Posing for the almost dead camera....
From bottom left to top left... Duncan, Me, Madi, Graeme, Francis, Ms. Best Dressed, and Peter.

Highlights of my Day... Saturday, December 31

1. By the time I woke up my boyfriend way over in Korea had already celebrated New Years.... without me, mind you so did the rest of the county.
2. Did some last minute shopping at the Oshawa Centre. This past week I shopped till I dropped!
3. New Year's celebration plans were as follows: watch "All in the Family" with my parents, Chinese food, and then do the big countdown by the TV. Plans changed though while I was on msn with Duncan.
4. Sent my parents out to the Chinese restaurant to pick up food and over an hour later they returned with 5 minutes left for me to wolf down what I could before Duncan was to arrive.
5. Headed out to Toronto to go check out Graeme and his sister's party at the Chocolate Lofts downtown.
6. And the awards for the party-goers are as follows...

Sweetest Party-goer...
Graeme's sister definitely won this award because she was such a great hostess. She went around filling everyone's glasses and definitely was the crowd pleaser for the evening.

Most Interesting Party-goer...
The dude who busted out the video from his honeymoon in New Orleans. It gave us something to watch besides Mr. Happy Drunk. (Relax... it was decent, come on... kids were watching!)
HOWEVER... there was a tie for this award!
The man who brought the huge pot and started making malt wine definitely captured the noses and attention of everyone there.

Best Dressed Party-goer...
Definitely the lady who wore the simple black skirt and simple black top with matching leather boots. She was styling but not too overly dressed. Her sweet personality topped off the outfit perfectly.

Worst dressed Party-goer...
The blonde in the multi-colored silk dress with the super gold shoes, matching gold purse, and gody chunky gold earrings.

Biggest Party-goer...
Mr. Happy Drunk who walked around drinking straight from a wine bottle. He was hardcore. Duncan and I thought it funny to lock him out but surpringly he got back in and was able to remain standing till the end of the night. By the end of the night he had corrupted Ms. Worst Dressed Party-goer and so she too was sporting the full bottle drink.... gross!

Player Party-goer...
Mr. Israel who thought he could swing from girl to girl without any of us noticing. I listened to his smooth lines and found him interesting until I caught him giving the same line to another girl. One question... who did this dud, opps I mean dude, come with?

7. Ran into Peter at the party. I think I run into this guy maybe once a year. He's a sweet dude that reminds me of a mix between a typical snowboarder and one of the Soul Decision band members. Duncan claims he looks more like a Backstreet Boy.... ha, ha, ha.
8. It ended up being a good party and so I was glad I had gone. It meant I got to hang out with Graeme, Madi, Francis, Duncan, and Peter. It also meant I got to meet some interesting people, some more interesting than others but nonetheless, interesting.
9. Left the party late and felt a bit sentimental cause I don't know when I'll see these friends again.
10. Came home late and called up Ryan. Definitely am looking forward to seeing him!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's your biggest new year's resolutions?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-- Mahatma Gandhi

Seen here are "The Icemen"... thanks for all the fun boys and the hot chocolate!

Snapshots of my time in Toronto today.... here you'll see the Eaton's Center (shopping mall), Queen Street, the Christmas tree in the Eaton's Center, and Nathan Phillip's Square.

Highlights of my Day... Friday, December 30

1. Started off my day with lecturing my parents about "changing their minds".... a lecture I've heard before and got before (hint, hint... Ryan).
2. Gave a somewhat sob story at the Ontario Health office and they bought it. Got my Ontario health card extended for another year.
3. Ventured out to Toronto in search of a "Team Canada" sweater for Ryan. No luck with the team Canada but I did pick up a pretty sweet looking gift for him. Hopefully he likes it cause God knows I can't return it when overseas. Lie Ryan if you don't like it.... just joking.
4. Am convinced Canadians are either too humble or not as proud as they use to be because searching out souvenirs with "Canada" written on them was almost impossible unless it was either a cheap t-shirt or key chain. Sorry Dream class, you're getting key chains.
5. How boring.... the extent of Toronto's "street meat" only involves Polish sausages. Italian sausages, and hot dogs. Man, in Korea the varieties are endless!
6. Got chatting with some dude after he helped me from embarrassing myself and then got somehow convinced to go with him and his buddies to Nathan Phillip's Square. They pulled me around on the ice cause I wasn't wearing skates but then we got kicked off. Turns out they're from a group called "The Icemen". Good times!
7. Apparently the "Korean" in me was obvious to a fellow subway rider. His name was David and he came from Korea to Toronto 2 months ago to study English. We pinky-promised to meet up in Seoul in a year.
8. My hair appointment lasted almost 3hrs and I was beginning to think they were going to charge me rent for the chair. In the end, they were able to get all the black out and so now my hair is a dark auburn brown. Sorry Ryan, this was as "natural" as they could get me without me going bald.
9. No hook-ups with Robbie tonight....sorry dude, I'm still sick. See you, hmmm... next year?!
10. While waiting for my GO Train, I stood there looking at the stars and remembered the first night I saw stars in Korea was exactly the same night I first hung out with Ryan. I wonder if there's stars in Korea tonight.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Have you started writing your new year's resolutions?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
-- Anatole France

