5 days...!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, well what better time to update my live journal then now!! Yup, I'll be home in about 6 days..so I hope everyone is ready to get a full dosage of megan time...because I will be eating up every moment of it!!

Nothing substantial has happened since the last time I wrote. I think all the newness of Taiwan has worn off, and I'm starting to see it in a different light...not good or bad..just different. Taiwan is starting to feel a little more homey for me. I feel like I have finally started my life here. I can look back and see that my first 3 1/2 months here were the hardest. I just couldn't get a handle on my emotions. I was constantly either up or down..nothing in between and that is no fun...haha...especially when you combine it with a feeling of isolation. But seriosly in the past month I just feel different. I'm beginning to enjoy teaching (a little) and I'm able to see past it now. Like if I teach something wrong and the C.T says something it doesn't keep me up all night anymore. The anxiety has gone gone WAY down....thank god. I'm just feeling much more content..and that is a good feeling to have...I reallly was starting to miss that the most.

I'm 100% soooo excited to come home, but at the same time a little nervy. Just because I feel like I've finally gotten past the homesickness hump...and will going home bring it all back. Ick..just having to say goodbye again..makes me feel sick. Seriously I don't know if I can go through all that again..ha. Augh...but it won't be like that. I know what to expect now...and I have people to come back to in Taiwan.

I was feeling a little guilty about leaving Kim here in Taiwan over Christmas...BUT her sister is now coming to visit...so I'm super glad about that. None of the foreigners are really going home for Christmas. It seems like most people just stay here and have their own Christmas. I just think that would be so depressing..having no family around...! But I guess if Em wasn't getting married I would prb be doing the same thing...so thanks em!!!!

All my friends here keep asking me "what are you most looking forward to when you get home?" I mean of course I say the obvious things...family/friends/food (we call them the three F's here) But truly..what I'm really excited about is being COLD..haha. I MISS IT! I mean the weather is perfect right now...low 80's...and at night it does get cold...but not Ohio cold. Like the bitter cold. The cold where you walk outside and the the insides of your nose freeze (I didn't use 'the word' because of you mom). The other I can't wait to do is just sit around and get updates on everyone...I mean yea sure email is good..but to FINALLY hear the intimate details..makes me giddy with anticipation!!!

Anyway...I posted this also because Uncle Tom asked if I was still alive...I guess my parents don't give updates on me anymore...:) So yes, I'm alive and still kicking. If I don't talk to anyone until then...I hope everyone has safe travels to Tiffin...and that everyone is ready to get out on the dance floor...and sing "We are FAMILY..." (the song came on at a local taiwanese place for breakfast this morning...and made me VERY excited...!!!!)

My class!

Here are few pictures of my kindy class. We went on a field trip to a science musuem. Things are better on this side of the world! I'm really looking forward to the trip home though...missing everyone lots!

Happy Halloween!!

I can't believe it's almost November...crazy! This past weekend we decided to celebrate Halloween. I spent all day Saturday between classes frantically trying to find costumes..haha. NOT an easy task here. I finally managed to throw a together a somewhat, pirate costume. I had to work until about 5, and then flew home to try and make it to a baseball game. I got to witness a real deal Taiwan baseball game...it was so surreal, seeing such a 'normal' thing in Taiwan. It was like for a moment I could pretend that I was home...(that is when I closed my eyes..haha) I mean they had hot dogs...and crazy fans...lol. It was fun. Unfortunatly I could only stay for about 40 mins because there was a kindy halloween party I had to get to. I was feeling bitter about the whole just because I'd spent all Saturday and DID not want to go back. But it was actually pretty fun. My kids were so cute, and I got to meet some of the parents. I WISH I had brought my camera but of course I forgot it. After I scootered back to the apt and got ready to head out to a Halloween party! But before we did that me and Kim felt it necessary to parade our costumes around the neighborhood..haha. We walked around, a pirate and a ladybug, and decided it necessary to visit our local KTV place (karaoke). We started to walk and noticed pictures of nudey girls everywhere..and also an excess of scantily dressed girls...ummm yea...apparently it was a 'dirty' KTV place..whatever that means.....whoops!! So we ran out of there...horrified.
I really want to get pictures of my kids to show you guys...but I'm not sure how they would feel about me taking pictures...I don't know. So work is going good, I just feel like there is so much pressure. I don't know I kind of feel like my life is consumed with HESS. Since I've gotten to Kaohsiung I havn't left, and I'm just worried this is how it will be...not much freedom. But I guess that is what I get huh? I wanted more hours so I got them!! Last week was one of my roughest yet. I was pretty sick all week, and with no mic I had no way to communicate with people. Plus I was having issues sleeping and was just feeling so blah...really missing my comfort zone. I kept getting so angry at all the Taiwanese people...when they would cut me off on the scooter or but in front of me. I was just so angry...all week. This week is much better though. I feel a lot better and managed to find some 'herbal' sleeping pills that I took for a couple nights....no longer though.
This weekend I think me and Kim will take a trip to Taichung and visit some people. I think it will be good for us to get out of here. I got a Saturday off when Bob gets here, so I think were all going to Kenting that weekend. And then the weekend Bob leaves we're having a company trip to Sun Moon Lake. So I think the next month will fly by and Dec 22 will be here soon. Anyway, I can't wait to see everyone in less than 2 months!! Also mom and dad...I know your busy...but you should call me!!!! I'm your long lost daughter in Taiwan...don't you love me anymore? :( (guilt trip)...hehe. I'm just kidding...but not about the calling part!! Love and miss you.

