Getting better

Hey all,

I never write, I know. Sue me.

I'm feeling much better since my last post. Things are looking up and I'm even enjoying my job! We had a teacher's workshop a week or so ago and it was actually quite helpful. It really put me in much better spirits about teaching and Korea. I just hope this holds through the end of my contract.

Since the workshop I've been spending a lot more time planning out my classes and just more time at work in general. Sometimes we put so much energy into thinking about why we dislike something that if we used that energy to enjoy what we do have thing would equal out more. That's what I was doing. I focused far too much energy on all the little things I hated about my job/boss/Korea that I overlooked all the awesome things. Most days I spend about an hour at school after my last class planning for the next day--something I never used to do. It's made my days much smoother and more enjoyable. The head teacher has definitely noticed and is trying to convince me to stay another year. So I must be doing something right!

Our Halloween party at work required draining hours of extra work outside of the regular schedule and during our normal breaks but it was a huge success. We made a pretty cool haunted house/maze out of cardboard boxes for the kids and they all seemed to enjoy it. The kindergarten kids all the way to the middle schoolers went through and everyone came out smiling. But man, I slept well that night.

Yesterday, we all celebrated Halloween in Busan. It was great! So many people (Koreans and foreigners) were dressed up, dancing, and having a great time. I went as a mummy and was probably stopped about 40 times by strangers to have my picture taken with them. I don't think Koreans celebrate Halloween much and certainly don't dress up as mummies often so it was quite unique for them I suppose. There were so many fun outfits though!

Tonight we watched a scary movie at a DVD bong (instead of renting movies it is more common in Korea to rent a private room where they have DVDs for you to watch on pretty amazing home entertainment systems. It's actually quite fun and since the apartments here are rarely more than a room with a separate bathroom it's nice to get out of it from time to time.

Well, I'm off to get ready for bed. The week starts bright and early tomorrow!

PS Thanks to everyone who sent me a letter or package. I loved all of them even if I didn't write back! I'm so horrible at that but I still intend to!