A lazy few weeks

It's been a while since I've blogged. I'm having a lazy day--mmm, more like a couple of weeks.

Double Holiday

Today is Children's Day! Not only do I get a day off, but these kids who are constantly busting their butts studying and commuting from school to their Hagwon  to violin, taekwondo, math academy, etc finally get a day to do whatever they want. I have yet to comment on a typical day of a Korean child, but I feel today is appropriate.  A lot of my students have insanely long days. They wake up early in the morning to attend their normal school. After this, many (when I say many I mean most) continue on to some type of academy or activity. In South Korea, this academy is called a Hagwon. This means a private after school academy that focuses on subjects such as English, grammar, science, math, social studies arts and music. There may be other subjects, but these tend to be more common. Students do not receive grades at their Hagwon, or at least at mine. I can't speak for all of Korea. However, they of course are often tested on what they are learning. In reality it doesn't matter how they do at their Hagwon, it has no real effect on getting accepted into university. Now, since Hagwon's are businesses if the student is not performing well this looks bad on the Hagwon and they may loose business because of this. Don't worry, Hagwon's don't let their student's look bad. It's bad for business. Continuing on topic---after a child is done with their normal school around 3pm they attend a Hagwon or an activity (violin and taekwondo are the most common) for a few hours. Basically, what I am trying to point out is it is very common for a six year old to attend school all day until 2pm or 3pm and than after attending their Hagwon and activity of choice they are not home until 6pm or later...much later. Children's Day is an opportunity for children to relax, not sit in a classroom, spend time with their family and enjoy being a kid again.

It is also Cinco de Mayo today also known as the 5th of May!! Thought to be the Mexican Independence Day, but this is untrue. The holiday celebrates an unlikely win against the French at the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is mostly celebrated in Puebla and in the United States of America. In the U.S, it's a day to celebrate Mexican American heritage much like St. Patrick's Day is used to celebrate being Irish American.

I can only do so much in living Korea, but I'm personally celebrating this holiday by cooking Mexican food and drinking tequila.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!!

Osama bin Laden is die

The time has finally come. After organizing what I personally believe (along with many others) to be the worst terrorist attack on the United States, Osama bin Laden has been killed. Watch to see students at my alma mater celebrate.

AMES CELEBRATES: Following the news of Osama bin Laden's death, hundreds of ISU students took to the streets to celebrate

I don't wish to go on and on about September 11th, the war, or even my personal beliefs about Osama bin Laden. I will state I find his death to be somewhat of a paradox - we fight violence with violence. Although his death will not bring any life lost back, I do hope knowing he is no longer out there will put many minds at rest.

Yoga & Kpop

Seeing how it is my goal to become active again. I have been trying to attend yoga since I've moved to Korea.  Of course, starting this goal over holidays that focus on eating like Christmas and Valentine’s Day is especially difficult. Plus, it’s been cold. I mean why would I ever leave the comforts (and warmth) of my home to attend a yoga class…that’s just insane. So I thought in order to light a match under my butt I will buy new shoes. It obviously worked because I got my a** out of bed and went downtown to class. It also helps that it is no longer cold outside. 

I haven't stretched or done anything strenuous for a really (I mean A REALLY) long time so I was a little worried going into class. I'm also still getting over my sinus infection so it's a little difficult to breath. Overall, the class was good and in actuality I think it helped clear my sinuses more. At times I was a little frustrated with myself because I couldn't keep my balance with certain poses like the one demonstrated in the upper right photo. I'm still a little annoyed I kept falling over. In my young years I could do this with my eyes literally closed. I do plan to practice a few yoga poses and kick butt in the next yoga class.

At one point the instructor did tell everyone to strike the candle pose and then she looks at me and says, "have you done this pose before?" I of course tell her, "no." I mean, I've done yoga before, but I was never a regular. As I'm telling her this I look around the room to see everyone doing this (exhibit B to the left). She then starts to grab for my legs and enthusiastically says, "I can help you." I immediately jerked my legs away and politely declined. Maybe next time.

Everyday I have students show me new music videos or songs from very famous Kpop stars. Unfortunately, I've started to really like these songs and I'm not ashamed. So you can also enjoy these catchy songs I've dedicated part of this post to spreading the joy of Kpop! Enjoy.

My favorite: Miss A - Bad Girl Good Girl

My other favorite: GD&TOP - High High

Kan Mi Youn - Paparazzi

Dal*Shabet - Suppa Duppa Diva

Fast forward to 1.45: IU - Good Day

Secret - Shy Boy