I definitely appreciate the frequent readers and the feedback that I get on my blog. I don't really write it for notoriety, but rather to entertain and not feel so distant from the Western World. An occasional headshake in disbelief or an actual laugh out loud are added bonuses. Please continue to enjoy.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Toastmasters

One of my coworkers talked me into going to some public speaking club called Toastmasters.   I'd heard of it, but I'd never gone to a meeting back in the states.  It was very interesting.   Yesterday, I got voted best impromptu speech.  It is definitely an interesting experience.   I will most likely look at joining a club whenever I return to the states.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Wait for New Shoes

Last Wednesday,  Thursday and Friday was the Autumn harvest festival in Korea.  It's like their version of Thanksgiving.   I ordered a new pair of running shoes the Friday before that, so I was hoping that they would've gotten to me before the holidays.  Unfortunately I was not so lucky and today, 1 day shy of two weeks later, I finally got my new running shoes.  They feel fantastic.  I wish I could wear them to work! Hahah!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

New term... Awesome Books

We just completed the first session with our new students.  I was super excited about this term because I was getting to teach the books I'd get to choose. 

I chose Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Skipping Christmas by John Grisham for the first term.  It went INCREDIBLE.   The students were reading ahead, the discussions were great and it really felt like their love of reading wasn't stunted like it felt like it was with the past books.

I don't know which I enjoyed more.  Developing the reader's guides for the students or listening to the discussions about the characters.

This term the books are the same with the additions of Thornton Wilder's Our Town and John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.   We're two days into classes and the students are already into the groove with the new books. 

I also tried something new this session.  I developed a Google calendar for each of the classes with their reading assignments for each night on there.  I gave them all the link for them so if they've got a birthday party one night they can plan ahead or perhaps a light night of homework in another class.

I'm riding on a teaching high right now and it feels good.  I definitely need to find a similar feeling in teaching in the states.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Thirsty Day

When I got done with my run tonight I was thirsty as I could be.  I went to the market right up the block frome me and by the time I had gotten home I had drank about half of the 2 liters that I bought.