Tuesday, October 30, 2007
New Photos!!!
So I have finally gotten around to updating my photos. Sorry for the wait. There are 2 new albums and a couple new shots in Random Things. The albums are "Ceramics Fun" which contains my pics from Yingge, and "Hallowe'en at work and play", which is pretty self explanitory. Hope you enjoy. Please feel free to comment, I miss hearing from you guys.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Build up to Hallowe'en
Sun. Oct 21
This weekend has been really good. Fun and productive. Friday was another day at school. It’s all getting to be pretty routine, now. After school I spent 3 hours in the office trying to write my evals for my adult class. I didn’t quite finish, but I’m close. Then Katy and I went into Taipei for dinner at a Thai restaurant. Then we wandered the bookstore, where I bought nothing, before coming home.
Yesterday I got my regular call from home before meeting K in Taipei for lunch. After lunch we took a long walk across the city to get to a street with lots of seasonal stores. I was looking for my hallowe’en costume. On our walk, we stopped at this place that has amazing ice cream. I had a waffle with mocha-chocolate ice cream on top. I was also successful in my search for costume pieces.
We wandered around a bit more before meeting Corrie and some of her friends for dinner. We ate at a little Italian place. The food was good, and cheap, but the service was ridiculously bad. It took us 3 hours. After dinner we went to a bar called Oldies Goodies. That was super fun. The house band played a lot of old American music. And during Proud Mary, the singer put the mic in front of me, so the whole bar heard me sing a little. We met some other foreigners and had a really good time. Around 2 the rest of the girls went to meet their boyfriends, and I came home.
We were supposed to go para-gliding today, but I don’t know what happened. I had a productive day anyway. I finished my book and did all of my laundry. The last of it is drying on the line as I type. That’s all I did, but it was a beautiful day.
Tues Oct. 23
Today was fantastic, which was nice because yesterday was not. Yesterday, my allergies were so bad that my head was swoopy and my throat was sore all day. But thanks to Benadryl I woke up today in a perky mood and my day was great.
At school, I didn’t quite get everything prepped before class, so I was finishing at play time. I was colouring in something that I wanted to use for a display and found myself surrounded by about 5 or 6 different girls, from 3 different classes. And they all sat very nicely, and never said a word except to name the colour of my new marker when I switched. It was eerie, because they just sat there for about 15 minutes straight. None of them are that well behaved in class and I was just colouring.
Today was another park day. I love seeing the kids get a chance to really be kids. The little princess in my class loves Sam. She was trying to run with him and his kids, but she was wearing heels (literally, 1.5 inch heels, with no straps around the ankles - cute as hell, but on a 3 year old to go to school?) and couldn’t keep up.
After school, Emily took me to the library and I got my Library card. I found myself watched there, too. While I sat at the desk, filling out the paper work, this little girl stood right at my elbow and watched the whole time. Every once in a while she asked Emily questions in Chinese, including if I spoke Chinese. She was really cute. At one point a boy stood beside her, but he got shy and left when I said hi.
The trip to the library was my first ride on a scooter. There’s a spare helmet in my apartment, which I used and Emily’s a good driver. It was a little scary. But I just kept telling myself to relax, because I know that being overly tense is just as likely to cause an accident as anything else. And I did relax and I didn’t die. The library has a great kids section. In both Chinese and English. I got out a book of old nursery rhymes and a giant copy of Chicken Licken (which is exactly the same story as chicken little) with pictures that my kids will love. There’s also an entire floor of English books, which I didn’t have time to check out, because I had to get back to school to teach.
And I taught my second last adult class tonight. Only 7 of 12 students showed up. And they’re all the ones who are already strong. They’re the fun ones, though, so it wasn’t too bad. Plus they’re planning a party for our last class and remembered that I only eat chicken. So I think we’re going to end up with some sort of chicken pizza, which could be delicious.
Fri Oct. 26th
I teach the cutest kids in the world. Our Hallowe’en party was today and the kids were all dressed up. I had 8 different princesses, 2 dinosaurs, a panda, a pumpkin and half of a ladybug (he wouldn’t wear the wings). The rest of the kids were cute too, and I have pics of them all. Interestingly enough, I didn’t get any pics of the teachers’ costumes, including my own. But the kids were astounded by my black lipstick.
The party was super-fun, if a little stressful. 10 minutes is not enough time to do an activity with small children. By the time you’ve explained what they’re supposed to do, they have to leave. But everything went fine, and the kids were great. It was a decided step up from yesterday and wasn't nearly as weird as Wed.
On Wed I bought and read a new book. It was one of my cute, funny romances and it was really good. But while K and I were in the bookstore, the weirdest thing happened. Some kids came up and asked to take a pic of me, which is actually not as unusual as it seems (I’m white and blond, which is rare here). So I say yes, they take their pic and I go back to browsing. Next thing I know, another kid comes up to me in the same uniform and asks for a pic. So I say yes, same deal. Next thing I know, K and I are surrounded by about 20 kids, all in the same uniform, staring at us and whispering. I was really uncomfortable. Finally someone else got up the nerve to ask me for a pic and I was like "fine" but I grabbed K and made her be in too. That time I counted 6 cameras. When that one was finished I took off for the shelves of books where I could hide. I have a whole new sympathy for celebrities.
After the bookstore, I met Jackie and took her to Hallowe’en Street to help her find a costume and get the finishing touches for my own. I decided to go vamp, so I bought teeth. But when I got home and put them in, they looked awful and I realized that I couldn’t talk at all. So I went without teeth today. Jackie’s costume is really cute, though. She’s gonna be a hula girl.
