As the story has it, one day I headed to the opposite side of the globe – the Flipside. I arrived in Korea February 16th, 2005 and thought I’d do a year, then leave. I was wrong. I stayed, launched my first company, Flipside Fitness, and then opened Korea's largest boxing club, Hulk's Boxing (now called Hulk's Club).

After 11.5yrs in Korea, I then picked up one day and returned to Toronto, Canada. But then I left again.

Now I live in the Philippines where I am the CEO and head coach of Empowered Clubhouse, the Philippines' first and only boxing clubhouse exclusively just for women. I also am the founder of the Lil' Sistas Project, CEO and designer of Slay Gear and Baa Baa Black Sheep .Ph.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Highlights of my Day... Friday, December 15

1. Despite my huge desire to ignore Christmas this year, I pulled off probably one of the best Christmas parties known to Korea for my Eumbong elementary students today. It started off with a soccer game, followed by carols, a Christmas present hunt, some games, my Secret Santa gift exchange activity, snacks, and then we watched a little of “Home Alone”.
2. It was super chilly outside today and so over half my team (the girls) were busy cuddling in the corner of the field. This meant that what boys were on my team, kept on kicking the ball to me! It was non-stop action. The only minute I stopped was when Bryan and I were both going to head-butt the ball but ended up clashing heads… ouch!!!
3. My two classes loved the Christmas games I played. I had them play this one game where they had to pass a present around the circle. I had wrapped them last night. When the music stopped it meant they got to unwrap one layer. Jokes on them though… with over 6 layers of wrapping it made for a very humorous game with kids laughing, shouting and lots of smiles.
4. At lunchtime I sat with the teachers for my last meal at the school. They were all curious as to whether or not I’ll be back next year. I couldn’t answer though, I don’t have any answer. I feel bad that I don’t have an answer. All my students harassed me about it too.
5. The cafeteria ladies knew it was my last day at Eumbong Elementary School and so they surprised me with one of my favourite Korean dishes.
6. Jack, one of the trouble makers in my class (and in all other classes too for that matter) ran up to me just when I was leaving. He asked me if I’ll see him next year. I couldn’t answer and so I turned away but when I looked back he had started to cry. I hugged him and then cried too.
7. It’s official, I’ve applied to Dangkook University. I don’t know if I’ll get it or not but I’ve got mixed feelings about whether or not I even want to be considered for it. A part of me feels like I’d be letting my students and staff down by leaving them. They’ve been nothing but totally supportive and sweet to me. Am I ready to leave them or is this is where I’m supposed to be?
8. Because of the fact that Ryan’s moved to Seoul, my house has been slowly losing furniture. My computer desk now consists of a choco pie box and my chair has been replaced with the bare floor. It’s definitely not comfortable and so tonight I went and picked out a new desk unit and chair.
9. Only in Korea can you get two full plates of food delivered for under $10. Tonight Ryan and I ordered in Chinese. The thing that’s also so awesome about the Korean food delivery service is that they deliver the food on real plates and then simply leave the dirty dishes outside your house so that they can pick up the dishes later. It’s great!
10. Realized that I’ve got more self-discipline than I imagined when Kim Tae dropped off some ice cream for me and I threw it out.. literally threw it… out my front door.


QUESTION OF THE DAY...
Is this as good as it gets?

QUOTE OF THE DAY...
Teacher : The child's third parent.
-- Hyman Berston

No comments: