When are children ever a good idea? Or not annoying? Or not worrying?
From pregnancy you are automatically limited. Some may call the small growth a handbrake. You can't eat this, you can't drink that, you shouldn't do this and you definitely shouldn't be acting like that. What a downer.
From it's birth up until at least 12 months, I'm presently pretty determined to not touch the small bundle of wrinkles and pinkness. I shake way to much and the possibility of me dropping the baby is therefore higher than anyone else. So not only am I horribly scared of dropping the baby, I'm sure we all acquainted with the saying "Never shake a baby". Unfair! I'm already at a disadvantage.
And from the word go, to at least the age of 3, it appears (to the untrained eye) that they just cry at whim. And it's so noisy. And they don't just.. be quiet.
Then they learn to walk and run. And they just go and 'do stuff'. They run under tables, they hid under things, they go this way and that way, they go places that they aren't meant to go to. Like out of the parents reach, beyond their ability to quickly reel them back into restraint. And they do all of this while being noisy and loud.
If I have kids they will be super quiet. Silent even.
And then they reach about the age of 7 and they start to grow. And they grow ugly. And they start to develop attitudes, and realise whether they are cool or whether they need to be friends with the cool ones. The mean streak develops.
Then they hit puberty. God, they are so boring during puberty. And lame. And moody. And giggly. And angry. And lazy. And unproductive. And still unattractive. And yeah, boring.
Then they come out of puberty, hit a good age. One would be naive enough to suggest that they may have developed somewhat of a decent personality. But, as a parent still apt enough to cause further inconveniences.
I'm all for piercings and tattoos, indulging, drinking, travelling, holidays and fun times. But I still think I'm rather conservative. God forbid having kids that are way out there.
And all of what I've just said is without even mentioning the trouble that friends and boyfriends or girlfriends can add to the situation.
I think teaching is turning me into a cynic.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The dream is over
Sunday night and work tomorrow. Kiri Teacher will be returning. And I'm so god damn nervous it's horrible.
In my month holiday I have completely forgotten, and lost, the headspace of teaching. I'm hoping 'cool' and 'fun' Kiri Teacher will return quickly this week.
Unfortunately I'm not working the afternoon hours I thought I was for the first month, instead doing 9.30am till 1.30pm. So I don't even have tomorrow morning to 'psyhc up' for the teaching. It's just wake up, get there and straight into it.
The kids will like me though. I bought lots of lollies (candy) on the way back from dinner tonight. I will bribe them. Oh, they will like me. Even if they do end up fat.
Being back is all a little surreal to be honest. Feels strangely normal, but somewhat out of place at the same time. It is awesome to see everyone though, and it has been fun catching up with everyone and with all of their news.
It is somewhat great to be back. There are some great things about Seoul that I forgot. Namely how cheap this place is. Been out for dinner each night I've been back and I seriously forgot just how cheap it can be. And how good the food is.
Would love to say that I've been out drinking and partying, but no, not really. First night back I caught up with Ali and Browna, had some drinks and visited the Anyang local, Psycho, but that's been the extent of it. It appears my tummy is up to its usual Seoul tricks and rejecting most things. I'm just hoping it isn't going to be the same ordeal as last year when I got here. Anyhows...
First day back at work tomorrow. Nothing seems to scream "HOLIDAYS OVER" more than the prospect of work. Mind you I washed my hair for the first time in 2 weeks... that kind of gave me a small indication I had to get more serious about things.
Yeah, my hair's clean, my fringe is back... my holiday's over.
In my month holiday I have completely forgotten, and lost, the headspace of teaching. I'm hoping 'cool' and 'fun' Kiri Teacher will return quickly this week.
Unfortunately I'm not working the afternoon hours I thought I was for the first month, instead doing 9.30am till 1.30pm. So I don't even have tomorrow morning to 'psyhc up' for the teaching. It's just wake up, get there and straight into it.
The kids will like me though. I bought lots of lollies (candy) on the way back from dinner tonight. I will bribe them. Oh, they will like me. Even if they do end up fat.
Being back is all a little surreal to be honest. Feels strangely normal, but somewhat out of place at the same time. It is awesome to see everyone though, and it has been fun catching up with everyone and with all of their news.
