The White House

Hi there!

2009-09-29T00:56:00.002+09:00

Okokokokok....

So where were we? Work's still work. My commission is going up as I do more. The more I do the more comfortable I feel. But I still have a looooong way to go. I miss having a camera; mine died so I'm looking to get a new one eventually. I want an SLR but those are not cheap. I might spring for one after Thanksgiving and do the whole "investment" thing. Because if I stay in this field I have to start investing in the proper equipment. And starting at some point I wanna take classes too. But why must things require money?!?!?!? Cuz I also am going to need a new computer soon and am reeeeeelly wanting to go to India over Easter (to meet up with Jess and Holly and Lisa Walker from Korea). Meh, the Lord'll provide if I'm supposed to get/do these things.

Um, other things...I've got a place to live! I'm moving in this week with a girl from church. Stephanie is the same age as I am and is an engeneer. She works with the teens and I'm actually hoping to start working with them eventually myself.

I've decided to give away my cat. Right now I'm too "unsettled" to have an animal and if something were to happen to him and he'd need some kind of medical help I could not afford to take care of him. Practically, pragmatically, now's just not the time. I'm good with that decision, really. I've found a shelter that I want to take him but it's like an hour away they have hours that don't line up with my hours at the studio. I'm hoping to take him next week on my day off.

It's getting nice and cool and fall-y here! Yay! I love this time of year...if only I had a camera to take pics of it...

Thats all for now.

Woa

2009-09-11T09:02:00.003+09:00

I thought about posting this as "It's a small world after all" but I think we are past that. I leave it for you to decide.

So a few weeks back a new girl was hired at the photo studio. While she was in the process of being hired (they were having her do a shoot) it was found out that she had spent time in Canada. We did the whole "Cool! Where?" thing and discovered that we had both lived in the same town but did not make much of it because it had been some time back for both of us and she had mentioned that she had not lived there for too long, nor did we really have time to dig deeper.

Until today.

It started when we were talking about college and it was discovered that she knew someone who had gone to BJU and I knew the girl too (more as a passing acquaintance). That's the "it's a small world" part.

BUT

From there we decided to dig unto out Canadian past. The conversation went something like this (I am taking a few liberties in the process);

Me: "How old were you when you were in Canada?"

Jen: "Ummm....5th grade."

Me: "Where did you go to school? [starts naming some of the schools finally naming.....]...Prince Andrew?"

Jen: "Yeh! Prince Andrew!"

Me: "Me too!!"

[insert look of "crazy!"]

Me: "When were you born?"

Jen: "'86"

[Some quick mental math reveals that she and I were at Prince Andrew at the same time, only when she was in grade 5 I was in grade 8].

Me: "Thats so funny!! Where did you live?"

Jen: I dunno, a subdivision with a big park in the middle of it."

Me: "Me too!!"

[insert another look, then I google my old neighborhood]

Me: "I lived here. In Heritage Park."

Jen: "I lived here! [points to the main street of the same subdivision.] And my pastor lived over....here... [points to my street].

[another look]

Me: Where'd you go to church?"

Jen: "I can't remember, but the pastors son had something wrong with him."

Me: "My little brother is in a wheelchair."

[another look]

Me: "Emmanuel Baptist Church?"

Jen: "I can't remember."

There was a little more conversation where both of us were like..."Ummm...woa." Then I had to leave, as I did I called my mum and told her about Jen. I told her what I had learned and mum remembered them, as did Dad when I called him.

So, yeh, I work with a girl who went to church with me in Canada for eight months more than ten years ago.

Some say coincidence; I say God. Either way: "Woa."

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

2009-08-27T01:30:00.003+09:00

I shall again forgo the apology.

Life has been kinda busy but not as busy I might think it is. I've been working mostly evenings which is nice but I am not the most motivated of people when it comes to getting things done in the mornings then going to work later. I spend too much time online usually. Incidentally, I work today at 4 and it is now 11:30 and I've only taken my shower and done my hair. I'm sitting here in my t-shirt just chilling. I've been up since 8. However, yesterday, I worked from 10-4 and was up at 7 and got my room cleaned before going to work. I came back and fixed some broken jewelry. More than I might get done today. Tho I am planning on tossing a load of laundry in the washer after I post. Ok....rambling done now. Even tho I do waste time I still am doing other things; last Saturday for instance my church had a free car wash in the morning and I was there until I had to go to work. I go to Rebecca and Bill's about every other week for dinner (and to see my cat), and on my days off I run errands and apply for jobs. And on occasion get together with people from church. Friday some of us are going out for Korean. Which is another thing I need to to....find a Korean restaurant for Friday.

Wow...I have a life! I find I enjoy having one. But I do miss Holly and Jessica and my students.

Speaking of Korea; it's inservice this week at SCS and I've been talking to Holly and Jessica when I or they can. They are busy. But "hearing" them talk via IM... I don't miss it. I'm not sad that I'm not there. I only would go to see my kids and to hang out with Holly and Jess. That's it. I don't miss feeling judged, or feeling like I'm not the "right" kind of Christian, or being looked at strangely because I do things differently or think differently than the prescribed manner. I can' wear my odd pants here and not get made fun of. I can have my terrible blond moments (I don't have them often but when I do I do them right) and not get mocked for them for the next week. I get mocked for a day and that's it (I really don't mind being made fun of, just find another joke, really) . I can talk to a guy as an equal.

There's a "movement" if you will where people my age who were raised "Fundamentalist" are leaving it's camps. Now, I don't get into all that, I'm not even sure what it is. I just know that for much of the last eight years (college and Korea) I've been in something that holds itself to be "Fundamentalist". Of course, I grew up in a "Fundamentalist" background, but it was so. very. different. Certain of the more visible nature who are amongst the more sane ones are wondering why people my age are leaving in droves. Sadly, the type of Fundyism I grew up in is hard to find so many people are leaving the more [can't think of a good adjective.... maybe stupid?] kind. People are tired of being told that they are not "good Christians" (not in so many words but really, that's what's going on) because they dress funny, have a "worldly" hairstyle, listen to the "wrong" music or do any number of things. I have so many friends who have left the movement because they are tired of it and want to be accepted on the merits of Christ and His work on the Cross and on what they do for the Kingdom and not based on things that just. don't. matter. For a while I too was wondering why they were leaving. But now that I am where I am (spiritually, physically, emotionally, in every way), I can see where those who are leaving are coming from. I'm not saying I'm leaving, I'm not saying I'm staying. As before mentioned, I'm not even sure what the point is. However, I do see both sides now. Quite clearly. And both have pros and cons. But is that whole "Fundamentalism" debate really worth it? It just causes Christians to fight and bicker amongst themselves.

Where was I going with this? I'm not really sure, I just know that now, I'm back in a similar type of situation I grew up in; I'm accepted for who I am, I am loved for who I am, I don't feel like I have to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure I am being "good". The focus is not outward anymore.

OKokok, enough of that. On to other things.

I'm still at the photo studio and really do enjoy it. I had a strong lead to work at the Macaroni Grill here but they said no as far as serving but they want me to call in September and they should have a hostessing job for me then. I'd love to get it; I worked at a Mac. Grill in high school and really loved it. I was a hostess/singer and that's what they are interested in having me do at the one here. I am looking for other jobs too tho, you never know what God has. I'm also beginning to look for places to live. I've found one that might work but I really would need that second job. It's about 20 min from the mall where I am currently working and is less than $700/mo with most utilities included. It's still a tad expensive but I should be able to swing it. I'm going to keep looking for other places too. A roommate would really be ideal, I could maybe find a place and once everything is split have rent and stuff be about $500/mo. But roommates don't fall outta the sky. I have about a month tho so again; we'll see what God has in mind.

If/when I settle here I am planning on volunteering with the USO in the area. I've always had a love and respect for the men and women who serve and being able to serve them would be awesome. Eventually I'd love to even do a benefit concert for the USO. I was thinking about starting to plan for one for this year but since I'm still not completely sure I'll be settling here I decided to wait a bit. But if I'm here, next year for sure.

Ok, that's it for now. Laundry time!!

Happiness is...

2009-08-07T23:18:00.002+09:00

I've always considered myself a happy person, and really I am. But lately I've realized that right now I am the happiest I've ever been. I'll be driving around and realize that all those stupid metaphors about being so happy you could explode are indeed true! I thought I was happy in Korea, and I was really, happy in that I had some amazing friends and students whom I loved. Happy knowing that I was where God wanted me. But now...here...it's difficult to explain.

I have friends here; new and old. I have a job I mostly love (it has it's moments of frustration but I do enjoy it about 95% of the time). My amazing church. I am always so excited for Sundays; can't wait for them. This weekend I'm in MN hanging out with Joshua while Mum and Dad are away for their anniversary and as I was driving here and realizing I'd be missing Sunday at SVPC I almost wanted to cry. The past several years I've had to force myself to go to church. But now I hate missing it and hate being late and missing the dear sweet fellowship time and the Gospel and Grace-filled preaching and teaching. Last week was communion at SVPC and they asked me to fill in for someone in the Praise and Worship team and I truly felt like I was ministering and worshiping while I was singing. Up till now, no matter the church I've been in I've felt like a seal on display while I was singing and also felt like I was "supposed" to sing. Like people expected me to do it. Last week it was like...like I was worshipping. Like I really was using my talents for God. I did not feel on display at all. It was God who was the focus, not me. Oddly enough I've never been given more compliments about my voice than I have here. Every week at least three people come say something to me. Sometimes more. But again, I don't feel strange saying "God gave me my voice, I'm just giving it back to Him." usually I felt really really strange saying it, like it was fake or something.

But I'm just...happy. About to explode happy. I get the sense that I'm where God wants me to be. He's not done with me yet (I am still living afterall). But He's got me in a great place. I'm in an area I've wanted to live in for a good ten-plus years. I've got a great church. I have great friends near (and far...) and I am living with wonderful people and I have a mostly ok job. I also have a job interview at Macaroni Grill on Wednesday after getting back from MN. They are hiring servers and hostesses and I said I'd do both if it got me more hours. It is to be hoped that I get that job.

What is the verse? "Every good and perceft gift comes from God"? (Joanna paraphrase). I've told my students for the past three years (and I remember the realization when I had it); as a Christian if it comes, it's from God, or at least ordained by Him. So no matter what it is; getting fired from a job, not knowing where you are going to live, getting a place to live rent-free for two months, getting a job with in five days of moving to a new area...finding an amazing Church. It's all from God. So I can't complain. Was I happy in Korea? Yes. But I really and truly am happier here than I've ever been in my life. Things really can only get better ya know?

Those of you who've been praying, thank you so very much! And please keep it up! There are still things to get figured out but He does everything in His time. So you'll hear no complaints from me.

Provisions

2009-08-01T03:07:00.005+09:00

So I'm not even going to apologize for not really posting lately cuz "real" posts are so few and far between I am starting to begin all of 'em with an apology so we'll just get right into it 'k?

Work is still pretty cool. I am still looking for other jobs (second job or a full time one) but so far nothing. My sales are going up and I feel like I'm getting better at the photography part too. I actually had my first repeat customer a while back. I had gotten some girls (two sisters and a friend) to come in so I could practice on them. They did not get anything then but the next day the friend came back with her mom and sister! She made them come from an hour away to get "real" pictures done. Then they spent about $400. Made me happy. I've had a few other good shoots and sales lately but none that come as immediately to mind. I did however do a shoot for a lady who was graduating from some random Bible College with a masters in Urban Ministry. We got to talking and she was so sweet! During the whole conversation she'd interject with "Praise Jesus" and "I call on Jesus power to be with you." (She was black). At the end (after I had told her my story of Korea and getting here etc.) she said "I wanna plant a seed and you have to let me ok?" I wasn't really sure what she was going to do and was half expecting her to give me a mustard seed or something. But she didn't; she gave me $120!! Made me cry. When I told her I could not accept it she insisted that I keep it. "This morning I was at the health club and it was just me and God and I asked Him to let me be a blessing to someone today. I almost did not come to get my pictures done but something told me to come and I think you are the answer to my prayer." Other people have been generous and given me money too (cheques in the mail etc). God's providing.

Another way God's provided is through housing. I had a place to stay through the end of the month of July (Rebecca had gotten married and her lease on her apartment was out at the end of the month she said I could stay there rent free!). I've been attending an a.ma.zing. church (more on them in a second) and a couple in the church knowing that I was looking for a place to live offered me a place to stay with them for the time being. Again, free. So I'll be living with the Kraays until about October. Sadly I can't have Mac with me as David Kraay is allergic to cats but Rebecca and Bill offered to take him, so again, God is providing. According to Rebecca he's made himself right at home. He knew Rebecca because of living with her that week or so before the wedding and knew her cats. Apparently he's starting to warm up to Bill.

Ok. Church. This church is so amazing it almost warrants a seperate post...but I shall just put it with this one and make this a nice long juicy post. (=

I've been going to Rebecca's church in Schaumberg. It's a PCA church and such a wonderful body of believers. I've not been to a church like this in ages. I'm pretty sure Shiloh (the church my family attended in Georgia) was like this but when you're a teen nothing much like this sticks ya know? I attended two churches in Greenville; one for three years and one for two and the preaching was good but that was it. Fourth in Minnesota is an interesting situation; it's huge and I've not even gone a years worth of Sundays. I'd go and stuff when I'm visiting my parents but never felt connected. When I got back from Korea and was trying to figure out what to do next no one was helpful beyond the very unhelpful "Praying for you" pat on the head and send me on my way. A lot of times I felt like people would talk to me out of "duty" if that makes any sense. Um, hello I've just moved back across the globe, and have no job. Prayer is nice but do you know of any job leads?

But this church....wow...again...wow. My first Sunday there I had a few people come up to me to tell me that they recognized me from Rebecca's Facebook and they had wanted to meet me. Then others would just come up to me and welcome me to the church and want to know how I got there and all sorts of things about me. One couple told me that most of the church would go out for lunch after the service and that they hoped that I would join them. Pretty sure in that one service I was made more welcome than I was in 3 weeks of attending my parents church in MN and Fourth knows me. Only like five people in this church had any idea of who I was yet they still made me feel loved and welcomed. The next week I was there again and was talking to the ones that I had met and mentioned that I had gotten the photography job. A man was walking by (whom I had not yet met) and said "Oh! You got that job! Good, I was praying for you!" Several were like "You need another job? I know [of these places that are] hiring." Others said that they were looking into different places for me to live (this was before the Kraays offered me a place). Over and over again this church has shown that they live their Christianity. They are not at all just "Sunday Christians". Their lives are overflowinf with Grace and they can't wait to share it. The preaching is good too tho I've yet to hear the Sr. Pastor (he's on Sabbatical until the begining of August.). The pastor I have heard is excellent, very expository which is what I'm used to from Dad. The sermon last week was so encouraging; out of Daniel 12 and how the tough times we'll go through have a reason and an end and how that as Chrisitans we don't need to worry when we do go through those tough times.

