Open Mic at M Cafe

I've been attempting to play in public more frequently, to combat my phobia of the stage. It's been working pretty well so far! Here are some clips from last Saturday's open mic at a cafe in Dunsan.
First song is "Exile Vilify" by the National.
Second song is "Umbrella" by Rhianna, with the talented Claire as vocalist.

Also... I want to start blogging again, so let's see if we can keep this going, eh?

한국어 연습 #2- pages 29-

18. 가: 치금 영어를 공부해요?
나: 네, 미국인 친구가 가르져 줘요. 아주 재미있어요.
~ 여자는 미국인 친구와 영어를 공부합니다~

19. 가: 오늘 시간 있어요?
나: 오늘은 일이 많아서 시간이 없어요. 무슨 일인데요?
가: 영화표 두 장이 상겼어요
나: 아, 미안해요. 다음에 같이 가요.
~여자는 오늘 영화를 보고 싶습니다~

20. 가: 숙제 다 했어요?
나: 아니요 아직 못했어요. 지원씨는요?
가: 저는 다 했어요 숙제를 빨리 해야 해요.
나: 네, 그런데 너무 어렵네요
~두 사람 모두 숙제를 해야 합니다~

21. 가: 오늘 저녁에 산책을 갈까요?
나: 어디로요? (잠시 후에) 아, 옆 동네에 좋은 산책길이 생겼대요.
가: 정말요? 거기로 가면 되겠네요.
나: 그래요. 아직 좀 추우니까 옷을 따뜻하게 입어요.
~여자는 오늘 산책을 갈 겁니다~

22. 가: 오늘 회의가 (meeting) 몇 시에 시작합니까?
나: 회의는 세시에 시작합니다. 보고서 (report) 준비는 (prepare)다 됐습니까?
가: 조금만 더 하면 됩니다. 보고서 준비하느라 (because I was preparing) 어제 잠을 못 잤습니 다. 민기 씨는요?
나: 저도 거의 (almost) 다 해 갑니다. 회의 장소는 삼층 회의장입니다.
~두 사람은 보고서 준비를 아직 다 못했습니다~

한국어 연습 #1- pages 25-29

1. 감이 좋아요
2. 불을(lights) 꺼요
3. 이거 신문이에요?
네, 신문이에요.
4. 숙제가 많아요?
네, 많아요.
5. 음악회를 좋아해요?
아니요, 안 좋아해요.
6. 치금 공부하고 있어요?
네, 공부하고 있어요,
7. 도와주셔서 감사합니다.
천만에요. (You're welcome.)
8. 같이 점심 먹을래요?
네, 같이 먹어요.
9. 가: 봄에는 개나리가 많이 펴요.
나: 네, 정말 예뻐요.
(꽃)
10. 가: 이 식탁 (dining table) 얼마예요?
나: 이십만원이에요
(가격- price)
11. 가: 김치찌개를 좋아해요?
나: 아니요, 너무 매워요.
(음식)
12. 가: 펜 세 자루 살게요
나: 모두 이천백원입니다
( 문구점)
13. 가: 비빔밥이 아주 맛있네요
나: 네, 여기가 유명해요
( 식당)
14. 가: 요즘 사람들이 많이 가는 여행지가 어디입니까?
나: 요즘에는 북경에많이 갑니다. 중국에가 보셨습니까?
(여행사)
15. 가: 이번 주말에 어디에 갈거예요?
나: 친구와 같이 산에 갈거예요.
16. 가: 어디가 아프세요?
나: 네, 일주에 전부터 이가 (tooth) 많이 아팠어요. 오늘 병원에 가려고요
17. 가: 실례지만 안경점이 어디에 있어요?
나: 저 사거리에서 왼쪽으로 가면 오른쪽에 안경점이 있어요
가: 감사합니다

October Update

It's been a long time since I've posted which either means I've been having a splendid ol' time here in South Korea or I've done absolutely nothing and have had squat to write about. Well readers, it is my pleasure to inform you that the former is in fact, the truth.

Since my last post, almost four months ago (wow), there has been a monstrous amount of change in my life. I'm working at a new school, and it's going really well so far! I've changed apartments, it's much larger and actually feels like a home! Very exciting! I've traveled around Korea a bit, been to some festivals, drank my face off (far too often), and I even had my fortune read. Simply put, it's been a wonderful couple of months.

All this being said... I've been here for about 14 months now, and that's 14 months away from friends and family back home, lately I've been feeling quite lonely- which has certainly contributed to my keeping an active lifestyle- so it hasn't been too bad. Ever the optimist that I am, I really do try to stay positive. This winter I am planning a trip back to the states for about two or three weeks. It will be really great to see everyone again!

So, I am alive and I am mostly happy. :) I really want to hunker down and study a lot of Korean this year! I've been thinking of writing a few blog posts in Korean, a good study technique I reckon. Vocabulary is really what's killing me lately, it is unbelievable how many words this language has in it... that's a joke, of course there are a lot of words.

Expect another update about this past weekend and how amazing it was!

<3 Aaron

End of Year Happenings

The end of my contract year is just about upon me. This has been an interesting year filled with highs and lows; though it's certainly going out with a low. My coteacher for the first six months was amazing- seriously. We're still friends and I wouldn't have it any other way; but the powers that be deemed it time for her to move to a new school for my second six months. *Korean teachers move schools every five years.* It was simply her time to go.

The second 6 months have been a bit harder to get through, though I've still managed to do so- with grace and style! The first words that my new coteacher ever spoke to me in English were, "I really do not want to teach English." I've heard that just about every day since she arrived in the classroom. The sad part is, she doesn't teach English... I've been solo teaching four days a week while she either doesn't show up for class or sits at the computer doing paper work. Last week we had an Open Class together and it was the first (and only) time I have ever actually taught with her.

This semester, at times, was brilliant- students paying attention and delivering recently acquired English phrases with smiles and understanding! All of my classes receiving the coveted "3 Stars" grade for the day.

At other times it was dreadful- the blank stares as I struggle to explain new and difficult vocabulary without the help of a Korean translator; or controlling the classroom without the use of a Korean Whip!

Through it all I've grown and I've signed on for another year- with a catch. I plan on changing schools! I've already been informed that one of my choices has been filled~ boooo~ However, my second choice is still very possible. A great school in a better area of the city and close proximity to some awesome chingus of mine, and beer. And beer. I met with the current foreign teacher and one of the Korea teachers today, I think they are both in favor of me hopping on board, which is great. There are some obstacles to consider though...

* My current coteacher doesn't want me to leave. Why would she? She doesn't have to teach and can just do her paperwork while I'm around. It's a four day a week paid vacation. I'm worried that she'll sabotage my request to change schools by giving me a poor recommendation...

* Principal at the new school has to want me on board. Maybe not an issue, but if he says he wants a blonde-haired blue-eyed 20 something female, he'll get it.

* An English teacher at the new school is apparently crazy. The teachers at school refer to her as "마녀" or "witch". Would make for interesting work stories, but she currently hates the foreign teacher there, so him recommending me may be a bit difficult.

-currently 11:34 pm and I'm tired, so I'm going to sleep now-

G'night!

Installment #1: Things You May Not Know About Me

I can throat sing. (May want to turn volume down a little.)

Throat Singing- Bored at Home 1 by Banjo Jackson

Foodly Goods

Compiling a google map of delightful Daejeon eateries (restaurants).

Tell me if you'd like to make an addition! Although, suggestions must first be tested by ME! Or not... I suppose I can trust the opinions of others. Let's get our eat on!

View Awesome Daejeon Eateries in a larger map