Kids Clocks and Socks

One of the best parts of this job is working with kids. They laugh easily. They have more personality than I would have thought at these ages. Lana drew this picture and gave it to me on our last day before Summer break. One of the Mom's who I teach together with her daughter, Lucy and "Lucy's Mom," made me a clock. I like the clock so much that I keep it in my class where I spend more time. I think she bought the clock, painted it, and made the face out of needle point. It's a bit feminine, something my Mom would have hanging in our house. It says "Love... Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Yet, it is one of my favorite gifts I've ever received. It's practical too, that it's easy to read. Time is a good theme for me. It has a pendulum that swings both silently and peacefully.

Then there is a picture of the view from the front of my building. It's not exactly scenic is it? I was sitting out there looking out at the kids playing and people walking. It is a surprisingly cool night. Kids are riding their old junker bikes towing others in creative ways. I reflect back on the expensive bmx bikes, and mountain bikes I've received through the years as holiday/birthday presents. Never took good care of them. Now I have a little 125 cc, and 50cc junker that I take good care of. The former I wash, keep locked and covered.

Recently I found myself asking if I'm doing better here than in Miami. There are trade offs. I have a little money in the bank-- hard earned. I have a job that is sometimes challenging because of the same reason that makes it great. Kids... They can be rascals, to borrow a word from another generation. Life is pretty good here, I'd think that if you can get by the aesthetic deprivations most anyone can enjoy working/living here. This is probably narrow minded from my perspective, but my experience has been very positive.

For my records... I've received gifts a few times now. 3 times it was socks. Very practical and appreciated. Remember we always wear sandals here... I think parents and kids were getting tired of my boring white socks, and dress socks worn down since I bought them for Novartis. Conservative Koreans like to rock out with their socks out.