Ok....that's long enough for now. I gotta make dinner.

I'm so doing this!!

2009-07-25T01:30:00.000+09:00

You know I would to!

HT: Rebecca Phill...err...Ketchie

Tweet!

2009-07-17T11:05:00.001+09:00

I broke and joined Twitter. Why you ask? Hill Harper of CSI:NY now tweets live from the set and I wanted to get his updates n stuff. He also encourages fan interaction. If you tweet add me!!

Woa

2009-07-16T11:12:00.001+09:00

This. Is. Cool. So is this.

I love mental_floss

Letter

2009-07-15T13:11:00.004+09:00

So I've not posted on here, sorry, things have been overwhelming and busy. Um, I'm gonna post this "letter" I wrote God on here, mostly to let you know how to pray for me. I'm really uncomfortable communicating like this at any time but I really need prayer so I'm putting this out anyway. So, um, here goes. I hope I don't regret this.

Dear God,

So obviously my life is overwhelming and scary right now. I essentially get fired from my job that was doing a pretty good job of getting me through life and stuff and have to come back here and start all over again. With nothing. Or very little. Very very little. But for some reason you’ve planned this. For lack of a better idea I’m here, where I’ve dreamed of living. And you’ve provided me with a job and an amazing church. And even a place to live till the end of the month. Free even. I kinda feel like you’ve cracked open the door but that it’s not entirely opened. Will it open completely? When? Where does it lead? I feel like the future is one big question mark. I have no marketable skill and, honestly, no marital prospects. I feel like I’m going no where. Not that I wanna get married NOW necessarily, just that whole stability thing. I’ve moved in some form or another every year for the last ten years and more than twenty times in my whole life. I have no roots or connections or whatever. To move to one place and stay there, for even two years would be so nice! Am I really relying on you for this? I feel like you’re doing this to stretch my faith. GREAT!! Is it stretched enough yet? Am I supposed to be relying on you for this? I mean, I know I am but I wish I had someone to talk to about. Really talk to. People who will just listen and not try to encourage. I’m sure I have people but I don’t like feeling like a burden on people when I talk to them. I don’t wanna just complain all the time. Because that’s what I feel like I’m doing. I know money doesn’t make things better but $5,000 would be great right now. Just to pay off P&H. $10,000 would be better, enough to get settled on after paying off my debt.

I’m thankful for what you’ve done for me so far; car, place here (for now), an amazing church with amazing people (I’ve never met such wonderful, kind hearted, genuinely interested and concerned and caring people.), a job that gets me some money and hours. Which is a start, but you know more than anyone else that it’s barely a start. It’s going to take me until August to earn even $2000. Which I earned in a month in Korea where the cost of living is so very much lower.

I know I’d love living here if you allow me to settle here. You know I’ve wanted to live here for years. But I’m willing to go elsewhere if that’s what you want. I just need you to let me know so I can do it. I know that you are doing this to bring you glory and to make me a better child of yours, it’s just kind of overwhelming and confusing right now. I know that just being here is something I don’t deserve but then I don’t even deserve salvation and anything you give me is something amazing. But it doesn’t make the interim less scary.

Thanks for what you’ve done, what you will do. I do believe, help my unbelief. Help me to rely on you and not get overwhelmed or depressed by focusing on myself. Whenever I start looking for other jobs or places to live I just wanna cry because I don’t see how it can happen. But that’s selling you short. You can do some pretty amazing things and you have. I just need to keep relying on you and not focusing on myself. Forgive me for selling you short and not relying on you.

Thanks for loving me, even when I sin. And I do so very often.

I would

2009-07-09T10:36:00.001+09:00

I so want this.

Thoughts and Giggles

2009-07-06T23:56:00.000+09:00

Just to make you smile. Some of these are really good.

Cars and Jobs and Stuff

2009-06-29T11:31:00.002+09:00

Again, things have been busy and I'm sorry about the lack of updates. So here goes:

I did get a car! I had three criterion (less than 100K mi; 2000 or newer, less than $5000) and through a guy dad works with I got an '03 Intrepid that had about 88K mi and it was right at $5000. That was blessing one.

The Monday after Father's Day I left MN and headed to Chicago where I'm in a wedding on July 4th. As mentioned before I've always wanted to live here so I was hoping to find a job. My drive here was uneventful and I made it safely Mac in tow. I'm staying with my friend Rebecca and she has two cats. I wasn't sure how he'd feel about them with all the transitions he's gone through lately but he made friends with Puck and Athena very quickly. But I digress. I took Monday and Tuesday and did not do anything and Wednesday finally started looking online and got started filling out applications Nothing has really panned out but I wasn't yet discouraged.

I had been planning on heading to downtown Chicago for Saturday but didn't when I realized that I had no cash to take the train with. Then I decided that the mall was another good option and headed there (it's about 15min away). I parked and walked in. Where I walked in I noticed that there was a photo studio that was hiring. So I went in and inquired. The man whom I spoke to turned out to be the owner of the store and I could tell he liked me. He asked his manager to interview me right then and after I talked to her she told me where to go online and to fill out the necessary applications and that she would give me a call as soon as she got the info. This was yesterday and today I did the online stuff and just maybe an hour ago she called me to tell me that I got the job!! It's only part time and pays $9/hr but it's a start. I have a place to stay until the end of July (when Rebecca's lease is up) and am going to be looking for another part time job but at least it's a start!!

So thanks for your prayers and please keep praying : namely that I either can get enought hours (she can only promise 15-20 right now) or that I can get another job. And when the time comes that I can find a place to live that will not take the greater percentage of my paycheck.

Pictures

2009-06-17T11:55:00.002+09:00

The links are to the connecting blog posts. I know you can scroll down but still...

Pictures from graduation and last week stuff.

Pics from Boseong

Green Tea

2009-06-17T08:36:00.003+09:00

So for three years I lived in Asia right? Where they drink much in green tea. If you ever look at travel stuff for Korea you will most likely see pictures of the Green tea fields that are in the southern part of the peninsula. Holly Jessica and I decided that we needed to visit the area so the Friday after school got out we took a train to Boesong and went exploring.

The first day we just walked around the area and found a place to eat. I can't recall the name of what we got but there was much sea-life involved. Including whole tiny crabs and squid. Was not a fan of the squid and once you got past the strange crunchiness of the crab they were ok. After that we just hung out at the place where we were staying. We sat on a little platform that overlooked a teeny rice field and drank mango juice and talked till we decided that we wanted to go to bed. Next day the guy who owned the place took us to a small field that was beautiful and had some great views. From there we were able to walk to another one, one that was much larger and is actually often used as a filming location for various movies and television shows. The area where they grow the tea is a glaciated area so it has high rolling mountains. Very very lovely. After that we headed to the nearby sea side town of Yulpo. The beaches were not really opened but they have a jimjilbang there that has a tea bath. So for 5,000 won we had a very nice relaxing evening. Then a dinner of bibimbap and we caught a taxi back to where we were staying.

Day two we decided that we wanted to go see some place where they had found some dinosaur eggs. When we asked someone to call us a taxi they tried desperatly to get us not to go there; "Not beautiful!!" but we were determined and finally got to where we wanted to go. There was not much to see there as the area is apparently still being tourist-ified but it was indeed beautiful and we got some great pictures. However, the actual dinosaur part was kind of...nothing. Then we took a taxi to an area that had a waterfall. Getting to the waterfall required a hike but it was totally worth it as you might can see from the pictures. After the waterfall we headed back to Yulpo for some shopping and to go to the jimjilbang again, and after several hours there headed back to our place.

The last morning we headed to the train and back to Seoul. It was quite a nice vacation.

Catching up

2009-06-17T05:42:00.002+09:00

This is most likely going to be a long post. Pictures might or might not appear, we'll see how I feel about it.

Ok, graduation first. Which was like, a month ago, if not longer.

This year we has 12 graduates which to date is the largest graduating class of SCS (last year we had one graduate and the year before three). The night of graduation the parents took the teachers out to a nice dinner with the kids. It was fun to just sit and hang out with the kids. But then when is it not?? Then back to school for the actual graduation. The kids were running around getting last second things done, several had to tweak their senior testimonies. Some were rewriting them all together. One kid even asked me "What do I say?" I told him that I was not writing his Sr.Testimony for him and that he had had several weeks to work on it. He did get it done tho.

Graduation itself was good. Steve's testimony was funny, in it he thanked me for my uncontitional love and support then said "...and I am sure that you will find the perfect man." I managed not to cry until the end when people were taking picturesand stuff. I had one of the Korean teachers translate something for me when I went to talk to Max' mum. I started crying then and almost was under control when she hugged me. She was crying when she hugged me and it made it worse. Then Max came over and hugged us both which made me cry more.

The last week of school was exams and the last day was a cleaning/awards day. At the end of the awards chapel the kids all gave me cards and made me cry. It's nice to know that I am loved and will be missed.

Then the last few days were just making sure things were in order. I got school stuff done and did that last minute shopping for things I wanted. actually, for three days Holly Jessica and I went down to the south where they grow the green tea (thats another post). I got most of my stuff done and what I did not finish Merilee was so incredibly sweet to finish for me.

Going to the airport was ok. Again, Merilee was sweet and came with me. I stuck the cat in his carrier and he cried for the entire twoish hour trip to the airport. I was kinda concerend but by the time we got there he had settled down. Max, Angelina and Ronnie came to see me at the airport which was nice. Angelina gave me a sweet note and some pictures. Then it was time to go through security. I cried a little as I went through but quickly composed myself. The flight itself was good, the cat was quiet for the most part, only having a minor crisis for about an hour about two-thirds of the way through the flight. There were no accidents for the duration of the entire trip thankfully. Thanks to those of you who prayed. We made it to MN and shortly after getting home went to bed. The cat is still getting used to the house, just a moment ago actually he came all the way up the stairs and into the dining room. He's ok tho and happy to stay in the basement for the most part. He and the dog have not had too much interaction so there's nothing to tell in that area.

Things have been super busy here; since getting here I've had much to do. During the times I'm not looking online at jobs and cars I've gone and renewed my liscence, gotten a cell phone (it's pretty and purple and stuff!!), and spent too much money on essentials like shampoo, a new hair dryer and the like.

I'm looking in the Chicago and Greenville areas for jobs and have applied online at several places in both locations. I have a great lead on a car that I am hoping to get tonight or tomorrow and after that I am hoping to head to Chicago and get a better feel for the area when it comes to jobs. So we'll see what God has in mind.

Close My Eyes and Leap

2009-06-11T07:54:00.002+09:00

So. I'm back in the US. And more than completely overwhelmed. After much thinking and not enough praying (never enough really) this is what I think is going to happen:

Hopefully, by this time in two weeks I'll be in Chicago. Looking online is not the way to get a job if you ask me, It's overwhelming and more than a little depressing.

For as long as I can remember I've wanted to live in Chicago. I have no idea why. A friend who lives in one of the 'burbs of Chicago is allowing me to sleep on her couch while I job hunt. I'm thinking I'm going to do a temp agency thing and see where that leads. The plan is to buy a car, load it up and drive to Chicago whereupon I will begin searching. If, after a bit, it seems to be not working out I will head to Greenville and do the same thing there. I'm going in order of desirability of living locations.

So, please pray with me that God will open some doors. I'm kinda excited, kinda overwhelmed, kinda freaked out but hey, God's in control, He has whatever I need eh?

Hi

2009-06-02T10:00:00.002+09:00

So I am still alive but as you can mostly immagine super super busy. I just wanted to post on here to let you know that I am indeed still alive. I have several posts I need to write but they are most likely not going to get on here until I get to the US on Friday.

One quick prayer request tho: I fly out on Friday and am kinda concerned about flying with my cat. I have a 12h flight then a 4h layover then another 3ish h flight. Please pray that Mac and I both make it!!

How to make Joanna cry.

2009-05-14T14:35:00.003+09:00

As stated before I hate crying. Always have. As a small child I'd hide whenever I cried. The teachers are singing for graduation and I'm not sure I'm going to make it through the song.

The words (if you can't hear the music):

Make My Life an Alleluia

Make my life an alleluia,
A song of praise to You each day.
To proclaim Your grace and glory,
Fill my heart with Your praise, I pray.
When I stand at the mountaintop, or the valley of despair,
This will be my cry, my song, my prayer;

Lord make my life an alleluia.

Make my life an alleluia,
A gift of love to You, my King.
I will join with all creation
In the song that the heavens sing!
The earth will turn, and the planets spin,
As the seasons ebb and flow;
Still Your grace surrounds me as I go,

Lord, make my life an alleluia.

Make my life an alleluia,
This off'ring of myself I give to You.
I will share Your grace and mercy
For as long as I shall live.
When I come to my journey's end,
May those left behind be reminded,
This has been my cry, my song, my prayer;

Lord make my life an alleluia.

Happy Birthday Simon! Happy Mothers Day Amy!

2009-05-11T18:45:00.003+09:00

Sunday, May 10th, 2009 at 5:35 pm my sister-in-law had her baby! His name is Simon Paul (Paul is a family name on our side) and was 21 inches long, 8 pounds 12 oz! I can't wait to meet him!

Simon Paul Straub

I love this picture of my dad and Simon!

The other Straub's

On Movies and Brothers

2009-05-09T00:26:00.009+09:00

Ok, last weekend I saw Wolverine (even wore my X-Men shirt). Loved. Tonight, I saw Star Trek. Loved more. There was one downer to both movies: no brothers.

My family did not start going to movies until The Lord of the Rings came out. The first theatre I was in was in FL and in the scene at the end of Fellowship of the Ring when Aragorn cuts off the orc's head a little boy yelled out "WOA!! He just cut off his head!!" That now gets said everytime we watch those movies together.

Now our whole family was very familiar with the stories before the movies came out; Dad had read them aloud a few summers previously when on a family vacation and we had the BBC dramatization on CD's. So leaving the theatre we began discussing. Things we liked, things we hated, things that were "interesting" and so on. This is something that continues to this day. We've been to movies with friends and leave talking about it. Our friends usually think we are nuts. We don't nitpick or criticize usually, just talk about details and lines and stuff. We remember lots.

Wolverine and Star Trek are totally movies we'd go see together and talk about. My guess is that Joshua would like the first and not the latter. I think. But I could be wrong. But I think Benjamin and I would pretty much see eye to eye on both and we'd most likely talk Joshua around (he tends to be a purest). I totally missed that last week and tonight. I walked home from the theatre tonight and had to have the conversation in my head. I realized that the drives leaving the movies are some of my favourite memories with my brothers. Can't wait to make more once I'm back!!