Us trouble makers.....Andi and Me

Highlights of my Day... Thursday, December 29

1. Well considering I woke up breathing like a fish out of water, I wasn't too up to doing anything today!
2. Smuggled half a brick of cheese into my room and ate it before lunch. Ahh...if only I could bring this to Korea!
3. Hung out with Andi and Mark at their sweet new house out in Bowmanville and so that was great to see them. How ironic.... the more she settles down the more my life turns.
4. Discovered that I actually do have a paper trail of my existence in Canada (voting card came in) but decided to opt out of renewing my health card for the simple fact that I feel nasty today.
5. Had Swiss Chalet for supper.... man, was that ever good! I don't think I breathed in-between bites either!
6. Vegged out on the couch for a bit of the evening with my mom.
7. Troy and Cara dropped off Elizabeth Grace and so I chilled with her. Got a bit adventurous and allowed her to sleep on my chest.
8. Out of pure exhaustion and sickness, crashed at 7:30pm.
9. Movie night with Iain and his sister was a big bust.... I was sleeping.
10. THANK YOU GOD FOR DRUGS!!!.... drugstore drugs that is. My parents went to the drugstore for me and so the rest of my evening consisted of popping pills and trying to get some sleep.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What makes your family so different than mine?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.
-- Tenneva Jordan

Me and the gang at Graham and Madi's house....see, I'm not the only white girl dating an Asian!

Highlights of my Day... Wednesday, December 28

1. The more and more I stay here, the more and more people tell me Canada is not my home. Had a heck of a time trying to prove to the Ontario health card agency that I am from Ontario, Canada. Turns out I really don't have a paper trail of my existence here.
2. Definitely missing Korea!
3. Rushed out to North York only to arrive late and without Pete's new cell number. Sorry Pete... I was looking forward to seeing you and this sucks that I don't know when we'll get another chance.
4. Collect called home and getting my parents to retrieve a number from my Korean cell phone was like performing brain surgery.
5. Meet up with a certain "someone" (no, not "The Ex") for coffee and he always seems to amaze me with his "interesting" questions and his "interesting" comments. A thought a year later he would have matured him by now. How old did you say you are?! When I first met him I thought he was beautiful but now he's just plain ugly! Interesting.
6. Never felt more sure about leaving "him" as I do right now!!! And to think I dated him..... Ryan, you're like a thousand times sweeter, smarter, funnier, and more honest than him.
7. Met up with my bud Papa Pump (Mike) and so off to the Yorkdale mall we went. Good times!
8. Stocked up on "gear" at La Senza.... decided that this year I'm going to head into the new year different.
9. While waiting for my GO Train, I called up Graham and somehow got convinced to come to his little house party. It was really nice to see him and Madi, as well as Duncan and Scott.
10. Duncan that was a classic move.... sliding down the car window as we passed those girls. A think Scott was embarrassed but we all had a good laugh!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Have you ever been so wrong about someone?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
I'm looking for a breeder; I want to make a champion!
-- Papa Pump

Ahhh....I sure do miss those hard workouts at my old gym!

Highlights of my Day... Tuesday, December 27

1. How cute... went shopping with my parents and turns out they use mini walkie talkies so that they don't lose each other. That must be a Polish thing!
2. Ventured into Toronto to meet up with some friends. First stop.... my old gym. The shocked look on all their faces was priceless. I really miss pushing the weights here!!!
3. Had a heart-to-heart talk with Frankie about relationships. In the words of my boyfriend, "You have to change your mind!"
4. Went to "Little Korea" in Toronto and went to my favorite Korean dinner. My good old buddy there remembered me and was so incredibly happy for me that I had finally made it out to Korea. I got to practice a lot of my Korea but I think the fact that I told him my boyfriend was Korean was what got me the free meal though.
5. Visited my old roommate Alish and that was kind of weird being a guest in my old apartment. She had a billion and one questions about Korea and so I'm realizing that I do really miss Korea.
6. Stopped by the local "greasy-spoon" restaurant where I use to dine and so that was great running into the older local meal I use to eat breakfast with. Marriage proposal #105 by Ralphie....cute.
7. How embarrassing... while stepping off the TTC bus my stiletto heel broke off and so I nearly flipped! Had to then get on another bus and head for the closest mall. I scooted through the mall on my tippy-toes but no one noticed. However, the fact that I was wearing fur and was the only white definitely got me noticed. Talk about being uncomfortable.
8. Stopped by the club I use to work at and chatted up a storm with my old bosses and some of the girls there. One comment here though.... Michelle, I think you're incredibly sweet and I'm glad you're a fellow Polack but don't you know that Koreans are from Korea and Chinese are from China?! Your comment, "Ah Amy you're back from Korea... you look so Chinese" is why us Polish people are given a bad rap!
9. HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA BABY!!! Yes Dave... I taped the game for you!
10. Took the Go Train home and while on the train I ran into someone that knows "The Ex" .... turns out they didn't know we had broken up and so that made for an interesting and awkward conversation, for him that is.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's your favorite part of the day?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
-- Winston Churchill

Me and my homeboy/brother Robbie... check out the hoodie I'm sporting (it's my school sweater from public school!)