It is somewhat great to be back. There are some great things about Seoul that I forgot. Namely how cheap this place is. Been out for dinner each night I've been back and I seriously forgot just how cheap it can be. And how good the food is.
Would love to say that I've been out drinking and partying, but no, not really. First night back I caught up with Ali and Browna, had some drinks and visited the Anyang local, Psycho, but that's been the extent of it. It appears my tummy is up to its usual Seoul tricks and rejecting most things. I'm just hoping it isn't going to be the same ordeal as last year when I got here. Anyhows...
First day back at work tomorrow. Nothing seems to scream "HOLIDAYS OVER" more than the prospect of work. Mind you I washed my hair for the first time in 2 weeks... that kind of gave me a small indication I had to get more serious about things.
Yeah, my hair's clean, my fringe is back... my holiday's over.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
2 hours to go....
Somehow, at some stage, time did fly by and now I am down to my final 2 hours in Bangkok. The bus to the airport has been booked, and I fly back to the ROK tonight.
After just reading my last entry where time seemed to be going slowly, and the time spent here in Thailand lasting forever, I am shocked and sadden at this sudden departure that is too happen.
Since Koh Toa I went back to Koh Phangan and went to the infamous Full Moon Party. I met up with two girls from Seoul, and a group of British guys who they met at their guest house. It was a fantastic crew to be hanging out with, although most of us lost each other in the madness that night. I thankfully managed to hang on to Ruth and a few others. It was a lot of fun, but quite simply, NZ beach parties are so much better. Full Moon was just overloaded with young, drunken, wasted kids. With so much rubbish everywhere, and just a general vibe that I did not enjoy all that much. I still had fun, but by no means would I claim it a compulsory event when travelling through Thailand. Avoiding it last year was probably the better decision out of the two. I unfortunately also saw the horrible side to the event, where on the way home we picked up a girl on the side of the road who must of had her drink spiked. She came to focus when on a motorbike with Thai guys, and when they wouldn't let her off, she jumped off. She even thought she was on a completely different island. It wasn't so nice.
I returned to Bottle Beach and continued with my 'Nothing to do in Thailand' theme before returning to Bangkok. I was apprehensive about coming to Bangkok, but I ended up meeting up with a couple of the guys I meet before the Full Moon Party. It proved to be a fantastic stay in Bangkok and got to see some cool things. We had a Thai Spirit Guide - Tan (said with a Brit accent so more like 'Tarn') - who took us to some awesome little local places. My fave night was definitely when she took us to see some local ska bands play. They were awesome, and I only wished my camera was working to video it. The band was great, and the crowd awesome. I'm thinking they don't get many westerners in there, as when they saw us, they would come over to do a 'cheers' and then dance with us. It was such a nice difference to see compared with the pushy thai's on the street making their wage. "Tuk Tuk miss? Where you go?" My other highlight from Bangkok was the Zoo. God I love zoo's and it proved very entertaining. Right Dom?
Anyhows, I shouldn't really be spending my last hours in an internet cafe. So instead I sign off from Bangkok, and will update again when back in Seoul. I will also attempt to get some photos on here.
Overall though, a fantastic trip. Travelling by myself was great, and I met some great people. Yeah, that was definitely the best part of this trip.
To those I meet on this Thailand Holiday - thanks heaps for an awesome time. Arohanui and travel safe xx
After just reading my last entry where time seemed to be going slowly, and the time spent here in Thailand lasting forever, I am shocked and sadden at this sudden departure that is too happen.
Since Koh Toa I went back to Koh Phangan and went to the infamous Full Moon Party. I met up with two girls from Seoul, and a group of British guys who they met at their guest house. It was a fantastic crew to be hanging out with, although most of us lost each other in the madness that night. I thankfully managed to hang on to Ruth and a few others. It was a lot of fun, but quite simply, NZ beach parties are so much better. Full Moon was just overloaded with young, drunken, wasted kids. With so much rubbish everywhere, and just a general vibe that I did not enjoy all that much. I still had fun, but by no means would I claim it a compulsory event when travelling through Thailand. Avoiding it last year was probably the better decision out of the two. I unfortunately also saw the horrible side to the event, where on the way home we picked up a girl on the side of the road who must of had her drink spiked. She came to focus when on a motorbike with Thai guys, and when they wouldn't let her off, she jumped off. She even thought she was on a completely different island. It wasn't so nice.
