ode to lovely

the last scoot

This is my language exchange. He's the best. He has a scooter (like most Taiwanese) and sometimes, he drives me to class. I get to wear a nerdy helmet. And I love every minute of it. I took a video of our scoot today. It's really shaky. And isn't too interesting. But I still love it. It's my last scoot until 2009.

the renai circle

I feel so lucky to live in one of the best Taipei districts. This is the incredible view, 3 blocks from my house. That tall building on the right is where I teach most of my English classes. I love that I only have to walk a few steps to see Taipei 101. And if you walk north for another 2 blocks you will be in the heart of a great shopping district. Huge department stores. Small boutiques. And hundreds of restaurants. And of course, one of my favorite places, the 24 hour Eslite bookstore, is only a few steps away.

And although I am ecstatic to go home in 2 days, I can't help but feel sad to leave Taipei. I know it has been hard at times, but if there is one thing I am great at, it's adjusting. And this place is now my home. I have survived. And learned. And grown. And God knows I've also struggled and felt frustrated too. But I've done things that most people never do. I am so proud to say that I've made it this far.

hello free beer

All dressed up and ready to go out with the two girls in my class. It's our last Wed night together. Ladies night at Roxy 99. Four free drinks for every girl. Good deal, right? And its finally cold enough to rock my favorite coat. Rock on.

my teacher is so sneaky

ok, so my teacher decided to tape our final presentations. i was so pissed she didn't tell us before hand, as i probably would have worn makeup, or perhaps combed my hair. But I am so happy she did it. Now I have a video of all 6 of us speaking Chinese and I can't wait to show my friends and family. I know they will be so proud.

I have it in DVD format. Does anyone know how I can convert it so that I can post it on here?? If so, please help.

my classmates

It's starting to hit me that I only have one week left with my classmates. After that, we will all go our separate ways. New teachers. New programs. New classmates. Some are even headed back to their home countries. When you spend 3 hours every day with the same 5 people, you can't help but get close. They make me laugh so hard. And they keep me company when I am lonely. I'm really going to miss them. Especially the girl in the photo above. She's going back to Korea and I might cry when she leaves. I'm going to miss her the most.

In other news, I'm debating whether or not to drastically dye my hair. I envy the people that can go blond one day, and brunette the next. But every time I dye my hair, even if its just subtle highlights, I end up hating it one month later and then dying it back to my natural color. But I think it would be fun to go home looking completely different. So should I do it?

Yeah, that's right. I said home. I'm going home in ONE WEEK. I'm so pumped. Turkey dinner....here I come!

(I should clarify that I plan to come back to Taiwan right after Christmas.)

a girl and her camera

Things have been hard lately. Life is never what you dream it to be. So I need to take a break. To re-analyze. To re-evaluate. To think things over. I will bury myself in my studies, in my quilting, in photography, in my art. In most importantly, in myself. I have been so busy worrying about others, that I have forgotten to worry about myself. And what is best for me. Back soon.

please vote

My absentee ballot never came. I'm pissed. So please, go out and vote. Speak up. Voice your opinion. And let's all hope for CHANGE.