Life as I know it.It's

Hello all! Well I decided I need to keep updating this blog....because I have not been! This past weekend was good. One of the guys I work with is in a band so went and watched them play Sat night! They were actually pretty good, and I really enjoyed it because they played all 80's music...I'm pretty sure me and Kim were the only ones who seemed to enjoy it to the full extent. Sunday morning I woke up around 10:00 and met up with a couple people and we went to a restaurant to eat brunch. We go this place every Sunday, and I look forward to it every weekend!! They have the best omelettes, and they also have a small bakery in the back, that makes real chocolate!! It is seriously probably the best chocolate I have ever had, no joke. I'm definatly going to bring some home for Christmas...make sure I'm not just sorely deprived of chocolate!
Teaching is getting better. Today one of my older classes (8-9 yr olds) had their first 'performance day'. This is when all the parents come in, and watch the kids put on a little skit and show off the English they have learned. It's so cute, although a little strange, considering more than half of the parents don't know any English. I have to stand up there and talk about the kids and introduce them...etc. Then the Chinese teacher has to repeat everything I say in Chinese, it's just a little awkward at times. I have this one student and I call him the Drill Sargeant because he is always telling people what to do, and to stop talking...so today when I gave him his award I said "Augh, yes our drill sargeant...Andy" After class, the parents came up concerned....wondering what it was I had called him. Ok no more nicknames for the kids. I have one Chinese Teacher who has been giving me a little trouble lately...interrupting me while I'm teaching...correcting me in front of the class. It is just irritating..I know I make mistakes, but I just don't think it's right for her to talk to me in front of the class. It's just really frustrating...it makes me feel so uneasy in the class, and I just think less about what I'm teaching and more about what she's thinking.
So how is everything?! I've seen pictures from homecoming...sad. And have been updated on things at home. But if anyone has anymore news to talk about...email me or call me on Skype!! Love you all...and miss you lots!!

Here are a few pictures of my apartment...the first one is the view from my bedroom. This was right after the typhoon, so it's a bit dreary looking, but normally the sun wakes me up every morning. The second picture is of me and Petrey (the devil cat)...and the last one is our family room..with the ugly blue couches...i'm looking for seat covers right now!! Anyway, things are coming along and work is keeping me very busy. Tomorrow (Sat.) I have to work 6 hours...to make up for the typhoon day we had off...last Saturday...bragh..annoying! Ne way I hope all is well...miss you all.

Hello all. Well we've survived yet another typhoon and this actually felt like a typhoon. We had Saturday off...which was great! No classes was such a blessing. Kim and I decided to brave the typhoon and went out to get some food, because we had NONE here. The drive there wasn't too bad just a lot of wind. A couple times I was scared, but it was the drive home that really scared me. As we drove along the lake it started to pour and neither of us had our rain gear on....of course. It seriously felt like needles were striking my skin and as we drove along the lake the wind was blowing the waves over the road. I definatly thought our scooters were going to get overtaken a few times. That night the weather worsened...so we decided to take taxi's to this bar where a friend was having a birthday party. Instead of watching football on Sat nights, I'm now watching Rugby...not quite the same, but it suffices I suppose. It's funny because I'm starting to realize it's the little things that are making me homesick. Like the Sat. afternoon football games down in our basement, the array of food, crazy screaming, and family around. I miss the leaves changing colors and the smell of fall. Here in Taiwan it's still so hot. I don't know if it ever really cools down in Kaohsiung. Which stinks, I do miss the changing seasons.
Today I spent the day scootering around, we all went to see a movie, and then went out for a nice dinner (apparently it's the Canadian thanksgiving today). I'm having one of those days where you look around and think..holy crap...i'm living in Taiwan. Not just visiting, not just an extended vacation, but this is my actual life. There is a running theme for all of us, no one was ready for 'real' commitments, 'real' jobs, or 'real' life so we all ran away to Taiwan. Some may think it's a way out, but I feel it's a way to explore, and make sense of this of this whole 'growing up' thing. I definatly am starting to feel some pride in my accomplishments thus far, and think I will even more when I start taking my classes which start next week! I met our teacher and she seems wonderful! But so yea, basically I feel as though things are falling into place, and life is as it should be (for today at least ;))

Ok so after 2 months I think the fact that I am actually living in Taiwan is starting to sink in. I remember when I first got here being overwhelmed with all the new stimuli. I now can drive my scooter through downtown traffic, no problem. Now that is not to say that I'm wreckless with my scooter (mom!). But it's just funny, how 2 months ago I thought people who drove scooters in the city were insane, and now I'm of them. I really, really like my situation right now. I'm always busy with something, or someone and I'm loving it. I have great roomates and have met a lot of great people. I feel very comfortable here, and the apartment is great becuase it's kind of an oasis away from the crazy city. The of the matter remains, that I still 10 months left here, and I'm actually really looking forward to it. Teaching is good, but along with every other profession you have your days when you have no patience. I had a day like that this week, and it was of my worst days yet. The more frustrated I got the more crazy the kids got, and out of control my class became. I guess if there is one thing I've learned that when your teaching young kids you can't force anything onto them! I just really have to go with the flow of the class...
Let's see I think writing in my blog will be slightly more boring now. I have a routine schedule now..haha. This weekend I had to work all day Saturday to make up for the days that we had off for the Moon Festival. How crazy is that? These kids never get a break. I have a class every Saturday with older kids, and they went to school all day Saturday and then after that had to come to English class. Needless to say, they didn't want to be there! After my late class me and Kim rushed home for a little party we threw that night..it was Kim's half B-day, we had to celebrate! The night life here is a little on a the late side. I've been out twice and both times I walked out of the 'club' we were in and the sun was rising. So today I GOT TO SLEEP IN...until about noon and then I spent the rest of the day socoerting around Kaohsiung. I lost my cell phone, and it's no where to be found...so I spent half the day searching for that. All in all life here is starting to sink in.
I've been trying to stay updated on everyone. Keep the e-mails up, let me know how life is going! I miss everyone, and often find when I have down time I find myself missing everyone even more. So I think for me, it's best to just stay busy. Again, let me know how you're doing if you find the time! Oh yes one more thing, very exciting, HESS is going to start Chinese classes soon!! So hopefully, this will happen and I'll FINALLY start learning, I can't wait!