I returned to Bottle Beach and continued with my 'Nothing to do in Thailand' theme before returning to Bangkok. I was apprehensive about coming to Bangkok, but I ended up meeting up with a couple of the guys I meet before the Full Moon Party. It proved to be a fantastic stay in Bangkok and got to see some cool things. We had a Thai Spirit Guide - Tan (said with a Brit accent so more like 'Tarn') - who took us to some awesome little local places. My fave night was definitely when she took us to see some local ska bands play. They were awesome, and I only wished my camera was working to video it. The band was great, and the crowd awesome. I'm thinking they don't get many westerners in there, as when they saw us, they would come over to do a 'cheers' and then dance with us. It was such a nice difference to see compared with the pushy thai's on the street making their wage. "Tuk Tuk miss? Where you go?" My other highlight from Bangkok was the Zoo. God I love zoo's and it proved very entertaining. Right Dom?
Anyhows, I shouldn't really be spending my last hours in an internet cafe. So instead I sign off from Bangkok, and will update again when back in Seoul. I will also attempt to get some photos on here.
Overall though, a fantastic trip. Travelling by myself was great, and I met some great people. Yeah, that was definitely the best part of this trip.
To those I meet on this Thailand Holiday - thanks heaps for an awesome time. Arohanui and travel safe xx
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Nothing to do in Thailand.
The daily mantra continues. Everyday the above thought 'Nothing to do in Thailand' features at least 10 times. It's fantastic.
Touch down in Thailand was just under 2 weeks ago, but feeling as though it was at least 4. The chilled out, relaxed and slow holiday I was hoping for has been an absolute success thus far.
I flew straight down to Koh Samui and met up with Becky and Gemma. AWESOME to see Becky and just as awesome to get to know Gemma really well. Especially after our few days on Bottle Beach by ourselves. Bottle Beach Revelations 2008. They were, ah, revealing. Yeah.
We also met up with James who I had met in Seoul, and Denis, who James met while trying to negotiate Bangkok with limited success. Our random little crew of 5 missioned over to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan. My absolute fave place from last years travels.
The extent of activities on Bottle Beach was limited. Frisbee, Connect Four, eating, drinking, swimming and sunbathing. Oh and of course maximum Hammock Time. For such a random group of people, to stay in such an isolated place, we had an awesome time.
Cue: Big shout out to the Bottle Beach Crew 2008. See photo below.
(Okay. So check this space later. Im having a few issues with the computer. And an incredibly annoying bug. ugh.)
Koh Toa was the next destination for James and I. I didn't come here last year so was looking forward to seeing something new. And I love it! I think it is officially my favorite island. Its gorgeous, so quiet, chilled out, and so scenic. If not a little too romantic. We did a lot more of what we did at Bottle Beach but also hired quad bikes and went exploring (read: lost) all around the island. Was probably one of my favorite days so far, but probably because it reminds of the missions you do around New Zealand. But not so tropical, and less Palm Trees, no Nemo fish or coconuts.
I have still got another 2 weeks to go, with minimal plans still. I am probably going to head back to Bottle Beach I know that much. I have to spend a few days in Bangkok at the end sorting out my new visa also.
My highlight so far has probably been the chance to hang out with people who aren't from New Zealand. I love Kiwi's, we're a special breed, but it has been great meeting people from different place etc. Which has fueled along my revelations of Bottle Beach. That and Gemma. Love Gemma.
Not yet willing to expose the revelations, but I know they will be put into place ASAP when I get back to Korea and in a better place to organise myself. But this is just another space to watch.
Well, banana shakes to be drunken, Singha's to be consumed and a Massamum Curry to be demolished.
Peace from the South East
Touch down in Thailand was just under 2 weeks ago, but feeling as though it was at least 4. The chilled out, relaxed and slow holiday I was hoping for has been an absolute success thus far.
I flew straight down to Koh Samui and met up with Becky and Gemma. AWESOME to see Becky and just as awesome to get to know Gemma really well. Especially after our few days on Bottle Beach by ourselves. Bottle Beach Revelations 2008. They were, ah, revealing. Yeah.
