First weekend back (end of first work week back)

I should have reported upon these events about a week ago, but I just chose not to do so. On Friday, the 11th we finally did our "Family Night" program, which was postponed from the Friday before Christmas (due to an epic snow day). I felt kind of weird getting on stage singing an altered version of "We wish you a Merry Christmas". Our Korean teacher searched and found this version where the song ended on the "Figgy Pudding " part. We didn't have enough time to teach the kids the correct version -- at least that's what the Korean women thought. 

We held candles as well, which I was super uncomfortable with doing the week before Christmas, due to the timing of the school violence back home, and in China. Also, I kind of felt that candles are for church when doing Christmas songs. Since the holiday had already passed, there was not as much meaning there in the end. 

My little class also did a little number of "You are my Sunshine". I thought my Korean teacher made it a little too easy, compared to what some of the Pre-K kiddos were doing in their performances. Apparently the things I wanted to do were going to be "too difficult" for them, due to their ages. In all actuality, they just would have needed a little more practice than usual. 

The program was in a little community theater. So some of the kids did their performances and left with their families, as I was arriving with Jazmine, the other English teacher. There was an emcee who gave out random gifts to parents who did whatever possible to bring attention to themselves (or so it seemed). At one point in the program he had all the parents stand up that had receipts in their billfolds totaling over 200 bucks. You should seen how proud some of these gold diggin' women were. Of course three of the five came from one of the Kindergarten classes where I work. English Kindergarten classes aren't exactly inexpensive in Korea. Anyway, it was fun to see all the parents (even saw many of the fathers for this event as well). 

I'm going to come back to this tomorrow sometime, since I didn't bring my computer battery home. I have an interesting thing or two to add to this post. 

Update on things

Well, it turns out that I will not be a Fulbright Teaching Assistant in Bulgaria after all. The Fulbright Institute had over 9700 applications, for 1600 teaching positions, scholarships, and whatever else they were giving out. I was a little disappointed, to receive the email on Saturday, but I woke up Sunday ready for a new day. I have some other options that I am looking at right now: Masters in ESL, Dubuque Seminary, along with getting my Masters Degrees in Sofia, so I can still have that European experience that I've been longing for.

more cuteness

Commonly referred to as my angels. . . . at least the girls are, when the nutty twins are getting jealous of other kids having my attention.

Some cuteness

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

According to the Fulbright Timeline I still have a good three weeks until the last moment, in terms of when I can receive an answer on my application. I am pretty hopeful, but at least I know that I will be notified via email. Then if I get a yes on the recommendation, I have March 1 - May 30 to receive the final answer.

Anyway, I'm readjusted now to this part of the world for the final time. I've told the boss that I will stay here until June 1 at the latest, and that's it. I explained that the chapter entitled Korea MUST come to and end, so I come move on to other things in life.

Happy New Year

Hello everyone!!! I made it back into good ole' Daegu about 10 pm this evening. It was just my second time taking the taxi from the big bus station into my area. I never realized that it was so cheap..... Ten bucks to go about ten miles or so. The driver was really appreciative after I gave him a US dollar as well. It's gonna be hard to fall asleep after sleeping through most of the bus ride since I couldn't get a reading light in my area. It was super refreshing to be home....... Clif bars, muscle milk, seasonings, Christmas candy, and the other things have been unloaded for now.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (a little late). All is going well here. I haven't been this happy to be home in a long time. I finally feel over my jet lag now too. Anyway, here are some pictures from our recent snow day at work, on Friday. Definitely some good timing on that snow day, by mother nature.