Let me start after the last post I made. I went to TN to visit my favorite guy, Justin. I wasn't planning on visiting with any family because 1) I didn't know if my mom would even be around 2) if she wasn't in TN by then I didn't want her to feel bad, 3) I was lazy.
But once I got there and found out she had made it to the States I felt I must go surprise her. It was the right thing to do. So Justin drove me over to their place and I think I scared her. She was in the stairwell sweeping cobwebs off the ceiling I think, and wouldn't come when my dad called her. So I went over there and true to form, she did her shrieking thing that she does. That kind of half yelp, gaspy laugh thing. If you know her, you know what I am talking about. (love you mommy!!) We had a nice little visit after she got over the fact that I was standing in her country.
The trip there was horrendous. I am not a fan of travelling for 24 hours, crossing international time lines, layovers, airplanes, or even flying in general. The first flight was short, just hopped over the sea to Japan to sit in the airport for a couple hours. Then the second flight was TERRIBLE. I was stuck beside a slightly wide man. He wasn't really obese, just massive. I was also trapped by the window so getting in and out to stretch, use the bathroom etc, was not fun, or easy. Got there on the same day we left, after travelling all through the night. Talk about confusing your body. Time travel sucks!
But I had a nice time, it was worth it. If only to smell the sweet sweet air of America for a few days. To drive through the country where you can see for miles without any buildings getting in the way... To eat food I could recognize, and pronounce.... Ah, it was perfect. Every part of it! And it was far too short. The trip back wasn't as bad. I took some sleeping pills and had a whole row to myself so I slept most of the way. Which really was great because I had hardly any jetlag.
Back to Korea. It was almost like coming home. And that bothered me. It smelled bad and there are far too many people everywhere, but somehow it has become a place I can stand. I can say without cringing, too much, that I live in Korea.
Then the new year began. And that has been truly overwhelming. Not only do we have a whole new batch of kids that can hardly speak, we have a whole new batch of teachers. And I am not saying they are bad teachers, but it is frustrating to be used to a certain way of doing things, and then all of a sudden switch. My class that used to be manageable with the old teacher, now has learned they can get away with almost anything with the new teacher. So of course, I got super sick at the end of the first week. Fever, so tired I could hardly move. I thought I had the flu. Turns out I just needed to sleep, for about 20 hours. So I did that. I got in about an hour at Kinderest, sleeping in the library, then went home and slept from 5:30 til 9 pm. got up, ate some food, took a shower and went back to bed until 3 pm the next day. It was fantastic.
I felt like a new human after that. Like I could tackle anything. Too bad you can't just store up sleep and use it when you get low later. This week wasn't as bad, so maybe things are evening out. My violet class is the worst. They used to be tough when they were Pink. Now they are just horrendous. Like, out of control, terrible, awful, very bad, no good. It is tiring just being in the same area as them. And yet somehow I still enjoy it?
Which brings me to my next point, which I am sure as soon as I say it out loud will stop being what I want. I really want to teach. Like for a real job, when I get back to the states. I want to somehow get early childhood education stuff and be a preschool teacher. And teach kids that can understand my language. Ahhhh... that would be delightful. But I really like teaching this age. They are fantastic. So there's that.
Hmmm, what else. Oh, on Wednesday we passed the 7 month mark. We are officially on the homeward stretch. Ahh. I am very happy about that. It has been a long half a year.
And that about does it.
Michelle
Hi, Chelle,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see you post on here again.
I am so glad that you surprised me in my kitchen a few weeks ago. You did do the right thing!
It sounds like some of your children are going to be challenging. It should keep you on your toes, and also from getting bored.
Tennessee is really a nice place to be right now. You know those trees that get white blossoms on them--they look like they are covered with snow? Well, they are in full bloom now, and they are beautiful. I am enjoying Spring here. Yesterday it was 77 degrees. The people here are friendly, and countryside is very pretty.
I am sure you will be a good teacher of American children when you get back, if that is still what you choose to do. You have always had a way with children--they seem to adore you.
It will be good to have you back "home" again. Until then, enjoy your adventure--it will be over before you know it.
Love,
Mom
What an amazing post! So happy you have found your"calling". It will be wonderful having you back on familiar soil, even though you will still be miles from us. Maybe it won't be too difficult to make a trip up here sometime. We are anxious to meet that "special" friend , Justin. Where have you been keeping him anyway? We are just hearing his name now!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your next few months & we hope to see you soon. In the meantime keep posting!
Love G & G Robinson.