We also met up with James who I had met in Seoul, and Denis, who James met while trying to negotiate Bangkok with limited success. Our random little crew of 5 missioned over to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan. My absolute fave place from last years travels.
The extent of activities on Bottle Beach was limited. Frisbee, Connect Four, eating, drinking, swimming and sunbathing. Oh and of course maximum Hammock Time. For such a random group of people, to stay in such an isolated place, we had an awesome time.
Cue: Big shout out to the Bottle Beach Crew 2008. See photo below.
(Okay. So check this space later. Im having a few issues with the computer. And an incredibly annoying bug. ugh.)
Koh Toa was the next destination for James and I. I didn't come here last year so was looking forward to seeing something new. And I love it! I think it is officially my favorite island. Its gorgeous, so quiet, chilled out, and so scenic. If not a little too romantic. We did a lot more of what we did at Bottle Beach but also hired quad bikes and went exploring (read: lost) all around the island. Was probably one of my favorite days so far, but probably because it reminds of the missions you do around New Zealand. But not so tropical, and less Palm Trees, no Nemo fish or coconuts.
I have still got another 2 weeks to go, with minimal plans still. I am probably going to head back to Bottle Beach I know that much. I have to spend a few days in Bangkok at the end sorting out my new visa also.
My highlight so far has probably been the chance to hang out with people who aren't from New Zealand. I love Kiwi's, we're a special breed, but it has been great meeting people from different place etc. Which has fueled along my revelations of Bottle Beach. That and Gemma. Love Gemma.
Not yet willing to expose the revelations, but I know they will be put into place ASAP when I get back to Korea and in a better place to organise myself. But this is just another space to watch.
Well, banana shakes to be drunken, Singha's to be consumed and a Massamum Curry to be demolished.
Peace from the South East
Monday, June 30, 2008
I made it
I'm currently unemployed, homeless and going to Thailand in 3 days.
Life is good. Life is good.
Yesterday was my last day at CLS, said my good-byes to the kidlets, farewell to Jen, and gave a half-hearted hug to Kwonny. That was a little weird.
I've moved out of my little whare, scattered my belongings around friends houses and crashing on a bed base (surprisingly comfortable) at a friends old apartment where another homeless friend is also staying.
I've removed my watch, had a great sleep in and embracing holiday mode. I'm giving Holiday Mode somewhat of a bear hug. It's been too long.
I got a few errands and the like to do around Seoul for the next few days and so will be fairly busy perhaps. I am on the International Touch Seoul Committee which is organising an International Tournament in September. I'm really stoked I am in the committee, and it's nice to do something that requires effort from me that isn't all about me. Such a weird and odd event for me these days. But as I am away for the next month I have got to do some work for that before I leave.
My plans for Thailand are vague at best at the moment, which is kind of how I want them to go. To begin with though I get in on Friday afternoon, and am then going to head straight down to Koh Samui to meet Becky. Am so super excited about catching up with that one. I've got 5 days with her before she flies out. I am also meeting another friend there, who has been studying here in Seoul. It is looking like Thailand could be rather random.
Before I leave though, I am signing a new contract. Feeling a little nervous about it all, but I know I don't really want to be leaving Korea yet either. Although after my holiday it could be a little different.
Anyhows, just wanted to drop a quick line seen the end of CLS, Kwonny and all dramas has arrived. I know its been a long time since I have written, but hopefully now that things have calmed down I will be able to write some more stuff.
Sorry Matt, I tried not to be dramatic or over the top in this posting. Hope my writing was up to standard this time. Punknuts.
Life is good. Life is good.
Yesterday was my last day at CLS, said my good-byes to the kidlets, farewell to Jen, and gave a half-hearted hug to Kwonny. That was a little weird.
I've moved out of my little whare, scattered my belongings around friends houses and crashing on a bed base (surprisingly comfortable) at a friends old apartment where another homeless friend is also staying.
I've removed my watch, had a great sleep in and embracing holiday mode. I'm giving Holiday Mode somewhat of a bear hug. It's been too long.
I got a few errands and the like to do around Seoul for the next few days and so will be fairly busy perhaps. I am on the International Touch Seoul Committee which is organising an International Tournament in September. I'm really stoked I am in the committee, and it's nice to do something that requires effort from me that isn't all about me. Such a weird and odd event for me these days. But as I am away for the next month I have got to do some work for that before I leave.
