I couldn't come up with a better title and I really have been thinking a lot about life recently and thought that maybe I could share some of those thoughts and see what people thought (I have to try something since I haven't had responses from people for a while!)
Nothing much new to really update people about. I went to the Cinema this last Monday with someone I work with for a private viewing of "What would Jesus buy?" which I recommend to anyone because it really makes you think about what Americans do around Christmas and how obsessed we are with buying things.
It really got me thinking about how I respond to people and that I think that buying things for people is what makes them happy. I know it makes me happy, which really got me thinking about why. Why am I happy or why do I make myself believe I am happy when I buy things? I get a moment of thrill thinking about the money I made and buying something for myself. That is where the problem starts.
The money isn't mine. In all honesty, the money belongs to God and I am just fortunate enough to actually be allowed to use it. Even if you don't agree with that, consider this, the money you make isn't yours as it is a promise from the government that you have earned a set amount that you have to give back for other things. It never is yours. So why should you or I treat it so lightly?
Gifts can be good, but going crazy with it isn't good. I have other things I can give that reflect who I am and will mean more than food, which some of us don't need, or items that we will get bored with after a little while. Some things can be good gifts, like a day out or a trip to some place special, or clothes for that person that doesn't treat themselves out, but the gift has to mean something. If we only give or get gifts to feel important, than we have missed the point of gifts: Giving or getting a gift is an act of love, plain and simple.
For that matter, the act shows your true character in how you love and who you love. Those last minute gifts show that you don't really care about what you are giving and it doesn't mean that much. I am guilty of this on a number of occasions. Giving a gift should mean that it costs you more than money, but costs some real time and effort. Some of the best gifts I have seen given didn't cost that much but meant the world to the receiver because of the honesty and the motives behind the gift. How much time do we actually spend thinking about why we are getting something for someone? Consider this even for those gifts that you tell yourself are for a person because "they need it".
Most of the time, what we really need is for human interaction. Please consider doing more than simply giving a gift when what you can give is your time. You don't need to be cheesy about this, but consider who you are giving to and what you are doing. There are times when monetary gifts and simple things are what it is about, but take time at some point to consider what message you are sending to the receiver.
Besides that soap box, I can't think of much else to share. I am coming to the close of another half term at the school which just means time is winding down for the year. Work and life have to be more than just a walk through the same old stuff every day. Purpose is integral and I hope that you all find purpose in what you are doing this season. Just because you are in the same job doesn't mean this isn't the opportunity that has been given to you to reach out to others and touch their lives.
Remember also to have a balance between getting what you need and giving. Tis the season to remember that. I was informed about that today and am happy to report that my outlook is improving on my situation....that I am here for others and what I bring is valuable so value this time and enjoy what I can bring to this instead of worrying only about what I can get and if this was a right decision.
I know this was a heavy one to read and thanks for reading all of this for those 2 people who will but I hope it makes you think and makes you grateful for what is in your life. Missing my friends and family and wishing you the best!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Apologies
I feel bad since I promised my family that I would update this at least once a week and it has been nearly a month since I last did an update. I working on changing this schedule and being a regular updater with this.
So, what has happened in the last month....? Nothing much new really. Lots of personal growth and realizing what it is I am supposed to be doing here. Some of it is on a personal level....learning to be a man ( I know that is a strange concept to some, but I do believe that we don't spend enough time learning to men and women when we have the chance) and learning what it means to be a responsible adult. I can't really say I have that responsible part down, but hey....I'm a work in progress.
Speaking of which, I am starting a diet plan to help loose some of those pounds before the holidays. I know, most of you are thinking..."You don't need to..." Ok so maybe I live in a make believe world, but hey, I have to try and be funny at some time.
For the holidays, it was a bit of a shock to not have Thanksgiving, either the celebration or the time off. I had one person, a Brit, tell me Happy Thanksgiving....and my family wished me it as well....but other than that, nothing. I think the strangest thing with it is that since that holiday isn't celebrated here, there is nothing to stop stores and people from decorating for Christmas right after Halloween. It is getting pretty over here.
