Friday March 30th, 2007

My taxi will be arriving in less than 12 hours ... I have a pile of stuff I am considering sitting on my bed. I'm sure it's more than I'll need and more than I'll be able to fit. I'll go back momentarily to lessen the pile. And then, perhaps, again. It's been a couple of years since I've done the backpacking thing ... I'm feeling a bit rusty as to how it all works. The one thing I remember clearly is that you don't really need much.

It all goes back to the thought of why people are so dependent on meaningless things. As I look around me, I have so much ... too much.

Today I am wearing shorts. It's 8:30pm and the weather says 26. Finally! Opening the building door, heading out into the day, was like walking into a heated oven. It was kind of nice, but it was also just ... hot. It made a great introduction for the next 12 days to come.

Time to go lessen the pile.

3 more sleeps ...

... until I find myself heading to Singapore for a few nights.

5 more sleeps until I find myself arriving at this jetty ...


Can't wait, can't wait!

Monday March 26th, 2006

Happy Birthday, Dad! I know you are computerless for the moment, but I'm sure this will find you upon your return to ON. I tried calling but missed you. I was told you have a very busy day ahead of you. I hope you enjoy every moment of it. I will try you in my morning, your evening. I love you!

Saturday March 24th, 2007

I had my first scooter accident today. I have a bit of a swollen ankle and a bruise or two, but it's all good. I was about 10cms away from hitting a little girl which really shook me up. I tend to forget that kids don't understand the concept of looking both ways before crossing busy intersections. Just as adults don't stop and look before pulling out of lanes and alleys ... unbelievable. The thing that got me was that it was her mother that sent her running across the street without even a glance.

Thankfully I was paying attention and wasn't going too fast. I can't say the same for the person behind me ... funny that ... he smacked right into the back of my bike thus causing it to fall over. He looked at me and my fallen scooter and says 没事 ... meaning no problem and drives away. What the?

Unfortunately for him, he pulled over in front of CKids Kindergarten which was exactly where I was heading. I stopped in front of him and asked him 你還好嗎? Again, 没事, 没事. I tried to explain 那裡有一個小女孩, but he cut me off and said 知道, 知道. At this point my boss came out front to ask what the problem was. He didn't say much to her either, just drove away quickly. He was a pizza delivery guy, so perhaps the thirty minutes or it's free rule applies here?

Photo by: mileena

All and all, it was a bit of a wake up call ... that situation could have ended up much, much worse. How is one supposed to be careful when you have no idea what life is going to throw at you?

Seven more sleeps until I find myself hopping that flight ... I've been reading that on Tioman Island there are few roads and local transport is by boat and 4WD ... sweet!

Thursday March 22nd, 2006

Nine more sleeps until my flight to Singapore. I think I am ready for a vacation ... my patience at school is wearing thin ... some sun and ocean life and beer will be exactly the thing ... refresh body, mind and soul.

I couldn't get a flight back on the day I wanted so it meant booking a later flight, which means two more days off of school and living on a little island in Malaysia ... it's gonna be tough, but what can you do?

Ahhh ... holidays!

Sunday March 18th, 2007

It's been a quiet day so far ... today's rugby practice was called off due to rain although I've not seen a drop as of yet. I'm thinking our training was probably canceled due to a St. Paddy's day party or two.

Last night, I found myself at the Tandoor for a wedding. The bride and groom looked great and the food was excellent ... how can one go wrong with Indian!? After dinner, a few of us headed into the city for martinis.

A BBQ is planned for this evening ... mmmmm ... steaks. I have a ton of Chinese homework to get caught up on after dinner. Chinese has been going well. I am starting to feel more and more confident with each passing lesson. Studying is a funny thing ... some days it's so rewarding and on others ... frustrating.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to Wellman's Grocery in 天母. My friend was all giggles upon entering the store as it was her first visit. It's filled with a variety of things that one would think to be nonexistent in Taiwan. Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix, refried beans, jalapenos, twizzlers, jelly beans, ricotta cheese, lasagna noodles and nutmeg were among the things that made their way into my bag home.

