*...Moments, Seoul, My Thoughts, Life, Me...*
- My favorite grade to teach is 5th grade. They aren't too childish or too immature. I love moments when I am not teaching and I can connect with my students by learning about their lives outside of my classroom.
- I tend to have the sweetest and funniest moments at subway stations. Like when I got stuck in the turnstile (the tragedy of big purses). Or when this kind stranger helped me carry all my groceries up those long flights of stairs. She was a sweetheart!!
- Living alone isn't so bad when I have music as my background noise. I've taken the time to decorate my apartment Lola O. style and it has made all the difference. It feels homey and is a welcome sight at the end of my day.
- I'm happiest here, when I am enjoying Seoul with other people. Sure there are things I will/want to experience on my own. But it is a nice feeling to explore Seoul/Korea with other people. Different eyes=different views/perspectives.
- The best part of teaching is when my students teach me something. Or when they apply something they've learned from me.
- I know now I will never live in a cold place after Korea. I can't get used to that feeling of being cold. It irks me.
- I love Home Plus brand Ramyun:)!
- Teaching well for me is like creating art, it takes practice, passion, and time.
- Eating alone some days isn't as lonely anymore. I think of it as my time to unwind and reflect.
- Just because we are all foreigners doesn't mean we will be best friends or even friends. I live in between two foreigners and they tend to keep to themselves. In my mind, we should at least be social once in a while.
- Korean do not all look the same, there is so much variety in appearance in my eyes.
- Wood floors are a pain to keep clean. Always dusty!
- I enjoy those moments where body language, Hangul(Korean), and English become intertwined and we find meaning/understanding. I encounter moments like that a lot here. I know a little Korean, they know a little English, and we figure out how to understand each other.
- Cash flows like water here, endlessly. I never really used cash in AZ and it is a little hard keeping track of my spending. I MUST RESIST SHOPPING:)!!!
- I'm stronger in someways, and weaker in others.
- I'm learning that change is a process that cannot be rushed or solved. It needs time for each step.
- I like walking everywhere. It makes me feel refreshed.
- I don't mind staring or curiosity, but please don't touch my hair without permission!
- Attitude determines everything in life. Sometimes things happen (that's life) and I get caught up in the moment, good/bad and forget that life is 10% what happens to you/me and 90% how you/I react.
- Sometimes I feel like I am the main attraction at the circus when little kids point at me and say look to whoever they are with. *Sigh* I'm learning to accept this unfortunately almost daily occurrence.
- Learning to think less, and experience more.
- Spitting everywhere you go is soooooooooooo NOT COOL. Honestly, I start to gag when I hear someone getting ready to spit. They make the most repulsive noise(s)!
- I have all these things I want to do, see, and experience in Seoul/Korea in general. I am realizing that I should spend so much time trying to cross things off my list, but focus more on enjoying each thing on my list.
- The people around you can make or break your experience. So choose people who will make it.
- Family and friends are always going to be there, by my side, even if I am on the other side of the world. Skype is my best friend these days. It really helps bridge the distance between my loved ones and I. I'm learning that I can find a place to call/make home no matter where I am.
- I feel like I might get cancer from second hand smoke due to the overwhelming # of (public)smokers here.
- Nigerians and Koreans have a lot in common as far as values and culture goes.
- I become a TINY bit of a fangirl when it comes to Lee Seung Gi, Kim Bum, and Taeyang (Big Bang)
- I really like the feeling of knowing the people/community around where I live. Like the adjumma who makes delicious kimbap, or the clothing store lady who likes singing American songs and gives me discounts, or the kids from my school I randomly see around the neighborhood. They always have a smile and say hello to me.
- Sometimes we have to jump first before we learn how to land.
- I'm realizing that I still haven't found that thing I LOVE TO DO. There are many things I like to do, but I don't want to spend my life only doing things I like to do. I would love to have a career doing something I love. At the same time, I remind myself I'm only 22. I'll figure it out one day.
- My love for Korean music, dramas, and fashion has now accepted Korean food on a trial and error basis.
- Laughter really is the cure for every ailment!!
That's A Wrap!!!
Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~
You MUST listen to this song...Lol..it is stuck in my head:)! Then check this one out...I don't love it but it is kind of addictive
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Hi, Dele! I love your blog. The layout is gorgeous, and your writing is really beautiful. Even a simple post on your random thoughts sounds deep and profound. And yes, I'll be at the dinner tomorrow. Thanks so much for the wall message. See you soon!!
i loved reading this! ^^ oh and btw... great vids from rain... hehe!!
Thanks Erin & Gabi, I'm just happy to share my thoughts with those in the cyberworld.
Hi, I just jumped onto your blog from Dramabeans. So random eh?
Just to let you know that I like this post of yours very much. And your refreshingly honest way of writing. I've always had an admiration for the Korean way of living, fueled by k-dramas no doubt and have always wondered how a foreigner living in Korea's life would be like.
I hope to teach after my degree (am currently pursuing a degree in English) From your blog, teaching English in Korea sounds pretty much the adventure up my alley! :)
Keep writing.And oh, if you don't mind me asking, which nationality are you actually?
Hi Mel, I'm African-American. I think teaching in Korea is the adventure you choose to have. There is good and bad, like in any place in the world. I think traveling abroad is a good idea, since you have an interest in Korean culture like I do, why not come to Korea and see things firsthand.
you're from arizona??Me too!! (tucson) that's soo cool! i"ll actually be going to the UofA soon with my teaching degree. Guess what I'll be doing after i get it?......I'll be going to korea too! I want to move there so badly and teach!! you're so luck!! (especially at your young age) cute blog :)
Michelle I'm from Phoenix, and went to U of A for my undergrad. You'll be in Korea before you know it.