Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with a play by play. Mostly because I don't think anyone will check this during the Oscars, and it's just so tiring afterwards. It's one of those things that is wonderfully enjoyable for the five hours it lasts and then afterwards, it's old news.
I am keeping score for our Gilroy Family Site Poll. There's 7 women in the running, almost all of the "Aunts" and "Cousins". So far, Aunt Carole pulls ahead with two out of two. But we've only just begun. I'll make sure to publically announce the winner at the end!
Right now, I shall turn my full attention to Beyonce trying to sing some French song. Hmmmm.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
My brand-spanking new camera!
Decision made. I bought a Pentax Optio SV, and only have a smidge of buyer's remorse. See, I had decided that the Pentax Optio 500 was for me, and when I found a camera with the same specs (5 megapixels, 5x optical zoom) I assumed it was the same camera sold under a different name in asia. Well, I was wrong. So there are some drawbacks to the camera I bought. However, I'm still quite happy with it. On the other hand, I still can't forget about the Canon IXUSi with the pink case. I want them both. Thankfully Kathy is here to give me a skeptical look and tell me it is simply absurd to want to buy two new digital cameras. I'm going to wait a few weeks and see if I still think I need them both. 
I had a brief, fleeting, moment where I thought I could be fashionable...Is it working?
Okay, then I had to get a cute camera case, which was on sale. Then, I had to buy the whole matching set, which was also on sale. Cellphone fob, sunglasses case, card case, and of course, camera case!
No, really, I'm not self-centered!
Another picture of me. It's actually quite nice to have someone along to take pictures. This is my little 'forest' walk to school every day. The median in the center of 10 lanes of traffic is surprisingly calm and peaceful. I get to relax and pretend I'm in the country for a bit, before I step out into the busy street at the next light.
Lantern Festival fun and excitement
Yah, so last week was the "Lantern Festival" - not much to write home about because it didn't involve a day off work. The only disernable form of celebration was lots and lots of rice dumplings, which I believe I have already mentioned. Walking along the streets, many of my usual bakeries had dumpling-making stand set up on the street. A little piece of Taipei.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
The Excitement of Jelly Beans
You know those "Bertie Botts" jelly beans from Harry Potter? You know that Jelly Belly sells boxes of said Bertie Botts, which include both the good and bad flavors? Well, this morning in my Saturday class, one of my students brought in a box, which someone had sent him from England. They got me to try some. The first one was Cherry, the second...Sardines. It was truly disgusting - it really did taste exactly like sardines. Then, sucker that I am, they talked me into trying another one at break, this one they thought was Earthworms, but actually turned out to just be Dirt. That was a relief.
Aside from disgusting candy, the class was enjoyable. This Saturday Writing Club has been my favorite class to plan for and teach, because it's my favorite age, grade 7 and 8's, and it's a longer class, 2 hours. Because it's Saturday I can also be a bit more relaxed. All the students behave well, because it's their only co-ed class. Ooooh. Most of the students from last semester signed up for this semester, plus a few newbies. I'm glad to have a class that is such a pleasure to teach, the fact that I love writing makes it so much easier.
Oh, I had them all make pen names so they would be less self-concious about their writing. My example pen name is Carole aka "Cat Ellens." (Sorry, H. for stealing your name!).
I'm off to tutoring, in two things I love, writing and diagramming. Then, I plan to buy a camera. Well, maybe. Decisions are not my strong point, and there are just so many pros and cons to all the different cameras. I'm leaning towards great image quality, ultra compact, at the expense of optical zoom. It's called the Canon PowerShot SD10 in N. America, and the Canon IXUSi here. We'll see.
Aside from disgusting candy, the class was enjoyable. This Saturday Writing Club has been my favorite class to plan for and teach, because it's my favorite age, grade 7 and 8's, and it's a longer class, 2 hours. Because it's Saturday I can also be a bit more relaxed. All the students behave well, because it's their only co-ed class. Ooooh. Most of the students from last semester signed up for this semester, plus a few newbies. I'm glad to have a class that is such a pleasure to teach, the fact that I love writing makes it so much easier.
Oh, I had them all make pen names so they would be less self-concious about their writing. My example pen name is Carole aka "Cat Ellens." (Sorry, H. for stealing your name!).
I'm off to tutoring, in two things I love, writing and diagramming. Then, I plan to buy a camera. Well, maybe. Decisions are not my strong point, and there are just so many pros and cons to all the different cameras. I'm leaning towards great image quality, ultra compact, at the expense of optical zoom. It's called the Canon PowerShot SD10 in N. America, and the Canon IXUSi here. We'll see.
Friday, February 25, 2005
A Well-Developed Sense of Comedic Timing?
For those of you who know me personally (most of you) you know that of the many aspects of my personality, a sense of humour is not the best developed. I have often bemoaned this fact, reading one too many magazine article about how the #1 most important quality people look for is a sense of humour.
However, there is good news. I have found that becoming a teacher and trying to learn the best strategies for managing a classroom and imparting knowledge have taught me comedic timing. I noticed this for the first time this week, when I had every single one of my classes laughing. For my special interest classes, I had a joke to go with each rule, and by the end of the week, I felt like a stand-up comedian, cranking out the same joke to a new audience, knowing how to time it to get the most laughs. My grade 2's were the same, only I had the help of a hilarious story called "Mr. Wolf's Week" - highly recommended if you are in grade 1 or 2!
It feels good to laugh in class, and it feels even better to see them enjoying themselves. They need some time to loosen up and relax, and who knows, maybe I'll leave Fu Hsing with a great sense of humour! I can only hope.
However, there is good news. I have found that becoming a teacher and trying to learn the best strategies for managing a classroom and imparting knowledge have taught me comedic timing. I noticed this for the first time this week, when I had every single one of my classes laughing. For my special interest classes, I had a joke to go with each rule, and by the end of the week, I felt like a stand-up comedian, cranking out the same joke to a new audience, knowing how to time it to get the most laughs. My grade 2's were the same, only I had the help of a hilarious story called "Mr. Wolf's Week" - highly recommended if you are in grade 1 or 2!
It feels good to laugh in class, and it feels even better to see them enjoying themselves. They need some time to loosen up and relax, and who knows, maybe I'll leave Fu Hsing with a great sense of humour! I can only hope.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Proof...Genetics Work.
