December 3, 2002

  • The sky is filled with a sickly smoke that smells of burning manure.


    Hi all
    Well, another week has gone by, and it's time for an update. It was a good week, all things considered:


    - I had my first proper class with my new evening group, and they turned out to be very bright and participatory, which is great.


    - On Friday, I sent off a big music order over the internet. I'm getting 7 CDs and a box set, and my wife is also getting 7 CDs. This is the first time she's bought music in 2 years or more, which bugs me since she tries to make me feel guilty when I do... Granted, we've been poor for an awfully long time up until now, so it was a reasonable sort of thing to get annoyed about. But my soul craves music the way some people crave cigarettes or promiscuous sex...


    - Also on Friday, after school, Crista and I went with Jay to Pohang. We met up with a friend of Jay's, did a little shopping, then rented a booth at a fascinating Karaoke place called Demolition. The machines there were manufactured by the Kum Young corporation... It was a strange place, full of Geiger-like sculptured surroundings...


    - Our weekend was fairly sedate, with a walk downtown and lots of sitting around the house. We did some more cleaning, bought some lovely plants for the house, and rented Men In Black.


    Today has been good and bad. I had a great class with the TT2Bs this morning. One of them cut his arm in an accident during the previous class, so he was very sudued and sad. I played a matching game with them, and whenever one of them one a pair, they gave it to the boy who was hurt. They worked so hard to try and make him laugh and cheer him up, that by the end of the class, he was up and participating. it was so sweet. On the flipside, I just had a crummy class with the TT3Bs, and am faced with the dilemma of how to keep them in line...


    As I said at the top of the post, the air has been filled with nasty smoke for several days. I had thought it was over, but it's returned with a vengeance. In the Fall, you see, they burn the stubble of all the rice fields. This fills the air with nasty-smelling smoke for days on end. We can't open our windows, and it's much less pleasant to go outdoors. It's been making my nose bleed too. All in all, I hope they finish with the burning soon.


    I'm glad that you liked the pictures I posted. The pages will get snazzier, and I'll add more pictures, but for now I'm just glad that there's something up for people to see.


    Anyhow, while I'm sure there are other things to say, I can't remember them at this instant and will therefore save them for a future entry. Maybe this will be the week where I finally make two posts!


    Hope you're all keeping well and happy!


    Take care
    -Justin-

Comments (7)

  • ...I can't imagine "the sky is filled with a sickly smoke that smells of burning manure." .. dam .. lol ... take care ...

  • Each time I read an entry of yours Justin, it seems like you and Crista are settling more and more into where you are which is good to see  ...and I think I'm almost as excited as you sound that you're getting your CD's soon, music is always a good thing to have around, especially when new music arrives! It soothes the Soul!

    Thankyou for your supportive comments on my latest blog.  I've since toggled it to a private entry, I may even delete it, we'll see.  Yeah, it is difficult when you feel that a friendship has been forcibly split, but I've changed my mind and am keeping the door open. Alot had happened in order to bring it to this stage which I don't go into publicly, but perhaps things will change for the better in the future... hope so

    All the best to you always,

    ~Michelle

  • Seems like you are both settling in. I crave music AND good sex! There's no better feeling than being able to splurge on yourself. Enjoy!!

  • Hi Justin,

    I was particularly moved by what you did in your TT2B class.  That was such a wonderful way to teach virtuous behaviour while teaching the task at hand.  As you may know, I have a bit of a teacher's mind and I'm always collecting innovative methods and activities to do with students.  Thanks for this one.  Very thoughtful and aware of you to seize that opportunity at such a poignant time.  That was what I would call a teachable moment.  If a teacher is not watching or too involved with what they themselves are doing they can miss it.  It seems like teaching is quite strong in you.

    About the other class: Don't worry, you will figure out what to do with them.  Just use your creativity and remember to always choose encouragement over judgement.  People tend to respond to it better.  I'm sure that you already practice this stuff, I'm just sharing some of my personal thoughts and practices while teaching.

    Sorry about the smoke.  That sounds yucky.  Hope it leaves soon. 

    I loved the pictures.  It was so nice to see you and Christa.

    I love music too.  I haven't been able to purchase any new music in a long time.  When I get a little extra fundage I'm going to treat myself to some.  I don't even know what's out there anymore.

    Anyhow, this is getting long.  Good to hear from you.  Love you, Sara

  • Hey Justin, I was just over at mini's and read your comment.  You are such a big complainer, I think you must get it from Byron! j/k

  • Glad to hear things are going well(besides that oh so lovely fresh manure smoke smell). Every now and then you need to splurge on yourself so enjoy youir cds when you get them. Keep up the good work at the school and have a nice day,

    Shane

  • hey, i have no idea who you are. lol. but id love to get ta know you better through this and maybe emails or something...thanks for commenting on mine.

    <>< Emma

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