Highlights of my Day... Monday, December 26

1. Well besides sleeping in late, hanging around the house and watching movies with mom, I did venture out into the cold weather to do some boxing day shopping. Loaded up at Walmart and then at Tim Horton's.
2. Finally met Robbie's college friend Anthony (Korean) and it turns out I know more Korean than him!
3. Realized I forgot the wire that connects my camera charger dock to the wall and so my parents and I went on the search.... not successful. Bought one but it doesn't work. Great.
4. While at Walmart, ran into a former Sunday school student of mine, Laura. I use to teach her junior high class and now she's in university... how old do I feel!

Well...that pretty much sums up my day! Definitely starting to feel homesick. Canada just ain't doing it for me and it definitely sucks that my boyfriend and students, whom I totally adore and love, are so far away.

So on that note...

TOP 10 THINGS I WON'T MISS ABOUT CANADA...
10. Being a minority on a Toronto bus and having everyone stare at me cause I'm white and at Jane and Finch
9. Loud and mouthy mini ghetto queens who are 12 going on 20. Where are their parents?
8. The fact that almost every guy (older guys excluded) wants to be a thug
7. Being whistled at; yelled at; and even barked at by guys in cars. Do they honestly think us women would give such a barbaric and rude dude a chance?!
6. The fact that flagging down a taxi and/or spotting an Asian in good-old "White Town" Whitby is as hard and as rare as finding a Korean in Korea that doesn't like kimchi
5. The snow...it just doesn't go away and when it does, it makes a nasty mess cause of all the salt
4. The fact that Canadians tend to be friendlier to strangers than their friends
3. The typical Canadian diet that consists of ultra bland food, mixed with greasy fast food and an extra dash of salt. And if you're a teenager or young adult, the diet also includes some kind of drug. Not good!
2. The fact that Canada appears to be the land of the big and ugly people!
1. The notion that everyone here wants a bit of your money, whether it's the tax man, taxi driver, or store clerk...they're all out to scam more money off you

TOP 10 THINGS (people not included) I WILL MISS ABOUT CANADA...
10. Boxing at EMBA
9. Weight training at System Fitness
8. Macaroni and Cheese Dinner
7. Having a backyard and a garden
6. Being considered the average bra size
7. Having things like deodorant and granola bars so easily available
5. Mom's cabbage rolls
4. Skim milk
3. Being able to dry my clothes in a clothes drier as suppose to hanging them up
2. Bubble baths in a full size official bath tub
1. Warm and cozy fireplaces!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What are some things you just can't live without?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A very Berezowski Christmas

Highlights of my Day... Sunday, December 25

1. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
2. Woke up and celebrated Christmas the traditional Berezowski way... big breakfast, Bible story, presents, and then snacks all day till the big Christmas feast!
3. On our way to Troy's house way up in the boonies, we stopped off at my cousin Nashelle's place. She and other family members there were so shocked to see me. I was more shocked when my Uncle Albert kissed me on the lips.... that's a new thing I guess.
4. Got hugs from this cute guy who, at the momment, had NO idea who he was but I'm all for free hugs. Turns out he's my cousin Tim who I've been emailing. Hmmm.... I've got a good looking family!
5. Showed up at Troy's place, hide in the back seat and then came in later to surprise them. Troy and Cara were really surprised to see me and so that was nice.
6. HAD to hang out with the in-laws and despite my mom's "no mean comments Amy", I will say that it made for an "interesting" night that I was somewhat relieved it was over.
7. Jokes on Robbie.... dude "she" couldn't get enough of you... that's nasty! She's family! I love Cara's comment about the whole situation though, "Okay *#&@^, you don't have to take pictures of just one person!" I wonder who she was referring to!
8. Met my little niece, Elizabeth Grace, for the first time and wow is she ever small. I think she's the first baby I've met that has no baby pudge! She was the size of a butter ball chicken, minus the fat.
9. Finally gave in and let them pass Elizabeth Grace to me. I was definitely hesitant to hold her cause of the who "head snap back" that babies have. Plus the fact that she's got no padding on her body kind of freaks me out too.
10. Driving home from Troy's place was definitely a Canadian winter experience. We drove home in a snowstorm and so the roads were incrediably icing and dangerous. We drove backwards for a bit and so I hide under the blanket and waited for it to be over.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
If your in-laws weren't family, would you hang out with them?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
-- Santa Claus

Coming into Canada the sky lightened up and it was so beautiful.

Highlights of my Day... Saturday, December 24

1. Got visited by the Big Man on campus himself (Mr. Lee). He dropped by to wish me a Merry Christmas and to give me a really nice present from Hanna’s family. They had bought me some traditional Korean clay dolls.
2. Ryan came by to help me travel to the airport and so of course I felt so bad for having such a sucky Christmas celebration with him.
3. Five minutes into boarding the plane I realize there’s no mini tv screnes… great. Turns out my seating partner speaks not a word of English and so we worked on my “survival Korean” together…. He doesn’t even know I’m writing about him right now.
4. Cried when I left Korea.
5. My airplane seating partner from Korea to Vancouver was 100% Korean and didn’t speak a word of English. Airplane seating partner from Vancouver to Toronto was this hip tattoo-infested dude named Kevin who worked in the film industry.
6. Activities to preoccupy myself on the plane consisted of…

• Showing my Korean seating partner my pictures of Korea
  Studying Survival Korean with the aid of my MP3 player and Korean seating partner
  Starving… first meal was bimbop and ice cream but after that meal they were simply nasty!
  Discovering 101 ways on how to be uncomfortable on the plane
  Listening to my Korean seating partner read to me.
  Watching “Mr Bean’s Christmas” with my Korean seating partner. Mr Bean is a guiness… his humour is univeral and the fact that he rarely speaks meant that my seating partner could enjoy the movie.
  Discussing movies with my Vancouver seating partner.