Also, I will be traveling back to see my parents for the Christmas, so I do get a chance to get some real food and spend time with family. Although, some of the people I have met over here are like my family, so it all works out well.
Work is still fairly normal....some good days, some not so good...but that happens with everyone. The important thing is to keep moving forward, whatever that looks like for you. For some that means simply pressing on while for others it might mean working harder than ever. I think that is one lesson you don't learn until you are in it. I am finding that everything everyone has ever said about how character is who you are when you are alone is so true. We all have ways we react to stress and that shows your true character. It is a scary thought, but one we need to have in order to grow and become real and honest people that others want to be around.
Other than that, I am doing fairly well, having some bouts with sickness and the like, but I look forward to the fact that I have 3 weeks until my holiday and I get to see my folks. I also look forward to just being able to try and refocus with some time off. The hard part will be that it takes so long to travel that I lose some of the time by being on a plane.
I can't think of anything else new that I have learned over here....except that some foods do not belong in cans and that bargain shopping isn't always good when it comes to taste (cheap ravioli is not a good idea!)
So again, I am sorry for not having more updates but I will work on that this week and getting more photos up and more stories of the area.
Be sure to email with comments and questions as I love to chat with people during my free time.
Peace, love, and prayers to you all!
So, what has happened in the last month....? Nothing much new really. Lots of personal growth and realizing what it is I am supposed to be doing here. Some of it is on a personal level....learning to be a man ( I know that is a strange concept to some, but I do believe that we don't spend enough time learning to men and women when we have the chance) and learning what it means to be a responsible adult. I can't really say I have that responsible part down, but hey....I'm a work in progress.
Speaking of which, I am starting a diet plan to help loose some of those pounds before the holidays. I know, most of you are thinking..."You don't need to..." Ok so maybe I live in a make believe world, but hey, I have to try and be funny at some time.
For the holidays, it was a bit of a shock to not have Thanksgiving, either the celebration or the time off. I had one person, a Brit, tell me Happy Thanksgiving....and my family wished me it as well....but other than that, nothing. I think the strangest thing with it is that since that holiday isn't celebrated here, there is nothing to stop stores and people from decorating for Christmas right after Halloween. It is getting pretty over here.
Also, I will be traveling back to see my parents for the Christmas, so I do get a chance to get some real food and spend time with family. Although, some of the people I have met over here are like my family, so it all works out well.
Work is still fairly normal....some good days, some not so good...but that happens with everyone. The important thing is to keep moving forward, whatever that looks like for you. For some that means simply pressing on while for others it might mean working harder than ever. I think that is one lesson you don't learn until you are in it. I am finding that everything everyone has ever said about how character is who you are when you are alone is so true. We all have ways we react to stress and that shows your true character. It is a scary thought, but one we need to have in order to grow and become real and honest people that others want to be around.
Other than that, I am doing fairly well, having some bouts with sickness and the like, but I look forward to the fact that I have 3 weeks until my holiday and I get to see my folks. I also look forward to just being able to try and refocus with some time off. The hard part will be that it takes so long to travel that I lose some of the time by being on a plane.
I can't think of anything else new that I have learned over here....except that some foods do not belong in cans and that bargain shopping isn't always good when it comes to taste (cheap ravioli is not a good idea!)
So again, I am sorry for not having more updates but I will work on that this week and getting more photos up and more stories of the area.
Be sure to email with comments and questions as I love to chat with people during my free time.
Peace, love, and prayers to you all!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Adventure Time
Yes, I finally did it! I went out on my own adventure to see some of the sites. It is rather funny when you think about it... I only live about an hour away from London and haven't been there yet. To be fair, it does cost to get there and get around, but now that I have really experienced it, I am ready to go back for more.
In case you hadn't noticed, the slide show on the right did change and those are all pictures from my trip. Some are slightly random....flowers and a picture of me and a building blocked by trees (which is the natural history museum), but the others are from around London. I just had to get a picture of the Corvette shop since I missed the Lamborghini and Austin Martin stores. The store with the car in it is actually a well known shopping centre known for its wild window displays, in this case....Bond and his car.
