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Saturday, June 24th, 2006
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9:35 am
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Last weekend was Jolyn (my cousin) and Nelson's wedding...
The wedding was in Kincardine, Ontario.
It was nice to see that side of the family again. Since Jolyn was getting married, and Matt, Mark, and Rebecca (my cousins) had "significant others," I got to spend the most quality time with my cousins Francis and Chris. Francis is going to school for massage therapy. She is very "into" it (meaning passionate), which makes it fun to listen to. Chris is a chef, and is presently working in Bermuda. However with not much to do, and with internet running at 400 dollars a month, he plans to wrap up working there, and then to go to England. If you couldn't tell, Chris is pretty good at what he does. He wants to study European cuisine, and learn what makes service there so much better than here in North America.
Mary Beth (the "PT" I shadow) took me to lunch at Quizno's on Tuesday!
Presently, I'm at my cousin Beth's house in North Carolina. Last night, my cousin Tracy and her husband Jeff, Beth and her husband Will, my cousin Jake, Jenny, and I had dinner here. Will cooked us some hamburgers. Then we played Cranium for a while, then we watched "America's got Talent." I really like the Ventriloquist who did the "Godzilla" bit.
We about to eat waffles for breakfast...so I gotta go!
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| Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
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11:27 am
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Today I shadowed Mary Beth at Wmsbg TP. I took tons of notes. I really enjoyed it.
I also had the interview at Starbucks. But when discussing working hours with David the manager, I realized that Ritz was going to be the better fit (since I'd be able to have Sundays off, without a problem).
Also, while working through this decision I realized that I had actually been scared of working at Ritz. I had been afraid of having to "sell myself." That probably comes from the fear of putting myself out there, and then being rejected (in this case, by customers, maybe cause I won't know very much about the specific cameras and such, right away). However, it's not good to make decisions out of fear! That realization actually helped me decide to take the job, because I really need to grow in this area. As far as how I could benifit as a person from working Starbucks, I think I'll learn to face my fear of memorizing new words and special lingo anyways, if I take Anatomy this fall. I'm still kinda scared, but oh well, I'll just have to learn to deal with it. ^^
But at least I got a free Frapichino out of it. I start work tomorrow at 2pm. I went to Eddie Bowers and bought some new kackies and polo shirts.(BTW: now that I'm no longer teaching English, I don't feel compelled to do Spell Check).
On Friday, my family is flying to Canada for 4 days, for my cousin's wedding.
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| Monday, June 12th, 2006
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9:44 pm
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Rambeling...
On Saturday I went to The Bird Club's adult Nature camp. "Aunt" Shirly was the cordnator, so she did more work than play. We identifed birds and plants, then we went kyacking. Despite sunscreen, I got a little sunburnt. THe "Carrot Tree" caitered the food (some of it was a little to rich and fancy for my taste). I got to met Jerre, a former W&M geology prof. I sort of teased him a lot by asking the question, "Is there anything geologically intersting about this spot?" And he would say "Of course!" and then proceed to tell us about it. He taught us alot about the geography at New Quarter park, which is where we were. I also got to be in a group with Mr. Hugh Beard (from Lafayette H.S.). I got to see a summer tanenger (which is a bright red bird that I've Never ever seen before). I learned what mountain laurel looks like and about valley assymentry (the south facing slope of a vally is less steep...I think).
On Sunday I went to church down at SGC in VA Beach. I got to see some folks I knew. It was expecially nice that I got to see Liz Ustick (Rudy). Afterwards I went to Asher and Jacque's house for lunch (they dropped off their two older neighbors back at thier home down the street--Joseph (?) and LIz) Afterwards, Asher read the paper and napped while Jacque and I sat on thier front porch and visited. I got to meet some of the little neighbor girls that lived a few doors down, and then later, their mom.
Today I went to the S.S. Office to apply for a new social Security Card (which I will need, before I can start a job). I also went into Ritz Camera, and talked to Jamie--I've got the job if I want it. I also finished cleaning up my part of the house (the finer points of orginization will have to wait till later).
Tomorrow, I will got at 10 AM to voulenteer at the Williamsburg Physical THerapy place, with Maty Beth. THen at 1 I'll go for an interview at Starbucks--then I'll decide which is the best place to work.
BTW, I'm starting to prepare for the GRE, yay!
current mood:  content
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| Friday, June 9th, 2006
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11:18 pm
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Went and took Yerbolv and Ibot from Kazakstan to the Social Seecurity office in Newport News. Then we went to Sal's (I had pizza, they had veal).
I applied for a job at Ritz Camera and also at Starbucks (they have good benifits I here...) A girl from the Outpatient Center at the Wiliamsburg Sentera hospital invited me to sit and visit with her friends. All of them do PT execpt for one girl, who does nursing. The girls I met were: Cha Cha, Sue, Kim, Mary Lou, Andra, and 3 other girls.
Then I saw David, my senior prom date (how random is that!). Life had had it's ups and downs for him, so presently he is just working. We sat outside Starbucks and visited. Then I went home exausted.