Last Month

2009-05-03T20:56:00.003+09:00

We are now in May and are in the last month of school. I know it's cliche to say that time flies but it's true! This year has gone by soooo fast! It also does not seem like I've been in Korea for three years.

The emotions of leaving Korea are as of now gone; I'm becoming more and more glad to leave the more I get used to the idea. There are just some things..... But I know the last day of school is going to be hard. It's ok tho, I'll make it.

I'm looking around for jobs in the US online and it's kinda depressing actually. Having no marketable skill rots ya know? So I'm looking at going back to school for photography. I love love love taking pictures and think it'd be a fun carer. Right now I'm looking at going back to Greenville but not BJU, rather Greenville Tech or other such schools. I have a place to live and some possible job opportunities. I am also going to look around Minneapolis and Chicago when I'm in those locations for the summer. The biggest thing is obviously going to be the job. Just gotta see what God wants ya know? Doing photography would be an investment but I think a worthwhile one.

My boys are indeed going to BJ in the fall (I'm pretty sure). Max is planning on doing Pre-Med and Steve (I think) is going to do Health Fitness and Recreation. Jesse is still unsure what to major in. Max and Jesse are still trying to figure out things financially. All three of them are taking the TOFEL test on the 9th and are nervous about that. I told them not to worry, they are smaet boys and all have pretty good English. Jesse's cute: he's worried about his proununcation but I told him that living in the US will fix that pretty quickly. It would be neat to be in Greenville with them this fall. But again, gotta see what the Lord has in mind.

Job job job....pray pray pray....

Sigh.

For it is God...

2009-04-24T19:40:00.003+09:00

These past weeks have been busy, we are in the home stretch of classes. Monday starts the last half of the last quarter.

Some of you know this already and others don't so please bear with me if you are already "in the know".

Thursday I got a note in my box asking me to meet with the admin for a conference after school. The short of it is that, for reasons that I am unable go into, nor do I care to detail, they are not going to renew my contract next year. Apparently my principal was wanting to keep me, which I am happy about. I had only given them a verbal yes, nothing as of yet had been signed. So as of this moment I shall be returning to the US permanently this June. They are being more than generous with me, paying for extra luggage and for me to get the cat back as well as other things.

To be honest this is rather a relief; I see myself moving in such a direction that I was not sure if I was going to be able to fully support the school next year and was foreseeing a rather uncomfortable at the least year starting in the fall. The only reason I was going to stay was for my boys (more on them in a second). There are no hard feelings on my end and it seems that there are none on theirs as well so thus far all is good.

I have lots ahead of me; obviously I am going to need a job and other such minor things. I would settle for a rich husband if push came to shove....Thankfully I will be debt free when I get back to the US and have a little cash on hand, maybe enough for a down payment on a car. It's just the job thing that has me curious; I don't have a marketable skill (I did not major in teaching) and with the economy the way it is...but hey, God'd not get me outta this job if He did not already have one for me is my thinking. Still, I am apprehensively curious. If you're wondering, I'm looking to settle in the Chicago area but am really open to anything.

Thankfully since finding out about this whole thing I've managed to keep the emotions in check (I dread the last day of school; I hate hate hate crying). I cried a little yesterday and this morning as well. Lots of breathing through the nose and soon things were back to normal. The worst of the crying was when I had to tell my chemistry class. I had told my boys during homeroom and teared up a little then. They were quite upset when I told them, and after making sure I was not teasing them set about trying how to figure out what to do about next year. Earlier in the year when I was still unsure about staying they had said if I did not come back they would not. They were serious, as soon as first hour was over Max and Steve went to the office to see about early graduation (they were thinking of doing their senior year over the summer). Mrs. Johnson came to the room at the end of the day to tell them that both boys had enough credits to graduate this school year!! She is going to check on Jesse's credits and see if she can't get him graduated also. They are too late to get into state schools but she said getting into a Christian school should not be hard. Max was already kind of interested in Bob Jones but the money is the issue (as it is with all of them really). So they are going to be thinking and praying over the weekend and maybe starting college in the fall!! Please especially pray for Max, he really does want to go to BJ but right now can't afford it. If I understand the way visas work he has to have all the money (tuition/room and board) in hand before they will grant him the visa. That's quite a bit of money and with the exchange rate and all it's more. In most cases it's too late for scholarships but he and I are looking to see what we can find. Please please pray that he can get the money! If God wants him there He'll provide but hey, no harm in asking for prayer right??? I'm really clinging to Phil 2:13 right now and have said it to the kids a few times already.

"For it is God who worketh in you both to do and to will His good pleasure."

Life is gonna be interesting for the next while!!

So Happy

2009-04-13T17:25:00.002+09:00

So this past week one of my best friends got engaged. There are three friends in my life who are on equal plane; I cannot choose one of them as "best". There are no favourites. Rebecca (and the others) mean more to me than I can put into words: "best friend" sells them all so very short.

I've meet Bill (her fiance) once, before they were dating and was instantly impressed with him.

I'm so very happy for her!! If you are interested you can go here for wedding info (pics and such). Rumor has it that I'm in it...What a great reason to go to my favourite place in the world!!

Who Am I?

2009-04-10T12:40:00.003+09:00

Yet another amazing Casting Crowns song. This one is currently a great encouragement to me. Especially the italicized lines at the start.

Who Am I?

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

You know; I need to stop selling God short. He can do things, even when I doubt Him.

Mac

2009-04-03T21:29:00.003+09:00

So I've not said much lately about Mac on here. Yes I still have him. He's doing fine despite a propensity for eating boxes and styrofoam. I got him some toys, a catnip mouse and a fish on a string. The fish was pulled off the string within a day. We now play fetch with it. The mouse, being stuffed with catnip, is of course very much favoured.

Spring Break!

2009-04-03T19:37:00.003+09:00

Finally! Spring break. My plans are sleep, clean, sleep, maybe shop (I need a few groceries), sleep, watch CSI, sleep, read and sleep. Thankfully the cleaning is fairly minimal, I just have one room thats a disaster. The other two are just a teensy bit cluttered. I'm thinking a day tops to get it all done.

Today instead of having the usual half-day stuff the upper grades went to play paintball. I am not a fan of paintball but knew I'd enjoy watching. And I did. The kids were not too thrilled about it at first but when it was all said and done they declared the day a success. There is talk of doing it again next year. Below are a few pictures from the day.

Thats awesome!

2009-03-25T14:02:00.002+09:00

Periodic Table of Awesomeness. Whilst looking at it I found myself saying "Thats awesome." many times. And I agree with the placement of bacon. The link takes you to that particular table and more.

Things Hobbits get for birthdays

2009-03-23T20:50:00.002+09:00

In no particular order:

Monies in gift certificate form (to be turned into CDs or used at the appropriate restaurant)
DVD sets
Coffee (lots!!)
Things for nail art
Golden calf
Jewelry
Popsicle molds and other kitchen-y things
Books

Other things that are not being called to mind at the top of my head. Apparently I have other boxen coming from the States so the party is going to be extended!!

The birthday day itself was fun. Church (which I was mostly dead for not having slept well the two preceding nights) then later in the afternoon dinner at an Italian restaurant. Jess and I ran around a bit after dinner then we walked home; I had to finish my grades.

We are now in the last quarter of the year. Spring break starts next week!! I'm not doing anything but sleeping and cleaning (theoretically).

Um...that's really it. I gotta go back to cleaning now. And I need to write a test eventually....

Happy Birthday to me

2009-03-22T02:40:00.003+09:00

I'm very very tired but cannot sleep. So I find myself posting again, only is almost 3 a.m. Oh well.

I've mentioned before my love of the artist group Casting Crowns and lately I've been finding myself drawn especially to the lyrics to the title track of their second CD, Lifesong. One of my favourite verses in Psalms says "I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me." Anything God does for us is undeserved so how can I keep from singing? The words to the song are as follows:

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

And the last song of the CD is called And Now My Lifesong Sings. Again, the words:

I once was lost, but now I'm found
I once was lost, but now I'm found
So far away, but I'm home now
I once was lost, but now I'm found
And my lifesong sings

I once was blind, but now I see
I once was blind, but now I see
I don't know how, but when He touched me
I once was blind, but now I see

And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings
And now my lifesong sings

I once was dead, but now I live
I once was dead, but now I live
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give
Now my life to You I give

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

With birthdays and all leading to life reflections I find myself hoping that my lifesong sings.

Hm

2009-03-16T23:36:00.001+09:00

Interesting.

Ouchie!

2009-03-13T19:04:00.002+09:00

Life as always is busy. I think I've averaged three tests a week over the last month. This week alone had 4 and I'm giving another 3 next week. And I'm getting a St. Patrick's Day....something ready for the kids at school. I copied and laminated over 200 shamrocks and other such Irish emblems last week. I gave the kids team points (The school is divided into 4 teams which gain and lose points over the year. Winning team gets a trip or something.) for cutting out all those things. Each had to be cut out twice; once from the initial printouts and again from the laminate. Everything got done in two days. Maybe three. That's just school stuff off the top of my head. We had a day off at the beginning of the month and I'm already ready for spring break. I was going to try to go to China but can't swing it financially. Speaking of money, I read somewhere that the won/dollar rate is supposed to adjust. Or at least go back to the 1,300 won/$1 that had been holding steady for a greater portion of the school year. Guess as long it's not going to go to the 1,800 people were predicting I can deal.

For the last six weeks or so I've had bad wrist pain off and on. Seeing as I am on the computer on a regular basis I was getting concerned that it might be carpal tunnel but reading up on it maybe not. However (comma) I'm thinking that it might be tendonitis. And the only thing I can do with that is what I have been doing; pain killers and a wrist bandage. And of course it has to be my left hand making writing and eating difficult.

Last night several of us went to see Madame Butterfly. It was nice tho I was very tired the whole time (I've been going to bed late this week. Bad Joanna.) Yay for weekends and sleep!

Greetings

2009-03-03T00:30:00.002+09:00

So it's 12:30 am and I have to be at school early tomorrow but I'm not sleepy. Tired, yes, sleepy no. So I might as well do something which leads me to telling you all about my weekend. Which I'm sure you are soooooooo interested in.

Saturday was the greatest day ever. I didn't do a blessed thing. Well, not until 8 pm. I first woke up at 8ish, did whatever internet stuff for about an hour then went back to bed. Until noon. Up again, more internet putzing then back to bed for another hour or two. Then up again, watched some CSI:NY and finally decided to get some work done. I had had a ginormous desk in my apartment that finally had been removed the day before. So I rearranged some furniture and got the last two chairs that were at my place from last year. I had not had the room for them. When you put the chairs side by side you get a very teeny couch. But it's more couch than I've had all year so hey, I'm not complaining. Now my apartment's just about how I want it. And here it is March.

Sunday was Sunday; church and all. After church Jess, Holly and Jen (a teacher from another school) went to dinner and then to Shillim, one subway stop down where they had opened a new mall. This mall and I are going to be good friends; it has a Bandi and Lunis (similar to Barnes and Noble's). The English section is not as good as the one at COEX (the mall 10 stops down) but it's still an English section and bad for my wallet. After the mall Holly Jess and I went to Express Bus Terminal where they have a ginormous underground shopping area. I did not get much; just an orange skirt but Jessica and Holly came away with several bags. Dinner was at Outback then home.

Today was another rather lazy day. I had intended to work all day and had a nice list to accomplish but ended up doing for most of the morning. But in the end I did get much done, including putting away winter clothing and pulling out warm weather clothing. In the process I got rid of 3 large shopping bags of stuff that was either unused or too big. This included much of my winter stuff. I'm going to need to replace it this summer if at all possible. Hopefully the second hand stores will still have some winter things. If not I ought to have enough here to last me but my choices will be limited. If I lose more weight they'll really be limited. Unless I can find stuff here that fits which is becoming a possibility now. I had to run down to Shillim for something and somehow (no idea, really) ended up at Bandi and Lunis. I found a very interesting book about the reconciliation of God and Science by the man who headed up the Human Genome Project. Right now I can recall neither name of book or man. But it looks good. I'll tell you more after I read it.

Ok, time to try for bed again; it's 12:50....

Max

2009-02-27T12:18:00.002+09:00

I've mentioned Max on here several times before. He's been in my homeroom class for the last two years and is one of "my" boys.

Max is a very smart young man. He has been greatly blessed by God in the area of intellect. Lately he has started showing a bit of the pride issue that often accompanies such a gift.

For some reason Max listens to me. I really have no idea. I'm not looking for affirmation here. I just really don't know! I've read several of his assignments from other classes and there are things in them that I know came from me. In several cases I know exactly when the conversation took place. Thats ok, it just makes me go "EEK!" and makes me even more mindful of what I talk to him about. I remember being his age and lots of my ideas and opinions were those of my authorities, he's going through the same thing. Which is fine, I just need to make sure what I tell him is truly Biblical. Anyway, I say all that to show that for some reason God has given me Max to maybe help him in some areas. I'm hoping to be able to talk to him and encourage him in the area of his intellect and pride. To show him the difference between taking pride in your work and in being prideful in the abilities God has given you. Because of the way my schedule works I don't see this conversation taking place before next Thursday but I do ask that you pray that I do have the ability to talk to him and that I will say the right kinds of things and that he will listen. We kind of started the conversation this morning but it was during homeroom and the other kids were about to come in for Chemistry so we did not get very far.

I remember my parents having to talk to Benjamin (and currently Joshua) about the way they deal with their God-given abilities. I'm hoping to be able to encourage Max using some of the same things my parents said to my brothers. When it happens I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe God put me in Max's life to have this conversation. Maybe not. I don't want to seem like I think I'm the only one who will have any influence in the kids life but I do have to acknowledge that he does indeed seem to listen to me more which ought to make me very mindful of what I tell him.

Scary People

2009-02-26T20:24:00.002+09:00

So today my second hour French class came in with a story of a guy who was in the office and apparently rather angry. He was the father of a kid in grade 5 and apparently the kid was claiming he had been bullied and the father was....upset. I'm not too clear on the details but it would seem that the kid situation was typical grade six boy antics, nothing too major. Just one of those "Make sure you're not a little punk." events. Well, anyway, the dad...yeh. According to eyewitnesses he was hitting things and they were afraid he was going to hit the secretary (the Johnsons were not there yet). He did apparently hit his wife across the chest at some point (I'm also not clear on the time line). We heard him trying to run up the stairs during second hour but Lisa had locked the doors so he could not get into the actual floors. Daniel and Jason had to physically restrain him at some point as well. Daniel still had some slight red marks on his arm from where the man had grabbed him. Daniel is not small, he's over 6 foot and I'm guessing in the vicinity of 220 lbs. Only a fool would try to attack him. Which this guy apparently was. Eventually the police took the guy away but the school agreed to let him come back at the end of the day (hoping he'd be calm) to see about getting things fixed. Daniel and Jason determined to be in the office when that happened just in case. When Daniel came up around 4:30 he said the father had not calmed down. Apparently he had been pushing things over and other such violence. Tho it seemed that he did not get as personally violent this time. Not sure how it ended, the police were there again when I left. I'm sure I'll know tomorrow. I'll let you know when I know anything. I'm sure Daniel will post something on his blog about it eventually. There's a link over there on the left. No one got majorly hurt which is a blessing. At least not before I had left...