The rocks were weird and the reason I wanted to show those was because there were some outstanding formations. The big block that looks ugly and has no place being in there is actually the ore of mercury and I just thought that was so cool....(you can tell the nerd in me just needed to be released!) There are pictures of the London Eye, Big Ben (which actually refers to the bell, not the clock), Westminster Cathedral, The tower of London (parts of it and inside of it), and Notting Hill (the signs to prove I was close enough) and no....I didn't see Hugh Grant!
I took a two day trip to London on Monday and Tuesday. I decided to take one of the open tours that allows you to get off and on when you like around the city. A piece of advice for those of you thinking of doing that when you travel....it takes much longer than a more private tour. I froze on the top of the bus but got some great views. I learned a lot.
I spent the first day seeing the sites and touring the tower of London. I admit....I really expected the tower to be just a tower, but I found it to be very fascinating and exciting. It was fun to experience the history of a place older than the US and hear some really gruesome tales! I ended my tour early to find my hotel room for the night and decided to treat myself to a play that night...so I went to Phantom of the Opera and had a great time with a great seat on the floor! The prices are reasonable so I think I will have to take more time to go to more musicals and plays in London.
On Tuesday, I went first to the Natural History museum and had a blast. There were some things I expected to see that I didn't, but I had a great time overall. I got to play with a lot of things. I have to admit though that during that part, I realized how lonely it can be when you visit a place and don't have someone to talk to during the visit. I did get to continue the tour and saw a lot more of the area. There was some great history to witness and some really cool things to see. I think I will have to take more tours just to get used to the place.
Nothing extraordinary really happened this week. It was my week off, half term as we call it. It was nice to have a break and take some time for myself. I have enjoyed it and am looking forward to what lies ahead.
I did have a real English breakfast on Tuesday....eggs, sausage, ham, tomatoes, bread, and mushrooms....which was delicious!
It is getting colder here....and darker sooner as to be expected. I think it looks like night by 4:30 pm around here....which seems a little odd. You can feel the difference in time and are ready for bed around 6pm.
Well, I wanted to give an initial update and will have to do more in a couple of days. If you have questions about the pictures, let me know and I can explain them more. Again, please feel free to write any time...as I have nothing much else to do and enjoy hearing from people.
Peace and enjoy!
In case you hadn't noticed, the slide show on the right did change and those are all pictures from my trip. Some are slightly random....flowers and a picture of me and a building blocked by trees (which is the natural history museum), but the others are from around London. I just had to get a picture of the Corvette shop since I missed the Lamborghini and Austin Martin stores. The store with the car in it is actually a well known shopping centre known for its wild window displays, in this case....Bond and his car.
The rocks were weird and the reason I wanted to show those was because there were some outstanding formations. The big block that looks ugly and has no place being in there is actually the ore of mercury and I just thought that was so cool....(you can tell the nerd in me just needed to be released!) There are pictures of the London Eye, Big Ben (which actually refers to the bell, not the clock), Westminster Cathedral, The tower of London (parts of it and inside of it), and Notting Hill (the signs to prove I was close enough) and no....I didn't see Hugh Grant!
I took a two day trip to London on Monday and Tuesday. I decided to take one of the open tours that allows you to get off and on when you like around the city. A piece of advice for those of you thinking of doing that when you travel....it takes much longer than a more private tour. I froze on the top of the bus but got some great views. I learned a lot.
I spent the first day seeing the sites and touring the tower of London. I admit....I really expected the tower to be just a tower, but I found it to be very fascinating and exciting. It was fun to experience the history of a place older than the US and hear some really gruesome tales! I ended my tour early to find my hotel room for the night and decided to treat myself to a play that night...so I went to Phantom of the Opera and had a great time with a great seat on the floor! The prices are reasonable so I think I will have to take more time to go to more musicals and plays in London.