This morning, Kathy and I came out of our respective rooms, dressed almost entirely alike. It's uncanny, because we both only own one mint green top, but we both choose that top to wear, with grey pants, our matching grey sweaters from Mom, and we were both heading for the same pair of black flats. Craziness! It's just like highschool, with one key difference. Instead of fighting about who would have to choose something new to wear for 10 minutes, I just ran back to change my top, sweater and shoes, and we were on our way to work. It just streched my mind, because really what's the probability? And then I start thinking about sharing DNA with someone, and my mind starts to boggle. I never did get the DNA experiment with onions in Chemistry Lab.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Another day in the life
Today is the Lantern Festival, which seems to mean lots of Christmas lights and eating Rice Dumplings. The rice dumplings are not to my taste, they have a very chewy glutenous consistency that made me gag the first time I tried them. Fortunately, I was able to feed my rice dumplings to Kathleen, while making it look like I tried some. Handy.
Today was stressful, making sure Kathleen knew where to go and what to do. It was like trying to keep two people's lives running. Whew. She's a fast learner, though! The fun part of today was walking around together and having all of our cute students STARE and giggle. They thought it was hilarious.
Having Kathleen here is also nice because as she unpacks, she keeps giving me new gifts. One surprise after another, little things from Canada that I can't get here, somethings that I asked for and some surprises. Right now, I'm enjoying wine gums. Yumm.
This is a boring post, I actually feel boring today in general. I'm just hanging in there until the weekend...I think I can, I think I can.
Today was stressful, making sure Kathleen knew where to go and what to do. It was like trying to keep two people's lives running. Whew. She's a fast learner, though! The fun part of today was walking around together and having all of our cute students STARE and giggle. They thought it was hilarious.
Having Kathleen here is also nice because as she unpacks, she keeps giving me new gifts. One surprise after another, little things from Canada that I can't get here, somethings that I asked for and some surprises. Right now, I'm enjoying wine gums. Yumm.
This is a boring post, I actually feel boring today in general. I'm just hanging in there until the weekend...I think I can, I think I can.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Lost in Translation...or just lost?
I'm functioning on less than 6 hours sleep, which is really quite trying for me. I'll try to make it through the day without bursting into tears (which seems to invariably follow a lack of sleep).
Kathy came last night. It was (and still is) cold and dark and rainy. I was quite glad though, because this kind of weather makes Taipei feel more like Taiwan than Toronto. Most days I feel that Taipei is just Toronto with a higher percentage of Asians. But on dark and rainy nights, with the army of yellow cabs flashing by the lines of glowing neon lights, I get the "Lost in Translation" feeling. When he first arrives in Tokyo, and is staring out the window at all the lights...that feeling. Also, anytime I walk across a white striped crosswalk in the rain, facing a crowd of faceless people with umbrellas, I feel like Scarlett (which a little imagination).
I was thinking about how much I love Lost in Translation, and how if I had never seen that movie I most likely wouldn't be living in Taiwan right now. I saw it at the Rave Movie Theatre at Jefferson Pointe, Ft. Wayne. I think it was just Claire and I, and after we left the theatre neither of us could really talk about it (highly unusual) because we were so moved. I saw it during my semester of pondering "What do I want to do with my life? Ahhh!" and it scared me. The isolation and foreigner status, the loneliness and harshness. Could I really live like that? Could I really move to Asia and risk getting lost? They weren't easy questions, but they came at the right time. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that it was worth the risk. I was right.
Kathy came last night. It was (and still is) cold and dark and rainy. I was quite glad though, because this kind of weather makes Taipei feel more like Taiwan than Toronto. Most days I feel that Taipei is just Toronto with a higher percentage of Asians. But on dark and rainy nights, with the army of yellow cabs flashing by the lines of glowing neon lights, I get the "Lost in Translation" feeling. When he first arrives in Tokyo, and is staring out the window at all the lights...that feeling. Also, anytime I walk across a white striped crosswalk in the rain, facing a crowd of faceless people with umbrellas, I feel like Scarlett (which a little imagination).
I was thinking about how much I love Lost in Translation, and how if I had never seen that movie I most likely wouldn't be living in Taiwan right now. I saw it at the Rave Movie Theatre at Jefferson Pointe, Ft. Wayne. I think it was just Claire and I, and after we left the theatre neither of us could really talk about it (highly unusual) because we were so moved. I saw it during my semester of pondering "What do I want to do with my life? Ahhh!" and it scared me. The isolation and foreigner status, the loneliness and harshness. Could I really live like that? Could I really move to Asia and risk getting lost? They weren't easy questions, but they came at the right time. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that it was worth the risk. I was right.
Back together after almost 5 years of 'separating'. More on that later. Kathy didn't want me to put this picture on, but I said, "Too bad, it's not like any expects you to look good after travelling around the world." She was too Gravolled out to put up a fight, so here is our first 'twin picture.' I'll change it for another one when I go pick her up from the apartment this afternoon.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Sunday Sleep is 10 times nicer!
I slept in till 11 am this morning. That really has to be a record, excluding when I'm sick or jetlagged. I think my body needed it, I've been stressed. So I got up, had a shower, took a brisk walk in the rainy cold weather to secure a grade decaf Americano and some lunch. Then I got home, was finishing off the end of my coffee and rereading Life of Pi, when I suddenly felt the urge to have a nap. And so I did! I think it's required for a cold, rainy, Sunday in February. I must be one of the few people who really enjoys this kind of weather.
I have nothing intelligent to write about - no social commentary or intellectual ramblings. Unless it's from the Cat in the Hat, I just watched the movie! Kathy comes tommorrow - craziness. I'll take airport pictures for ya'll.
I have nothing intelligent to write about - no social commentary or intellectual ramblings. Unless it's from the Cat in the Hat, I just watched the movie! Kathy comes tommorrow - craziness. I'll take airport pictures for ya'll.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Comparision Shopping Runs in the Family
I was ready to walk into Tesco today and pick a digital camera to buy. I just didn't have the inclination to wander all over Taipei comparing prices, and trying to bargain. I hate feeling like I'm paying a higher price because I don't speak Chinese. At Tesco, the prices are marked, and they look like Wal-Mart, with signs that say "Unbeatable Price" etc., that make me feel good about the amount I am paying.
But, I looked at the cameras and just couldn't do it. It goes against all of the genes from the Gilroy family. So I came home, and started doing my internet research. Turns out that each and every one of the cameras I was looked at are cheaper in Canada. And, after reading reviews on a few sites, I realized the ones I want aren't even at Tesco. Alas. I also ended up choosing one of the most expensive models, because I was reading all the reviews, without looking at the price.
My choice? The Pentax Optio 550. You can read another review here. It has exactly what I want- 5 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, it's image quality is among the best, it has a lightning fast start-up, and it's only about the size of a deck of cards.
