So I'm pretty sure I'm settled now. Life is calming down somewhat and all the new start stuff that is always stressful is all basically done. I've got my banking sorted out, got paid from my school, my apartment is decorated and even though no one showed up to my housewarming (how depressing could that get?), I'm feeling good about things in Korea right now. Well, good except for my allergies going haywire Friday and then again today. Today, mind you, was freezing cold and ended with it snowing. Who has allergies when it's snowing outside? Especially someone who's mainly just allergic to spring? Thanks Korea, thanks a lot.
But really, I think I'm done with the transition time. I thought that this time it wouldn't be as shocking considering I've done it before, but it managed to throw me off for a few weeks now. I can't believe that it's only been about 3.5 weeks since I've left NZ. So much has happened since then. It's snowed twice, I've been to Japan, I've missed my bus and gotten lost in a taxi trying to make it to work on time, made some new friends, turned my apartment into home (although I'm missing my sewing stuff something fierce...I can't wait to get my sewing box here so I can do something again!), and found some good places around my house. Next on my list- curtains. With living right at Daewha Station at a major intersection, it means that I've got neon lights blaring into my apartment all night long and traffic sounds that aren't exactly white noise. I do not have loud neighbors though, which is nice. I actually think I don't have any neighbors, per say. No one lives directly next door to me, and the other two apartments near mine are businesses, so it's pretty quiet after 7.
I bought a plant yesterday, rosemary to be exact. Not like rosemary back in the states or even like it in NZ. I didn't know rosemary could be different. But it definitely is. Here it's a softer variety. I don't know why, but it just is. Smells great though. I'm going to try to find basil and oregano soon- hoping that the big plant superstore near here has it. Fingers crossed. Because if Mina thinks that my pasta made from canned sauce is good, she's not going to know what hit her when I really cook it for her.
I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow of the new place, but right now I have to go in search of massive amounts of tissue as my nose won't stop running and my head may explode from the pressure. Nice image there for ya. G'nite all.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
and here it is...
Oh, I knew it was coming... and here it is, ladies and gents, the email from Juliet regarding my school situation...hard to determine if it's actually a threat or heavy-handed in any way. What do you think?
And....Debbie, I'm fully aware of the situation.
But our school managers don't want to miss the class.
Especially, this week is the begining of the semester.
I have no idea how can I explain to them.
I was put in an awkward position.
If you will make such this problem again, they would be never admit your mistake.
I don't want to that. ^^:;
Debbie, please don't make a problem anymore.
please....
So, apparently all of this is MY fault. I'm not the one who insisted on going to Japan the first week of classes. That would be the school. And if I had been given more adequate time to prepare for it, I would have been able to call the consulate in Japan and find out about the 330 issue...but NOOOO. I had to rush it because the school insisted. Why, I don't know. I can't help that the consulate is closed over the weekend, so I couldn't double-check the hours, which I really wanted to do. But of course, it's all my fault.
And....Debbie, I'm fully aware of the situation.
But our school managers don't want to miss the class.
Especially, this week is the begining of the semester.
I have no idea how can I explain to them.
I was put in an awkward position.
If you will make such this problem again, they would be never admit your mistake.
I don't want to that. ^^:;
Debbie, please don't make a problem anymore.
please....
So, apparently all of this is MY fault. I'm not the one who insisted on going to Japan the first week of classes. That would be the school. And if I had been given more adequate time to prepare for it, I would have been able to call the consulate in Japan and find out about the 330 issue...but NOOOO. I had to rush it because the school insisted. Why, I don't know. I can't help that the consulate is closed over the weekend, so I couldn't double-check the hours, which I really wanted to do. But of course, it's all my fault.
Japan=trouble
Seriously, I can't believe my luck. It just sucks, really. I got to Japan today to finish my E2 visa for my school. Let's just start with my school. They're not happy I have to miss work to finish my visa. But they knew that. But they're still not happy about it. Not thrilled that I'm missing two days of teaching. Which I'm taking unpaid leave for anyway.
Next step- the Korean Consulate. Yeah, I'm not a fan. Ok, so when I found out I had to come on Monday (I found out Friday afternoon) I scrambled to get all the information I would possibly need for my trip here. Subway line, costs of travel, booked my flight, found a hotel to stay at. Scrounged around and borrowed money in order to make this happen on such short notice. So I thought I was ready for it all. The website I had looked up said the consulate was open until 5pm, which was good since I couldn't get a flight before 1pm. Thought I'd be ok and get my visa application in and get my visa in time to fly out Tuesday afternoon. I get to the consulate and well, what do you know, they stop taking visa applications at 330. Guess what time I got there? Just guess...yep, 345. Bastards. So I stood outside the consulate, considering crying, but sucked it up and attempted to call them, from outside. Miraculously my Korean cellphone works to call in Japan (side note- it won't call Korea from here though). So I talk to a lady in the consulate and nope, nope, nope...I can't get my visa done in one day in order to get back to Korea to work on Wednesday. Nope.
