3 Weeks Down ~ Many More to Go

Do you speak English?

I have arrived back in Seoul for another year or less. It was a nerve racking week. I think most of you knew that I arrive back here WITHOUT a job. This was due to Korean politics, formally know as BS, with my employer vs. landlord. So I was faced with the daunting task of finding a job – quick!!
The reason for this is that I wanted to go away for Chuseok (Korea Thanksgiving) in October.

Arriving back here was, sort of, like arriving home. A lot of people here were happy to see me. I had missed everyone, too. I guess it was nice to be back in a routine, or something to that extent. I crashed at my old apartment in Mokdong, eventually I had to stay with Kristin due to new arrivals.

Kristin I can’t thank you enough for letting me crash and even more so for letting me sleep in your bed while you took the floor. Buddha survived my stay, but I know why I love cats. As well, Buddha’s life was never threatened save for the fact of my suffering from jetlag and waking up at 4am almost every day that week. Otherwise who knows what would have happened???

I was able to move into my new apartment on Saturday, Sept. 2nd in a sort of round-about way. I had the mover-dude pick me up in Mokdong to get my newly arrived luggage and stuff and then we were off to Incheon. Thank god the mover guy knew where to go cause I sort of forgot. We got there in record time. Again, thanks goes out to Tommy who let me store my stuff at his place – I still owe him dinner when I am more settle here. Luck was with me and Tommy had a small desk that is working perfectly in my crowded room. I have once again crammed as much stuff as one person can into a room. I have more walking space in this room than the last. Not a whole lot, but still more. Then of course there is the kitchen, with an oven and 4 burners!!! There is actually a living room with a couch and chair. It is open and airy and at times a little loud, but that is okay. We have a balcony that wraps around 2 sides of the exterior and roof access. Pictures with be linked with the title, so you can check out my new place.

I went into work with my friends on Tuesday. I had let recruiters know that I was arriving back that week. Upon checking my email – I almost deleted what is now one of my current jobs. I had interviews all over Seoul on Tuesday and Wednesday. Now I have a batch of blisters and pending job offers.

I got confirmation about an after-school position in Jamsil. So I am now teaching at a Public School!!! Yay, no more hogwans!!!! The rest of the week I sort of chilled out and got ready to move for Saturday.

Saturday was hard-core moving day and again like the day I moved it was ass-hot out!! Once we got to Haebongchon, the name of the area I live in, Kristin met up with me to help out. She was a big help and we eventually found the screws for the shelf. I knew I put them in a safe spot. To find them though, we went through every box I had, all 18 of them.

We eventually realized that to do anything after that we needed to visit E-Mart. I need a place to put my clothes and a TON of hangers. Yes mom, I know I have too many clothes, but I come by it honestly. I am pretty proud of my ingenuity to cram everything in my room. While Kristin slept for 4 hours, I began the job of deciphering Korean directions to assemble my clothes hanging apparatus and organizing my room. While doing this I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to learn to keep my room fairly neat and tidy. My mom has hoped for this moment all her life…don’t get your hopes up too soon mom.

So the week of the 3rd to the 10th, I spent settling in and organizing. As well, I worked from Tues. till Fri. at another public school that like me very much and wanted me to stay. I refused to stay for the amount they wanted to pay me. Then they offered the amount I wanted, but I had to run around all over to accomplish this. I don’t think so. They were very disappointed and tried to guilt trip me, but I have been here too long.

Hockey

I have started back at hockey and it is good to be back on the ice, even with the MIB’s. For those of you who don’t know the reference. MIB stands for Mokdong Ice Bumps – huge stalagmites that cause players to fly across the ice and land in contorted/painful positions the puck to careen in various directions.

We have our website up and running – www.rmtchiefs.com – so those of you who want to play hockey in Korea, remember to bring your gear. If you don’t have anything, there is some spare gear in the locker.

We have a tournament coming up after Chuseok and guess what!?!? I am one of the captains, and I found this out bright and early Sunday morning; should be interesting.

Just this past weekend (09/16) we (the Chiefs) took part in a scavenger hunt. I had a blast even if we didn’t win, although I think we came in 3rd or something. At least the only embarrassing picture was of me changing underwear on the street. Mom, don’t worry, I had a skirt on.

First Day of Work

I finally signed a contract and found a morning position on that same day. So I have to get up around 5am to get to work for 7. Working only 2 hours (approx.) and then I have the rest of the day to putts around until noon, to make sure I am in Jamsil.

I don’t have a classroom at the public school, which is increasingly making me unhappy because I have a lot of useful visuals that would help the kids out. As well, we are expected to run from School Block 2 to School Block 1 and back. This is okay while the weather is nice, but come winter this is NOT what I want to be doing. We will have to have a chat with those in charge. On the positive side, I only have to work 3 hours and I have small classes. I like my kids so far. My younger ones are pretty cheeky, Suzy and Jason especially…pictures will be soon to follow. Diane is my co-teacher and she is wonderful. She lived in Seattle and her English is great. I think I will enjoy working with her. As well, she agrees with me about the classroom juggling. Overall, working is going well. I am enjoying it and it is no where near as stressful as Wonderhell or Kids Club.

I think that is all I have to say at the moment. I think I have written enough for a while. I will keep you all posted in the coming weeks with work and my Beijing preparations. Yes, I am going to Beijing just like I planned. Until then, ciao and as a reminder, click on the title for pictures.