We have Monday off (nothing related to this; March 1st is a holiday so we get the 2nd off this year since the 1st is a Sunday). I am greatly pleased.

Randomness

2009-02-26T11:20:00.002+09:00

The won is getting weaker; it's now at more than 1,500 won for $1 US. Ick. The reason is that apparently people here are worried that when the Japanese fiscal year begins (in March) that some of the Japanese companies are going to pull out of Korea. So things might get even worse in March. I really hope not. But Lord knows. Thankfully I already have a job for the summer. Joshua being on disability now that he's 18, I can get paid to do what I've done just about my whole life. It's about time that kid started being useful. (= Hopefully, even with the exchange rate killing me I can still be debt free by August. I was hoping by my birthday but thats probably not going to happen now. Oh well. Lord knows. Still, if I am outta debt in August I will have paid off about $20,000 in about 4 years.

One of the things I miss about the US is apple sauce. I love love love apple sauce. I'm not sure why it never occoured to me to make some here but it did not until I noticed Jessica eating some. After my inquiry she said she made it. So now I buy cheap-y apples, cut out the bad spots, cut into quarters, boil for about 20 min then toss into teh blender. Life is happier for it. I usually make 4 pints at a time. 2 "plain" pints (I add cinnamon) and two with something added. The first time I added waslnuts and cinnamon, the second I added strawberries and this last time I added an asian pear. Wonderful each time tho the strawberry kind was the best. I also like to leave the skins on. I'm never buying apple sauce again. Even in the US.

Lenten Season

2009-02-23T21:23:00.003+09:00

I've always liked the basic idea of Lent; taking the 40 week days before Easter and doing something different with your life. So this year I've decided to do something for Lent. Which starts Wednesday. I'm not doing anything denial-wise. I don't really have a much loved food I could afford to give up. I'm also pretty sure I'd hyperventilate if I were to go eight weeks without CSI:NY and I'm not too interested in setting myself up for failure. So for my first Lent I'm going to take an hour a day; 20 min with an exercise DVD and 40 with the Lord. I've not properly exercised in forever and I'm not exactly consistent with my devos.

Easter is my favourite season. Growing up there would be an appropriately themed sermon on Palm Sunday. We didn't have school on Good Friday and I vaguely recall going to Church and having potlucks afterwards. But I could be confused....so I pretend it happened and life's quite happy for it. Sunday was of course filled with Sunrise Services, breakfasts afterward (those were fun times, often the kids would get in trouble. Heh. I remember one time Brandon and Megan Daugharty and I got Benjamin to drink like 3 cups of black coffee at the Ivy Rose. He'd never had coffee before. At the oldest we were 13 and 14.), and another serivice. We would not have an evening service but would often go to a church in the area for evening services. I remember a Sunday filled with more joy than usual; we were celebreating the Ressurection!! He is risen! He is risen indeed!! One of my favourite hymns for Easter is "Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today". Why is the joy in that song so often not present in our Christian lives? It's been years since I've heard a joyful sermon at Easter. Why is the focus so rarely on the Empty Tomb and all that it means. Oh well. I can find good sermons online if need be.

I Liiiiiiiiive!!

2009-02-13T22:30:00.004+09:00

Sorry I've not been posting lately. Things have not really been that interesting. Or, rather there have been interesting things but nothing I can blog about. Let's just say that some people have....interesting....views on things in scripture. For example: Did you know that Esther was out of the will of God when she married whatshisnose and we know this because God is not mentioned in the book? I'll leave it there.

Things have been slow. We dissected frogs in Life Science but it was not as interesting as it was last year. The kids were not as active with their frogs this year as some of them were last year. Ummm...we had some contests on our floor for the kids to get house points but my blessed homeroom boys won't get involved....it's not out of a bad attitude, it's just not their thing. Linda and I are trying to get them involved somehow we just can't think of anything.

Uhmmmm, thats really it. Sorry it's not as exciting as my posts usualy are. There's just nothing to report. It's spring, everything's slow.

It was a rainy/gloomy day today. I liked it. No electric storm tho....mmmm...any other randomness I can tell you to drag this post out with?

OOH! Got an early birthday boxen!! From Rhonda; CSI:NY season 3 (squeee!!), Shrek 2 and other random fun things. Already gone through all of CSI:NY. Time to start back at the begining.

Something else!! You might be interested in this. It's a blog/writing assignment Jessica has the kids in grade 11 and 12 doing for grammar. They are watching "The Question of God" in class on Mondays (I think) and she's having them...well, you can go look at it and see for yourself.

Ok, I'm really done now.

Money money money

2009-01-30T18:53:00.002+09:00

Something fun first: you ever heard about the Forbes Fictional 15? Make sure you see the "in pictures" parts of the article.

So in the battle of South Korean Won vs. American Dollar the USD is losing. 1,300+ SKW are equal to $1 USD. When I first got to Korea I was getting $1 USD for about 920 SKW. Thats not including the chunk the banks would take if I were transferring money to the US. If it helps, think of 1,000 SKW here gets you about what $1 USD gets you in the US. I lose more in money exchange than I pay in monthly bills. That is, when I do exchange into USD. So could you please please please pray that the exchange rate adjusts itself to be a little better? I still have a school bill to pay and it gets rough when the rate does that. Least its not as bad as it was; it was 1,400 in like October and for about a week in the fall it was 1,600.

More New Years Stuff

2009-01-26T23:15:00.002+09:00

So in my last post I mentioned the Year of the Ox. In previous posts I've mentioned that I'm a pig/boar as my Chinese Sign. I just found out that there's even more to it. MentalFloss has an interesting article about the general placement of the animals and such. That post begs for more links but I don't have them and they have not provided them. I never knew about the Yin/Yang part of the calendar cycle. I did know about the elements tho (I'm a Water Pig.)

Happy New Year! (almost)

2009-01-24T12:35:00.002+09:00

Time for the traditional wishing of the Lunar New Year! We are leaving the Year of the Rat and entering the Year of the Ox so if you are turning a multiple of 12 this year you are an Ox. The actual LNY is Sunday I think, but we have Monday and Tuesday off which makes for a happy me. The teachers actually don't really have plans this year. I'm good with that; I need to clean.

Not too much to report; exams are FINALLY over and graded and all that. The week of exams (second week of Jan) was the coldest week of the year; well below freezing all week, tho not as cold as my parents had it; -25*F!!! The first two days of the week the heat was broken in both my apartment and on the High School floor. The students and teachers wore their jackets and stuff in an attempt to thaw. I would go home and sit in front of my space heater with many clothing layers, blankets and tea and watch movies. I also lived on eggs that week; I had picked some up on the weekend meaning to get more groceries later but it was too cold to go out!! So eggs it was. I'm glad I like eggs. Wednesday the HS was working on Thursday my heat was as well so I was fine. Good thing I don't mind the cold. It had gotten warmer this past week but today it's cold again, but not as bad as it had been.

I made a decision/leap of faith to stay one more year. I do want to see my boys through their last year. They were thrilled. Max suggested that I teach them one class and spend the rest of the day making food for them. I told him Mrs. J might have something to say about that. I think teacher-wise next year's gonna be fun; a friend is most likely going to come teach and she and I will live together if she does. Jessica is staying too which I am happy about. Other than staying for the boys I don't know really how I feel about being here one more year. I mean, something about being here one more year is a little depressing. It's difficult to explain.

OH! I'm down another kilogram! I have a denim jacket that zipped but was a tidge snug; not anymore!!! It's not too big yet but maybe next season...

That's really it. Nothing too exciting. More later maybe after the weekend's over.

Stuff 'n' Things

2009-01-10T13:50:00.004+09:00

So I'm back home. Or to what amounts as home for now. I left my apartment kind of a mess and have added substantially to it since my return, not quite a week ago. I do not anticipate being able to rectify that until Lunar New Year, at the end of this month.

It's nice to be back to the familiar routine. I really missed my kids. We got two more teachers this semester. Daniel and Charity Moorehead are newlyweds from...I think...Kansas. Charity is Mylinda's sister and the final Pritt sister to come to SCS. There are four Pritt sisters and now all of them have taught here at one time or another. The Pritt girls are quite attractive (the HS boys have all had crushes on Mylinda at some point or another) and poor Charity got all sorts of awed reactions on her first day. I think both Mooreheads will be a good addition to the school. My boys have Daniel for Pre-Calc and they like him so far. The Mooreheads have a blog you might be interested in. I've added it to the "Oriental Blogs" section to the left.

I lost all three of my girls over break. I knew Stacy was leaving (I think our school was a bit too hard for her) and knew Cindy was thinking about it. Stacy never came back from break nor did Rebecca. Cindy's last day was Monday (maybe Tuesday?). I figured that Rebecca would not return if the other two left and I was right. She also is quite involved in music stuff (I know she takes voice lessons and I think violin) and she was wanting to focus more on that than she was able to. So now it's just my three boys and we are getting a new guy sometime after finals. I've not met him but apparently he has been to school in the US his entire life so I'm not too concerned as to how he'll do academically.

I got a cold three days into the week and have been living on Ny/DayQuill and teas. I'm positive that I've ingested more tea in the last three days than I did all 2008; 5 cups yesterday alone. I'm glad I stocked up on it when I was home over break. I still have to write exams and get some grading done, yet all I wanna do is curl up in bed with a book, tea and a cat. Oh well, it is not to be.

Ok, back to writing exams. Hopefully I'll have Chem done by the time I'm supposed to meet Jess to go shopping. I need new gloves and hat as my old ones are getting holes. I am also looking for skirts. Some of my old ones are TOO BIG! (YAY!!) The one I wore yesterday almost fell off a few times. Gotta be careful on those stairs.

Ok, really now; back to Chem. But first, a cup of tea. Rooibos Pomegranate maybe?

Another post with lots of links (9 to be precise)

2009-01-05T20:42:00.008+09:00

As previously mentioned I was in Chicago for New Years. It was much fun. I had missed having conversation that was worth having (more on that later). On Friday Rebecca and I went into downtown Chicago and ended up at the Art Institute of Chicago. We just kinda randomly went in and got more culture than we were expecting. Or at least than I was expecting. I had no idea that I was about to see American Gothic, La Grande Jatte, a Jackson Pollock, or Lilies, or VanGogh or his room or other things. It was cool. I like unexpected things like that. I love that Pollock piece. I hate American Gothic. It's depressing.

I got a new CD in Chicago: Casting Crowns Lifesong. I had heard it before but it had been a while. I forgot how much I loved their songs. Especially "While You Were Sleeping", "Praise You in this Storm" and.....ok, I like them all. I need their other CD now. Not their live one. I'm not sure why artists put live songs on CDs, or why they put out live albums. It's annoying. Not that I have an opinion or anything.

The best part about being in Chicago was the talking. Rebecca picked me up and we went to dinner where her boss joined us. We talked for about an hour or even two over some great pizza. The conversation ranged from tattoos to music to drinking to Bibles to mutual friends. Her boss is on the board of BJU and despite what that might make you think he is a very balanced person. I mean, who do you know that would somehow discover who the top CCM artist was and seek to listen to them? Then when we were talking about them (Skillett, whom I have heard of but never heard) there was no "I can't believe a Christian would listen to that." kind of attitude from him. It was a genuine curiosity as to what is so appealing about them (and others like them) to people. After we left Rebecca and I walked to her place (Itasca, the 'burb where she is, is teeny and charming) and continued the conversation until 1:30am. This time we added such things as Eschatology and if the Kingdom of God is on Earth yet or not. There was lots of talk about the baggage that often comes with being in certain sects (for lack of a better term) of Christianity. I hate that where I currently am I am made to feel that such things as my Church attendance, the music standards I have, books I might read and other superficials determine my spirituality. The Bible says you will know me by my fruit and especially by my love. Not by if I drink, read Harry Potter, wear pants to church, listen to various CCM artists or other stupidity. Total tangent: you ever notice that the World does not judge your Christian-ness based on all that but that many Christians in Fundamental circles do? The World does not care if you claim to be a Christian and drink or don't drink. They wanna see you act like it and Christians sadly don't often act like Christians to one another. I'm tired of being judged. It would be nice if more people were like Chuck (Rebecca's boss), when we were talking there were things it was clear he did not agree with us on but you could tell he was not, in his mind, questioning our spirituality, or worse, our salvation.

Anyway, a guy in Rebecca's church had a New Years Eve thing and she and I went. It was lots of fun (2 Baptists, 7 PCA's/4 lawyers, 2 engineers, 1 teacher, 1....I can't remember what he did, and 1 construction project manager). Again, conversation ranged all over; misconceptions we had as kids, things God did for us in the past, things we were hoping for in the future, things pertaining to the South, music, TV, baggage again...I could keep going. There was lots of laughter. Especially as the night wore on. But again, the conversation is what made it great. It was fun yet saddening; I had more/better Christian fellowship in those seven hours than I have had in the last year. I don't fit the prescribed Christian mold here. I do what I am supposed to do contractually but it's hard not being able to be myself and share opinions and thoughts that I know people will disagree with and we can still go away with respect for the other person. And despite the assurances from some that I am never judged there are times when that is certainly not the case.

I just don't know about next year. There is one thing and one thing only keeping me here: these students are my life right now and I can't imagine leaving them. But another year of the above? I don't know if I can do it. There are times I feel as if I'm going to have a break down. Also, to be dead honest, as much as I blow it off I do indeed want to eventually get married and the fact of the matter is: the likely hood of finding someone here is pretty slim at best. (Don't worry, I'm not going to come back to the States just to find a husband. I do want to get married but it's not a priority yet.) Having students ask me on a weekly basis when I'm getting married does not help matters. Don't get me wrong, being single's cool; I doubt I'd be here if I were married and I know I'd not have have some of the opportunities I've had were I married. It's just...

All of this stuff I've given to God. These are just some things that are in my head about all of it. I'm so glad God is in control!!

Ok, wow, this post took a totally different direction than I was originally going. I've never ever posted anything like this I don't think. Whatever, first time for everything.

On Fractals

2008-12-27T14:50:00.003+09:00

I'd have a hard time explaining a fractal; the closest I can get is that basically its a pattern that repeats itself in a limited space, getting smaller the more it repeats. But it's so much more than that. Look at wikipedia for a better explanation. I really don't care how you explain them; I love them. There is something about them that draws me into it. It's like I can feel whats going on.

