tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214442712012-02-03T06:40:31.590+09:00another reluctant expatI'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.comBlogger10061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-72757830974597696782012-02-02T21:04:00.004+09:002012-02-02T22:12:57.035+09:00

The author of the previous question has been so kind as to stop by and explain what she meant a little more in full. As she said, the space in the formspring box is quite limited and sometimes people aren't able to make themselves clear. To note for future questions from others, I'm always reachable by email at imnopicasso@gmail.com, although I can be bad or slow at responding sometimes.... I try

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-13587689458131279152012-02-02T10:25:00.001+09:002012-02-02T10:25:20.665+09:00

Okay. As per usual, when I get these questions, I have a lot of questions in return. Like, first of all, why do you need to figure out Korean men? I'm assuming you live in the US. Are you planning to move to Korea? Bottom line, people who need to "figure out" other races without living within a culture dominated by that race, especially when it comes to dating, skeeve me. Second of all, do you

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-1909154774476482842012-01-31T22:37:00.003+09:002012-01-31T22:54:02.099+09:00

... the fact that someone comes across this blog at least once a week by googling "NPR is full of shit" just makes me ever so pleased with myself."Fat shiny pants" and "ASIAN MEN BONDAGE" not so much. The latter being in all caps makes me particularly nervous. Please don't hurt me.Um. I've been on a super long vacation full of fuck all, other than dozens of movie marathons, lots of friends and

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-9074919491645191132012-01-29T23:44:00.004+09:002012-01-30T00:06:39.644+09:00

A couple of months back, I set up a Facebook account specifically for my students, because enough of the little buggers are on there now that I've been getting requests. And they don't need to know everything about my personal life, so Liz Teacher has her own account. It's been a great experience so far, especially since the students I'm "friends" with now are all my outgoing third graders, which

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-18038489693774319332012-01-20T15:07:00.002+09:002012-01-20T15:13:21.086+09:00

Sorry. I've been a very naughty blogger. But I'm just kind of dawdling along, enjoying my time off. Planting herbs. Cooking. Hanging out with friends. So, I thought at least I would leave you a little present. For no particular reason. None whatsoever. Just a nice little song from a band I was obsessed with in high school. Came on while I was on the bus today.Enjoy, my dears.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-76647195534241817632012-01-10T08:34:00.002+09:002012-01-10T08:40:21.698+09:00

Yesterday only two of the weirdest kids in school showed up for camp. I sent out a message and got a load of, "Teacher I forgot camp! I'll come tomorrow! I'm sorry!" in return. It was cool, you know. We rocked it. But it was a little bit of an odd day. I'm going to be honest. A little fourth dimnesion. But it was nice to get to see the two in action when they actually felt comfortable for

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-88980013091420067672012-01-03T18:33:00.003+09:002012-01-03T18:51:26.964+09:00

Walking home from work today, I was thinking. I was thinking about how, a few months ago, shortly after I returned from the US, there was something strange in the air. A little bit threatening. A little bit sad. And, sure enough, it's been a rough few months. A little for me, but mostly for the people around me, who I love.But today, I felt it again. This time it felt good. And a little bit

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-61288969001649595982012-01-02T21:44:00.006+09:002012-01-25T00:56:37.849+09:00

It was just one of those good days. The kind I don't write about nearly enough anymore, because I usually just too busy enjoying them. And the kind that reaffirms the fact that it's time to get back to hitting the Korean books every day, studiously, as before. Because without having done that, days like this wouldn't be possible. Or at least, not quite the same.Due to all the drama this morning,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-30355172566495959562012-01-02T11:43:00.003+09:002012-01-02T11:53:22.846+09:00

Same old story, man. Turn up to work at 8 on the dot to get shit organized before camp starts at 9. And to work out whatever other surprise there is in store for me this year. Because there's always one. Like the classroom is being demolished. Or the computers have mysteriously all been removed. Or I'm locked out of the entire building.This time was an oldie, but a goodie -- no electricity. In my

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-88846788931464694432011-12-28T09:41:00.003+09:002011-12-28T09:45:35.397+09:00

Some of our second graders were involved in a violent incident that was broadcast on the news last night. And, as much as I am usually able to find some childish element in their bad behavior that keeps it from seeing completely cold, I just don't even have the energy to make excuses for it this time. It was bad. It was premeditated and disgusting and bad. It's hard to even imagine looking at

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-32928297193063472422011-12-23T15:31:00.003+09:002011-12-23T15:41:27.256+09:00

I mean that in probably the most literal way I've ever thought, said or written it. I came back from my sixth class to find all of the files on my computer completely wiped.All of them. Everything. Every last lesson plan I've made over the course of the last three years and three months. Gone. One week before winter camps start.I almost cried. I actually almost cried. Not in the way that people

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-2138277149752116582011-12-22T16:19:00.001+09:002011-12-22T16:20:35.765+09:00

men club incheonNo. Whatever it is, just don't do it. Take my word on this one.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-30299427890211074982011-12-22T08:33:00.007+09:002011-12-22T08:48:34.897+09:00