So Mom, if you want to go out and buy one I'll pay you back! (=
But, I looked at the cameras and just couldn't do it. It goes against all of the genes from the Gilroy family. So I came home, and started doing my internet research. Turns out that each and every one of the cameras I was looked at are cheaper in Canada. And, after reading reviews on a few sites, I realized the ones I want aren't even at Tesco. Alas. I also ended up choosing one of the most expensive models, because I was reading all the reviews, without looking at the price.
My choice? The Pentax Optio 550. You can read another review here. It has exactly what I want- 5 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, it's image quality is among the best, it has a lightning fast start-up, and it's only about the size of a deck of cards.
So Mom, if you want to go out and buy one I'll pay you back! (=
Friday, February 18, 2005
Alright, I don't hate Picasa anymore
Well, I'm still not sure what went wrong, but now I've reinstalled Picasa and it works. So I've put the rest of my travel pictures onto the CNY 2005 website. Check it out.
Carole's CNY 2005 Photo Blog
I'll warn you, there's alot of pictures of flowers, but I think they're pretty. If you just want the highlights, I posted a few of my favorite photos on this blog.
Oh, and by the way, I was informed by my family that the comments on this page aren't working right, and the contrast should be stronger for the font colour. I'll work on those two things tonight. Anything else? I very much appreciate the suggestions.
Carole's CNY 2005 Photo Blog
I'll warn you, there's alot of pictures of flowers, but I think they're pretty. If you just want the highlights, I posted a few of my favorite photos on this blog.
Oh, and by the way, I was informed by my family that the comments on this page aren't working right, and the contrast should be stronger for the font colour. I'll work on those two things tonight. Anything else? I very much appreciate the suggestions.
Batu Ferringhi
A peaceful scene along the Batu Ferringhi beach, on the island of Penang, Malaysia. This is the exact beach where quite a few people died during the Tsunami.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Fourth Try's a Charm!
Well, I think this is my fourth blog skin in a week, but I've finally found a winner. I hope you agree, because I just spend 3 hours getting it fixed up. I've discovered I love working with HTML, it's along the lines of diagramming, "Hobbies for Structured People", I suppose. Today I was telling Jill today how much I enjoy working out all the pieces of HTML like a puzzle, and we had a fun talk about Myers-Briggs personality tests, and how super-structered I am, and how completely unstructured she is. That was pretty much the only really fun part of the day, the rest of the time I was proctoring Grade 6 tests, which is supremely boring, and squeezing in a lunch-time Spinning session, good for me, but not enjoyable. However, I have enjoyed my last three hours curled up on the couch with the laptop, watching "The Joy Luck Club" and then "Hearts of Atlantis." Do post a comment to let me know if you think this blog skin is a keeper, and if you have any trouble reading or seeing any of the text or links!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
And for one moment...the world makes sense.
Good news all! My uncanny and almost scary ability to diagram sentences has finally come in handy. Yes, I had my doubts that life would ever thrown diagraming my way, after the massive amount of brain power I devoted to mastering it in high school. But, my tutee started at an American school this semester, and has been thrown into Grade 7 A Beka Curriculum. He-he. He has all the same textbooks I used to love, and since he's starting mid-year, he's been thrown into the deep end of DIAGRAMMING. So I'm helping him with it. And it's all coming back, the tricky slanted line for the predicate nominative, the illusive dotted line for adjective clauses! I do have a few things I can't remember, but overall, I have it deeply ingrained from studying it so much. Yes, it's obsolete in the North American education system, and really doesn't help students learn English, but, by golly, I love it. When I diagram, life makes sense.
Spring is here, or is it Summer?
My little weather pixie appears to be broken - she says it's 11 degrees and rainy when it's about 26 and sunny. But, the warm weather was actually very helpful for my grade 2 lesson today, we had to talk about spring, sing a song called "Spring is Coming" etc., and it was much more convincing that spring was coming when the sun was glaring in the window.
Today I had my grade 7 girls class, and they all cheered, loudly, when I told them Kathy was coming. I was a bit surprised! But everyone here seems excited for her to get here, and I am too. It will certainly be weird living together again, just like high school, but entirely different. I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh whatever reversion to childhood relations we'll have to work through!
Today I had my grade 7 girls class, and they all cheered, loudly, when I told them Kathy was coming. I was a bit surprised! But everyone here seems excited for her to get here, and I am too. It will certainly be weird living together again, just like high school, but entirely different. I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh whatever reversion to childhood relations we'll have to work through!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Is it the weekend yet?
This week is dragging along, and I have very little patience while waiting for the weekend. Thankfully, I have a light class load this week because of some testing, so I'm just hanging in there, and putting off all the big planning until the weekend.
Oh, and much to my surprise, Spring is here. Of course, spring in Taipei is the equivalent of summer. It was a high of 27 today! Time to kick on the air conditioning. I have a small kindle of hope that this is only a temporary thaw and that winter will come back in full force for a month of two more. But hope is small. Time to pack up the sweaters, I'm afraid.
Tonight for dinner, I had a special treat - cheese! This is a rare treat indeed, because the good stuff (for me, really old white cheddar) is pricey. But twice I've just been craving cheese so bad I've gone to splurge on a block. Mmmm. Cheese is good.
Oh, and good news. Teaching today reminded me why I love my job. One of my classes today was incredible, there was a real sense of give and take, the students were fully participating, and enjoying themselves while respecting my place as the teacher. It was a great feeling, that even my 'bad' class couldn't ruin. I have given in to the truth that teaching is 10 times better when it comes after coffee. Teaching takes more energy than I have naturally, but put a little cup of caffiene in me and I'm peppy and ready to go. Well, as ready as I can be for the first week back at work.
Oh, and much to my surprise, Spring is here. Of course, spring in Taipei is the equivalent of summer. It was a high of 27 today! Time to kick on the air conditioning. I have a small kindle of hope that this is only a temporary thaw and that winter will come back in full force for a month of two more. But hope is small. Time to pack up the sweaters, I'm afraid.
Tonight for dinner, I had a special treat - cheese! This is a rare treat indeed, because the good stuff (for me, really old white cheddar) is pricey. But twice I've just been craving cheese so bad I've gone to splurge on a block. Mmmm. Cheese is good.
Oh, and good news. Teaching today reminded me why I love my job. One of my classes today was incredible, there was a real sense of give and take, the students were fully participating, and enjoying themselves while respecting my place as the teacher. It was a great feeling, that even my 'bad' class couldn't ruin. I have given in to the truth that teaching is 10 times better when it comes after coffee. Teaching takes more energy than I have naturally, but put a little cup of caffiene in me and I'm peppy and ready to go. Well, as ready as I can be for the first week back at work.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Another Try
Okay, I'm not really admitting failure, because I think I can make a blog skin, but I just couldn't take that black and pink one anymore. This is a skin I've had for awhile, and I thought I would put it up, until I get the sage green one sorted out. I think a soft sage green is the easiest to read and most pleasing to the eye. It should be up next week. For now, enjoy some subtle orchids. I love orchids. I'm not sure what it looks like to you, because I used pretty fonts that I've downloaded off the net. If you want to download them, I can put on links, but I think for most of you it's more bother than it's worth, just read the boring fonts.
