I told my first graders it was my dad's birthday on Thursday and they immediately started singing "Happy Birthday" to him. I'm sure he heard it. The wind here as a ability to send messages very far! :)
My dad HATES when people make a big deal about his birthday! Of course, I would like to embarrass him any way that I can! With that said....
HAPPPPPPPPPPPPY BIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRTHDAAAAAAAY!!!!!! I wish I could be there to help you in your old age. Luckily, you still have hair, although it is far from your natural color. It's ok though. It is normal for people of your age.
FUN FACTS (sort of) ABOUT THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN...
-The Korean War begins
-Annabelle Candy Company starts. They go on to produce Rocky Road, Abba-Zaba, Big Hunk, Look!, and U-NO candies
-United States Population: 152,271,417
-World Population: 2.556 billion
- The McCarthyism era begins
- The first Xerox machine is produced
- Harry S. Truman was President and Alben W. Barkley was Vice President
- Richard Lawler performs the first successful kidney transplant at Loyola University
- Cost of a first class postage stamp was 3 cents
- Silly Putty is invented by Peter Hodgson
- The FBI starts its "Ten Most Wanted List"
I love you. Happy Birthday! Thanks for being an amazing Dad! See you soon! :)
I can make any crabby child smile. That's a promise.
My homeroom kindergarden class. I love them. This is them being silly. Some of them missed the memo. My silly face was weak, but that was because all the energy I had was stolen by these rambunctious munchkins. We went to the Safety Center where they take you in simulations of tornados, earthquakes, and fires. It was pretty cool, but super scary for some kids. Seriously, taking a group of little tikes on a field trip is hard work. Especially having to give pep-talks all morning to certain kids who were about to cry. I held lots of hands and acted like cheerleader. Actually, who am I kidding, they are hard work EVERYDAY!
Lesson of the day. I'm glad I wasn't a cheerleader in high school. It is not my calling.
Unless you have been living under a rock the past few months, you probably know that the World Cup is taking place in South Africa...now. Last night, you would have thought that South Koreans and the foreigners were watching the game live at a stadium between SK and Greece, however we were only staring at three ginormous screens and wishing we could be there. Everyone (i mean EVERYONE) was decked out in South Korea Devils gear and acting like they were in the presence of their team. They cheered throughout the game and shouted out-loud to their favorite players in hopes that the winds would take their words all the way to South Africa. I think it worked, because we won 2-0. :) I have never seen so much passion and energy than I did last night. Apparently, Koreans are famous for their team pride in soccer. There were viewing parties at a few the major stadiums, movie theaters, and parks. We went to the largest gathering, which was in city hall. This was the first year that they had the police keeping the crowds under control, which is insane. For some reason, Koreans have the ability to behave like civilized adults even when there are thousands of them in one place. I think we could learn a thing or two from them.
This was not taken by me, but it is from last night. I think you can feel what I was feeling the entire evening. Remember people, this was only the first game- not the championship. I can't imagine what it would be like if Korea made it to the finals.
Getting out of the subway and arriving at City Hall was insane. There were people everywhere. It was hard to keep track of my group because everyone was in red. There was no order. People were trying to sell everything under the moon. Obviously there was no permit needed and people set up camp to sell their devil horns and squid anywhere they felt like. There were no extravagant stands. Products were laying on top of newspaper on the floor. Signs were made of cardboard and written with sharpies. No fuss. I love Korea. Want one? I bought the horns. I think I shall sport them everyday. The big, bad scary police. I wanted to tickle them so they would smile. They were so serious. It was not a serious evening. It's a horrible photo, but the crowds were moving so fast it was the best I could do. Koreans will make any excuse to have a pop concert. I personally thing pre-game pop concert is a must for any sporting event. Some of my friends I went with. I am also heading to Taiwan with them in July. I am in love with this photo. I wish the lighting was little better. The little boy is beyond cute. I wonder if he is dreaming of playing at the World Cup one day. My view of the game. Tippy-toes were needed at times. Good thing I am a pro at it. Feeling a little soggy, but it was oh so worth it! She looks familiar. Do you know her? Crowds in front of us and behind us. Amazing. We won! A good end to the evening. Korean pride. I love it. ps. I want to be their friend.
I'm sorry if you're not a soccer fan and don't care about the World Cup. How can you not? Helloooo! Does David Beckham ring a bell? I love soccer. I love everything about it. When I watch it, I go through old drills in my head and soccer terms. I can smell the field. I remember what it felt like to wear the uniform and be a part of a team that I loved. The last time I played soccer I got a black eye during the first intramural game. It was quite unpleasant, especially because I had just met ALL the players right before the game. That was the end of the season for me. Someday, I hope to dust off my cleats and play again.
GO USA and Korea!!!!!!!! Grab a beer and check out a game!