I don't think there's going to be too much to say the next few days (or much time to say it in), and it's been a while, so just for fun. Some of the search phrases that have recently brought people to my blog:gong yoo sexyYou don't really need Google to tell you that, do you?who dont people like hyunaWho? Unsexy people. Why? Can't handle the sexy.korean guys are playersYes, they are. Specifically

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-28214340596442255432011-12-21T20:52:00.002+09:002011-12-21T21:03:33.692+09:00

Real quick, I just have to say that tonight I finally made it to Bangsan Market to check out the baking shops, and it's been a long time since I've gotten that excited. Gel and liquid food coloring of every imaginable shade, French fluted tart pans, pie pans with removable bottoms, spring form pans, mini pie and tart pans, scoops, frosting tips, pure vanilla extract, Dutch processed cocoa and

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-8943669817177537292011-12-21T13:56:00.003+09:002011-12-21T14:03:10.735+09:00

Things are a little bit crazy right now. It's been decided that there will be a kind of impromptu Christmas party at my place. Which, you know.... is there any place on Earth more Christmasy than Incheon? I think not. But. That means a lot of cleaning and organizing and shopping. My students have informed me that they spotted me at Homeplus on Monday night buying "wine, wine glass, wine, 더 wine".

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-81828125603269899812011-12-20T09:01:00.004+09:002011-12-20T10:44:39.231+09:00

Okay. So.I'm the first one to admit that I don't know anything, really, about the female K-pop idols. I can be forthright and say that I, for whatever nonspecific reason, tend to pay more attention to the men of K-pop. Ahem.But, my boys are in exam today, so I've got some time to get myself all caught up. So. First of all, here's the lady in question:Hyuna, "Bubble Pop".Hyuna, "Trouble Maker".Now

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-67534110542335404072011-12-19T16:13:00.002+09:002011-12-19T16:18:59.209+09:00

No. I'm not going to talk about KJI. Mostly because I'm probably one of the least qualified people to be doing so. And I know it.But, if I have enough time, I am going to get into this whole Hyuna thing I apparently completely missed over the weekend and how, although I don't give a crap about Hyuna, what she's doing is actually important. The same way G-Dragon humping a backup dancer on stage

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-29356132454881829802011-12-16T19:39:00.002+09:002011-12-16T19:48:34.945+09:00

You people are fucking lovely. I just want to start out by saying that.There's not much going on at work right now, because this week was finals, but I still feel incredibly tired somehow. I kind of bailed on Busan tonight, who invited one of his friends to meet me last minute. Tomorrow afternoon, his brother (who I've already met) is coming up, and we've got some things to get done in the

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-7480950000906481042011-12-15T21:59:00.003+09:002011-12-15T22:42:10.642+09:00

I realize this blog has become pretty cold and impersonal, lately. Which is a far cry from how it started out. But at some point, it's become difficult to talk about more personal things here. Part of it is because most of that just goes up on Tumblr, which is a blog I started specifically for that reason. But I can't help but feel, personally, like this blog has suffered a lot from that.I had a

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-43044314396230355432011-12-15T08:40:00.004+09:002011-12-15T11:27:19.561+09:00

I'm sorry. I already know this kind of post is a little lame, but I just have to say.... I'm a Texan. And, although I lived in New York for six winters before I came to Korea, it's safe to say it's a pretty different ballgame. I've had to learn how to cope. I still am. So.... for all of you who are not mid-January t shirt wearing Canadians, here are some things that have made my winter life in

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-89810533535240271622011-12-07T18:01:00.003+09:002011-12-07T19:09:27.176+09:00

You know. I saw this first thing this morning when I woke up and logged on to my computer. And it kind of followed me around for the rest of the day. I made a brief response over on Tumblr, and have been thinking about what, if anything, I wanted to say about it here.... if it was even worth it to try to say anything about it here.It's been an emotionally exhausting day (and, kind of, week) at

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-60979147691415597852011-12-01T15:16:00.004+09:002011-12-01T15:29:52.740+09:00

You may or may not remember the other subject teacher who works at my school who seems to think that her children's English education is more important than my existence as a human being. Well. She's just struck again. Tomorrow night is our first 회식 in ages. 회식 is an important time for me especially, because it's the time when I get to really sit and talk to the other subject teachers and show

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-6661964416248812912011-11-25T13:16:00.002+09:002011-11-25T13:20:09.849+09:00

Someone's yanked HT's chain and now I'm paying the consequences. Actually, it's a whole big dramafest involving HT encountering the wonder that is my old co teacher (who I dearly miss) for the first time, in conflict. The ultimate battle of 눈치 있는 vs. 눈치 없는.I'll tell you about it later. I'm too busy nodding right now.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-71455912858022361682011-11-24T12:38:00.004+09:002012-01-25T01:36:27.107+09:00

HT had a Thanksgiving dinner with some of the foreigners at her church this past weekend. Thank you, whoever you are, because now she's fucking obsessed with stuffing and won't leave me alone about it.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-50473537598509129402011-11-22T08:30:00.002+09:002011-11-22T09:07:29.370+09:00