7. Played “dodge the freak” at the airport in Vancouver and in Toronto again with the same dude. This dude followed me around the airport and thank goodness I ran into Kevin, my seating partner on my second flight.
8. Was greeted in Toronto by my happy friend, Jeff, who then took me to Whitby to surprise my family. Showed up in Whitby and totally confused my brother Rob by throwing snowballs at his window. Surprised my parents downstairs when I came down singing. My mom cried and they were all so over joyed. My mom said I was the best Christmas present they could have ever got!
9. First place I hit once I got out of the airport was Tim Horton’s for a coffee and then a convience store for a calling card. Phoned Ryan and it felt so good to hear his voice. If he was here with me Christmas would be complete; perfect!
10. Arrived in Whitby just in time to shared in the annual Berezowski family Christmas tradition of the tasting of mom’s cabbage rolls…. Delicious!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...

Why does it take 15 minutes to cook minute rice?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
I am a part of all that I have met.
-- Alfred Tennyson

Santa getting attacked by the candy-hungry SLP students....Run Santa!!!

Highlights of my Day... Friday, December 23

1. Definitely feeling like I’m running out of brain power to function at work and so my upcoming vacation couldn’t have come at a better time!
2. Possibly the last day teaching my elementary Peace class and so I was a bit uneasy about that. They’re my refreshing class at the end of my day. Sarah cried.
3. Met Tasha’s parents… they’re pretty cool despite the fact that she claims they totally over stress about things. Props to her dad for playing Santa at the elementary Christmas concert and getting attacked by all the hyper kids screaming “More candy!”
4. Tasha’s mom couldn’t have made it more real for me when she said, “I wanted so bad for her to walk through the door and she never did. So I promised myself that I’d never spend a Christmas without her.”
5. Jack from my Wisdom class through a fit and wouldn’t stop crying. When I questioned him all he said was “January 4th”…. January 4th is the day I return to teaching. I know I’m really going to miss my students…. They’re my kids!
6. Left school a bit teary-eyed cause today was the first day in weeks (well, what feels like years) that I’ve had a heart-to-heart conversation with Spazzy-K. I wanted to hug her because I realize we both have been really hurt due to this whole stupid situation.
7. Packed for my trip and am convinced that the only thing I didn’t pack was my kitchen sink.
8. A bunch of us staff members went to Ellie’s house for her party and that was a lot of fun. Sorry Jenny but we definitely had too much fun teasing you about sleeping outside! You’re a great sport about it all though.
9. Bah humbug… celebrating Christmas with Ryan turned into a bad rendition of “The Grinch”, with me being the Grinch. This sucks! Plans are to try again when I get back from Canada.
10. Packed my carry-on bag full of love letters written by my students.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What is your favorite Christmas story/movie?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Home is where the heart is.
-- Anonymous

Wisdom rocking the place with their smooth, funky dance moves and cute singing!

Dream class you did a super, super, super, super excellent job!

Me and my rocking Glory girls... so sweet; so fun; so great!

Christmas is definitely for kids and for us adults to watch and enjoy kids having Christmas!!!

Highlights of my Day... Thursday, December 22

1. Well it's nice to know that while I'm running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, that a few select coworkers are enjoying their morning coffee with not a care in the world.
2. Today was the big kindergarten Christmas Show and so it was great to see all the parents and I especially liked Ryan's smooth move with the surprise show-up. He's amazing! Thanks to my homegirl, Jenn, for showing up too!
3. Wisdom class and their "Jingle Bell Rock" definitely rocked the place!!! One word..."AMAZING!"
4. Dream class did a super rendition of "The Shoemaker and the Elves" and I was especially personally proud of Jimmy...the little guy who SO MANY people warned me not to make the Shoemaker. Talk about lack of faith.... I couldn't have picked a better Shoemaker!
5. One of the Christmas activities I did with my Wisdom class was pinata time. Surprisingly enough, I only got hit with the silly hammer twice. They're violent, tough little cookies!
6. Santa (Paul) visited Wisdom class and as cute as it was, it was especially funny to see him turn these little hyper active ones into shy and nervous boys and girls. Kevin was so scared to sit on Santa's lap and so I told him I'd protect him from Santa.... that's brutel.
7. Apparently Hanna is still scared to go to the bathroom alone. This all started when we had that fire drill practice a week or so ago.
8. My elementary Glory class presented their "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" and these little girls definitely put on a great show. They looked so beautiful all dressed up in their white blouses and black pants. Sophia's mom even styled Sophia's hair with hair mousse.
9. Am convinced that my biggest fear with marriage is marrying a man who's like the taxi driver I had tonight. Took a cab to Ryan's place and sat in the front cause of other passangers (which apparently this double-fair thing is illegal, but anyways). First of all, he wouldn't let go of my hand after shaking it, he kept on starring at me and complimenting me. He wanted to know what I think of him, "first impression?" he kept on asking. Well, my first impression was that you're a smooth talker but now I think you're a total jerk cause you acted embarrassed and sad when you told me you're married and have an 8yr old girl. Hmmm....I'm embarrassed for you and YOU are sad! I guess that pretty much killed the conversation.
10. Finally finished all my prep. work and my report cards. Called it an early night and went to bed at 1:30am.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's the highlight of YOUR day?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
You're why cavemen chiseled on walls.
-- Quote from the movie, "As Good as it Gets"

Shannon and UK took class pictures of their Leo class and so I thought I'd add it into my blog. Shannon's a fellow "Tundra Bunny" and UK is a sweet, sweet Korean.