Yay..I've officially moved to Kaohsuing! I decided to just move in with my friend Kim and her roomate Ryan. They had an extra bedroom so it all worked out great! Thus far I'm still living in Kim's room...waiting on Ryan to decide if he wants to keep his room or take the other, smaller one. I really don't care, I just want a bedroom and to not live out of a suitcase! But I'm very happy with this apartment, it has a full kitchen a family room and 2 bathrooms! It has a great view of the lake here.

Also, more good news they gave me a kindy class here, so I'm now working about 32 hours a week...which is what I wanted, but my schedule will be a full one. I've taught the kindy class 2 times thus far, and they are a handful but seem really great. It's a class of 20 students, so it's a little on the big side but again I think it'll just take some time! This past weekend was Moon Festival Weekend, so we had Monday and Tuesday off! So a group of us all went camping in a little town called Puli. We went river hiking (that is what the pic is from). That was an adventure...climbing up wet rocks to make it up to the waterfall was a bit terrifying at times..but well worth it! We also went kayaking on Sun Moon Lake, which was beautiful. We were meant to go paragliding but the weather wasn't cooperating so we never got to do that. That night we got to expierence an authentic Moon Festival party at someone's house. They had a pig roast, fireworks...the Taiwanese LOVE their fireworks!! They also, of course, had Karaoke with English songs...that was a hit of course. I think we half of their entertainment..I mean think about it a group of foreigners up there singing "Take me Home Country Roads"!! Now, the actual camping itself...was not so fun to say the least. The tent I was in caved in on us in the middle of the night, due to heavy rain and all of us along with our sleeping bags and everything else got soaked. I was not in such a great mood that whole night and next morning...the part that sucked was that we were stuck...we were camping on top of this mountain...all alone, so there was no where to go for dry sheltar! Ne who...me and Kim decided not to stay the next night..so we just hitched a ride on a stinky bus back to Kaohsuing, this stinky bus happened to be the absolute slowest bus EVER..so we were on this bus for about 6 hours, and the word stinky does not do this bus justice. It smelled like 10 day old cat urin....I almost threw up several times. Lucky Kim was sick...so she couldn't smell any of this. Ne who, all in all things are going great. I'm still adjusting to this new city, but I think I'll really enjoy it. I feel like I've had two different lives in Taiwan, one where I was bored out of my mind and I think this one will be busy, busy, busy!! Ne who, I hope all is well in the west. Remember to stay in touch!

brah brah brah...instead of blah blah blah

Ok..ok..so I've been slacking on the blog, I think it's just because my life is in so much limbo right now, I don't even know what to write. Let's see where to begin...well first of all I may now be moving to Taipei. I called Hess main office the other day in tears because I had FINALLY just received my first paycheck...and guess how much it was for?! $450 (US)....yea. My rent here is $250 which gave me the grand total of $200 to live on for one month. I was absolutely furious, I had been promised that I would be paid for the hours that I signed my contract for, even if I hadn't worked the hours. So I finally broke down and called the main office, this was on Saturday. Yes, I called our head HR guy on a Saturday morning, on his cell phone...absolutely hysterical. He was great though and managed to calm me down, and told me that he had discussed my situation with someone else (some boss), and they wanted to transfer me. Which at first pissed me off, I mean I'm just getting settled here! But the more I thought and think about it the more attractive the idea sounds. I asked him if they would pay for all my losses, like my deposit on this apt and getting a new one, and the cost of actually moving. He told me yes, so this Tuesday I'm on my way Taipei to discuss things in person, and to finally get my point across about all the crap the Lou Dong branch has put me through (maybe they'll compensate me for the emotional damage..haha). I feel much better now that I feel that my case has been finally recognized. I wrote a long e-mail to the main office describing in detail all the lies and hardships this branch has said/done. So I think at this point right now, I need to decide as to whether or I want to stay in Lou Dong and work for the other school (the private one) or move and stay with Hess. I was told there was a contract C in Taipei (with Hess), which would be a 9-4 job working only with kindegarten and no weekends. If I stay in Lou Dong and work for the private school I would work the evening shift again (4-9). I don't know...I'm very torn. I like Lou Dong and all..but it is quite boring. NO night life...i mean the occasional drink here and there. I mean Taipei would be the exact opposite of Lou Dong...blah. So I don't know. The other thing is that if I stay here I'd have to scooter to and from between Ilan and Lou Dong. It's only like a 20 min scooter ride. BUT the other night I witnessed a horrible scooter accident...and since I have been terrified of my scooter. And the thought of making that trip everday, and with the rainy season coming up..it does terrify me a bit.