I have a little bit of free time this morning, so I just wanted to fire of a slightly off topic post about a conversation I had with Busan a couple of weeks ago, which I was reminded of by this post on The Grand Narrative about young Koreans' struggle in finding acceptable jobs. It's a subject I, being a foreigner, don't know a whole lot about. So I mostly just listened, throwing in Devil's

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-71084574770942944872011-11-16T16:34:00.005+09:002011-11-17T08:30:58.907+09:00

So last week I went into some random rant about religious conversion types in subway stations and promised I would connect it back to something a bit later. It is now 'a bit later' I guess.Do you remember this story? Well, if you don't, there's a link right there. Click it.The one thing I should point out from the jump is that, unlike I usually do, due to the content of that post, I actually

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-64099306747869649682011-11-16T10:20:00.002+09:002011-11-16T10:39:47.941+09:00

I did it again, didn't I? I apologize. But I wasn't kidding when I said that things for me here are really veering off in another direction.One big thing that's going on right now is that I'm beginning to try to educate myself about Korean literature in general, and Korean poetry in particular. Do you know how unbelievably stupid it is trying to get your hands on Korean poetry books in English in

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-62149651918786345972011-11-09T17:15:00.005+09:002011-11-09T17:47:18.487+09:00

Sigh. The early dark/return to quiet empty apartment in contrast with full family home combo is making me a little blah. Plus I only taught one class today, which always knocks me down in the dumps. It was a fucking cute ass class though. B ban second graders, so there were moments of feigned "anger" about them going off the rails into rambling, nonsensical Korean jokey joke territory, but

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-89462912173412218062011-11-09T06:13:00.002+09:002011-11-09T06:18:33.262+09:00

I’ve been reading imnopicasso.blogspot.com and have a story idea that might interest your followers: Is charter travel really an option for the ordinary traveler? We are all familiar with the private jet charter services that important business executives use to jet across the country to a meeting, but did you know that chartering is a viable option for individuals and groups looking for

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-51740242920046904252011-11-08T17:03:00.003+09:002011-11-08T18:08:47.914+09:00

So the Thursday night before I head home for my vacation, I'm walking back from the coffee shop where I was studying Korean, through the subway station. A commotion starts across the way, as I begin to head up the stairs, and I pause, because I've learned that attempting to keep walking whenever something like this happens usually ends up being more embarrassing in the long run. There aren't many

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-36420058294642217612011-11-07T20:31:00.002+09:002011-11-07T20:40:01.217+09:00

So, you know the little pull down menu thing that pops up in your browser when you go to type in a web address? The one that shows all the websites you frequent? I'm a fucking pro at technology terms, obviously. But you know what I mean. Well. Mine doesn't even feature this blog anymore.That's sad. I check other people's blogs more often than I log into my own these days. And I guess it's about

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-42687179392219421682011-11-02T10:21:00.001+09:002011-11-02T10:24:52.606+09:00

Gaining weight, obviously.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-86041494426862651882011-10-21T18:47:00.002+09:002011-10-21T18:48:11.382+09:00

Throwing things around the apartment, vaguely in the direction of a bag. I don't have anything left to say for now. Rory can say it for me. Still can't believe this man is Irish.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-16132124666512468552011-10-19T08:56:00.003+09:002011-10-19T09:09:52.915+09:00

So basically, my third anniversary in Korea just passed, and I didn't really acknowledge it. I'm sure more than a few people have noticed that this blog has been pretty quiet lately, especially compared to what it used to be.It's never a good idea to say, or even begin to think, that one has a good handle on a foreign culture. That's a lesson that I learned early on. But it's safe to say that,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-76594074932209721012011-10-11T21:51:00.003+09:002012-01-25T01:41:37.711+09:00

My semester so far has been unduly simple. Compared to last semester, I've got it made. Wriggled my way out of after school classes by blaming my home leave, which would have put me eight classes behind everyone else, so I have plenty of time (and energy) after work to study Korean. I'm teaching the firsties, who, although confusing to me at times in the way their little brains function, are

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-40648438840646699042011-10-06T22:54:00.003+09:002011-10-06T23:00:48.532+09:00

I have one thing and one thing only, really, to say about Steve Jobs' passing. And that is that I hope the coworker who shall remain nameless (although I think we all know who it was) who insinuated that his stepping down had more to do with Koreans suing Apple than with his illness feels suitably guilty now. Although I know for a fact that she does not. She was just proud to show me that she had

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-55350972254908972752011-10-05T10:11:00.003+09:002011-10-05T10:25:06.473+09:00

If I could install some kind of automatic electric shock system in all of the classrooms and have it zap the students any time they used one word, it would be "pig", in any form, Korean or English. It is by far the most overused and undercreative insult I hear 500+ times on a daily basis, and I hate it. I hate it so much that I don't even give the students a reason why they need to not say it. We

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-21699182906802321922011-10-03T18:58:00.006+09:002011-10-03T21:33:22.043+09:00

So how about an entry that's not about work, for once? This weekend was pretty immense -- a couples' trip (double) down to Jinju for the lantern festival, and then another day trip to Geojae Do before we returned. Although we had a car, which undoubtedly made the running around a lot more pleasant, the unquestionable mantra for the weekend was definitely, Korea: too many people, not enough

