Monday July 28th, 2008

11:00am

The storm has been full on for the past few hours. I've been parked in front of my computers most of the morning. I have a few lists around the apartment of things I've been wanting to look into. It's great to have the time to do it.

My apartment smells of chocolate cookies. What else is one to do on a typhoon day, really? I can't go outside.

Wow ... the wind is really whipping out there. It keeps blowing one of the plastic chairs into the glass sliding doors. The cats are bothered by the noise, of course. It seems to them as though the world is falling apart.

Perhaps it is ...

Sunday July 27th, 2008

9:00am ... now you see us ...


6:00pm ... now you don't ...


It's official. Tomorrow is a typhoon day. Schools are closed. I had a thirteen hour day waiting, so there are no complaints here. The pocketbook might have something to say, however.

Saturday July 26th, 2008

It looks as though typhoon 鳳凰 will go through the center of Taiwan tomorrow. I best do all my errands today as Sunday will probably be rained out.

I have 'cooking fun' next week for summer camp and I'm going to make sandwiches on a stick with the students. I also thought it'd be fun to make Rice Krispie Squares. Ask me if I've been able to find a box?! I did manage to stumble upon some marshmallows, but still no luck with the cereal. There is one more place I am going to check out today. If they don't have them ... I'll have to come up with something else.

I am four clues away from completing yesterday's crossword puzzle. It's very exciting considering a year ago I was only able to get four words on the whole puzzle. I am stumped by the last four and will have to get today's paper to help me with the answers.

I spent yesterday afternoon at the zoo with my two private students and their mom. It was another hot day in Taiwan ... about 35°. I didn't get many photos. A few I like are posted in the album on the right.

And with that, I'm off to continue on the search for Rice Krispies. I'd like to beat the heat of the day ... it's already 29° and just after 9am.

Wednesday July 16th, 2008

Half way through July, I find myself thinking about some travels. A few months back, I asked my work about taking a three month holiday. They agreed quickly and a little too easily.

It took them a few months to realize that a three month holiday works out to half a semester ... our school only has a one week holiday at the end of August. I was approached a few days ago for reconsideration. They are pushing for two months as opposed to my wanted three. I know how tiring living out of a bag can be, so perhaps two is the wiser choice.

I've been trying to decide what to do with Datsun and Levi. There is a pet hotel close to the airport. Their website doesn't offer any pricing, but it did contain a phone number and some photos.

Two cats for two months will run me about 25,000nt ... I think that works out to be around $800CDN. That means the cats are going to cost more than my plane ticket .... hmmmm?! I imagine it to be a safer, cleaner option. I will check out the hotel before I make any decisions. Due to the length of their stay, the hotel is willing to negotiate. That being said, the above offer is the price under negotiation ... the daily rates add up to 10,000nt more.

I am considering 阿里山 for my upcoming holiday. It's not going to be cheap ... it's the equivalent of flying back over to the Philippines for a week. I sometimes forget that I'm on foreign ground already. There's still much to see on this tiny island that I call home.

I guess I find myself thinking about holidays as these 33 teaching hours each week are killing me ... I'm absolutely exhausted. Kids. Can't imagine having them on a full time basis. I have five and a half weeks of summer camp and then it's back to (somewhat) smooth sailing.

A typhoon is in the area ... fingers crossed for it hitting Thursday night, granting Taiwan a typhoon day on Friday. Sounds much more enjoyable than the 13 hour day that awaits ...

Thursday July 10th, 2008

It's been one week since my last post. Life has been busy. I've not been spending much time in front of my computer or behind my camera.

Week two of summer camp is almost over ... only six more to go. Tomorrow I will be teaching the kids about stage make-up. We will be making clown faces and bruises. Keep in mind that my newest students are about five. It's going to get messy.

Last Friday we took the kids bike riding. It was a hot, hot day but we had fun. These are some of my new students below.

Thursday July 3rd, 2008

According to today's paper, China presents threat along with opportunity. Direct flights begin this weekend, which is pretty cool, but over one thousand missiles remain pointed at Taiwan. Due to the cross strait charters, China has taken the time to upgrade to newer missiles. Sweet.

My thought is, with all this natural disaster going on ... especially in their own neighborhood ... why would one want to cause more destruction?! It just doesn't make sense.

My apartment is finally getting back in order. I may try and get my camera in action over the weekend ... I'm fresh out of photos ... my life has been temporarily consumed by paint.

I'm glad the work part is over ... now I can start getting to the pure enjoyment part.