Knowing now that my school is going to hate me even more, I dreaded making the phone call I had to make. Literally dreaded it so much I made myself sick. I got to my hotel, checked in for two nights. At least I get broadband internet for free in my room. Thank God for that. Made a call to Korean Air and was able to get my flight changed without a changing fee (thank God again). But then I had to call my handler, Juliet. She's pretty much my go-between for the school. I knew it was going to be a bad phone call. She informed me that the Vice-Principal was really unhappy about me going to Japan to begin with, and I know tomorrow is going to be the shittiest day, news wise. Which means Thursday, when I do go back for work, is going to be Hellish. Pardon my french here, but seriously. I am really concerned about the relationship with the brass at school now. If they take a grudge to me about this, then this year will be horrendous. I don't like conflict and I HATE stress related to working situations. I don't do well with it. So I guess I'll just make myself physically ill until this all resolves.
I know this doesn't all seem like a big deal, but for me it is. I really don't like that I have to stay an extra day in this insanely expensive country. I don't really have money to do much of anything and I will probably just sit in my hotel for the evening now and watch movies on my computer. Though, the trouble really isn't with Japan particularly, it's with Korea...of course. Tomorrow I'll go to the consulate and turn in my visa application and keep praying to God that things aren't as bad as I think they are at Jungsan Elementary School. Can I just hide in a hole?
Last complaint...I came prepared for one night here...so I only brought one extra shirt. Guess I'm wearing the same clothes twice. Ugh. I hate doing that.
That's it, I'm done whining. I just needed to get it out of my system. Tomorrow will be a better day. Hopefully.
Next step- the Korean Consulate. Yeah, I'm not a fan. Ok, so when I found out I had to come on Monday (I found out Friday afternoon) I scrambled to get all the information I would possibly need for my trip here. Subway line, costs of travel, booked my flight, found a hotel to stay at. Scrounged around and borrowed money in order to make this happen on such short notice. So I thought I was ready for it all. The website I had looked up said the consulate was open until 5pm, which was good since I couldn't get a flight before 1pm. Thought I'd be ok and get my visa application in and get my visa in time to fly out Tuesday afternoon. I get to the consulate and well, what do you know, they stop taking visa applications at 330. Guess what time I got there? Just guess...yep, 345. Bastards. So I stood outside the consulate, considering crying, but sucked it up and attempted to call them, from outside. Miraculously my Korean cellphone works to call in Japan (side note- it won't call Korea from here though). So I talk to a lady in the consulate and nope, nope, nope...I can't get my visa done in one day in order to get back to Korea to work on Wednesday. Nope.
Knowing now that my school is going to hate me even more, I dreaded making the phone call I had to make. Literally dreaded it so much I made myself sick. I got to my hotel, checked in for two nights. At least I get broadband internet for free in my room. Thank God for that. Made a call to Korean Air and was able to get my flight changed without a changing fee (thank God again). But then I had to call my handler, Juliet. She's pretty much my go-between for the school. I knew it was going to be a bad phone call. She informed me that the Vice-Principal was really unhappy about me going to Japan to begin with, and I know tomorrow is going to be the shittiest day, news wise. Which means Thursday, when I do go back for work, is going to be Hellish. Pardon my french here, but seriously. I am really concerned about the relationship with the brass at school now. If they take a grudge to me about this, then this year will be horrendous. I don't like conflict and I HATE stress related to working situations. I don't do well with it. So I guess I'll just make myself physically ill until this all resolves.
I know this doesn't all seem like a big deal, but for me it is. I really don't like that I have to stay an extra day in this insanely expensive country. I don't really have money to do much of anything and I will probably just sit in my hotel for the evening now and watch movies on my computer. Though, the trouble really isn't with Japan particularly, it's with Korea...of course. Tomorrow I'll go to the consulate and turn in my visa application and keep praying to God that things aren't as bad as I think they are at Jungsan Elementary School. Can I just hide in a hole?
Last complaint...I came prepared for one night here...so I only brought one extra shirt. Guess I'm wearing the same clothes twice. Ugh. I hate doing that.