The full moon yesterday wreaked havoc on my mood and my allergies were killing me. I was a harpy. And the kids were all crazy (I know what you’re thinking, but it wasn’t just my class). I literally spent the last half hour of the day walking my kids from the classroom to the bathroom and back to the lineup in silence, because they had disturbed Sam’s class in the library the first time, in spite of me telling them repeatedly to be quiet.
My adult class went very well, though. Probably because it was the last one. So I did 2 activities with them and then we played a game. We had to go downstairs for the official Kojen "Thanks for giving us your money, please come back for another session" spiel, which lasted about half an hour. Then the last hour was a party in our classroom. The class had ordered pizza and chicken, which was really good. And they taught me a card game called Big or 2, which is very similar to "Donkey". They were amazed when I picked it up quickly.
After work today I went for drinks with Sam and Corrie. We played rummy 500 (which Corrie thought was called Gin Rummy until I set her straight). I ended up losing by 15 points, but the game wasn’t actually over, Corrie just had to leave. Sam and I stayed for another drink, which pushed the limit of my tolerance, so we left after that.
I was already completely sober by the time I met Diana, Jackie and Ty at the 24 hour place. We just grabbed a bite to eat when they finished work at 10. Robert met us there and hung out for a bit. I was actually there twice today. The girls from work and I have been going there on our lunch breaks. We’ll each order a pot of tea (and if school lunch was meat, I grab food too) and then sit and read our own books, with occasional chit chat. It’s so great to spend time with people who don’t expect me to be "social" and actually prefer to read, as I do.
Sun Oct 28th
Yesterday I went shopping. I got a new zippered hoody and a long sleeved shirt. I was hoping to get shoes, but the one pair that I liked didn’t come in a size big enough. So I comforted myself when I got home by buying an e-book that I’ve been waiting for. It’s the third in a series and it was SO good!! I finished it last night, even though Katy and Di and I went into Taipei for dinner.
We ate at this place called Rice Café. It was pretty good. And I had the best tea. It had some spice in it, I think maybe cloves, but I’m not sure. Anyway, I’d go back to the restaurant just for the tea. Then we walked for a bit and came home.
Today we’re going to KTV dressed up for Hallowe’en. It should be super fun. I mean, I love dressing up and karaoke. I figure there’s no bad here. First I think I’m going for lunch and grocery shopping with Katy.
This weekend has been really good. Fun and productive. Friday was another day at school. It’s all getting to be pretty routine, now. After school I spent 3 hours in the office trying to write my evals for my adult class. I didn’t quite finish, but I’m close. Then Katy and I went into Taipei for dinner at a Thai restaurant. Then we wandered the bookstore, where I bought nothing, before coming home.
Yesterday I got my regular call from home before meeting K in Taipei for lunch. After lunch we took a long walk across the city to get to a street with lots of seasonal stores. I was looking for my hallowe’en costume. On our walk, we stopped at this place that has amazing ice cream. I had a waffle with mocha-chocolate ice cream on top. I was also successful in my search for costume pieces.
We wandered around a bit more before meeting Corrie and some of her friends for dinner. We ate at a little Italian place. The food was good, and cheap, but the service was ridiculously bad. It took us 3 hours. After dinner we went to a bar called Oldies Goodies. That was super fun. The house band played a lot of old American music. And during Proud Mary, the singer put the mic in front of me, so the whole bar heard me sing a little. We met some other foreigners and had a really good time. Around 2 the rest of the girls went to meet their boyfriends, and I came home.
We were supposed to go para-gliding today, but I don’t know what happened. I had a productive day anyway. I finished my book and did all of my laundry. The last of it is drying on the line as I type. That’s all I did, but it was a beautiful day.
Tues Oct. 23
Today was fantastic, which was nice because yesterday was not. Yesterday, my allergies were so bad that my head was swoopy and my throat was sore all day. But thanks to Benadryl I woke up today in a perky mood and my day was great.
At school, I didn’t quite get everything prepped before class, so I was finishing at play time. I was colouring in something that I wanted to use for a display and found myself surrounded by about 5 or 6 different girls, from 3 different classes. And they all sat very nicely, and never said a word except to name the colour of my new marker when I switched. It was eerie, because they just sat there for about 15 minutes straight. None of them are that well behaved in class and I was just colouring.
Today was another park day. I love seeing the kids get a chance to really be kids. The little princess in my class loves Sam. She was trying to run with him and his kids, but she was wearing heels (literally, 1.5 inch heels, with no straps around the ankles - cute as hell, but on a 3 year old to go to school?) and couldn’t keep up.
After school, Emily took me to the library and I got my Library card. I found myself watched there, too. While I sat at the desk, filling out the paper work, this little girl stood right at my elbow and watched the whole time. Every once in a while she asked Emily questions in Chinese, including if I spoke Chinese. She was really cute. At one point a boy stood beside her, but he got shy and left when I said hi.
The trip to the library was my first ride on a scooter. There’s a spare helmet in my apartment, which I used and Emily’s a good driver. It was a little scary. But I just kept telling myself to relax, because I know that being overly tense is just as likely to cause an accident as anything else. And I did relax and I didn’t die. The library has a great kids section. In both Chinese and English. I got out a book of old nursery rhymes and a giant copy of Chicken Licken (which is exactly the same story as chicken little) with pictures that my kids will love. There’s also an entire floor of English books, which I didn’t have time to check out, because I had to get back to school to teach.
And I taught my second last adult class tonight. Only 7 of 12 students showed up. And they’re all the ones who are already strong. They’re the fun ones, though, so it wasn’t too bad. Plus they’re planning a party for our last class and remembered that I only eat chicken. So I think we’re going to end up with some sort of chicken pizza, which could be delicious.
