I have an interview on Saturday. Lordy I’m a bit nervous.
Cali in fifteen days. Besides seeing my family I don’t know what I’ll do in the orchards. Catching up on favorite television shows and comic books, maybe a trip down south (or east). It’s going to be anti-climatic.
When my trip to Thailand was cut off, I was surprised by how broken up I felt, like a knife to my gut. I never felt safe about going there, but I was thrilled with the idea of going somewhere new, the possibility of getting lost, learning a few phrases I’d never use again, popping blisters, squatting over a hole for a piss.
I’m going back to teach in Korea next year, but I’m not sure if teaching is what I really want to do, in the states or abroad. All I know is that I can be really good at it, and there are days when I really dread it. And then there are the kids–my youngest are total sweethearts, but I can’t help but wonder if they’ll turn out like my older lot, who are rather spoiled and just so tired of English.
I enjoy living in Korea, even in the dead of this bitter winter, but I wish I could take a more physical role, one where I didn’t have to think so much. Fourteen months ago I was working at a bank, and my favorite part was hauling boxes of receipts and checks. A few years ago I boxed peaches, and the pay was dirt but it was worth it, just to wipe the sweat from my brow. I’m pretty small-boned but I always enjoy throwing my weight around. It’s my idea of an old-fashioned romance.
At the same time, I really want to go out and help people, people who really need it.
I know it’s time to plunge my roots somewhere and start thinking about a house, a career and, God willing, a family. If I could only be a few years younger, too green and dumb for my own good–
Is it time? Aren’t you younger than me? Shoot, I hope it’s not time to stick my roots somewhere… Come now, Pia, you’re freaking me out.
(Good luck with the interview.)
Oh cutie! You’ll do just fine!
And your trip home will be great. Shaddup with the anti-climactic bizzo. Take some photos, find some clothes or books that you’ve missed or forgotten. Eat eat eat all that stuff you don’t get here. Relax.
Sorry to hear Thailand didn’t work out and the job thing. My sister is gonna be in Seoul through January teaching at a place called eg in Daechi or Hangnyeoul, can’t remember. Her email is gillian.gilson@gmail.com if you’re still looking for a job. I’m pretty sure the place is probably in need of people and I know some asian canadians have worked there so they can’t be completely racist I guess. It isn’t perfect by any means but I get the feeling if you’ve made it this long anyways you could get through the crap associated with english schools.
Oh please.
You? Nervous about an interview? Psh. Liar. I’m calling you out.
You’re a natural with people. I know it, even if you won’t admit it. Relax, breathe, think your answers through.
You’ll do fine. And you know it.
So sorry for the depressing post.
And thanks for the good wishes. Alex, I’ll email your sister.
All the best.
Thank you, JiMong. Hope I did your country a little justice–