That's it, I'm done whining. I just needed to get it out of my system. Tomorrow will be a better day. Hopefully.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
in transit
So I've finished the first of three legs of my journey. Even though it was a short one, it was one of the more important ones because it entailed customs, baggage check and security checks...all three of my favorite things. And of course, I had problems at all three! Lucky me! Check-in was fine in Nelson, I had to pay extra for my overweight luggage, but it'll work out ok. I can't really help it- really, who can move to another country on 20 kg? (that's 44 lbs for you Americans). NO ONE! It's just not possible, especially when transporting a sewing machine in the checked luggage. Anyway, the flight from Nelson to Auckland was ridiculously short. Then came customs...the lady who weighs your carry-on luggage was a pain in my ass. She got tetchy about my carry-on being 13 kilos and made me go downstairs to the check-in counter to deal with it. The lady there was much nicer, she said I had to get it down and said it would be ok if I put more into my "purse" (I like to use that word loosely, considering my purse for traveling is really big and could hold a small child in it, or two, depending on the size ;-) So I loaded up my purse and headed back upstairs...where the mean lady decided to weigh both of my carry-on bags...instead of just my suitcase. ARRRGGGHHHH! Well, duh, it was more than 13 kg that time! The first time she didn't weigh my purse, which the lady downstairs had asked me. So the upstairs lady sent me back...of course. I got down there again to the same check-in lady, who was nearly as frustrated as I was...by the upstairs lady. She said that if I got her again, to remind her that my purse was carrying my computer. I then went to a scale and trash bin and went through my stuff for a third time...rearranging and getting rid of things (sniff, sniff) and determined to make it past the upstairs lady if it was the last thing I did. I went back up with my hoodie hid in my jacket (which wasn't weighed either previous time), little things hidden in my camera bag (which was now NOT in my suitcase) and two books and a notebook lighter. Prepared to fight my way past her, I went through...but got a different lady who only weighed my suitcase, didn't ask about my purse and waved me on through. SERIOUSLY?!?!? So I got through, and then went to the security check...where I set off the alarm (of course). But it was just my belt...in Auckland they're not so concerned about hidden things in shoes and belts left on. It was nice to not have to take off my shoes. I have to say, the USA is the most neurotic of any country I've traveled to/from in regards to security checks...I mean, it's just absurd back home. Thank God for the laid-back Kiwi attitude. Now I have to wait 3.5 hours more to board for my flight to Hong Kong...gonna watch a movie now and try to relax before the next leg.
Friday, February 19, 2010
frustration in a messy room
I'm surrounded by suitcases and the belongings I brought with me to NZ and those I've accumulated since arriving last April. It's absurd. I keep going through it all and getting rid of stuff, but there never seems to be an end in sight. I can't pack my life up in two large suitcases and a carry-on. I just can't. I'm looking at seven or more boxes of stuff to be shipped at some point. What the hell?! Time to go back through it all...again...and again...and again...and well, you get the idea. It's so frustrating to know that I can't get it all done. I'm leaving in what..five days now? and I still am nowhere near ready to leave.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
two months later...
So I realize that my last post was back in November...Thanksgiving time...but there's a good reason my last post was so far back. We moved to a new house the 28th of November and have not gotten internet until today...the 27th of January. Ridiculous, I know. I was actually thinking we'd never get it, but I'm glad I was wrong!
So there's some pretty big news in my world right about now. I'm moving back to South Korea in less than a month. I got a job offer from an elementary school in Ilsan (where I know two of the former teachers) and I get to move back to my fav. city in Korea. I have some reservations about it, but know that it's for the best. With summer finally showing up here in New Zealand, I've actually fallen in love with this country and don't really want to leave. But as Laura said, she's not really sad I'm going, because she knows I'll be back...and she's right. I will likely end up here again. It's lovely, the people here are really kind and I'm becoming adjusted to a slower pace of living. However, it's for the best that I go back to South Korea for a time to sort things out financially and get back into education. I have been thinking a lot lately about that. Education, that is. I've been wondering if I'm just supposed to be teaching, and not trying to make it professionally in theatre. This marks my second attempt at professional theatre and honestly, it's not going the way I had planned it. I worked at the Indie and then it closed, there's nothing else really in town that I could do theatre full-time at and thus this year has been a struggle, both financially and morally as I've struggled to keep my morale high while unemployed. It doesn't mean I won't continue to try theatre work and do it wherever I can, but maybe it means I am supposed to be teaching and working with kids and do theatre through that somehow. It is, after all, how I got started in theatre. So over the next few months I'm going to look into graduate education programs and see what I can learn and if I can start working on a masters online in education. I've always known that I've wanted to work with kids and I do love teaching them, maybe it's about time I grow up and just do what I'm supposed to do. I'll keep you posted on this journey.
