Report from the Charity Ball

Before reporting about last weekend...I wanted to say Hi to my Uncle Lonnie.

Uncle Lonnie,
Juju tells me that you are following my blog closely. I want you to know that I think of you every day. The day I heard from Brit, I wanted to be on the next flight home, even though I know that being there would not have changed the condition you were in. I am SO proud of your progress! Juju continues texting me to let me know how you are doing. She also informed me that she tried to download the texting application for you but it was not working. I will try to do some research to see if there is a different application we can use to talk. I love you lots and miss you so much!! How bout them Ducks?! =) xoxo!!

Now for the report...

Saturday was funny to say the least. The charity ball was a lot further away than I had anticipated. And by the time we got there, people were already starting to leave...it looked like it was a good turn out...we just missed it. We did get ONE good picture. My hair turned out really cute, but the lady that did it did not make sure it was pinned tightly so I had to fix it. The dress I decided to wear was the green dress with matching earrings and bracelet. Unfortunately the purple dress was just not fitting the way I wanted it to...gotta love being a girl! Once we decided to leave, we met this guy and girl that seemed to be a couple. They were really nice and we realized the cabs that were there picking people up were really expensive so we decided to go halves with the "couple." We went to Hongdae which was where I was on New Years. It was a lot of fun and yes, we got home late. On Sunday, we went to Itaewon (mini America) for breakfast. There is a popular pub called the Wolfhound. They were really busy. It looks like a lot of people that live in the area go there on Sundays to hang out, visit, eat, and sometimes drink. The food was good but I prefer All-American Diner. It has a non-smoking section and the service is faster. It was good to change it up though.

Monday was filled with the usual lesson planning and getting ready for the week. Nothing spectacular to inform.

Hope everyone is having a good week. I will be posting soon about the events of Lunar New Year (Korean holiday) that will be happening this weekend. So far, the plan is to stay at a hostel in Hongdae with Amy and friends, go to Everland to ride a couple roller coasters and watch a parade, and play the rest of the weekend by ear. Lotte World sounds really fun too. It is also an amusement park place that may have fireworks. We'll see.

Loves,
MaLeah

Weekend Plans

This weekend should be filled with goodness!

Two nights ago, Thursday, my co-workers (Em, Trish, Joe, & Dan) and I went to an "American" style restaurant in Jukjeon which is about a 15-20 minute walk from our house. The restaurant is called "Gecko's." It was DELICIOUS! I had a cheeseburger (no bun of course) and it was the most amazing thing ever!! Those of you that know me really well also know that I had ranch on the side. It was the good ranch, not the Hidden Valley, cheap ranch. It made me really happy...so happy that I think I am going back this weekend...maybe Sunday?! We will see. After we ate, the girls and I visited while enjoying a cocktail and the boys played a game of pool, or three. It was nice to have an evening out with the family because we have not done anything together since Christmas time. With intensives keeping us busy, lesson planning, and just busy with our own things, we haven't had time to take the time. The girls and I took a few pictures because we dressed up for fun. We felt we needed a night to get dolled up - makeup, outfit, the works! It was fun...getting ready is always the best part. The boys approved of our looks and felt bad they did not try harder. Successful evening of good conversation and quality time.

Yesterday evening, Friday, I met up with Joe and Steph for dinner in Seohyeon (one subway stop from their house). I was introduced to a few of their friends they have been hanging out with lately. They were all very nice and welcoming. We enjoyed a Korean BBQ dinner then went to a foreigner bar (Traveler's) to visit. The men played shuffleboard while the girls chatted. It is always nice and comforting to see Joe and Steph. They are my piece of home...I did not stay out late because of course, I work on Saturdays. It was a good evening though.

Today I will be going to a champagne charity ball. It will benefit kids and their family's that are in Korea, living in poverty. The theme is Plain and Fancy. Some people will be dressed very plain, in a t-shirt and jeans, while others are dressed fancy, in ball gowns, dresses, suits, and even tiaras. I will be dressed somewhat in between, more of a semi-formal look. In Myeong-dong this week, I bought a dark purple dress that sits a little above my knees. I have my black patent wedges I will wear with black tights, gold chandelier earrings and gold bracelets. To top it off, I am getting my hair done too. It should be a lot of fun! Knowing how I am, I was afraid that maybe I will feel "fat" the day of the event, I bought a back-up dress. There is matching jewelry to go with the dress. You will find out which one I actually wear when I post pictures and report how the ball went. My friend/date, Daniel will also be dressed to impress. He will not tell me what he is wearing so I guess I will find out tonight when I meet up with him. This event is supposed to be very big with a lot of guests. It is going to be at a hotel called Banyan Tree Hotel & Spa. You should google it. The place looks amazing. I am excited to walk around the resort to see everything it has to offer.