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-83853173521802154692011-09-30T15:44:00.002+09:002011-09-30T15:50:01.977+09:00

The answer to that really depends on a few different factors, I think. Especially what level they are at. If their English isn't terribly high, the best way to get them to open up in a classroom environment is to make sure that they have all of the tools that they need to say what they want to say in English. That's the number one problem I've seen when a teacher is complaining that the students

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-68558841855853862282011-09-30T08:24:00.005+09:002012-01-25T01:37:41.239+09:00

I know you've all missed her. She's still here. She just asked me to explain the phrase "butt buddy". I just want... whoever you are, you fuckwit, who is teaching your students this phrase so that it then gets passed on to me to explain to Head Teacher... you better fucking never show your face in my presence. I will punch you in the neck, first for being an inappropriate tool bag when you're

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-57662520666438839242011-09-28T22:47:00.003+09:002011-09-28T23:08:06.531+09:00

Over in the other blog (I know.... I'm sorry, Blogspot readers... I've defected a bit) I've been complaining a lot lately about my Korean and about how the new books I bought last week have proven to me that I need to start changing some things in my habits if I ever expect to reach a conversational level. Namely, actually speaking. Today I went through an entire fourteen page lesson, including a

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-17350939551661509202011-09-16T21:56:00.002+09:002011-09-16T22:23:43.908+09:00

Which is weird. I know every other fucking thing about him, including how many girlfriends he has (four -- I've met three). Oh. Sorry. I mean girl friends. Girl space friends. He's not a cheater. He's just a malicious little tease. Every time I see him with a new one, I tell her to stay the hell away from him. They all just smile at me with that, "Oh the teachers don't like him! He's so bad and

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-69527902518937700482011-09-09T06:56:00.003+09:002011-09-09T07:03:48.213+09:00

Grandmother Teacher, as I mentioned before, is not a bad woman. She's kind of a pain in the ass to teach with (or rather, it's a pain in the ass to teach her classes), but she doesn't actually speak English, so she doesn't bother me too much. I always correct the students when they call her Grandmother Teacher to me, because there's too much animosity in the nickname most times.She's been at the

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-74834727650175971322011-09-07T16:10:00.003+09:002011-09-07T16:23:55.984+09:00

.... runs around like a wild man during the break time. Shouts everyone into their seats: "SHIT DOWN AND SHUTTA MOUSE EBERYBODY RIGHT NOWUH!" Right before disappearing across the hall to the bathroom after the bell has gone, himself. I chase him down the hall and drag him back in. He answers every standard lesson-opening question with a resounding, "네~~!" (incorrect: this is English class). And

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-30140299509870772852011-09-06T18:56:00.003+09:002011-09-06T19:26:29.623+09:00

.... with that really strong, throaty "k" sound for emphasis, was what was running through my head all day, as I prepared to face my six class. I knew there was going to be trouble, when I walked into the classroom for the first time to see them rolling around on the floor and galloping across the tops of the desks, while the teacher they love to call "Grandmother Teacher" sat impassively at the

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-49652182701257164212011-09-02T08:15:00.002+09:002011-09-02T09:14:48.673+09:00

Yesterday I went with my first and second graders to watch our school's handball team absolutely destroy another in a tournament. It was my first time to see a handball match, and I'm happy to report that it is not a boring sport at all. The real joy of the day for me was watching the girl teams play. Busan's always on my ass to change schools a. so that I can get out of Incheon, b. so that I

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-61722100819347837162011-08-31T11:27:00.002+09:002011-08-31T11:32:40.628+09:00

This year's third grade 짱, as I've mentioned before, is a seriously good kid who never causes problems. He doesn't even get his feathers ruffled if someone challenges him -- he just ignores it, because he knows everyone else will follow his lead. It's been a nice quiet year, as a result of that. Relatively speaking. Apparently, our new first grade 짱 is not a character to be fucked with. I just

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-57350764935659895632011-08-29T20:54:00.003+09:002011-08-29T21:48:04.985+09:00

So, there are a lot of different entries popping up all over about this situation, but I'm just going to link to Rob, because he's linked to a lot of the other posts. I'm also going to link to The Metropolitician, because a. what he has to say is much closer to my view on this than has been the general hubbub around and also because b. what I want to say is closely related. And that is, I don't

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-56775201427958119752011-08-29T19:59:00.002+09:002011-08-29T20:23:57.064+09:00

So, as everyone knows, Monday is volunteer at the study room day. Which means my week always gets off to a running start. Very nearly literally, because I have to walk at a pace that really should be called running, minus the posture, in order to make it to the bus on time to get to the study room by six. Luckily, my old co-teacher and office mate is a sly bitch who likes to tip me off when all

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-84053634372108730862011-08-29T11:32:00.004+09:002011-08-29T13:10:37.449+09:00