Today I discovered one of the BEST things Taiwan has to offer, a hair washing!!! hahaha...no seriously, it's great! For one hour I got a back massage and my hair washed, and scalp massaged for only $6 US dollars!! Oh yes, I also have now expierenced every natural disaster Taiwan has to offer (I hope). The other night I was up and typing away at my computer when all of the sudden my bed started shaking, and I heard a low rumbling. On instinct I jumped off my bed, and stood there for a second...and felt the floor beneath me shake back and forth. Not a good feeling...not at all. So I ran outside..into my apt hallway, and looked around panicked. No one was out there, just me. I just kept thinking MAKE IT STOP, and it did. It was a 6.6 on the richter scale..but not much damage. Just some cracks and water line bursts. So yes..this can just add to my previous point..that Taiwan doesn't like me! Wow..long post...I guess I did have things to say. Ne way I hope everyone is doing great. Miss you all.

Oh yes, these pics are from the hike I did today...it was absolutley beautiful up there, the pics don't do it justice.

Taiwan doesn't like me.

So I have now officially decided that I do like Taiwan, but Taiwan doesn't like me. On Thursday I got to expierence the Taiwanese hospital. I found out just how much power, Nigel ,(the name of my scooter) has. I accelerated a little too much, and instead of breaking I chose to grip the accelerator and speed up even more. Unfortunately there happened to be the post office wall in front of me and I slammed into it. I managed to stay on the moped, but my leg got caught somewhere and got the brunt of the impact. I looked over my body and spotted my leg and immediatly got woozy...I thought I was going to pass out. Poor sarah was trying to figure out what to do with the packages she was going to send, and keep me puking our lunch everywhere. So we hopped on her scooter and made it to the hospital. That was interesting. I walked in, as Sarah was parking. I showed them my wound, but couldn't seem to get anyone to do anything. I was about to scream, "HELLO...IS THIS A HOSPITAL?!!" Then a nurse came up and took me, I tried to tell her what happened...trying my best motions for crashing a scooter..but she didn't seem to care. A man came back to me...tbe doctor..I assumed. He looked at my leg and started throwing some acid skin burning substance on my leg...I almost punched him. So he asks for my health insurance and guess what?! I don't have it...HESS has yet to give me my card. So I was given the option of either getting stiches and paying up the rear for it, or just getting it bandaged. So I took the second choice. First, I'm a baby and wasn't about ready to get stitches. Second, I figured he wouldn't be giving me this choice if the stiches were NEEDED.

I had to drive Nigel home...luckily my little basket on the front of my scooter took most of the beating. My main issue now is changing my gauze and not run screaming. Everything was healing fine. But today I went to the beach with a few people. I was stripping down to my suit, running to the beach when Johan yelled out "OWWW"..he was stung by a jellyfish. That stopped me dead in my tracks. Aaaaaaa...one of my biggest fears. I hate those things...they're so creepy and mean. So I sadly walked back to my mini towel and sat there glumly...letting my fear get the best of me. So everyone else swam and I got bored and began to explore the beach some more. So I walked down the rocky beach...up and down. I ended up running into some guys who were snorkeling, and they kept trying to get me in the water. I refused....but finally realized..THIS IS STUPID...everyone is swimming and only one person has been stung, and he was still out swimming. So I triumphed my fear and threw on the snorkeling gear, jumped into the water and started to kick..then...my arm began to sting..then my stomach...then my legs!! I jumped out of the water as fast as I could, unfortunatly I still had the flippers on, and fell flat on my face, on a big old rock...yea. So needless to say..i now have whip lash like stripes up and down my arm and legs. Thus the title of this post..Taiwan hates me. No, but things have been looking up. Despite the fact that I'm still uncertain about my job, I've been having a great time on the weekends. The cloud is lifting over Taiwan and the past couple of days have been sunny and beautiful. Everyday I'm amazed at the scenerey that is only 5 kilometers from me. I really am in a great spot...when it's not raining. Anyway, that's it. My wake up phone call was quite entertaining this morning. Thanks for the laughs..Aunt Karen, Aunt Barb, Mom, Dad. Miss you.

Decisions...Decisions

Ok, so I'm now faced with another huge decision that needs to be made soon. I have been offered a new job with a private school. I think I mentioned in a post before, but I did a fake lesson plan, and they liked it and said I could have the job. The job pays more...more hours, about 24 a week. Not only that, but I'll be the only teacher, no Chinese teacher. I will work for about 7 families, who provide me all the materials I need, and the classroom. I will have to make my own curriculum, which will be much more challenging. At this point though, the challenge seems exciting. I'm really leaning towards this new job, but am scared of how this will all fall through. Like with my VISA and ARC. I know I have this month to decide if I want to leave without having to pay the $600 fee for breaking the contract. But in this month if I decide to quit, it says that I have to go back home. I can't stay in Taiwan, but I'm not sure what that means. Like do I just need to make a VISA run out of the country for a day? Then go through the VISA prcoess again? I'm just not sure how to do this. I keep asking people and I keep hearing different stories about what to do..like be honest...or to just lye to them, and just say I'm going home. If I do that I will just have to fly to the Philipenes for like one day and then fly back. But I wonder if there is a way to do this without having to leave the country? Argh...I'm thinking of emailing the guy in charge at HESS and telling him the situation....maybe he'll feel bad for me..haha. I don't know. Tomorrow I meet with the woman again at the new school and were going to discuss in further detail, the job and exactly what it will entail. So I'll have more information about it later.

