"The expected is what we live for. The unexpected is what changes our lives."




Friday, January 21, 2011

"young buck"

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living" -- Miriam Beard
So, the moment I've been waiting for...I finally got my notice of appointment!! I will be living in the province of Gyeongbuk, sounds like "young buck" but I'm sure that's not correct lol :) Still don't know the city...I'm assuming it will be listed in my contract (which I should receive in the mail in a couple days) but I do know that I will be in the south east part of South Korea. I did a little research and there are 10 cities in that province and I'm not too far from a few beaches. :)

And even better, they've already booked my flight for me! I leave from Austin on Wednesday, February 16th @ 6:45AM (eh, a little too early for my liking lol) and I fly to San Francisco, California to switch planes. I will end up in Seoul around 4:30PM, the next day. The total flight time is 16 hours. I really hope I'm able to sleep on the plane!

My final step of the official paperwork is to go to the Korean Consulate, which is in Houston, to apply for my work visa. I only wish that was the last thing to do on my "to-do" list!! I've been packing up my apartment and sorting through my "stuff" for an entire week. I took most of my clothes to Goodwill, gave away a few things to friends, and threw away junk. Now if only some magic "moving fairy" could appear and take care of the rest! Wait, that would be my brothers who are coming this weekend to help me haha :)

This was my last week of subbing, and I only have two more weeks left of working at Pluckers! YAY!!!

So, people have been asking me if I'm excited or nervous and here's how I break that down:

I am NERVOUS about:
* my crazy to-do list that I still have to do
* leaving my family & friends :(
* the possibility of forgetting a piece of paperwork
* figuring out what to pack!! (and the luggage weight limit haha)
* my super long flight & getting everywhere I'm supposed to be on time
* orientation and making lesson plans (I haven't done that since college!)
* working with a co-teacher
* which city I will live in and how many different schools I will work at (some people work at more than one, depending on the size of city you live in)
* using public transportation all of the time
* getting my life situated over there (cell phone, apartment, internet, bank, etc.)

I am EXCITED about:
* a fresh start & new opportunities
* experiencing a total different culture & lifestyle
* seeing my apartment
* meeting my students (I haven't worked with little kids in forever!)
* getting settled into a somewhat familiar routine
* meeting new people & making friends
* travelling & taking lots of pictures (hopefully I can buy a professional camera soon!)
* sharing stories & pictures with my family & friends back home
* working on my poetry
* trying new foods (yes, I know I'm a picky eater but I'm trying to change that!)
* learning the Korean language

I am definately looking forward to seeing all of my family & friends @ my "going-away party" on February 12th!






Amanda

Saturday, January 8, 2011

time is flying by...

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." -- Flora Whittemore
Seeing how I only made one post in December, I decided to write with some sort of an update. No word yet on where I will be placed, which is a little annoying, but they did say that this would be the longest waiting period. However, it feels like January will be gone before I know it seeing as how I have alot to prepare for my big move.

My family is coming to Austin January 23rd to help me move all of my big furniture and most of my stuff to Columbus for storage. Since that's the only weekend they could help me and my lease isn't up until February 9th (I forgot to give them a 60 day notice so it got extended three days) they are bringing up a twin size mattress for me to sleep on for the remainder of my time in my apartment. I figured I could fit that in my vehicle when I officially move out.  I should probably get used to that size of a bed anyways, since I'm sure my tiny apartment will not have a queen size mattress lol.

I figured I'd work until February 4th since I have to pay rent for my "9 days" in February. So. I am paying $215.00 for the four days that I will actually be there! I'd stay and work longer to make it worth it, but I really want to enjoy time with my family before I leave so I will be living in Columbus from that time until I leave for South Korea. Plus this month is my "2 year anniversary" of working at Pluckers and I will be super excited to no longer have to wait tables! As far as subsitute teaching, my last day will be January 21st in order to get my last paycheck before I leave.

I still have so many things to do in such a short time it's crazy! It feels like every time I cross something off of my to-do list, I add another! While I will definately miss my family and friends, I'm starting to get really excited and I'm looking forward to starting my new life in South Korea!! :)






Amanda