| cried today |
[Nov. 3rd, 2009|11:34 pm] |
I went to the gym for 4 hours, but that's not why I cried.
I'm PMSing and highly emotional, but also not why I cried.
I went through photos of my family, still not why I cried.
I was staring at some pictures of my cat (technically my dad's, but she may as well be mine), Beast. She's a grumpy old lady, but she's my favorite and I'm hers. Whenever I'm in town, she sticks to my side and stays in my room. My dad said that when I have a stable job and apartment, she's mine. But I'm in fucking South Korea and I can't airmail a cat here.
That's why I cried. I MISS BEAST!!!! |
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| Another Thursday has passed! |
[Oct. 8th, 2009|10:21 pm] |
Seriously, thank god. I hate Thursday with a burning passion. I tend to have 5 classes per day, but Thursdays, I HAVE 7. That's fucking ridiculous.
The first 6 classes were fine. I managed to put together a rather low-key lesson plan involving a lot of powerpoints and ending with a game of Battleship. The kids seemed to enjoy it and they learned the key points, so I consider it a success.
Then I had my adult/teacher's class, which was actually a lot of fun. So far, only 4 teachers have signed up for the course, meaning we can sit in a circle and have discussions. I think that's the SLC coming out of me. Anyway, both the principal and vice principal of my school are my "students", so that's a bit odd. I mean, I'm 22 and they are in their 50's...and they essentially control my fate in this crazy country.
Today I had the "students" interview each other, then we played 10 Fingers, which they thought was decent. I never realized how lame that game can be without alcohol. Like, whoa. I think the true highlight was the 5 minutes at the end of class when I allowed them to ask me anything and everything. I have a feeling they will want to do that repeatedly, as 5 minutes was not nearly enough time to curb their curiosity.
After work, I went to the American side of town (by the air force base) and ate Mexican food with a new group of friends. I was so happy eating enchiladas, I thought I was going to cry! That was after getting ridiculously lost too (I wandered at least two miles in stilettos), so I was quite hungry.
That was my long-ass day. Now I'm going to NOT clean my apartment, NOT put my clothes away, and NOT sort the pile of random stuff sitting on top of my bed. No, I will simply push everything to the floor and crash. Oh life. |
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| getting in the groove |
[Oct. 2nd, 2009|10:23 pm] |
I have 5 days of freedom, thanks to Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). Whoot!
So far I've lazed around, went grocery shopping, picked up Chuseok gifts for my bosses, and I just had dinner with my school's Vice Principal and his family. That was INTENSE. I was super intimidated at first, but after about an hour, I calmed down. They were very hospitable and kept encouraging me to eat more. Plus, they live right by Camp Humphrey (American military base), so about half of their neighbors are Americans. Due to that, their sons speak English very well.
Tomorrow, I'm heading over to the school librarian's home and celebrating Chuseok with her family. They have essentially adopted me and asked me to call them Omma and Oppa (Mom and Dad). I've met one of their daughters, she's my age and pretty cool. They have another son, so I'm guessing I'll meet him tomorrow. This will be my second meal with them in their home, so I'm not too worried. I do know, however, that all everyone will be dressed in Hanbok. Although I find Hanbok to be beautiful, they are way too expensive, so I guess I'll just wear a dress. I mean, I know they don't really expect me to wear the traditional garb.
And now, I'm going to finish hanging my laundry while rocking out to Eminem. I should probably clean some more too. I never know when someone will come to visit. To sum up, today is has been a good day. Instead of hating my life, I think I could actually stay an extra year or two. |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 27th, 2009|01:29 am] |
I've been meaning to post again, but I've been lazy. I spent the past few days at orientation, which was okay. It got a bit boring at times, but I met a lot of really cool people. I now have a small base of foreigners to talk to and hang out with. We don't live super close, but close enough.
The biggest complaint for now is that I'm still sick. As it turns out, I have an infection or virus or something. I'm not exactly sure. Anyway, I had to be taken to the hospital during orientation, which wasn't a total loss, as I was able to miss one of the boring classes. Plus, the government education office paid my medical bills and picked up my meds. I'm now on loads of antibiotics and such...It's like 8 pills with each meal, so I totally feel like an old lady. I haven't told my school about my illness yet, so I'm not sure how they are going to react. I guess I'll just have to wait and see on Monday.
Since I got back, I've pretty much been lazing around. I'm exhausted all the time, so I'm trying to sleep as much as possible. Again, I'm sure that's because I'm sick. I feel badly about it though because I've been ignoring the people I met at orientation. I mean, they understand that I need to rest, but I'm definitely missing out. I've already turned down two invitations. Oh well...I said I'd have dinner with them later this week or something.