The other thing I'm worried about taking this new job is my social network. There are no other teachers so I hope that I'll still be able to meet people. I've discussed this with everyone I work with at HESS and they all understand, and have been understanding. Except Simone...ha..she really wants me to stay at HESS because she has an invested interest in me. Her kindergarten is too huge so they are going to split it mid-september, and give me half for about 7 more hours, but even with that I'll only be getting 19 hours a week. Anyway, what do you all think? I know mom and dad think I should take the new job, but it's such a terrifying thought messing with the big HESS corporation, what if they just squash me and take me for all I"m worth?!! hahaha..ok ok....maybe i'm overreacting. Anyway I have to get going, I'm going to check out the Chinese classes right now and see how pricey they are. Miss you all! I hope the flooding has gone down and that things are back to normal.

Being the newbie.....

The move to the beach has postponed, mainly because the apts that I looked at were a little on the scary side...ha. But Johan found a place that is used as a resort, but you can rent out the rooms. So once I get on my feet, financially, I think I may make a move there. Again, on the beach, with a nice pool and hammocks. Still cheaper then living in Lou Dong, weird just weird. Anway, this weekend was fun! Friday night after work me and Johan met up with Sarah and we all went to Julies apt, they were having a b-day party for one of her roomates. It was on the roof of their apt, the view was incredible. After that we went to a bar called, Blue Bar, it seems to be a good place where a few foreigners hang out. We stayed and played a few games and then me and Johan took my scooter back. It's about a 20 minute ride, and we got caught in the this horrible downpour. That is miserable, at that point it was 4 am and all I wanted to do was get to bed, and we had to pull over and stand in the rain because you literally could not see in front of you. Then we got lost, so spent another 2o mins trying to find Lou Dong. FINALLY, we made it home around 4:30, but was up at 9 to teach. I have now learned my lesson, never let Johan drive my scooter, and to ALWAYS bring rain gear. Saturday afternoon Sarah took me out, and we scootered around to surrounding mountains, visited a waterfall. We went on a mini hike, mainly she gave me a mine tour of the area. I'm so grateful for her right now. She is great because she has been here for 8 months, and knows the area really well. Plus, her 2 good friends just left so were kind of in the same boat. I met a girl while we were hiking, and she invited us to a going away party at a bar in Ilan. Me and Johan grabbed the TRAIN..no scooter..Ilan and met up with Sarah there. I met a lot of people that night as well. I met a girl named Sam is also leaving and told me about her private job. She works in at a school owned by a group of families. It's in an office building in Lou Dong, it seems to an interesting option. SO if I don't get the hours that I NEED, I may leave HESS and start work with this family.
Yesterday I went hiking again, and did a beautiful hike along the coastline. We hiked up the mountain hugging the coast and walked along that for about 4 miles. It was gorgeous...but after about 5 mins of being around each other Sarah and Johan were at each others throats. Johan likes to talk, which I don't mind, but apparently drives Sarah crazy. Basically, they bring out the worst in each other. By the end of the 3 hour hike I was ready for it to be over. Another lesson, spend time with those SEPERATELY. They both are great people, but together not so much. Also talking with Sarah, I have decided that I am going to take Chinese lessons at the University in Ilan. I'm sooooooo excited about this. I really, really want to learn the language...at least the basics. It's lasts for one semester, 4 months, and is 6 hours a week. So this also means I'll be keeping very busy! So day by day...my motto for this trip....has become a reality. Just from the stories I've heard from people, life in Taiwan is a new expierence every day. Anyway, I do miss everyone. It's funny I was talking to mom yesterday and was saying how I miss everyone so much. But I've only been gone a month...haha...I've gone this long many many times before without seeing people...but I don't know...I would say thus far, that is the hardest emotion to deal with...the isolation. But it's getting with the expanse of new friend, and the feeling of settling. So yes, I do miss everyone and I REALLY appreciate everyone staying in touch...it really does help. In fact, I just got a phone call from Aunt Barb and Uncle Tom, and got to talk to them for a bit!!! I don't want to pressure anyone....but GET SKYPE...I can talk to you for free!! Ok ok..enough I miss you all!

Well the typhoon has ceased. It came Friday night, and lasted all day Saturday and that night. Classes were cancelled for Friday and Saturday, so that left me with a lot free time…to do a whole of nothing. No internet, all the cafes were closed, no TV. So I somehow managed to join a rental DVD (lots of body gestures and strange noises). Friday night me, Johan and Casey ( a guy who is from Lou Dong, but went to school in Kansas) played cards and had a few drinks. Saturday I slept in, and we all met again for lunch. That night me and Johan watched 4 movies..haha. Yea, needless to say this weekend was not very exciting. Although on the good side it gave me a lot of time to get to know Johan, and see he is not a bad guy. He is just very, very different than myself. But we’re both in the same situation; neither of us really know many people. So we talked for awhile about going to the coast. I think I am now leaning towards moving. Especially because I now have a SCOOTER!! I just bought one today, and I got a steal…I think. I only paid 8,000 for it…and Johan used to work for a bike shop and he said that everything looks like it’s in perfect condition. It’s a greenish/blue Suzuki…it has a little basket on the front…I think it’s cute! We had to go to Ilan to get it, and I had to drive it back to Lou Dong. Oh my, I wish I could have recorded this experience…it was hilarious. I have never driven a scooter before, so I was all over the place. But I made it back fine. Ok, so here is my list of pros and cons of leaving the city…
Pros
I’m living on the OCEAN..always been a dream of mine
It’s way cheaper, esp. if I live with someone…it’ll cut my rent cost in half.
There is a community of foreigners to live with
There are girls who surf, and are willing to teach me for free
When will I ever be able to say, “It’s cheaper to live on the coast”
Cons
A 15 min commute to work everday
The winter (lots and lots of rain, pretty chilly air as well)
Apparently the coast is very damp…things get moldy very easily.
No heat..there are no heaters anywhere…but I guess it’s much colder on the coast because everything is always damp.
So what do u think? We’re going to look at apts. in the morning, so maybe then I’ll be able to make up my mind. Keep me updated...if you can download skype.

