Yes! Two posts in one month!

Let me say this- I love my job, but at the end of the semester, the kids become little blood-sucking, sun-deprived mongrels. I can't say I blame them. After all, it's July and we're still in school. They only get 5 weeks off for summer vacation, and most of them will attend the school's summer camp for 3-4 weeks of that "vacation." Sucks to be a Korean kid.

Meanwhile, as the kids are dreading summer camp, I'm busy preparing for summer camp. I see each grade for one week, 4 hours a day, which means the first week I get to/have to see 3rd graders for 4 hours a day. Ay yay yay. Anyhow, I finally decided on themes, and not a moment too soon. Here they are . . . 3rd grade's theme will be "Dr. Seuss." We are going to learn about rhyming, numbers, colors, animals, etc. through the use of 5 different Dr. Seuss books. The camp will include activities such as "What would you do if you heard a who?" and "How to make green eggs and ham." 4th grade's theme is "Oh the places you'll go!" (yeah, I'm stuck on Dr. Seuss). We're going to learn about geography, climate, food, animals, etc. by studying a different part of the world each day. The final project will be a poster and short presentation by each student about a country. 5th grade's theme is "Outdoor adventure and survival." We are going to learn about adventure sports and environmental issues, do a few nature projects, go on a hike, read outdoor survival stories, and learn the related English . . . And finally, 6th grade's theme is "All about me." We will learn about people, relationships, timelines, personal history, etc. The midway project will be a family tree; the final project will be a poster autobiography and presentation. What do ya think? Would YOU want to attend my summer camp? :P

On a non-work-related note . . . I go to North Korea in less than two weeks. I finally got all my paperwork in and have been granted special permission to visit (no visa), pending the issue of a stamp at the border. Those of you not living under a rock probably heard that there was a tourist shot by a North Korean soldier recently. Apparently it was a South Korean tourist, in a different city, who wandered away from where she was supposed to be. A lot of trips have been suspended as a result, but thankfully not mine!

This weekend should also be interesting, though in a vastly different way. I'm going to the Boryeong Mud Festival! Woohoo! Mud! Do you think I could call it cultural assimilation if I threw in some soju? Okay, not so much . . .

Between work, yoga, and the usual weekend shenanigans, I've been keeping pretty busy. But in any case, I'm always up for Skyping or IM-ing (MSN messenger) if anyone's interested.

Till next time . . .

Much love,
Dana