Friday night was a total success. Right before people showed up I started freaking out a bit, which is so unlike me. Anxiety starting creeping in because first I couldn't find french baguette for my dip, then more people were added to the guest list last minute, and lastly cause I was scared that the sour cream I used for the 7-layer dip had expired (even though the expo date was weeks away). In the end, none of that mattered. We had good food, good conversations, and of course good drinks. At around 3am the cops showed up and ruined our fun. Next time I'll just have to remember that playing Guitar Hero at 3am will most definitely wake up the neighbors.
lucky 52
- This is the street where I have lived the last 16 months. I know I've said this before, but I love the location of our rented apartment. It's conveniently located smack in the middle between matt's office and my school. 10 minute commutes for both of us. Doesn't get any better than that.
- Matt left this morning to go work in Kuala Lumpur for 2 weeks and I'm so incredibly jealous. I begged him to take me along, but alas, he said I need to be a good student and therefore I was not allowed to come along.
- I scrapbooked today. And yesterday too. Made 2.5 pages. But just as I was getting excited to post them on the blog, my damn scanner broke down on me. And to make matters worse, my photo printer is acting wonky. I swear it knows that I just invested $80 on ink, and so now it has decided to print black and orange lines across all my pictures. So angering.
- I lost my favorite bra. My purple and pink one from Target. How does one do that? Maybe the dryer ate it? Who knows, but I'm sad.
- I am ready to face the week head on. Bring on the MBA madness.
freshness
I went out this past weekend for the first time in a long time. To be honest, I really didn't want to but it was the first time my classmates had made plans and I just didn't want to be the girl who said she'd go, and then backed out last minute. So I went. And it was so much fun. I met some really interesting people from all around the world. I love striking up conversations about the cities I've been to, lived in, or dream of going. And with the number of foreigners that seem to be popping up here and there, these kinds of conversations are becoming a more frequent thing.
And although I'm constantly having doubts about whether this MBA is right for me or not, I'm not having doubts about living in this fantastic city. I don't think I could do it forever, but for right now, it is a perfect place to be.
the ring and a story
So this is my ring. It's a custom made, 6 prong, milgrain design, with pave diamonds on three sides. The design I chose was inspired by Bvlgari's 125th anniversary ring that I fell in love with (and obviously couldn't afford). I love the way it turned out. The four month wait was totally worth it.
So did you notice the blue finger? So the day after picking up my ring, I had a bit of a run-in with my rotary cutter. I accidentally cut off a chunk of my finger instead of cutting the pretty blue fabric that I was using for a baby quilt that I frantically trying to finish. Long story short, I was forced to go to the hospital after trying to act tough for the first 3 hours of gushing blood. The worse part was that the magic chemical-infused gauze thing that the doctor used to make it stop bleeding hurt more that cutting off my finger. So, to all my sewing friends out there...watch your fingers! Especially when you have JUST switched the blade.
So, I'm back in Taiwan now. Reunited with my boy. Reacquainting myself with the humidity. And doing all the prep-work and annoying paper work for my first week of business school. Today, I'm off to orientation. Wish me luck.
a few more goodbyes
One of the things I love most about living here are the people I meet. Christine is from South Korea, and Tony is from Liechtenstein. Never heard of that country? Yeah, I hadn't either until I met him. It's the fourth smallest country in the world, and after meeting Tony, I am dying to visit. Tony is probably one of the most fascinating people I've ever met. The guy can speak 5 languages fluently. I want my future kids to grow up to be just like him. Multi-lingual, cultured, well-traveled, intelligent, humble, and adventurous. These two are my lunch buddies from time to time and today we had our last meal together. It was sad to say goodbye.
color me happy
Do you want to know one of my favorite things about living in Taipei? That you can buy pens individually! All colors. All brands. And you can test them out before you buy to make sure that you like how they write. As a child, my favorite day of the year was back-to-school-shopping day (I loved buying new markers, crayons, mechanical pencils, pretty colored pens, hi-liters, etc.) so living here is a nerdy girl's dream come true. I love the stationary stores here. If only they had letterpress, then it really would be my dream come true.