Fri Oct. 26th
I teach the cutest kids in the world. Our Hallowe’en party was today and the kids were all dressed up. I had 8 different princesses, 2 dinosaurs, a panda, a pumpkin and half of a ladybug (he wouldn’t wear the wings). The rest of the kids were cute too, and I have pics of them all. Interestingly enough, I didn’t get any pics of the teachers’ costumes, including my own. But the kids were astounded by my black lipstick.
The party was super-fun, if a little stressful. 10 minutes is not enough time to do an activity with small children. By the time you’ve explained what they’re supposed to do, they have to leave. But everything went fine, and the kids were great. It was a decided step up from yesterday and wasn't nearly as weird as Wed.
On Wed I bought and read a new book. It was one of my cute, funny romances and it was really good. But while K and I were in the bookstore, the weirdest thing happened. Some kids came up and asked to take a pic of me, which is actually not as unusual as it seems (I’m white and blond, which is rare here). So I say yes, they take their pic and I go back to browsing. Next thing I know, another kid comes up to me in the same uniform and asks for a pic. So I say yes, same deal. Next thing I know, K and I are surrounded by about 20 kids, all in the same uniform, staring at us and whispering. I was really uncomfortable. Finally someone else got up the nerve to ask me for a pic and I was like "fine" but I grabbed K and made her be in too. That time I counted 6 cameras. When that one was finished I took off for the shelves of books where I could hide. I have a whole new sympathy for celebrities.
After the bookstore, I met Jackie and took her to Hallowe’en Street to help her find a costume and get the finishing touches for my own. I decided to go vamp, so I bought teeth. But when I got home and put them in, they looked awful and I realized that I couldn’t talk at all. So I went without teeth today. Jackie’s costume is really cute, though. She’s gonna be a hula girl.
The full moon yesterday wreaked havoc on my mood and my allergies were killing me. I was a harpy. And the kids were all crazy (I know what you’re thinking, but it wasn’t just my class). I literally spent the last half hour of the day walking my kids from the classroom to the bathroom and back to the lineup in silence, because they had disturbed Sam’s class in the library the first time, in spite of me telling them repeatedly to be quiet.
My adult class went very well, though. Probably because it was the last one. So I did 2 activities with them and then we played a game. We had to go downstairs for the official Kojen "Thanks for giving us your money, please come back for another session" spiel, which lasted about half an hour. Then the last hour was a party in our classroom. The class had ordered pizza and chicken, which was really good. And they taught me a card game called Big or 2, which is very similar to "Donkey". They were amazed when I picked it up quickly.
After work today I went for drinks with Sam and Corrie. We played rummy 500 (which Corrie thought was called Gin Rummy until I set her straight). I ended up losing by 15 points, but the game wasn’t actually over, Corrie just had to leave. Sam and I stayed for another drink, which pushed the limit of my tolerance, so we left after that.
I was already completely sober by the time I met Diana, Jackie and Ty at the 24 hour place. We just grabbed a bite to eat when they finished work at 10. Robert met us there and hung out for a bit. I was actually there twice today. The girls from work and I have been going there on our lunch breaks. We’ll each order a pot of tea (and if school lunch was meat, I grab food too) and then sit and read our own books, with occasional chit chat. It’s so great to spend time with people who don’t expect me to be "social" and actually prefer to read, as I do.
Sun Oct 28th
Yesterday I went shopping. I got a new zippered hoody and a long sleeved shirt. I was hoping to get shoes, but the one pair that I liked didn’t come in a size big enough. So I comforted myself when I got home by buying an e-book that I’ve been waiting for. It’s the third in a series and it was SO good!! I finished it last night, even though Katy and Di and I went into Taipei for dinner.
We ate at this place called Rice Café. It was pretty good. And I had the best tea. It had some spice in it, I think maybe cloves, but I’m not sure. Anyway, I’d go back to the restaurant just for the tea. Then we walked for a bit and came home.
Today we’re going to KTV dressed up for Hallowe’en. It should be super fun. I mean, I love dressing up and karaoke. I figure there’s no bad here. First I think I’m going for lunch and grocery shopping with Katy.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Voted this week's "Most Boring Person Ever"
Sat Oct 13th
Haven’t done much today. Talked to Mom and Dad on the phone. Watched the end of Kingdom Hospital. Tried to find a place in the neighbourhood where I could run. I did find a stadium, but it was in use. So I ended up taking an hour and a half long walk. Not quite as good as a run, but still something. When I got home I watched Tristan and Isolde (so sad, but James Franco is so yummy). Hoping we’ll go into Taipei for dinner. Everyone else should be done work soon.
Sun Oct 14th
Went into Taipei with K for dinner last night at a Singapore restaurant and then we had ice cream sundays at Swenson’s. We also hit the bookstore, where I may have made a purchase. It’s so pretty, I couldn’t resist.
Today I have been absolutely lazy. I barely left my room all day. It’s really funny though, last week I was going crazy being cooped up, but this week I chose it. And I’ve actually been inside longer today. It’s totally because I knew I could leave if I wanted to but last week I was trapped, thanks to the typhoon.
Tues Oct 16th
Hmm.... Today was pretty full. The kids were good and we went to the park. I had a full class today, so it was a handful. But it’s so much fun just to get out of the school for a bit. Watched the new Grey’s at lunch. It’s sad that tv is big news to me, but this episode was really good. I also started my new book. It's hurting my head, but in a good way. So far I really like it.