On Sunday, I am hoping to sleep in a little. Then I may be going to Itaewon (little America) to try a restaurant called Wolfhound. EVERYONE talks about how amazing it is. We shall see. I also want to do a little exploring too...maybe visit City Hall...the options are endless.

Monday is my Sunday. I will be prepping for school...yay for lesson planning!!

Oh and also this week, I have been in contact with a couple girls my age that want to do language exchange. This would be an awesome opportunity for me...I will find out more next week. They work at a hotel in Seoul as receptionists and waitresses...sounds a lot like me!! We should have a lot in common. And they like to shop. =)

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

XO,
MaLeah

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

First, I have to apologize to the family and friends that check my blog religiously and are disappointed to see that I have not posted an update in a month. My only excuse is that at the end of the day...all I want to do is snuggle up on my couch and watch an episode of Friends, Ally McBeal, or NCIS. I spend quite a few hours in front of a computer making worksheets and planning lessons, realizing how much time it takes planning a fun, worthwhile, and interesting lesson for my very tired kids. One of my New Year's resolutions is to attempt a blog update at least every two weeks...instead of the usual four.

Now onto the newest news...

December has flown by. I can't believe it's already 2012. In Korea, this is the end of the school year. They get a month or two break from their Korean public school, but that means there are "intensives" for private (English) school. We started intensives on Monday the 2nd...which means instead of teaching 6 classes a day, there is the potential to be teaching 9 classes a day. Our campus was really lucky. The 5 of us English teachers have a pretty good schedule. Our students have gone into a higher grade and possibly a different level...I am a little sad because I am not teaching the students I have become close with ...we do not get the option to follow our students. On a positive note, knowing that my kids are not only going up a grade, but also leveling up makes me feel I am doing my job well. I have talked with them about how they feel leveling up and they say they are very nervous. It is nice to reassure them that they deserve it and need it in order to better themselves. A challenge is always needed for growth. Also, I have students that are sad because we will not be together...talk about making me emotional! For Christmas, I received letters, cards, and cookies from students. Their cards and letters were so sweet. Some stated that I have taught them better English and others tell me that they were happy to have a 'pretty' teacher (Thank you kids for the ego-boost!) LOL. There are a few that I have built a special bond with...and they have promised to come visit me in the native teacher room. It will be fun to change things up and get to know a new group of kids though. It's all part of the journey.

On Christmas Eve, I invited friends to my house...I had a total of 11 guests including Joe & Steph, Joe & Trish, Em, Ames, Nara, Cathy, Jin Joo, Julia, and Jessie. It was quite a lot when you think of the size of my one bedroom apartment, however it worked well. The menu was homemade meatballs (which Joe & Steph highly approved), spaghetti, and chicken fettucine alfredo. My guests were only in charge of bringing their own drinks. I was pleasantly surprised when Ames brought a really cute Christmas cake, a cheesecake from Julia & Jessie, pound cake from...I think Nara & Cathy, and a pecan/walnut pie from Jin Joo. No one went home hungry! Joe (my co-worker) brought over his music and speakers so we could have some nice music playing in the background. OH! And I cannot forget that Ames brought her Yorkshire Terrier, Choco, and Em brought Layla, a Pomeranian. It was a full house, and I loved every minute of it. It was organized chaos just like home, making it feel exactly like Christmas in Oregon. After everyone left, Ames and I went out with some friends. It made for a late night but reminded me of going out with friends after family festivities. Christmas Day, I was going to go with Em to her friend's house. She knows her from England. But instead, I stayed home. I was tired and needed a break, however I cannot lie. Staying home, watching Christmas movies, and making deviled eggs and dinner alone made me a little homesick. I kept thinking of the years I watched Dad make deviled eggs with Juju (Onna, my sister), playing games with Mom, Juju, Aunt Sandy, and Bear (my cousin, Carrie) while the men watched TV, watching everyone open their presents, and torturing Bella (my cat), and Sue (my stepmom) always trying to get me to watch It's a Wonderful Life (Sue, I almost gave in this year). Although, in a weird way, it was also kind of nice to have quiet time to myself. It was a mix of emotions, let me tell ya! The end of Christmas Day, Em came by to see me. Let a couple tears shed...sad and happy. The typical girl thing, you know?! We shared some sparkling wine and talked for a bit while cuddling with Layla. It ended nice.

