Missing Foreigner Joy? Try American Joy

American Joy has been my new blog of my life back in America. Although I'm busy being a grad student I try to keep up with it and give insights into my new life back in Seattle. You can see not only tidbits about my life but also fun things I'm doing around the area.

Thanks!

The Snow is back in town...

Just thought I would do a little update for no real reason. It's snowing here in Seoul and I guess that means it's still winter. We had a few warm days this past week and it reminded me of what spring is like in Korea. I hope spring in Seattle is just as lovely.

I had a fun kick of the stomach flu last week that had me home from work one day. Teaching the next day wasn't so fun, especially when your Korean counterparts don't bother to ask, "Are you feeling better?" Ah well...

This weekend I was busy doing some scrubbing around the place for the new person. It's amazing how much soot can gather on the veranda here. This person has been in contact with me, which has been really great. I'm able to sell off some furniture to her and know what to leave behind. But most of my stuff has been spoken for and will be purchased and picked up closer to my move date.

I also ordered a bunch of Ikea furniture and things to be delivered to my new place in Seattle. When you're moving across the world it's hard to take things like blankets, pillows and towels with you. After I land in Seattle I just want to get Tom settled in then hit the sack. I've always found sleeping after traveling long distance to be quite thrilling. Usually I wake up in the middle of it and ask myself, "Where am I?" or "What time is it?" I'm still a little nervous for Tom flying but doing what I can to abate that.

It was Groundhog's day yesterday and an early spring was predicted! Even if that doesn't come true it's a nice positive charm to spin on life.

Next week we will be giving out our Level Tests to the students for when they go up to the third grade. It's a nice break from things. Otherwise the last thing I'm teaching these kids is about measuring liquids and weight. Their minds are so off track and not focused it's been a little tough. But their just kids and it's the end of all things for me in Korea, so whatever! I hope to report back later on how giving them their presents and showing the video goes.

You know life is moving so fast and I'm so focused on my new life in Seattle that I forget to realize  Valentine's day is coming along with Korea's New Year (Seollal). Even though I'm single this V-day...I'm doing okay. I'm allright with it and have hope that in the future I'll have a sweetheart in my life. For now, I've got Tom!

Paint Today ~ Work Tomorrow

I go back to work tomorrow. I will be teaching for about 2 and half weeks before heading into about seven days off before I hop on the plane. Maybe it's because I feel like I am caught up on what I need to do to leave, or the cold weather outside kept me in. But I took the painting bug I was feeling yesterday and extended it to today.

I found a scene of a pavilion next to a large tree with a rice field behind it. A man was resting on the pavilion and it looked like a very nice scene. This is my attempt to render it artistically. I'm not finished with it, but not sure if I will complete it. I think there were too many parts to keep me focused and worry about.

However I like the way the tree is going and could see myself sprucing up the rice field a bit more. We'll see ~

Flying Tom Update

I've pretty much got it down what I need to do to get Tom out of Korea. I'll be heading back to the Vet about a week before we fly to get his final documents in order. I've got his carrier all ready to go, although I'm not sure whether to add a frozen cup of water for him in there.

Then I started to think about what's going to happen once I land in Seattle. After browsing endlessly on the Seattle International Airport website I wasn't finding the right answers. If you have ever traveled internationally you know that there are several steps to going from the plane to the sidewalk, at the airport. After some investigation I found the procedure at Seattle's airport to be much different from the experience I have had flying into San Francisco International Airport. What they do is have you first go through immigration, then you pick up your luggage and go through customs. After this you put your luggage back on a conveyor belt that will spit it out at the main terminal where you can exit. Where in that process do I pick up and show the papers for Tom?

I called the airline (KoreanAir) to see if they had the answer, since on the Seattle airport website it said, "Call your airline for further information" about picking up pets. After calling twice the answer I got was to get the cat via customs. Well where was the customs office or what did that mean? Their response was mostly that I meet up with my cat in the main terminal. But that didn't make much sense considering I go through customs before getting to the main terminal where you pick up your luggage. I finally found the number for the customs office at the airport and gave them a ring. Keep in mind I'm on Korean time and America was going to sleep (around 1am). Thankfully a nice gentleman answered the phone and told me the whole procedure.

