two quick awkward things in my everyday life
1-) There is a park near my apartment (aka room) that I go running at in the evenings. It's where the public aerobics are held, but they also have a trail. Any-who, for the last few times I've run there is a man who "chases" me. I know, call me paranoid, but I know what I am talking about. He is probably 5.6, 120 lb. and always wears wind-suit pants, a polo shirt and a baseball cap on backwards. For that very reason I have deemed him Jojo (sorry Gin, the backwards cap while running was a kicker, and no offence Jordan, its funny). So I run, and all is well until I see Jojo, who is usually walking with a rhythm. When I pass him he starts picking up his pace and will run a few feet behind me until he can catch up and successfully pass me. The funny part is, he giggles the whole time. A mix between creepy and friendly. Last time I went, I was pacing pretty well and after two times around he finally stopped and just laughed. I feel like people in the park know what's going on and think its pretty hilarious too, glad I can provide them some humor. Oh Jojo, I must say he does brighten my day and makes me want to run faster.
2-) I have been tutoring a 13 year old girl for two hours every Tuesday. Lets just say thirteen year old who speak fluent English are hard to talk to for two hours, its awkward. The first time we met I asked here every question I could think of, showed her pictures, etc, then looked at my clock and only fifteen minutes had elapsed. Good times. Last week we looked up to see if the Red Hot Chili Peppers were coming to Bangkok. Of course not, but it killed a good five minutes. I am open to any conversation topics you might have for me and a young Thai teen, send them please.
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ideas for conversation with awkward teen:
1) put the burden of conversation on her- she's the one that needs the practice anyway- have her prepare a "talk" on a certain subject (her choosing)- maybe something she would "interview" you about (your college life, your life in Chile, your family, your dreams, etc.)
2) show her pictures of people/object/animals (from magazines, etc.) and her make up on the spot stories about the situation
3) find areas of conversation that she needs futher work in (examples- how to talk to an American teen boy, how to talk to a doctor about a specific symptom she might have, how to shop for a specific item- where, how to describe it, how much it costs, how does it work, etc., plan a child's birthday party in English)
hope these help- I have other ideas.
When I had my (brief) tutoring gig in California, the time went by so SLOWLY. But, there was a map on the wall, and we'd waste 15 minutes talking about where we'd like to travel.
When all else fails, I usually resort to sock puppets.
Cherilyn- you win on the comments, maybe I'll try that next week. I feel like I've already freaked her out. Did I mention she has a driver who waits for her for two hours? Yea, I think I might take here around the ghetto that is my home.
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