The Allen's Online Blog

My Grandmother is always telling me that I should hold on to the cute things my students say, because I'll appreciate the stories as time goes by. So, here's something cute.
Phillip started working as an ESL tutor for the same school where I am the first grade teacher. The kids really make a big deal about me being married. They whisper and giggle whenever Phillip visits the classroom. Some of them are appalled and say they hate married people, some of them think it's funny that a boy and girl can like each other, some of them think it's romantic, and some of them are just baffled that we can be married and not have children. One of the girls tries to make me jealous by hugging Phillip or holding his hand, and then reporting to me later that she was touching my husband.
At lunch the other day, the girls were being dramatic about me talking to Phillip. One of the girls asked me, "Why does Mr. Allen always want to sit with you?" I leaned in and whispered, "I think he likes me!" They all squealed and giggled and covered their mouths in shock. Then, another girl leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I think he loves you!" and then screamed at the horror of her own statement. This started the table talking about how crazy married people can be. The girl who had whispered in my ear got the table's attention with something that seemed like it must be big news. "Do you want to know something so crazy?!?" she asked. "My mom likes my dad's bum-bum!" This time, I had to laugh too.

P.S.
I'm now playing Santa Claus for in the school musical. :D

Labels: work

I was waiting in line in the cafeteria when the fourth grade teacher approached me and asked if I danced. I told her that I had taken lessons when I was little. She then asked if I would choreograph the Christmas musical. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised. I reiterated the fact that I hadn't danced in a long time, but she responded with the fact that she's never taken dance lessons and she's been doing the school choreography for the last few years. Finally, I acquiesced to her request. "I knew you looked like a dancer," was her satisfied response.
Apparently, Taiwan can make you a lot of things you're not: a choreographer, a biker chic, a first grade teacher. I feel like I'm living in a world of make-believe where every step is not my own. This attitude, however, does make me feel more confident. After all, if something goes wrong, it's just a glitch with the role. I really think I would be willing to try just about anything, at least, while I'm living in a foreign country.

Labels: work

I started my new job on Monday. Most of you are probably wondering, "What new job?" Well, that's what happens when you live around the world with no international calling plan! While I was enjoying my job teaching English at the Hess language school, it wasn't going to cut it financially. We could've gotten by ok, but there would be no way of saving enough money to fly back home. An international school in the area was desperate to find a first grade teacher, and they found me. So, now I am teaching at Hsinchu International School. The children are from all over the world, but all of their classes are in English. It's pretty much the same as if I were teaching first grade in the States... which I would never do.
So, I started Monday with a bad cold, no energy, no voice, 17 energetic first graders, and two full time jobs (each afternoon, when the kids went home, I went to Hess to continue teaching until 9pm). It was an interesting beginning. The first day, I appointed "line leaders" for lunch and recess. The kids thought it was a reward, in reality I had no idea where the cafeteria and the playground were. I don't think they believed me that I didn't have a voice either, they thought it was some sort of whispering/listening game. Oh, well. I think I'd rather their parents get this translation anyway.
Phillip and I got up early Saturday morning so we could decorate the classroom before I had to go to work. I'm working on a fun Dr. Seuss theme. Phillip has been really helpful in assuring my survival through all the craziness. Now, the worst part is over. Saturday was my last day at Hess, so starting tomorrow I'll be a normal teacher with only one full time job. Overall, things are looking up. I'm excited about the new job, and we've been finding some more food options that make life a little more comfortable. With my MUCH improved salary, we're even going to be able to travel a bit. We booked a vacation for Boracay, an island in the Philippines, for Christmas vacation. (I would not have had any Christmas vacation with the old job, but now I have two weeks, paid.) I can't wait!
Actually, I'm hoping to spend some time reading on the beach while I'm there, but I've already finished all the books I brought, and it's hard to find good literature in English here (although, I can get the Harry Potter series in Mandarin ridiculously cheap). Has anyone read anything good lately that you'd want to mail to Taiwan? :) I'll return it!

Labels: work