I'll catch you up on some of the recent events in Korea. The end of August brought a mass exodus of friends and fellow English teachers. It was both fun and sad at the same time as we celebrated everyone's successful year in Korea. Now that is all over and I am left to adjust to my new social scene (or lack there of). I have not noticed my sudden lack of friends so much due to my recent discovery of a partially torn labrum in my shoulder. I had experienced quite a bit of pain while playing volleyball at my school which led me to visit the doctor to solve the issue. Eight x-rays, an MRI, and several hundreds of dollars later we discovered the problem, and I have been told to take a rest for the next few weeks. I'm also on a heavy concoction of pain killers and muscle relaxers that leave my shoulder feelin' reaaaalllyyy good. So far the process has been pretty good thanks to an awesome doctor who speaks nearly perfect English. We discussed his English ability as he stuck me with the biggest freakin' needle I've ever seen. I don't think he was purposely taking a long time to administer the three shots, but he was clearly in no rush, either. So, I'm poppin pills like they're tic-tacs every day, and that has thrown a kink in weekend plans as I can't drink while taking the pills. I had a couple beers during a recent holiday ending with poor results, but that story is for another time.
The weather in Korea has taken a turn for the better as the temperatures have been hovering around 70 during the day, and mid 50's at night. Finally, I don't show up to school with a darker shirt than when I left my apartment... Sweating balls and trying to hide it really sucks at a school full of kids that feel the need to point out every imperfection the teacher has. I usually respond to their jabs with my ability to pronounce the letters 'l' 'j' and 'z'. But I digress... the weather is beautiful leading to more time outside. Throwing a frisbee has been doable w/ my shoulder, but a football/baseball/basketball has proven to be a bit painful. Hopefully this weather sticks around for a few more weeks before jackets are needed.
A new crop of UW grads has landed in Korea to teach, but Korea is in the midst of downsizing the number foreigners in public schools. Last year I landed in Korea with 50 or 60 other UW grads, and this year there was 20 or so. It's too bad that this opportunity will not be available to young graduates in the coming years, as I do believe it has been and continues to be a unique opportunity. I suppose many other countries offer such opportunities, however for less pay/benefits.
Hopefully I meet some of these new UW people soon. Perhaps we can watch a badger game or two.
And lastly, this weekend is the big Oktoberfest weekend in La Crosse (probably Germany too) and I am jealous of everyone who gets to celebrate. Hopefully the weather is nice, and the parade is sunny.
over & out.
keith
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