I get Tom during the Customs process after I get off the plane. I'll have to give up my luggage a second time so it can go to the main terminal, but I'll be able to keep a hold of my pet after that. A few concerns I have is that they better have carts available during that middle process of picking up your luggage then letting it go. Otherwise little me is going to have a tough time hauling 2 large suitcases, a carry on and Tom through Customs and out again. I'm also concerned Tom might have done his business in the crate and things will be smelly at the airport. They have relief areas for dogs outside, but something tells me cats wouldn't do well in that space. I would buy those "pee pads" but you can't just buy one, the sell them in large packs. Maybe some paper towels stuffed inside would do?

After I get my luggage and can go on my way, my plan is to get a taxi and make it to my new home. Taxis allow pets right? I'll give an extra tip if it really is such an ordeal.

If you asked me whether I was starting to get nervous about the trip, I would tell you that it's a little bit. I think I'll mostly be on edge wondering if Tom is okay under the cabin and when I will see him when I get out. But many people do this all the time and so I'll have to trust the system. I just hope Tom has a good ride and doesn't come out too traumatized by this whole thing.

Tom, you can do it!

The Launch of "American-Joy"

Even though I will be leaving Korea my ambition to blog about my life isn't going to stop. It was mulling around my head for a while and I finally got down to it. I have created a blog for my new life back in America.

It's called, "American-Joy" and you can click the name for the link. Like this blog I intend to fill you in on my adventures and thoughts. Also I hope to pepper things with posts about being a graduate student and learning in the field of TESOL.

So head on over there and become a "follower" or whatever you need to do to keep up with my posts. I'll still post on this blog until I leave.

Thanks so much to all my readers and hope you enjoy the new blog!

The January Ahead

It's a freezing start to January and still lots of winter weeks ahead before things could potentially warm up. But I seem to be doing well staying warm this winter with my fantastic Marmot down coat I bought a few years ago. It helps to have a reliable coat, hat, scarf, boots and mittens to last through this season. I can't help but say I'm looking forward to the endless rain in Seattle, because at least it doesn't get too cold there!

January is going to be a month with Winter Camp, a week off and then back to regular work. I'm looking forward to camp, that starts next week. For one I miss the kiddos and also it's my last camp. I have the high levels this time with a few spunky kids in it that are really fun to be around. So I can't wait to get all goofy and giggly with these kids. I know that teaching and being in the classroom is going to be what I will miss the most when I leave.

I have a few projects I'm working on for the students. These are a few things I've planned to give and show them as a way of saying "thank you" to them, and so that they won't forget me. You'll see later on what I've been working on.

This month also means continuing to square away my plans for moving to Seattle. I have a lot for sale that you can check out at waygook.org. If you want anything please let me know. Other than that I already found a place to rent in Seattle and am super excited about it. I know it will be a cozy place for me and Tom. I'll consider posting more about it later.

Otherwise just hope to get to the pension office later this month to file for that....

And generally trying to enjoy my last two months here in Korea. Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit and I can take on more expeditions around town.

Hope your new year is shaping up nicely!

Getting Five Years of Stuff Down to Two Suitcases

 After five years here, stuff starts to accumulate. I'm talking about books, souvenirs, memorabilia, and just anything else I've held onto over the years. So I've been sorting things lately and making one big pile of "donate" and the rest is being packed into boxes to be shipped across the ocean. I found it the cheapest to send via "surface" or by ship. But the weight limit for each box is 20kg or 44lbs. So trying to meet these requirements is a little tough.

This small pile pictured above is the stuff I am hoping to take with me along with my clothes in two suitcases. Speaking of clothes, I have a lot! Since Korea has four or really two seasons (hot and cold) I've accumulated quite the collection. However, I am going to let go of a lot and hold on to the essentials. Some of it's old and worn out anyway.

How does one get rid of their stuff here in Korea? Back home you would call up the Salvation Army and they would pick up anything if it's in boxes. They have the Salvation Army here in Korea, but I have yet to try it. So we will see if that works out. In the meantime I have a nice huge pile of clothes, books and stuff growing in my laundry room closet.

What's left besides my "stuff" is a lot of kitchen wares, items and also furniture throughout the house. For some reason I filled up my space here with 3 bookshelves, desk and chair, microwave stand and a large TV stand. All of which will need to go, as you can see by my previous post. Hopefully people will come and buy this stuff or it can be donated. The worse case scenario is just giving it up to the front of the building. Instead of donating it themselves they tear left over furniture apart and get rid of it that way.