New Year's was SO much fun! There was a big group of us that went out together. First, I met up with Ames and her date, Joe (Yes, another Joe) at the guesthouse (hostel) they stayed at for the weekend. They were there with a group of friends that I had not met yet. They were very nice and welcoming. My date/friend, Daniel came with me. Shortly after, Em and our new friend, Heather met up with us. After visiting and the girls freshening up, we headed to a place we have been to before. We went for Halloween. It has a mix of foreigners and Koreans which is always the best atmosphere. There was a lot of dancing and laughs and pictures involved. It almost felt as if you were famous. Everyone wanted to get pictures of everyone. The night was a lot of fun, made lots of memories, and am happy to report, NO HANGOVER! I am sad to report, I still got sick...

I had body aches on Friday the 30th, but did not think much of it besides that I maybe slept wrong the night before. Turns out, I was getting sick. Body aches, headache, cold sweats, coughing...very frustrating, especially because I was sick last month. I ended up going to the doctor and had to miss a day of work. Unfortunately the language barrier kept me from understanding what he was trying to tell me. But I did understand "prescription" and "1st floor." I went to the reception desk and paid 13,000won which is about $12. Then at the pharmacy downstairs, I paid another 13,000won for my prescription...talk about CHEAP!! While waiting for my medications, I was looking around and found a box in ALL English. A multi-vitamin is definitely what I need here so I bought it too. The pharmacist spoke really good English. She said that she strongly suggested the multi-vitamin and explained how and when to take my medicine. It has been two days of taking the medications and multi-vitamins. I am feeling a lot better and only have a bad cough. As long as I keep up on taking the pills at the right time, I don't feel too poorly. One of my classes is full of high energy fifth grade boys...they love mocking my cough...little brats! When they do it, it makes me laugh, which then makes me cough more...it's a vicious cycle. LOL

The next couple weeks, I plan to lay low. I want my body to be fully recovered for when mom comes to visit. The schedule at work has changed. Actually, I like my schedule a lot more these days. We start in the morning and the latest class I will have is on Wednesdays and it ends at 6:40pm. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays I end by 2:40pm which means I still have my afternoon and evening. Fridays I am done at 5pm. Sundays and Mondays are of course, my days off. Adjusting to morning schedule hasn't been too bad. It also makes lesson planning more fun because I have been cuddling up on my couch, drinking tea, and listening/watching Ally McBeal. A cozy environment instead of at a desk at work. Em came over last night to lesson plan with me. And on Sunday we are going to spend the day together watching Ally McBeal, lesson planning, eating, drinking tea, and just being lazy.

I think I FINALLY have you caught up on my life in Korea.

Mom JUST text me to remind me she will be here in 43 days...I am getting excited as her itinerary is filling up fast and she doesn't even know it (well, now she will)! I have a few things up my sleeve planned.

Time to get to class.

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and fun New Year's.

XO,
M

Post Thanksgiving, Belated Update -

I apologize for the late entry...it is already December! It snuck up on me really quick...time is going by really fast here in Suji.

My middle school students have been testing the last couple of weeks which means I have had the chance to take the back seat and coast for a little bit. I have only had 9 classes a week, my elementary levels. For another week, work will be consumed with pre-planning future lessons and anticipating the arrival of new books for our middle school students. This week we have been preparing for our parent/teacher conference. My goal is to get a video of the performance that the other native teachers (my co-workers) and myself put together for the parents. If you have seen the cheesy, yet entertaining movie called, "Bring It On," there is a cheer they do towards the first part of the movie that we used, but our own rendition. We had our first performance this morning, which we had to do twice, one for middle school parents and the second for the elementary school parents. I must say, our performance was a "hit!" The second time we did it, we received a loud applause before we were done...as we continued, they seemed impressed. Looking at the audience, I saw 100+ smiles. It felt good to stand up there, knowing it was a cheesy performance, yet to them, it was amazing. Next Wednesday, we will be doing it again, twice.