Oh, and the first day of school was okay - I didn't quite feel like I had my feet under me. I'm doing more planning tonight. Oh, and it's Valentines Day, and this will be the first year I can spend the day in peace instead of being bombarded with the extensive college girl esctasy or tragedy approach to the day. No melodrama here! I don't mind Valentine's Day, for people who have a 'Valentine' but I think it's absurd how single people torture themselves on a holiday that's just not for them.
Oh, and the first day of school was okay - I didn't quite feel like I had my feet under me. I'm doing more planning tonight. Oh, and it's Valentines Day, and this will be the first year I can spend the day in peace instead of being bombarded with the extensive college girl esctasy or tragedy approach to the day. No melodrama here! I don't mind Valentine's Day, for people who have a 'Valentine' but I think it's absurd how single people torture themselves on a holiday that's just not for them.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Half Way There
Okay, I should learn my lesson and put all my pictures on blogger when it works. Yup, I've tried multiple times today to put the rest of my pictures on, and no luck. So, I'll just link to the site where I put half the pictures. I was trying to go in order, so it starts half way through Kuala Lumpur, and then goes through the end.
The site is: CNY 2005
I'm still tired and feeling overwhelmed. I'm not very happy with my job right now, but I read a very enlightening article on people getting fired for complaining about their jobs on their blogs, even if they don't name the company or the people. So, precautionary lesson learned, save the job complaints for an email, right? I suppose it's better manners anyway.
The site is: CNY 2005
I'm still tired and feeling overwhelmed. I'm not very happy with my job right now, but I read a very enlightening article on people getting fired for complaining about their jobs on their blogs, even if they don't name the company or the people. So, precautionary lesson learned, save the job complaints for an email, right? I suppose it's better manners anyway.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
I don't think it suits me.
Uum, I don't think I like this skin -there's too much going one, it looks like an adolescent blog. Maybe I need to simplify the colour sceme to just one or two colours?
Oh, and I have my Chinese New Year photo blog page half done, I need to finish it tommorrow because I'm just too sleepy.
I did have one story to tell you about today. This morning I was sound asleep in my lovely bed (which by the way is as hard as a board, and I really missed it!) when suddenly the sound of gun fire filled my room! I sat up in bed, sure that the Chinese had invaded and this was the end. Another burst of fire, and I sprang to the window to see what was the matter. Well, the garage across the street was setting off firecrackers. Firecrackers! Early Saturday morning! Outside my window. WEll, once I ascertained that it was not in fact the end of the world, but only more New Year celebrations, I was able to lie back down. But I've been jumping all day as I was out about errands, as shop keepers all over seem to think that firecrackers on public streets is acceptable. Chinese New Year is not a one night celebration, no each day there is some sort of new form of party.
Oh, and I have my Chinese New Year photo blog page half done, I need to finish it tommorrow because I'm just too sleepy.
I did have one story to tell you about today. This morning I was sound asleep in my lovely bed (which by the way is as hard as a board, and I really missed it!) when suddenly the sound of gun fire filled my room! I sat up in bed, sure that the Chinese had invaded and this was the end. Another burst of fire, and I sprang to the window to see what was the matter. Well, the garage across the street was setting off firecrackers. Firecrackers! Early Saturday morning! Outside my window. WEll, once I ascertained that it was not in fact the end of the world, but only more New Year celebrations, I was able to lie back down. But I've been jumping all day as I was out about errands, as shop keepers all over seem to think that firecrackers on public streets is acceptable. Chinese New Year is not a one night celebration, no each day there is some sort of new form of party.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Company Party
Picasa / BloggerBot are working. I didn't do a thing different, who knows what the problem was last week. But this means I can put up the pictures from the Year-End Company Party last Friday. Then tommorrow, I'll weed through the digital photos from Singapore and Malaysia and put them on with stories.
This is Justin, Carolyn and I at the Shiang Garden, for the party. We did one picture right before this where Justin looked stonefaced, so we told him to smile. He did. (=
P.S. I LOVE the new Picasa 2 program, they have many more features for me to play with when editing - it's like being back at the photolab. I espeically like the "Warmify" feature which takes the icy skin tones of digital and warms them up. Did you notice the difference?
This is Justin, Carolyn and I at the Shiang Garden, for the party. We did one picture right before this where Justin looked stonefaced, so we told him to smile. He did. (=
P.S. I LOVE the new Picasa 2 program, they have many more features for me to play with when editing - it's like being back at the photolab. I espeically like the "Warmify" feature which takes the icy skin tones of digital and warms them up. Did you notice the difference?
Me and my Ang Bow! I think red envelopes of lucky money are a lovely tradition - throughout the week I encountered this wonderful cultural tradition often, at Subway, I picked an envelope and got a free coffee.
Oh, and wonderful news, my tutee was misinformed, the year of the Rooster is not bad luck for those born in the year of the Rooster, whewph! According to the newspaper article I read, this year, Roosters should hoard their money and stop spending it on unimportant things. Good advice for me any year!
Oh, and wonderful news, my tutee was misinformed, the year of the Rooster is not bad luck for those born in the year of the Rooster, whewph! According to the newspaper article I read, this year, Roosters should hoard their money and stop spending it on unimportant things. Good advice for me any year!
Carolyn's Prize
Carolyn didn't win any cash, but out of every person in the room, we can be quite sure she was the most excited to win a rice cooker. She's of the domestic ilk. Although nothing can take the place of winning cash, we had fun trying to keep her excited about her prize, by suggesting the multiple things that can be done with a rice cooker. (=
My Vending Machine Haircut.
So, I stumbled into my apartment, half frozen, around 8 pm tonight. A quick run for take-out, then I fell into the couch, laptop ready to keep my legs warm just like a cat. I was supposed to spend the evening blogging the rest of my trip, but I'm just so tired! So I spent the evening catching up on the blogs I read, since I had a whole week of posts I missed. It's so enjoyable to follow people's lives all around the world.
