Monday, February 21, 2005
The Fam
After a day at the beach we came back to the apartment for nachos. The boys are loving the homemade nachos. I think we’ve eaten 6 bags of chips, 3 pounds of tomatoes and 6 avocados since they’ve been here.
Oz Food
Out for our ‘Aussie’ meal, crocodile and kangaroo. The Roo was a bit like steak cooked too well done, and the crock was a taste between fish and chicken. Strange, but not bad. I’m just glad I don’t need to eat it again!
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Time Off
So I am officially on vacation! Summer school is over and I only have one more exam and a paper due. So far in my Lifespan Development Psych course we have had an exam and I received 76%. I guess its okay, I’m just happy that I get to relax for a few days while the boys are here. Tonight there is a party to celebrate the end of summer school. Tomorrow we are renting a car and figuring out what to do. We may go to Byron bay for the day, or go see a small town famous for their 'hippy' culture. But then again you never know where the day will take us...
Thursday, February 17, 2005
On line again!
The sun hasn’t stopped shinning, and its hot here.
So of course it’s a perfect time for Chad and Josh to come and visit. The cousins have invaded and it’s so great to see them.
The boys are spending time on my couch and with my TV while they cook dinner for my roommate and me. They’re relaxing from their busy stressful lives of traveling, ha. I think they’re pretty happy to sit down and do laundry. They’re playing basketball with the guys in my program and hanging out with my friends. Tonight we are going out with a guy they know from London, Jeff, who is in my program AND my other cousin, Kevin’s girlfriend Becky. Small world eh?
Friday is my last day of summer school, thank god, 2 weeks and 2 credits later its time for a bit of a break. So we are going to rent a car and do some day trips around the area before they fly out on Monday. Then during the week the girls and I will be heading to Byron Bay to hang out on the beach. I know, I know, I live on the beach, but this is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL! Byron Bay is where all the surf competitions are and amazing waves. The boogie board will be hitting the waves this week for sure!
I have a paper to work on and an exam to study for, but besides that I'm really looking forward to this week off.
And the beat goes on…..
So of course it’s a perfect time for Chad and Josh to come and visit. The cousins have invaded and it’s so great to see them.
The boys are spending time on my couch and with my TV while they cook dinner for my roommate and me. They’re relaxing from their busy stressful lives of traveling, ha. I think they’re pretty happy to sit down and do laundry. They’re playing basketball with the guys in my program and hanging out with my friends. Tonight we are going out with a guy they know from London, Jeff, who is in my program AND my other cousin, Kevin’s girlfriend Becky. Small world eh?
Friday is my last day of summer school, thank god, 2 weeks and 2 credits later its time for a bit of a break. So we are going to rent a car and do some day trips around the area before they fly out on Monday. Then during the week the girls and I will be heading to Byron Bay to hang out on the beach. I know, I know, I live on the beach, but this is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL! Byron Bay is where all the surf competitions are and amazing waves. The boogie board will be hitting the waves this week for sure!
I have a paper to work on and an exam to study for, but besides that I'm really looking forward to this week off.
And the beat goes on…..
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
View from my apartment
So I finished my first exam, i am now an expert in behaviour management in a classroom. Studying for an exam again was a bit nerve racking but with this view it was pretty easy to sit down and study. I am now writing a 2000 word essay that is due on friday and i have another exam on Monday. And i thought this would be easy!
So far my life has really been about school. I havent gone to do anything Aussie yet other than drink beer that costs $7 a BOTTLE!
My roomate and I are getting on great and have lots in common as well as wanted to be healthy since we are here and we can. She lived in Asia too so she understands where im coming from. We are eating lots of veggies and fruit and great sauces and dips and cheese and well anyhting you can think of. We are both on a mexican kick right now becuase they have sour cream here! its amazing to be away from home and be able to eat like this.
Well im off to class again. Child development. I think ill like it if its not too 'textbooky'
Ill write again soon.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Front of the house at Christmas
Geeze I do NOT miss that snow!
