I am beginning to realize that I have fallen in love. It is scary. It is somewhat unexpected, yet I cannot deny the feeling of my insides bubbling over with happiness.
The object of my relentless love does not have a name. Actually, there are about 240 names (120 that were given to them at birth and 120 that they picked 4 months ago) that bring me absolute bliss. This overwhelming happiness I have found is with the 6th grade class of BukDaegu Elementary school. This is the most simple, caring and heartwarming relationship I have been in and I am sad that it has to come to an end in 4 short weeks.
Having been a teacher before I know how the game is played. You just cannot help but find a few special students that you click with and then share an extra tight bond with them. The first year of teaching this came in three forms- a set of 8th grade twins from Cuba who I absolutely adored and treated as younger brothers. A 7th grade scrawny little punk who I wanted to adopt and raise "right". The last was a 4th grader who had such an incredibly hard time with anything school related but erupted daily with a bright laugh and a cup-full outlook on life that it was impossible to think a negative thougth about him.
The second year was same same but different, I had strong bonds with a few of my students, and ofcourse I loved them dearly, but the passion wasnt quite as overwhelming as the first year. So now, to my surprise, I have a "first year" romance all over again, and I am quite smitten. The difference in Korea is the quantity of students who I have become close with. The sheer number of warm smiles and hellos I receive in a given day outnumers the good times I had at Bici by a thousand. And the quality is different too. There is more innocence in these kids. There is also a million times more respect and they are grateful for my presence, which makes me work harder to compile educational yet fun lessons. Its really a win-win all around.
Last Wednesday something spectacular happened. My birthday party was attended not only by my brother, who flew from the states to see me, but also 100 of my closest 6th grade buddies. We played games, shouted, ran around, ate lollipops, and took pictures of my brother. The energy in the auditorium was positive beyond my expectations. I could not have been happier or more grateful at that time. Everything I love- brother, students, co-teacher together in one place having fun. It was a thrill for me to watch their faces and hear their excitement as they interacted with Olen. It was like a love potion that kept working it's magic long after we cleaned up the balloons and happy birthday sign, they had all written me small cards and some had brough small trinkets as gifts. Those gestures took the day to another level and I spent an hour in my room reading their notes and sometimes breaking out in laughter though more frequently shedding tears of gratefulness.
The love did not stop there, I met with some of the most amazing people later in the night for delicious soju and then a round of beer. Afterwards, I third wheeled it with my brother and his girlfriend at three daegu favorites- MK Club, G2 and Pasha. In all, my 24th birthday was indeed golden and filled with an incredible amount of love. I am so thankful that I have all the people in my life who made that day so special.
Now back to the love story. I do not think that the special relationship can be completely explained by the fact that the 6th graders and I were born 12 years apart- making us part of the same star sign. But I think the rational of my co-teacher is somewhat valid in the sense that there is a mystical essence about this group that makes the relationship so easy. I also treasure its fragileness because there are few moments in life when you can re-live your first romance and since I am finding that special "first year teacher" love again for the second time I know its true value.
Again, I love love love what I do and I love love love the people who I do it with and that may make me the most love infused person in the world.
Thank you.
Monday, November 29, 2010
novels in 25 words.
1. The name is Pat. Body and face are worthless clues. Other playground mothers wonder, "Is it a boy or a girl."
2. Unwrapping the bandages unveils a sinking feeling. Cup size may change, but the self-loathing cannot be removed with a skilled hand wielding a surgeon's knife.
3. The fingers and toes were much smaller than she expected. Incredibly real, she could see the thumbprint, throbbing red. She quickly closed the lid.
4. He came home to a smashed windshield and his personal possessions littering the sidewalk. The watch was stopped at 12:53, indicating when she found out.
2. Unwrapping the bandages unveils a sinking feeling. Cup size may change, but the self-loathing cannot be removed with a skilled hand wielding a surgeon's knife.
3. The fingers and toes were much smaller than she expected. Incredibly real, she could see the thumbprint, throbbing red. She quickly closed the lid.
4. He came home to a smashed windshield and his personal possessions littering the sidewalk. The watch was stopped at 12:53, indicating when she found out.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Shoe tying manual for three year olds.
There is one thing you should know…and that is how to tie a pair of shoes.
1.The first and possibly trickiest part is to actually determine which shoe will be placed upon each foot. A good trick for those who struggle with this task is to look for the portion of the shoe that is slightly rounder and taller than the rest of the shoe and slip the big toe into the shoe so it aligns with this special cavity in a way that the big toe sits comfortably inside.