One thing I have to tell you about: I had a vending machine haircut today! No, I didn't stick my head into a machine, but I put my $10 Singapore bill (about $7 CND) into a vending machine, and it spit a ticket out at me. Then I waited in the queue for the stylist. The deal was $10 for a 10 minute haircut (it was at the airport). I needed a haircut and had been reticent to pay the big bucks to get an English-speaking hair stylist in Taiwan. So I told her what I wanted, she took out the scissors and got started. Now I'm sure I read in Brio ten years ago that if someone every tries to cut your hair dry you should run away screaming (or something like that). So I was worried when she just started in, but really, what can you expect in 10 minutes? After she was done, I had the very disconcerting experience of having my hair 'air-washed' which was the equivalent of having a vacuum cleaner sucking up all my hair. Overall it was a completely new hair cut experience, and they gave me the comb they used as a ...souvenier? It looks great though, of course the test will be when I wash it. I'm just happy to have it short again.
One thing I have to tell you about: I had a vending machine haircut today! No, I didn't stick my head into a machine, but I put my $10 Singapore bill (about $7 CND) into a vending machine, and it spit a ticket out at me. Then I waited in the queue for the stylist. The deal was $10 for a 10 minute haircut (it was at the airport). I needed a haircut and had been reticent to pay the big bucks to get an English-speaking hair stylist in Taiwan. So I told her what I wanted, she took out the scissors and got started. Now I'm sure I read in Brio ten years ago that if someone every tries to cut your hair dry you should run away screaming (or something like that). So I was worried when she just started in, but really, what can you expect in 10 minutes? After she was done, I had the very disconcerting experience of having my hair 'air-washed' which was the equivalent of having a vacuum cleaner sucking up all my hair. Overall it was a completely new hair cut experience, and they gave me the comb they used as a ...souvenier? It looks great though, of course the test will be when I wash it. I'm just happy to have it short again.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
A Day in Kuala Lumpur
Whew - another day of 'vacation' done. I think 'adventure journey' might be a better term - this is way to extreme to be a vacation! I'm loving it - though, the prevalence of English is marvelous for a traveler's confidence. Malaysia seems to be just like the travel literature said: a true mixture of Asia. So although there are lots of Chinese, East Indian, Malays, etc., English works out to be the common language. So that's made the logisitical side of travelling easier.
So, how was Kuala Lumpur, you ask? Well, first, I should tell you how I got here. Last night after I was at the interet cafe blogging to you, I went to have dinner, then to go to the train station, just in time to pick up my luggage and go through to get on the train and wait. Ha-ha. I had been worried because I was planning on going first class, but when I booked a few weeks back, all that was left was Second. But my worries were unfounded, it was a spacious, clean and airconditioned coach. We left Singapore around 10:30 pm and got into Kuala Lumpur around 6:30 am. I slept most of the way, and had a pretty good nights sleep, although it was certainly chilly. Don't you hate that feeling on trains or planes, when it's just a bit too chilly and you spend the night shivering?! I woke up 5:30, looked at my watch and thought it was 6:30 and started freaking out that I had slept through KL. I was quite a sight, whipping off my eye mask, taking off my extra socks, throwing on my shoes, generally scrambling. After a bit, I noticed the man in front of me was observing me, and I just asked him. But after that, I had trouble sleeping because I didn't want to miss my stop and end up in the Malaysian highlands by mistake!
Once I got off the train in KL, I felt awful. I hadn't showered or laid down since Taipei! The sun was just starting to rise, and I had no desire to see KL, all I wanted to do was sit down. So I decided to try something new - I walked to the proliferation of hotels outside the train station, and rented a room by the hour! I had to choose how many hours at the beginning - four. It was dirt cheap, so I was surprised to find a clean, airconditioned room. I had a shower, put on my pjs and had a wonderful nap. Afterwards, I repacked my bag and felt a good deal more ready to face the day. KL is worlds away from Singapore - although they are moving towards the affulence and opulence, it still feels much more SouthEast Asian poor. I really noticed the Muslim influence, perhaps because I haven't travelled to a Muslim country before (have I?) All the women have colourful head coverings, and while I was at the train station, I was wondering why all the men were going to this room by the washroom; it was a prayer room for them to wash their feet and say their prayers.
I started off my taking the MRT to the Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world? Taipei 101 says it is now, so I don't know. Taipei's looks taller to me, but really, who am I to say! The Petronas Towers were famous in my mind because they are featured in the film Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. I did the prefunctory (correct word, anyone?) pictures of the towers, me in front of the towers, although I found it a great hardship to be travelling without a good camera. It's downright depressing to see beautiful things and not be able to capture the memory for 5 years from now when I won't be able to remember a thing.
After I wandered through another massive mall, but again, had no energy to 'shop'. Actually, I'm still not feeling up to speed, my cold is moderately better, I can taste things. But the lingering effects of being sick combined with the energy-sapping heat made me look at every little cafe, longing to sit down and read. I didn't let myself though, if I only have a day in KL, and I slept through the morning, I was going to see everything in the afternoon! So, I whipped myself into shape, and dragged myself all over KL. The heat and blinding sun were oppressive, but it was worth it. KL is certainly not my favorite city ever, it's horrible for pedestrians, but it does have it's charms. I particulary liked the Malaysian Supreme Court, and was again struck by the injustice - all the prettiest buildings have boring things inside. The building looked like a rose and pink castle, with all the trimmings. It reminded me a bit of the the Vanderbult mansion in North Carolina.
I went through Chinatown to see all the hustle and bustle getting ready for Chinese New Year's tonight. It didn't excite me much - it was a lot like Taiwan. And Chinese New Year seems repitious to me, deeply entrenched in my Western mindset as I am. Why would I want to get excited over a New Year, when it's the year of the Rooster, which is supposed to be bad for me because I was born in the year of the Rooster? No, I'll choose to largely ignore it. I might try to see the Dragon Dances tommorrow in Penang.
I wish I could put pictures on here with my stories, it would make it better. Alas. You'll have to wait. Kathy, are you reading this? I was thinking of you in Venice while I was in Singapore. I loved Singapore, but it doesn't hold a candle to Venice. Everyone else, in case I haven't mentioned it before, out of all my travels, Venice is my favorite place. I would say it's a must see before you die. If that's not morbid. (= Let's say it's a must-see before Venice dies, and sinks into the lagoon.
The reason this post is so long, is because I am all checked in for my flight, and have time to kill. Burger King sells Internet Access by the hour, so I thought I would write a small book, Carole Nickle's Solo Adventure Journey Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. Tonight I will be on the island of Penang, staying at what is hopefully a 4 star beach resort. I'll be there all day tommorrow, swimming in the ocean, and then tommorrow night as well. So, don't expect a post for two days, you can just assume it would say this: "Went swimming, read book on beach, drank fresh juice, had a nap."