Maybe no one remembers the cheerful racist co-teacher I mentioned having lunch with last semester, who I would be teaching with this semester. The goody-two-shoes type who asked me if teaching wasn't difficult for me? Apparently, after a week of watching me teach, she's realized that it isn't difficult for me and has already decided that she doesn't need to be in the classroom with all of us.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-63347885868702153292011-08-26T16:40:00.008+09:002011-08-26T16:40:00.592+09:00

Cont. from: A response to The Expat's slam on Korean Sentry, Part I and Part II. The last two posts were just kind of precursors to what I really have to say about this whole thing, and why I feel the need to say it. Which is that, I'm dead tired of having men speak for me and other women. And this is not the first time this theme has appeared in this blog. And it probably won't be the last.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-89125759112879701092011-08-26T07:44:00.001+09:002011-08-26T07:47:34.466+09:00

Cont. from: A response to The Expat's slam on Korean Sentry, Part I. The other place where you see his stereotypes creep on in, despite his protestations that he has Korean male friends who are not like this!!! is in his characterization of the position and values of Korean men. Apparently, they are momma's boys who have everything handed to them, who Korean women only put up with because

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-77325921443077238062011-08-25T21:11:00.000+09:002011-08-25T21:12:16.410+09:00

So. I'm gonna try to stay on point, here. But I already know it's not going to be easy. So this one is going to be a multi-parter. How many parts? Not sure yet. Okay. So. Where do I even begin with this? Someone recently referred to this blogger as the "Charles Bukowski of the Korean blogosphere" and I'm just going to go ahead and disagree on that one. Because Bukowski was.... well, he was a

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-14397782334226636202011-08-25T18:10:00.002+09:002011-08-25T18:24:58.231+09:00

I'm meeting my firsties for the first time this week. They've seen me around for half a year, but this is our first time meeting together in class. The weirdest new thing this round are doing are small face comments -- I've gotten that loads from Korean adults, everywhere I go, but the students have never said it to me before. But so far, there's been at least one round of it in nearly every new

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-68863347443944780572011-08-24T23:21:00.004+09:002011-08-25T00:10:08.203+09:00

There have been a few incidences lately which have caused Busan to be "ashamed" of Koreans in front of me, or to beg me not to "hate" Korea. Which is ridiculous, given that I have the ability to contextualize. I've been around the block here once or twice, eh? A lot of them have to do with the way that men can sometimes respond to me in public, which I would like to think at times would be just

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-47639151214851779712011-08-24T08:12:00.005+09:002012-01-25T01:47:09.457+09:00

Um. What can I say? It was a busy summer? No. It wasn't. It was a pretty laidback summer. It was a good summer. I just didn't have much to blog about..... or I didn't feel like blogging.I still kinda don't, to be honest. But the school year usually brings about issues and conversations and happenings which are blog-relevant, so we'll just give it a minute, eh?Basically, I'm back and work and

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-62836052230085508092011-07-21T13:43:00.004+09:002011-07-21T14:24:57.995+09:00

I'm just absolutely sick about this (hat tip to Burndog for the link).Look, I'm not even going to get into the issues that this brings up for those foreign teachers who thought they had secured a contract and salary here in Korea, especially the ones who have really earned their place here and are renewing based on a invitation, which in turn is obviously based on the fact that they've proved

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-5389088640029258152011-07-21T11:48:00.003+09:002011-07-21T12:25:22.671+09:00

It's simple: You pick a subject out of a hat, and you've got seven minutes. You don't worry about grammar or spelling -- the point is to show us your feelings and your thoughts. That's a hard seven minutes, too. No "Teacher one more please one more!" about it. The pressure is part of what pushes them to finally just come out and say what they have to say in English.So. Let's see what that is,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-67098123605068617412011-07-21T08:31:00.002+09:002011-07-21T08:44:56.244+09:00

I always get really fucking stupid and emotional literally the second the vacation period starts. Most of it is probably just a gut reaction to the fact that I know it's coming anyway. I don't do well with free time. Which I do fully realize is fucked up. But it's also the fact that my coworkers aren't in the office, my friends and boyfriend are at work all day in Seoul, so the only real social

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-47423369523439039002011-07-12T12:24:00.001+09:002011-07-12T12:24:19.667+09:00

You know what? It absolutely does let up. Once you leave high school, you have the power to take your skill set and go to another place of employment if the male coworkers treat you with disrespect. You have the choice to shut down a conversation and tell a man to exit your company if he speaks to you in that manner out in public. And, most importantly, you have the right to choose to befriend,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-73259941131748046902011-07-09T00:19:00.001+09:002011-07-09T00:19:23.312+09:00

I'll tell you what. I can see plainly from your IP information that you live in Seoul. Email me and set up a date to meet. We'll see how your attitude changes to my face. Let's face it -- you're clearly of the stock that would completely fail to get such an offer off a woman of my quality otherwise. You should actually be grateful. If you're too cowardly to do so, however, then I see no reason to

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-4385651234148893022011-07-08T22:49:00.003+09:002011-07-08T23:02:26.312+09:00

Being referred to as a "little yappy dog" when you manage to systematically deconstruct a man's very emotional reaction to something into a clear display of the multiple logistical issues it actually contains is always pleasant. A woman proves to be coolly rational and competently intelligent enough to articulate her point? Refer to her as an annoying animal and dismiss the entire conversation,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-72706189299255495842011-07-06T14:26:00.003+09:002011-07-06T14:33:30.731+09:00