and there goes the weekend
Me and my boy finally had a weekend alone and it was so lovely. I hardly see him during the week, and for the last few weekends we've had a house guest, so I was extremely excited to have him all to myself. We watched The Hangover yesterday, which I highly recommend. I must say, that Bradley Cooper is one damn-good looking man. Especially with the long, curly, I-just-got-out-bed-looking-this-sexy, hair. So yep, I'm a big fan. Anyways, in other fantastic news, I FINALLY found a ring setting that I am madly in love with. Yes it took me 3 months and yes I'm incredibly picky. But if I have to wear this ring for a lifetime, then it should be perfect right? I can't wait to go home next month, get the diamond set, and rock it with pride. Now let's hope finding the location for the wedding doesn't take me as long as the setting did.
localized
My new thing: I rock an umbrella even if it's not raining. The locals do it, and at first, I thought it was strange. But then I started seeing sun damage on my face. And so, I learned my lesson. I mean, just to give you an idea on how strong the sun is here...Taipei and Miami are on the same latitude. And the last time I went to Miami, I burned to a crisp. Not many foreigners in Taipei do the umbrella thing, but perhaps I can start a trend? I wonder what my friends would say if I tried to bring this "custom" back to the states. I think they'd just laugh at me.
june 5
I have three things to celebrate today:
- I got accepted to another grad school program
- Last day of school. Two week break ahead!
- It's my one year anniversary of arriving in Taipei
I can't believe it's already been one year. It has truly flown by. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity. I feel like I've accomplished more in the last year of my life, then the last four years combined. I don't think I need to get into the mushy details, but all I can say is that I'm proud of myself for surviving the last 12 months. So, cheers to year one. And cheers to many more.
dragon boat festival
I went out yesterday with some classmates to check out the festivities for Dragon Boat Festival. It was especially cool cause we got to see one of our classmates compete (she's the brunette sitting in front, behind the guy with a shaved head). I've decided that before I leave Taiwan, I want to participate in the boat races. I know training would be hard, but imagine how diesel I would be!
Some pictures with my classmates:
I'm off to celebrate this holiday with Matt's family. I'm a little nervous because this will be my first time hanging out with them without Matt (he's still on vacation). I know my Chinese is conversational now, but I still worry that I'm going to say something stupid, or that I won't understand them. But, I am brave, and I can do this. Happy weekend!
i guess its about time i share
I've been waiting for a while to share the big news. My boy popped the question, exactly one month ago today. It was totally unexpected and one of the most shocking moments of my life. It was simple. And sweet. And so totally us. I couldn't be happier! I can't believe I'm going to be a Mrs. I feel so grown up.
seeyalatercomebacksoon
I love this picture for his big messy hair and that face he always makes. But I especially love this picture for the crazy art work in the corner. Isn't it creepy?
He's gone. The car just picked him up. Off to Europe he goes! He'll be gone the rest of May, and although I'm excited for some alone time, I think the thrill of a quiet house and fewer responsibilities will probably die down by the weekend. While he is gone, I will eat mostly vegetarian food, eat cereal for dinner a few times a week, and probably live a little messier than normal. I'm hosting a sleepover on Friday night with some classmates, and possibly a sewing party on Saturday. Looking forward to some girl bonding and crafty time at home.
tiramisu coffee
I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'm a big fan of this drink. I give it a 9.5 on presentation and a 9.87 on taste. Found this drink at a hole-in-the-hall coffee shop by Zhongshan MRT. Luckily, it's right by Matt's grandma's house, so I can always stop by and have a drink after our Sunday visits.
