Have a Jolly Golly Christmas It's the ...

I'm currently on my Christmas vacation that will last till the New Year. To give the kids something special we (the English teachers) dressed up in a Santa outfit, played songs and handed out presents. The kids had a splendid time, except for a few that were displeased with their presents. Hey! It's not my fault kid! The presents were brought in by other students and randomly put into a bag.

To be honest, this year I'm not too much of a fan of this holiday. For one, I am reminded of my recent break up with Korean boyfriend #2 and the good times we had last year. You can see in these posts (here and here) that he visited me in San Francisco. As you can imagine, I am little beside myself this season just wondering why such a difference.

But life moves on and lesson plans need to get made, which is mostly what I am doing this Xmas vacation.

I think having this stable job and even just the promotion of going to 2nd grade and being a team leader, has me grounded. The work is keeping me busy and the good times had with the children are helping me feel the holiday spirit. But I'm hoping next year's holiday season will be a festive and warm one with someone to share it with.

Happy Holidays~

Keep it at 20C

A message came to our school that we have to keep our room heaters at 20C. If it is -3C outside then it isn't too warm in here.

This morning I saw the homeroom teachers blasting their rooms at 30C and so figured all is okay. But I don't really know. The official word is if you are caught twice doing it you will pay a huge ass fine. It is some kind of new mandate from the government. But really 20C...are you kidding me? Now I am going to think of buying a space heater for the room or somehow mask over the thermostat so it looks like I'm not using it.

I don't really plan on freezing this coming Winter camp, so you can suck an egg...government!

Memories of the Summer

Now as the temperature drops I am fondly looking back at the sweat filled humid days of summer. Sure people complain during that time of the heat and bugs. But what about now, with freezing noses and fingers?

Last summer I headed to a mountain near my home. I picked up some kimbop along the way and took to a trail I found on my phone map. I found myself the only one on the trail and quite liked this.

Look at all that greenery! ahaha But I did find a chair at some point oddly placed.

Things got steeper as I made my way up and there were a few trails to choose from. I tried taking the less strenuous ones. I also started to notice that mosquitoes were loving me. Other hikers were decked out in long pants and long sleeves. hmmm

The view was starting to pick up and also I liked the formation of trees at one point.

I got to a point with bare granite outcroppings, which were steep to climb. I sat down and refreshed myself with some water. Here I just sat and pondered summer and life. It was indeed helpful.

I'm thinking of returning to this trail when the snow piles up. Why I would want to tramp around in the snow in the cold, is beyond me. But I think the photo-contrast would be cool.

Summer ...come back soon...you here?

Moving On Up to the 2nd Grade

It came as a complete surprise. A text from the boss on my computer, after I returned from lunch. Requesting I come and talk to him about next semester. I replied and the next thing I knew I was up in his room learning of my near future.

Turns out all of the 2nd grade teachers are moving on next year. For each grade there is a team leader and these folks, as you can imagine, manage the show. So 2nd grade's team leader would be missing. In short, he wanted me to move up to 2nd grade Math and be the team leader.

At first, I was skeptical because I liked staying in 1st with all my materials and plans for next year.  But I was curious and so learned more of his proposal. Turns out he really needs someone to fill the 2nd grade team leader position, and felt I was best because I have experience with the kids and the school. Plus it fits that I will go into 2nd Grade Math, as the book is the same company and similar material.

I had 5 minutes before my afternoon classes started and so there wasn't much time to fully comprehend it all. I told him I would talk to the current person in that position and get back to him.

Walking back to my class I knew I didn't really have a choice. I could fight to stay in 1st with all my stuff, but in this situation it seemed the best thing to take the promotion. My classes finished and I had a talk with the 2nd grade Math teacher. It went well and I got a hold of the book, lesson plans and monthly planner.

I headed up to my boss and told him I would do it. He seemed really pleased and likely relieved. I was glad to hear I get monthly extra compensation for being a team leader.

Since then I have already figured out how many lessons fit into next year's schedule, and soon I should be cranking out my own lessons. I won't deny it, I am a bit overwhelmed because of all this, but holding onto the feeling that I'm important at this school.

Of course, I have a feeling the thing of "team leader" is going to hit me soon. I'm a pretty good organizer and do have leadership skills. But this requires keeping up very good relations with the Korean homeroom teachers. However, I think by now I've got that under control.

Anyways, I know what my Christmas vacation is going to look like now!

Beating the Ondol Bill

Like most of my expat friends I like the ondol heating system in the winter. Who would protest to warm feet as you walk around your house in the freezing winter? But once you get that utility bill in the mail, you kind of wonder if there is a cheaper way.

I noticed when I moved into my current place that the previous month's bill was high. I assumed the previous tenant had the ondol on high a lot of the time.

I need to save money for my upcoming USA trip and so want to avoid huge bills this season. How am I going to do that and stay warm? My solution: Use an electric heater.

I found one on sale at my local Homeplus and ever since have had a nice cozy time in my house without once turning on the ondol. Even Tom seems to treat it like his new best friend.

He likes to curl up in front of it or stretch out and let all his parts warm up. I for one like that it is an instant way to warm up when I get home, and can direct it wherever need be.

To accompany this my bed has a heater blanket on the bottom layer, which also helps keep me warm and toasty.

Although I haven't gotten my first bill yet, since having this thing, I am hoping for the best!

My Christmas Spirit

As I was at my local stationary store, shopping for Holiday cards to send the family, I soon became a part of something. When entering the stationary store you go down a flight of white stairs. At the bottom is the entrance, where near here were a shelf of cards, these ones of the more traditional imagery style.

I browsed these first and came upon one with recessed birds flying over a white washed background. It was nice, and I picked it up. I moved on to the other racks of cards that were further into the store. Here, standing next to an Ahjumma, I browsed around. The next thing I know she was pointing to my card and asking where I got it. Yes I understood that much Korean. I pointed to where I got it and told her, "Over there." She said some more words and seemed not sure of where I found it. Then she went over to that section.

A little later she came back over to me and said something about it not being over there. Not that she didn't believe me, just that she couldn't find it. So I went over there with her to see if I could find it, too. Alas, I couldn't find it either. Then she managed to ask a store clerk if they had more. He scratched his young head and then looked at the cards too. The next thing I know another clerk took the card from my hand and went to the back of the store. I didn't really mind. Actually, earlier I tried to give it to the lady but she refused.

I turned around and looked at some cards nearby, as they brought out a box and searched inside their stock. Apparently, I had the only one left. At this point the card was in the lady's hands and I made hand gestures that she should keep it and said, "Gwenchanaeyo" or "It's ok, really!" She seemed very pleased and thanked me.

I wasn't attached to the card, and really just wish I could have spoken more Korean to her so that she could understand it was ok for her to have it. Yet, when all was said and done I'd like to think I shared some Christmas spirit with this lady. I hope she brings this story home with her or that whoever gets the card finds out how it got into her hands.