This is a fair question. There are a few reasons why I haven't been updating as much. One is definitely that my workload has been far and away the heaviest it's ever been this semester. I haven't had much free time while I'm at work, and have been staying longer and longer after hours at work. I'm also teaching a lot more, which means I'm just more tired when I get home.The other thing is that I

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-70047247370249531522011-07-04T15:40:00.004+09:002012-01-25T01:44:35.694+09:00

You know how some people only pray to God when they need something? Well. I don't necessarily believe in a Jesus, but sometimes something happens that makes me want to say 'thank you' to him anyway, just in case.I kinda got razzed this weekend by my friends who sometimes misunderstand my behavior in my workplace as some kind of fear, or inability to stand up for myself, which confuses them

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-3343240665474182832011-07-01T13:36:00.008+09:002012-01-25T01:45:48.448+09:00

I love being tossed in the backseat.Question: Whose classes for summer vacation were planned first -- mine or the Korean teachers'?Question: Who decided they wanted the morning hours for their classes because it's not as hot, the students are more alert, and that means they can leave school four hours earlier than if they have to hold their classes in the afternoon?Question: Whose classes just

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-79905752185805615682011-07-01T06:55:00.005+09:002011-07-01T07:26:04.600+09:00

Reading a post over at Burndog's Burnblog this morning has me thinking. Some D-bags complaining about games in class. Games are fucking great, so long as you basically use them as complete and total manipulation of the little guys' feeble minds, in which they only really think they are playing a game, but actually they are practicing English. Fucking sneaky, I know.I know almost everyone has got

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-31933764760754999342011-06-30T20:30:00.002+09:002012-01-25T01:55:30.138+09:00

I just felt like letting the world know that. I won't suffer in silence.The only other thing of note in the last couple of days is how out of control my shopping gets in the summer. Do you know why? Because I'm fucking hot. And all I can think about is how if I put that over there on that rack on, I'd probably be like 3% less hot than I am right now. So then I buy it. And wear it. And I'm still

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-32027674945295115792011-06-29T09:33:00.004+09:002011-06-29T10:19:50.506+09:00

Google search: i'm no picasso boyfriend marryDaum search: woman teacher fuckingQuestion: Why is the internet full of complete freaks?Leave me alone and get your lives together.I was in Yeongdeungpo being a disgusting couple with my boyfriend until like midnight last night, and I don't have any classes today, so we're going old school with this one and just going to make it a rambly, personal

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-84034117326680128582011-06-28T12:17:00.002+09:002011-06-28T12:50:03.047+09:00

I've already spotted out next semester's problem customer. It's always the fresh-faced, timid looking ones. They're the same kind of women who drive me up the wall back home, as well. They're just so.... shocked. About everything, all the time. I mean, props to their fathers or whoever it is who has managed to bring them to the age of 30 while seemingly entirely denying them any working knowledge

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-75723565066506129832011-06-25T15:28:00.006+09:002011-06-25T15:52:02.320+09:00

Since I started this blog, I've been constantly pleasantly surprised by the conversations and connections that I have been able to form and be a part of.I have also been constantly surprised by the level of weird that exists out in the world. From creepy, to misguided, to offensive..... to downright silly. I've had it all come through my inbox. And hardly ever with any actual intent of malice, it

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-81467867650736810872011-06-24T09:50:00.004+09:002012-01-25T01:49:48.075+09:00

Do you ever get paranoid that your school will find your blog and fire you for blogging about work???? Or at the very least make you feel very uncomfortable about blogging? I was also going to ask about your opinion on Catherine Barkley. I am obviously very focused today.The basic honest answer is, no. I'm not really very worried about my blog colliding with my work life. I don't think the

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-59235131375821231182011-06-23T10:43:00.004+09:002011-06-23T15:37:14.989+09:00

I've got the day off work, thanks to the school's birthday, but no water..... so I can't shower and go out. And besides, hello jangma. So.... here we go.can you please post more stories about your students? They are so cute ^_^You know, it's what I used to do, almost exclusively. Then things at work got really busy and crazy, and the days became a bit of a blur. My students are still cute,

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-89924672021062356822011-06-22T10:16:00.003+09:002011-06-22T11:11:26.237+09:00

I was afraid this would be a little too long for the formspring. I remember reading awhile back that your grandfather died while you were in Korea. My grandmother recently died, and it has been so hard to be here. There's nobody for 7,000 miles who has any knowledge of her life, much less someone to share memories with. I try to talk to my family, but they simply don't understand how it could be

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-83139563567537089752011-06-22T09:10:00.004+09:002011-06-22T09:20:10.869+09:00

I'm currently very ill and unable to breathe and fucking hot and really tired from being on the phone until late with my boyfriend who is apparently dealing with gangsters at the moment. Long story. The point is, I don't have a high level of mental capability right now, and what little I do have is being concentrated on making little half-people at least pretend to study English for the last