Today, I am skipping my first two classes and going to the gym instead. I find every reason in the book to not workout and i'm sick of watching my body slowly sag and dimple. I put school work first, my boy second, and myself in the last place spot. I'm going to spice up my life, throw it out of routine, and just focus on what is important. Today, that means getting my ass to a gym, and not feeling guilty about slacking on my other responsibilities. What are YOU doing today?
one more day
One more day, then 9 days of freedom. Do you have ANY idea how excited I am? Next week, I plan to sleep, workout, quilt, and relax. Maybe check out a museum or two. And possibly dust off the paper and glue area of my craft room. I also want to go exploring (on my bike, of course) before the weather gets unbearably warm. I love riding my bike around, discovering hidden boutiques, or quaint family restaurants. My favorite part about riding my bike is just riding until I feel lost, and then having to use Chinese to ask for directions or just navigating through unfamiliar roads until I find my way. Is that weird?
on bike riding
I love my bike. love love love. Best $100 I ever spent. Especially since the guy who sold it to me through in a basket, lock, and an annoying (yet surprisingly useful) bell for free. I ride it daily to class. This picture was taken on National Taiwan University's campus. Everyone rides bikes here on campus and now I feel like I'm just like the other students. Just yesterday, someone asked me if I was Taiwanese. I couldn't help but give them an awkward "wtf" look when they asked, but at the same time, it was kinda nice to be mistaken for a local.
in-class craftiness
This is the chinese character for "spring." I cut this out in class a few weeks ago and its been sitting on our coffee table ever since. Spring has arrived here in Taipei. It's been about 75 all week. Our orchids are blooming again. And everyday I wake up to the sweet sounds of birds chirping outside my window. Now if only I could find a way to train those birds to only wake me up monday-friday. sigh. happy weekend everyone!
its 83 degrees outside and i am indoors studying
i love pictures that just capture random daily bits of life. This is from yesterday. Pretzels, grapefruit boba tea, chinese books, computer, camera, keys, cell phone, backpack, timer, etc. This is a typical afternoon for me. Home alone, chinese audio tapes playing via my mac, a book glued to my face, some kind of tea, and a snack to get me through it all. welcome to my little world.
on friends
These are some of my classmates (and one of my teachers - the super adorable one second from the bottom left). We went to KTV (karaoke tv) last night where we practiced reading characters by singing chinese songs. And you thought learning chinese wasn't fun!
It's been hard for me to make real friends here in taiwan. It's been especially hard knowing that most of the people i meet are eventually going to leave taiwan. its already happened with my former classmate who left to go back to Korea. My other friend Randi is leaving me soon to go back to the states. And all the kids from the picture above will leave by summer. I guess I'll just enjoy them while I have them.
dear oven, i miss you
I think it's safe to say that 98% of Taiwanese homes don't have ovens. Taiwanese cook everything fresh (and fast), so ovens really aren't their style. But the longer I'm here, the more I miss having one. I miss making sweet treats from time to time. I also miss making lasagna. And baked potatoes. And all those quick meals I used to make back home. I've been dying to make carrot cupcakes, but alas, I am restricted by the lack of oven. I hate it when I have cravings that I cannot satisfy.
could it be?
It is 80 degrees outside. I started sweating on my bike ride home. Sweating, people. Yuck. Could it be that Taiwan's winter is over and the hot, humid, sticky, gross months are right around the corner? Ohhh no.
I'm not going to worry about that today. I want to enjoy today. Today, is just perfect. 80 and sunny. If you need me, I'll be outside, wearing flip flops and possibly skipping.
on average
- from 8am-2pm my day looks pretty similar to the photo above
- except its usually not one of my friends pretending to teach the class
- i miss that friend more than I ever thought I would
- because all i drink now is tea, coffee hurts my stomach like whoa
- i might not like working in finance, but deep down i am a true finance geek who loves to make budget spreadsheets and analytical pie charts
- i can write about 650-700 characters. my goal is 2000.
- facebook is both good and bad. addicting and lame. all in one.
- i made a new friend. and she speaks spanish. so awesome.
- i love the new leather smell of my lv handbag
- my hair has been doing this 40s flip thing and i don't like it one bit.
- my ankle gave out last night, while wearing heels, and people laughed.
- after i finish typing, i plan to paint my fingernails dark purple.
