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Mar 09
2010
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Tuesday
Perspectives
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Mar 09
2010
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I have so many great memories of my grandparents and greatgrandparents. I was fortunate to meet and spend time with both my mom’s parents and her grandparents (all 4 of them). I am the oldest grandchild and for that reason alone my grandma and I developed a very close and loving relationship. She taught me to be respectful of others, to offer my help always (she always said, “necesitas ser acomedida siempre”), and to be self-sufficient. I still remember when she sent me out to the store by myself at 6 years old to get her something she needed for “la comida.” Among many other things, I learned from her I don’t need much to be happy, everything can be an occasion for a celebration, sitting on the porch and greeting people is a great pastime, and “fideos con queso” is a perfect meal.
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Mar 09
2010
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“Good morning, Margarito. What brings you in today?”
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Mar 09
2010
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Hearing my students call out my name is bittersweet. I love hearing my students yell out, "Gema Teacher!" in the mornings as they are strolling into the classroom with excitement. I just can't help but smile :) Yet, halfway through the day, hearing "Gema Teacher!!!" is no longer sweet. I have a number of students calling for my attention to check over their work and it's not enough for them when I tell them I'll be right over as I'm explaining the directions to another student or checking over their work. They have to continue yelling out my name and sometimes, they even come up to me and put their workbook on top of the one I'm checking! Teaching has its challenges, but the rewards are sweet. I look forward to hearing my students' English improve within the next year.
The most challenging part of work this week is teaching while being sick. I can't request a sick day unless I need to be hospitalized. Today, after work I went to the hospital to get a check-up. I was seen by the doctor immediately and prescribed three days worth of antibiotics. I went to the pharmacy across the street from the hospital, waited five minutes for my prescription to be filled, and then was told how to take my medication. I then got into a taxi and was home before 6pm. I got out of work today at 5pm. My total expenses for my doctor's visit and prescription was about $22, which actually then becomes $11 because my school pays for half of my medical expenses. How AWESOME is that?! This would definitely NEVER happen back home. First of all, I'd be at the hospital waiting to see a doctor for hours and my prescription and visit would DEFINITELY cost me more than 11 dollars. BUT, I still can't take at least one sick day to recover. What would you prefer? To be able to take a sick day and rest up or pay $11 for medical expenses, but not have a sick day to recover?
I'm not the type to get homesick, but I have to admit I do miss a good'ol caldo de pollo right about now or caldo de fideo. I also miss my chamomile tea.
Going back to my students, I do have quite a few characters in some of my classes; some of which I adore and some that keep the day interesting if you know what I mean. I will share with you some stories on these students next week. Right now my medication is kicking in and I'm starting to feel sleepy. Before I let you go though, I would like to share with you a suggestion a dear friend of mine made. She suggested every week I'd end my blog by answering a question from a reader. I think that's an excellent idea and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. Therefore, ask away! I will answer any questions, curiosities you have about Korea and/or about myself. I look forward to your questions and will do my best to answer them.
As I head to bed and await Wednesday, may you all have a great Tuesday as you begin your day! :)
The most challenging part of work this week is teaching while being sick. I can't request a sick day unless I need to be hospitalized. Today, after work I went to the hospital to get a check-up. I was seen by the doctor immediately and prescribed three days worth of antibiotics. I went to the pharmacy across the street from the hospital, waited five minutes for my prescription to be filled, and then was told how to take my medication. I then got into a taxi and was home before 6pm. I got out of work today at 5pm. My total expenses for my doctor's visit and prescription was about $22, which actually then becomes $11 because my school pays for half of my medical expenses. How AWESOME is that?! This would definitely NEVER happen back home. First of all, I'd be at the hospital waiting to see a doctor for hours and my prescription and visit would DEFINITELY cost me more than 11 dollars. BUT, I still can't take at least one sick day to recover. What would you prefer? To be able to take a sick day and rest up or pay $11 for medical expenses, but not have a sick day to recover?
I'm not the type to get homesick, but I have to admit I do miss a good'ol caldo de pollo right about now or caldo de fideo. I also miss my chamomile tea.
Going back to my students, I do have quite a few characters in some of my classes; some of which I adore and some that keep the day interesting if you know what I mean. I will share with you some stories on these students next week. Right now my medication is kicking in and I'm starting to feel sleepy. Before I let you go though, I would like to share with you a suggestion a dear friend of mine made. She suggested every week I'd end my blog by answering a question from a reader. I think that's an excellent idea and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. Therefore, ask away! I will answer any questions, curiosities you have about Korea and/or about myself. I look forward to your questions and will do my best to answer them.
As I head to bed and await Wednesday, may you all have a great Tuesday as you begin your day! :)
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Mar 02
2010
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“Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.” ~ Charles Caleb Colton