Sorry for all of you caught in it right now...maybe Ill hold off on the pictures of where I live now...I dont want any jealous angry letters coming my way!
Sorry for all of you caught in it right now...maybe Ill hold off on the pictures of where I live now...I dont want any jealous angry letters coming my way!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
How you going mate?
So I'm here, My flights were fine...LONG but it was all good, and I got all my luggage (THAT I was impressed with!)
Once I got off the flight a strange old lady picked me up in a mini van, and it was just me. She was the driver who was going to take me to my hotel. An hour later we pulled up. It was a nice hotel, nothing special, more along the lines of a motel. But whatever, it had Air-con so I was happy. With sweat dripping down my face I got my huge bags into my room and had a shower to freshen up. I called my friend Amy and she came to pick me up and we went for dinner. I crashed pretty early so I went back 'home' for the night. I shared my room with 2 other girls and the next day I went to the mall to get a phone. First things first...cell phone!
So I got that sorted and went back to my room. About 30 mins later there was a knock on my door and it was the lady from the office saying there were 2 girls waiting for me in the office. I went down and met this girl named Julia and her friend. She went to the uni to see if there was anyone who arrived on their own that she could maybe room with. So after a chat we thought we would be a good match, she taught in Korea and is 25 years old.
The two of us hit the streets and found a couple of places but nothing great. After a few more days of this we were getting tired, sunburt, and frustrated. Then we went to check out this one last place...Oh my god was all I could say...I almost peed my pants when I first went on the balcony and looked at the view. It was clean, nice and with the most amazing view-we took it!
its a lot of cash but so are most places. We are paying about 20 more than the cheaper places we were looking at, so really, its worth it.
Since moving in on Monday we have been trying to get ourselves all together. Its been raining and cold for that the last few days. (cold I mean 20C) so we haven't done much but watch TV and sleep and go shopping for our apt.
We had a big night out on the town with the others from our program. It was nice to meet some people but to be honest I don't really remember their names! Ah well ill have tons of time for that.
School starts on Monday and its going to be hard. In our first week we are studying Psych and development, have a paper due and an exam. In week two we study classroom management etc and again have a paper and an exam. This summer school stuff is going to be much harder than regular semester classes. But from the folks I've been chatting with it will go fast and its not as bad as it seems.
We are getting the internet hooked up as soooooon as possible so ill be able to update this better in the next bit.
Ill add pictures when I can!
Allllright mates, I'll catch you later right...No worries.
Once I got off the flight a strange old lady picked me up in a mini van, and it was just me. She was the driver who was going to take me to my hotel. An hour later we pulled up. It was a nice hotel, nothing special, more along the lines of a motel. But whatever, it had Air-con so I was happy. With sweat dripping down my face I got my huge bags into my room and had a shower to freshen up. I called my friend Amy and she came to pick me up and we went for dinner. I crashed pretty early so I went back 'home' for the night. I shared my room with 2 other girls and the next day I went to the mall to get a phone. First things first...cell phone!
So I got that sorted and went back to my room. About 30 mins later there was a knock on my door and it was the lady from the office saying there were 2 girls waiting for me in the office. I went down and met this girl named Julia and her friend. She went to the uni to see if there was anyone who arrived on their own that she could maybe room with. So after a chat we thought we would be a good match, she taught in Korea and is 25 years old.
The two of us hit the streets and found a couple of places but nothing great. After a few more days of this we were getting tired, sunburt, and frustrated. Then we went to check out this one last place...Oh my god was all I could say...I almost peed my pants when I first went on the balcony and looked at the view. It was clean, nice and with the most amazing view-we took it!
its a lot of cash but so are most places. We are paying about 20 more than the cheaper places we were looking at, so really, its worth it.
Since moving in on Monday we have been trying to get ourselves all together. Its been raining and cold for that the last few days. (cold I mean 20C) so we haven't done much but watch TV and sleep and go shopping for our apt.