DeviantArt has some great pieces you can get and I really like Nicholas Rougeux's stuff. Some of his stuff almost makes me want to cry. I just wish he'd not put the titles on the works; to me, these speak for themselves. Oh, well, doesn't make them less beautiful. One day I will purchase some of them. When I have money and a place to put it. The latter is more the issue than more than the former is.

A run-down of the loot

2008-12-27T10:11:00.002+09:00

From others:
~Lots of money
~ipod nano 4g (green)
~Assortment of clothing
~Books (Lives of the Great Composers and The Time Quartet)
~CD (can't remember)
~Quilt

From self:
~Bones Season 1
~CSI:NY shirt
~Assortment of clothing
~ipod case

A good haul this year.

Things that are delicious

2008-12-24T01:44:00.003+09:00

First: Crustless apple pie.

For a 9" pie
Innards:

6 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk baking mix
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Topping:

1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons margarine, chilled

DIRECTIONS
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
~In a large bowl, combine apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, white sugar and 1/2 cup baking mix. Stir together the milk and eggs and mix into apple mixture, Pour filling into pie plate and dot with butter.
~To make the Topping: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup baking mix, walnuts, brown sugar and margarine. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over top of apples.
~Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until apples are cooked and topping is golden brown.

Second: Salmon (this came from Rebecca)

Obtain:
2 lbs. salmon (this can be fresh or frozen, but thaw before you start)
4 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 Tbs. shallots (I actually like red onion)
3/4 cup olive oil
3 Tbs. lemon juice

Assemble:
Mix bottom 4 ingredients. If you have the time marinate the salmon in the goo but it's good just poured and cooked. How to cook: broil for about 10 min, or grill. I made this for my family and they now expect culinary miracles every time I cook.

I post so many things about food I need to start a blog just for food.

The Soundtrack Makes the Movie!

2008-12-21T14:09:00.002+09:00

Jessica has her Lit. Classes make videos at the end of the semester. They choose a story they read for class, and act it out. This is my boys' video. I think I want the soundtrack. If you're a facebook reader go here to see it.

Many Happy Things

2008-12-21T12:30:00.003+09:00

1. These are the best peanut-butter cookies ever:

For 36 tookies:

2 cups crunchy peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
~In a medium bowl, stir peanut butter and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Add chocolate chips. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
~Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. I'm going to be in the Chicago area for New Years!! This totally happened last-minute. For the last several months every time I spoke to Rebecca she mentioned me going to see her. Today I was just looking to see about prices and realized I had enough airline miles to go see her. So I'm going!!! EEEEEE!!!

3. My ipod's pretty much dead. So that means I get to get a new one!! I think I want a nano. I just have to do some price shopping.

4. Being home is fun. I've not really had jet-lag. YAY. Also: there's LOTS 'n' LOTS of SNOW!! Just not packing snow...but that'll come.

Ok, thats it. I'm about to go to bed.

Something to do:

2008-12-19T00:24:00.004+09:00

My flight leaves at 11:35 and I need to leave my place no later than 6:30. And to minimize jet-lag I will not be sleeping. So to fill my time I will:

Finally post about my Singapore trip (scroll down).
Start packing (heh).
Do laundry.
Finish packing.
Clean.
Stalk people on Facebook.
Watch CSY:NY (who's shocked here?)
Put pictures on here from Singapore (if you're lucky)
Eat something (I'm thinking cereal...)
Post stupid lists on here, like you are actually interested in what I'm going to do to kill time... (=

So I'm thinking Korea's becoming "home" to me. I mean, as much as anywhere is home for me. I'm sad to be leaving, even for just two weeks. I mean, don't get me wrong; I love my family and can't wait to see them. I just think that, for now, Korea is home. And I'm happy with that. As I've said before, I love it here and am happy to stay as long as God wants me here. Still not sure about next year. Still have Max (and now Jesse) asking me if I'm staying or not. They both said they'd leave if I'm not here next year. I'm not so sure about that (parents and all right?) but still, made me feel warm and fuzzy.

We had our school Christmas concert last Friday. I about exploded with pride as to how well those kids did. I mean, I was not really involved in getting it ready so I'm not sure how the teachers who had been working with the students all year felt but I LOVED it. The nature of the day caused classes to start late and the kids to stay in the area till the program was over. Usually we tell the kids to fend for themselves between the end of rehearsal and when the program starts but I had my kids (and Velascos) over for spaghetti. I made tonnes (and real making; none of this jar stuff). Lots was eaten but I still had leftovers. The boys especially liked it; Jesse claimed it was better than any restaurant. Poor Steve, he had broken his foot the night before and was unable to be there. Poor Rocky; he ended up being the only trumpet because of Steve being gone.

It's coming up on January which means that the revolving door of students will start moving again. There are about a dozen kids leaving for Korean schools but we already have almost that many coming in, and we have an advertisement going out January 6th (Korean school year starts late Feb/early March). We're already full-to-bursting and Mrs. J has said if we get 50 more kids she's going to have to find another bulding. I think I've mentioned that before....oh well. It's going to be fun to see how things go the last half of the year. Especally since there's no Science Fair. Social Studies Fair this year. Lisa can have that chaos. (=

Ok, it's almost 2 am. I think I'll go get some cleaning done now or something.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

2008-12-16T22:17:00.000+09:00

Ok. I'm good.

A quick hello

2008-12-10T14:19:00.002+09:00

Sorry I've not updated in a while. I've not even put pictures (or even a post) up from Singapore! And it most likely won't be happening till Christmas either. Things are insanely busy from now till the 19th (when I fly home for Christmas). It was supposed to be a suprise but the cat got outta the bag. Thats ok.

So, yes I am alive. I'm just very busy. If you have an extra hour or two you can send me I will gladly take them off your hands. I could use them. Or a clone. Or three clones.

Singapore

2008-12-05T21:22:00.004+09:00

Ok. I've been a slacker not posting this and as its the weekend I have no excuse.

So our flight was 7:30 from Seoul and we landed at 1 am. And it was raining. We got through the airport stuff and caught a cab to our hostel. It was pouring rain and our cabbie told us that it was the start of monsoon season (everyone in Singapore speaks English). Both Jessica and I were thinking "Oh great! it's gonna rain the whole time we're here!" It actually did not thankfully! We eventually got to our hostel and slept. We got up around 9 that morning and left about 11 (Jessica takes a while...). Not knowing the area, nor having a map we wandered to a grocery store that for the life of me I can't remember the name. (In short, I called it "Fresh Face" once, cuz I had forgotten the name. That annoyed Jessica, so for the rest of the time I called it "Fresh Face." So now that's all I know it as.) Anyway, we got breakfast and directions to the nearest bus stop and made our way, via double-decker bus, to Orchard Road. Apparently Orchard Road is the place to go in Singapore. I saw nothing too special about it; it was a road with lots of malls on it. Let me say now that there is nothing to see in Singapore. I mean, Korea has palaces and gajuhbillions of years of history and stuff, China has a Wall etc...Singapore has...merlions (more on those later) thats the only thing to see. Apparently the main draw to Singapore is shopping. Now, it does have some cool archeticture....Ok...back to Orchard Rd, which had a bunch of malls on it. I was not too impressed. Jessica and I are cheap shoppers so we got nothing other than a cup of "Devil's Brew Coffee" which was lovely and strong (it stood up and saluted in the cup as Rebecca would put it). Starbucks was $7.00 SD. Um, no thanks. Then we decided on Little India.

Taking a quick subway ride we wandered around Little India mainly looking at the saris and punjabi suits and enjoying the smells. We found a shop and I immediately was spoken to by a beautiful punjabi suit. It was a purply-bluey colour and I bought it almost instantly. It needed to be taken in a little so we left to find lunch. Jessica found herself a punjabi suit while we were out then we found a place to eat. We got chicken masala which was lovely except that I'm pretty sure that there was a chicken head in the food. It was covered in sauce and I was alerted to the possibility of it being a head when I bit down on what I think was the beak, Needless to say I did not examine it closely to see if my suspicions were confirmed and put that aside. Apart from that the meal was excellent. Then some more wandering where I found a sari ($10 SD) and a few "Indian Slips" (light cotton skirts you wear under the sari) to wear as regular skirts. Then back to the shop to get my suit. There was no one in the shop and Linda (the Indian lady working there) wanted to know what we had gotten. She was impressed with my sari and even showed me how to tie it going so far as to sew the pleats.

After Little India we decided to go to Chinatown. Which was just like China. Only the people were less pushy when you were in their stalls. I saw nothing in particular but Jessica eventually got a few of the Chinese-style dresses. They have a temple there "The Temple of the Tooth Relic". It's Buddhist and we did not get to see the relic, that area had already closed. We never did figure out what exactly the tooth relic was. It was interesting because it was the first time I had been in a non "Christian" place of worship. There had to have been hundreds of thousands of Buddha's there. One room alone had 10,000 of them. Was very sad. We ate dinner in Chinatown at a random little place where the guy was very talkative. He wanted to talk about the presidential election but it was clear he knew nothing about it other than the fact that there was a new president in America and that it was something more to it than America getting a new president. He also knew that "no one" liked the current president. (Note about Singaporeans: They are all very nice and everyone wants to know where you are from. I mean Koreans do to but everyone asked us. I'm sure the fact that there was a common language had something to do with it and if the Koreans spoke more English they would be asking more too.) By that time it was late so we took the bus back to our hostel. I had very very dirty "urchin" feet at the end of the day. They were also sore. I had worn flip-flops (like a moron) so my feet hated me. I remember thinking "I should not wear these." as I was putting them on then thinking "Naaa. I'll be ok" HA! Wrong.

Next day was Malaysia. We took a subway to a bus stop and the bus took us right through the border. We were just planning on wandering about and seeing what we saw but a guy came up to us and said he would show us around. He found us a cab and went with us to a mausoleum, mosque, palace and an area where the houses were up on stilts. I could tell Jessica was a bit nervous about it but for whatever reason I was not worried. The ride ended up costing me about $180 SD (I did not make Jessica pay). I'm almost positive I got ripped off but I don't really care. Otherwise I'd not have been able to see the things I did. Jessica was very nice to put up with me. I could tell she was not exactly impressed with the cab ride. I bought a large scarf and a mumu-dress thing that I can wear with a belt and it won't look so baggy. If I decide to wear it in public. Once we were back in Singapore we decided to go back to Little India and Chinatown. Jess got some more saris and I another punjabi suit (this one black and white. more casual than the first). This time Linda showed Jess how to tie her sari. Then in Chinatown I got a Singapore-batik mumu thing similar to what I got in Malaysia. Jessica got a few other things but I can't recall what other than a white embroidered dress. Again back to the hostel where my feet were again hating me. I wore crocks that day but as they had holes my feet still got dirty. And they were still very sore.

For our last day we had made facial appointments at a spa thing. There had been a promotion in the subway and for $20 SD you could choose one of three services. Jessica and I chose the most expensive one (worth $250 SD) and dragging our stuff with we found our way to the spa. We still had some time once we got there so we did more shopping and when it was time we headed back. The facial was lovely. We both fell asleep (it took about an hour). Then we dragged our stuff to the river area and found the merlions. Everywhere you go in Singapore there are merlions...merloins merlions merlions. And once you see the actual merlions: there are two. One ginormous one and one "baby" one (like 6 feet?). I mean, they are cool. Don't get me wrong. But I was expecting something a tad more. Oh well. As we were walking we got some cool pics. Then more walking and picture taking and finally we decided to head to the airport. We had about two hours at the airport and we putzed about and finally left Singapore about 11:30 and landed in Seoul at 7 am on Sunday. It was 9:30 when we got home and I promptly went to bed and slept till 12:30. When I got up I did nothing but sit at the compy until 6 when I went back to bed till 6:30 on Monday morning.

All in all it was a fun trip. The weather was hot and sticky (it was the tropics after all) and the hostel very bare-bones. But when all you need is a bed and shower who cares? It had airconn too!! A perk!

I took over 350 pics. And someday I might get them on here...

So. Much. Fun!

2008-11-29T21:29:00.002+09:00

So I'm currently at the Singapore Airport waiting for my 11:26 pm flight that will land me in Seoul at 7 am on Sunday. Jessica and I had tonnes of fun and I bought many "ethnic-y" clothes (1 sari, 2 punjabi suits, 1 Singapore Batik mumu and 1 Maylasian mumu). And by the way, I am now up to 12 countries visited.

Thats really all I wanted to say. My time on this compy is almost up anyway. I'll post more maybe on Sunday. Maybe not. But sometime this week for sure.

100 Things; A Stream of Consciousness

2008-11-21T20:33:00.004+09:00

I've seen things like this whilst lurking on other blogs. As I like talking about myself I thought I'd do it. You might learn something. Then again, you might not.