BTW, I will get to do Physical Therapy (PT) with Mary Beth, who workes at the Williamsburg Physical Therapy Cilinic on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Tomorrow I'm going to a Nature Camp sponsored by the Williamsburg Bird Club. It sounds like there should be good food and fun.
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| Tuesday, June 6th, 2006
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10:04 pm
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Monday: I met 3 guys from Kazaksan...also discussed summer options with the folks
Tuesday: I visited Lafayette High School and saw Mrs. Young and Mrs. Barrett...talked with mom tonight
Tomorrow: going to Crannie Island with Aunt Shirly and Ruth Beck to count tern nests. ^^
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| Friday, June 2nd, 2006
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11:14 am
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Hello from Williamsburg, VA!
I got home on Monday, May 22nd. On Saturday I left for a 4 day church conference in Louisville, KY...more about that later. Now I'm back and doing things like getting a new muffler for my car and getting COX to come and fix the internet at our house (Dad has been locked off the wireless network, and thus the internet, for over a year!!!). At present, we have no internet at home, so I'm using the computer at my dad's office.
I'm trying to figure out what combination of a working, interning, volunteering, and class taking I should pursue this summer, and this fall...
I hope to write you all more once our family gets hooked up.
current mood: complacent
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| Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
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5:07 pm - PELT
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Right now I'm sitting in Carlos's old-old classroom, with Steven, Ray, and Tony. They are taking the PELT and I'm babysitting them.
I met Sooyeon this morning at my appartment, and then we ran a number of errands. We mailed two boxes of stuff at the post office. I opted against air-mail, since it is sooo expernsive. We had lunch at Koturi, and then we went to the bank. I transfered most of my money over to my US bank account. I also dumped a couple pounds of change I've collected into a machine, and got $32 back! Unfortunatly, she was a bit late for work. Thanks for your help Sooyeon! (I'll Spell-Check this later :)
current mood: content
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| Sunday, May 7th, 2006
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12:27 am
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| Saturday, May 6th, 2006
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1:30 am
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Portrait and Children's Day
Today was a national holiday, "Children's Day," so there wasn't any school. During the evening I went to Insadong. While I was there, I decided to get my portrait drawn. I probably sat there half an hour while the artist was drawing. This half of the drawing looks alot like me, but the other half wasn't quite as good. But all in all, I'd say he did pretty well. |
current mood:  Sleepy
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| Friday, May 5th, 2006
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6:24 pm
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| Thursday, May 4th, 2006
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12:09 am - Photos from the Weekend...
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| Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006
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11:29 pm
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Friday my last day to teach the boys in my 4:40 class. We played baseball at the park and then came back for some yang-yum chicken. Friday was also Carlos's last day of teaching at ERC. Everything went relatively well until after the last class (9:20 pm). Wunjangnim made Kennith dump a list of last minute "to do's" on Carlos' lap. Carlos was less than pleased :( But by the next morning the storm clouds had moved on...
Sooyeon and JinSuk came to wish Carlos goodbye at 10 am. However the man who was supposed to pick up Carlos was 2 and half hours late. Sooo...we hung out in my room. Once the guy arrived we all said our goodbyes to Carlos. Then us ladies went into Seoul. We visited the aquarium in COEX mall. When we got out we realized it was too late to go the famous drum show being shown at JinSuk's church. THat was kinda a bummer. We walked around in the mall for a while and decided on a Japanese Reasturant. THen I recommened on watching a movie. Well, I thought Ice Age was showing, but it wasn't. Sooyeon wanted to watch a non-Korean film, Jinsuk had already seen P & P, some of the other movies were sold out for that showing, so I said let's watch the movie that was still open. Bad idea. Stupid Idea. First rule of thumb: Always always check the rating. Rule Number two: Don't make a spure of the moment decision to watch a movie that you know nothing about.
This week is really weird. I no longer have my 4:40 class--JinSuk is now their teacher. I'm just supposed to teach Carlos's old students MWF and my students on TR. On Monday, I didn't have a single student show up for either class. Most of the middle school students are taking exams. Then on Tuesday I only had Tasha (6:40) and Sue and Jun (8:00). Today, I only had one new student to ERC show up for the 8:00 class. His name was William. He is speaking was decent, but he isn't very good at reading outloud.
There was however a little drama today. I came to work early (12:30), and then went to the gym and had lunch. When I came back to work at 4:45 I found out that I was supposed to be teaching a class!!!!!!! What?! Apparently, there is this group of 4 students who they now don't have a teacher for. So WJN decided last night that I would teach them today. He told JinSuk to tell me, but she forgot. So when they said "the kids taking the test in your classroom are now your students," all I could think was "What would Carlos do?" I just said I have no idea what to do, so the secretaries gave them a listening exercie after the test." During dinner, JinSuk showed me the book I was supposed to be useing. It consisted of a story only using sentences like: "Daddy's birthday" or "I like red." I was going to have to explain that grammar to them and teach using the exact same teaching methods as the Korean teahers. I know I need to earn my keep, but NO WAY!!! Those kids won't understand anything I say. How can I explain the difference between a possesive (Lauren's book) and a contaction (Lauren's crazy)? Well I think somehow got out of it, but that was a totally bad, horrible, crazy idea.
