Interview and Mi Casa

There have been some shining moments in my life. There was the game winning home run against Flowery Branch. The evening I beat Dad in about 47 consecutive games of ping-pong is also notable (it wasn't all that difficult, but it sure was gratifying to see how frustrated he got). I need hardly even mention the time in freshman chapel at CIU when I won the "spew" contest by holding a cupful of water with an alka-seltzer tablet in my mouth longer than anyone else. These are all treasured memories that are added to Thigpen lore. Indeed, someday my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will recount the feats with pride. My first interview with a school here is an occasion that my children will not hear about. I doubt I'll even go into the details with my wife. As a matter of fact, I don't think I even tell you, the dear followers of this blog, about it.

Here is what happened. The place I was interviewing at was a private bilingual school. They were, I think, looking for experienced teachers. I came in to do a demo lesson with a group of kids. They really didn't give me much info to help me prepare. Therefore, I was expecting to teach kids who didn't know that much English. I had a little lesson ready teaching directional phrases. It involved asking for directions and understanding terms such as "on the left", "across the street", "on the corner", etc. The problem was, however, these were international kids. As in some of them were from the States and English was their first language. They knew what "on the left" meant. The little map I had for them posed little difficulty. They were very polite, and the following snippet of conversation never took place. It sure felt like it did, though.

Me: Do you know where the store is?

8 year old kid: Heck, yeah. What, you think I don't know how to get to the store, you arrogant lout?

I never recovered from this conversation that never happened. I think I shall get some interviews at places that aren't private bilingual schools.

In other news, I have moved into my new studio apartment. For those of you who may wish to drop by, it is on Tai Shun lane 40 right near the Shi Da night market. Here is a little home video I took. It was taken with the camera on my laptop, so it was a little difficult to get quality shots, though you do get a fairly decent view of my nostril right at the end.

I haven't gotten around to the decor yet. I am thinking, though, of going with an oriental motif. Just trying to be a little creative, you know.

Over the last couple of days I have also taken a cable car ride up a mountain and gone to a water park. More about that later. I will also keep you up to date with my job hunting. I will be running around trying to get into schools tomorrow. Keep me in your prayers.