I can’t decide who the real idiot it – my class of “5” year olds or me?!

They run around blowing boogers out of their noses without tissues but I almost talked my way OUT of a job.  And all because I wanted to prove a point about honesty and principles, things that were instilled in me as a child.  So if you see me in town, don’t be surprised.  Be a doll and invite me in for some milk and cookies. (PS I don’t think any Korean kid has milk and cookies. In fact I don’t think there’s ANY baking going on outside of Paris Baguette.)

John didn’t seem to appreciate my comment and thought me rather ungrateful.  Basically the school wanted to get away without paying us our overtime.  Yesterday I mentioned that I sent out an email to John and CC’ed Andrea and Justine.  Andrea, upon seeing the email today, took the opportunity to talk to John about it in front of Ellie so he settled for paying us each 100,000 Won.  (We had worked a Saturday.)  I should have been satisfied but I wanted to prove my point.  So when I saw John later I insisted on asking him why he promised one thing and did another.  I told him it wasn’t about the money but for him to be honest and up front in the future. 

APPARENTLY you DON’T say what I said to someone in his position.  Oooppsies.  And in Korea overtime ISN’T time and a half.  So 100,000 was almost the right amount.  Sometimes you really do have to pick your battles.  Lesson learned.  Fought for salary  – GOOD.  Fought about stupid overtime – BAD.   

(Just to clarify – Mooooooooooom – everything is FINE!!!!)

Moving on, only 6 teaching days left in until Christmas vacation!!!  I CANNOT wait!!  Whoo hoo!!  Of course I’m counting.  I celebrate it ever morning when we do the calendar with the kids.  “And six days till Christmas and no school no school no school…) I say as I point to all the days with NO SCHOOL!!!  We’re all on the same delighted page.  

I’m quite content right now… the computer guy just came.  It turns out that something was wrong with Windows and it had to be reinstalled.  Luckily there were no other problems and it was just 30,000 Won.  He had my computer over night and was nice enough to back up my work (aka pictures, etc).  Just having the computer working seems to fill the apt.  It’s this wonderful device that allows me to communicate with the world or watch movies that remind me of home. 

I’ve sent out a ton of Christmas cards and still have some to go… so check your mailboxes and if you didn’t get one…. I know that you’ll get something in the mail eventually!  I feel like Santa Claus the day the elves walked out. 

Currently trying to teach the kids “Jingle Bells”.  I’ve been drawing and using pictures.  The lesson goes something like this:

“Why isn’t Santa in the sleigh?”  “Because no one is sitting in it.”

 “Eeets a sled.”   “No, IT’S an open sleigh.”

“Danny hit me.”  “No hitting.”

“Draw a house.”  “There is no house in Jingle Bells.”

“JJ speaky Korean.”  “No Korean.”

“Teacher – why no many horses?”  “Because it’s a ONE horse open sleigh.”

“Can I go to the bathroom?”

I was quite taken aback by the most recent Korean custom I’ve stumbled upon.  Or rather that lay typed upon my desk this past Friday.  Unfortunately the owner of the school’s brother had passed away.  The girl Umi who works with us is also his niece.  So quite the sad event for them.  However, the note breezed through this mention and got straight to the point.  30,000 Won was to be handed in by 5 pm that afternoon.  WOAH.  What?  While I did give the money, I felt that it was more like a bill, something that wasn’t a voluntary show of sympathy but a DEMAND.  Apparently this is customary in Korea.  And while none of the foreigners did, every member of the company regardless if you knew the deceased or not, attended the funeral which was held at the hospital.  I don’t think there’s a coffin – not sure.  Everyone goes into one room and bows to the family and then proceeds to the restaurant (also in the hosptial) to eat together.  It would not be acceptable for a Korean not to attend. 

Speaking of 30,000 Won, well I paid that last week to get my computer fixed because it wouldn’t turn on. It worked for a couple days and then stopped so today the computer guy showed up an hour and a half late and charged me another 30,000 Won.  Actually this time I didn’t pay because I insisted that he fix what was actually wrong rather than just continue coming back and charging me till something went right.  So different out here. 