2. Next is a step that is rarely mentioned. It is the tightening of the laces so the foot inside the shoe is left with no wiggle room. Encase the foot inside the shoe as an ancient Egyptian would embalm a mummy in yards of linen. Do not use resin however to permanently attach the foot to the shoe as you will at some point want to take it off. Just grasp the laces, one in each hand, and pull towards your body. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the laces as you pull to avoid a black eye. This is a common side effect of shoe tying. It is the result of an over exuberant yank that releases the laces and propels the arm into the eye socket with uncharted and unexpected momentum.
3. When the foot is snug inside the shoe you will want to cross the laces across the top of the shoe. Take care to make this a symmetrical and precise cross. Some have invested in a protractor to insure the angle of the cross is at exactly 90 degrees. Also be sure that half of the remaining shoe lace is on one side and the other half is on another. Anything less will result in a shoe that is not fit to walk in.
4. Once perfect equilibrium is restored in the shoe lace department you may begin to tuck one end of the string underneath the cross and pull it securely through. In most cases the right side is favored to make the journey underneath the cross. However, if you happen to enjoy taking walks on the wild side do attempt to pull the left side of the shoe lace string through. CAUTION: the world may end.
5. If you have successfully pulled either side of the shoe string underneath the cross and the apocalypse was not triggered, you may continue on to the next step and tighten the strings once again. The grip should be as tight as the one you administered in step 2, however now you will be pulling to the sides of your body. In this case, it is wise to steer clear of the groins of those around you as they may be injured should your hand slip from the shoe lace and uncontrollably swing upwards.
6. When finished tightening form “bunny ears” with the shoe laces on either side of the show. Cross the bunny ears and loop one through the inside and then tighten. This part is easy so no further explanation is necessary.
7. Congratulate yourself, you are finished.
Without this most basic of skills you cannot move about in life. You will be unable to stroll through a maple syrup colored pile of leaves while your grandson kicks them up and then comes crashing down on them with both feet. You cannot stand on the podium and deliver your acceptance speech as mayor. Without tied shoes, no one will be able to dance at your wedding and you would not have been able to chase down the thief who stole the purse of off the shoulder of the lady who you will eventually marry. Kicking the soccer ball into the top right corner of the net will also prove impossible, thus so would winning that State Soccer Championship. It is difficult to enjoy the submarine dive that a laced up boot makes into a freshly laid pile of snow, without a laced up boot. And how are you supposed to attempt your first walk down the steps of your apartment building without holding your mother’s hand if you shoelaces are wobbling about untied? So little three year old, work on this skill. On the surface it may seem trivial and trite…but as you see, if there is only one thing that you need to know, it is how to tie a pair of shoes.
1.The first and possibly trickiest part is to actually determine which shoe will be placed upon each foot. A good trick for those who struggle with this task is to look for the portion of the shoe that is slightly rounder and taller than the rest of the shoe and slip the big toe into the shoe so it aligns with this special cavity in a way that the big toe sits comfortably inside.
2. Next is a step that is rarely mentioned. It is the tightening of the laces so the foot inside the shoe is left with no wiggle room. Encase the foot inside the shoe as an ancient Egyptian would embalm a mummy in yards of linen. Do not use resin however to permanently attach the foot to the shoe as you will at some point want to take it off. Just grasp the laces, one in each hand, and pull towards your body. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the laces as you pull to avoid a black eye. This is a common side effect of shoe tying. It is the result of an over exuberant yank that releases the laces and propels the arm into the eye socket with uncharted and unexpected momentum.
3. When the foot is snug inside the shoe you will want to cross the laces across the top of the shoe. Take care to make this a symmetrical and precise cross. Some have invested in a protractor to insure the angle of the cross is at exactly 90 degrees. Also be sure that half of the remaining shoe lace is on one side and the other half is on another. Anything less will result in a shoe that is not fit to walk in.
4. Once perfect equilibrium is restored in the shoe lace department you may begin to tuck one end of the string underneath the cross and pull it securely through. In most cases the right side is favored to make the journey underneath the cross. However, if you happen to enjoy taking walks on the wild side do attempt to pull the left side of the shoe lace string through. CAUTION: the world may end.
5. If you have successfully pulled either side of the shoe string underneath the cross and the apocalypse was not triggered, you may continue on to the next step and tighten the strings once again. The grip should be as tight as the one you administered in step 2, however now you will be pulling to the sides of your body. In this case, it is wise to steer clear of the groins of those around you as they may be injured should your hand slip from the shoe lace and uncontrollably swing upwards.
6. When finished tightening form “bunny ears” with the shoe laces on either side of the show. Cross the bunny ears and loop one through the inside and then tighten. This part is easy so no further explanation is necessary.