And now I'm going to sleep. Again. Good night!! :) |
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| INTERNETZZZZZ |
[Sep. 22nd, 2009|06:17 pm] |
I finally have internet in my apartment, meaning I can start my pirating and livejournal ways again. :)
Life is okay in South Korea, but definitely not glamorous or anything. I have a pretty nice apartment. It may be considered small by American standards, but here it's a family size. I have two bedrooms (although the second is the size of a closet and I use it as a study/storage space). My kitchen is a little ghetto and I'm considering buying a small oven to put on the counter. Right now, I only have a stove, microwave, and a toaster. Apparently I was supposed to also have a rice cooker, but the lady before me broke it. The school would have replaced it, but then they noticed that my contract called for either a toaster OR a rice cooker. Whatever, I eat rice and kimchi at school everyday anyway. Honestly, when I come home, the last thing I want to eat is Korean food.
I like the teachers I work with overall, but I can definitely tell they are shirking their work a bit. One more so than the other...quite literally, he has not written a single lesson plan and he just yells at the kids. Or worse. I have seen kids having their hands hit with a stick. It's weird though, the kids don't seem to care at all. They'd rather be hit repeatedly on the hands than actually do their work or be quiet.
I'm teaching 5th and 6th graders, a 4th grade after-school program, and a teacher's course. So all in all, I'm teaching 26 classes each week. It's not so bad, but I definitely have days where I want to scream. I still hate children.
I have also noticed that South Koreans can be very manipulative, judgmental, and racist. I mean, I realize that's true for nearly everyone, but it seems to be accepted more in the Korean culture. It's taking some getting used to, especially considering that the person they like to manipulate the most is the person who doesn't speak their language. I'm constantly getting overcharged, underpaid, or overworked. It can be quite frustrating.
I swear I'm not always this negative though. Today is just one of those days when I wonder if I can make it a full year. I mean, I will force myself to no matter what, but I was sort of hoping to enjoy this experience more than I am. I figure it'll get better in time. I'm still settling in. Plus, it's not like I have anything to go back to anyway.
Moving along...I have one friend so far. His name is Desmond, he's South African and fabulously gay. We get along very well and he loves to shop too. :) Although I'm not a big fan of Korean fashion...or at all really, I do still find cute clothes occasionally. Hopefully I'll find better things in Seoul. I trying not to judge an entire country solely on what I've seen in my small city.
That's about it for now. I'm been feeling a little ill for the past week or so. I probably caught something from one of the kids. |
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| LAST DAY! |
[Aug. 28th, 2009|12:04 pm] |
Today is my last day in the U.S. for a year! I still need to start packing and such, but I keep procrastinating. I'm excited, but I don't think it has hit me yet.
YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY! |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 21st, 2009|05:46 pm] |
I finally have my South Korean visa! Only 8 days until I leave!!!!!
So now, I'm just waiting on my U.S. residency certificate and my TEFL certificate. :) |
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| Harry Potter! |
[Aug. 1st, 2009|10:47 pm] |
Although the 6th book was my least favorite, I actually enjoyed the movie. I was pleasantly surprised!
To be honest though, it was super teenager-like with loads of angst and drama, which is exactly why I disliked the book. Seriously, bring on the action scenes! There was only like...idk...2 or 3 scenes with fire. WTF??? |
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| err |
[Jul. 24th, 2009|10:09 pm] |
So I am house-sitting/pet-sitting for two different homes for a few days and working daily, so I'm sort of all over the place. Um...so...
Long story short...can I give a dog anti-diarrheal medicine??? |
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| holy shit |
[Jul. 23rd, 2009|11:32 pm] |
I just bought my plane ticket to South Korea!!! I leave on August 29th and I'll be gone for one full year. I'm super excited, but also extremely nervous! I keep telling myself that one year is no biggie and so long as I have a positive attitude, I'll be fine.
I know it'll be tough for the first couple months, but once I get used to the area and make friends, I'm sure it'll be a great experience. RIGHT?? Eeks SUPER NERVOUS!!! |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 15th, 2009|11:04 pm] |
I have been embracing my inner fat kid for the past week or so, eating everything I shouldn't times 10...Yet I've lost weight. How the fuck did that happen?!? My stomach must be a black hole or something. And I mean, I don't eat all that well in the first place, so for me to admit that it's bad means it's really bad.
There is a downside though, I feel depressed and super bloated. Although the scale says otherwise, I feel squishy. SO starting tomorrow I'm going to try to eat healthy! THE GOAL IS NOW SET!
...I wonder how long this will last?
P.S. I have a cold and now I'm all headachy :( |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 14th, 2009|07:46 pm] |
Well, I'm still unemployed and it sucks. I'm currently in CA for a last minute trip (literally bought the ticket a day before I left) and I had my only wisdom tooth removed. I look like half a chipmunk.
Anyway, I'll be back in Chicago on the 22nd, not sure where I'm living during that time...I may go back to NY...or who knows.
So that's my update. It's lame.
EDIT: Vicodin is not nearly as much fun as I thought it would be. |
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| I hate girls. |
[Sep. 25th, 2008|08:34 pm] |
So I there I was, minding my own business, studying in the library. I get up, go to the restroom and what do I see written on the wall of the stall?
"KAITIE RAU IS A STUPID WHORE!"