I had mentioned in my previous blog that people can be rather maniuplative.  I can’t even really get into this one too much because it is so obvious waht is wrong that I’ll get furious.  haha.  WHen we had our special teacher training (that is NOT yet being implemented and this is quite against the franchise but… it’s Korea…) we were asked if we would consider working a weekend.  We were told we’d be paid for a regular work day PLUS overtime.  I made sure that I asked this TWICE infront of everyone.  Well our paycheck came and went with not a Won towards that day, a Saturday mind you.  Justine had spoken to John about it (he’s the guy who got me out here… the business side guy) and he said that we should take into consideration that they had to pay a lot for us to do the training and that some schools don’t even pay.  That’s all good and well but A DEAL IS A DEAL.  WTF??!!  Justine doesn’t think we’ll get our money because John told her he thought it was simply her issue.  Well I wrote an email to John politely asking when we were getting our overtime and CC’ed Justine and Andrea.  Let’s see him try to weasle himself outta that one.  Arrrggg…. this country can be so frustrating!  But like I said I can’t get too into it. 

Speaking of Natasha (who hates how Americans pronounce her name – it should be Ni-tasha), she had been working 2 hours a day and her employer then tried to claim it was but an hour and a half.  I told her, Natasha, you have to be FIRM.  ALWAYS FIRM WITH THESE PEOPLE.  The crap they try to pull is so low.  However if you can be strong, living here is pretty good otherwise.   Natasha actually started to doubt herself that she wasn’t told 2 hours.  I had to point out to her, Natasha you kept a time sheet.  They are just trying to pull one over on you.  I can’t believe that is so common out here!!! 

Ok well I should fess up.  I finally had the holiday cry… and before the holiday too!  Justine, Andrea and I were having dinner Friday night when Andrea mentioned to me that she was going home for Christmas afterall.  I’m not sure what exactly came over me but I was SO HAPPY FOR HER that I just started crying a bit.  I’m like, “You’re going to AMERICA???!!!!!! ” as if I were some poor farmer longing to get to Ellis Island to start a new life.  I remember thinking she is my link to HOME – to my family – to everything I know.  I couldn’t imagine going home… WOW.  That lasted a couple minutes and then we all had a good laugh over it.  And that’s how I realized Christmas was finally coming.  To Andrea and Justine, first off – shut up! – and secondly… I’m so glad you guys are here with me and I hope we all have wonderful vacations in the US, China and Thailand.  Mwah! 

The word of the day is “hectic”.  Hectic is a word that I don’t use too much – maybe the traffic was hectic.  South Africans tend to use it quite often.  “That party was hectic or the weather was hectic.”  Well it was quite the hectic scene at the post office this evening… and yesterday…. and the other couple times I’ve been there.  I’m mailing mini packages to everyone and their mom.  Yes, Jesse, your mom is getting something! haha.  And so is yours Mikey, if you EVER get me her address!  The post office staff know me by sight – that blonde haired girl always scrambling to shove things into envelopes and boxes.  Mind you these are just little trinkets but the shipping does add up.  At one point a woman asked me how much money I was making.  It’s not like I was buying everyone dimond studded everything!  (If you do get an envelope from me, please let me know!!) 

I don’t think I can put off writing any longer.  And I’m not gonna stress over getting in every detail of the past few weeks lest dear diary syndrome set in.  Deary Diary Syndrome is a condition that occurs when someone doesn’t write in their diary for a long time and then feels that it’s too hard to catch up on everything and that they can’t write anything new until they wrote all of the old and so they write nothing at all and end up hating diaries. 

Why this lapse in blogging? I’d attribute it to an number of factors: school, broken computer, fixed but now again broken, special Helen Doran Teacher Training, Christmas cards and shopping, slight laziness and being sick a second time. 

I’m gonna start wtih yesterday because that was a doozie and work my way back…

So yesterday was open class when the parents actually came in and sat on tiny chairs in the classroom.  Bristol was a DISASTER because honestly it felt like we were on stage.  I made the mistake of using sparlkly stars to decorate and the kids became obsessed with them.  I also didn’t have them sit by their parents which would have been better for them since they parents could control them.  Anyhoo… a wee bit mortifying.  And I didn’t discipline any of them in front of the parents because I didn’t want to embarass anyone… you know… Just MYSELF!  Eekkk!  Cambridge went fine because they are much better behaved though Bristol can do a lot better than what they did yesterday. 

