November and December were much slower months. .
I had time to spend with Daegu friends, many of whom will be leaving Korea after their contracts end in February. We revisited favorite spots in our “home” city and (obviously) ate delicious food.
Sleep Evaluation
Due to a sleep evaluation test in early November, I had my first ever COVID-19 screening test, which was required by the hospital in order to stay overnight. It was uncomfortable, and I definitely made a lot of “Eck! Eek! Ack!” sounds as they were sticking the stick up my nose. (안좋아요!!!)
The sleeping test was interesting. For a few years now, I have not been getting quality sleep, often wide awake, laying in my bed for most of the night. I had my suspicions of the cause, but wanted an expert’s opinion. The hospital room was comfortable, and the nurse assisting me, was very kind. It took about an hour to tape and glue tiny wires all along my face, head, arms, and legs. We talked about K-Dramas, Korean actors, and Korean foods. These were easy enough topics that we could discuss in broken English and Korean.
After checking that all sensors and wires were working properly, the nurse told me to take my sleeping “tranquilizer” and go to sleep. I don’t know how many of you have had a sleep evaluation, but having wires and boxes attached all over your body does not make sleeping very ideal. I felt awake the majority of the night, but the nurse told me I slept for 5 hours (?!?!!?). Regardless, the next morning, after removing all the wires, tape, and some glue, I headed home. I felt like a zombie, still feeling the effects of the sleeping pill. I took the day off from work, and -after multiple showers trying to get glue residue out of my hair (if you’ve seen “There’s Something About Mary”, there is a particular scene for a first date and “hair gel” that might give you an accurate picture of how this glue was)- I just jumped in bed and watched movies for the day.
November in a nut shell
November seemed to be an easy month, with plans to have a ladies’ dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse for Thanksgiving to look forward to. However, the Monday before Thanksgiving, I was sent home early due to COVID19 cases at one of my schools. As I shouldn’t take a bus home, due to COVID19 restrictions for possible cases, and no taxis were available in the remote school neighborhood, I walked the hour home. It was a lovely, sunny, fall day. My only complaint was the very strong wind that kept surprising me. I was able to enjoy the beautiful fall colors on the long walk, which helped calm my nerves a wee bit. It was the first official COVID19 case that had been anywhere close to me.
That afternoon, I had to get tested at the school, and watched my students being so brave, lined up for their screening tests. One third grader came over to me and asked if it would hurt. L
The next 2 weeks were taught via Zoom classes, while we all had to get our additional screening tests (3 total). Thanksgiving dinner was postponed a few weeks, just to be on the safe side.
After the school was finally “in the clear” of coronavirus cases, I booked train tickets to visit my friends in Bundang in early December. I was packed, and ready to jump on the bus as soon as the Friday school day ended. Just after lunch time, however, I was informed that my second school now had COVID19 cases, and I would need to get tested, again. Very frustrated, I reached out to H and let her know I would not be able to visit that weekend. I canceled my train tickets, and mentally prepared for 3 more screening tests (which turned into 4).
So, after 8 total uncomfortable Coronavirus screenings, and essentially 4 weeks of Zoom classes, it was time for me to have a little freedom again. My friends and I had a lovely, albeit belated, Thanksgiving dinner at the Brazilian Steakhouse. We ate all. the. meats. And let me tell you, everything was flavorful and amazing. I was very excited the restaurant even had farofa, black beans, and caipirinhas! My friends surprised me with a birthday cake and song, which was lovely! And we ended the evening going to a picture booth for a few funny group photos. It had been a long time since we all had gathered together, so it was a night of laughter and stories catching up on the last year.
That weekend, I went with some friends to watch the Korea FA Cup finals match between Daegu and Jeonnam Dragons. Although Daegu lost, the game was exciting! After the game ended, we went to a small convenience store for some additional adult beverages, and were swarmed by elementary students. They would run across the street from their apartment buildings to talk to us, arm wrestle with us, and then run back across the street. As my friends were randomly yelling or singing “Happy Birthday” to me, the children joined in to sing to me before we headed off to grab dinner. It was definitely an exciting day filled with surprises!
The next day was recovery day. A friendly reminder that I am not as young as I once was!
The remainder of December has consisted of declining all invitations to do anything fun, and staying home after school every day and during the weekends. I am flying home to the USA at the end of this month, and must get a COVID19 screening test one day before flying.
It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, as I had been excited about spending an entire month with family, and having to accept that I must return to Korea 10 days earlier for a mandatory 10 day quarantine (which must use my vacation days, according to my contract). I am looking forward to seeing my family, and spending quality time with them! I also can’t wait to snuggle up to our family dog, Sinatra. I’m weirdly looking forward to smelling hay again, and maybe throwing a few into a truck for a delivery.
I wish all of you a wonderful, positive end to the year 2021. Happy Holidays and New Year!!
A Girl And Her Pez 