7. Congratulate yourself, you are finished.
Without this most basic of skills you cannot move about in life. You will be unable to stroll through a maple syrup colored pile of leaves while your grandson kicks them up and then comes crashing down on them with both feet. You cannot stand on the podium and deliver your acceptance speech as mayor. Without tied shoes, no one will be able to dance at your wedding and you would not have been able to chase down the thief who stole the purse of off the shoulder of the lady who you will eventually marry. Kicking the soccer ball into the top right corner of the net will also prove impossible, thus so would winning that State Soccer Championship. It is difficult to enjoy the submarine dive that a laced up boot makes into a freshly laid pile of snow, without a laced up boot. And how are you supposed to attempt your first walk down the steps of your apartment building without holding your mother’s hand if you shoelaces are wobbling about untied? So little three year old, work on this skill. On the surface it may seem trivial and trite…but as you see, if there is only one thing that you need to know, it is how to tie a pair of shoes.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Run like the wind...or like Captain Picard
So I will admit that one of the most guilty and nerd-alerting pleasures I had as a child was watching Star Trek with my family. I was all about The Next Generation. Data was certainly the most interesting character and I had a crush on the young dude who's mom was the ship doctor...his name escapes me at the moment but the love still burns deep.
Thus it is no surprise that when I saw a Star Trek book laying on my father's side of the bed when I was in say 8th grade I picked that sucker up and starting indulging in a story about a young Captain Picard who was full of teen angst and contemplation. In the book, some of the best narratives were from when the man with the shiniest head is show business was running through his native country of France and looking around the countryside. I explicitly remember a line that made me feel like I could never be as cool as cap' because he talked about a sudden re-surgance of power, a rejuvination of sorts when he passed a certain physical barrier while running. There was a point he described when the soreness and the aching was gone and the body the ran on a fuel other than calories.
This was such an inspiring piece because I wanted very much to have the wisdom, boldness and charisma that the captain carries himself with. I saw the difference between himself and me being his ability to push through and run past that magical point when the pain of the run went away. Seeing that I had always had a mental block that stopped me from running, self-sabotaging myself whenever I came to a certain point, always allowing myself to quit before I really got anywhere I felt like attaining that point in running was not in my deck of cards. I thought that I would continue this love-hate relationship with running until I literally ran out of time.
Fortunately, today, I proved to myself that it is not so. I somehow managed to unclog all the self-administered blockades and just run run run. I was surprised that I got to 38 minutes, and then, the magical moment hit. My lungs were fine, not on fire like I expected them to be. My legs, well, they were sore, but they didn't feel like stopping, my legs wanted to run. Any my arms, they were also content at pumping away for what seemed like could turn into eternity. I was actually quite shocked at this revelation, so I kept on going. I ran for an hour. I did not think I could ever say that sentence and not be playing two truths and a lie. But upon reaching that magical point that I had read about in a Star Trek book so long ago I found that I could indeed be like Captain Picard. I think I will apply to Starfleet Academy in the morning. :)
Thus it is no surprise that when I saw a Star Trek book laying on my father's side of the bed when I was in say 8th grade I picked that sucker up and starting indulging in a story about a young Captain Picard who was full of teen angst and contemplation. In the book, some of the best narratives were from when the man with the shiniest head is show business was running through his native country of France and looking around the countryside. I explicitly remember a line that made me feel like I could never be as cool as cap' because he talked about a sudden re-surgance of power, a rejuvination of sorts when he passed a certain physical barrier while running. There was a point he described when the soreness and the aching was gone and the body the ran on a fuel other than calories.
This was such an inspiring piece because I wanted very much to have the wisdom, boldness and charisma that the captain carries himself with. I saw the difference between himself and me being his ability to push through and run past that magical point when the pain of the run went away. Seeing that I had always had a mental block that stopped me from running, self-sabotaging myself whenever I came to a certain point, always allowing myself to quit before I really got anywhere I felt like attaining that point in running was not in my deck of cards. I thought that I would continue this love-hate relationship with running until I literally ran out of time.
Fortunately, today, I proved to myself that it is not so. I somehow managed to unclog all the self-administered blockades and just run run run. I was surprised that I got to 38 minutes, and then, the magical moment hit. My lungs were fine, not on fire like I expected them to be. My legs, well, they were sore, but they didn't feel like stopping, my legs wanted to run. Any my arms, they were also content at pumping away for what seemed like could turn into eternity. I was actually quite shocked at this revelation, so I kept on going. I ran for an hour. I did not think I could ever say that sentence and not be playing two truths and a lie. But upon reaching that magical point that I had read about in a Star Trek book so long ago I found that I could indeed be like Captain Picard. I think I will apply to Starfleet Academy in the morning. :)
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