Also this week, my co-workers and I have been planning when we are going to have our Christmas dinner, complimentary of DYB. We are thinking of taking a train to a different city for a nice, upscale, formal dinner. We want to have it before Daniel, my team leader, leaves for Australia. He will be gone for Christmas so we want to make sure we get to celebrate with him. On Christmas morning, I have a couple plans...Joe, Trish, Em, and I are going to get together for "family" brunch. It will be potluck style as we always do. Then for the evening, I will be meeting up with my good friends from home, Joe and Steph for Christmas dinner. We are thinking of going to Namsam Tower for dinner...will have to check with them to confirm. If not, we may just enjoy each other's company at their home or mine; we shall see.

As of December 30th, I will be M.I.A for about 6-7 weeks. On this day, my school starts Winter Intensives. This means 12 hour days, possibly 6 days a week + lesson planning (about 2-6 extra hours). I may be teaching up to 9 classes a day (normal schedule is 6 a day). It will be exhausting but worth it. I believe a small raise is involved during this time...YAY! If you did your math right, you will notice it ends the end of February, just in time for Mom's visit. It will be fun to get out and go on fun adventures with her...it will be much needed after Intensives.

Oh, my reasoning for this post......to tell you about my Thanksgiving!!

I had three different Thanksgiving celebrations. On Thursday, because we had to work, we (co-workers and me) decided to go out to dinner. Our favorite placeis an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant. They know us there...which means we usually visit them once a week. While eating, we went in a circle to share what we are thankful for. It was a nice way to end a long day. My next celebration was Saturday night with a couple friends, Em and Amy. A bar in Suwon called Big Chill is owned by a westerner and his Korean wife. They made a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Turkey, rolls, salad, stuffing, pies, etc. It was decorated with nice linens, candles, and the lights were dimmed. There were around 75 people there I think. I am not good at guessing but we'll go with it. Everyone there, for the most part, are teachers from the area. It was a good evening with the girls. My last Thanksgiving celebration was on Sunday with my "family." Potluck style as usual which consisted of me providing the desserts (Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie) and drinks (wine, cider, and juice), Em brought mashed potatoes, Daniel prepared fruit and cheese platters, and because Joe and Trish have the amazing crockpot, they made our delicious roast! OH...and Jin Joo joined us as well. She is a middle school co-teacher and also lives in our building. She brought, what we would call, a Korean "pancake." It is made of spring onions (green onions), octopus, and shrimp that is dipped in a flour/water/sometimes egg mixture, then cooked on the stove in a pan. Joe, Trish, and Jin Joo played guitar while we visited. Afterwards, we went different ways. Em and I wanted to go for a walk to feel somewhat better about how much we ate...of which we found a HUGE outlet area close to home! Joe, Trish, and Daniel went to a JimJilBang, which is a Korean sauna. At a JimJilBang, it is open 24 hours. People can go there to sleep. Interesting...huh? The men's and women's showers  are separate but then the sauna room is for both. You wear baggy shirts and shorts apparently. I will have to try it at some point. Anyways...later in the evening we met up at Joe & Trish's for dessert, which I must say, the cheesecake was DELICIOUS (not as good as yours Gma Hornick)! It was a perfect way to end our Thanksgiving week. I will post pictures soon.

I think this about does it for an update, however, really quickly, I need to add that I am missing my family and friends at home. Thanksgiving week was my first moment of feeling a little homesick. Decorating my "Christmas tree" aka houseplant without having mom in the background decorating the house made me miss the little moments we don't think about too often. And not having dad's famous deviled eggs left a small sad face on my heart. Also, I thought about how I was missing the football games on t.v and bouncing from each house to see family. As crazy as the holiday season can be back home, I miss it. I will even admit, I miss Black Friday...although I ALWAYS had to work on this day, it was always a fun and memorable day.

Okay, NOW I am done with the update!

I love you and miss you,
M

Tis the Season

To get the common cold....

Korean pharmacy at its finest!!

After battling with my co-workers for the last couple of weeks about going to the doctor, I finally gave in...KINDA! I went to the local pharmacy...as you can read, I STILL didn't go to the doctor...stubborn? Maybe. Does it sound just like mom and dad? MOST DEFINITELY! My friend, Keith, is in the Army and was going to get me some "American" drugs to help with my cold, but when they try to get cold medicine, they are asked a lot of questions...SO I decided to swallow my pride and head to the pharmacy today. When I walked in, they were immediately willing to help. A man that worked there got the attention of another worker that spoke English. She asked me what I needed and I tried to explain my symptoms. Looking at me a little confused, I pointed at my nose and throat. Then she asked, "Common cold?" After I nodded, she grabbed two things, some pills and little packets that looked like a powder you add to water. She explained to me that after I eat, I need to take two pills and one packet. I needed to do this three times a day. YIKES!!