I also notice I have a lot of art supplies including sketchbooks and other materials. Also I have my portfolio that I need to figure out how to get back home, either with me or by shipping.

Thankfully I have till February to liquidate it all and pack up my two suitcases for the move. Our school's Christmas vacation is coming up next week and so that will give me plenty of time to start squaring away these tasks.

Seeing and going through all my stuff made me realize how much I settled into living here in Korea. I'm sure if I had planned on just teaching a few years and moving back, I wouldn't have accumulated so much. Oh well! Time to head back home and start piling on more! ha ha

하얀 눈이 예뻐요!

The fresh and beautiful snow came down on Seoul today, leaving a glimmering snowy path to travel on the way home. Certainly it had the kids in a frenzy and people just generally caught by surprise. I really think it came early this year and is a sign of what this winter is going to be like.

Either way the sight, sound and smell of snow is unforgettable. Since this is my last winter in Korea, I guess nature wanted to leave me something to remember.

I liked this young girl walking ahead of me with her polka dot umbrella.

That's one heck of a snowball!

Bring it on winter!

Operation Flying Tom: Preparations

If I go, Tom goes! I'm taking my fur ball with me to America and this will be my first time flying with a pet. Actually, I have a sad story about flying a pet in my past but I don't want to share it. Ha!

There are two choices to bringing your pet back home. One is that you could take him in the cabin with you and the other is you can check him in under the plane. I would prefer to take Tom with me into the cabin as this means I'll know where he is at all times, and be there to comfort him. However, regulations stipulate that your animal must weigh (including the carrier) 5 kgs (about 11 pounds). I took Tom to the Vet today and the poor thing weighs in at 7.5 kgs.

Now I've been told that airlines don't really weigh the pet, unless probably if they look enormous. Maybe at the inspection office they might weigh him, but it's the airline that has these regulations. So I could try and bring him on the plane, but I'm the kind of person that worries it won't work out and I'll be stuck with no options.

Going with the other choice of checking him in under the plane isn't my favorite one but it might be for the best. For one I won't have to worry about getting through security, where you have to carry your pet through the gate as they scan the bag. Then I think I would have a hard time kicking back comfortably on the plane with Tom between my feet, worrying about him. Putting him under the plane means he will have more space in a hard-shell carrier to rest and wait. Plus if he goes to the bathroom it won't be so embarrassing.

There is still time to sort this out and I could try and put Tom on a diet and exercise plan. But I feel with just about 3 more months, not much will happen. In Itaewon there is a Vet office that people have recommended to help me out. So far I've gotten an email response from them but they are kind of slow to respond. But I hear they sell carriers for check-in, so I think I might take a look.

In the meantime, I had Tom get updated on his shots. Especially the rabies vaccine which is necessary for travel. I was pleased to find my local Vet had an English doctor who also was the "cat specialist". Tom did not enjoy his Vet visit one bit by hissing and growling his way through it. Thankfully, the place is just across the street from my house.

I'll need to take him back to the Vet before I travel to receive a health certificate, but for now he can rest at home.

Until then I hope I can figure out the best way to fly him over, and also get him use to transportation. What do you think about that Tom?

The Why

Why leave this land that has so many wonders and where I have discovered a culture rich in beauty and taste?

My time in Korea, for the most part, was focused on a certain set of tracks. Those led by the fact that I was dating a Korean and we were getting serious. I thought that my life was headed down towards marriage and forming a family in Korea. It was something I was willing to accept and go through with, coming with the price of leaving America and my family behind. Intertwined with this was my love for the country, exploring and being involved in the art scene. But then last year these tracks suddenly stopped, I broke up with my boyfriend. Since I was heading down those tracks I tried to keep the momentum going, hoping I would find a new lover along the way. However, it seemed as hard as I tried life just wasn't going to deal me those cards.

Around the beginning of this last summer, as I found myself defeated again, I sat back and asked myself, "Where am I going in Korea? What am I doing here?" I began to see that trying to continue the personal path I was on before was becoming fruitless, yet my energy and love towards teaching had never waned. I also considered what is left for me here in Korea, both professionally and personally.