Highlights of my Days... Sunday to Wednesday, December 21

Okay, okay....so I've ignored updating my blog for a few days. It's been a REALLY super busy week and unfortunately it's only half over. Here's a quick recap of what has happened in the past 4 days:

1. Have nothing really of interest to note about concerning Sunday cause all I did was sleep all day and then hang out with Ryan.
2. Day ... I don't know... of silence with Spazzy-K. Haven't talked to her all week but did attempt to discuss the curriculum. The extent of our discussion involved her nodding her head and walking away. Well that's an improvement from the harsh yelling and cold, cold shoulder. I love the fact that I stay till 10:20pm at school and yet am still looked down upon by her. Someone needs to open her eyes to reality cause God knows if I do it, it's not her eyes I'll be opening. Can you feel the tension?!
3. EVERYDAY this week I've had the new teacher, Helen Teacher, act as my shadow and follow me EVERYWHERE I go and jot down EVERYTHING I do. Great.... She's super sweet but I can just imagine what her notes say...."Hmmm, Amy Teacher is obsessed with tossing the little kids around, she calls them nick names like Tomato Bum and Cucumber Head, she is the Tickle Queen, and she takes stickers away... Hmmm, interesting."
4. Definitely kicking myself for not learning Ryan's "give medium" lesson... every night this week I've taken work home. Whether it's been actual paper work or work occupying my mind, definitely have been taking on more than I can chew. I can do it, but it's not my responsibility. I figure I can either stress out and watch it not get done or I can stress out and be over-worked. Either way, my mind's working on overload.
5. Have come to the conclusion that this country NEEDS drugs!!! I've never done a drug but am definitely leaning towards promoting them. First of all, we need drugs (like some kind of steroid) to get these certain "lazy bums" off their rears and fuctioning at the same speed as the rest of us. Then, there's the fact that certain people here need to relax, that's where weed would come into play. I definitely nominate Spazzy-K to be the one to get the first puff...and the second ....and the third puff too! Forget it, she needs her own HUGE personal stooggie! And lastly, a good shipment of e would definitely solve the "thinking only within the fish bowl" problem.
6. Was definitely fascinated to hear that the night before the big kindergarten Christmas show certain coworkers of mine are still totally clueless about what their class is doing tomorrow.... two words, "drugs please!!!"
7. Despite the INSANE amount of work I have this week, I was still able to fit in time with Ryan and two out-of-town guests. Park from Kim's Boxing Gym in Seoul dropped by with a Christmas cd, MS monk! Kiwanis came by on Wednesday and we swapped clothes. Scored a sweet white fur coat but not too sure if it's pompon' or silly.
8. Received more mail... a Christmas present from my brother Robbie in New York...thanks dude!
9. Had one of the most interesting and humorous conversations with a taxi driver. Definitely put my Korean lessons to work and he was impressed. We chatted about the differences between Koreans and Canadians in regards to dating customs.... so funny! He tried to convince me to dump Ryan and go for him cause him and I live closer and I'd get free taxi rides. No thanks.... regardless of the fact that I'm considered to have the world's smallest heart, it is taken.
10. Dropped by mover to wish them a Merry Christmas and got word that the regular d's family (4 people) died in a house fire just recently. Not too sure of whether or not he died but nonetheless am very shocked and speechless. So, so awful!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's one word to describe how you are at work?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
-- Helen Keller

Check out this dude's coat...he's pimped out! You should have seen his shoes too. He wore these really dark shoes that had the same texture as alligator skin, cool!

Highlights of my Day... Saturday, December 17

1. Woke up super early, made myself breakfast, and then headed off to Seoul by myself to finish Christmas shopping. Bah-humbug!
2. Couldn't have possibly picked a colder day... ouch, the weather was brutal!
3. Met a very interesting shop keeper in Insadong who had once lived in London, Ontario, Canada. Fell for his smooth opening liner and ended up chatting with him for about 40 minutes.
4. Admitted that out of all the people this big black dude on the subway could have talked to, he had picked the worst one....me! Had we been in Toronto I wouldn't have totally punked him off but this is Korea and his cheesy line was just that.... cheesy.
5. Finished all my Christmas shopping with plenty of time still left in my day. Spent too much money, bought too many gifts, and still haven't had lunch. I'm exhausted!
6. Ran out of patience waiting for a taxi at the KTX taxi stand and so I decided to freeze my butt off and trek it home by foot. Am convinced that the Canadian weather has followed me here to Korea!
7. While waiting for my train at the Seoul KTX station, had an interesting conversation with this huge Korean man pimped out in a brown fur coat and what looked to be alligator skin shoes! Must admit that his choice in clothing was definitely more interesting than his conversation.
8. Met up with Ryan and some of his coworkers at some cozy little place called the Rooster.
9. Hmmm, interesting... at the Rooster there were two blankets that supposedly were made out of cats! Yes, that's right! It was a blanket consisting of 8 tabby cats sewn together! I was disturbed by it but overly curious and so I just had to touch it!
10. Am convinced I don't not like Americans.... just American men!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Are wool socks and hockey night all we think of when we think of Canada?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
-- Winston Churchill

Perfect medicine for a bad case of blues....seeing Wisdom class acting silly and giggling away!