On Tuesday, I went first to the Natural History museum and had a blast. There were some things I expected to see that I didn't, but I had a great time overall. I got to play with a lot of things. I have to admit though that during that part, I realized how lonely it can be when you visit a place and don't have someone to talk to during the visit. I did get to continue the tour and saw a lot more of the area. There was some great history to witness and some really cool things to see. I think I will have to take more tours just to get used to the place.
Nothing extraordinary really happened this week. It was my week off, half term as we call it. It was nice to have a break and take some time for myself. I have enjoyed it and am looking forward to what lies ahead.
I did have a real English breakfast on Tuesday....eggs, sausage, ham, tomatoes, bread, and mushrooms....which was delicious!
It is getting colder here....and darker sooner as to be expected. I think it looks like night by 4:30 pm around here....which seems a little odd. You can feel the difference in time and are ready for bed around 6pm.
Well, I wanted to give an initial update and will have to do more in a couple of days. If you have questions about the pictures, let me know and I can explain them more. Again, please feel free to write any time...as I have nothing much else to do and enjoy hearing from people.
Peace and enjoy!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Gremlins, Custard, Tea, and other ramblings
OK, so I know I told you I would update more and now I will be able to. Having internet at home is a relief for the most part because there are things I can check at home before worrying about them at work.
I have been planning this post for a while and had an even better title, but I wanted to stick with this one to catch your attention. Now that I have it, I will try not and lose it.
Some things in England are hard to get used to, while others aren't. Having custard served with a dessert might sound really tasty, but most of it is tasteless. No don't get me wrong, I still love having it, especially with the apple strudel I had the other night, but it is one of those little things you get used to.
I have figured out why so many of the English aren't as large as Americans- they eat all the time in little portions so they don't gorge themselves like we tend to do. Most people don't eat out and if they do, it is for very small amounts. I keep getting asked if everything really is bigger in America, and for the most part, I have to say yes.
Getting used to new words throws me. I have recently realised (yes that is British spelling, and yes I am a slow learner) why McDonalds doesn't have their breakfast biscuits- biscuits are cookies here. I have been corrected on my spelling and on some of the words I use. Most aren't a big problem, but every once in a while, I find it hard to describe what I am looking for. I appreciate that in proper English over here, words have one meaning rather than several. That makes things easier to identify.
I am getting used to Englis tea. I recently got a kettle to make my tea and am enjoying it. It is more of the equivalent of a coffee from Starbucks- you use so much milk and sugar that you can't tell if you really have tea. Although the tea here is rather strong, so I can guess why you would want to cover it up.
Also, "tea" is the word for dinner. It took a couple of times to hear it and connect it. I haven't heard any one use supper, it is tea time. Dinner does tend to refer to lunch, but it isn't too hard to remember.
As for the gremlins, that is the only word I could think of to describe some of the students I have. No matter what you try and do with some of these kids, it is about breaking and being disruptive. Then again, most of these kids are from not so kind situations and some just haven't learned social skills yet. I have some wonderful students and some of the younger ones are beginning to convince me why primary school teachers have a fun, but stressful job.
I know I am rambling at this point, but I am so lost in thought with trying to remember everything that has gone on since my last post. School has been moving forward and we just got reviewed this week with good results-obviously they missed some of my classes.
I am making some good friends here, specifically people from the church. I had a proper sunday dinner with the pastor and his family where I got to tell once again, my life story. It is funny how many times I have to say things, but that is what happens when you meet one person at a time. I had dinner this last week with a family who gave me several frying pans and a chair to have.
There are days that I sit and wonder about the choices we make and if we really do consider the impact they will have. Do we really consider how much something will cost when we make that choice? Do we listen to our hearts or do we listen to the voice that just wants to take a chance? Something to think about.
Well, time to get on with work. I am slowly adding new things here and hopefull will be able to figure out the picture situation soon. Today is a day to get a lot done, but I am looking forward to chatting with anyone who will be on.
If you have Windows Live messanger, I am on there with my gmail address.
I have been planning this post for a while and had an even better title, but I wanted to stick with this one to catch your attention. Now that I have it, I will try not and lose it.