My plans for Thailand are vague at best at the moment, which is kind of how I want them to go. To begin with though I get in on Friday afternoon, and am then going to head straight down to Koh Samui to meet Becky. Am so super excited about catching up with that one. I've got 5 days with her before she flies out. I am also meeting another friend there, who has been studying here in Seoul. It is looking like Thailand could be rather random.
Before I leave though, I am signing a new contract. Feeling a little nervous about it all, but I know I don't really want to be leaving Korea yet either. Although after my holiday it could be a little different.
Anyhows, just wanted to drop a quick line seen the end of CLS, Kwonny and all dramas has arrived. I know its been a long time since I have written, but hopefully now that things have calmed down I will be able to write some more stuff.
Sorry Matt, I tried not to be dramatic or over the top in this posting. Hope my writing was up to standard this time. Punknuts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wise words from a favorite friend....
"I think that Wednesday is the new Friday and Thursday is the old Friday and Friday is the original Friday- we need more Fridays in our life."
- the response I got from Ro Clark when I enquired as to her hung over state on a working Thursday. Drinking on Wednesday nights - Little early for the week? Apprantely not. Love your work Ro xx
- the response I got from Ro Clark when I enquired as to her hung over state on a working Thursday. Drinking on Wednesday nights - Little early for the week? Apprantely not. Love your work Ro xx
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Quick Update
My last entry was pretty dramatic and so I thought I would offer just a brief update on things right now. I would write more - but I can't really be arsed. I have spent far too much time on the computer lately tapping away at the keys.
Anyhows, yes still at work. It's still painful. Kwonny is still a bitch. But, I do now have my favorite kindy kid all day as opposed to just my afternoon class. And his english is pretty good, so it means I can actually almost hold some sort of a conversation during the day. Well, depending on what you consider a conversation with a three and a half year old to be. But, he also definitely helps the standard of the class along as well. Leader of the pack to some extent. Am thinking of taking in my camera and getting some footage of my kindy kids over the next few weeks.
Am heading south down to Busan this weekend for 3 days of surfing. ASSABIYO! Can't wait to get back to the beach, and in the water. Will let you know how the actual surfing goes. Am super excited though.
Once I get back I only 3 weeks left at school. YES!
And Rat and Kate are visiting next weekend. AWESOME!
The week after I got another touch tournament in Gumi. Where ever that is. YEYA!
The week after that I got a wedding. And will be celebrating ten times over as Monday will be last day at work.... Can't even think of a big-enough-excitement-word to convey those feelings. !!!!!!!!!!
Am applying for more jobs over here. Admin is still as painful as it was last time I did it. But yes, it will all be worth it.
Right. That's all I can be bothered with. Once I get my resume sorted, and all my admin sorted, I'll start posting more worthwhile entries.
Until then team, rest easy.
Arohanui to all xx
Anyhows, yes still at work. It's still painful. Kwonny is still a bitch. But, I do now have my favorite kindy kid all day as opposed to just my afternoon class. And his english is pretty good, so it means I can actually almost hold some sort of a conversation during the day. Well, depending on what you consider a conversation with a three and a half year old to be. But, he also definitely helps the standard of the class along as well. Leader of the pack to some extent. Am thinking of taking in my camera and getting some footage of my kindy kids over the next few weeks.
Am heading south down to Busan this weekend for 3 days of surfing. ASSABIYO! Can't wait to get back to the beach, and in the water. Will let you know how the actual surfing goes. Am super excited though.
Once I get back I only 3 weeks left at school. YES!
And Rat and Kate are visiting next weekend. AWESOME!
The week after I got another touch tournament in Gumi. Where ever that is. YEYA!
The week after that I got a wedding. And will be celebrating ten times over as Monday will be last day at work.... Can't even think of a big-enough-excitement-word to convey those feelings. !!!!!!!!!!
Am applying for more jobs over here. Admin is still as painful as it was last time I did it. But yes, it will all be worth it.
Right. That's all I can be bothered with. Once I get my resume sorted, and all my admin sorted, I'll start posting more worthwhile entries.
Until then team, rest easy.
Arohanui to all xx
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