Physical Examination Day!

So today I had only 2 classes to teach, instead of my usual 3 because after 2nd period the boys all had a physical examination today. After I finished grading their journals, I went out and watched them! They were all surprised to see me out there -- Hello Miss Vittetoe!! Hi Bethany!!! :-) They were doing 100 meter dash, push-ups, long jump, stretching, etc. The boys were all in such good moods to be doing exercises and be outside instead of sitting in class. I got some pictures and I'll post them sometime soon if not tonight. I also had to interview 4 students today for a speech contest. I was asked to help 1 student from each grade prepare for the competition over the coming weeks/months/? and I gladly agreed. Well, the 1st and 2nd grade teachers couldn't decide between 2 good English students for which to enter into the contest, so today I had to interview 2 from 1st grade and 2 from 2nd grade. It was so awkward, and made me feel so nervous because both boys were sitting right there and then I had to choose which was "better" when they were right there. The worst was that their abilities were pretty similar. After they told them who I had chosen, I made sure to say "But you both did a good job!!^^" Pretty much the teachers couldn't decide themselves, so they made me the bad guy. I hope the "losing" students aren't mad at me. :-S I'm looking forward to working with the students to prepare their speeches and getting to know a few of them better on a personal level. Also, I talked with Mrs. Song today about opening up a sort of informal English lunch club. They have an hour for lunch, but only spend about 15 minutes actually eating, so the rest of the time they have free time. Pretty much I just want to let the students know that they can come hang out in my room with me and we can talk in English, I can help them with English homework, and we can listen to American music!! She thought the students would love that, so hopefully a few students will feel like dropping by.

I gave out my Chuseok gifts at school today and everyone was so shocked to get them! The Fulbright program made it seem like we had to give them to our co-teacher/principal/VP, but it seems more like it was completely unnecessary but a nice gesture. Anyway, it was such a good feeling to see their joy! I gave the secretary a pack of snickers-- she said her son will enjoy them. I hope she eats some herself -- women here are so concerned about what they eat! When I gave the pistachios to the Principal, he told me that the chocolate I gave him before was delicious and that he wears the Iowa t-shirt all the time! ^^ I wish I could see him wearing it! Mrs. Song was shocked that I gave her something and felt bad that she didn't give me anything in return. I had hoped to get at least 1 small gift for Chuseok, but it's ok. I think people typically give gifts to their seniors, and I'm the youngest teacher at school, so, I shouldn't really expect much.

I got home from school around 3:30 and ended up reading a bit, and then passing out on my bed. I only got 6 hours of sleep last night, so I was a bit tired. For dinner we had red bean "stew". It was an interesting dish -- pretty much bigger noodles in a red bean thick liquid/thin paste. Not too bad!! I honestly think I am still full from all the food I ate last night. ^^

After dinner I played Uno with my older host brother, showed my host family the pictures my Aunt Linda sent me (they were beautiful -- from Southern Utah!! And adorable pics of their new pup). My host family really enjoyed seeing them!! And then I skyped with my Great Aunt Marie -- she is such a world travelor, I must get it from her! She has great insights and advice. :-) She will actually be spending about 2 months in Haiti (where she helps run a medical lab that she herself started) and then back in the States for a couple days, and then head off to Indonesia and Singapore for a 3 week vacation in December. It would be great if I could go visit her there, but I doubt I'll be able to, because I think my winter break doesn't start until Dec 22. But who knows, the schedule here is always full of surprises for me!! Anyway, I hope when I am 80 I am still traveling the world like her -- it's pretty incredible!!!

Now I've packed my bags for the weekend. I'm going with my host family to visit my host father's parents' house in the Jeonambuk province (the province right to the north of my province) on Saturday and Sunday. (We're spending the night there.) I'm planning on doing lots of free-reading, and sleeping, and hiking!! Hopefully it will be relaxing. But, I will be away from internet until Sunday afternoon.

Please pray for those already and soon to be affected by hurricane Ike and the previous hurricanes. It sounds like it's pretty scary right now in the Gulf! Also, please continue to pray for my father and mother! Dad has been showing improvement every day, and has a doctor's appointment today, so I will update you when we know more. God bless!! Have a great weekend!

A few more pics from my lesson on Secrets:
"I am afraid of my mother."
I don't know what the deal is with "One-sided love" but there were definitely a few secrets about this. This one begs me for advice! :-)
From the show "Death Note" that Ike and I watch. Note the "Vittetoe" listed in the book.
Ike, no offense, but this drawing reminds me of you! :-P "I don't like nerd."
Sports Examination Day! Mrs. Song (my co-teacher) helping measure student's flexibility. Push-ups!
My boys!! ^^ Happy to not be in their school uniforms.
A very, um, blunt book about environmentalism I found in my homestay.
Don't know what the words say, but I think the pictures speak for themselves! :-O