can still save a good amount of money) sometimes more depending where your contract is.

Paid Vacation

20 Vacation DAYS

Health Insurance Coverage

AND THE MAIN REASON OR BIGGEST REASON I AM HERE FREEE HOUSING!!! (Yes, people free!!! the rent is free) back in the states living is your biggest expense eliminate that and you free up more disposable money to go towards something else.

Also benefits they dont list but that I am going to list!

Great people. meet people from all over the world. teaching is fun with the kids. always have money in your pocket. great public transportation. emerging yourself in another culture. communicating with someone who doesn't look and speak like you! All in all its a great Opportunity and I just want to share with others that are still not sure if they know what they want to do and want something different. Any questions don't hesitate to ask or email me at lyons.jered@gmail.com

Rock Papers Scissors: THE LAW

Back in the states. I thought this was just an innocent game that was created to pass time on the playground. Or decide little spats. LOL LOL HAHHA WELL not in KOREA! lol

The way I see it the simple game Rock Paper Scissors is the LAW and thats it! I have been here almost 3months and on several occasions have I seen major problems decided by this game. Your fate is left in the hands of a ROCk, Paper, and a Scissor...Personally speaking I would be pissed if I lost a bet or had to do something I didn't want to because of a game where there is a high chance of loosing. At my school Taebong Elementary I paid it no mind just laughing it off. However when I see grown men doing it thats where I realize it's not a game anymore lol its the LAW....

Cheezy PUTTING ON for his City. TOP 20 Ranking

#23 Corey Dorsey
Position: Guard/ForwardHeight:

6-5Weight: 193

Class: Senior

Hometown: Frederick, Md.

High School: St. Johns at Prospect Hall

Just because I am out here in Korea doesnt mean that I am not going to keep in contact or updated with people that I have played with in high school or college. Last year two of my teammates from high school Al Sowers (1,000+ point scorer in high school and in College @ USCG) and Corey Dorsey faced off in the Sweet 16.

This season Cheezy is starting right where he left off propeling Gettysburg to a top 20 ranking in DivisionIII keep doing your thing manye!!!!

Vacation: Thailand!

Its crazy to think that I got here on October 3, 2008 and that it is already December 9, 2008 almost 3 months Wow! The longest that I have been out of the country was in 2004 when I traveled to Tanzania with my Aunt and church family. My vacation time is as follows:

My Contract for PAID Vacation Days:

20 days for the year Weekends not included

Monday - Friday= 5days

20days=4weeks

2weeks in the Winter

2weeks in the Summer

For the past four years I have not had a proper WINTER Break. The past couple of years my break constituted of going home and relaxing even though I still had to go to the gym a couple of times for basketball. The break always ended early for me as I would drive back from Maryland to my school in VA for practice. The first year I will not have to do that and it feels GREAT! I miss it but it Feels Great!

With that being said never in my Wildest dreams. I know im beating a dead horse. Or preaching to the choir. Never did I think I would be living outside of the states yet alone planning a trip to THAILAND..For my vacation I figured instead of staying in Seoul. I thought I might not be around this part of the world again. SO I GOTTA "GET WHILE THE GETTING GOOD STRIKE WHILE THE IRONS HOT" I never knew it was so cheap to travel to Thailand. I will be able to splurge a tad. While still staying on target for what I am trying to accomplish! If anyone is reading this and has information about THAILAND or agency or a resort that they went to please email me at Lyons.jered@gmail.com... I hope that everyone is having a good start to the week...

Just My Thoughts

Im blessed to say the least! I can't stress it enough. I am 23 years old and have literally almost traveled around the world. One time when I was on the phone with my Mother she told "Son you are living and doing what I always wanted to do but couldnt. You and your Sister are my Eyes through the world" manye thats deep.

United Kingdom
Italy
France
Germany
Switzerland
Turkey
Greece
Ethiopia
Tanzania
South Korea

Sitting in the chair at my Elementary school in Korea @ Taebong Elementary school my sister asked me what im doing... I respond "Nothing much just looking at ticket prices for THAILAND"...man whats wrong with me I said it as if it was nothing. Like everyday people say yeah im get up and go to THAILAND for my vacation.



Im not going to lie sometimes I just get caught up in life I forget to give thanks to the one who has made all of this possible.GOD...Thats one thing I NEVER EVER WANT TO BE is Ungrateful..I always appreciate things people do for me whether it is big or small..Sometimes I feel I dont deserve it because my actions and words don't reflect that of Christ or what I believe...My College coach used to always say your either going to do the right thing or the wrong thing there is NO GRAY AREA."Integrity is being able to do the right thing when no one else is watching!" ....I have this feeling that I am supposed to share my experience I am supposed to give back to someone else in some form or fashion. I truly believe that people is my passion. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with people from different walks of life than my own...I guess what I am trying to say is that being here in Korea has opened my eyes...Before coming here I NEVER!!! AND QUOTE "NEVER" had a desire to go to an ASIAN COUNTRY until recently...Look at me now bowing when I SAY hello and almost Advanced Chopstick user...Until next post....

Eastern Mennonite University Basketball Program's

Eastern Mennonite University Royals located in Harrisonburg, Virgina
Participate in the ODAC

The Lady Royals are off to a great year! We are currently 6-0 and 2-0 in conference play. Everyone by the looks of it is contributing each game. Whether that is coming off the bench to give your team a spark or if your serving in a starting role...Keep the Job up. From time to time I am going to post updates with how my Alma Mata is doing!

MY SQUAAD!!! Yeah that's right I'm a fan!! We been in the dumps ever since I got to EMU. We had a great team my Freshmen year and we couldn't put it together...I am excited about this class. Last year I got a chance to play with them and I could tell that this group wanted to win...Sometimes in order to LEAD you have to FOLLOW. Last year we had the pieces to do some things but it was more important for the young fellas to get to the tournament be in the ATMOSPHERE get adjusted to playing there....Now a year later...The Squad has things rolling knocking of Va Wesleyan for the first time in I don't know how long. Almost five guys averaging double figures in. We are currently 5-2...Imma keep posting up dates on here but keep doing yalls thing "REACH FOR THE STARS IF YOU FALL YOU'LL LAND ON CLOUDS"

Free Time after Lessons

So normally how it works when we finish a lesson. My co teacher allows the kids to interact with me and ask me questions etc. Basically just chillin with me trying to get to know me a little better. It also is a good oppurtunity for me to try and learn some of the kids names. It is already Dec 5th and I already have faces down packed I know who the bad ones are I know who the smart ones are etc. However the learning their names is still tricky. No one wants to be pointed at "HEY U KID WITH THE RED HOODY" so I try my best to remember the kids names however with 1100 students in the school its just not going to happen...Anyways here is a video of a kid that has talent..He wants to be a B BOY when he grows up and that he loves beat boxing. I said "for real? you know what beat boxing is?" he said LISTEN..

SBBIW...Seoul Best Believe Is Westernized!

Touching D.WADE story to kick off December