Today is August 15, now starts the year. One year from now my contract will be up, and I will be jet setting home. I don't think I should be thinking like that. huh? I started teaching Monday, and today is Wednesday. Thus far, things have gone pretty smoothly. I don't have an overload of classes, so I have all the time in the world to prepare for the classes. I really enjoy it right now, it helps to keep me busy and my mind occupied. Actually I wish I had more hours, not only for the money but to keep some sanity also. Yesterday I convinced Johan to go on a run with me in the sports park. The Lou Dong sports park is really pretty neat. It has tennis courts and basketball courts, running trails, etc. And it's really pretty. The run ended up being a bit too exhausting for me. It was so funny because I started off thinking it would be a walk in the park running with Johan, a thirty year smoker, a bit overweight. Ummm..no. I ended up being the one having to WALK....I don't know what happened. My body just shut down, and I started to see spots. I could not catch my breath, and my heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest...it was a horrible feeling. So I don't know if it's the humidity here, or the heat, or just me being WAY out of shape. But it was enough to scare the crap out of me.
After class last night, Johan and I went to a going away party for a kid leaving the Ilan branch. We went to a cute little bar, and I got to meet up with a couple who were in my training group. They are now teaching at the Ilan branch and really like it. So it was good to talk to them. I met another girl, who has been at the Ilan branch, but lives down by the coast. I think I'm going to buy a scooter off her, it's 125 cc and only 8,000 NT!! So that is great! Also I think I'm going to consider living down on the beach. The girl I met said there is a commuinity of foreigners that live there and it's dirt cheap. It would be about a 15 min commute for me on the scooter everyday, but I think that's doable. I still havn't signed a contract for the apt I'm in now, just a deposit. So maybe I'll keep holding off and see if I can't find a place on the coast! Sarah said she takes surfing lessons every morning....so maybe I could do the same!
So I was talking to the kid who we had the going away party for, and his piece of advice to me was to never give with my hours. I'm only getting 14 hours a week this whole month...and for the first month you're guranteed 16 hours. After the first month it's 20 hours. He said they will only pay me for the hours I work, unless I say something. It's just a hard situation. I don't want to burn bridges yet, but I cannot live on 14 hours a week...so I'm still trying to get the nerve up to say something. I stillll cannot get my shower or washer to work...haha. So i've been taking baths..and handwashing my clothes. And my address...I have no clue how to find out what it is. I tried to ask people and they look at me like I'm crazy. My apartment has no number on it, and each section of Lou Dong is numbered and I can't figure out what section I'm in...so it's a work in progress I guess. I still struggle with my varying moods, it's so funny I'll be on cloud for one minute and the next...be crying because something reminds me of someone I know. I don't know...weird. Well it sounds as though the bachelorette party was a success..haha. If you guys got pictures send them my way, I'd love to see them. Miss you all...very much.

My first weekend in Lou Dong

Ok first of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the responses I got. It really and truly puts a smile on my face, and makes me feel not so alone at times. I am a lucky girl to have such supportive family and friends. I've 'officially' moved into the apartment and it really is such a nice place. No internet yet, but I think it's coming. I spent Friday searching Lou Dong for apartment necessities...that was an adventure. I was stopped at a fruit stand and a man let me try one of his peaches..YUM...so I bought and it cost me 570 NT..which is about $15 US...I paid it out of sheer shock. I soon found out that peaches are imported goods...pricey. So no more peaches for me. I found this store that is kind of like a Home Depot...that was interesting. People kept trying to talk to me...and I would just smile...I need to learn more Chinese...soon. Friday night I spent trying to convince myself that these little bugs that infest my apt weren't crawling on my bed...haha. Sat. I woke up with a throbbing headache..that has yet to go away. But that was actually one of my best days yet. I shopped some more in the morning and in the afternoon I did some more observing classes. Aftere that Julie met me and we went back to my apartment. Some of the Fullbright people she is with live in Lou Dong so that night we all met up and sang some karaoke...o yes...now my second karaoke expierence. I was a tidge nervous meeting everyone, I wasn't sure how they would feel about an 'outsider', but everyone was very nice and now I have met some people who live in Lou Dong!!! YAY!! One of the guys I met actually went O.U, and a girl is from OSU. After I had some people up to my apt, so I had my first guests...I was so pleased! Jules ended up staying the night and the next day we met everyone and went to the coast. It rained all day, but that didn't stop us, we played in the water for a couple hours and played some frisbee. The coast is BEAUTIFUL...I'm glad I finally got to see it. I'm so happy I finally some people my age, it's still a little hard to get my foot in just because they have already formed strong friendships, but oh well. I will force them to be my friend..ha. So tomorrow is my first day of teaching, I have two classes one with 8 year olds and the other with 12-13 year olds. I'm nervous about both...but I as long as I prepare..it should be ok. Ok well again YAY to everyone who responds..haha. O yea, I had my first trash expierence today...I heard the music outside and grabbed my trash....searched for my keys...finally found them and ran onto the elevator when I finally made it down I the trash man had passed so I ran after him...in the rain. Finally caught up and he stopped and I went to throw my trash and the trash man intercepted my bags and WENT THROUGH MY TRASH!! He threw some things at me..and starting talking Chinese to me in a stern voice. I assume he was lecturing me about recycling...I had not because I have not yet figured out their system. I walked away sheepishly and embarrassed with my recycleables. Oh well...I have to ask the teachers about that. Ok enough of that....miss you all.