Thanks, girls. You all can kiss my ass. |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 21st, 2008|07:13 pm] |
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Now I remember why I keep too busy to think. I'm my own worst enemy. |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 14th, 2008|10:37 am] |
Sorry y'all, I've been awful about posting this summer. I've finished my jobs at The Fresh Market and New Trier, living with David has gone well, now I'm just packing up my shit for Cali and then NY. I'm visiting my family for 10 days (leaving Monday). I'm going to miss Chicago so much!
Anyway, I'm excited to head back to SLC. It's going to be weird being back though, especially after a year abroad. Blarg.
Enough with my stuff, how is everyone else doing? |
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| (no subject) |
[May. 22nd, 2008|09:36 pm] |
How is it that I've made such a giant mess of my life? I don't get it. I'm one person and somehow I've managed to spread myself out in the most ridiculous ways.
I don't really know where I'm living. I'm staying with David at his mother's house, but I'm also going to be spending some nights at my mother's old house with the renters. I stayed there last night and it was pretty nice being back in the house. My bed is gone, but I can stay in my sister's room and have the whole third floor to myself. The renters even offered to put a t.v. and mini fridge in there if I'd like. I declined, I don't really need it. I don't watch t.v. and I doubt I'll keep much there. David likes to cook for me and I, of course, love when he makes food.
I'm working at New Trier as a teacher's assistant again, but I'm also working in Edens Plaza at the Fresh Market. Originally, I applied there because I thought I would be working at the Northfield campus, which is just few minutes away from the market. Now, however, they've decided it will be at the Winnetka campus. I prefer Winnetka, but DAMN it's far from the Farket (hehe Ben's friend made that up). It wouldn't be such an issue if I had a car, but I only have a bike. Anyway, it'll be interesting commuting between houses and jobs. David has been driving me for errands and such, but he starts work tomorrow and that gravy train will end. I have a feeling we won't be seeing each other as much once he starts working, despite the fact that he's working at the Farket too (different department).
My position is in the deli. I cut meats and cheeses, I make sandwiches, make and serve salads at the bar, rotisserie meats, etc. It's the toughest/worst position in the market (which I was warned multiple times), but it's also the highest paying. I'm making A LOT, not to mention I take long hours and Sundays (time and a half). I hate it, but I figure it's worth it once I get the paychecks. Plus, I haven't lost a finger to the slicer yet, so I figure that's a good sign. |
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| (no subject) |
[May. 6th, 2008|01:13 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  infuriated | ] |
I have a week full of finals (including one at 9am tomorrow that's worth 100% of my semester grade!), papers to be completed, projects to be presented, and I have to be packed and ready to go at the buttcrack of dawn on Saturday. Oh and I promised to be 2 places at once on Thursday night. Needless to say, I'm stressed.
Nothing else could possibly make this worse, right? WRONG! I ran out of my lotion, so I got a small bottle of some stuff that was on sale. I put it on and I AM NOW COVERED IN HIVES.
I itch! OMG I ITCH SO MUCH!! How can I study when I'm like this??? THIS IS FUCKING RIDICULOUS!
I took a shower and washed off the lotion TWICE. I took tylenol (since the pharmacy is closed and that's all I have), put on aloe vera, and some anti-itch mint gel from Juan. BUT I STILL ITCH AND I LOOK LIKE A FREAK. I am not a happy camper. |
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| Hopefully someone will appreciate this. |
[Mar. 9th, 2008|02:39 am] |
Watch and love.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XGZx2pANQQw
(Botellón = open air drinking session)
También estoy aprendiendo la lengua escrita de los jovenes, como así:
aunque = aunk
hay = ay
quieres = kieres
para = pa
muchas = muxas
que = k or q
quedar = kedar
ejemplos:
1) muxas gracias!! aunk eso de k nos veamos en clase jeje!
2) cnfiesa kieres un manu??? yo x una compi lo q sea! OYE CM STAS?? bss obess
3) pos yo me e levantao ace na y porq me han llamo sno ahi seguia, me voy de barbacoa asiq las fotitos tienen q esperar a esta tarde, q ya no me da tempo.bss
Yes, these are real. Yikes. |
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| (no subject) |
[Mar. 4th, 2008|07:31 pm] |
Dear Creepy Old Man,
Please stop staring at me from your window and balcony, it's freaking me out. It's bad enough that you do it all day on Sundays, but today is Tuesday. I need a break! The setup of the apartments is bad, allowing an uninhibited view directly from your living room into my bedroom, but that does not mean you should use it to your advantage. You need a hobby or something. Watching the Americana across the street can't be that entertaining.
I have now become convinced that you used to be part of Franco's not-so-secret police. You have the shifty eyes and cop demeanor, however your stealthy ways have gotten rusty over the years. I CAN SEE YOU WATCHING ME. EVERYDAY. SO STOP!!
Thank you,
Your creeped out neighbor |
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| Good (?) News! |
[Feb. 27th, 2008|01:55 pm] |
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I finally have a ticket back to the states! I'll be back the evening of May 10th. Get this, I leave on the morning of the 10th, but due to the 7 hour time difference, I land on the same day. Cool trick, huh? |
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