(my Public School classroom in 2008)

Professionally I could continue to find good schools to work at and build up my reputation and salary, perhaps getting a University teaching gig. But then I understood that this could last for only so long. Without a Master's degree I would eventually be up against the competition of those who have earned such title. Combine this with having already moved four times in Korea and have gone from one school to the next, I felt tired with the feeling of having to do this over and over. Yet I felt the passion for teaching in me and knew that making a career out this would be not only possible but best for my life.

I came to the conclusion through research and discussion to go back home and pursue a Master's Degree in TESOL. I realized that I would like to try to serve the immigrants and students who need English back home, then to keep pumping it out over here. Like a flower bursting into bloom this idea of mine started from a seed and grew into a new life goal.

Therefore my decision to leave Korea stemmed off the personal and grew into the professional. Throughout the beginning of when I was going back-and-forth on whether to stay in Korea or not, I truly did have a hard time coming to the idea that I would be leaving this country. It's not just that I'm leaving a comfortable way of life, it's that I will be saying goodbye to friends and relationships that I have cared about over the years here.

More so than anything I have experienced or gained here in Korea is that I will miss my students. So the decision to leave is even harder knowing I won't be here to see them grow up. All I can wish for is that they remember me.

Certainly I want to write more about what I'm going to miss and look back on the fond memories I have, so keep an eye out for that. But I hope what I wrote today show's you how I came to the conclusion of leaving my 4 year life in Korea. For the most part I am excited about my new journey ahead and can't wait to see how what I have learned here shapes me in the year's to come. If you have any questions about all this please do ask.

All right, thank you for reading.

Foreigner Joy will soon be foreigner no more

This is what I looked like when I first arrived in Korea, back in spring of 2008. At that time I was exhausted but also thrilled to start my Korean life. For the next four years I learned a lot about Korean culture, it's people and mostly myself. I've had two serious Korean boyfriends in that time, and they helped shape my experience here. So what am I getting at?

I'm leaving Korea.

I will write about how I came to this conclusion and what my plans are shortly. But first I want to say something to those who have been reading this blog from the beginning, or generally keep up with it. Thank you! Really, I was able to get through the tough times and enjoy my time in Korea so much more because I had this blog. Also being involved in the K-blogging community kept me from jumping ship even earlier. I know many of you appreciate what I write and do to represent Korean life, and so a part of me is sad that I will no longer be contributing after I leave. However, I think what I leave behind here on this blog will be helpful to other's in the future and certainly will remain as a great way for me to look back on life here.

With that said I also want to say something to those who might be saying, "I guess Joy has given up." "Korean life was just too hard for her anyways, she must not have tried hard enough to live here." When you live somewhere for four years, especially in another culture, you do spend a lot of time making it your home. There are folks in Korea who have been here a long time, made it a point to learn Korean, and have engulfed themselves in the culture by either marriage or other means. These are "lifers" and for a while there I thought I was one of them. But my life changed and wasn't really going down that track anymore (I'll write more on this later when I talk about why I have decided to leave). In short I want to say to those who might think I have "given up", that making a decision like this is not easy.

So why am I leaving and where am I going? I am going to detail the "why" part in a different post as I feel it would be good to give a better description of this then just, "It was time."

As for where I am going...well. I decided to go back home and go to Graduate school. After spending considerable time researching I have decided to go to Seattle University and attend the M.A. Ed. TESOL program. You see I decided that I need my American life back and I also want to advance in this field. Now, I'm no fool and know that the American job market is tough. I won't be guaranteed work after I graduate. Yet I am willing to relocate myself again to where job opportunities may be. If there is a job in Arizona that would hire me, I'll take it! Perhaps I'll even head out again and this time to Japan.

So from now on I'll still be sharing posts about my remaining time here in Korea (I'll be leaving at the end of my contract in February). Also I'll talk about my move and my time here in Korea. Once again thanks for following me through all these years or weeks...it's been a pleasure keeping this blog. So time to move on...and get going!

Drama Festival Fever

For the past several weeks I have been teaching my students a scene from the play, "The Blind Men and the Elephant." It's an adapted version for EFL students and includes several songs which they dance to. For the most part I have been having fun teaching my students to sing, dance, speak loudly and act. However, doing it this time as a team leader adds on more challenges. There is pressure for the students to perform well, and it comes from the Korean side of the school. As foreign teacher's we know that we can do our best, but the students will decide in the end how to perform.