1. My favourite number is three.
2. Things in my life have a tendency to come in threes; three countries lived in, three children in the fam (me included), three aunts, three orange cats in life
3. Once I had to think of things in my life that came in threes I forgot most of them.
4. I will be in bed when I remember more.
5. When I'm in bed I tell myself stories.
6. These stories are not said aloud.
7. My favourite day of the week is Thursday.
8. Thursday means Friday and Friday means the weekend
9. Thursday also means CSI:NY
10. I remember seeing previews for the first season of CSI:NY and thinking "Oooo, I like him as an actor. He's really good." about Gary Sinise.
11. At that point the only GS movies I had seen were Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump
12. I am now slightly obsessed with GS. I don't care that he's around my dad's age.
13. I am TOTALLY obsessed with CSI:NY
14. I named my cat Mac after GS' character on CSI:NY
15. I have never been to New York
16. I have been to Beijing
17. I am going to Singapore
18. I want to go to Iceland
19. I want a tattoo
20. It's a matter of time before I have one
21. It will be in Korean and say "grace"
22. I'm not sure where it will be
23. My father most likely had a small fit when he read all that.
24. My parents stopped buying me books when I was 15. They said I read them too fast.
25. As a child my punishments were to have my books taken away
26. I prefer fantasy to reality. In just about everything you could mention.
27. I am actually pretty grounded
28. I can name at least three people who will read #27 and laugh at me
29. I can name at least three people who will read #27 and know it's true
30. I am willing to marry for convenience
31. But I will not marry just anyone
32. Obviously given the choice I would rather marry for love
33. I used to want 5 kids
34. I no longer want kids
35. Teaching has cured me of that
36. But I still love my students
37. I teach Science and French
38. I would rather teach Lit. and Social Studies
39. There is a reason I'm not the math teacher
40. I would consider teaching music
41. My music tastes are eclectic
42. My iTunes has everything from U2 to Rachmaninoff to Regina Spektor to Sound Forth to Shania Twain.
43. There are very few things I will not try
44. There is one thing I said I would not try but did at the behest of my students
45. I rode a ride at a theme park with them
46. I am terrified of most theme park rides
47. I am also not into heights. But can mange.
48. I can't think of a good segue into the next section
49. I want a green Mini Cooper
50. Green is my favourite colour
51. I wear black almost every day
52. I have to consciously choose outfits that do not have black as a main colour
53. I love orange
54. My favourite season is Fall
55. Fall makes me slightly insane(er)
56. I love winter too
57. The cold makes me sleepy
58. I hate hate hate the heat.
59. Det. Stabler on Law and Order:SVU is hott
60. Law and Order is almost as good as CSI:NY
61. House is better
62. House is not quite as good as CSI:NY
63. House is hott
64. I am allowed to appriceate the beauty of God's creation
65. I like teaching Science because I get to teach about Gods creation
66. My favourite thing to teach is Genetics. God made things so similar yet so different; it's facinating to see how the little things make such a ginormous difference
67. I like to draw Punnett squares when I'm bored
68. I hate teaching cytology
69. I rememer learning about cytology in HS and my science teacher doing a toe-touch-split-jump-thing when she said "my-toes-is" (mitosis)
70. I do no such thing when I teach
71. I have been able to use the little Korean I do know when teaching.
72. The kids love this
73. Apparently, the kids love me.
74. I am really and truly and honestly not sure why.
75. I am not sure what I am doing next year
76. I am thankful God is sure what I am doing next year

77. If I go back to the US I will most likely end up in the Chicago area
78. If I stay here it will be to see my kids graduate
79. My kids are Max, Steve, Jesse, and Cindy
80. They were in my homeroom last year
81. They are in my homeroom this year
82. They are also in various other classes I teach
83. I would love to take classes on photography
84. I most often photograph food
85. I love food
86. Its too difficult to choose a favourite food
87. I preffer savoury to sweet
88. I preffer hanging out with guys to hanging out with girls
89. There are about six people in my life I would label as "friends"
90. The Koreans call this type of friendship 친구 (chin-gku)
91. See John 15:13 for a good description of 친구
92. My favourite verse is Psalm 13:6
93. I can never remember the reference to my favourite verse
94. But I can remember what it says and that's what counts
95. I frequently find myself counting my steps as I walk
96. I like to take walks
97. I don't take walks as often as I ought
98. When I walk anywhere my ipod is with me
99. My ipod is a 512mb 1st gen shuffle.
100. I don't care but would not mind something a bit larger.

So there you have it. For those of you who stayed with me for the whole time I hope you were at least amused.

OH YEH!!

2008-11-18T22:44:00.003+09:00

Totally forgot this:

About four or five years ago my grandmother bought me a pea-coat for Christmas. Yesterday I put it on and....IT'S TOO BIG!! By quite a bit too! This made me sooo happy! I weigh less than 170 pounds and I can't recall the last time I weighed less than 170. Once I hit 160 I'll be happy to stop but I'd be thrilled to be around 150 though bone-structurally I might not be able to swing it. If I were actually working out I might lose weight faster....I'm just eating really well. Every day I eat breakfast (yogurt) and fruit at lunch. Lunch usually is something good, like home-made soup with lotsa veggies. Dinner is often a light something or other I throw together. Maybe by the time my birthday rolls around I won't have as many rolls. (=

The Tooking of Tookies

2008-11-18T19:58:00.005+09:00

For some time now several of the girls have been bugging me about a cooking club. I finally got around to getting it up and running, and today was the first day. We'll meet every Tuesday for the next six weeks and every week will make cookies for the Christmas Program and something meal-ish. Today we made sugar cookies, fried chicken (grumzies recipie!) and mashed potatoes. I have 9 girls. All but one of them are in grade 9. There is one seventh grader. I was not sure how things were going to go what with having so many girls but with making so much stuff there was work for all. I'm not really teaching them how to cook; I can tell several girls know their way around the kitchen. It's more like showing them some "American" food they can make at home. It was insanity for two hours but I can't wait for next week! Next week I'm planning on making Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup and no-bake cookies.

And a few other "non-slide" pics.A total photo-op. And the only time he did not instantly get chastised for using the compy as a butt warmer.

The worlds greatest coffee cup. If only it were real.

Something to Ponder

2008-11-18T11:18:00.003+09:00

Some friends of mine have been involved in a petition requesting that the University I attended apologize for certain past actions. I was not convinced that the letter was something I needed to sign. Until Rebecca posted this on her blog. And it struck a chord with me. So I'm signing. I can see both sides of the issue, but the side asking for an apology is now clearer to me. I too was wrong. I, like Rebecca personally know people that their polices affected and know that they were hurt by those polices. And though I was there after theban was lifted there was still a slight current of the issue. I have no excuse.

300!

2008-11-16T17:29:00.005+09:00

So this is my 300th post. Guess I need to put something more than what I was intending to put on here. Cuz pretty sure I did not need to know I could get a green CSI:NY ipod nano. Does it really need to be over $200?? Talk about paying for a label. But I would spend it. If money were not an issue...oh well. When I grow up maybe.

I can't wait to go to Singapore! We have our tickets and hostel booked. Jess and I are totally excited because we don't really know what to expect, we don't even really know what we are going to do there, other than hit Maylasia for a day.

I lurf meh kitteh. He's going to be ginormous! He's about 7 mos now and is as big as Lightning (cat I had for like...10 years or so.) was. He likes to wake me in the mornings by licking my nose. Apparently it means I'm part of his pack or whatever. Thats nice and all but I'd rather he inform me of that when I am more awake. He has also taken to sitting on my chest when I'm at the computer. I usually sit in a large green papisan chair (it's more like reclining really) and he likes to come sit right under my chin. When this happens he hampers my ability to type/see. I'm sure he is aware of this. For a while he was not wanting to sit on me at all but once it started getting cold he uses me as a heat source.

It is getting cold but not yet cold enough to wear a jacket. Or at least, not yet cold enough for me to wear a jacket. I'm still fine in long sleeves. It is dark here by 6 though. Which is strange. Korea does not do time changes.

Nothin' too much going on school-wise. Every one's looking forward to Thanksgiving (see above)...Church is still good; I'm still tutouring...mmmm...thats about it.

Happy 300th post to me...

Laughing towards you not at you

2008-11-13T09:56:00.002+09:00

Obviously, working in an ESL setting will generate some things to laugh at. When those times happen I am usually able to hold in my laughter. I don't want the kid to feel badly for something they did not say/do intentionally. Usually I will save the story for later so I can laugh then. Yesterday though I could not help it. Jesse is one of my best students. He works carefully and quite hard so it is rare indeed for him to get anything wrong, ever. Well, French had an oral test yesterday where I asked them questions (in French) which they had to answer (in French). I told them if they got confused to just say anything so they would get at least one point. One of the questions I asked Jesse was "Where is the dog?" The correct answer was to indicate that there was no dog. Jesse's response was "Max is in the classroom.", essentially calling his best friend a dog. I could not hold my laughter. In fact I laughed for about a minute before I could ask him his last question. I felt badly because I know he was confused and at least making an attempt. I did give him a bonus point though; my policy is that if on a test or something, if a student makes me really and truly laugh (intentional or not) they get a bonus point.

Charming

2008-11-07T18:08:00.002+09:00

When I the first seconds of this I thought "This is Korean" and moments later I was proved to be right when I first saw the name of the animator and then saw script under the title.

Pics and stuff

2008-11-06T21:45:00.004+09:00

Pretty sure "stuff" is about the greatest word ever. It covers so many things. Pictures (finally) from Spirit Week and another Mac video. This time of him playing fetch. 'Scuse the mess. I don't clean except on Saturdays. Too tired when I get home. And just plain lazy. The papers are actually grades and were not there for too long.

Speaking of greatest ever; this latest episode of CSI:NY rocked. As in greatest to date IMO. Yes, as 'fore mentioned (several times) I am a CSI loser.

I had a good talk with the grade eight today. It would seem that Korean culture is even more accepting of swearing than American culture (as even Christians sound like sailor by some accounts). So we talked about why exactly it might not be a good thing to swear. It lead into other things and ended with why saying certain expressions is against the Bible. I have noticed that Koreans (even Christian ones) don't associate "God" with their word for God (Hana-nim) and will often say things they don't realize they are saying. When what they are saying is pointed out they usually get upset and try not to say it again. The kids were responsive and I could tell some were really listening. So pray for them (and especially Chris and Samuel as they admit to having especially bad mouths when speaking Korean).

We got a new teacher today. Jason has been attending our church since this summer whilst teaching at an English Hagkwan. He was not-exactly-fired and Mrs. J willingly took him as soon as she heard. He was already planning on teaching with us next year. He's doing computer stuff, some Math and a few other things. I don't know him too well but he seems ok.

Jessica and I are going to Singapore for Thanksgiving! We have our tickets and cannot wait! We are going to go to Malaysia for a day while we are there. It's gonna be fun!

Because of Not In Spite of

2008-11-05T20:18:00.004+09:00

Ok. So Obama won. A show of hands as to whose surprised here?? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Snarkcasm aside, you know what's really annoying? All the nice little Christian platitudes and comforting sayings I see all over Facebook. "God is still on the throne"/"God is still in control"/"God sets up kings and tears them down"/"The heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord" and all sorts of stuff. Now don't get me wrong. It's all true and I'll be the first one to tell you that I believe it. But what is really behind what is being said?

I especially want to address the first one "God is still on the throne". Yes, He is and He always will be. But finish (or start) your sentence: my guess is that it goes something along the lines of "Yes Obama is President but in spite of that God is still on the throne." Um. No.

Try this: It is because God is...on the throne that Obama is President. I also don't like the use of "still" because it implies that God might get off the throne and we are not sure if He'll be there when we look. Oh, just checked. He's still there. *whew* For a second I was worried that He might have left.

God is bigger than Obama and bigger than America. As a friend said "Those who tremble with the rise and fall of mere men worship far too small a God." And I completely agree. If you are worried about the next four years check with God. There is nothing at all to worry about. And if there is God is on control and He is not going anywhere.

I'm not as eloquent as some but I felt this needed to be said.

Want!

2008-11-04T09:20:00.002+09:00

So I used to (and really, still do) want a lime green Mini Cooper with white racing stripes. But if this thing is in production by the time I get a car I'm totally getting it instead. Immagine the money to be saved!

On Guys

2008-11-02T14:45:00.002+09:00

One of the frustrating things about where I work is the dearth of guys. I don't mean guys who could be "prospects" but guys who are good friends. There is one male teacher (other than Dr. J but as he's admin I don't really count him) at school and he's married so one can't really hang out with him ya know? Having two brothers and no sisters, I'm used to having guys around. Plus, I had some awesome guy friends in University. I really miss that interaction with guys on a regular basis. There are a few guys at church but I only see them on Sundays (and some Wednesdays), plus I don't know them well enough to say "hey, lets go get coffee or something." Knowing I'd get teased to no end buy the other teachers is also a drawback. Every time I talk to one of the guys at church for more than a min. I get teased. I don't mind it so much, but at the same time, can I not just be friends with a guy with out having to worry about being teased about him (or worse yet, that he's being teased about me and will therefore maybe start avoiding me)? Don't get me wrong; I love the teachers I work with, there's just too much estrogen around. I'm really not looking for a boyfriend. Just a guy I can hang out with and have the kind of conversation you have with guys. I miss stupid guy humour and behaviour. I like how they are just themselves and are not as...girly. You know how we girls are; underneath all friendships is that...thing...where things can get ugly very quickly with girls. With guys its not like that (at least not in my experience).

I also miss guy hugs. There are some guys at 4th (where my parents go to Church) who'll give me hugs when I'm there. I miss those. There's something about a hug from a guy that is very comforting. Even when it's just a "Hi" hug.

So, to those wonderful men with whom I hung out in University (and my dear brothers) and those of you at 4th whom I love and adore: I miss you tonnes and I really appriceate you!

Just stuff

2008-11-01T19:14:00.004+09:00

I know I've never mentioned this before...ever...but I love my kids. I am glad that God ignored my "I will never teach but if I ever did it will never ever ever be at a Christian School." Thursday I was talking with Max during Homeroom and somehow we started talking about next year. I have no idea what I'm planning on doing next year. I'm leaning towards staying but I have to wait till Feb when the new contracts come out. Anyway, I told Max that I really was not sure about next year and he told me that he wanted me to stay and be there for his last year and for graduation. Friday he came in and asked me if I had made my decision. I told him no and that I would not be making a decision till Feb and that I and several others were praying about it. He said he was going to pray that I will stay. It's nice knowing that some kids like me and want me there.

I've had some opportunities to talk to the seniors about where they are going to college. Most of the girls are planning on applying to Bob Jones. I mean, BJ is good and all (hey, I went there) but in all reality, I don't care where they go. I just want them to go where God wants them to go. Some of the kids (the guys mostly) are mostly concerned with the name and prestige of the college they will go to. I've even had two guys tell me "Bob Jones lets anyone in. I've worked too hard to go to Bob Jones." So pray especally for the guys and that they will be open to "nonprestigeous" schools (BJ or not). It's funny, God must have wanted the seniors to really hear some things this week, because Pastor Threlfall talked about going where God wanted you to go for college and he also talked about choosing your friends wisely. Both things that I know some of the kids heard from other teachers last week.

Spirit week was "last-last" week and it went over really well. Linda's been here for 5 years and she said it was the best one yet. In my three years it was. One of the difficult things about the school is that there is nothing to really get unified about, so I had the idea to put the kids into houses. My elementary school in Canada did it and many other schools do it. The kids gain and lose points all year and at the end of the year the winning team will go to an amusement park. If you've read Harry Potter you know the gist of the idea. So Linda and I came up with the 4 mascots (Tigers, Scorpions, Eagles and Sharks) and points started accumulating with Spirit Week. I and my grade 11 kids are on the Scorpions with grades 5 and 6. Last year I could have shot my kids, they dressed out like once or twice. This year they dressed out just about every day!! Monday was National Pride Day (I wore Canada stuff!); Tuesday was Olympic Day and I planned a bunch of indoor games that we played as teams; Wednesday was Superohero Day (I was a villian); Thursday was Fashion Disaster Day (easy to do in Korea); and Friday was Christmas Day. I have pics that I'll put up eventually...The Tigers (grades 12, 7, 2 and 3) won Spirit Week and got pizza on Friday. We were in second place. The Tigers won because on Thursday they cleaned up in the game (a scavenger hunt), won the cheer, and had a best dressed. For the rest of the year kids'll gain points with good behaviour, and good grades. They'll lose points with bad behaviour and bad grades. They lose 15 points for detentions and I hear when kids get detention: "Awww!! Minus 15 points!!".

