Living in Korea is something of a rollercoaster for me sometimes. This week was not one of the best. The weather was miserable all week, the classes were slow and long, and overall, it just wasn't a bright point. So you've been forewarned, this is not the cheeriest post. But, it is my life right now. So, take it as you will.
The middle school had their midterms last week, though I didn't find out about it until Thursday, when I mentioned to my high school coteacher that I hadn't had classes on Wednesday. She told me then that the middle school was having midterms this week and that everyone went home at 12. Well that would've been nice to know. Especially since Tuesday, the day before I go to the middle school I asked her if she knew when they were having their tests. She told me she did not know. Anyway, instead of at least getting to take advantage of leaving early on Friday, I am told that the students are taking some sort of writing test after the finish their midterms. They failed to mention that I could go home as soon as I was "done with my work". Except I do all my work at home so... I was done when I walked in at 9 but stayed until 3:30. Ah well. So this week the high school had their midterms Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Since I am at the middle school Wednesday and Friday, that doesn't do me a lot of good but I did get to go home at 12 yesterday so that was nice. I spent the day curled up with my cat reading and listening to the rain.
But, the weekend is here again, and the sun is shining so it's time to turn it around. Last weekend was busy, I spent Friday night in Pohang, Saturday I woke up at 6:30 to take the 3 hour bus at 7:30 to Daejeon, then I jumped on a 2 hour bus to Daegu to try and make the soccer game. I caught about the last 30 minutes but was told I didn't miss much. Pohang lost, again. I have yet to see them win a game this season. Then all of the Pohangers went out in Daegu for a night on the town, and it was lunch at Travellers, a western bar and restaurant in Daegu, and then the bus home. So I think this weekend I'll just lay low and mosy around Pohang a bit.
In other news, tomorrow marks 4 months until I am home. Some days this is all that gets me through the moments. But most of the time, it makes me sad. I feel like the end is sneaking up on me and I know that I'm going to miss this place when I'm gone. More importantly, I'm going to miss the people. I have met so many amazing people here but even after 8 months, I can't shake the feeling of transience. Especially with my departure looming. I know 4 months is a long time and a lot can happen, but it's always there, in the shadows, mocking me. And other people are leaving before that. Jerome, the guy I met that is from Orlando and lives in Yeongdeok with Mark and I, is leaving at the end of July and lots of other people are leaving in June or July. With Jerome, it's not so hard because I know I will see him at home. It's comforting actually. It's like I get to take a piece of Korea home with me in more than just souvenirs or memories. But most of the people I meet here I will likely never see again, or won't see for a long time in the best cases. I know I've made a post similar to this before, but it's been weighing on my mind this week and is probably part of the reason my mood has been less than stellar. At home, when you met someone, time usually wasn't an issue. But here I feel like every person I meet has an hourglass above their head and if I don't get to know them, don't become a part of their life quickly enough, I will never have the chance. And that is scary. And unfortunate. Because there are some really incredible people here that, given a bit of time, I feel like I could become really close with. But, the days tick away and life moves on, whether the connections are made or not.
Anyway, sorry for the dark cloud of a post. Hopefully my weekend will be filled with sun and beach and laughter and all around good cheer. Hoping this finds you happy and well.
♥