So, how was Kuala Lumpur, you ask? Well, first, I should tell you how I got here. Last night after I was at the interet cafe blogging to you, I went to have dinner, then to go to the train station, just in time to pick up my luggage and go through to get on the train and wait. Ha-ha. I had been worried because I was planning on going first class, but when I booked a few weeks back, all that was left was Second. But my worries were unfounded, it was a spacious, clean and airconditioned coach. We left Singapore around 10:30 pm and got into Kuala Lumpur around 6:30 am. I slept most of the way, and had a pretty good nights sleep, although it was certainly chilly. Don't you hate that feeling on trains or planes, when it's just a bit too chilly and you spend the night shivering?! I woke up 5:30, looked at my watch and thought it was 6:30 and started freaking out that I had slept through KL. I was quite a sight, whipping off my eye mask, taking off my extra socks, throwing on my shoes, generally scrambling. After a bit, I noticed the man in front of me was observing me, and I just asked him. But after that, I had trouble sleeping because I didn't want to miss my stop and end up in the Malaysian highlands by mistake!
Once I got off the train in KL, I felt awful. I hadn't showered or laid down since Taipei! The sun was just starting to rise, and I had no desire to see KL, all I wanted to do was sit down. So I decided to try something new - I walked to the proliferation of hotels outside the train station, and rented a room by the hour! I had to choose how many hours at the beginning - four. It was dirt cheap, so I was surprised to find a clean, airconditioned room. I had a shower, put on my pjs and had a wonderful nap. Afterwards, I repacked my bag and felt a good deal more ready to face the day. KL is worlds away from Singapore - although they are moving towards the affulence and opulence, it still feels much more SouthEast Asian poor. I really noticed the Muslim influence, perhaps because I haven't travelled to a Muslim country before (have I?) All the women have colourful head coverings, and while I was at the train station, I was wondering why all the men were going to this room by the washroom; it was a prayer room for them to wash their feet and say their prayers.
I started off my taking the MRT to the Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world? Taipei 101 says it is now, so I don't know. Taipei's looks taller to me, but really, who am I to say! The Petronas Towers were famous in my mind because they are featured in the film Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones. I did the prefunctory (correct word, anyone?) pictures of the towers, me in front of the towers, although I found it a great hardship to be travelling without a good camera. It's downright depressing to see beautiful things and not be able to capture the memory for 5 years from now when I won't be able to remember a thing.
After I wandered through another massive mall, but again, had no energy to 'shop'. Actually, I'm still not feeling up to speed, my cold is moderately better, I can taste things. But the lingering effects of being sick combined with the energy-sapping heat made me look at every little cafe, longing to sit down and read. I didn't let myself though, if I only have a day in KL, and I slept through the morning, I was going to see everything in the afternoon! So, I whipped myself into shape, and dragged myself all over KL. The heat and blinding sun were oppressive, but it was worth it. KL is certainly not my favorite city ever, it's horrible for pedestrians, but it does have it's charms. I particulary liked the Malaysian Supreme Court, and was again struck by the injustice - all the prettiest buildings have boring things inside. The building looked like a rose and pink castle, with all the trimmings. It reminded me a bit of the the Vanderbult mansion in North Carolina.
I went through Chinatown to see all the hustle and bustle getting ready for Chinese New Year's tonight. It didn't excite me much - it was a lot like Taiwan. And Chinese New Year seems repitious to me, deeply entrenched in my Western mindset as I am. Why would I want to get excited over a New Year, when it's the year of the Rooster, which is supposed to be bad for me because I was born in the year of the Rooster? No, I'll choose to largely ignore it. I might try to see the Dragon Dances tommorrow in Penang.
I wish I could put pictures on here with my stories, it would make it better. Alas. You'll have to wait. Kathy, are you reading this? I was thinking of you in Venice while I was in Singapore. I loved Singapore, but it doesn't hold a candle to Venice. Everyone else, in case I haven't mentioned it before, out of all my travels, Venice is my favorite place. I would say it's a must see before you die. If that's not morbid. (= Let's say it's a must-see before Venice dies, and sinks into the lagoon.
The reason this post is so long, is because I am all checked in for my flight, and have time to kill. Burger King sells Internet Access by the hour, so I thought I would write a small book, Carole Nickle's Solo Adventure Journey Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. Tonight I will be on the island of Penang, staying at what is hopefully a 4 star beach resort. I'll be there all day tommorrow, swimming in the ocean, and then tommorrow night as well. So, don't expect a post for two days, you can just assume it would say this: "Went swimming, read book on beach, drank fresh juice, had a nap."
Monday, February 07, 2005
Shopping
Well, good news - after the initial BIG bump in the road my journey has gone according to plan. I got another hour of sleep before I left the Singapore airport, and made the trek downtown to find the train station, where I left my luggage. Then I took a taxi up to the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was simply stunning. I was overwhelmed by how quickly I went from an urban center to a tropical jungle. I read that it's the only rainforest within city limits in any city, or something. I was glad to be by myself, and take my time. It is really hot and muggy, so I kept refilling my water bottle and walking slow. (I know - Carole Nickle, walking slow? But strolling was about all I had energy for). A highlight was the Orchid Gardens. Orchids are quickly becoming my favorite flowers, and this garden had all kinds. My favorite was a hybrid named after Margaret Thatcher. Another highlight of the garden was finding a dark, gazebo, hidden by swaying palm trees and orchids. I curled up on a bench, and had the most wonderful hour and a half nap. Every so often I'd roll over to look up at the sun trickling through the leafy branches and feel a humid breeze - ahhh.
The very sad news is that I could not take a picture of said favorite orchid because....I broke my camera!!! )= I am so mad at myself. See, I always take my SLR camera as a carry on, and this time I had it packed in my bag, because I was planning on taking the whole bag onto the plane as a carryon. It was too heavy, I forgot to take out the camera, and it got banged. The focus won't change, and there's a visible bend to the lense. I took it into a camera store, and he basically said there wasn't anything to be done. I toyed with just buying a new digital camera right then, but I was hot and tired and in no mood to be making a large ticket purchase. So the only pictures I'll have are on my little digital. Doesn't that stink? I think so. I'm trying to console myself with the fact that Kathy and I will for sure come back to Singapore sometime and I can take pictures at the gardens then.
After the gardens, I hit the main shopping drag, Orchard Rd. Now, I like shoppping. I have had my fair share of day long mega-trips with the four cousins hitting all the malls in the GTA. So I thought I would just leave today for two things, the Botanical Gardens and then Shopping for the day. But little did I realize the extent of Orchard Rd. Singapore shopping is shopping gone horribly bad. There are rows and rows of malls, not stores, so it takes hours to go a block. And each mall had stores I loved from the US and England. Ugh. It was busy because of Chinese New Year, and it was just so much sensory overload. Probably kept me from buying stuff, which is good. What I did buy was some bargins: new running shoes for about $10CND, a Harry Potter book for about $5CND, and WAY too much food from Marks and Spencers. It's an emotional attachment I have because of Kathy's time in Scotland and mine at Oxford. Ahh. Which reminds me - Kathy they have a topshop and an accessorize! Both priced like Britian plus imported, so too expensive, but fun to look at.