(Sorry I didn't spell check this yet)
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| Monday, April 24th, 2006
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9:37 pm
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On Saturday, I met JinSuk and Sooyeon at Ori Station. We walked around a while and then found a restaurant that suited everyone. We had grilled spick pork (along with side dishes). Then we took a bus to Myeondong (One of the fashon districts--I think). I got a pair of jeans and a couple shirts. One of the problems with shopping in this area is that you can't try on shirts before you buy them. Then we went and climbed Namsan. We saw seoul tower. We ate King donkasee (pork cutlet), and then we rode home... Please edit me!!!
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12:49 am
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| Sunday, April 23rd, 2006
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10:53 pm
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10:39 pm
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Cherry Blossoms
Here is one of the trees on Namsan (South Mountain) that I saw on a hike up to Seoul Tower. |
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| Thursday, April 20th, 2006
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12:33 am
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Kenny and Cake...
Here is Kenneth lighting up the candles on my (and Carlos's) birthday cake.
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current mood:  happy
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| Wednesday, April 19th, 2006
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11:55 pm - Birthday Week
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Yesterday, the 18th, was my 23rd Birthday. In the morning I talked to my mother, cousin Beth, and Ruthie. At school they had a fruity cake, from Paris Baguette. I got to open the stuff my family sent (thank you!) and I also got a cool bracelet from Jin Suk. Sooyeon and JinSuk made me a good dinner ("cap-chay" and I don't know the name of the other dish.) Then in my 2nd class, we watched a little "Lucy." As far as my last class...well they haven't been the best as far a doing all their homework. So I haven't been able to give them a pizza party. None the less, they've been in need of a little affirmation, that they are loved. So my birthday was a good enough excuse to give them pizza. I did the 1st half an hour of class, before disclosing that it was my birthday. So soon as I said that, they shouted "Play, Play, Play!" I told them, "No, we aren't going to play...........we have to eat first!!!" So we had pizza and then we played Scrabble (and Carlos joined us, to make things more fun for James). Sue and Michelle beat both the Lauren and James/Carlos teams by a hair. Yesterday Sooyeon gave my sour gummy worms, but today she gave me a pink heart necklace that was really cute and lovely. I got to wear it today.
Today my first class was really wound-up. Also, Tony got a hair-cut..which didn't turn out so well. It dosen't exactly flatter his head shape. In my second class, both the girls were rather weary, but we did our best to make it through. Tasha accidentally took my book home last night, so I couldn't write any study questions for today's class (Arrh!). The last class was reasonably normal, and everyone had their homework ^^.
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| Monday, April 17th, 2006
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10:31 am
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On Saturday I went to Insadong to do a little shopping. Then on Easter Sunday, I went to Church at GEM and then joined in for the potluck dinner afterwards. Kelly made a chocolate cake, which was really good. BTW, the LSD screen on my digital camera got busted (I'm not sure how). I can take pictures, but I can't see them until I have download them onto my laptop. It's kinda like having a film camera all over again. I think I should get it fixed. Today, I think, is the day that we will celebrate Carlos's birthday at work. I got him some tea and chocolate, which I hope he'll like.
I must admit, this past week was unusually stressful. There was one day this past week when almost every person at work was either agitated or angry for one reason or another. By the end of the day I was agitated because everyone else was (although, that's still no excuse). Also, I have one student whose having a hard time with life, and is bringing a poor attitude to class with him. I'm not sure how to handle this situation. Also, one of my parents is unhappy with me. Folks don't often look forward to Mondays, but I guess I'm looking forward to the start of a fresh week. I'm heading out now to go and renue (and make use of) my monthy gym membership ^^.
current mood:  oki dokie
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| Saturday, April 8th, 2006
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12:16 pm - Going Home
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Now I know my flight schedule...
I'll be leaving Korea on May 22nd and arriving on the 22nd (Monday) in Richmond. That Saturday, I'll be flying to Louisville, Kentucky for a 4 day church conference...
This Saturday I'm staying close to home, I've been sick for 2 weeks (along with Sooyeon, and now Carlos) plus I need to get some work done. However, with my remaining weekends, I hope to see a little bit more of Seoul and see my friends as well.
Carlos's birthday is on Monday (the 10th), but because of Lent, he dosen't celebrate his birthday. I think the teachers are planning to give us a little joint party on the 18th, cause my birthday is 2 days after Easter. I'm wondering what I should for his birthday... I had saved the pinyata that I had made earlier, and was planning to fill it with chocolate, but Kenny, the new teacher and Wunjangnim threw it away :(
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lauren_wenger's journal
mischievous
