Something wicked this way comes.

My mom just arrived in the Philippines today. That's not really a big deal since she goes to the Philippines every year. However, this year, she's planning on visiting me in Korea. It's not definite yet, but I'm really hoping that she doesn't. I really just don't want her to see what my life is like in Korea. She will have a lot to say about how late I stay up and how often I drink. Im already trying to think of which hotel I should put her in so she doesn't have to stay with me, but I probably wouldn't be able to do that since I know she wouldn't be able to fend for herself. Don't get me wrong, I really do love my mom, and it probably wouldn't be that bad, but something in the back of my mind keeps telling me that there will be hell to pay when she steps foot in this country.

It's the small things that make me feel like I accomplished something.

So in the past two days, I managed to finally get some stuff done.  To be honest, I didn't do anything huge, but they all sort of add up.  Here's what I managed to get done:

• I got my Alien Registration Card.  I did give in the paper work last week, but I finally got it last night.  I didn't even have to go to the immigration office this time around.
• I bought some groceries.  It looked really sad with my fridge empty, but now I do have some snacks in there.
• Opened up an account with Shinhan Bank.  I do have an account with Nonghyup, but due to some accounting things, my job wanted me to open up a new account.  I still haven't figured out the online banking part, but I'm sure I'll figure that out soon enough.
• I bought a notebook for studying Korean.  Now that I'm sort of getting into the swing of things, I'll be able to find time to really sit down and start working on my shit.

I'm sorry Alvin.

One of my students, Alvin, wasn't doing his work today in class. I pulled him aside and asked him what was wrong and he told me that one of the other kids threatened to beat him up after class. So, during break time I pulled Danny, another student, aside and asked him what's going on and told him that fighting is bad and whatever. Anyway, at the end of class I started telling Alvin that I talked to Danny, but Alvin just goes, "Teacher, it was John that said he was going to kill me." My bad, Alvin.

I am so glad that it's the weekend.

With all the hubbub of training and trying to survive my first week of classes, I haven't had much time for myself.  Luckily, I don't have any classes on Saturday or Sunday this term, so I'll have the next two days just to relax and enjoy Korea.  My plans for tonight are still up in the air, but I'll definitely be in Seoul tomorrow.  I don't know where in Seoul I'll be or what exactly it is I'll be doing, but I'm set on doing something reckless.

An e-mail from a fifth grader:

Subject: WENDY

hello i'm wendy.(group3) am.....it's ypur email? is it right?

 

I had to make an e-mail account for work so kids could contact me if they have any questions.  This is the first one I've received.

I've acquired my first piece of furniture.

I found a huge chair sitting out in front of my building waiting to be hauled away last night so I decided to take it up to my room. While it isn't the nicest chair, and I still need to get some antibacterial wipes to clean it up before I use it, I consider it one small step to making this year in Korea a little more comfortable.

The view from my apartment