And WHY CAN'T my life be a musical?

The world according to Emily and RecycledArtGirl: (Bear with me, I'm just jotting down some thoughts from google chat tonight.)

"You see Mr. Principal, I want to teach at your school because I want to be where the people are. I want to see them dancing, ask me some questions and get some answers. I don't know where, I don't know how, but I know something's starting right now. Watch and you'll see. Someday I'll be part of your world."

"My philosophy of education? Oh that's easy. Basically my education philosophy is to whislte while you work while downing heaping spoonfuls of sugar to help the medicine go down."

"What can I bring to your organization? A whole new world. Shining, shimmering splendor. Tell me, when was the last time you took a magic carpet ride? If you hire me, it will be a magic carpet ride in the kindergarten room everyday. Let your heart decide."

So, you decide. If your life was a musical, which one would it be? What are your favorite lines?

This dude can take me on a magic carpet ride anytime

Some more things I know

I went to the information session for Augsburg College's Department of Physician Assistant Studies (that's right, I want to entirely change careers at some point post-Korea) and holy buckets if this program is not intense.

First, let's take a look at the PREREQUISITES required for this program, none of which I currently have because I wasn't a science major in college. I think the first order of business will be knocking this out of the water before I can even think about applying. They want me to have the following:

1. 1 full course of GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
2. 1 full course of DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
3. 1 full course of MICROBIOLOGY
4. 1 full course of BIOCHEMISTRY
5. 1 full course of PHYSIOLOGY at the science major level
6. 1 full course of INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS
7. 1 full course of MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Uh, if that's not enough to make me freak out, I don't know what is. I can do this though. One class at a time I can handle. Even if I wanted to go back to school for a nursing degree, all of these courses are required. Maybe that's my route. Just spewing some thoughts here.

Some things I know

1. My documents for my E2 teaching visa were sent out yesterday. Did you know it cost $72 dollars to send a light package via FEDEX to South Korea? That's not even the express! It will still take 6 days to get there. This shocked me, but at the same time, it's a huge load off my mind. Now I'm just waiting for my Visa Issuance Number so I can go forward with the process.

2. I have one more week at work. I've said most of my goodbyes already, and it's been really hard to leave. At the same time though, it's been really exciting and I'm looking forward to an opportunity for a fresh start.

3. Korean characters are really difficult to draw. I've been trying to teach myself basic Korean, and it's not going well. I'm hoping that it will become easier when I'm over there and I can actually use it and hear it in context, but until then I'm just going to keep watching video lessons on YouTube.

4. I haven't written anything of substance for a long time. As much as I wanted to get back into writing, and as much as I've told myself I'd keep going to writing groups, I just haven't done it. This frustrates me. I do have something I want to say, I just don't know how exactly to say it.

5. I hate packing. Although, I've been really good about keeping stuff down to a minimum this year. I realize that I've lived in three different residences in three years and every time I go to pack, it just makes me realize how silly all of my little stuff is. I already occupy enough of the planet with my space, I don't need a closet full of clothing I don't wear to go with it. I've made several trips to good will thus far, and I will make several more before I leave. I am still proud to announce that everything I own can be lifted and fit into my car, and I own a Mazda. That's impressive.

6. I will definitely keep posting from Korea. It has been asked several times from readers. I am confident I will have more interesting things to post about from another country. I'm not sure what tone it will take, but that will have to be determined when I get there. I know I'm in for some culture shock, so I'm sure I'll blog about that. I know I'm in for some food shocks, so I'll probably blog about that. As for anything else, we shall just wait and see. Surprises are good, no?

How quickly life can change

One day I'm blogging about needing a new job, and the next I'm blogging about living in South Korea in a year. I have no idea what the next year will hold in store for me, but I am excited to find out. That's all I have to say about that.

Morgan Spurlock, You Are a Genious

I stumbled upon the mockumentary CHALK tonight after first thinking it was going to be some cheesy first-year teacher story. In fact, for the first hour I did think it was one of those things. Little things throughout the movie kept telling me that this can't be real. But my experience with teaching and people in schools, both students and adults, told me it could be. I told my roommate at the end that it was a fantastic documentary after I had finished watching it. I feel a little stupid, and a little duped, but it's only because CHALK hits a little TOO close to home to be comfortable. Everything you aren't supposed to say out loud in school, to your administration, to your parents, to your students, this one says it. And at first I thought it was honest. I've thought almost every issue that arose during the film. Yes, anyone that has ever tried their hand at teaching or wants to should see this. You won't be disappointed.

It's Official at Work: They Know (and I Feel a Little more Free Now)

I sent the following to the staff today:

April 13, 2010

Dear {School Name} Staff:

I love and respect you all. You are seriously one of the best school staffs and group of co-workers I have ever worked with--so talented, professional, (and fun!)--all of you. You took me in as if I were a part of your family when I was new to the state. I must also say that I am very thankful for my time at {school name}. I have allowed myself to grow professionally and personally in ways I never would have if I hadn't have been placed here as an AmeriCorps tutor just two short years ago. Thank you for being such a supportive, caring group of individuals.

That said, I want to say that my employment at {school name} and {school district} is coming to a close. I was offered an opportunity to teach English in Seoul, South Korea and after great debate, have decided to accept. I have been looking forward to teaching English abroad for quite some time now. This is the time. It's now or never. My assignment begins May 31, 2010. I am therefore giving my two weeks' notice starting today. In order for me to prepare for my assignment overseas, I am requesting that my last day at {school name} be Friday, April 30, 2010.

This is a new adventure and chapter in my life. Of course I am thrilled. I want to keep in touch with so many of you and share my journey. Thank you for understanding my need to branch out and "spread my wings." I will miss you and the students dearly.

Yours in Service,

Recycled Art Girl
recycledartguru@gmail.com

Do they make...

an anxious girl's guide to attaining an E2 Visa?


Can I write this someday? I should. Yikes.

My thoughts exactly:

I knew it!

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 93% Advanced, and 80% Expert!

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!

For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.

Take The Commonly Confused Words Test at OkCupid

Technology hates me

In a few days, I will be the owner of a WebCam, short for World Wide Web Camera. Since when did I need a camera attached to my computer, one might ask? Since I started applying for teaching jobs overseas, that's when. The thought of using a camera while talking to someone via Skype kind of freaks me out, but I guess I will have to get used to it. I will practice tons and be super good at it in oh, about 500 or so interviews. Now if only I can figure out how to use it.

Random Thoughts of the Day!

1. I have dental insurance!
2. I need a new job.
3. I am too exhausted at the end of my day of working my old job to be effective in looking for a new one.
4. I hate my job. (See number 3.)
5. Anyone that has more than a perky existence shouldn't be allowed to complain about lack of jobs.
6. I am an introvert in an extrovert's field. (See number 5).
7. I may be searching for a new field soon.
8. I need to take organic chemistry to get into new field.
9. I want to go overseas and I don't want to pay for it.
10. I may sound whiny now, but don't say anything. I am perfectly aware of my ego-centrism in this post.