We had a big night out on the town with the others from our program. It was nice to meet some people but to be honest I don't really remember their names! Ah well ill have tons of time for that.
School starts on Monday and its going to be hard. In our first week we are studying Psych and development, have a paper due and an exam. In week two we study classroom management etc and again have a paper and an exam. This summer school stuff is going to be much harder than regular semester classes. But from the folks I've been chatting with it will go fast and its not as bad as it seems.
We are getting the internet hooked up as soooooon as possible so ill be able to update this better in the next bit.
Ill add pictures when I can!
Allllright mates, I'll catch you later right...No worries.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Okay, okay so I'm a slacker!
Alright already,
I haven't written in forever....But really what am I to tell you? I've been shopping, lying on the couch, eating Mom's food/cooking, hanging with old friends and SLEEPING! Man I feel like I haven't slept in forever. I pass out for a good 10 hours a night.
Hopefully I will get back into some kind of routine in time for classes!
So I am now in the process of packing.....AGAIN. My life in 2 suitcases, its amazing that I can do it.
I leave on Sat and it is coming up so quickly. I have officially taken over the living room with my suitcases and clothes which are everywhere. The folks are loving it!
So in my visits home I've managed to see quite a few old faces, high school friends, the camp girls minus 2, Uni buddies who I haven't seen since graduation, and my family new and old. Ben, cousin Katie's little boy and my god son, was here so I got to meet him, hold him, adore him, and be there for his baptism. However now when I get back from being down under he'll be talking! I cant believe ill miss all of that...
At least now I have a good reason for sending presents...Crazy Auntie Sarah! Man do I love that title...Anyone else want to make me an aunt?
alright, so I may be off line for a while till I am able to hook up the net in my new beach front pad. So keep safe, stay away from title waves and email me tons...I miss everyone so much. Moving onto my next phase, doing it all again from scratch.
Missing you,
I haven't written in forever....But really what am I to tell you? I've been shopping, lying on the couch, eating Mom's food/cooking, hanging with old friends and SLEEPING! Man I feel like I haven't slept in forever. I pass out for a good 10 hours a night.
Hopefully I will get back into some kind of routine in time for classes!
So I am now in the process of packing.....AGAIN. My life in 2 suitcases, its amazing that I can do it.
I leave on Sat and it is coming up so quickly. I have officially taken over the living room with my suitcases and clothes which are everywhere. The folks are loving it!
So in my visits home I've managed to see quite a few old faces, high school friends, the camp girls minus 2, Uni buddies who I haven't seen since graduation, and my family new and old. Ben, cousin Katie's little boy and my god son, was here so I got to meet him, hold him, adore him, and be there for his baptism. However now when I get back from being down under he'll be talking! I cant believe ill miss all of that...
At least now I have a good reason for sending presents...Crazy Auntie Sarah! Man do I love that title...Anyone else want to make me an aunt?
alright, so I may be off line for a while till I am able to hook up the net in my new beach front pad. So keep safe, stay away from title waves and email me tons...I miss everyone so much. Moving onto my next phase, doing it all again from scratch.
Missing you,
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Christmas
Wow, Christmas is here already.
2 days left and I feel like i have very little done. Well at least it has started to snow and it now looks like Christmas. Ive been running around like crazy and havent been home in a week.
2 days left and I feel like i have very little done. Well at least it has started to snow and it now looks like Christmas. Ive been running around like crazy and havent been home in a week.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
helmet.flag
Zai Jen!
Ah Taiwan, do I ever miss it!
3 years and 22 million amazing people!
Thanks for it all, I dont think I could forget a minute of it.
Smooooooch!
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go!
12 days left, how is that possible?