Freak out time

Well I would say that I definatly had my first breakdown yesterday. It was a long, long, long day of watching classes and meeting new people. First of all it was frantic trying to get to the train station in Taipei, we almost missed the train. I was literally throwing a 40 pound suitcase into the train and jumped on it as it started to move...not an easy task. I said my final goodbye to a couple who got dropped off in Ilan. Then I was alone...completely. I got off the train and Emily was there to pick me up. I thought we would spend all day looking for an apartment, getting a cell phone...that kind of stuff. Instead we went straight to the school and I started observing. I was bursting with thousands of questions, but knew I needed to hold off. Everyone told us MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION. If not you're screwed, it will take awhile for them to a warm up. First of all, there is no Head English teacher at my branch. The head Chinese teacher takes care of all the NST's...the foreigners. So when I say ALL the NST's, I'm talking about me and 2 other people. Yes there is a total of 3 foreign teachers at my school. The one guy is married and with a child. The other guy is from South Africa, and is very nice but seems very jaded. He has done nothing but warn me about everyone.

So anyway, finally the day is over and I still have not seen a single apartment. So Johan (South African guy) asks me if I want to get sushi, so I went with him. We talked for a bit and he told me about Lou Dong, and how everyone will try to screw me out of money...hours...etc. He told me that there is no way I'll even get 2o hours a week because the enrollment here is so low. So at this point, I'm in definatly starting to feel very uneasy. I didn't know this guy at all, he's telling me not to trust anyone. Then he takes me to his apartment, a TINY TINY apt that looks like the size of Em's bedroom (at home). It fits about a bed...that's it. It smells like smoke and dirty clothes. Then he says, "So what do u think?" I was polite and told it was nice, then he says "well then it's yours..I'm looking for a new one." WHAT?! I practically yelled that..no joke. I almost burst into tears, but managed to choke back. He then proceeded to tell me the landlord was coming..blah blah blah. I told him straight up, that I was not living there. I know I sounded snobby...whatever. I just couldn't do it....it was a hole in the wall.

So anyway, the landlord showed us another apartment that night and it was the same except it was a two bedroom..much bigger but seriously down this dark alley and the apartment was just creepy....so I left with no apartment. So I BEGGED the landlord to ask his friends for anything else! He spoke a little English, so I kept saying..."Please ask friends". Luckily I had Julies cell number and told him to call that if he found anything...just a tidge more...lit? So I called Julie and asked if I could stay with her in Ilan for the night. Emily drove me alllll the way over there. So I cried to Julie for about 2 hours and told I wasn't sure if I could do this. It just was all overwhelming. i had not home, no phone, no transportation....it was just a very scary feeling. We tried to find apts online..nothing. I kept reading Lou Dong is a booming city with scarce apts. Johan told me all night, that 2 bedroom place I should take because places are so hard to find. So we both agreed I need to wake up the next day and make as good as I can with what I have. So I did just that. I cried twice in the morning, but pulled myself together. Jack (the landlord) ended up calling Julies phone, and said he found an apartment...but his friend only rents to girls. So after me and Jules grabbed some lunch, Emily picked me up and we met Jack and his friend. I walked into it, and knew it was the one. It's on the 8th floor and has a great view! It's a small flat, but the bedroom is sanctioned off a little. It has a bed..TV...dresser..a little couch. It is comfortable. So anway today was 100 times better. I'm still a little unsure about my hours, but tomorrow I will try and figure that out. One day at a time right?

The End of Training!!

CHEERS! Tomorrow is the last day of training! I'm excited to be leaving Taipei, but am a little apprehensive about having to start new again. It feels like I've been here awhile and have already made some pretty good friends, and I have to leave them. I guess on the positive side this just means I'll have people throughout Taiwan to go visit on the weekends! It's amazing how close you become with people when you're thrown into the right situation. Last night we all went out a pub style bar, and watched an f-1 race....? and a soccer game. But again, it's just good to just get out. Tonight I just got back from the night market...I forgot to take my camera...so I didn't get any pictures. Just think...skinny street with every single crevice of this street full of people, food, and various kinds of fake name brand purses, watches, jewelry, etc. It was a sight to be seen.

We actually have a 'graduation' ceremony tomorrow, ha. They are treating us to a wine and cheese party at the HESS president's house. I also will FINALLY get to go to Lou Dong and apartment search and hope that I find a liveble place. I found out today that basically people in Lou Dong and the surrounding cities do not speak English. Here in Taipei almost everyone speaks at least a little English, so it's quite easy to get away with not knowing Mandarin. So I'm actually starting to get a little nervous about knowing ANY!! I guess I'll just have to learn quickly...right? Here in Taipei, it's kind of easy to forget you're in a foreign country, the toilets are western, you can find western food and again English is pretty prominent. Well I hope all is well, again keep me updated...em on the wedding planning and the bachelorette party too!