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-5679541920551478212011-06-21T11:26:00.002+09:002011-06-21T11:29:37.856+09:00

What can I do to make myself more attractive to Koreans? Yep. That again.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-76718255238040850332011-06-19T11:11:00.002+09:002011-06-19T11:35:43.799+09:00

Busan loses his shit in a fit of giggles every time I mention the fact that both of my grandfathers had farms when I was growing up. It's something my students also tend to giggle at. I guess maybe to them, especially having grown up in the city, being a "farmer person" is just a bit a taboo. I'm not a farmer person.... I just have some farmer person blood and experience, I guess.Anyway. His

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-72760207696296879102011-06-17T08:43:00.002+09:002011-06-17T09:12:06.180+09:00

Every afternoon for months, the same ten boys have been coming into my office after school to sit and try to learn the same twenty vocabulary words in English. They're the absolute lowest level students in our third grade -- they're here because they failed the standardized exam. Miserably. In the beginning, they couldn't so much as read. And some of them are still struggling, and having

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-52938771946397626282011-06-16T23:14:00.000+09:002011-06-16T23:15:29.679+09:00

Zora Howard, "Walking".

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-41568644917005414912011-06-13T09:02:00.003+09:002011-06-13T09:34:34.986+09:00

Right now, as the semester slumps toward the finish line, I have a lot to concentrate on at work. Namely, keeping both my game and the students' game on target, as we all just kind of want to give into the death rattles of another semester survived. It's not time quite yet. Two more weeks. But keeping myself motivated and from slacking off, while maintaining the students' attention so that we can

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-90273377644827157682011-06-08T13:55:00.002+09:002011-06-08T14:05:36.916+09:00

Are these comments real? I really get distressed sometimes trying to figure it out. Did this really happen? It's not actually soondae, at all -- it's seonbae. 선배. Senior. I was clearly talking about people and not sausages.Please. If you are real. I don't mean to be rude. But please stop reading my blog. And take your friend who actually thinks I don't know what country my boyfriend is from with

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-38304194689395928222011-06-07T17:13:00.003+09:002011-06-07T17:52:16.295+09:00

Now. I don't have many. So clearly this post is not going to be about me. If you'll forgive me, I'm going to go a bit off track today and talk about, of all terrifying things, my boyfriend.He's currently the 막내 (most junior) at his company. And this is his first real long-term experience with the hierarchy in a work environment (other than the army, obviously, which I think most men just assume

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-48606748090932001182011-06-03T11:13:00.003+09:002011-06-03T12:56:44.659+09:00

Well. I claimed that after Grandma INP had come and gone, I would start seriously looking into a Korean hagwon. So. I'm thinking about that. Ahem. But today I was handed a document (hilariously enough, in Korean) advertising a Korean class at Incheon Dae. It's kind of expensive compared to similar courses I've seen in the past, but it could be easy enough to follow up with, and cheaper still than

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-4180871633596109282011-06-03T10:51:00.006+09:002011-06-03T18:58:09.446+09:00

The Korean teachers are currently tittering all over the place about a document they've received to sign, giving permission for their criminal backgrounds to be checked. The unions are telling their members not to do it, but it's apparently a nationwide move.What does this mean? I don't want to hear anymore foreigners bitching about criminal background checks. It is now (or will soon be) an

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-70776018811649442832011-06-01T14:40:00.007+09:002012-01-25T01:11:05.015+09:00

I am so under-prepared to answer this question that it's not even funny. I'm just barely beginning to get my head wrapped around even the most basic social aspects of Korean society, so I have no idea how people expect me to tackle something like this. Give me another ten years?So, as usual, I'm going to take one of your questions and completely not answer it and just use it to talk about

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-89298044374547597542011-05-31T10:45:00.002+09:002011-05-31T10:49:52.388+09:00

I just finished class three minutes ahead of time. No biggie. We've got a three day weekend coming up, so it's easy enough just to chat with the students for a few minutes about what their plans are. And rub it in their faces that, actually, it's only a three day weekend for me -- they've got to be in on the Saturday.But this class spoke up -- Taeho should sing a song. Taeho's just one of those

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-69292673245081175612011-05-27T08:36:00.002+09:002011-05-27T08:42:12.186+09:00

Oh my god. She's been here for about twenty minutes and hasn't stopped prattling about senseless pointless things the entire time. I have a lot to get done today. Grams says she should've just stayed home, and it's only 8:30.Head Teacher this morning:There is a what do you say how do you say what is name big store kind of big store really large store kind of wholestore this kind of like

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-67399431485468116722011-05-25T10:43:00.006+09:002011-05-25T10:58:38.911+09:00

I know. I'm being a bastard about answering questions again. But I've got a legit excuse this time, no? Today is just three classes at work and Grams opted to stay home. So I technically have a bit of free time (should be working on exam questions and organizing my lesson plan paperwork, but there's only so much of that you can do in one stretch without feeling like you're going a bit mental).