The superfun part was when I got to go in afterwards and sit in front of all the parents with Eunice teacher and answer their questions, etc.  I was like wow… AWKWARD.  However I explained myself and told them that such a setting is not condusive to teaching.  And that they need to reinforce at home that listening is good and hitting is bad.  Apparently the parents like to complain and this one kid’s mom was like, “What is your teaching experience?” I thought I had been told to say one year so I said one year but I feel bad about saying that.  Anyhoo the same mother then asked me what my degree was in and then nodded her and and was like “eh” when I answered.  I could have told her that her son is one of the main reasons I spend classtime disciplining rather than teaching but held my tongue.  Of course I don’t have experience and I’m not the world’s greatest but Bristol was notorious before I got here and my other class, dear Cambridge, is not a problem to teach.  I can actually teach in there. 

Suprisingly after talking to the parents via Eunice teacher they actually left on a supposedly good note and thought my class was ok. Hopefully now they will work with me to help change their children’s behavior.  I know the Korean teachers agree that Bristol is badly misbehaved in with them.  Ironically later in the day they were much better – noboday saw that. 

Something came over me today and I spoke to Bristol in a very serious and adament tone about their behavior.  No more Miss Nice Guy.  

Oh so this was quite exciting… I was holding up one kid to show him the Christmas tree and tripped over a kid who was hiding behind me so that I fell straignt on my back… I held the kid safely in my arms and just a wee bruise on the tail bone. 

I also went to exchange money yesterday and in doing so lost almost $1300 as the dollar blows right now.  4 million Won became $2,700 but at least I’ll have my hospital bill from the emergency room this past summer paid off! 

After the bank I went to the dr. because I want to avoid being sick as much as I can.  He sent me to an ear specialist and basically I just have a middle ear infection blocking the Eustachian tube (remember that my Anatomy friends???)  Not a big deal esp. since my ear only crackles, not hurts.  I do regret not playing enough Charades in my lifetime though, as the front desk DID NOT SPEAK ANY ENGLISH.  Trying to explain that I didn’t have my insurance card with me was quite the conundrum. 

It was an interesting experience.  First he took some needles with cotton wrapped on the sharp ends and used them as a q-tips, or as Justine calls them, ear buds.  I actually thought for a second that the assistant girl was going to stick it in my forehead. I have no idea why I’d think that but I just did. haha.  Then the doctor stuck these mini hoses up my nose and blew air out into my nose… I think…. it was a little uncomfortable but I felt cleared out.  My nose has been quite proliferant with mucus.  See mom – I can use SAT words.  (Speaking of SATs, man I HATED that test!!!  Don’t get me started.)   

Ok well the night before parents day I was trying to cut out stockings for the kids but I was just too exhausted and called home for about one minute and spoke to my dad.  He said, “You sure do like to get sick around the holidays.”  The mess on my floor was also overwhelming.  Which brings us to the weekend….

This past weekend I went Christmas shopping, buying tiny presents that can fit in envelopes for most people.  I’m trying to send as light presents as possible since shipping will be a lot.  My package for my family will of course cost the most.  Still can’t decide what to buy for my brother… hmmm… it’s his birthday coming up.  Happy 27th Matthew!! 

What else has happened….

In the past few weeks I… 

…helped Natasha transport a bookcase from my house on the subway and then to her house.
…took up a dare to eat a red hot chili pepper.  I was surprised when the whole pepper wasn’t as spicy as the tiny piece I had had before.  As soon as I mentioned that it wasn’t bad my ear started hurting and I started tearing.  Oooof.  I almost ordered more rice just to make it through the moment.
… did special Helen Doran Teacher Training with a women who came from … POLAND!  Now I am certified to teach at any Helen Doran School in the world. 
… had a big disagreement wtih Janet which led to me bawling after school one day.  Basically I was still ticked about that stupid “threat” from when I was sick and got quite “cheeky” about Janet misunderstanding me again.  That resolved itself just fine. 
…finally realized how manipulaive Korean business is, even if it’s just a private school, it’s a business.  Manipulative to the teachers it employs and to the parents of the children regarding materials.  And well my school in particular is using an international franchise name and not doing ANYTHING it is supposed to.  It’s like opening a McDonald’s and not selling any burgers or fries.  Just kimchi.  This has left me wishing I had known then what I know now.  But at least I know it now. For anyone who ever decides to brave it in Korea, know that you must be firm with anyone you work for/with and stand up for yourself.  A common technique used on foreigners is guilt to the degree that you begin to doubt yourself.  Had I known this before coming to Korea some of my hardest days wouldn’t have been so hard.  The upside is that I’m only 3 and half months in and I now have this knowledge. Despite all of this, and I’ll tell you about it some time, I like it here for now. 
…yada yada yada

-Aimee

Aims

 NJ in the fall.  Soccer. Football games.  Hooded sweatshirts and hot cocoa.  Thanksgiving.  NYC.