Some things in England are hard to get used to, while others aren't. Having custard served with a dessert might sound really tasty, but most of it is tasteless. No don't get me wrong, I still love having it, especially with the apple strudel I had the other night, but it is one of those little things you get used to.
I have figured out why so many of the English aren't as large as Americans- they eat all the time in little portions so they don't gorge themselves like we tend to do. Most people don't eat out and if they do, it is for very small amounts. I keep getting asked if everything really is bigger in America, and for the most part, I have to say yes.
Getting used to new words throws me. I have recently realised (yes that is British spelling, and yes I am a slow learner) why McDonalds doesn't have their breakfast biscuits- biscuits are cookies here. I have been corrected on my spelling and on some of the words I use. Most aren't a big problem, but every once in a while, I find it hard to describe what I am looking for. I appreciate that in proper English over here, words have one meaning rather than several. That makes things easier to identify.
I am getting used to Englis tea. I recently got a kettle to make my tea and am enjoying it. It is more of the equivalent of a coffee from Starbucks- you use so much milk and sugar that you can't tell if you really have tea. Although the tea here is rather strong, so I can guess why you would want to cover it up.
Also, "tea" is the word for dinner. It took a couple of times to hear it and connect it. I haven't heard any one use supper, it is tea time. Dinner does tend to refer to lunch, but it isn't too hard to remember.
As for the gremlins, that is the only word I could think of to describe some of the students I have. No matter what you try and do with some of these kids, it is about breaking and being disruptive. Then again, most of these kids are from not so kind situations and some just haven't learned social skills yet. I have some wonderful students and some of the younger ones are beginning to convince me why primary school teachers have a fun, but stressful job.
I know I am rambling at this point, but I am so lost in thought with trying to remember everything that has gone on since my last post. School has been moving forward and we just got reviewed this week with good results-obviously they missed some of my classes.
I am making some good friends here, specifically people from the church. I had a proper sunday dinner with the pastor and his family where I got to tell once again, my life story. It is funny how many times I have to say things, but that is what happens when you meet one person at a time. I had dinner this last week with a family who gave me several frying pans and a chair to have.
There are days that I sit and wonder about the choices we make and if we really do consider the impact they will have. Do we really consider how much something will cost when we make that choice? Do we listen to our hearts or do we listen to the voice that just wants to take a chance? Something to think about.
Well, time to get on with work. I am slowly adding new things here and hopefull will be able to figure out the picture situation soon. Today is a day to get a lot done, but I am looking forward to chatting with anyone who will be on.
If you have Windows Live messanger, I am on there with my gmail address.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Life is funny
So, I know that I promised some of you I would update this more often than I have and I apologize. I don't have Internet at home yet so I have to go out to use it. I hate trying to do it at work because it isn't really comfortable to do it there and I like to keep that for work.
Anyway, I am still enjoying it here. I do a lot of walking around to see the neighborhoods and have had a great number of conversations with students who let me know how to correctly pronounce certain words.
I realize it might be a little odd to say, but I have found that the English accent (Not Welsh, Scottish, or Irish) seems to be more of a southern, almost African-American accent with the pronunciation of most things. The slur of some sounds and they way they pronounce words like tomato and potato (tomato has the long a sound).
What else to update you all on. I guess the first thing is the tough news first. Thursday was a really rough day for me. Things did not go well for my classes and I walked out feeling like I would pack my bags and leave. I had forgotten what it was like to be the new person here. I have realized in the days since that the reputation I built in Seattle is not totally going to work here. These are kids with a lot of issues.
Let me frame it this way. I don't agree totally with the fact that some teachers at the school find they have to pretty much yell at kids for every little thing. I realize you have to establish control, but it isn't my style. Yet I also know that I can't continue to be as passive as I tend to be. There is a fine line. I have things I need to work on to be the teacher I know I can be. But let's be honest, there are days you want to scream and cry and hit things in any job. This is a learning experience for me and I am learning that even though I have an idea that might be good, I need some more foundation for it. Being the nice guy takes work....ask my first students I taught at Center!