Highlights of my Day... Friday, December 16

1. Silence was broken today again...and again with yelling. Mind you, this time it also involved me slamming the door and walking out of work. I shook with such disgust for the whole situation and definitely had to leave the building before it got violent. Once again, some how Spazzy-K walkes away with her teeth in her mouth.
2. Admit that it's great to know I'm not in the wrong and that I'm definitely supported. Thanks Dave for all the backup and the much needed hug. My dad always hugged me when I was upset. He always knew the right thing to say too.
3. Saw the Steve's passion for SLP come out when he saw me crying. He was floored! Forewarned him that one more outbreak from Spazzy-K will resort in violence, on my behalf. As the cliche goes, "actions speak louder than words"... I think she'll definitely "hear" my message she may not be able to speak on her behalf after it though.
4. Cooled down at home and returned to an over-joyed Wisdom class. They are why I love my job.... such beautiful and innocent little people. They chased me down the hall, hugged me and then Kevin past me a little "love note". Amazing! Totally snapped out of it when they all decided to put their blue folders on their heads.... they're amazing and know just how to make me smile!
5. Things went pretty much as planned and so my fire awareness day was a success with one exception... Wisdom Hanna was so freaked out. She thought it was an actual fire and so she was paranoid after the drill. She wouldn't even go into the bathroom until I pinky-swore it was safe.
6. Venturing out to the costume shop with Ellie was a total flop. Not only did we not get what we wanted but we also left with more questions and more things to think of. Great trip Ellie.
7. I want to know who's teaching Cookie (SLP cook) English. I got my "egg fry" and went to leave the kitchen when she called out, "Hey Amy Teacher...where do you think you're going? Sit down!" I was both shocked and amazed by her commanding and perfect English. Chilled with her and had such a funny girl talk with her about kimchi and my Korean boyfriend. Don't ask about the connection.... ha, ha, ha!
8. Returned to school to give my final term for my contract renewal. It's no secret... if Spazzy-K is considered for contract renewal than I will NOT even consider renewing my contract!
9. Am convinced that Steve is my new favorite coworker. While waiting for Mr. Lee Steve and I had such a funny conversation and I didn't realize how much fun he is. That guy is so bad he's good!
10. Stood there in the SLP hall talking to my director for a good 1 & 1/2 hours and still didn't get any real answers. There went my whole evening and I'm not too sure if it was a total waste or not.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
When is violence an okay measure to take?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
To repeat what others have said, requires education, to challenge it,requires brains.
-- Mary Pettibone Poole

Me and my favorite mini Koreans painting....Wisdom class! I love these little people!

Highlights of my Day... Thursday, December 15

1. So what is this, day six of silence or do I have to start the count again cause yesterday she broke the silence with yelling at me.... again.
2. Rushed into work and Hanna was a no-show again! AH... I already hate mornings, I don't need another reason why to hate them.
3. No banana milk again today!
4. Painted with Wisdom class and ended up getting painted and some how even got made to eat the paint. John wasn't paying attention and so when he turned his paint brush brushed a few of my teeth black! It was so gross!
5. Went to help Wisdom Kevin clean up in the boys' bathroom and walked in on a coworker using the urinal.... this situation has happened two times now and with the same coworker.
6. Am convinced my Wisdom kids are the coolest little people in this school.
7. Took on the planning responsibility for tomorrow's kindergarten fire safety awareness day knowing full well that I'll be faced with Spazzy-K's opposition.
8. Finished painting Wisdom class' fireplace scene and got caught singing Christmas carols way too loud by some random parent. Not too sure if she was laughing cause my singing was so bad or because it was funny that I was singing.
9. Training at the gym turned into a freak show.... me being the freak that is. Two little girls were in the gym for some odd reason and they so obviously watched my whole workout. Ah ya, that's great for my confidence, sarcastically speaking of course.
10. Bought super hype pants from the lady outside the kimbop restuarant. I love it when the kimbop lady always runs out and yells "down, down" for me... she means discount and of course, the lady always gives me one. I think I'm her most loyal costomer.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
If you could have any kind of super power, what would you want?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits
-- Albert Einstein

Korean farmers go on strike..... way to be pro-active boys! Glad to see that I'm not the only one having disagreements at work!