I haven't quite figured out how I am going to do this. I have so much to take care of and so many people I need to see to feel like I get a proper goodbye. Today is my last day with my class. The little buggers are so cute I cant believe that I have to say goodbye to them. They aren't sure what to do with me right now...They still think I'm joking about leaving. When I told them tomorrow is my last day, forever, they just sat there, stunned. I didn't know what to do with them. How cute, they're 9 and 10 years old and they are asking when I am coming back...I said I'll be in school for 3 years. They actually did the math and replied "but I'll be in grade 6 then, and I won't even be here at this school anymore!" Little cuties.
So on top of that, although I must say I am more than happy to have the free time right now, I need to pack...For real. Get everything ready as if I am leaving tomorrow and then only have a few clothes to wear and wash and toss. I still need to get lots of banking and stuff done...Plus find people to take my room! Man could leaving a country, packing up your life, moving to another place where you know no one or anything and you have no place to live, get any more complicated? Yep it can, you can toss in a best friend/boyfriend that you are leaving behind.
Welcome to my messed up, emotional, unorganized and stressed out life thus far.
Hopefully I get it all sorted and put together before next Sat (ie- my huge going away party that is going to be amazing at the local bar with basically everyone I've ever known in Taiwan attending) I think that will be a bit of a messy night in which I will need to be all packed and ready to go. What a way to end it here. I cant wait until that night...However I feel like I could still put it off for awhile, I'm just not ready to say those words, "goodbye, its been fun!"
I haven't quite figured out how I am going to do this. I have so much to take care of and so many people I need to see to feel like I get a proper goodbye. Today is my last day with my class. The little buggers are so cute I cant believe that I have to say goodbye to them. They aren't sure what to do with me right now...They still think I'm joking about leaving. When I told them tomorrow is my last day, forever, they just sat there, stunned. I didn't know what to do with them. How cute, they're 9 and 10 years old and they are asking when I am coming back...I said I'll be in school for 3 years. They actually did the math and replied "but I'll be in grade 6 then, and I won't even be here at this school anymore!" Little cuties.
So on top of that, although I must say I am more than happy to have the free time right now, I need to pack...For real. Get everything ready as if I am leaving tomorrow and then only have a few clothes to wear and wash and toss. I still need to get lots of banking and stuff done...Plus find people to take my room! Man could leaving a country, packing up your life, moving to another place where you know no one or anything and you have no place to live, get any more complicated? Yep it can, you can toss in a best friend/boyfriend that you are leaving behind.
Welcome to my messed up, emotional, unorganized and stressed out life thus far.
Hopefully I get it all sorted and put together before next Sat (ie- my huge going away party that is going to be amazing at the local bar with basically everyone I've ever known in Taiwan attending) I think that will be a bit of a messy night in which I will need to be all packed and ready to go. What a way to end it here. I cant wait until that night...However I feel like I could still put it off for awhile, I'm just not ready to say those words, "goodbye, its been fun!"
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
CNN
Strong quake shakes northern Taiwan
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- A strong earthquake hit northern Taiwan on Monday night, shaking buildings in the capital, Taipei, for several seconds. No injuries or serious damages were immediately reported.
The magnitude 5.7 quake's epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, about four-tenths of a mile from the northeast coastal city of Ilan, the Central Weather Service said. Ilan is about 30 miles southeast of Taipei.
The entire island felt the temblor, the weather bureau said. A magnitude 5 quake can cause considerable damage.
Earthquakes frequently rock Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage. However, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck central Taiwan four years ago killed more than 2,300 people.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- A strong earthquake hit northern Taiwan on Monday night, shaking buildings in the capital, Taipei, for several seconds. No injuries or serious damages were immediately reported.
The magnitude 5.7 quake's epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, about four-tenths of a mile from the northeast coastal city of Ilan, the Central Weather Service said. Ilan is about 30 miles southeast of Taipei.
The entire island felt the temblor, the weather bureau said. A magnitude 5 quake can cause considerable damage.
Earthquakes frequently rock Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage. However, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck central Taiwan four years ago killed more than 2,300 people.
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