Another week in Korea

It was a really hot week this last one. We had high humidity and then the sun decided it would also shine. Each day I was thankful for an air conditioned house and office!
We had some interesting times on Friday when the power kept going out in the gym. Fortunately it wasn't too disruptive on our teaching, but it wasn't looking good for a while there.
This week I have reminded myself to be patient with students and their learning- what a difference a couple of lessons makes in their skill acquisition- suddenly it is all coming together for them.
I am also reminded at school and at home to watch and catch kids 'being good'.

Yesterday we went to Namsun wave pool. It was totally packed with mums and dads and kids and grandmas and grandpas and blow up tubes and toys. My gosh you have never seen so much blow up stuff in your life. The Korean people don't swim well or often and so they all have these blow up rings and floatie things. Problem is when we are all jammed into a pool, it makes for some interesting swimming time. Let's just chalk that one up to expereince shall we say.

This week proves to be busy but good. We are trying to take the kids to the pool on Wednesdays for swimming lessons. Today I start my pottery classes and then I have yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I think we are finally working out how to have some balance in our lives here.
Just don't ask me how that is going around reporting time.
Hope everyone has a great week!

Hammock, wedding and furry friends

We had a relaxing but busy weekend.
We finally hung our Thai hammock on our balcony. We bought it while on holidays in January and have finally got the hardware to get it up! It is a beautiful handwoven cotton hammock by northern Thai people and sold through fair trade practices. Comfort and ethics all in one:)

 Late Saturday afternoon we had the privelidge of attending Scott and Christines wedding.
It was really fun with lots of special effects and lots of people. It was great to catch up with some friends and enjoy a new cultural experience.

Finally on Sunday we went to buy some hamsters.
Our Hermit crabs died and we have been unable to replace them. After I thought we were going to inherit another families hamsters, I couldn't let the kids be disappointed.
So we are now the proud owners of Sulu and Astro.
They are actually really cute and entertaining little critters. A bit like a cuter mouse really.
We have a clear sphere that they roll around the apartment in... that was pretty funny.

Jack and Molly absolutely love them... Astro is a little afraid of us and makes these funny little chirpy noises.

Figure Skating

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Peter and I have taken up a new hobby!

Day #1 of the 2010/2011 school year

A big day for all the Pearse family today... but especially so for Molly who started Kindergarten today(Reception to the Oz folks).
Molly was up super early, dressed, combed her hair and got her bag ready before 7am this morning. She was pretty excited.
Jack moved into 3rd grade and has been a little apprehensive about the higher expectations of work that he feels he will be met with. He really wants to see his friends though... motivation to cast all of the other doubts aside.
Molly was a little nervous as she saw 2 new students and then came the realization that this Kindergarten room was different to what she knew... no tears... just a pause in excitement.

Jack was a great big brother and waited patiently to pick up Molly from her classroom today. They were both buzzing after school and didn't stop talking about their day until after dinner.

The start of the school year is so anticipated and can be quite nervewracking at times.

The thing that makes the first day great is seeing the students and hearing their stories. Once you see them I always know I am in the right profession. All of the fluff in the lead up to today makes seeing those students worth it.

A good first day... no... A great first day!

Now for tomorrow...