I also managed to pick up a tripod. I want to have one to take away so I can finally try out some of the advice I've been given in regards to night shots. Sunsets will, perhaps, be the focus of my island stay. As of right now I don't have a return flight, but I'm sure something will come up within the week. If not, I may have to catch me a boat back to Taiwan and be a little late for work.

Fingers are crossed.

Friday March 16th, 2007

It's been one week since I've sat down with some words. Things have been very busy ... school has been hectic as has life around the house. My new roommate has moved in and things are slowly settling. There is still plenty to be done, I hope to get a good chunk of it out of the way this weekend.

I had high hopes of going to the Philippines but I guess I waited too long in making a decision as there aren't any flights available. Perhaps a sign, as I took vacation time to head to Singapore and now, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I plan to spend two nights in Singapore and then head into Malaysia. It's only a couple of weeks before I'll be hopping that plane.

The painter didn't work out, he wants way too much money. After my holidays, I will consider buying paint and recruiting some friends to help. I'm not looking to paint all the walls, so it shouldn't be too big a job ... hope, hope!

My Chinese teacher will be here shortly ... it's the last thing I feel like doing right now. My LE went so well last night that I'm afraid tonight's going to go terrible. I'm tired and I'd prefer rest.

Levi is squished awkwardly in my lap ... she can't possibly be comfortable ... what could all the purring possibly be about?!

199th Post ...

Such cuddle muffins, they are ...

Rainy Friday ...

It's been raining all week and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I purchased new rain gear last week ... apparently a good time to do so.

I'm glad the weekend is upon us. The week has been busy prepping the place for my new roommate. He will be moving in tomorrow morning. That means I'm going to have to watch what I do around here. After living alone for as long as I have, one just gets used to running around with next to nothing on. That's not going to work out so well over the next few months ... mental note.

I've rearranged the apartment as I'll be buying Kerry's red leather couch. I've had a painter stop by in hopes of getting some of the walls painted. Pictures will follow as it progresses.

I am still in the works of planning a vacation for the first week of April. I've been quoted prices for Singapore, Malaysia, Bali Island and am currently waiting on a price to the Philippines. Decisions, decisions ...

I best get geared up and on my way to class ... tgif ...

And the winner is ...

... the cat. The litter box nonsense continued throughout the week. After being locked in his room for days on end, Datsun still refused to use the new box. I shouldn't have thrown the old one in the garbage so fast as I found myself out yesterday purchasing another box, one much like their old one.

I suppose when one is used to doing something, someone else forcing you to make a change isn't always going to work out. I bought the litter in hopes of a cleaner room when in actuality all it did was make more of a mess.

With a new box in place, things seem to be back to normal ... the cat isn't stressed about being locked up and I'm sure he's relieved himself more than usual. It confirms that he really has been holding it in for the past week ... and I thought I was stubborn ... gosh.

Miss this face ...

Teacher Diana gave me this photo today ... it's dated November 24th, 2004. It's only now that I am remembering she was also your co-teacher at one point. She's great, isn't she?!

Thought you might enjoy this ... it was hanging on my whiteboard this afternoon. Seeing as though today is Saturday and I found myself at school making up the holiday, it was a welcoming start to my day. As the title states ... you are missed, brother.

Thursday March 1st, 2007

Is it really March 1st of 2007 already? Gosh, how can that be? The problem with the boy cat still exists to some degree. He had the pleasure of being locked in his room for the day ... he was quite out of whack upon my arrival home ... poor little guy. I am trying to settle on a decision of locking him up for the night or not. How difficult can this be, really?


Yesterday, seven of us hopped on our scooters and made the trek out to 野柳 (Yehliu) ... meaning wild willow. After a few wrong turns and some stops to ask for directions we finally came across a sign that led us in the right direction. I forgot how cool that place was!

I have added a new album. You should find a moment to take a look through.