Friends.  Family.  Stupid stories.  Crazy adventures.  Laughter.  Heart-to-hearts. 

Your voices.   The face-to-face.  The rapport. 

Most of us are held together only by this blog.  That’s not enough for me but I’ll take it.

Eventually Korea will only be a memory.  I plan to make it a good one.

The reality of it all is that even when I’m home, the pieces of my heart are spread from coast to coast and across the globe.  

While I love the adventure, I must accept the distance.  And I know that it takes its toll. 

I’m missing out on a lot.  Yet if I never left I feel I’d miss much more.  And so it goes.

For anyone who has ever come into my life, there was reason. 

To those who have remained, you add color and perspective where most have sifted through. 

While I wouldn’t call myself homesick, for I am not, from time to time I have moments such as these.  When I appreciate what I have left behind. 

It’s a happy kind of sad. 

So to all of you who read my blog, write me on facebook or in emails, or have simply made your presence known, I thank you. 

I might add that Friday will be ten weeks in Korea.  And I’ve not heard from ten of you.  Again I implore you to get skype. 

While you are not, I am hurting having not talked.  You know it hurts me not to talk. haha.  (had to ruin the moment didn’t I?)

~your faithful nomad, Aimee
          
         

 Leaving school today I had my spark back.  Or should say “some pep in my step”?

Today is Pepero day or some kind of Korean Valentine’s Day.  And it is also the day that Korea became fun again.  I’m not sure when it stopped being fun. 

I suppose I got sick around Halloween prep time and then had to miss school which resulted in a tiny controversey -“My worst day in Korea ever” blog.  Plus Bristol hasn’t been easy to teach.  But I’m feeling healthier and things are looking up.

“My worst day in Korea ever” quick recap!  To make a long painful story as short and “sweet” as possible, I was told to miss school on four occaisions after being examined by the dr. and being diagnosed with tonsalitis and bronchitis.  I missed the two days before Halloween.  And then the Monday after Halloween.  That was the kicker.  

Ellie and co.  told me that I shouldn’t have listened to the dr.  about Monday.  They explained that he only told me to stay home because he wanted me to get better.   I’m thinking – well yeah – that’s what doctors do.  And that’s WHY I stayed home.  And I DID get better.

In Korea apparently you should work even if you have pneumonia.   And you always give a  day’s notice for a sick day which is sometimes virtually impossible.  In America, if you call your employer on a Sunday morning and let them know that you anticipate feeling sick at about that time tomorrow, find a new job. 

My situation was a little trickier.  I had thought I had communicated that I wasn’t coming in on Monday.  I had called Janet from the dr’s office on that Saturday.  Somehow she  “understood” that I was coming in.  I think between her pressuring me to come in and me trying to nicely say I was sick, the message got lost.  Quite honestly, even if I hadn’t told them until Monday morning (yes I had emailed and called Mon. am), me deciding to stay home is my decision.  (Having a foreign teacher absent looks really bad apparently.  I wish I had clearly said, “I am not coming to school on Monday.” Ah well, lesson learned.)

I truly had given it a lot of thought and in the end decided to follow the advice of my doctor, my mother, my father, a few concerned friends and myself.  It didn’t help matters that when I let Janet speak to the doctor apparently he had told her I was ok to go to school.  I’m not gonna say much  more only that  I had asked the dr. THREE TIMES if I was to go to school and each time he had said NO. 

Ellie and Janet presented me with some letter that listed several other things I had “done wrong” including being sick and had me sign it.   I was in tears as to its harshness.  Looking back, I wish I had not signed it because I did not agree.  But I also know that it’s not a big deal.  That letter was nothing more than some sneaky attempt to make sure I never get sick again.  Please rest assured I like my job.  Never having taught before, it’s understandable to have some rough patches, especially living in Korea!

I know I have to stick up for myself out here just like I did when I first arrived and they wanted to change the amount of my contract.  America and Korea really are two different countries, but more importantly, two different CULTURES.   

Back to Pepero.

