Monday, November 30, 2009

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

When it all boils down, that's the problem with Yoon's.  Our meeting with Julia (and Gene and Julia's son Terry) was a nightmare on a few levels.  Julia presented us with a sample lesson plan that she and Gene came up with.  Other than the use of the CD, it was spot on for what Ian and I already do in class.  So, Julia spent two hours telling us that we would do better to do what we are already doing and reiterating herself again and again as if we were the ones who don't understand English.  Time well spent.  Gene tried to act as middle man, but really he had to back up Julia the whole time, so we were quite out numbered.  He talked to Ian after and expressed his understanding of our situation.  It would have been nice if she would have been this interested in shaping us three months ago before we had our own rhythms and styles.


Terry stayed with me in my classes all day and Gene went with Ian.  Terry is temporary (as he's in college), but I hope Julia sees that she really needs to hire another "supervisor" (he's more like a coteacher).  If we have two coteachers, there is a better liklihood of us getting time off when family come to visit.  Having Terry around wasn't a terrible experience, though his presence really disrupted my students.  They were really interested in him.  Most of my students completely ignored Gene when he was there.



We're all out of Dexter to watch until the fourth season finishes (Ian wants to wait until we can watch it marathon style).  So, we're back to finding our shows episode by episode on the internet.  We've got plenty to catch up on.


Our dinner was super Korean tonight:  yachae (veggie) kimbop and ramen.




I've been listening to Christmas music and willing Ian's Grinchy heart to grow three sizes.  Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs.  Let me know what some of your favorites are in the comments.


The Chipmunk Song




Sleigh Ride




You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (I can't find the original animation)




Happy Christmas (War is Over)




I could keep going forever.  I love Christmas music.  I think it epitomises everything good about our holiday season.


We're off to internet t.v. land.  Good night!

7 comments:

  1. It is just a guy thing? Dominic is a big old hum bug too. When my mum sent me tickets to see the Nutcracker here in Chicago I was over joyed! Dominic, however, grimaced and said he would wear jeans and t-shirt. I get that it is a ballet, but he can't be excited at all? And he HATES when I play Christmas music. I've got Elvis doing some classics, how can you beat that? But my favorite Christmas song is A Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole. I just adore his voice.

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  2. Uh, I'm with the guys on xmas, but who cares.

    As for Julia, I say go with the flow. She is an idiot. You will not be able to educate her. Sounds like Gene got her to believe that what you are already doing was her idea. Don't worry, be happy!

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  3. While the meeting sounds horrible, the outcome sounds great. Keep on doing what you've been doing. Sounds like a win to me. Or am I missing something?

    I don't know where Ian gets his Grinchness. I used to try all sorts of things to make the season fun like the whole family making gingerbread houses together, baking, driving around looking at Christmas lights, going out into the woods to cut down our Christmas tree, going to The Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, etc. Every tradition I tried to establish was met with "this is stoopit!", "meh!", etc. I kinda gave up on the whole deal.

    I hope you eventually have better luck. More power to ya!

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  4. Oh, should add to that list: making home-made gifts as a family project, making home-made wrapping paper, watching various Christmas specials together, family game nights, and more things that I can't remember off-hand. I tried. I really did.

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  5. Great choices on x-mas music. But my favorite x-mas songs in the whole world are; Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas from the family. And; Dar Williams The Christians and the Pagans. In my honor I think you should post them on your blog, So they get the recognition they deserve. They are both on You Tube. Happy Happy Joy JOy !

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  6. I know if you post those two songs it will draw smiles out of the grincheyist(yes a made up word) of them all.

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