봄 is here!!!

봄 is the word for spring in Korean and happens to also be my given Korean name: 봄이 which is pronounced (bom ee). My Korean name was given to me by my wonderful co workers and good friends at bonggok middle school!!

But back to spring! Spring is finally in full swing in Korea. I have to say this is my favorite time of year in Korea because unlike in Texas there is actually a spring!!! The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm with a little breeze and my allergies are in full flare....with the exception of the last one this is the perfect time of year! I just happen to be training for a half marathon at the same time! Which going for a run in 60- 70 degree temps make them even more enjoyable!!

Another thing about Korea when spring comes around everyone starts to go outside....which is so lovely! In Texas we run and hide at the first sign of the sun shine because we know that with it comes blazing heat and humidity! But spring time in Korea last about 2 or 3 months and the weather is just perfect!! Everyone goes hiking, riding bikes, playing soccer, walking, running, or even badminton on my street (which its really sweet to see a family of 5 playing badminton on a sunday afternoon). I have to say I wish my parents could have come during the spring time because what an amazing site even just the Changwon house (a landmark located near my home) is right now!! I will later post some pics but it is absolutely stunning!!

Besides the weather I am currently busy studying hard...I am learning Korean and my studying was kind of a stand still. But now I am studying every chance I get and its improving.

안녕하세요? 저는 제시카예요. 저는 미국 사람이에요. 저는 선생님이여요.

This means "How do you do? I'm Jessica. I am from America. I am a teacher."

Sounds silly but I have finally mastered writing this with out the aid of books. I also know how to order at a restaurant, count to 1,000, go shopping and have a short daily conversation (where are you going, what are you doing tomorrow?, etc). I have to say I am pretty proud of myself! I am working on vocabulary everyday and it tickles my co teachers to see me studying. they usually stop and say things like "제시 뭐 해요?"  which means Jessi what are you doing? or "제시, 이거는 뭐 예요?" which means "Jessi what is that?"! It's fun for them to quiz me on the spot and make me practice!! The other thing that makes them giggle is when I spell something wrong....they think it is so cute that I don't know how to spell something or if I use the words out of order! Which is really nice and I am really enjoying learning everyday! I also surprise my students sometimes when I will ask them questions in Korean and it takes them a minute to realize that I was speaking korean and then their eyes light up and they are so excited!! Makes for a fun class! I also let them teach me sometimes! It makes it really fun!

Other than that there is nothing really new going on! It's my birthday soon and I am getting excited to have a fun birthday weekend!! I will try to post pictures soon!! :-) XOXOXO