Pepero is a type of thin cooke stick with chocolate in it.  Quite honestly I’m not even sure if you say Happy Pepero.  I know that you’re supposed to share the treat with someone you like.   They are selling them at all the stores and I’ve noticed that they are also selling Ferrero Rocher (maybe because Ferrero sounds like pepero only more expensive haha).  I always make sure to wish my daddy a Happy Hallmark.  We never want to forget who is responsible for such a commercialized holiday, right Dad?

Speaking of holidays, let’s tackle Christmas. 

I suppose if I’m not gonna be home with my family and friends for Christmas I’ll just have to do the next best thing: bask on the beaches of Thailand.  Whoo hoo! 

With the help of John (the guy who got me out here) and Janet, I’ve found a flight to Bangkok, Thailand.  No, it’s not booked but I’m in the process. THAILAND – can you believe it?!  (Brittskys, how ironic is that??!!) Before the idea of Asia ever entered my mind, my friend Britt’s boyfriend went to Thailand for a month or so.  I remember thinking how random, having no idea I’d ever set foot in Asia.   

I had heard flights were going for around $500+ (or 500,000+ Won).  However with the $200+ tax it’s over $800. Actually it’s $860 or 860,000 Won.  It’s gotta be more than double that to get to the USA.  (To be completely accurate, the dollar to won ratio is not that simple but it’s the easiest way to work it.  The dollar DESPERATELY needs to go back up because I’m losing money!!) 

I’m going to be staying with Melissa who taught in Korea last year and is now teaching in Thailand at a University.  Melissa knows my friend Sara whom I met back when I worked at NJN Pubic Television.     When I first told Sara that I was planning on working in Asia she got me in touch with Melissa who is probably the most enthusiastic person in the world.  (Sara – I’ll send ya something good!)

Long story short, Melissa was a huge help in giving me advice on what to pack, etc.  We’ve kept in touch and I’m so excited to finally meet her face to face!  I had actually checked out Melissa’s blog to get an idea about Korea and that’s how I chose bootsnall.com.  (‘Boots and all’ if you haven’t figured that out yet.  Sadly a few of you are just now rereading my link.)

I’m set to fly out on Dec. 26th and return early early am on Jan. 3rd.  On the 25th I know I’ll be crying – sobbing- to Holiday Inn and It’s a Wonderful Life and any Christmas carol I can get my hands on!  I’ve never missed being with my family so this is going to be very hard.  Heart-breaking despite the fact that Tash has invited me to her Christmas Eve party, and if I choose, to join her and her grandma on Christmas Day.

Hopefully I can get a camera for my computer.  Oh crap – that was gonna be my Christmas present to myself but I’m taking myself to Thailand. I’ll figure something out. 

And whoever hasn’t gotten skype yet, I’m threatening you.  With what I’m not quite sure. 

~Aimee

PS – Bristol was pretty decent for me during both classes today.  I have been so absolutely frustrated with them.  When they misbehave I look like an awful teacher (which of course I am- but I’m not THAT awful).   So today I was relieved. Actually the whole airfare thing is more of a bonus to my good Bristol day.    Either way, I’m feeling alive!!

THIS BLOG IS STILL BEING WORKED ON. 

And so yesterday I went to see the sights.  Tash and I traveled to Unhyungung in Seoul where it began to drizzle lightly.  When we reached our main destination, Insadong, perfect for a sunny day, it was raining hard.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.  Have a gander.

*Picture:

*Picture:

*Picture:

*Picture:

*Picture:

*Picture:

 
*Picture: A taste of Korean fashion*

“Dear Diary”

Sometimes I think I’m just happy to find things to fill my days, like I’m trying to pass the time before I die.  I know I know – it sounds morbid.  But really – I have a point. 

I’ve not done anything worth blogging about.  Not in a while at least. 

*Picture: Samsung Plaza getting ready for Christmas.*

I mean technically as far as everyone from home is concerned, I’ve got this year in the bag.  I’m living in Korea.  I could just sit back and do absoultely nothing.   

“Well Aimee’s in Asia.  She’s living the life.  And even if she’s bored, she’s bored IN Korea! And if she gets shot, she’s like totally getting shot IN Korea.”  That’s not really good enough for me.  (FYI – you can’t own guns out here like you can in the US so I will probably not get shot for those of you who were hoping.)

Too much time cooped up.   I suppose it’s normal to feel this way after being sick and having a jam-packed work schedule. 