However, I keep my chin up, work hard and hope that it will piece itself together in a functional way. Last year, when I was in the first grade, things turned out not so well. I blame this on that each foreign teacher was responsible for 2 groups to teach them the whole play. This was a daunting task as these little kids couldn't get through the whole thing each time we practiced. Plus our play was way more complicated with props they had to pick up, and standing positions that changed for nearly every scene. Needless to say not all the groups performed well last year. The Korean teacher's seemed to let that mishap slide, even though they frowned quite profusely.

This year, since I am in charge of organizing it, I decided to give each foreign teacher on the team a scene or two, to teach the students. There are six scenes and I divided them up into equal parts and what made sense in the story. That made 3 of the teacher's doing scenes and one designated as the "director" who will teach them everything (focusing on parts needing the most help). So far I find this scheme to be working well. I can focus on just my scene with the students, as they rotate from class to class. On Friday, nearly every group had their lines down memorized and the song movements in coordination. There were a few groups still lagging behind, but I blame it on their inability to focus. Certainly, I've gotten a work out every day by standing in front of a group of kids dancing and waving my arms around gesturing to them!

Next Monday and Tuesday will be our final days of practice, then Wednesday we will have a dress rehearsal all day. Thursday and Friday will be performance days.

If one were to look at the benefit of doing this on their English skills, I would say it is helping the low levels out a lot. They are getting actual quality time with the teacher on pronunciation and speech, then I think they would normally get in the regular classes. Also we have blended the high and low levels together, which I feel has helped the low's gain confidence and understand where their English could go.

For the most part I just want this to be over and to go back to my routine of teaching Math. Sure this is fun, but also quite repetitive and stressful. Ah well....that's life!

Chuseok Luck

So it is the time of year again in Korea where the town empties out and stores close for the Chuseok holiday. But you know what? It's also my birthday and so I am a happy camper this Chuseok as I get to celebrate my birthday and also get a 5 day weekend!

Even though most places will be closed I will be out hunting for one that is open with friends in hopes of celebrating the occasion. If on Sunday this doesn't work out then I'll have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate. Plus there are festivities going on at the palaces (which will be free to enter) and with weekdays off next week I could do more exploring.

I'm one happy gal this Chuseok :) Thank you Korea!

How to work and teach with tonsillitis

I'm actually doing much better now with all my symptoms practically gone. But it took some time and I didn't get off work that much when I was feeling like crap. Instead I trucked through my class loads and stuck it out. Working when sick in Korea is a given and you pretty much have to do it or you will look like a sorry person to your Korean colleagues. Here for you is how I got through teaching with tonsillitis and generally feeling horrible.

For one I learned that you need to pair down your lessons so that they are easy to get through and give the students stuff to do. When I came in and felt my worst I had a craft waiting to be made and so handed it to them early. I explained to my classes I wasn't feeling well and that if they worked hard and helped me out I would reward them with candy. Sure, bribing isn't the best way but in some situations it's handy. Thankfully the adjacent Korean homeroom teachers came in and told the kids to be good to me. That helped a lot!

When I took the day off I think that helped show the students I really was sick, because the next day they looked concerned. At this point I decided not to speak to my classes and keep my voice at rest. How was I to get through my lessons without speaking to a group of 2nd grade kids?

I put up a mini-whiteboard in front of the chalk board and used this as my "talking board." Also I made a short and to-the-point PowerPoint explaining my situation and asking for their cooperation. I also outlined what we were doing so they knew how to stay on task. I shortened my lessons to book work and then a game I could play with them that I could get away without speaking. It went well and I did my best to not stress myself.

That's the other big thing, stress. I think when one is sick they tend to really not want to work, but when made to things can get stressful. "How will I do this?" You probably think as your head is pounding and throat aching. I have to say just relax and let the classes flow. Don't hold the kids up to high expectations on behavior. In general you just want to get through the day and hopefully the target pages you need done. You can go back to your regular teaching self after feeling better.

I must also say that I got the most sympathy from the low-level students. Even one of these kids who is notorious for being a goofball, came up to me and patted me on the back. That was very sweet!

So don't put your stress out on the students, as they are just there and it's not really their fault. Find some filler games, worksheets or activities that won't require too much work on your part.