All but 3 of my students were late for my adult class, so I ran out of time and had to cut a lot of activities. And a couple students were driving me crazy. It’s so weird. My kids weren’t that great today, but I didn’t lose my temper with them at all. I had unlimited patience. But in my adult class, 2 students were whispering while they were supposed to be working on something and it drove me nuts. The girl kept giggling and I finally snapped at them. It’s the first time I’ve done that with that class, and I think they were surprised. But they did finally get to work.
After work, we all went to 0204 for a drink, because one of Di’s friends from England is visiting. It was a nice little drink and chat situation, but I left early because I teach tomorrow. So now I’m just watching The War at Home before bed.
Wed. Oct 17th
Half day, thank god. Went into Junghua with Katy. We went to a store that was very much like home depot. It was awesome. We also looked at every hallowe’en display possible. I think I’m probably just going to end up being a witch or something.
When we got back, I had a nap. I haven’t been sleeping very well lately, thanks to my allergies. So what I had intended as a short little nap actually lasted 2 hours. I missed doing things with everyone else, because by the time I woke up, they were gone.
I did get my room cleaned, and ran some errands that needed doing. All in all it was a productive day, if not completely entertaining. I am currently in the process of downloading episode 4 of heroes, which will be followed by the watching of said episode and then going to bed. What an exciting life I lead.
I think there was just another earthquake. I’m sitting here typing and suddenly I’m wobbling. And so is the fan and everything else in the room. But gently. Like when you’re on a waterbed and someone sits down. The music from 0204 didn’t even pause.
Thurs Oct 18th
School today went really well on all fronts. My kids were lovin’ me up. I was getting hugs all over the place. And they’re so cute. In my adult class, one of the girls told me that she loved me and then taught me how to say "I love you" in Chinese. There were only 8 students in my adult class which makes it so much easier to teach.
I got a lot more of my new book read. It’s.... making my head "hurt so good". I still have no idea what’s going on and I’m about halfway through, now. But threads are starting to come together, so hopefully it’ll start to gain cohesion soon.
Sadly that’s all that’s going on in my life right now.
Haven’t done much today. Talked to Mom and Dad on the phone. Watched the end of Kingdom Hospital. Tried to find a place in the neighbourhood where I could run. I did find a stadium, but it was in use. So I ended up taking an hour and a half long walk. Not quite as good as a run, but still something. When I got home I watched Tristan and Isolde (so sad, but James Franco is so yummy). Hoping we’ll go into Taipei for dinner. Everyone else should be done work soon.
Sun Oct 14th
Went into Taipei with K for dinner last night at a Singapore restaurant and then we had ice cream sundays at Swenson’s. We also hit the bookstore, where I may have made a purchase. It’s so pretty, I couldn’t resist.
Today I have been absolutely lazy. I barely left my room all day. It’s really funny though, last week I was going crazy being cooped up, but this week I chose it. And I’ve actually been inside longer today. It’s totally because I knew I could leave if I wanted to but last week I was trapped, thanks to the typhoon.
Tues Oct 16th
Hmm.... Today was pretty full. The kids were good and we went to the park. I had a full class today, so it was a handful. But it’s so much fun just to get out of the school for a bit. Watched the new Grey’s at lunch. It’s sad that tv is big news to me, but this episode was really good. I also started my new book. It's hurting my head, but in a good way. So far I really like it.
All but 3 of my students were late for my adult class, so I ran out of time and had to cut a lot of activities. And a couple students were driving me crazy. It’s so weird. My kids weren’t that great today, but I didn’t lose my temper with them at all. I had unlimited patience. But in my adult class, 2 students were whispering while they were supposed to be working on something and it drove me nuts. The girl kept giggling and I finally snapped at them. It’s the first time I’ve done that with that class, and I think they were surprised. But they did finally get to work.
After work, we all went to 0204 for a drink, because one of Di’s friends from England is visiting. It was a nice little drink and chat situation, but I left early because I teach tomorrow. So now I’m just watching The War at Home before bed.
Wed. Oct 17th
Half day, thank god. Went into Junghua with Katy. We went to a store that was very much like home depot. It was awesome. We also looked at every hallowe’en display possible. I think I’m probably just going to end up being a witch or something.
When we got back, I had a nap. I haven’t been sleeping very well lately, thanks to my allergies. So what I had intended as a short little nap actually lasted 2 hours. I missed doing things with everyone else, because by the time I woke up, they were gone.
I did get my room cleaned, and ran some errands that needed doing. All in all it was a productive day, if not completely entertaining. I am currently in the process of downloading episode 4 of heroes, which will be followed by the watching of said episode and then going to bed. What an exciting life I lead.
I think there was just another earthquake. I’m sitting here typing and suddenly I’m wobbling. And so is the fan and everything else in the room. But gently. Like when you’re on a waterbed and someone sits down. The music from 0204 didn’t even pause.
Thurs Oct 18th
School today went really well on all fronts. My kids were lovin’ me up. I was getting hugs all over the place. And they’re so cute. In my adult class, one of the girls told me that she loved me and then taught me how to say "I love you" in Chinese. There were only 8 students in my adult class which makes it so much easier to teach.
I got a lot more of my new book read. It’s.... making my head "hurt so good". I still have no idea what’s going on and I’m about halfway through, now. But threads are starting to come together, so hopefully it’ll start to gain cohesion soon.
Sadly that’s all that’s going on in my life right now.
Friday, October 12, 2007
It's not Pottery Barn
Sat Oct 6th
Yesterday was fantastic, in spite of exhaustion and a massive sinus headache. At school we had birthday party. So all of the classes performed the songs that we had prepared. My kids were the cutest doing Skinamarink-y-dinky-dink. They even blew the kiss at the end. All the kids were great, though. My kids even behaved pretty well, but I was a harpy because I was so tired.