*Picture: Tash and me at  Migeum Station before heading out – yes if you keep reading my blog I did end up flying the coop!*

I know Korea has a lot to offer.  I just need to start making things happen again, sightseeing-whatever.  Probably just a little stir crazy from the past couple weeks but I am happy to report that I am feeling almost all better! 

*Picture:  The closest thing to American pizza out here thus far.*

I came out here for a few reasons.   With the dollar as low as it is, I’m happy my reasons were not soley monetary.  Any substantial won to dollar transfer at this point results in the loss of hundreds of dollars. 

Luckily I want to see the world and see it I shall.  Still working on booking my ticket to Thailand for Christmas!

*Picture: A crap table that rivals Tash’s double crap table at home.*

LATER THAT NIGHT….

      I opted not to meet up with the Shermanator (friend from the plane) and his friends for a late dinner.   
      Instead Natasha came by and we discussed our sightseeing plans for the next day.  Aka I’d come up with something by the next morning. 
      Researching the internet certainly is a big help.  Duh Aimee.   

*Picture: self-explanatory.*

      We decided to get a Smoothie in Seohyeon a few stops down however our  little errands along the way sabatoged us and we ended up at the
      Dubliner, an Irish bar, for a drink.  I wasn’t too impressed with it.   Not much of an Irish ambiance at all.

     
*Picture: The inside of the Dublin.  More excited to actually be out of the house than to be here. Not on my list on things to see before I die.*

     I had a little Bailey’s on the rocks and then in true Cinderella fashion we 
      dashed to the subway which shuts down, you guessed it, upon the stroke of midnight.      

*Picture: Tash and me having a small cocktail at the Dublin this evening.*

      A side note, Tash had been telling me about her first shopping trip for essentials and how the Korean she was with advised her not to buy the 
      kettle she ended up purchasing since it was made in China. Heaven’s to Betsy. 

*Picture: Aside from all over buildings, Koreans put signs on stairs.*

      Well tonight when I went to buy batteries, I went with the 8-pack which was approximately the same price as a 2-pack.  The store clerk told 
      me  not to get them because they were from China but in my mind, who cares where they are from – I’m just trying to be economical.  Well
     wouldn’t you know it – not one of those made in China batteries worked!  Just as well since I’ve never been so unphotogenic (is that a word?)  

      Enough mundane details.
 
*Picture: Natasha and me out in Seohyeon (Samsung Plaza)*

My kids LOVED the field trip:

BRISTOL

DEBORAH

HERBIE TAKEN FOR MY DADDY

ASHLIE

AFTER ALL, WE KOREANS DO LIVE IN THE FUTURE

AH YOUNG LOVE

THIS BLOG IS SOOO NOT FINISHED!

Obama sweeps to victory as first black president

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent David Espo, Ap Special Correspondent – 2 mins ago

AP – President-elect Barack Obama smiles through his teeth as he realzies, “Crap, I actually won”  and gives his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago Tuesday …

WASHINGTON – Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation’s first black president Tuesday night in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. “Change has come,” he told to a huge throng of jubilant supporters. Apparently a lot of McCain supporters heard the same thing – it’s that damn tv. 

The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Iowa and more. Blah blah blah blah and lots of political blah blah blah.

Obama has said his first order of presidential business will be to tackle the economy. (THANK GOODNESS -I’m dying over here with my money in won!)  He has also pledged to withdraw most U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months. (This outta be good…)

A survey of voters leaving polling places on Tuesday showed the economy was by far the top Election Day issue. Six in 10 voters said so, and none of the other top issues — energy, Iraq, terrorism and health care — was picked by more than one in 10.  There is, however, strong evidence suggesting that Obama was a better dancer of the two and thus sealed the deal.

I CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW SOMEONE CAN BE ALL DEMOCRAT OR ALL REPUBLICAN.  AND QUITE HONESTLY I THINK THAT POLITICIANS ARE SHADY, FULL OF ‘POLITICS’ TO GET TO WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.  BUT AFTER TODAY’S OR RATHER YESTERDAY’S ELECTION RESULTS I HAVE A STRANGE FAITH IN THIS MAN THEY CALL OBAMA. 
~AIMEE

*Picture: Feeling just as sick as I look!*

how stupid I was to actually stay home with bronchitis and tonsalitis. 

Now I’m paying big time.

 I can’t even write about this.  I am hurt, disappointed and angry.

But I will push forward.  I must.  And regard this as merely a clashing of cultures.