Since the homeroom teachers helped me out a lot I gave them a cold coffee drink as a thank you. They were very surprised to see this, and I think it showed I appreciated their effort. Even the Vice Principal at the school asked me if I was doing better everyday (she did it again today), and sometimes told me to go to the nurse to get my temp checked. So Korean people will definitely feel for you and want to help you, but prefer you work through it.

That's how I got through a week of a aches and pains at work. I'm glad to be better now.

First Week Back - Second Semester

The first week of the Fall semester has flown by, and was all right. I started things off by giving one of our homeroom teacher's a gift for her baby. It was a nice soft blanket I found at a baby store. She was very surprised to get it from me. This is her first baby and I thought I would give her a gift to celebrate such an occasion. Later on in the week she came up to me in the lunch room and told me that her son slept very well with the blanket I gave her.

We got our level testing done and unfortunately not much was changed in one class that needed it. However, the rest of the groups seem to be doing all right. A handful of students dropped out of my school, a few of which I was happy and sad to see go. There are some empty spots and I'm sure they will fill them up quick.

I am happy this semester because I have finished planning all my lessons for the whole year. This means I can sit back and let the regular paperwork flow in. I just need to make the materials for the following months (actually I'm caught up to October). Most importantly this gives me the ability to focus on this semester's big event, the drama festival. Since I'm the team leader I will be getting everyone ready and making sure it works out. Yet I have confidence in my team and it's pretty much straightforward after you practice for a few days with the kids.

Otherwise the second semester has a lot of vacation in it, which means it is a bit more relaxed. I just hope to give my students my best and be patient with the low levels. Already I've seen these students grow so much and it warms my heart to see their English has improved since last year. I hope I had something to do with that!

Thunder

Last night there was a mighty lightning and thunder storm. Although I mostly heard the thunder, since I sleep with an eye-mask on, it sure did a good job of rattling me. However, I like these types of extreme weather. It's something I missed when I moved to California from Florida, and is one of the reasons why I look forward to summer in Korea.

However, the humidity is here and the cicadas are buzzing away. My school doesn't allow the air conditioner on till 9:30 and then I can't keep it on if there are no kids in my room. Thankfully, my room is attached by door to one of the Korean homerooms. This guy doesn't mind breaking the rules and keeping the aircon running after hours. So I open that door and feel a nice cool breeze waft in.

The final tests went well and report cards are ready for printing, and in just one week that will be the end of the first semester. I have to say I've learned a lot as a teacher and a worker this time. I've learned to be very patient with my students and use methods other than yelling to calm them down and get ready. But some days I feel spent and just want their nonsense to stop. As a worker I've come to pick my battles and do my best to get things done on time.

I know I haven't posted much lately, and I have no clue if anyone has noticed. I love my blog and yes want to keep it up and running. But things might slow down and not be as accumulated as it was before. Mostly because I don't want to push myself to write or post stuff just for the sake of a number of posts. I want to always put up meaningful posts.

Anyways... hope we get more thunderstorms!

July's July

The summer can be considere half-way through already. It's my 5th summer in Korea and it seems the rain, heat and humidity are just passing me by without much thought. I've kept busy this term with school work and life changes. Vacation planning is currently preoccupying my mind. I plan to do something mild this season, just venture out far enough and not spend too much to make it valid.

Looking at the above picture I wonder if the fish in there is alive, because he doesn't really look like it. The kitten even seems to look on in sympathy. It comes from an add I spotted while transferring on the subway a few weeks back.

Tomorrow the kids take their final tests, then it's a time of grading and inputing things into their report cards. I can't believe the first semester is practically over, and camp is upon me. Where did the time go?

Sometimes I lay on my bed after work, when I've finished having dinner and took care of those after-work things. I look out my one window and wonder where all this is going. These hours of sustained daylight keep the mind preoccupied with thoughts of the future. At least the rain comes and soothes one's soul.

New Postcard Series

After that trip to the Korea Design Museum, I was inspired to make some new works. I took away the red outline from some of the postcards I saw and went with it. The first one there just going from my imagination then having a swell time creating the vibrant red border.

I expanded from there in my sketchbook by referencing an old photo from my collection, then finding text from a Korean sign board. A continuation of the use of Hangul in my previous works, where I used Google street view.