Other than that, it has been good news. This last Sunday, the teachers from Science, IT, and Math were invited out for a teacher day. Some of our year 11 students went on a trip to a "team building" location (one of those places where you do high ropes, building, team work things) to get to know their teachers and have some fun. Sunday was the day after the students left and the teachers were going out to have some fun.
Those of you who know me, know that heights are not my favorite thing. Well, I was able to do abseiling (repelling for the rest of you) off of a tower. Our group was the first to do it. Is done with a safety rope (Mom, now you can rest easy), and it was easy to do. The hardest part is waling backward to the edge of the wall and leaning back. I was like the 4th or 5th person to do it and man, I was jumping down that wall. I even went back and did it a second time. I would have done it more if we had more time. Some of the people were so terrified and since they went before me, I felt a little better and a little more confident.
That day, we did the abseiling, crate stacking (where we had to build the highest tower of crates we could, but we could only stand on stacks of crates that were 2 high and after that we had to be harnesed up on ropes. I held one person going up), and archery. We have a great embarassing movie of our archery team losing the competition and us doing a stupid dance! I will have to see if I can get some of those files!
I have found a church to go to. It is within walking distance and I really like the people there so far, although I have only been once. If you want to know more about it email me.
Other than that, life is pretty normal. I have watched most of the movies I have several times and am enjoying watching director commentary. The thing to remember about being over here is that by the time I wrap up at work and can get home, I only have about an hour or so before stores close. Things around here close at 6 or 7 so shopping is like a weekend thing. Also, I have to rely on busses, so timing my travel is a little tricky. So far though, I have found almost everything I need, although for some reason dryer sheets are not to be found.
I really like the people I work with...they are a great bunch who like to laugh. We have our own area to hang out in, so we are kind of antisocial with the rest of the school, but it works out well. I have a cool mentor helping me out and he is working on getting me qualified over here, which means I make more and I am able to teach here for as long as I like. It will also look good on any future applications.
Other than that, I don't have much else to say. I love the weather, although I would like a little more consistancy (cold mornings and hot days). My next big adventure will be to get a bed next week (hopefully) and see about stocking up my place.
I put my address in an earlier post, so if you want to see this area, use GoogleEarth and check it out. It is fairly nice and I am having fun.
I miss all of my friends and family and wish I could pick up a phone to talk with you, but soon I will have my own internet connection and can IM all the time!
Pictures to start coming next month when I have time to upload them and get more batteries for my camera.
Have fun!
Anyway, I am still enjoying it here. I do a lot of walking around to see the neighborhoods and have had a great number of conversations with students who let me know how to correctly pronounce certain words.
I realize it might be a little odd to say, but I have found that the English accent (Not Welsh, Scottish, or Irish) seems to be more of a southern, almost African-American accent with the pronunciation of most things. The slur of some sounds and they way they pronounce words like tomato and potato (tomato has the long a sound).
What else to update you all on. I guess the first thing is the tough news first. Thursday was a really rough day for me. Things did not go well for my classes and I walked out feeling like I would pack my bags and leave. I had forgotten what it was like to be the new person here. I have realized in the days since that the reputation I built in Seattle is not totally going to work here. These are kids with a lot of issues.
Let me frame it this way. I don't agree totally with the fact that some teachers at the school find they have to pretty much yell at kids for every little thing. I realize you have to establish control, but it isn't my style. Yet I also know that I can't continue to be as passive as I tend to be. There is a fine line. I have things I need to work on to be the teacher I know I can be. But let's be honest, there are days you want to scream and cry and hit things in any job. This is a learning experience for me and I am learning that even though I have an idea that might be good, I need some more foundation for it. Being the nice guy takes work....ask my first students I taught at Center!
Other than that, it has been good news. This last Sunday, the teachers from Science, IT, and Math were invited out for a teacher day. Some of our year 11 students went on a trip to a "team building" location (one of those places where you do high ropes, building, team work things) to get to know their teachers and have some fun. Sunday was the day after the students left and the teachers were going out to have some fun.