Now, I'm wrapping up Day 1 of vacation. I love Singapore, even though I haven't really seen it yet. I love how British it feels, while being tropical and relaxed, and I love that everyone speaks English! I don't know what to expect in Kuala Lumpur tommorrow, but I tell you, I can't wait to get to Penang and the beach tommorrow night. I'll keep in touch if possible.
The very sad news is that I could not take a picture of said favorite orchid because....I broke my camera!!! )= I am so mad at myself. See, I always take my SLR camera as a carry on, and this time I had it packed in my bag, because I was planning on taking the whole bag onto the plane as a carryon. It was too heavy, I forgot to take out the camera, and it got banged. The focus won't change, and there's a visible bend to the lense. I took it into a camera store, and he basically said there wasn't anything to be done. I toyed with just buying a new digital camera right then, but I was hot and tired and in no mood to be making a large ticket purchase. So the only pictures I'll have are on my little digital. Doesn't that stink? I think so. I'm trying to console myself with the fact that Kathy and I will for sure come back to Singapore sometime and I can take pictures at the gardens then.
After the gardens, I hit the main shopping drag, Orchard Rd. Now, I like shoppping. I have had my fair share of day long mega-trips with the four cousins hitting all the malls in the GTA. So I thought I would just leave today for two things, the Botanical Gardens and then Shopping for the day. But little did I realize the extent of Orchard Rd. Singapore shopping is shopping gone horribly bad. There are rows and rows of malls, not stores, so it takes hours to go a block. And each mall had stores I loved from the US and England. Ugh. It was busy because of Chinese New Year, and it was just so much sensory overload. Probably kept me from buying stuff, which is good. What I did buy was some bargins: new running shoes for about $10CND, a Harry Potter book for about $5CND, and WAY too much food from Marks and Spencers. It's an emotional attachment I have because of Kathy's time in Scotland and mine at Oxford. Ahh. Which reminds me - Kathy they have a topshop and an accessorize! Both priced like Britian plus imported, so too expensive, but fun to look at.
Now, I'm wrapping up Day 1 of vacation. I love Singapore, even though I haven't really seen it yet. I love how British it feels, while being tropical and relaxed, and I love that everyone speaks English! I don't know what to expect in Kuala Lumpur tommorrow, but I tell you, I can't wait to get to Penang and the beach tommorrow night. I'll keep in touch if possible.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
in Singapore
Hi everyone - I just landed in Singapore. It is almost 6 am. I just spend 10 hours WAITING in the Taipei Airport. Part of me isn't surprised, reading that last blog entry makes me think I would have to eat my words about planning. There's always the unexpected. In this case - massive amounts of fog. Who knew - Taipei is foggy?
Anyway, it worked out to be fine, I had a good book to read, a trolley to sit on, and peace of mind, because my plans were flexible enough to change. I had my cellphone to call the hostel, which was willing to cancel last minute. And I slept the entire 4.5 hours on the plane.
Now I'm in Singapore, and so far, it looks like the airport lives up to it's best in the world reputation. I'm going to go through immigration, get my bag, and find a corner to get a few more hours sleep!
Talk to you soon.
Anyway, it worked out to be fine, I had a good book to read, a trolley to sit on, and peace of mind, because my plans were flexible enough to change. I had my cellphone to call the hostel, which was willing to cancel last minute. And I slept the entire 4.5 hours on the plane.
Now I'm in Singapore, and so far, it looks like the airport lives up to it's best in the world reputation. I'm going to go through immigration, get my bag, and find a corner to get a few more hours sleep!
Talk to you soon.
AHHHHH! How many hours have I wasted trying to get those pictures onto my blog instead of getting ready for my trip? Too many! Now I have less than 2 hours before I have to catch the bus to the airport, and I'm giving up. I'll just have to describe it better to make up for the lack of images. I'll figure out what the problem with the program is when I come back from my trip.
Okay, so Friday night was our Company's Year End Party. Supposed to be a big deal, a 'mandatory' event for us, dress code in effect. I was excited about it at first, but I was quite sick on Friday night, and didn't relish getting out of bed. However, I made it, wearing my favorite pink / purple dress I bought in England. (I realized I have worn the same dress and shoes for the past four occasions I had to get dressed up for: "Romeo and Juliet" at Stratford-upon-Avon, England, "Rigoletto" in Indianapolis, Graduation at Huntington, and then this Company Party. I think since each event was with different people it's okay to rewear the dress, right?)
The food was okay, the speeches were nice. But the real highlight of the evening was the prizes. I did not understand the extent until I got there. They had 25 prizes for the 25 full-time employees, and then they drew names to see who got what prize. In the first round, I won a $1000NT ($40 CND) Starbucks gift card, which is exactly what I was hoping to win, because I would use it much more than an appliance or a thermos, which was what most of the other foreign teacher's won. We all wanted the first prize, a mini-Ipod, until our boss came over and said we would have to give it back if we won it, and then we were all aiming for the second prize!
Anyway, after round one of prizes, and more speeches and games (one which my name was drawn to play - but I won't relive it, it was embarassing, I lost, because they would say the instructions in Chinese, my competitior would run off to do it, and I would have to wait for them to translate it into English for me. Oh well, I was a good sport about running around and looking foolish - trying to gather 10 watches, three business cards, etc). The second round of prizes came up, this one was mostly Hung Bo, or red envelopes of lucky money. I've never before understood the joy of this concept, until I was sitting in the room on the edge of my seat waiting for them to draw my name. This time there were only a few, so not everyone would get an envelope. They kept calling names, and I kept hoping. I felt for sure it would be one of those times when you keep hoping and hoping, and then the last name is called and you get nothing! But this time, I kept hoping, and hoping, and then the last and biggest envelope's name was called: "Car..ole?" He-He!! I won! I was excited, and excepted my envelope from the President of our Company and the CEO of Singapore Airlines. And I didn't have to give it back.
Now, in our culture, it would be impolite to look at how much was in the envelope right away, but I think Taiwanese culture is different - everyone at the table was asking me "How much is it?" So I checked: $8000 NT, or about $325 CND! I was so excited. Carolyn asking "You've won $8000 dollars, what are you going to do?" The correct answer being "I'm going to Singapore!" Don't worry, I'm not going to blow it in Singapore - most of it will go in the bank. But I might just buy a little something special in Singapore. Overall the night was exciting, but I didn't like the lottery prize system. I felt guilty that Carolyn only got a $1000 gift certificate and a rice cooker. (Although out of everyone she was probably the only person that would squeal when they learned they won a rice cooker - she has a very strong domestic / cooking side). I think that year end rewards would be better handed out fairly based on salary and performance or something, but maybe that's just my Canadian mindset at work. And who am I to complain, I came away the winner!
