Simple things

More observations/comments, because they're fun:

-In my classroom, each student has a labelled cup that is kept on a tray, with a jug of water; when the students want water they just ask. It's so cute because all my students call it "ice coffee", instead of water. "Ice coffee, please, Leah teacher!"
-Did I mention my kids have fantastic vocabularies for four-year olds?
-I will celebrate the day that no one spills their milk during morning snack. Yesterday came close - only one or two spills.
-I still enjoy song and chant class as much as the kids.
-Street lights are just a guideline here.
-Motorcycles act as part car and part bike; they ignore lights and drive on the sidewalks when it suits them.
-Restaurant delivery staff actually drive mopeds or bicycles for their deliveries.
-McDonald's delivers.

The weekend was lovely - sunshine and mid-twenties temperatures. Both Saturday and Sunday I got out walking along the river, and sat on the rocks to read as well. These simple things make me smile. I'm currently reading a pop psychology booked called "Stumbling on Happiness". There are a lot of theories that I know from my studies, but it's written in a relatable context. Some highlights/conclusions (so far) that I plan to keep as regular mantras:
**don't compare with the past...compare with the possible
**we regret inaction more than we regret action

Saturday evening my coworkers and some other friends went to the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. And what a show it was. Korea, China, and Canada all had displays. The shapes and colours and formations were spectacular - among the best I've seen, if not the best. Once we were at the park, we had a good view, but before that, man oh MAN could we feel the population of Seoul. Everyone and their mother was out; the metro stations and streets were jam-packed with people so much so that the only reason we were moving was because the crowds willed us to. NO PERSONAL SPACE. It was nuts! Surprisingly tame, though. And thank goodness. It could have gotten ugly. Friday and Sunday I hung out with Christian and his friends/coworkers. Friday night one of them had a party, and Sunday Christian (an American) hosted Thanksgiving! The company? Four American boys, a Polish Canadian, and me! It was lots of fun - and I made everyone say what they were thankful for. Christian did all the cooking and is a most wonderful host. It was delicious. We even had pumpkin pie (thanks, Costco)!

I'm still having positive experiences with the locals. Friday at E-Mart, a gal working there asked if I needed any help. She proceeded to ask where I was from. As it turns out, she has a friend living in Toronto, and her sister is living in New York. Also, her English was amazing. On Saturday when I was (successfully!) ordering my vegetarian kimbap (Korean sushi), some teenage boys spoke English to me, to help me out with what the owner/cook/waitress was saying to me. It was really nice.

I'm officially a regular at the gym. I see the same people every day, too! I'll post fireworks pictures soon! For now I'm off to bed! Happy Thanksgiving! xo