Proverb of the Post: 손바닥으로 하늘을 가리려한다, “Sonbadageuro haneuleul gariryeohanda,” or “Don’t try to cover the whole sky with the palm of your hand.” Something to remember whenever I get too overwhelmed, a.k.a. the reason I don’t post as often as I ought.
Another month anniversary rolls around the corner, and a month since my last post. I thought it was high time for a quick update.
A new school year has embarked, and classes have graduated onto the next level. I’ve one of my old kindergartener class, now 7-8 years of age, as well as 10 cute and varying 6 year olds who are determined to test their hearing capacity to the limit. I’ve even already have a favorite — Hannah, a shy-tempered girl with sad eyes and poorly constructed French sentences strung around her tiny sweaters.
The new schedule is a lot more balanced and organized, for which I’m very grateful. Other than my 2 classes, there are 3 new classes with brand new students from ages 5-7. Luckily, I’m not in charge of training them. Half of the work with the newbies is just getting them used to rules and routine, not to mention the ABCs. I’m happy to be with experienced kids.
Graduation was a ball, paid overtime to bow and watch my kids illustrate their half-hearted rendition of a Lion King song, dance, and skit. Rehearsal was frustrating (if adorable), and I’m relieved its over. I’m sure they are as well; a few, in fact, left the school while the others advanced to elementary classes in the hagwon.
Also during the past month, I have enjoyed Indian fare, a rare all-nighter in Hongdae clubs, karaoke, and a 90′s dance night in with a board game similar to Risk. My energy has mostly been immersed in my work, a fact over which I am only slightly guilty, since that is the primary reason I am here in the first place. Away from friends and family, life is somewhat like a barracks concentrated on earning some savings–though recent experiments in the kitchen have added some flavah. The past week, I’ve whipped up some nummilicious Potato Curry, Pasta Salad, Basil Cream Pasta, Green Salad, and Fried Tomato Onion & Mushroom Ragout.