So there's some pretty big news in my world right about now. I'm moving back to South Korea in less than a month. I got a job offer from an elementary school in Ilsan (where I know two of the former teachers) and I get to move back to my fav. city in Korea. I have some reservations about it, but know that it's for the best. With summer finally showing up here in New Zealand, I've actually fallen in love with this country and don't really want to leave. But as Laura said, she's not really sad I'm going, because she knows I'll be back...and she's right. I will likely end up here again. It's lovely, the people here are really kind and I'm becoming adjusted to a slower pace of living. However, it's for the best that I go back to South Korea for a time to sort things out financially and get back into education. I have been thinking a lot lately about that. Education, that is. I've been wondering if I'm just supposed to be teaching, and not trying to make it professionally in theatre. This marks my second attempt at professional theatre and honestly, it's not going the way I had planned it. I worked at the Indie and then it closed, there's nothing else really in town that I could do theatre full-time at and thus this year has been a struggle, both financially and morally as I've struggled to keep my morale high while unemployed. It doesn't mean I won't continue to try theatre work and do it wherever I can, but maybe it means I am supposed to be teaching and working with kids and do theatre through that somehow. It is, after all, how I got started in theatre. So over the next few months I'm going to look into graduate education programs and see what I can learn and if I can start working on a masters online in education. I've always known that I've wanted to work with kids and I do love teaching them, maybe it's about time I grow up and just do what I'm supposed to do. I'll keep you posted on this journey.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
yeah, it's been awhile...
I can't believe it's been over a month since I last wrote...well, actually I can believe it. It's been so busy lately that I rarely have time to sit down, let alone take time to write a blog. So here's the breakdown of why I've been so busy. Lend Me A Tenor- Laura and I are producing our first show under our production company, Standing Room Only, and this show has consumed my life. I'm the production manager and have been working tirelessly on this show for over a month. It's going to be a great show, but there's so much to do before it opens in 15 days. I don't sleep well at night because my head is full of things I need to get done for the show.
We're moving house this weekend. Luke and Laura bought a house just outside of town a few weeks ago and we've been in the process of packing up and cleaning the current house in order to be able to move out this weekend. As I sit in my room writing this, there are boxes of books, empty suitcases ready to be filled with my clothes, and a closet packed full of already packed bags/boxes. Moving is nutty when I won't be able to help with it! I've got to work all weekend so I won't be able to help pack up the trailer and move house this weekend. Sorry guys!
In a new development regarding life after New Zealand- I've received an offer for work at an elementary school in Ilsan, South Korea. Looks like I'm moving back in February! Still have to sort out the contract and get the visa, but it looks promising. New Zealand has been an interesting year to say the least, but I need to take care of some things financially before I can go live like this again. I'm 26 years old and shouldn't be this concerned about money, so I need to take care of that problem and then I can go live wherever and however I want. Even if that means living in a yurt in New Caledonia (not that I'm planning on that...but you never know).
Well, the sun is shining and summer is a promise away so I'm off now, to start my day and get some things accomplished while the day is still mine! Below are some pictures from my weekend trip to see my first co-teacher in Korea, Kowoon. We had a great time just hanging out and it was a pleasant surprise to find an old friend living in New Zealand when I moved here. It's just nice.
I had to explain why the store name was so funny to me. In SK, Costco is where you go for foreign food. In New Zealand though, well Kosco is where you go for asian food, mostly korean food. How terribly ironic.
We're moving house this weekend. Luke and Laura bought a house just outside of town a few weeks ago and we've been in the process of packing up and cleaning the current house in order to be able to move out this weekend. As I sit in my room writing this, there are boxes of books, empty suitcases ready to be filled with my clothes, and a closet packed full of already packed bags/boxes. Moving is nutty when I won't be able to help with it! I've got to work all weekend so I won't be able to help pack up the trailer and move house this weekend. Sorry guys!
In a new development regarding life after New Zealand- I've received an offer for work at an elementary school in Ilsan, South Korea. Looks like I'm moving back in February! Still have to sort out the contract and get the visa, but it looks promising. New Zealand has been an interesting year to say the least, but I need to take care of some things financially before I can go live like this again. I'm 26 years old and shouldn't be this concerned about money, so I need to take care of that problem and then I can go live wherever and however I want. Even if that means living in a yurt in New Caledonia (not that I'm planning on that...but you never know).
Well, the sun is shining and summer is a promise away so I'm off now, to start my day and get some things accomplished while the day is still mine! Below are some pictures from my weekend trip to see my first co-teacher in Korea, Kowoon. We had a great time just hanging out and it was a pleasant surprise to find an old friend living in New Zealand when I moved here. It's just nice.
I had to explain why the store name was so funny to me. In SK, Costco is where you go for foreign food. In New Zealand though, well Kosco is where you go for asian food, mostly korean food. How terribly ironic.
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