Laura Teacher

OK, so I know that I've been here over two weeks now and haven't written anything. Well, that's not true. I've written some things...just not a blog post. I figured that it was about time to do so. So here I go.
I am finally settled into my own apartment in a building called "Royal Tower". There isn't too much that's royal about it. I believe it's one of the older buildings around Yugang, but I can't complain. Other than it being constantly cold, it's nice to have my own place and to know that it's mine for the next year. The teacher who was here before me left quite a bit of stuff that I am more than grateful I don't have to purchase on my own, i.e. a blender, microwave, all sorts of cooking utensils, food, a drying rack for clothes, power converters/adapters, various other goodies. That's one of things that I like about the culture here. Everybody is so generous and kind...especially when you're new and they know that's it's difficult at first to adjust. I am so very thankful for all the help I've been given these last couple of weeks.
My first week here I observed different classes at the school, and then on Friday I took over classes for the teacher I replaced so that she could pack and such. This past week was the start of a new term, so I have my own full slate of 6 classes a day that I will teach for the next 3 months. Some kids come MWF and others come TH. We get to work at about 1:00 and get ready for lessons, eat lunch, and do office work until 3:00. Then there are six 45-minute classes from 3:00-8:00 of all different ages and levels of English abilities. Some of my classes are just me and one student. Others involve eight 7-year-olds. So far I am enjoying the teaching and the kids...some are definitely a challenge, but that's to be expected anywhere. There isn't much freedom with what we teach...the lessons are planned and we go right through the curriculum. I'm at a hagwon (private academy where the parents pay tuition) as opposed to a public school where the teachers work earlier in the day, have to plan lessons, and usually have much larger classes. So I am also grateful that I was placed at a school with a very reasonable schedule, work load, and hours. I feel very blessed to have this as my first teaching experience abroad. I guess the one big downside is that it's nearly impossible to take the vacation time we technically have. Oh, and instead of Ms. Laura or Ms. Page or whatever we would consider a respectful name for a teacher in the States, the kids call you by what you are. So I am Laura Teacher, or when they're whining, just Teeeeeeacher. Also, the Korean alphabet has only one character for the L/R sound, so my name is difficult for some of them. Especially with the younger ones, I get "Lola Teacher" a lot. It's adorable. I love it.
That's a lot about what I do. Next time maybe I'll write more about culture and life and the experiences I've had so far. I'm convinced I'm gonna do a lot of growing and learning this year. Hopefully it won't take me almost three weeks to write again. For now, I'll leave you with two lists.

1) Things that I've eaten (not exhaustive and I've yet to eat something I didn't like)...look 'em up
-Pajeon -Gimbap -Korean Barbecue -Haejangguk -Shabu Shabu -Bibimbap -Cheesy Jimdak -Mandu -Donkas -Lots of Kimchi

2) Things that I miss so far
-My wonderful friends and family -My puppy -Putting on a hoodie straight out of the dryer (no dryers) -Instant Netflix -My guitar