Highlights of my Day... Wednesday, December 14

1. Day five of silence,...oh wait, correction. Spazzy-K talked to me, well correction again....Spazzy-K yelled at me again. I think I prefer the silent treatment cause at least it was entertaining watching her come up with creative ways to make herself more annoying.
2. Once again, find myself considering Spazzy-K the luckiest person around. In my mind the whole situation went down differently. It involved my signature Grizzly Bere upper cut, a good Canadian jersey, some kimchi throwing (simply for visual effects), the Rockie theme song blasting in the background, and five scrambling midgets (scrambling to pick up her teeth that is). But, in reality my reaction was quite different. I threw in my two cents. But it did lead me to offering a stipulation with my contract. This school ain't big enough for the two of us...... move it or lose it!!!
3. Found one of the kindergarten students (thankfully not one of mine) in a public game of "hand play". Calmed all the girls down, nicknamed him "Curious T" and then sent him to the bathroom. Ah little boys!
4. Allowed my elementary Glory class to eat snacks today during the lesson. Am always amazed at how much food they think is appropriate for their child. It was like the feeding of the five thousand in the Bible only this time Betty ate all the food.
5. Walked into a very loud elementary Peace class. They were all yelling because Jimmy was writing in Korean. Turns out he had translated the whole song, "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree", into Korean so he understood what he was singing. Good stuff Jimmy.
6. First night in a long time where I haven't brought work home. Came home and was confused as to what to do, man that's bad!
7. Finally ventured out to the gym. Haven't been able to get out to the gym for awhile cause of my brain working on overload with school stuff.... hint, hint, Spazzy-K. Over a week later and I'm still dealing with the after effects of the inital explosion.
8. Ryan... he's my little piece of heaven with two legs. Am convinced the world needs more Ryans (well more Yoon Byoung Ryangs to be more exact).
9. Movie night crashed and burned as we got chatting and forgot about the movie...opps.
10. Tip of the day from Ryan included a choke hold, not on me but instead FOR me to use. He's convinced that I may have to take a different means of dealing with my present situation. I hope he's just joking.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's the worst nickname you have ever acquired?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Why do you complain so much?
-- Spazzy-K

How appropriate are Tasha's MOON BOOTS!... We're definitely aliens on this planet, Planet Korea

Highlights of my Day... Tuesday, December 13

1. Day five of silence. Definitely questioning what is defined as a "great teacher" and am hoping that, according to the recent standards, I definitely do NOT fall into this category!!!
2. What a grand introduction.... got introduced to the new Korean teacher by Mr. Lee as the "teacher I most love". He's definitely really happy I'm staying at SLP for another year. Let's get a move on that contract though!
3. Handed Mr. Lee my typed out ideas concerning the kinder field trip only to have him tell me he's changed the trip destination. We're now going to the police station, great. Then, just when I thought that was it, drama 101 happened. Seems like taking the initiative and doing what's asked of me is wrong..... I suppose I can accept it. I am after all living on the FLIPSIDE, so maybe that means everything is flipped. Even I flipped today... flipped out that is!
4. Wrote a letter for Dream class and gave it to Steve to translate knowing full-well that it'll bring on more drama tomorrow!
5. Had SO much fun watching my computer freeze up as my Norton anti-virus struggled with the printing commands. Appears that my Norton anti-virus program is working TOO hard.
6. Tasha wore moon boots to school, how definitely appropriate. Sometimes I think I'm on a different planet, how else would I be able to explain the wacked turn of events?!
7. How embarrassing.... after doing a 40 minute dance lesson with my elementary Glory class, turned to my right and noticed two guys standing on the balcony across the street starring at me. They had watched my WHOLE class lesson. I was so embarrassed!
8. Couldn't think of anything better to do with my evening than locking myself in my apartment and totally ignoring everyone else. I couldn't even be bothered to pick up supper cause it meant I'd have to deal with people. Just one of those days!
9. It was a fight for the laundry machine tonight. One isn't working and apparently almost everyone in my building is trying to do laundry tonight.
10. Talk about lack of motivation.... stayed up way too late procrastinating over planning tomorrow's lessons. Sometimes I definitely wonder what's the point.... today, there was NO point.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What do you define as being a "great teacher"?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds.
-- Albert Einstein

Early mornings teaching Hanna and trying to get Daniel (my "Korean husband") to clinging to me.... they're great!

Highlights of my Day... Monday, December 12

1. Day four of silence and yet I'm still pondering how Spazzy-K scored a free ride when the rest of the children at SLP have to pay tuition.
2. I've learnt to deal with the lack of talking but the chewing gum, come on. Can you chew your gum any louder? Tried to convince Shannon to speak up but she's playing the safe position by not taking a position in this "drama".
3. Was joking around with my elementary Peace class and, by accident, Kevin (the shiest in the class) punched me square in the boob. He was so embarrassed!
4. Drama 101 with an explosion of winter classes and school changes, and an implosion of staff sticking around next year.
5. Am convinced that my boyfriend is one of the rare Koreans that thinks outside of "the box" and so, having said that, I consider myself extremely lucky to have him!!! Moreover, now I know why he even he is frustrated with Koreans and so, having said that, I consider him extremely lucky to have me, a Canadian!
6. Am sure my neighbor's think I'm an odd one, listening to the same Christmas carol for about an hour. Think I finally have mastered the choreography for Glory's song.
7. Ryan told me that Daewoo is totally lovin' his new adoptive family.... I betch ya he doesn't even think of me, that sucks.
8. Best advice I've heard yet... "Give only medium". It makes total sense too. If you give your best then you've just raised their expectations of you. But, giving too little is just as bad. So if you give only medium then you can't go wrong.
9. Scraped our movie night to gather my thoughts about the upcoming kindergarten fire station field trip. I really have to stop taking work home with me!
10. Spent the last part of my evening downloading ringtones with Ryan. Figured out the problem too Ryan, I had your number on a set ringer... opps. Now when people call I'll be bopping to the latest Korean beats!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
How true are stereotypes?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Some folks seem to have descended from the chimpanzee later than others.
-- Kin Hubbard