Pics

Ok well I could not figure out how to post pics on this, so this is the website of where I have posted a few pics! http://www.flickr.com/photos/10925229@N08/
Let me know if this works!

Oh my...so Taipei is having it's wear and tear on me. Today I spent allllllll day in the office building, came out to the hot stuffy humid air and immediatly began to sweat. I walked onto the street and almost got trampled by a stampede of mopeds. The stinky tofu seeped into my nostrils and I gagged in my mouth...that stuff is NASTY...how anybody could ever think of putting that stuff anywhere near their mouth is beyond me. It smells like vomit...and I am not kidding. Well now that I have officially turned everyone away from ever coming to visit me...ha...I must say the good things thus far that I have discovered. First and foremost..the people...everyone, and I mean everyone has so much respect for all teachers. Not just English teachers but all teachers. When people find out you are a teacher they immediatly smile, and offer help in any way possible. Also, the fresh fruit (when it is fresh) is fabulous!! I love waking up and having a buffet of dragonfruit, and melon and tomatoes...mmmm. Yea they add tomato into every fruit dish..I love that!
I think the thing that is most wearing me down, is the training. I honestly don't know if I have the energy to be an effective teacher. I mean the curriculum for these schools are crazy....the teacher is go go go go..like full throttle...for hours and hours. I mean whenever our trainers go over a lesson they are all sweating by the end....! We had our first demos today..and my group seemed to do ok. I know for me personally I was in charge of the alphabet, phonetics and some vocab words...it was only a 15 min lesson and my brain was shot after. Ha...maybe i'll just blame it on jetlag. So to counteract all this craziness during the day, we all end up at this local 'pub'. So that always makes things better!!! Alrite, well I hope all is well. Miss you all!

3 days in...

Well today begins our third day of training. The days have been pretty long, but I've actually been feeling good during the days and exhausted by 8:00, so I guess that means my sleeping pattern is getting off to a good start. We had a bus tour of Taipei the other day, and was pretty amazed at all this place has to offer. I'm relieved to be leaving this big city in a few days, but am starting to feel a little uneasy about already leaving everyone I have gotten to know, and having to start somewhere new. I talked to the woman in charge of my school last night, her name is Emily, on the phone, and she informed me that I am going to have Contract A, part time. But she did say I would have many chances to get more hours at other branches, subbing various classes. She seemed very sweet, and willing to help me out. She told me when I get there she would help to set me up in an apartment, and get me a cell phone...etc. She is Taiwanese so that will be great if she will be able to help me out. The more I learn about things, the more I think I want to have a roomate when I move to Lou Dong..I just think it'll be better for me to have someone around. The food is ok...not as good as SE Asia...thus far. It's very greasy...EVERYTHING is cooked in oil. This includes every food group...haha...last night a group of us went out for dinner and I ordered fresh pineapple and they brought it out fried with mayo on top...yuck.
But so yea, the trainers are very nice and understanding. They try to make the training as fun as possible, so that helps to make the tedious lessons of how to teach, and how to make lesson plans more fun, and enjoyable. I havn't felt too homesick yet, I think it's just because when I'm not sleeping I'm training. I"m looking forward to Saturday...DAY OFF!!! Oh yea, when I finally get my laptop to work, I'll start uploading a few pics of things!! Anyway, I know this blog is a bit boring, but not much has happened...ha. Let me know how things are over there in the western world. Tai Jien...adios...goodbye!!

Alls well that ends well

Well I finally made it. Yes I know rather dramatic, but for awhile there I was not sure if my dreams of Taiwan were going to happen. All the doubts and fear had welled up inside me and I had began to think that maybe this was a mistake. The good-byes were hard, but everyone was so supportive and ready to get me out of here. So thanks to everyone who told me to quit 'whining'. My flight over started off horrible and ended up delightful. My flight from Dayton to Cleveland got cancelled so I had to to rush onto a flight to Houston. I made friends with a man who told me I would never make it in time for my Taipei flight, because the Houston flight didn't get in till like one hour before my international flight. So I jumped off the Houston flight and ran to wait and wait for my luggage. So finally I found and ran from the Continental terminal to Bradley...with my two overstuffed check ins and my 2 overstuffed carry ons. But I made it, all sweaty and stinky the people who checked me in for my flight must have pitied my ignorance of international flying because they bumped me up to business class. Let me tell you, nothing beats getting onto a flight and someone pouring you a glass of champagne for FREE and recliner seats and my own personal TV...I had a menu to choose my meals and movies galore! When I landed I was like..what it's over already?!
So now I'm in Taipei and it is all smooth sailing. I've met many people and all seem like very interesting and kind individuals. We toured Taipei 101 today...the tallest building in the world (for about 3 more months, right Bob?) I had my first Taiwanese local cuisine today, beef dumplings...yummy, no really they were pretty good. My roomate for the next 10 days is Vietnamese, so we've been chatting about that non-stop. So anyway, tomorrow the orientation begins and from there on out I will get more information about where I will be leaving and when I can get a phone etc. But for now if anyone wants to call me...:)) the number is (02) 2521-5151 and my room number is 922. I think a calling card would work....but it is a 12 hour difference!! Anyway, I hope all is well keep me updated.