The Watchman Is Well

Greetings,
As you can see, "my" tree is doing quite well in his fall transformation. Most days I am reminded to pick my head up and take a good look at him but I will admit there were a few days last week where I didn't. Parent conferences are different yet the same here. You are on pins and needles always hoping not to get yelled at for one thing or another. Differences include sometimes having a translator, watching parents verbally chastise their children in front of you, usually in Korean, and having parents thank you for your help and for doing a good job as a teacher.
Between that and finishing grading, I am sure I spent more time at school each day than I did at home. I wonder what all my tree saw in that time. He has sure been changing fast. I seem to like him best when he is catching the morning sun as I walk to school. If he can stand straight and tall, then so shall I.
As if my week was not full enough, I had quite the weekend going as well. Friday was spent celebrating a new colleagues birthday and going to Noraebang for the first time. It is kind of like karaoke except you have private rooms for just your group and for those of you who are inquisitive, I did sing, more than once.
Saturday was spent on the Seoul Walking Tour. I could dedicate an entire blog to that but shall spare you all of the details. Suffice it to say, THAT was not a walk. THAT was a hike up a good sized mountain with 4000 other people wearing race numbers with balloons tied to them.

After that climb, which was admittedly gorgeous, I spent Sunday visiting a new church and then meeting up with several of our school staff to watch the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand vs. France. New Zealand hasn't won the cup since 1987 and it has been France that has beaten them at every turn. On this night however it was a thrilling one point win in the last few minutes and all of my colleagues Kiwi's or not, had a fabulous time celebrating the win! How fun it was to be in that environment and watch some really die hard fans route for their country and a victory. I also now know much more about the game and about some really great coworkers. It makes me want to go to New Zealand all the more.

 So as glad as I am that my Watchman tree is doing so well. I think he needs to tell me to enjoy my time with new friends because time goes by so fast, but also to rest a little every now and again. Thank you my Watchman for that reminder today.