After school I had plans with Katy to play some pool and we convinced Sam to come along. We tried to get Corrie too, but she had to teach. So K and Sam and I played a few games. I lost every game I played. At one point I was down to just the 8 ball and Sam still had 4 balls on the table. I scratched 4 times (technically losing the game each time) but Sam wouldn't let me quit and finally he caught up and won. It was ridiculous.
Pool evolved into dinner at 0204. I tried Calamari and liked it. It helped that it was deep fried and served with sweet and sour sauce. I was surprised that it didn’t taste like an old tire. By this point in the evening we were all a little tipsy and Sam and Katherine were having some deep discussions. They both like to hear themselves talk (more so if they’ve been drinking) so it can be quite entertaining. Of course, after a while it can also be quite boring.
Sam had to go home to meet a friend for dinner, so we split up. K and I went to the grocery store to stock up for the typhoon. Then we went for a donutty snack and back to the school to meet the others as they finished teaching. Then, with Richard and Jason in tow, we went back to 0204 for another round of drinks. I was so exhausted by this point (memo: benadryl + alcohol = comatose Val) that I just had a Sprite. I played one game of pool (which I managed to win) and then came home to bed.
The typhoon hit this morning. It’s a big one. Not a whole lot of wind, but tons of rain. And enough wind to make the rain unpleasant. I have been in my room all day watching things on my computer. I saw the first episode and a half of Heroes (Season 2). If possible I might love it even more than season 1. But it’s early yet. Plus I watched the newest episodes of Grey’s and Bones. I also just finished re-watching Empire Records for the millionth time. I do love that movie.
If the weather settles down, I might go into Taipei tonight. Probably not to a club, but we’re running out of things to do in Banqiao. I’m super bored right now. I’ve only seen one other person all day. That was Di and she was venturing out into the storm to go to Costco. I’m kinda wishing now that I’d gone with her, in spite of the weather.
I’ve been trying to read "The Dubliners" by James Joyce. It’s really stupid and boring. None of the stories have any point. And just when you think one might get good, it ends. I really don’t understand why everyone thinks this guy is so great.
Sun Oct 7th
So I did eventually get out last night. We went for dinner in taipei and then met up with Corrie and some of her friends for drinks. The first bar we went to was called Saints and Sinners and it was really fun. We played darts and pool and foosball. Di and I had a really good time. We’re the only ones that stayed that long. Pretty much everyone else went home after dinner.
Today was pretty productive. I did laundry. Then we went to see 3:10 to Yuma. Mmmm Christian Bale. And Ben Foster. Also, Wash from Firefly was in it. And AJ from Empire Records. And Russell Crowe was really good. It was actually a good movie, too. And there was minimal Indian killing. After the movie I picked up some groceries and then took my last load of laundry to the laundromat to dry. At the laundromat I finished most of my evaluations for this last unit at school. My biggest problem with them is how to say "Your kid is dumb as a post. Stop wasting my time and your money," in a nice way.
Now I’m just unwinding before bed. We have a holiday on Wed. Apparently there’s something special about 10:10 so we get Wed. off. It’s pretty sweet. We get a whole day off and only lose 2 hours of pay cuz Wed is the half day.
Thurs Oct 11th
Hmm... Been a while since I wrote. Well, Monday was fine. I finished all my evals for preschool. Nothing spectacular or horrible happened at school. We’ve started a new unit on the Zoo. So I get to teach my kids about all the animals. Although mostly they’re just learning the
names and "big" or "small". After work I prepped my adult class lessons for this week and he went home.
My adult class was fine on Tues and tonight. Again, nothing of note to discuss. After class on Tues we went to the night market, which I find pretty boring. I mean there’s tons of stuff to look at, but if you don’t want to buy, and you don’t eat meat (or grease if I can help it) there’s not much to do there.
Anyway, I was bored and with Wed off I convinced Katy to come to 0204 with me for a couple of drinks. So we order and we’re chatting, and we’re onto our second drink when this Taiwanese guy comes up to us and asks if we like basketball. We said no and he went back to his table. Then he comes back and asks if he can buy us drinks, because he wants to practice his English. I’ve never had that happen before so I look at K (keeping in mind that I’d been lamenting my lack of a male for the last hour or so) and I’m like, what do we do? She shrugs, so I say "thanks, that’d be great." And he buys us each a drink. Then apparently, while I was in the washroom, he asked K if we wanted to accompany them to KTV, which we didn’t. So they left, and we played some pool. K beat me twice in a row. And then the bar closed, so we came home to bed.
Wed morning, I met Emily at the train station and we went into Yingge, a pottery town. They’re having a ceramics festival there right now. It was such a great day. I really like hanging out with Emily and we didn't talk about school at all. We went to a gallery and the ceramics museum (Ceramics Fun). We ate local food on the street, but we missed the cool old fashioned ice cream thingy. I even got to throw my own pottery. On the wheel and everything. It was so much fun! I also got a great head start on my Christmas shopping. And I bought a bracelet for myself. It was about $1.50 CAD and it’s really pretty. It’s made of this multi-coloured thread that’s supposed to bring good luck and protect you from the evil spirits. And it’s pretty.
Back at school today. The kids were really high spirited, which makes it hard to teach. They weren’t doing anything naughty, but they were all really boisterous and loud.. So Katy, Di, Corrie and I went for tea at lunch, because Diana was subbing for Sam. When we got to the 24 hour place we ran into Jason and joined him. He came back to school with us to observe, because he’s subbing Sam’s class tomorrow.
Fri Oct 12th
This afternoon I get to take my kids to the park for the first time. It should be fun, but I’m not sure about the bus ride there. For my kids or for me. I haven’t been sleeping well, so I’ve been dizzy spelling for no reason lately. I guess I’ll take a gravol and wakefulness be damned.
