Monday, January 26, 2009
I dare you to find me!
http://www.maplandia.com/korea-south/seoul/
I dare you to find my house!--well, i'll tell you where my school is, anyway.
go to the map and double click on Guri until you see an outline of the city. See those wide brown spots? those are the school playgrounds! see the seoul city limits line? it's a dashed white thing. my school is the westernmost brown spot to the east of the line in a cluster of houses. there is a main intersection really close by. See it? That's me! I'm waving at you right now!
Sus
I dare you to find my house!--well, i'll tell you where my school is, anyway.
go to the map and double click on Guri until you see an outline of the city. See those wide brown spots? those are the school playgrounds! see the seoul city limits line? it's a dashed white thing. my school is the westernmost brown spot to the east of the line in a cluster of houses. there is a main intersection really close by. See it? That's me! I'm waving at you right now!
Sus
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How's your January going? WINTER BOOK CHALLENGE
1. Anyone can participate and can join in at anytime after December 1st and before February 28th.
2. Each individual can set their own goal as to how many points they think they can earn in that time and if they want to they can reward themselves. The top 3 point earners will get to choose the 25 point tasks for the next challenge.
3. Each task counts for points only once and the same book can not be used for two categories.
4. Re-reads count (unless otherwise stated).
5. If you have at least 50% of a book you started prior to the beginning of the current challenge it may be counted towards your point total (if it meets the criteria for one the tasks).
6. Small adjustments can be made to the categories but try to stick as close to the task as possible...if you aren't sure feel free to ask.
7. In general small books (I'd say 100 pages or less) like children's books should be used sparingly and only for the 5 point tasks.
8. Audiobooks can be used to complete any of the tasks unless otherwise noted.
9. It's fine to change your mind about which books you plan to use for which task at any point.
10. Other than that just have fun and post what you are reading and your point totals...
5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel.
4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.
5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.
6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. (The author can have only one published book at the time you read it.)
7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday.
9. Read A Mystery Novel.
10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.
10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.
3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.
4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.
5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/...
6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).
7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.
9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.
10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).
15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).
2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.
4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel. Books should be read back to back. They can be any two books from a series (not necessarily book 1 & 2) but should be read in order i.e. book 3 then book 4 not book 5 then 8.
5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.
7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other
Than Your Own.
8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.
9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Awa...
10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).
25 POINT TASKS
1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan. http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com...
2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.
2. Each individual can set their own goal as to how many points they think they can earn in that time and if they want to they can reward themselves. The top 3 point earners will get to choose the 25 point tasks for the next challenge.
3. Each task counts for points only once and the same book can not be used for two categories.
4. Re-reads count (unless otherwise stated).
5. If you have at least 50% of a book you started prior to the beginning of the current challenge it may be counted towards your point total (if it meets the criteria for one the tasks).
6. Small adjustments can be made to the categories but try to stick as close to the task as possible...if you aren't sure feel free to ask.
7. In general small books (I'd say 100 pages or less) like children's books should be used sparingly and only for the 5 point tasks.
8. Audiobooks can be used to complete any of the tasks unless otherwise noted.
9. It's fine to change your mind about which books you plan to use for which task at any point.
10. Other than that just have fun and post what you are reading and your point totals...
5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel.
4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.
5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.
6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. (The author can have only one published book at the time you read it.)
7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday.
9. Read A Mystery Novel.
10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.
10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.
3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.
4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.
5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/...
6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).
7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.
9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.
10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).
15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).
2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.
4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel. Books should be read back to back. They can be any two books from a series (not necessarily book 1 & 2) but should be read in order i.e. book 3 then book 4 not book 5 then 8.
5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.
7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other
Than Your Own.
8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.
9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Awa...
10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).
25 POINT TASKS
1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan. http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com...
2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas By The River; Seoul, City Hall
The picture appears to be small, if you click on it, you can see the pictures full-sized. The river was lit up like a Christmas parade, white lights were everywhere, and surrounding the snail shaped sculpture at the head of the river, a wall of lights moved anf flashed, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and HAPPY NEW YEAR. I am happy to be in Seoul and to experience Christmas here, with lights, and the pop music blaring, making my ears bleed from its volume--matching my nose, bleeding from the chilled, dry wind. Korea. glowing lights and loud music on nearly any day, but here on Christmas, somehow extra-specially so.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
The Wizard of Oz, the Musical; in Korean
For Christmas, Kelly, Jaime, and I went to Seoul and saw the first officially lisenced version of the Korean edition of the Wizard of Oz. Wow, it was amazing. I love any kind of live performances, but I don't think i've ever seen any sort of live professional performance show. I love theater, it makes me feel like a kid again, playing pretend, taking part in the surprise and wonder of the wonderfully, obviously make-believe play-acting.
Dorothy (Doroshi) was incredibly impressive; the tin man did piourettes, and the dopey scaredy-cat Lion was well played.
the sets were fantastic, and it had all those wonderful songs in it. I was shocked a few times by snaps of fire, and Dorothy flying off the ground during the tornado scene, and impressed by the creativeness with a revolving yellow-brick road and inventivelness of costumes that were very Oz, but still incredibly comically true to Korean tastes.
We sat and watched and read the subtitles from the tv screens on the back of the chairs. It was interesting to watch the show and see that they were true to the original script, with minor adjustments for rhyming purposes. I know that what I was reading was not exactly what they were saying, as I am sort of understanding more korean each day. It makes me wonder, how exactly true is it? what they are saying to what I am reading? and then to see the Korean audience watch the show, and kids seeing it for the first time, and everyone ever ever ever seeing it in their own native language, that was a treat. For some reason, the entire Korean audience found the phrase "Theres no place like home;" to be the funniest line in the show. I don't know why, and I wonder...why? I will ask someone someday. but for now, it will remain a mystery.