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-85582747554792301502011-05-24T20:06:00.003+09:002012-01-25T02:07:54.783+09:00

Things are a little on the quiet side 'round this way tonight. Eerily so.Tonight, Head Teacher (bless her) decided to take me, Grams, four other English teachers and one other subject teacher out for dinner. To have some time to socialize. The dinner went alright -- 삼계탕, not too much for Grams to handle. But things went a little lopsided at coffee afterward.What happened was, I was playing Yeonsu

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-37194663046554515962011-05-24T15:12:00.004+09:002012-01-25T02:02:55.081+09:00

Well. I've taken the lunchtime infringements in stride. I'm doing my four after school classes a week without complaining. I'm now in charge of the entire English library, and that's fine. I'm working on several exams to test the top students on speaking, reading and essay writing before the district competitions -- whatever.Now you want to split my summer vacation into two separate weeks with a

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-60161748229062201222011-05-20T18:12:00.003+09:002011-05-20T18:47:57.863+09:00

So. Obviously I have a house guest and have not had nearly as much free time as I usually do. Which is kind of shame, because the students have been a bit classic this week.One thing I will say is that the after school class is coming around nicely. One big issue I cracked was that letting them work on their own or in groups on their assignments just was not cutting it. Nobody bothered to put

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-70330718733869538032011-05-18T23:05:00.001+09:002011-05-18T23:05:07.769+09:00

This is a really good question, and I've gotten a couple of others about saving face that I haven't gotten around to yet, simply because I still don't really feel like I have a terribly strong grasp on the subject, and I hate to run my mouth about things I don't really understand. What I will do is talk about the conversations I've had with Busan about it, and how I've seen it at play with my

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-38000085382720214482011-05-18T13:59:00.003+09:002011-05-18T14:05:59.212+09:00

Maybe if I have a few dozen hours to kill tomorrow, I will sit down and type up all of the things I'm learning about America and Americans and foreigners from Head Teacher as she sits and talks at my grandmother hour after hour here in the office. Especially if I decide I just almost want to kill myself, but don't quite have the desire that would really tip me over the edge.Right now, the subject

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-60599267601561866562011-05-14T08:37:00.001+09:002011-05-14T08:43:10.923+09:00

What do you think of the new rule that the board of education instated that says there can be no corporal punishment anymore? I mean beating kids wrong but they've banned stuff like running laps or even holding hands up and such.This question is so old now, that I don’t even know if the questioner is even still reading. I guess I just needed some time to get a proper bead on the situation. As it

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-2403248562315094182011-05-11T16:42:00.005+09:002011-05-11T21:28:11.776+09:00

I love my grams. I have a lot of this woman in me. And maybe that's why she tends to drive me up the wall a little bit. You see, I left home when I was 18 and still pretty stupid. We've only had the odd couple of weeks a year here and there together since then, and she's had almost no opportunity to see me in my Real Life as an Adult. It's not something she's had a chance to get used to. So. This

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-68624605886243695282011-05-11T10:38:00.004+09:002011-05-11T10:41:50.147+09:00

Oh sweet Jesus. Head Teacher is currently sitting at the table with my grandmother repeating her nonsense about all Americans owning bread machines. She's explaining further upon being challenged now by my grandmother's confusion at the statement -- the doctor and nurse she stayed with as a host family when she lived in Delaware had a bread machine. All. American. Families. Have. Bread. Machines.

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Posting might get a bit sparse here this month. Next week, Grandma INP arrives for a three week visit. By the way, if anyone has any suggestions for what to do with a seventy year old woman in Korea who's never left the U.S. before (save for Mexico, maybe thirty years ago), they would be greatly appreciated. I feel out of my league on this one.And, after forcing the S.O. into a nice little

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-5270032142350327652011-04-28T08:36:00.006+09:002011-04-29T07:01:32.596+09:00

I recently read the blog you wrote about your gay students, how much of a problem would you say that is? Are there any places at all who properly that take in gay teens? I will be going to South Korea as a student next year and the issue struck a bit of c I honestly don't know much about this. I only know what I see. But I have started to think about it more since that whole incident went

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-9657955941811845052011-04-28T06:55:00.002+09:002011-04-28T06:58:28.789+09:00

HL would like to know.....What does an aegyo attack look like?Trust when I say that what I was hit with was more powerful than all three of these combined.

I'm no Picassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516337555349888808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21444271.post-16993912766606615152011-04-27T13:58:00.002+09:002011-04-27T14:31:20.003+09:00

Things that have happened in the last week:1.I walked into 3-5 class B ban. I didn't even get my fucking usb stick plugged into the computer before Minchan shouted out: "TEACHER! How old Teacher?""American age or Korean age?""네?""Never mind. I'm 27.""TEACHER OLD!""Thank you, Minchan. I'm sure that answer was probably coming no matter what.""네?""I said, thank you Minchan!""네!"2.I walked into 3-4 B

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Okay. My Formspring has gone mental, and if I wait until Friday to post it all, I'm afraid it will just be monstrous. It already is. But I'll just go ahead and get to what I've got now while I've got the free time. Tuesday Formspring wahey!Hi. I asked the question about the stifling culture IN KOREA. Of course I'm not American, do I sound like an inbred red neck idiot to you? I'm Canadian, you

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