The teacher situation is better this year than last year. It's nice having Linda on the floor. There are still issues but not as many. Actually, speaking of next year, Mrs. J already knows of several people who want to come teach. We are actually getting 2 more (maybe three but I doubt that she'll come) in January, which is nice because we are losing Sunah who is going to have a baby in January. There is a guy in our church teaching at an English Hagwan but he wants to come teach here next year plus several at BJ who are planning on applying. We are also out gowing our building (we have about 120 students and really can't hold any more). Mrs. Johnson is talking about buying the bulding next to us and having the High School in one and the Elementary in the other. I have no idea if thats going to happen or not but it would be nice if that did happen.

There wer some other things but I can't remember what they were...thats ok, this post is getting long enough anyway.

Why we like locks

2008-10-24T08:42:00.003+09:00

At 5am I was woken by what I thought was my cat playing with my keys. This idea quickly adjusted itself when I realized someone was trying to get into my apartment. I knew right away what was going on. The guy was drunk and at the wrong apartment. He was not shouting or carrying on but neither was he trying to be stealthy as in the manner of persons-who-are-up-to-no-good. Everything was locked so I was not worried, he was just keeping me up. So I turned on my computer and talked to a friend till he left/fell asleep (I suspect the latter), about an hour later. I woke up again at 7:40 and when I left for school he was gone. If he had been sleeping there I'd have taken his picture.

"Franch" Projects

2008-10-14T17:46:00.006+09:00

In French class (or as the kids spell it "Franch") we just learned how to give directions and about prepositions. In lieu of a test they made videos giving directions. As long as they had the required elements they were free to do just about anything. This two are my favourite. In the first: Max is in the blue shirt, Jerry is beside him and Jesse is across the table.

In the second: Paul is in the white shirt with the tie, Philip is the one who jumps around ("stunt man") and John S is the one who sleeps on the bench (which, I'm pretty sure, is my favourite part).

If you read this via. Facebook you'll have to go to the actual blog to see the videos. Just click on "view original post".

Every weekend is a busy weekend

2008-10-11T11:36:00.002+09:00

And if you're familiar with my weekend Facebook stati (is that a word??? oh well, it is now) you might have noticed that most weekends I indicate my need to clean or some such activity. This weekend is no exception: Canadian Thanksgiving is Monday and I'm having people over on Sunday. I need to make chili, fudge, pies, cornbread muffins and something else that I have forgotten, I need to clean and decorate. I also need to get off the computer. But before I do, this is a wonderful article I got from Dave Mathues (a college friend).

All better!

2008-10-08T21:54:00.002+09:00

So I'm pretty sure Mac is well. No more runny nose or anything like that. Yay!! I won't have the official diagnosis till later this week when I have the time to take him to the vet but it would seem that I won't need to go back for a while. Thanks for praying.

So you remember Cat Man Do? Well, something like that happened this morning at my place. I was tired of forcing medicine down Mac's throat so I decided to mix the last of it with tuna hoping he'd eat that. Well he was on to me and shunned it. So I took away his dry food and left out the tuna (less than 1/4th of a can). 30 hours later it was still in the bowl (sans about 2 bites) and he was cranky. So this morning he was being annoying and trying to wake me up so I would feed him. After I had ignored him /pushed him away for about 10 min he sat on my face. When I'd move he'd adjust as well so as to remain in place. I finally gave in, got up and gave him his dry food. He's also taken to sleeping on my foot when I'm sitting at the computer. What is so appealing about my foot I have no idea.

Nothing too exciting going on

2008-10-06T20:57:00.003+09:00

I mean, last week we lost a total of 4 students but that's about it. They all withdrew to prepare for Korean college. At least that's what Esther did. The Jun brothers are kind of lazy and I know have been looking for a reason to leave for a while. Priscilla did not like our rules, that much has been clear for a while. Don't get me wrong, I liked all the kids who left but at the same time...

Oops. I so totally lied. There is too something exciting going on:

I'm going to be an AUNT!!

My sister-in-law is expecting and due in May. Which means May is a big month for them; Benjamin turns 25 on the 4th, he also graduates with an M.Div. on the 9th or something like that, and obviously a baby. EEEEEEEEEE!!

A Small Request Maybe?

2008-09-29T22:01:00.003+09:00

Or maybe dumb, but then nothing is too insignificant for God right? Mac is still sick. Not terribly-I'm-in-fear-for-his-life sick but still, enough that I have to keep taking him to the vet. The vet is pretty good, he has good English and I do see an improvement in the cat. But Mac's still sick. Sneezing and coughing and all. I take him to the vet every 3 days or so and am given three days of antibiotics. In powder form. That I have to give him 2x a day. It is not fun. He's figured out when I put it in his food, so I have to mix it with water and pour it down his throat. And 15,000 won for a vet visit is not much until you have to pay it every three days for 2 weeks. Would you please pray that this Wednesday when I take him the vet will say he is better and that I don't have to bring him back until I get him fixed? Taking Mac out, paying the money, giving the medicine. It's all getting kind of discouraging and it would be a blessing if the Lord allowed him to get well by Wednesday.

Sadness!

2008-09-26T22:44:00.002+09:00

One of my 11th graders is gone!! Esther came here last year with her twin John. John eventually left, with strong encouragement from the school (he was failing all his classes and would skip school when ever he felt like it). Esther was more than welcome to stay, she had a sweet attitude and was a hard worker. Today in first hour she brought me a sheet to sign saying she was leaving!!! She wants to go to Korean college, in which case there is no reason for her to be with us, actually, we are hindering her getting into a Korean University as we are not offering classes that universities here require (Korean Lit. anyone?). So today was her last day. I almost cried. Everyone, is really going to miss her but she said she would come for programs and stuff.

Yay Fall!

2008-09-24T22:02:00.005+09:00

The top three reasons to love fall:
1)

2)3)

Care to guess which I look forward to the most?

Long time no post

2008-09-20T12:17:00.006+09:00

I'm sorry I've been a posting slacker. But maybe this post will make up for it? There are lots of pictures at the end!!

School has been going quite well. The most interesting thing has been Pirate Day (which was Friday). High School does not do too much but we had the kids playing a game during times between classes. They had to steal gold coins from each other. Each of the three was worth fifty points at the end of the day. We also gave points for dressing up and best-dressed boy and girl. The winning homeroom gets Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Monday. Linda's homeroom (grades 10 and 12) won, having 150 points. My homeroom was on my naughty list. We had zero points. There was also supposed to be some "kidnapping" of students during two hours but it only happened once. Over all it was a fun day. If nothing else, I got to wear pants to school. (=

Classes are going well. We've gotten a few more students. We're running out of lockers. Which is a good thing I guess. I think the number of students lurks around 120. Chemistry is plugging along. The second test had more of a point spread (only one student got more than 100% this time). Many students though have more than 100% in the class; I've given many opportunities for bonus. The kids are doing a pretty good job of paying attention but the sound from the projector we use is terrible, even with the addition of speakers.

Next week I start tutoring two students. It's four days a week for any general tutoring they might need. I'm planning on using that money for traveling. The teachers are wanting to go several places this year. Tentative plans include Singapore, Malaysia, North Korea, Australia, China and maybe India. Not sure how many of those I'm going to do but it will be as many as possible.

Last weekend was Chuseok. We had Monday and Tuesday off. Chuseok (if you cannot recall) is roughly equivalent to Thanksgiving but with more of a pagan connection (ancestor worship and the like). Because it's a heavily traveled time we teachers don't do too much. The biggest event was Linda, Jess myself and two others going to a Brazilian churriascaria restaurant. Second time I've been to one. Luuurrve those places. Pics are at the end of the post.

Friday night I went to Jessica and Linda's place for brownies and a movie. After, Linda wanted to know if anyone wanted to go to Dongdaemun. Dongdaemun is known for it's 24 hour shopping. It gets its name from a gate that is close to the area. Not to be confused with Namdaemun which burned down this past February. We got to Dongdaemun around 11 p.m., met up with a girl from church, and left around 2 a.m. There is nothing special there regarding merchandise but it's still fun just to wander around knowing it's so late. I got a pedi-egg. Again, pics at the end of the post.

Mac is still sick. He's had the sniffles and some other troubles for a while so I finally took him to the vet. He has a bit of a fever. I was thankful, the total cost ought to have been 25,000 won but the vet did one of the exams for free so it was only 15,000 won. Today I had to take him back and he gave me another discount, so it was only 12,000 won this time.

Pics from recently are below.

Shopping at Insadong

Dinner at TGIF

Brazilian Food

Late night shopping

I'm famous!! Uhhhh, sort of.

2008-09-14T15:38:00.002+09:00

As you might know I'm a great fan of Mental-Floss. I occasionally contribute things but nothing has made it onto the website. Until today! It's about half-way down. I sent in the link to the Word-cloud site.

Some Awesomeness

2008-09-11T17:19:00.004+09:00

So when my debts are paid off I wanna go on a cruise. I'm thinking one of these sound cool, more specifically the Shakespeare one one one of the music ones.

Another fun art-y web site. I ran my toast post through it and got this (untweaked).

Sorry it's small but hopefully you get the idea. To see it bigger go here.

Mmmmm, toast

2008-09-09T19:27:00.004+09:00

I'm a bit of a toast freak. When in the US, I often have toast (usually with peanut butter) before bed. It was looking like I was going to be toast-less this year as small appliances are quite costly (I saw one toaster here for 57,000 [about $50] and it was nothing special). I finally found one for 18,000 won (about $15). And it is your most basic level of toaster. But whatever, I'll get my money out of it.

Koreans have a different version of toast which I like just as much as American toast. Korean toast is basically an egg sandwich, though sometimes they add other things to it. My favourite version is "Ham/cheese toast" where they add a slice of cheese and ham. It also does not have the brown sugar on it but instead they have this kiwi-sauce-goo that is quite good. And no mayo. Glancing at the initial recipe it seems to be strange if not gross but I assure you, it's quite good. My first year here I posted about a place called "People Baking Toast" that was down the street from me. They had the best toast but alas, they closed last year.

More Mac

2008-09-08T22:52:00.004+09:00

Mac talks with his mouth full of food. It's pretty funny as you can see here. He has a bit of a cold but is getting better. He loves faces. If there was a way to attach his face to a persons' he'd do it. He also likes to "knead" on you. He does not try to nurse, he just squnches (my word). I was tired of the needle claws in the middle of the night so at 1 AM on Friday night I got out of bed and trimmed them. Much better. He also does the typical cat "clean laundry equals bed" thing. We were in my living room/office area tonight and he was looking out the window. He scared the living daylights out of a girl who was walking by. He was not doing anything either. Just sitting there.

He looks really little in the papisan.

I got a handphone today. Boo. Now I'm leashed. But I have been having fun learning how to use it. If you want my number email/pm me and I'll get it to you. I'll have it on facebook soon as well. You can call me and it won't cost me any money. You just have to see about your long-distance rates to Korea.

In which I prove once and for all that I am slightly obsessed with a certain television show.

2008-09-04T21:53:00.005+09:00

This is Mac. He is hiding under the bed so this is the best shot I could get.
He has also been sneezing. In part because of a cold and in part because of all the dust.
And the answer to your question is yes.

This, That 'n' The Other

2008-09-02T21:01:00.005+09:00

New grade 7 kid yesterday. Poor kid, his brother and sister were here last year and are very popular so right now everyone knows him as "Max and Angelina's brother". He's the "missing link": Max and Angelina don't really look alike but Ronnie looks like both of them. When you tell any of them that they groan. He was really quiet today but I'm not too worried. His siblings were at the start. Now they are...not.

First Chemistry test yesterday. Most everyone did really well. Which was partly my fault as when I was writing about the bonus on the board I was thinking "1/5" (which would have given them 2 bonus points) but put ".5" (which gave them 5). They had to write some questions down as they were watching the videos and were supposed to get 1/5th of a point for every one they had (there were 10) since I made the mistake I gave them the benefit of the points. Not next time though. The kids have been doing well so far with the videos. I have various bribes and threats in place that are working so far. Oh yeh, I don't think I told you that grade 10 was added to the class (all 3 of them). So there are 16 kids taking Chemistry this year.

Chemistry Kids: (Grade 12) Ashley, Rocky, Henry, Jerry, and Riley; (Grade 11) Max, Jesse, Steve, Joshua, Rebekah, Stacy, Esther, and Cindy; (Grade 10) Priscilla, Hailey, and Joseph

French is still fun. I have kids saying "bonjour" to me in the halls now. Their first test is today. Really just saying "Hi/Whats your name/How are you?" and a few other things.

French Kids: (2nd hour) John C, John S, Stacy, Angelina, Paul, Sophia, Heidi, Jennifer, Sally, Joanne, Joel, Qurie and Jane; (7th hour) Max, Jesse, Jerry, Philip, Esther, Joshua, Joseph, Priscilla, Hailey, Isaac, Rebekah, and Cindy

Some of the kids in Earth Science I've known (and taught) for three years. We've gotten a few new ones but they quickly adjust to the insanity that is grade 8. The class is full of personality. Maybe too full. I mean, I know Jr. High is an insane time anyway but these kids are insane no matter the age. I'm sure I will have many stories about them over the next few months. I'll go ahead and start now. Yesterday I moved some kids around and Lianne was assigned to sit with Samuel. She was unimpressed and made that fact known. Finally she said "Fine! I'll just pretend that no one is there." Samuel was unfazed and promptly sprawled on her desk. When she started fussing at him and hitting him he just said "What is wrong? No one is there." I told her she asked for it. Today they had their first test in class. They had to give examples of fallacies and these two are my favourite:

Emma, talking about hasty generalizations: "Miss Straub did not come to school today. She is never coming back. (I was there if you are wondering).

Nicole, talking about the same: "School's just started and we had a science test today. We're gonna have a science test every day." And I can hear her saying that too. Nicole's a bit of a whiner and likes to use faulty logic like that. She also has comments on her test sometimes. The one accompaning her definition of Theistic Evolution was great; "Theistic Evolution says that God created the world using evolutionary theories. Which is so wierd..."

Kids in Earth Science: Michael, Mike (thats fun lemme tell ya) Chris, Nicole, Lianne, Emma, Jennifer, Paul, Daniel, Grace and Samuel.

The Life Science kids are still getting used to being in the High School and are quite overwhelmed. But they are adjusting slowly. John drops something at least once per class and Elijah does his happy hand motion many times a day as well. The happy hand motion is when you make a fist in front of your nose and flick your index finger up at least twice. It makes no sense to me either.

Life Science kids: Elijah, John, Ronnie, Joimee, Susie, Angela, Jenny, Bessie, and Gina.

Voting and Fountains

2008-08-31T14:55:00.002+09:00

I've been asked several times who I'm going to be voting for (or at least rooting for) in the up coming election. The answer is no one because I. Really. Don't. Care. I like what Obama says he has to offer but something about him gives me the creeps and as a general rule I'm not impressed with McCain. I was equal parts impressed and unimpressed with his announcement this week. To me it seems like he just wants his slice of the "History-in-the-Making" pie. Yet the little I read about Palin seems promising. Can we write in this candidate?

