Well, it's been a hectic two weeks getting my new schedule set, but it's pretty much done. So far, my classes have been fantastic this semester except for one. This class is located in the Shinbiga building. Let's just say when I hear that word I immediately start twitching. This building houses our more exceptional programs, such as gemology and cosmotology and as I would soon find out- pet care. The fact that pet care is a major threw me off to begin with. I mean for one, most people in Korea don't even like animals. They buy puppies not realizing that one day they will be big dogs and then when that day comes they find a farm to send them to. Second, they eat dogs here. That should really say it all. As far as cats go, I have never met one Korean that claims to like cats. Anyway, I'm rambling, back to the story. So, the first morning of class I show up at 9:00 not really knowing what to expect. Sure enough, there's nearly forty students shuffling around outside and inside the class. There are 5 dogs randomly strewn throughout the room and the one thing I don't see are any English Books. Instantly, my attitude changes. Me ego kicks in and all these little voices start screaming at me inside my head. "Who the hell do they think they are bringing dogs to my class?"(Aparently in this department, it is a-ok to bring your pet to class), "I would have never done this in one of my college classes back home." The voices in my head get louder as the students continue their activities when I begin class. "Why is that boy still having a conversation with his friend when he sees me up here trying to teach?" "Does that girl really have to be texting right now?" "Did everyone but me have 5 cups of coffee this morning?" As I was standing there in dismay, another English Professor stepped into my room. His first comment was, "Damn you have a bunch of rude and rowdy kids." His comment validated my feelings of frustration and pushed me over the edge. I abruptly ended class (an hour and a half early) telling the students to go buy a book and I'd see them next week. I shuffled home in defeat, determined to pass that class on to someone else. After meditating on how I should handle this class and failing to get anyone else to take this group, I returned this week for a second attempt. I was determined to be professional and do my job. I entered the class with a smile on my face and a Korean hello. To my pleasant surprise, my class of 40 was now a class of 20 and there were only 3 dogs present. I repeated the mantra, "Accept what is" a few times in my head before we started. We redid introductions and I eagerly met the pooches and added them to the roster. I explained the major english dog commands (Sit, shake, stay...) and had the owners squealing with delight. I decided not to be distracted by Ms. Kim alternating between grooming herself and grooming April and instead focused on the student staring at my chest (At least they were looking in my direction). When SungMin decided to chase the 6 inch long millipede around the room, we discussed "Fetch." And on the break, when Girune squatted on the desk and peed all over another students' purse as her mother looked on, I chose to go with the "flow" and comment that dogs do the darndest things (even though there is a yard 3 feet from the classroom door and these are pet care majors who should know that dogs NEED A WALKING NOW AND THEN OR AN ACCIDENT WILL HAPPEN.) Oh, am I shouting. Sorry. Lastly, I reminded myself as I was running from the building, a large dog with a gruff bark running down the hall in my direction, that acceptance is the key to a successful and happy life. I must say, a little meditation can really do wonders.