Those of you who know me, know that heights are not my favorite thing. Well, I was able to do abseiling (repelling for the rest of you) off of a tower. Our group was the first to do it. Is done with a safety rope (Mom, now you can rest easy), and it was easy to do. The hardest part is waling backward to the edge of the wall and leaning back. I was like the 4th or 5th person to do it and man, I was jumping down that wall. I even went back and did it a second time. I would have done it more if we had more time. Some of the people were so terrified and since they went before me, I felt a little better and a little more confident.
That day, we did the abseiling, crate stacking (where we had to build the highest tower of crates we could, but we could only stand on stacks of crates that were 2 high and after that we had to be harnesed up on ropes. I held one person going up), and archery. We have a great embarassing movie of our archery team losing the competition and us doing a stupid dance! I will have to see if I can get some of those files!
I have found a church to go to. It is within walking distance and I really like the people there so far, although I have only been once. If you want to know more about it email me.
Other than that, life is pretty normal. I have watched most of the movies I have several times and am enjoying watching director commentary. The thing to remember about being over here is that by the time I wrap up at work and can get home, I only have about an hour or so before stores close. Things around here close at 6 or 7 so shopping is like a weekend thing. Also, I have to rely on busses, so timing my travel is a little tricky. So far though, I have found almost everything I need, although for some reason dryer sheets are not to be found.
I really like the people I work with...they are a great bunch who like to laugh. We have our own area to hang out in, so we are kind of antisocial with the rest of the school, but it works out well. I have a cool mentor helping me out and he is working on getting me qualified over here, which means I make more and I am able to teach here for as long as I like. It will also look good on any future applications.
Other than that, I don't have much else to say. I love the weather, although I would like a little more consistancy (cold mornings and hot days). My next big adventure will be to get a bed next week (hopefully) and see about stocking up my place.
I put my address in an earlier post, so if you want to see this area, use GoogleEarth and check it out. It is fairly nice and I am having fun.
I miss all of my friends and family and wish I could pick up a phone to talk with you, but soon I will have my own internet connection and can IM all the time!
Pictures to start coming next month when I have time to upload them and get more batteries for my camera.
Have fun!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Almost forgot
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM....I don't know if she reads this....but at least everyone will know I didn't forget.
06/09/2008
Thats right folks, I am officially over here and learning the correct ways to do things, like write the date!
I have started work, I have a place to live, and I am writing this entry in a Starbucks.
First, work is fairly different. I have had some really great classes and some that were not so great. I have kids that are younger than I am used to, but most of them have been great. Wednesday was my first day teaching and it didn't go as well as I wanted. Thursday got better and Friday was great....except for the fight that broke out after the kids left my class.
It is slightly true what people have said...this is a tougher school. Let me paint the picture for you: Kids here go to grammer school first and after that are tested for where they go. If they do well, they go to the good schools. That right there means we lose a number of good students, but not all. Then the rest of the kids (all who have been told they weren't that great or who have learning, social, or behaviorial issues) are spread around. We have the best school of them all, at least statistically speaking. For any of my old students reading this, no I don't think they are better than you, but there are some I am liking a little more! (Just kidding)
Work is easier in the sense that I have technitions who get me everything I need for class, if I let them know ahead of time, and I have lessons already done for me that I just need to present. It is easy in that sense, but it is still difficult because I am fresh meat and am deperatly trying to memorize names so I can call kids out.
As for living.....I am getting used to my new place. I have what is considered a bedsit....which means I have a room with small kitchen facilities. The floor that I live on I share the toilets with two other people. We have a room with a toilet and sink, a room with a shower and toilet, and a room with a bath and toilet. It works, but it is odd to not have a more private place. It was an adventure my first night, since I didn't have a bed. I had to lay out clothes I wasn't going to use and sleep on those.....I don't want to do that again!
If you want to see the area I am living in, you can chec out Southend-on-sea, Essex. It is a nice area, a short ride from my school and with easy access to most of what I need.