I survived the bus ride, thanks to the gravol. And my kids loved the park. It was so much fun to see them get the chance to run around and play. It did make me realize how absolutely out of shape I’ve gotten. There’s a set of bars and I couldn’t even get my feet up. Ugh! So, tomorrow I plan to do something physical. Maybe the beach, or the track for a run, or something.
After work I went to dinner with Corrie and Katy. We tried 3 places before we finally found one that was open. They do a thing here where the restaurants will be open from,say, 12-3 for lunch and then re-open at 6 for dinner. Which sucks when you’re looking for food at 4:30 and Corrie has to teach at 7. From dinner Katy and I went into Taipei and wandered Ximen before having some dessert.
I got home about the time everyone else finished teaching. Jason and Di started watching Heroes last night and continued tonight. So after a really horrible 80s movie (called Teen Witch) I watched episode 4 with them. I just never get sick of that show.
Yesterday was fantastic, in spite of exhaustion and a massive sinus headache. At school we had birthday party. So all of the classes performed the songs that we had prepared. My kids were the cutest doing Skinamarink-y-dinky-dink. They even blew the kiss at the end. All the kids were great, though. My kids even behaved pretty well, but I was a harpy because I was so tired.
After school I had plans with Katy to play some pool and we convinced Sam to come along. We tried to get Corrie too, but she had to teach. So K and Sam and I played a few games. I lost every game I played. At one point I was down to just the 8 ball and Sam still had 4 balls on the table. I scratched 4 times (technically losing the game each time) but Sam wouldn't let me quit and finally he caught up and won. It was ridiculous.
Pool evolved into dinner at 0204. I tried Calamari and liked it. It helped that it was deep fried and served with sweet and sour sauce. I was surprised that it didn’t taste like an old tire. By this point in the evening we were all a little tipsy and Sam and Katherine were having some deep discussions. They both like to hear themselves talk (more so if they’ve been drinking) so it can be quite entertaining. Of course, after a while it can also be quite boring.
Sam had to go home to meet a friend for dinner, so we split up. K and I went to the grocery store to stock up for the typhoon. Then we went for a donutty snack and back to the school to meet the others as they finished teaching. Then, with Richard and Jason in tow, we went back to 0204 for another round of drinks. I was so exhausted by this point (memo: benadryl + alcohol = comatose Val) that I just had a Sprite. I played one game of pool (which I managed to win) and then came home to bed.
The typhoon hit this morning. It’s a big one. Not a whole lot of wind, but tons of rain. And enough wind to make the rain unpleasant. I have been in my room all day watching things on my computer. I saw the first episode and a half of Heroes (Season 2). If possible I might love it even more than season 1. But it’s early yet. Plus I watched the newest episodes of Grey’s and Bones. I also just finished re-watching Empire Records for the millionth time. I do love that movie.
If the weather settles down, I might go into Taipei tonight. Probably not to a club, but we’re running out of things to do in Banqiao. I’m super bored right now. I’ve only seen one other person all day. That was Di and she was venturing out into the storm to go to Costco. I’m kinda wishing now that I’d gone with her, in spite of the weather.
I’ve been trying to read "The Dubliners" by James Joyce. It’s really stupid and boring. None of the stories have any point. And just when you think one might get good, it ends. I really don’t understand why everyone thinks this guy is so great.
Sun Oct 7th
So I did eventually get out last night. We went for dinner in taipei and then met up with Corrie and some of her friends for drinks. The first bar we went to was called Saints and Sinners and it was really fun. We played darts and pool and foosball. Di and I had a really good time. We’re the only ones that stayed that long. Pretty much everyone else went home after dinner.
Today was pretty productive. I did laundry. Then we went to see 3:10 to Yuma. Mmmm Christian Bale. And Ben Foster. Also, Wash from Firefly was in it. And AJ from Empire Records. And Russell Crowe was really good. It was actually a good movie, too. And there was minimal Indian killing. After the movie I picked up some groceries and then took my last load of laundry to the laundromat to dry. At the laundromat I finished most of my evaluations for this last unit at school. My biggest problem with them is how to say "Your kid is dumb as a post. Stop wasting my time and your money," in a nice way.
Now I’m just unwinding before bed. We have a holiday on Wed. Apparently there’s something special about 10:10 so we get Wed. off. It’s pretty sweet. We get a whole day off and only lose 2 hours of pay cuz Wed is the half day.
Thurs Oct 11th
Hmm... Been a while since I wrote. Well, Monday was fine. I finished all my evals for preschool. Nothing spectacular or horrible happened at school. We’ve started a new unit on the Zoo. So I get to teach my kids about all the animals. Although mostly they’re just learning the
names and "big" or "small". After work I prepped my adult class lessons for this week and he went home.
My adult class was fine on Tues and tonight. Again, nothing of note to discuss. After class on Tues we went to the night market, which I find pretty boring. I mean there’s tons of stuff to look at, but if you don’t want to buy, and you don’t eat meat (or grease if I can help it) there’s not much to do there.
Anyway, I was bored and with Wed off I convinced Katy to come to 0204 with me for a couple of drinks. So we order and we’re chatting, and we’re onto our second drink when this Taiwanese guy comes up to us and asks if we like basketball. We said no and he went back to his table. Then he comes back and asks if he can buy us drinks, because he wants to practice his English. I’ve never had that happen before so I look at K (keeping in mind that I’d been lamenting my lack of a male for the last hour or so) and I’m like, what do we do? She shrugs, so I say "thanks, that’d be great." And he buys us each a drink. Then apparently, while I was in the washroom, he asked K if we wanted to accompany them to KTV, which we didn’t. So they left, and we played some pool. K beat me twice in a row. And then the bar closed, so we came home to bed.