At the end of the play, when the final bow appeared, Doroshi began to sing once more, they put up the words in Hangul/Korean on all the screens, and everyone in the audience sang over the rainbow in Hangul/Korean together. I am so happy to have seen a new version of a very loved show. Once more, if you want to see these photos up close, click on the picture, it will enlarge.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~Love, Susan
Sunday, November 16, 2008
coveryourfaceupinphotos
dear mom,I felt a little sad when you and crystal didn't invite me into your little "cover-your-face-up-ith objects-in-photos" club, so i decided to start my own. hope you are well, looking forward to what you cover your face up with next.
love, sus
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
It's week two and 336pm on a Tuesday afternoon. I keep forgetting that I leave my job at 430, and not 330. seven minutes ago I was all geared up to go, read with my bag when i remembered... And here is why; and not that I should be complaining; because well, I'm bored. I just spent an hour watching gossip girl on surfthechannel, and this morning I watched the presidential Live debate via myspace forum. The thing is that At Kids' College, they worked us waygooks ragged. Arriving at 10am and starting work, a 10 min break every 40 or so mins, and an hour break for Lunch. even those breaks were really just time to get your papers, grading, reports, filing and organizing done. this would leave just a few seconds if any for a zone-out mo' or a few puffs on a cigarette if you smoke 'em. sometimes I'd wish I smoked, just to have an excuse to have a real break. I remember toward the end of my last contract being so tired and so busy, that I wouldn't even sit down between classes. I got to the point where I just used my class time to slow down and break.
Public school is shaping up to be much different. I still have to be here for my designated 40 hours, but only 22 of that is teaching hours--if even that, as each 'hour' is actually a 40 min class session. all the classes are in the mornings, and to round out my hours I have special classes i will be teaching, but they haven't started yet. So in The morning right now, I am watching the same lesson over and over again. "Is this your pencil case?"
"Yes, it looks expensive"
"What color is it?"
"Mine is green"
I'm excited to actually start so I'll have something to do, make the time pass faster, rather than just sitting here and watching.
This year has seen also a change in my living style. As I am the only foreign teacher here at my school, I don't go out afterwards on a regular basis. I don't see my peers every day. In fact, I rarely see them. Last year I would crave some alone time, always seeming to find a reason to go out after work. whereas this year, I am unfamiliar with the language and culture of the teachers with whom I work, and the other foreigners are hidden away and their designated locations. I can see, that this year I will find it more necessary for me to seek out social arenas in which I can employ adult, native conversation, to relax and let go.
Last night Laura came over to my new cozy apartment. I cooked dinner and we sat and talked over raviolis and Columbia valley Pinot noir. I couldn't have asked for a better evening. I miss home. I miss the familiarity of it sometimes and I miss the mountains and the awesome cold damp rains of the fall, but I am content where I am. sometimes I am lonely, and right now I am definitely so bored, but -and this is especially after viewing the debate today in which the two candidates pretty much slammed each other and talked about an economic crisis- where can a girl like me find a better job in a time like this? And honestly, the jobs they're willing to offer me make me feel a little sad and depressed at my position, and have me--as I am here and looking at the present on into my personal and professional future--considering my priorities, needs and desires for myself.
I'm taking a TEFL course specifically designed for teaching young kids--and getting my school to pay for it, as it is geared to make me an even more (if that's even possible) desirable asset to their institution.
I have no clever way of ending this, I'm just done.
This has been a brief insight into the momentarily dulled-out streaming thought bubble of an american ex-pat, once again, making necessary adjustment and just trying to figure out, how i want to fit into this world; and how I want to stick out.
Peace out, yall.
Public school is shaping up to be much different. I still have to be here for my designated 40 hours, but only 22 of that is teaching hours--if even that, as each 'hour' is actually a 40 min class session. all the classes are in the mornings, and to round out my hours I have special classes i will be teaching, but they haven't started yet. So in The morning right now, I am watching the same lesson over and over again. "Is this your pencil case?"
"Yes, it looks expensive"
"What color is it?"
"Mine is green"
I'm excited to actually start so I'll have something to do, make the time pass faster, rather than just sitting here and watching.
This year has seen also a change in my living style. As I am the only foreign teacher here at my school, I don't go out afterwards on a regular basis. I don't see my peers every day. In fact, I rarely see them. Last year I would crave some alone time, always seeming to find a reason to go out after work. whereas this year, I am unfamiliar with the language and culture of the teachers with whom I work, and the other foreigners are hidden away and their designated locations. I can see, that this year I will find it more necessary for me to seek out social arenas in which I can employ adult, native conversation, to relax and let go.
Last night Laura came over to my new cozy apartment. I cooked dinner and we sat and talked over raviolis and Columbia valley Pinot noir. I couldn't have asked for a better evening. I miss home. I miss the familiarity of it sometimes and I miss the mountains and the awesome cold damp rains of the fall, but I am content where I am. sometimes I am lonely, and right now I am definitely so bored, but -and this is especially after viewing the debate today in which the two candidates pretty much slammed each other and talked about an economic crisis- where can a girl like me find a better job in a time like this? And honestly, the jobs they're willing to offer me make me feel a little sad and depressed at my position, and have me--as I am here and looking at the present on into my personal and professional future--considering my priorities, needs and desires for myself.
I'm taking a TEFL course specifically designed for teaching young kids--and getting my school to pay for it, as it is geared to make me an even more (if that's even possible) desirable asset to their institution.
I have no clever way of ending this, I'm just done.
This has been a brief insight into the momentarily dulled-out streaming thought bubble of an american ex-pat, once again, making necessary adjustment and just trying to figure out, how i want to fit into this world; and how I want to stick out.
Peace out, yall.
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