For those of you wondering....yes I would welcome anything you wanted to send....however, if it is a package, you would probably do best making sure it arrives on a Saturday or Sunday until I verify shipping. Right now....anything to help me get by like packaged food and small luxuries would be nice. I am set for basics....although movies would be great.....talk to my sister about sending me my movies.
I am slowing getting used to things. The prices aren't that bad...unless I try to convert them. Most groceries I can get for the same price or cheaper here. Some things are hard to find, but I haven't tried that many stores. My big next projects are saving for a bed/futon, a chair, and storage for stuff in my tiny room.
One other note....I said I was writing from Starbucks....It is hard to find free WiFi here. I have to pay for this time so I am trying to make the most of it.
Sorry about no pictures....Finding usable internet has been a little difficult.... that and I have been just trying to survive. I do promise to post more as time rolls on.
On the serious side....thanks to those of you who have been writing to keep in touch. It makes me smile and almost cry( I am man enough to admit I can cry) to know how much you still care about me and wonder how things are going.
Let me know how things are going with you and keep me updated. I miss you all and I am having the time of my life. I probably won't travel much this first month with limited finances and all, but life around here is still good.
Let me know what you think and if you post questions I will try and answer them ASAP.
Peace from the UK,
Tom
I have started work, I have a place to live, and I am writing this entry in a Starbucks.
First, work is fairly different. I have had some really great classes and some that were not so great. I have kids that are younger than I am used to, but most of them have been great. Wednesday was my first day teaching and it didn't go as well as I wanted. Thursday got better and Friday was great....except for the fight that broke out after the kids left my class.
It is slightly true what people have said...this is a tougher school. Let me paint the picture for you: Kids here go to grammer school first and after that are tested for where they go. If they do well, they go to the good schools. That right there means we lose a number of good students, but not all. Then the rest of the kids (all who have been told they weren't that great or who have learning, social, or behaviorial issues) are spread around. We have the best school of them all, at least statistically speaking. For any of my old students reading this, no I don't think they are better than you, but there are some I am liking a little more! (Just kidding)
Work is easier in the sense that I have technitions who get me everything I need for class, if I let them know ahead of time, and I have lessons already done for me that I just need to present. It is easy in that sense, but it is still difficult because I am fresh meat and am deperatly trying to memorize names so I can call kids out.
As for living.....I am getting used to my new place. I have what is considered a bedsit....which means I have a room with small kitchen facilities. The floor that I live on I share the toilets with two other people. We have a room with a toilet and sink, a room with a shower and toilet, and a room with a bath and toilet. It works, but it is odd to not have a more private place. It was an adventure my first night, since I didn't have a bed. I had to lay out clothes I wasn't going to use and sleep on those.....I don't want to do that again!
If you want to see the area I am living in, you can chec out Southend-on-sea, Essex. It is a nice area, a short ride from my school and with easy access to most of what I need.
For those of you wondering....yes I would welcome anything you wanted to send....however, if it is a package, you would probably do best making sure it arrives on a Saturday or Sunday until I verify shipping. Right now....anything to help me get by like packaged food and small luxuries would be nice. I am set for basics....although movies would be great.....talk to my sister about sending me my movies.
I am slowing getting used to things. The prices aren't that bad...unless I try to convert them. Most groceries I can get for the same price or cheaper here. Some things are hard to find, but I haven't tried that many stores. My big next projects are saving for a bed/futon, a chair, and storage for stuff in my tiny room.
One other note....I said I was writing from Starbucks....It is hard to find free WiFi here. I have to pay for this time so I am trying to make the most of it.
Sorry about no pictures....Finding usable internet has been a little difficult.... that and I have been just trying to survive. I do promise to post more as time rolls on.
On the serious side....thanks to those of you who have been writing to keep in touch. It makes me smile and almost cry( I am man enough to admit I can cry) to know how much you still care about me and wonder how things are going.
Let me know how things are going with you and keep me updated. I miss you all and I am having the time of my life. I probably won't travel much this first month with limited finances and all, but life around here is still good.
Let me know what you think and if you post questions I will try and answer them ASAP.
Peace from the UK,
Tom
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