Wed morning, I met Emily at the train station and we went into Yingge, a pottery town. They’re having a ceramics festival there right now. It was such a great day. I really like hanging out with Emily and we didn't talk about school at all. We went to a gallery and the ceramics museum (Ceramics Fun). We ate local food on the street, but we missed the cool old fashioned ice cream thingy. I even got to throw my own pottery. On the wheel and everything. It was so much fun! I also got a great head start on my Christmas shopping. And I bought a bracelet for myself. It was about $1.50 CAD and it’s really pretty. It’s made of this multi-coloured thread that’s supposed to bring good luck and protect you from the evil spirits. And it’s pretty.
Back at school today. The kids were really high spirited, which makes it hard to teach. They weren’t doing anything naughty, but they were all really boisterous and loud.. So Katy, Di, Corrie and I went for tea at lunch, because Diana was subbing for Sam. When we got to the 24 hour place we ran into Jason and joined him. He came back to school with us to observe, because he’s subbing Sam’s class tomorrow.
Fri Oct 12th
This afternoon I get to take my kids to the park for the first time. It should be fun, but I’m not sure about the bus ride there. For my kids or for me. I haven’t been sleeping well, so I’ve been dizzy spelling for no reason lately. I guess I’ll take a gravol and wakefulness be damned.
I survived the bus ride, thanks to the gravol. And my kids loved the park. It was so much fun to see them get the chance to run around and play. It did make me realize how absolutely out of shape I’ve gotten. There’s a set of bars and I couldn’t even get my feet up. Ugh! So, tomorrow I plan to do something physical. Maybe the beach, or the track for a run, or something.
After work I went to dinner with Corrie and Katy. We tried 3 places before we finally found one that was open. They do a thing here where the restaurants will be open from,say, 12-3 for lunch and then re-open at 6 for dinner. Which sucks when you’re looking for food at 4:30 and Corrie has to teach at 7. From dinner Katy and I went into Taipei and wandered Ximen before having some dessert.
I got home about the time everyone else finished teaching. Jason and Di started watching Heroes last night and continued tonight. So after a really horrible 80s movie (called Teen Witch) I watched episode 4 with them. I just never get sick of that show.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
PHOTOS!!!
Hey, all. I've posted new photos in the Random Fun album. There are a few from the Xindian trip and a few from Room 18. There's also one new one in the Random stuff album, so take a look.
Plus, I love hearing all of your comments, so keep 'em comin'.
Plus, I love hearing all of your comments, so keep 'em comin'.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Clubbing and the rest of it.
Mon Oct 1
Saturday night was awesome in spite of a horrible start. First, Michelle was late, as always. And then when we had just gotten into the club, Di decided that she wanted food, and everyone else agreed, so we left right away. I was pissed cuz they were playing "Hips Don’t Lie" and I love that song. So we went for food. I had an utterly disappointing strawberry crepe and everyone else had French Fries. There was a really good jazz saxophonist playing in the square, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could because I wanted to be in the club. But T did dance with me, in the square to the saxophone. That was fun.
Once we finally made it into the club I was dancing alone for a while, cuz Di and Katy went for drinks right away and Michelle had made T take a walk with her before they came down. Eventually everyone found me. (It wasn’t hard. Look for the blond girl right at the front.) Even Sam and Corrie popped up eventually. All in all the club was a ton of fun. And as much as I don’t like to listen to hip hop, I LOVE to dance to it. Almost everyone showed up, except Richard, who had to help someone study. But he sent a text and apologized.
After the club T, Michelle and I went for breakfast at NY bagel. I had yummy pancakes, which I made T finish because I was full. From breakfast we caught a cab home and I was in bed by a perfectly respectable 5:30am. I thought about calling home, but I was too tired.
Thurs Oct. 4
So, I had to leave for work in the middle of talking about my weekend. To continue, Sunday I just went to the beach. By myself. I caught the train (later than I had hoped to, thanks to my early morning bed time) and went to Fulong. I really needed some time to myself. And it was so much fun. The waves were amazing. They were literally breaking over my head I wish I had brought my camera, but if I had, I probably would’ve ruined it by dropping it in the ocean. When I got home, I watched a couple of eps of Heroes, then Jason came in and we traded stories about our days. He went to Fulong too, but at a different beach than me. He also went much earlier, since he had skipped the clubbing the night before.
Monday at school was interesting. A bunch of my kids were sick, so I was down to 10 from 15. It made my day so much easier. The rest of the day was completely uneventful. I was very refreshed from my day to myself. The only thing of note that happened was that the power on my computer went down again. That’s why I haven’t updated anything in ages.
Tuesday, I realized I missed Tracy’s birthday and I feel really bad about it. I meant to call, but the ideal time slipped away and with no computer, I couldn’t even send an e-mail. I’m SO sorry Trace!!!! I’ll make it up to you next year at our supreme birthdays bash. Tuesday night was also my first of 3 in a row adult classes. It was fine. I made my entire class sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star because no one did their homework. That was pretty fun.
Yesterday was day 2 in my adult class (the level is I2) marathon. It’s becoming pretty routine. But before that, I had a half day at preschool. Almost all of my kids were back, but they were still draggy from being sick, so they were easy to deal with. I’ve started teaching them "Skinnamarink-a-dinky-dink" and they love it. It’s so cute to see them doing the actions. After school, I went for lunch with Katy, Corrie, and Sam. Then Sam headed home and us girls headed into Taipei for a walk around the Chang Kai Shek (CKS) memorial. From there we moved into a café where we had cake and drinks and gossiped about work and the people there. It was a truly girly afternoon.