When I ate lunch today, I grabbed my medicine goods...I took the two pills as instructed. But then I got to the packet of powder....and realized I did not ask her HOW I needed to consume it. What the heck do I do with it? Whelp...Jessie to the rescue...I walked down the hall to Jessie's classroom and asked, "Jessie, what do I do with this?!" She looked at it and said, "Oh no, you're still sick?" LOL She told me that I needed to put it all in my mouth and as it dissolves I need to drink warm water. Jessie got some warm water for me and said the taste was very bitter so I needed to do it fast. Immediately I was reminded of Nyquil tasting like black licorice...GROSS!! BUT...I did it!! Not a good taste...it's like eating chalk...but within a few hours, at least I was feeling more awake and normal. The medicine in Korea, that I know of so far, is AMAZING!! I have taken my second set of pills and powder and feeling okay at the moment. I think that this combination along with my Tylenol PM will help me sleep well tonight. Wish me luck!!

I will make sure to send an update after my Thanksgiving celebration this weekend.

Loves,
M

A Lazy Weekend

My weekend has been amazing! Saturday when I got off work, I was going to go into Suwon to see Amy but I was too exhausted...it was a good week, but a tiring week. Instead, I had dinner with co-workers then turned in early.

Sunday, I had lunch with Jessie, my elementary Korean co-teacher, at her house with her mom. Her mom's Korean home-cooking was delicious!! She was very honest when telling Jessie I am horrible with chopsticks! LOL Jessie told me her mom wanted to talk more but was nervous because she cannot communicate with me. I let Jessie know that I would LOVE for her to help translate because I want to ask millions of questions. It is a win-win-win situation. Jessie gets to practice her English, I get to hear Korean (and know what is being said), and her mom gets to hear more English and is able to ask me questions too...Jessie said next time she will do that. Her mom said I was welcome any time which means I did okay with Korean etiquette. Also, during lunch, I was asking how her mom cooked the food and we got on the conversation of a microwave for rice. Since I do not have one, Jessie's mom offered to let me use their extra one. Hesitantly, I accepted graciously...like I said, they are SO kind here, always trying to help. I can't wait to have a microwave!!

After lunch, Jessie took me to the place where she gets her hair cut. It is a 5 minute walk from her house. We enjoyed our conversation, getting to know each other on a friendship level, not just as co-workers. The lady that cut my hair did an AMAZING job. Not only did she cut it, she styled it, and gave me tips on how to treat my hair with humidity...she could tell my hair is not used to the weather here...what we call leave-in conditioner is called "lotion" here. She was SO nice...I will definitely go back!! AND it was only 10,000won!!! $10 for a cut and style, DEAL!! I looked at Jessie in amazement and she asked, "Is that too much?" I had to explain to her what haircuts cost all of us in the states...and then if you add color...sometimes $100 or more. Her jaw dropped and then she understood why I was so shocked at the price. I know I get an AMAZING deal in the states with my friend, Amy, but I don't think anyone can beat $10!

Jessie had church at 4pm so we parted ways after my hair cut. I went to Daiso (kind of like a Dollar Tree, only better) and bought some things for my apartment; picture frames, jewelry box, basket for my makeup, bowls that match my plates and coffee mugs, wine glass for the occasion that I have a glass with Em, and a few other things. I saw an ADORABLE little girl while I was shopping. She kept staring at me and then followed me around the store. When I made eye contact with her, she got a big smile on her face and said, "Hi!" When I said Hi back she said, "Nice to meet you." Her name is Sarah and I could tell she was eager to speak English but was nervous. Her mom greeted me as well however it was Korean. Then I saw a boy with two ladies, one looked like the mom and the other the grandmother. He kept looking at me so the women told him to say Hi. Apparently I am very interesting to kids. LOL They were very nice and spoke a little English. ANYWAYS...after I got home, I cleaned a little, and set up some of the things I bought. Oh, I also bought a cute dry erase board for my future grocery list and some candles (Mark was not excited to hear this but I reassured him they are no where near my curtains and that they will only be lit when I am in the room). The dinner I made was DELICIOUS!! I must say, eating a lot of Korean food has helped my cooking skills!! I enjoyed my dinner and a movie solo. It was nice and relaxing. Then I was SPOILED by getting to talk to Mom & Mark, then Dad & Denise. Still waiting to catch Sue on Skype.

