It's been so long..
It has been a long since my last post. A friend posting hers prompted me to get back into it. And a day off gives me another good reason to write something up.
So much has been happening lately - where to start?
Work..
A few weeks ago the teachers had a meeting about me - I interpreted their general meeting as discussing how terrible I am as a teacher. this probably was what it was about. Why have a native english speaker for English class and then tell them not to focus on pronunciation and to not use my own accent!?!?! Ridiculous. After my cry and regained self confidence I started organising myself better and aimed at being the best teacher I could be so that they could not complain about how I taught.
Things at work have been much better over the past 2 weeks. I have gotten into the rhythm of teaching and getting to know my students makes things much easier. I enjoy teaching many of my classes but of course there is the odd class that is horrendous and I want to beat them (but I don't because I'm a good teacher).
Went out for staff dinner which was great. Got to bond with other teachers on a different level and let them get to know me a bit better. Things were weird the next week at work though.. having seen these people drunk only a few days ago I thought we were now more friendly but things went back to a slight nod in the corridors and that's it. Oh well.
Exam preparation has started at work. Blessed exams. Spent the whole week going over the past month of classes. Some of my students acted like it was the first time they had heard many of the phrases they were supposed to have learnt. So frustrating! But easy work for me. Exams start next week and also have a day off! Can't wait!!!
Friends ...
My friends here in Korea mean the absolute world to me. The general gang of Nell, Bri, Gari, Mark, Fran and me get along well now and I am very thankful to have them! Spending most weekends together I love seeing more things around Seoul and having a good time on the offdays. We also are able to have the most chilled hang out sessions which are great. Even got together to eat junk food and just talk all night! Great times with great people.
A few weeks ago I attended the KORVIA consulting party in Itaewon. They hosted it for all those teachers they recruited for EPIK. Accompanied by my girlfriend Nelly.F we dolled up and smashed Itaewon... well.. actually got smashed. But was a good night in the end. I think.
I was lucky enough to visit the Tim Burton Exhibition in Seoul while it was here. It was really busy and took a few hours to get through but it was really interesting, even from a psychologists point of view. TB is a very interesting man.
Been going on a few more wanderings around my area. Came across a few great stores and now have my usual places to go to which makes me feel more at home. Came across this Aussie pub .. will definitely need to try it out! Hehehe.
I have also been able to make some new friends at work. Always helps going in to work at 7:45am when you know there are some people there you want to see. Even went out with Su-Hyeong to get our nails done and for dinner!
One of the most interesting and amazing things that has probably happened to me in Korea has been being with Nell when she found a penny turtle outside my house in the gutter. We couldn't believe it! I had been wanting a turtle since I had been here and it was just fate to come across one.. and for free! (although his tank and accessories cost me nearly 200,000W!). I love him though. His name is Squirtle Turdle. He seems to be doing okay now but was worried he was near death especially with a mate dropped him :( (theres your shout out Gregory!)
Obviously after such an experience we had to go get drunk at my local pub. After copious amounts of drinks Nell and I went back to mine. Had a sick moment.. questioned whether we should go back out... then passed out. Good times.
The first birthday since our time here had finally arrived! NellBells birthday! I organised her a surprise party but the lies got out of control and ended up only being about 80% of a surprise but she was happy which was the aim!
So after a long awaited 2 months, Spring weather had finally arrived! Kind of. A group of us decided to go out to Yeoudio to see the spring blossoms although were a bit disappointed. The strangely colder weather than usual meant the blossoms had not really arrived but ti was still a fantastic day out!
Oh ... and as per usual I also started talking to a cute Korean kid. I have a problem.
Other than being a beautiful day outside I did also have a memorable day on the phone to Nell. She always has the best stories.
By the Monday though, spring blossoms were in full effect at my school!
Absolutely beautiful!!
Luckily a few days over the past week or so have been warm! A few of the gang took full advantage of this and went out for a picnic at night by the river in Maebeong. A wonderful night and delicious picnic food!
And what are fun times without alcohol??? Hehehe. Went out with the gang to the Seoul Shindig. Great fun.. mainly due to the consistent flow of alcohol and 3000 Tequila shots. Had a great time.. until that time became not great. Then it sucked.
Family
Missing my family very much but it is only 3 weeks until mumma comes over to visit me! Looking forward to this so much and showing her everything that has become my home!!! Looking forward to seeing dollface in August too. Maybe with her new boyfriend! Woo woo.
I am also more homesick than usual as there has now been two babies born from my brothers since I have left. Congratulations to Zac and Teeara on their beautiful and healthy daughter Alexa. So proud of you guys and wish I could be there to celebrate such an important time in your lives!!
Anyways.. thats all about happening at the moment! I am one happy and very lucky girl! Looking forward to going to Jindo Island for the sea-parting this weekend with the people I care for the most! Seacrest out.