I moved onto watercolor, again using an old photo for reference. I like that the landscape is all mostly tonal and old looking. I'm really enjoying making these. The words on top are some what referential, but the point really is to have them not be.

That is the last one I created, and the photo is of a place I went to recently (go through my archive). I want to make more and more, as they seem to just flow out of me. Work has gotten me really busy with the end of the semester stuff, but I shouldn't let that stop me.

**Want to see more? Go to my art page!**

Would you like one?

Milestones

Today I completed my second time of open classes at my current school. When I went through this last year I was way more nervous. I really wanted to make a good impression last year, and so rolled out high energy and a lot of activities. This year, I was still a little nervous but seemed to calmly get through it.

When the parents are squished inside the classroom staring at you, there is a sense that you really are putting on a show. However, since I have been teaching the same set of kids since last year I felt like this show was familiar to everyone. Anyways, my open classes went well and I got mostly excellent reviews with a few touchy comments. One parent observed that I did not correct their son who made a sentence error and that I should spend time helping them on this. That is obviously something I should do, and I guess I haven't really considered making time for it in my lessons. Usually I just roll through the lessons only stopping a few times to correct students. This is bad to admit, I'm realizing. Ah well, good medicine!

I find passing through this semester's open classes as coming to a milestone. It means the semester is almost over, and all the paper work is soon to pile up. Report cards, final tests and so on, will be on their way.

As a team leader I've had some ups and downs, and definitely have more respect for people in any kind of managerial position. There were some times there that I lost my head and ran around a little spazzed out. Thankfully the members on my team are forgiving and I learned what buttons I shouldn't press. I also came to the conclusion that I'm not in charge of the choices they make concerning how they teach their class or how they manage their equipment. (We aren't allowed to use the airconditioner at certain times.) I'm the kind of person who naturally likes and feels the need to follow all the rules. Sure I break them too, sometimes. But I'm just a stickler for these things. However, I have to realize that I can't go around pressing the rules onto my team. In the end, I want to keep things peaceful and running smoothly and not be a nagging person. Anyways, I realized that people are adults and can be responsible without my interference. So I mostly just try to be a team leader in the sense of keeping up with the due dates, transpiring messages from the Korean staff and informing my team on any updates or procedures. Otherwise I just want to be a part of the team and keep my work going.

Another reminder for me at this milestone is knowing that I am nearly halfway through this year. At some point the question of 2013 is going to come up. For now, I want to stay at this school and continue where I am. But I should think of Plan B just in case the school, for some unknown reason, doesn't want to keep me. The, "What do I do next?" question lingers around me, these days.

Well summer has planted it's feet here in Seoul and the temperature is up in the 80's these days. I'm hoping to do something for my vacation this year that involves beaches and a quiet get away. :)

New Works: Winter 2011 ~ Present

"Market" 2011, Watercolor on paper

The above work is an example of recent works I have made since last winter and up to now. Production of my works have been arguably slow and I'm still trying to find what I'm looking to make. But I've taken off on this urban theme and views from the street.

"Apartment" 2011, Watercolor on paper

At one point I was taken by the shadows on the adjacent building across from me. Since this is my only view from my window, I tend to romanticize about the happenings on the other side.

"Through the window" 2011, Watercolor on paper

Then I started to look through the glass door windows of the apartment adjacent to me. I am sure spying on my neighbors isn't the best hobby to pick up, but I enjoyed seeing into the lives of my Korean neighbors. I fixed on one window with what looked like a single mom feeding her daughter. It was a humble scene and I wanted to capture it somehow, with another window next to it.

"Signs Alive" 2011, Watercolor on paper

The next thing I knew I found myself on Daum's street view, which is just like Google's street view. From here I was able to prowl around the streets of Korea, and what fascinated me the most were the signs. The above is a collage of a building, signs and a photo I have of some flowers in a nearby forest.

"Pot" 2012, Watercolor on paper

Instead of focusing on the buildings and the structural aspects I started to take away just the Hangul text. It resonates with me how living in Korea you are surrounded by Hangul, and although I can read it, for the most part it is just imagery.

"Beautiful" 2012, Watercolor on paper

"Fall" 2012, Watercolor on paper

This is where we are at today, and I'm still not sure about this series. I still feel like I am just filling in between the lines with paint and Hangul. I am thinking getting back to my street scenes. Anyway, thoughts of yours would be welcomed.