Another cool video. I had to go to Fukoka (where this one is) two years ago to get my visa, and I did not see the fountain. Bummer.

School 'n' Other Stuff

2008-08-26T20:00:00.003+09:00

So my apartment is making great progress. It's down to the little stuff that takes forever to put away. But I'm bribing myself and getting a cat when it's clean. Which I'm hoping will be this weekend. I almost got one today but decided to wait till we had the weekend to bond. I'm excited! I miss having a kitty. I was washing my dishes before dinner (quesadillas; yum) and realized that (so far) living alone is not that bad. I was not really looking forward to it. I mean, I was. But I wasn't. But I find I like having the place to myself and being able to get into the shower as soon as I wake up and all that stuff.

Today was the second day of classes and I'm going to love teaching my French classes. I teach it twice, once during 2nd hour and again during 7th. Monday was policies day in all my classes, so real teaching began today and I had them able to greet and say good-bye by the end of the hour. I even heard some of them continuing in the halls. I'm trying to make it fun. There are over 20 French students all told; 12ish in 2nd hour and 15ish in 7th. Chemistry is the largest class which has 17 (my room is packed!!) then I teach Earth Science (10 kids) and Life Science (9 kids). I teach something like 55 of the 57 JH/HS students in all 5 of my classes combined. Some students I see 2x which actually puts my total to about 67 students. But I am happy about that because then I get to see just about everyone with out really trying! And I still love them all. I can tell the new ones will fit in well. My homeroom are my kids from last year and every one was excited to see that I was their homeroom teacher again. Max and Jesse both said something to that effect. It's nice to be loved.

I had a kid in detention for speaking Korean on the very first day of school. He was speaking outside the washroom as I was coming up the stairs. I gave him a warning and continued on to my room whereupon he followed about 3 minutes later speaking Korean again. This is someone who has been in our school for about 3 years and knows better. Needless to say, I did not hear him speaking Korean today. You might think that's harsh (me giving detention on the first day) but last year teachers were unwilling to come down hard at the beginning and the Korean speaking got out of hand. I decided I don't care what the other teachers think/do. I'm going to take care of issues that happen in my room at my descretion. Hopefully at least for me they'll know I mean what I say when I say" No Korean!!"

One of the frustrations of late at school is that there is no printer readily available. I went to Mrs. J to see about moving one that was usually available but under plastic whilst the area it lives is being renovated. She said no but that she had an extra printer she could loan me for the time I'm here! So I've got a printer. It's old but it works. Now I don't have to save tests on my USB any more to be printed (then photocopied) at school. Now I have to remember to take any printed materials to school the next day.

Back Home

2008-08-21T18:19:00.002+09:00

So I'm back in Korea which I have discovered is Home (at least for now). I had a rough trip getting here but here I am. We sat on the tarmac for two hours because of rain in Japan which put us into Korea at midnight and in Bongcheon at 2. Thankfully Merilee and Linda waited for me. I got to my apartment and wanted to cry. It was (and still is) a mess. Things were moved and just put into the place. Furniture was kinda in the right rooms but not really. There were also several pieces that were (and still are) there that belonged in other apartments. It is also filthy in an unsanitary way. There is no way that bathroom has ever been properly cleaned, it's moldy in several places. The doors have gunk all over them and there are several other cleanliness issues. I've been moving stuff around and gradually getting moved in but it is going to take a while. Thankfully Merilee came for about 2 hours on Sunday and will try to come again this weekend. There are other things that will need to be taken care of but those can wait until the year has gotten started.

It is soooooo nice to have the Threlfalls back! He preached Sunday and I took about three pages of notes. He is such an excellent preacher, you can tell he puts extensive time and thought into his sermons. And its all exegetical, no having a thought and running all over scripture to prove it. To utilize and overused picture: It was like having an ice cold glass of after a long dry trip. It really was.

We've been in inservice for this week. Meetings, getting classes ready and the like. I am going to have Chemistry, French (2 class hours of that), Life Science and Earth Science. My homeroom will be my grade 10 kids from last year with 4 new additions. Life Science are my 5th graders (now in grade 7) from my first year with a few additions and subtractions and my Earth Science kids will be mine for a 3rd year (with a few other additions as well). I have no idea who is going to be in my French classes. I'm looking forward to this year but things are a bit overwhelming. French is going to be the most difficult; we already have issues with English.

Tonight I have several things I need to do, all of them typing and stuff. My fingers are going to be nubs by 10 I'm sure. It's already 6:30. I need to go get food then back to work time!

I'm leavin'...

2008-08-15T14:19:00.002+09:00

Tomorrow. Er...today rather. It is after all 12:20 am. I'm tired but still have several things to do. I also am at that point where I'm kind of dreading going back. There is no reason to but I am. I still have to do several things here: put away the sewing stuff, clean the room where I was packing and pack up my own room. I hate this limbo state that I live in. Just once I'd like to unpack my things and leave them for at least 2 years. More would be ideal. For the last 8 years I've had to play the pack/unpack game each summer.

Yeh, that "less than $100" upgrade is actually $250. Guess I'm still in economy. Oh well.
And I sure hope my bags aren't too heavy. Which, by the way, my suitcase came Monday.

Ok, back to work.

Found it!!!

2008-08-11T02:21:00.001+09:00

Found my passport. It was on the floor beside some old suitcases looking like it had been in the suitcases...

Some good and some bad

2008-08-10T13:30:00.002+09:00

The former: This is really fun. I'm not the greatest artist but still enjoy it.

The latter: I can't find my passport wallet. I've looked all over the house and van: no dice. Inside are all the documents I need for Korea. And my passport obviously. Please pray I do find it.

One Week!

2008-08-09T14:27:00.004+09:00

I am soooo ready to go back to Korea. Not that I have not enjoyed my time here I just want to get back home. It's crazy inside my head that Seoul is more "home" to me than Minneapolis. But I've only been here for summers and an occasional Christmas so really....I've started to pack and have soooooooooooooooooooooooo much stuff! I hope and pray I can get it all in my suitcases. I also hope and pray my last suitcase (which I ordered in June) gets here soon. It's just a small carry on but still. It's a suitcase. And speaking of carry ons I'm going to try to fly first class this trip (or business first or whatever NWA calls it). If it's less than $100 to upgrade I'm so doing it. I won't know till I actually check in.

I spent so much money this summer!! Most of it was stuff I need (clothing, stuff for school, stuff for my apartment and other such things) but still...oof. And there are still things I want/need but don't have the space for (I have enough coffee to last till roughly Christmas and there were some things I've seen that I could have used for class and/or my apartment). But what I have is more than good. It will be nice to get back to living more cheaply. And to being in an area with PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION! I never got around to using the bus here but still, I know it's not as good as the stuff in Seoul. Man I miss the subway.

Ok, it's 12:45 and I need to go to bed. As soon as this episode of CSI:NY is over. The one I saw earlier today. And that I have on DVD.

Cool

2008-08-08T10:58:00.003+09:00

I like Rube-Goldberg machines. This one in particular is way cool. This is the story behind it.

I'm 25

2008-07-31T03:06:00.004+09:00

There are a games out there that determine your brains age. Whatever that is supposed to mean. Supposedly the lower the number the better your brain works. According to my second try on this I'm 25. My first said I was 35 but then I was just seeing how it worked before I really tried it. I can tell it's something I'll be playing again and again.

I hate it when I don't listen to myself. At least twice when I was packing to come to the US for the summer I thought "I might need this this summer....naahh." HA! One of the things was not that big a deal but the other really frustrates me because I ought to know by now to always have music with me in case I am asked to sing. I have been asked to sing in Church on Sunday night. I have this one Hymnal that I love and usually sing out of. Since I did not bring it I must resort to using the internet. But I found something that will work. Still...

T-3 weeks (I think)

2008-07-26T14:23:00.006+09:00

I got some Crocs today. The ugly kind. And their Mary Jane style which is ok I guess. I wanted the Alice style but they did not have the colour I wanted in my size. Both styles I got in black. I considered getting the ugly ones in a lurid green but decided that they were ugly enough just black. But I know I'll wear them all the time so what can you do eh? I'd wanted some for teaching and "toss on shoes" for some time but was not too interested in spending the money. But my grandmother had sent some money and they were on sale soooo.... I also got some polo shirts for teaching. Most of my clothing I had in college and it's time to get some new things.

I think though my favourite purchase for the summer would be my used copy of CSI:NY season 1. I of course want all seasons but the first is a lovely start. I've also been able to stock up on coffee. Korean coffee is instant and not delicious.

Joshua's having his graduation party tomorrow and some of our family came for it. We have 9 people in the house at this present time. I'm sleeping on the couch in the sunroom. I made Korean food for dinner tonight: bulgogi, kalbi, japche, dakochi, and sesame spinach. I even found kimchi. Several of my family members really liked the kimchi which suprised me. Most Westerners don't like kimchi (I actually do). All the other dishes were quite well received though. Sunday night I am having people from Church over. We're gonna have s'mores.

Dad's in Greenville next week presenting a paper on the emergent church at the Bible Faculty Summit. When he gets back he and mum go to MI for a wedding. After that there is something that I cannot remember then back to Korea! I'm very excited about this coming year.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how to motivate 11th/12th graders to pay attention to a class taught via video? The class is Chemistry. I have some ideas but would love to hear others.

Many wrong things

2008-07-23T12:52:00.002+09:00

Um. The "don't cut down trees" Harrison Ford commercial is wrong.

I was talking to a friend via Facebook IM tonight and Facebook kicked me off and won't let me on. This angered me.

On Reading

2008-07-20T14:01:00.002+09:00

I am a reader. My main sadness, if you will, with teaching is that at the end of the day I'm too brain dead to read. Occasionally something attracts my interest enough to get me to finish it.

I'm a fast reader. Not as fast as some mind you but faster than average. My parents stopped buying me books when I was 15 because I read them to quickly. I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in roughly 6 hours (including stops for dinner and brother care).

My preferred genre is fantasy but alas, most of today's fantasy is not worth reading. Occasionally I'll find something good though. I read other things too but they usually have to come highly recommended. Sometimes I read things based on their associations (I just bought two CSI:NY books).

When I get a book and enjoy it I often stay up waaaay toooo late reading it. A few years ago I was sent a book and read till 4 am. Right now it's 12:15 am. I was reading till 12 (CSI:NY) but for some strange reason decided to get online and post.

Just thought you might like to know.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-20T11:54:00.000+09:00

WOW.

New Cat Clip

2008-07-17T07:15:00.002+09:00

Not sure why it's called "TV Dinner" but hey. Still funny.

Had lovely fun with Sarah and LaSonj, both of whom came to visit this weekend. I'll put pictures up eventually.

And I've realized that shopping with my father is like shopping with a gnat. He just wanders to and around stores as the spirit leads.

"Dad, where are we going?"
"Somewhere."
"What are we looking for?"
"Something."

Oi.

Books

2008-07-10T01:29:00.002+09:00

How many have you read? I've read 5 maybe 6 (I can't remember if I've read Gone With the Wind).

Meh

2008-07-09T13:18:00.003+09:00

Jess gave me a pair of wrap-around pants for my birthday. I love them and made another pair today. I'm going to make more this summer. I got the 2.5 yds of needed cotton fabric at Jo-Ann's for less than $10 total. Yay summer sales.

We have rodents in our basement. I've set some traps but not caught anything yet. Rather annoying cuz they keep me up at night.

I think I'm at least staying my weight if not actually losing it. Mum's scale batteries have died so I can't actually check. Though eating three pieces of pie yesterday did nothing for that I'm sure.

I'm looking for summer reads. I'm particular to (non-trashy) fantasy, but really will read about anything. Any suggestions? In the meantime I'm going to re-read Harry Potter. I've started a Dean Koontz which I like but find it kinda slow so I'm having issues getting into it.

Things I like about being back in the US (in no particular order):
~ Seeing the sky and clouds. I find myself staring at them whenever I'm outside or in a vehicle.
~ English book stores.
~ Being in the same time zone (or within one hour of) my friends. Makes for easier communicating.
~ Being able to watch Law and Order about 24/7.
~ Good coffee (i.e. non instant) readily available.

Not something I usually do

2008-07-04T01:54:00.006+09:00

I do not usually self-confess and share my real thoughts but these thoughts are being put on here because someone out there might be helped by this one day.

One of the reasons I don't really like coming back to the States is that people don't really talk to me. I mean, I get the "Nice-to-have-you-back-how-long-are-you-home?" stuff but thats about it. Being the one "newbie" in a group is kinda difficult in that I really don't know what to say. I mean: my life is on the other side of the world. Not only that, but I keep general tabs on this side so it's not like I have lots to ask about. I'd love to share my life but I don't want to force it on people who are not interested. I mean, I don't care if people don't ask/are not interested but I hate standing there with no one to talk to when everyone else is talking in a group. I'm the new person, I feel rude when I just walk up to a person and start talking to them. Believe it or not but I'm actually shy. I hate initiating conversation with people I don't know well. It's not that I can't think of things to ask but I really am concerned that they like me and that I make a good impression. I'm not trying to be aloof and snobby. I'm just overly worried about talking to someone and that person liking me. That, and knowing that once I start talking I don't shut up usually and I feel like it comes out with too many personal pronouns and like I am full of myself. No brag, just fact: I lead a slightly more interesting life than the average person in North America. I live in Korea and do not have the same experiences that most Americans have. So if you are ever around a new person and notice they are not involved they most likely want to be but don't know how or want to get involved unless asked. If you have no idea what to ask them try something like this:

So are you going to miss anything about [place]?
What do you miss about here when you are in [place]?
What exactly do you do there?
What kind of things do you do when you are no working?
If I go visit sometime what should I do?

Just stuff like that and usually the conversation will go elsewhere. But if you see someone new-ish standing around talk to them!

Gas prices got you down?

2008-07-03T01:53:00.003+09:00

I don't drive but still found this an interesting article. It's cool to see a positive spin put on the $4/gal. gas prices. 4-day work week anyone?

I love living in a city with public transportation. Being in Plymouth for the summer is a bit boring, having nothing but a grocery store and coffee shop in walking distance, but I think I've discovered the Minneapolis public transportation and am itching to try it out.

Hmmm

2008-07-01T13:19:00.002+09:00

Good thing there are no alligators in Korea.

There was also this: Human: 30% Chance

Go here to take the test.

Home

2008-07-01T11:57:00.002+09:00

So, yes, I'm back. Life is good so far. We ran to Indiana for a family reunion which was not terrible. I was not feeling to well when there but whatever.

Happy thing: Sarah is coming to visit July 12th! We've not seen each other since I graduated. Sad. But she's spending 4 days here. Happy.

Tomorrow's Canada Day and then the 4th of July so we have a fun week of entertaining ahead.

Ummmm...thats about it.