In Transition

Yesterday I said goodbye to the Principal and everyone. Actually, the dinner was nice but some of the things they said made me really frustrated inside. They commented on that stuff in the past and that they understand my character. It bothered me that they didn't really thank me for the work I put in for a year and the relationships I built with the students. Ah well!

So I got to go home early yesterday, which was great since I started the final packing. I really have too much stuff! This morning after some more packing I took Tom over to his brother's house for his three month stay. Beforehand, I just sat and watched him play. Oh I am going to miss him!

They are giving me all day today to move out and clean, thankfully. But I am already bushwhacked from yesterday and not sleeping too well last night. All I know is that I need to put the past behind me, learn my lessons and feel the excitement of having no work till March! Yee-haw!

Faster at the End

This highly scientific video demonstrates two coins going down a funnel. I would like to point out that my life right now feels like one of those coins as they get to the very end. Notice how it goes faster and faster and then just plunks into the dark hole. Well, when you are finishing a job, getting ready to move and are very close to the end date, life can feel that way.

I've got pretty much everything packed, except for dishes and cleaning supplies. I was going to put my stuff in storage but JH talked about it with one of his close friends and they agreed to keep my stuff at their house. How nice of them! I offered to pay them a monthly sum, but was told they'll take a nice dinner, instead. So JH has been picking up boxes and slowly moving them over there. 

I am a bit worried about Tom as on Saturday he will make the switch to my friend's house where he will stay till my return. His brother is there so maybe he will be okay, and I know this person takes good care of hers. I suppose I am just sad to not have my little warm fur ball with me as I move along. Just hoping when I pick him up later that it won't be too traumatic for him.

Work is thankfully coming to an end at this school. I feel so happy inside that I don't have to come here anymore and sit in this small office. I wish I could blurt this out loud so they can see why I am so happy, but I restrain myself. Tonight is my goodbye dinner with the Principals and English staff. But my ex-coteacher (the very old one) from last year will be there. Sigh~ I really don't want to have to talk to her and pretend to give a sh*t. But I also don't want to leave looking bitter. Guess I'll just suffer through one dinner and be on my way. I got everyone thank you cards and a little gift (except no gift for old lady and new foreign teacher). 

As for my students some of the 6th grade classes have responded with cards and little notes and gifts. It has been really touching and makes all the crap I endured at this school melt away. I wish them the best and hope I have influenced their lives in some way or another.

Not much else to report on, just biding my time till tomorrow when I can say "Goodbye!" to this school and all the people here.

FBI Check Progress

According to my bank account they have just processed my card. Let's see they received the docs 10/18, processed the payment 11/29...looking good.

I bet the result will come at the middle or end of next month, just in time to get the apostille.

Random Happiest Moment at the Han River

Yes, that's right! I had a random happy moment at the Han River a few weekends ago. It was after my trip to Samcheondong where I met up with JH. I requested he take us to the Han river, since the weather was still tolerable and well I didn't feel like heading straight home.

First, JH grabbed some grub from one of the convenience stores next to the river. He tends to be very camera shy and this time I turned it into a silly game.

After waiting an enormous amount of time for his fried chicken, he ate it and we were on our way to explore. This was the part of the Han river that is near the Banpo bridge.

 Play area for the kidlets~

The Han was looking low and pallid, but still gave us that great presence. JH took my picture and I acted out in my happiness.

We meandered are way towards the bridge.

On the way we found Seoul's good friend Haechi. Actually, this "bench" was more like a see-saw, that you could go up and down with.

Sorry, Haechi but there is already one animal that I love (Tom).

From there we took a look at the lower-bridge that accommodates pedestrians and cars.

If you are frequent person to this bridge I would say look out, especially if you cross at night time. We found a hole in it.

We didn't go very far but as we walked JH noticed some writing on a post. He translated it to that there was a couple that often frequented this bridge. This was a happy memorable place for them. The writer (we don't whether they are male or female) wrote that they knew the relationship wouldn't last. But the breakup was hard. A few days later they came back and wrote that their memories are starting to fade. Goodness! It was romantic and so dramatic. 

Plus it made the feeling at the spot seem so special. 

Well my time is waning here in South Korea. I've got just about a week left before I head back home for my 3 month vacation. (Yes, you heard me! And I'll be back.)

This moment at the Han, I think I felt so free. I don't want my life in Korea to end, and it isn't, but I know that I am finally going to be home for longer than just 2 weeks. The past 2.5 years have been in Korea and it has consumed my whole being. Let's just say that this vacation is welcomed and I am looking forward to the objective reflection it will offer.

Tomcat the Video

I am going to miss my little Tom!

My Pals on Korean TV

There are a lot of comedy shows out here on Korean TV, and one of them is Running Man. It is known as a show where:

The MCs and guests are locked in a landmark during closed hours and are required to leave before opening hours. The first team to leave will win, while the losing team will be punished in the landmark.

I actually never watch this show, and mostly watch Infinity Challenge. But tonight it was really worth watching because my entourage of pals were guests on the show.

Tonight's theme was a team cooking challenge and the judges were my friends. There was Rob, from Roboseyo, Simon and Martina from Eat Your Kimchi, Joe from ZenKimchi and Jennifer from FatManSeoul.

These were not just people whose blogs I read but most of them I know personally. It was a fun and fantastic feeling to see them streaming from my TV. In my excitement, I tried to capture shots of them. But since my TV is old school they didn't come out too wonderful. Here is what I got (sorry guys).

A great moment in the Kblogosphere!