I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday. I was so relieved to be through my I2 class and only have preschool between me and my weekend. Then I realized that it was only Thursday. That’s how I started my day and it got worse from there. I’m so draggy and tired. I finished Heroes and my book last night, which really left with we no reason to get out of bed. And it was raining. I got to school and I think the kids caught my mood because they were terrible. I actually had to send 2 out of the classroom for misbehaving. And I still had my I2 class to look forward to.
Between classes I went for dinner with Katy at a vegetarian restaurant. I actually ate a 4 course meal. Salad, soup, entree and dessert (which was a plate of fruit, so not really dessert, but that’s what they called it). It was really good. I’m learning that I quite enjoy curry. And I’m building up a tolerance for spicy things. Yay me!
Once again, my I2 class was nothing to write home about (although I guess I just did). And now I’m at home, listening to Avril and The Weekend, unwinding. I've discovered that one of the books I've been waiting for is available to download right now and another is in stores very soon. My weekend is less than 17 hours away and I can’t wait. And tomorrow afternoon is the Oct Birthday Party at school, which means I don’t need to plan afternoon lessons. So, thanks to a little foresight I have all of my lessons planned and I just need to do last minute prep in the morning. Things are definitely looking up.
Saturday night was awesome in spite of a horrible start. First, Michelle was late, as always. And then when we had just gotten into the club, Di decided that she wanted food, and everyone else agreed, so we left right away. I was pissed cuz they were playing "Hips Don’t Lie" and I love that song. So we went for food. I had an utterly disappointing strawberry crepe and everyone else had French Fries. There was a really good jazz saxophonist playing in the square, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could because I wanted to be in the club. But T did dance with me, in the square to the saxophone. That was fun.
Once we finally made it into the club I was dancing alone for a while, cuz Di and Katy went for drinks right away and Michelle had made T take a walk with her before they came down. Eventually everyone found me. (It wasn’t hard. Look for the blond girl right at the front.) Even Sam and Corrie popped up eventually. All in all the club was a ton of fun. And as much as I don’t like to listen to hip hop, I LOVE to dance to it. Almost everyone showed up, except Richard, who had to help someone study. But he sent a text and apologized.
After the club T, Michelle and I went for breakfast at NY bagel. I had yummy pancakes, which I made T finish because I was full. From breakfast we caught a cab home and I was in bed by a perfectly respectable 5:30am. I thought about calling home, but I was too tired.
Thurs Oct. 4
So, I had to leave for work in the middle of talking about my weekend. To continue, Sunday I just went to the beach. By myself. I caught the train (later than I had hoped to, thanks to my early morning bed time) and went to Fulong. I really needed some time to myself. And it was so much fun. The waves were amazing. They were literally breaking over my head I wish I had brought my camera, but if I had, I probably would’ve ruined it by dropping it in the ocean. When I got home, I watched a couple of eps of Heroes, then Jason came in and we traded stories about our days. He went to Fulong too, but at a different beach than me. He also went much earlier, since he had skipped the clubbing the night before.
Monday at school was interesting. A bunch of my kids were sick, so I was down to 10 from 15. It made my day so much easier. The rest of the day was completely uneventful. I was very refreshed from my day to myself. The only thing of note that happened was that the power on my computer went down again. That’s why I haven’t updated anything in ages.
Tuesday, I realized I missed Tracy’s birthday and I feel really bad about it. I meant to call, but the ideal time slipped away and with no computer, I couldn’t even send an e-mail. I’m SO sorry Trace!!!! I’ll make it up to you next year at our supreme birthdays bash. Tuesday night was also my first of 3 in a row adult classes. It was fine. I made my entire class sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star because no one did their homework. That was pretty fun.
Yesterday was day 2 in my adult class (the level is I2) marathon. It’s becoming pretty routine. But before that, I had a half day at preschool. Almost all of my kids were back, but they were still draggy from being sick, so they were easy to deal with. I’ve started teaching them "Skinnamarink-a-dinky-dink" and they love it. It’s so cute to see them doing the actions. After school, I went for lunch with Katy, Corrie, and Sam. Then Sam headed home and us girls headed into Taipei for a walk around the Chang Kai Shek (CKS) memorial. From there we moved into a café where we had cake and drinks and gossiped about work and the people there. It was a truly girly afternoon.
I woke up this morning thinking it was Friday. I was so relieved to be through my I2 class and only have preschool between me and my weekend. Then I realized that it was only Thursday. That’s how I started my day and it got worse from there. I’m so draggy and tired. I finished Heroes and my book last night, which really left with we no reason to get out of bed. And it was raining. I got to school and I think the kids caught my mood because they were terrible. I actually had to send 2 out of the classroom for misbehaving. And I still had my I2 class to look forward to.
Between classes I went for dinner with Katy at a vegetarian restaurant. I actually ate a 4 course meal. Salad, soup, entree and dessert (which was a plate of fruit, so not really dessert, but that’s what they called it). It was really good. I’m learning that I quite enjoy curry. And I’m building up a tolerance for spicy things. Yay me!
Once again, my I2 class was nothing to write home about (although I guess I just did). And now I’m at home, listening to Avril and The Weekend, unwinding. I've discovered that one of the books I've been waiting for is available to download right now and another is in stores very soon. My weekend is less than 17 hours away and I can’t wait. And tomorrow afternoon is the Oct Birthday Party at school, which means I don’t need to plan afternoon lessons. So, thanks to a little foresight I have all of my lessons planned and I just need to do last minute prep in the morning. Things are definitely looking up.
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