Today is Monday...I talked to Matt, Juju & Carson this morning when I woke up which was an awesome way to start my "Sunday." I headed in to work to grab a couple of my books so I can lesson plan today and when I got there, everyone informed I had ANOTHER piece of mail. This time, it was from Bella!!! Yes, Bella is my cat for those of you that don't know or remember...LOL...my mom helped Bella sign the card with green food-coloring paw prints!! I can only imagine the trouble my mom had doing this. At least mom can torture her since I can't be there to do it!! It's with love though; that's the important part. Now I am in a cafe, just finished eating a half sandwich and drinking a delicious vanilla latte. I need to start lesson planning before I head to Lotte Mart (kind of like a Fred Meyer) so I can pick up a few groceries. I am hoping that I can go with Joe and Steph to Costco soon so I can buy some things in bulk (chicken, frozen veggies, fruit, etc).

That is all for now...below are some pictures that will illustrate my weekend for you!!

XOXO,
M

First haircut in Korea!!

Still working on the decor but it's a good start...

my hard earned money bought me this very comfy couch! the back rest folds down to make it a bed...will be perfect for mom's visit...and if friends need a place to sleep when they come over.

my delicious, korean inspired dinner i made!

While enjoying a vanilla latte and half sandwich in a cafe, I read my card...from Bella!! And she even "signed" it!! LOL The front of the card: "Not much going on here without you. Just keeping out of trouble...." Inside the card: "Hey you don't think the two are connected do you? Miss you!" PERFECT card!!! Wish I was home to torture Bella and make her mad...as much as she hates it, I know she misses it!!! =)

My Korean Kids

Each day I am amazed by my kids. Not because they say the darndest things...well, that is one reason...but they continually challenge me, in a good way. When I am tired or my voice is hoarse and I am feeling sorry for myself, I can walk into a class, look at all of them, and immediately, I have a reality check.

My kids wake up between 6-7am every morning. They have Korean public school all day, then come to English private school in the evening. They study their vocabulary and grammar in between classes or breaks, and finally get home between 11pm-12am. When they get home, they study and do homework. By the time they are done, they are finally tucking in for the night around 2am just to repeat this the next day. 6 days a week they go to school. Their one day off is Sunday which they spend doing MORE homework, going to church, reading, or getting to be what we call a "normal" kid by going outside to play soccer or baseball in the park. Not ALL kids have this schedule, but a majority.

My elementary kids have the best spirits. I try my best to not have favorites...but it's inevitable that it happens. They are so full of life and excited to learn English. Middle school students are a little different. They are more challenging for me. There are some students that are awesome and like speaking English, but a lot of times, middle school students just want to speak Korean because it is comfortable for them and a lot of times they are there because their parents are making them. It is my job to keep them entertained while teaching them speaking and writing. This is my biggest challenge...which usually candy as a reward for speaking a lot in class, giving new ideas or using vocabulary, and NOT speaking Korean works wonders!! When the boys say, "MaLeah teacher, you look pretty today," they KNOW they are getting a piece of candy. Hey, if I have to bribe them to speak English, I'll do it!! LOL Now that I have been here for a month (at my school - Suji Campus), the kids have warmed up to me and I only have an issue occasionally. I am quickly learning the tricks to trick them into liking class!!

As much as I hope to teach them how valuable it is to know another language, especially English as it has become a common language, I also hope to learn from them. Sometimes, outside of class, I will ask them questions about how to say something in Korean. Taking interest in their world has helped build their trust. They love listening to me mess up my Korean, another way of entertainment. Our two worlds meeting is an amazing experience. They teach me their norm as I teach them mine and they are my constant reminder of how lucky we are in the states.  =)

He gave himself the English name, Kimchi! He is laughing because he just farted very loud!! And I called him out on it!! Kimchi's twin brother is also in the class. These boys are ALWAYS talking a lot in English, doing charades if I do not understand...always an interesting class!!

Elementary students on Movie Day 10/23/2011. I was in charge of the contest after the movie. There were 10 questions...each question, we brought 6 students on stage. They had 10 seconds to answer the question. If they got it right, they won a prize (DYB stationary)!! My voice was non-existent after this!!

Em's middle school students coming into my elementary class on Halloween. They knew if they said "Trick or Treat," we gave out candy. LOL

One of my elementary classes. After our classroom auction, we made Halloween masks. They are grades 3-4.

Mario reading what he wrote during an activity. After this, he said, "Why are you so beautiful today MaLeah tr.?" Of course I gave him a piece of candy after. They know how to butter me up...I'm a softy...