Ahh I so miss Maggie's Restuarant in Toronto. Now THIS is a Canadian breakfast! (Mind you, I ate the eggs before I took the picture)

Highlights of my Day... Sunday, December 11

1. Sensory overload with my new cell phone (newest toy gadget).
2. Found out that my cell phone is DEFINITELY Korean...it tells me my biorhythm. According to my biorhythm, on December 16th I'm going to reach an all time low.... my physical health will be -99, my intellectual well-being will be -94, and my love level will be -90. Great.
3. On the other hand, on New Year's Eve my stats concerning my biorhythm will be at an all-time high. Interesting....well at least I'll be ringing in the new year on a positive note.
4. Another useless bit of info my cell phone counts.... how many days I've lived. Apparently I've lived 9258 days.
5. Didn't venture outside till about 9pm when I went to go buy totally overly priced, steroid-induced grapes imported from Chile. Very firm but not worth the high price tag considering the annoying seeds.
6. How nice am I?! Vacuumed Ryan's apartment..... I don't even vacuum my own place!
7. Watched yet another movie (part 2 of one of last night's movies).
8. Interesting... got an email from Lee. Where have you been all this time???
9. Got introduced to a new way of eating those addictive Korean-style pancakes... fry them. Thanks Ryan, now I'm definitely addictive to them! I'm lovin' it!!!
10. Been dating Ryan for 48 days now.... good stuff!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What do you count?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
One picture is worth a thousand words.
-- Chinese proverb

Everyone finds comfort and serenity in different things.... for Madi it's the mountains in California, for me it's the heated blanket at Ryan's place (it's like a huge hug)

Highlights of my Day... Saturday, December 10

1. Slept in and missed breakfast.
2. Slept in and missed lunch.
3. Slept in and woke up at 6m. And let me tell you, it felt GREEEEEAT!!!
4. Jokes on Ryan, he had stayed up all night so that he could catch the soccer pooling but then he fell asleep right before it came on TV! I feel bad but had a good laugh.
5. Served up a good Canadian breakfast.... crossants, sausages, and scrambled eggs.
6. Scored large on my new cell phone by having it under Ryan's name.
7. Got my first "couple" thing.... Ryan and I now have a couple phone number (we share the last four digits).
8. Went on a movie rampage with Ryan. Watched a movie at Yawoori and then rented two more.
9. Agreed that today was one of the most unproductive days so far!
10. Agreed that this week has been horrible and so I deserved a totally bum-day!

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
What's your favorite thing to do on a "lazy day"?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
My bum may be lazy but boy does it look good!
-- Jay (thanks dude!)

Charles pretending to sneak up and bite me!

Highlights of my Day... Friday, December 9

1. Day three of silence.
2. Bit disappointed with Dream class’ presentation of “The Shoemaker and the Elves” to my director and his wife. They were full of “funnies” and “sillies”.
3. Charles in my Wisdom class totally freaked out when he saw his finger was bleeding. Didn't think too much of it until I realized what I had told them yesterday. Yesterday Johnny picked his nose so much it started to bleed. The other students called him he was a vampire but I corrected them and told them vampires drink blood....and that's why we don't pick our nose. Well, turns out Charles was so freaked out that a vampire would appear and drink up all his blood. I can just imagine what he's going to tell his mom!
4. Got word that James 2 from my elementary Peace class signed up for two of the winter classes. Alice is convinced it’s because of his recent “I love Amy Teacher” statement he made. But I’m not teaching any of the winter classes. Created an extra opportunity for James but he was absent from school today.
5. Totally stoked about my elementary Glory class Christmas presentation. These little four girls of mine are eager to learn some funky dance moves and are willing to strut their stuff for the show! Looks like we’ll be having dance class on Monday!
6. Ended my work day in a super good mood. Not only did I have a really good heart-to-heart talk with my director (now things are out in the open) but I found out it was pay day and the countdown is on till my break.
7. Got what I expect to be the last phone call from Je Min. Tomorrow I’m buying a new phone under Ryan’s name and so Stalker-Boy Je Min will have to be renamed “Lonely-Boy”. I’m looking forward to a good night of uninterrupted sleep. I can’t say I’ll miss his 3am calls!
8. Never seen so many white people in Cheonan. While standing in the under-pass talking to Phill, six passed by us (four of which are coworkers of mine).
9. Am convinced I still haven't escaped Canadian weather.... what's up with all this snow and cold, cold temperatures?!
10. Swapped places with Ryan so that I could enjoy a sweet bubble bath and the comforts of his electric heated blanket. In return, he could watch his Korean soccer event on my tv.

QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Why can't we tickle ourselves?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
-- Winston Churchill

Being a foreigner means that I'll always be the one with no family in the crowd.