So I leave for Singapore and Malaysia in 2 hours. I'm feeling a little better, although not all better. I'm excited about the trip, and everything is planned within an inch of perfection, so it should be a nice relaxing time. That's my secret to travel, plan, plan, plan beforehand (when planning is a fun way of thinking about your trip to come), and then when you're abroad, you can enjoy every moment without any stress or confusion.
Let's see if it works for me. I'll be back on the evening of February 11th, and will do my best to get photos online!
Happy Chinese New Year to you all!
Okay, so Friday night was our Company's Year End Party. Supposed to be a big deal, a 'mandatory' event for us, dress code in effect. I was excited about it at first, but I was quite sick on Friday night, and didn't relish getting out of bed. However, I made it, wearing my favorite pink / purple dress I bought in England. (I realized I have worn the same dress and shoes for the past four occasions I had to get dressed up for: "Romeo and Juliet" at Stratford-upon-Avon, England, "Rigoletto" in Indianapolis, Graduation at Huntington, and then this Company Party. I think since each event was with different people it's okay to rewear the dress, right?)
The food was okay, the speeches were nice. But the real highlight of the evening was the prizes. I did not understand the extent until I got there. They had 25 prizes for the 25 full-time employees, and then they drew names to see who got what prize. In the first round, I won a $1000NT ($40 CND) Starbucks gift card, which is exactly what I was hoping to win, because I would use it much more than an appliance or a thermos, which was what most of the other foreign teacher's won. We all wanted the first prize, a mini-Ipod, until our boss came over and said we would have to give it back if we won it, and then we were all aiming for the second prize!
Anyway, after round one of prizes, and more speeches and games (one which my name was drawn to play - but I won't relive it, it was embarassing, I lost, because they would say the instructions in Chinese, my competitior would run off to do it, and I would have to wait for them to translate it into English for me. Oh well, I was a good sport about running around and looking foolish - trying to gather 10 watches, three business cards, etc). The second round of prizes came up, this one was mostly Hung Bo, or red envelopes of lucky money. I've never before understood the joy of this concept, until I was sitting in the room on the edge of my seat waiting for them to draw my name. This time there were only a few, so not everyone would get an envelope. They kept calling names, and I kept hoping. I felt for sure it would be one of those times when you keep hoping and hoping, and then the last name is called and you get nothing! But this time, I kept hoping, and hoping, and then the last and biggest envelope's name was called: "Car..ole?" He-He!! I won! I was excited, and excepted my envelope from the President of our Company and the CEO of Singapore Airlines. And I didn't have to give it back.
Now, in our culture, it would be impolite to look at how much was in the envelope right away, but I think Taiwanese culture is different - everyone at the table was asking me "How much is it?" So I checked: $8000 NT, or about $325 CND! I was so excited. Carolyn asking "You've won $8000 dollars, what are you going to do?" The correct answer being "I'm going to Singapore!" Don't worry, I'm not going to blow it in Singapore - most of it will go in the bank. But I might just buy a little something special in Singapore. Overall the night was exciting, but I didn't like the lottery prize system. I felt guilty that Carolyn only got a $1000 gift certificate and a rice cooker. (Although out of everyone she was probably the only person that would squeal when they learned they won a rice cooker - she has a very strong domestic / cooking side). I think that year end rewards would be better handed out fairly based on salary and performance or something, but maybe that's just my Canadian mindset at work. And who am I to complain, I came away the winner!
So I leave for Singapore and Malaysia in 2 hours. I'm feeling a little better, although not all better. I'm excited about the trip, and everything is planned within an inch of perfection, so it should be a nice relaxing time. That's my secret to travel, plan, plan, plan beforehand (when planning is a fun way of thinking about your trip to come), and then when you're abroad, you can enjoy every moment without any stress or confusion.
Let's see if it works for me. I'll be back on the evening of February 11th, and will do my best to get photos online!
Happy Chinese New Year to you all!
Friday, February 04, 2005
oops
I've spent all morning on the internet, and I was supposed to do two things: catch up on emails and write an intelligent blog entry. I did neither, and instead read other people's blogs. So addictive. I have to stop now, I need a nap. Perhaps after I will feel like blogging. If not, there will be photos of me looking surprisingly fetching for being sick as a dog (HA! get it?) at the Year-End company party tonight.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
sick, again.
I hate to be a whiner, but just as I was getting better, I got sick again. Yucky. This morning I woke up with chills and a fever, and still have my cough and sinus problems. It was a rather miserable day of singing children's songs. However, I have to share my favorite song. It's to the tune of "Are you sleeping" or "Frerenjaka"
Never, never, play with matches
If you do, if you do,
You might burn your house down
You might burn your house down
That won't do, that won't do.
Yup - you might burn your house down, and of course, that won't do! It was the only song we sang that we actually messed up because we were laughing.
By the end of the day, I was in quite a state, and the other teachers (Taiwanese) were quite insistent that I should go to the doctor. It goes against my Mom's training to never go to the doctor and never take medicine. However, I'm leaving for Singapore on Sunday - I don't have time to wait it out. So I went. Wow, Taiwan has a great medical system. The whole process was quick, efficient, and in English. I got a wide variety of medicine to take care of everything - I think the doctor was horrified that I didn't come in earlier.
I realise that my trip to the doctor is far from interesting news, and frankly doesn't make this blog very intellectual or entertaining. Heh, the drugs haven't worked yet. Expect a wonderfully lucid and thought provoking post tommorrow.
Never, never, play with matches
If you do, if you do,
You might burn your house down
You might burn your house down
That won't do, that won't do.
Yup - you might burn your house down, and of course, that won't do! It was the only song we sang that we actually messed up because we were laughing.
By the end of the day, I was in quite a state, and the other teachers (Taiwanese) were quite insistent that I should go to the doctor. It goes against my Mom's training to never go to the doctor and never take medicine. However, I'm leaving for Singapore on Sunday - I don't have time to wait it out. So I went. Wow, Taiwan has a great medical system. The whole process was quick, efficient, and in English. I got a wide variety of medicine to take care of everything - I think the doctor was horrified that I didn't come in earlier.
I realise that my trip to the doctor is far from interesting news, and frankly doesn't make this blog very intellectual or entertaining. Heh, the drugs haven't worked yet. Expect a wonderfully lucid and thought provoking post tommorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)