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Category Archives: holiday
Year of the Tiger
First off, Happy Belated Chinese New Year’s/Valentine’s Day.
I get two weeks off for the holidays: last week and this week. The boyfriend got ten days off last week too, but we were kept busy due to an unfortunate event so there were other things on our minds besides enjoying the break.
I’m surprised that this little island of ours hasn’t drowned and disappeared into the ocean yet. It’s been cold and raining nonstop for the past two days, which also means that I haven’t left my place in 48 hours which will be going on close to 72 hours. Because it’s Chinese New Year, and everyone takes a week off, there’s also not much stores or shops open either. I ordered a lot of pizza on the first night and have been living off that for awhile. Kinda feels like college again, especially the lounging-in-sweats-and-eating-cold-pizza-while-studying-occasionally part.
Why the studying? I’ve finally signed up for the GMAT. I’m taking it on March 9th. I’m one of those people who just work better under pressure and deadlines, so I figured if I didn’t actually sign up, then I would never really get around to taking it no matter how much I studied. Technically, I’ve been “studying” on and off since last April. Ergo, a deadline is necessary.
Anyways, I was born in 1985, the year of the Ox, so this is my forecast for this upcoming year.
Forecast for 2010
The Ox loves methodical planning and everything working out in the correct time. The Year of the Tiger will throw all this to the wind with it’s fast pace and unexpected developments! People born under this sign may find 2010 a challenge but in a good way. The Ox will have to adapt to new routines, delays and obtacles thrown in his way, but he will be well able for any task and may find new hidden talents and personal power he didn’t know existed. Hobbies, relaxing pursuits and friendships will all be beautifully highlighted during the Year of the Tiger and will provide a welcome relief to any stresses he may face. Home improvements and redecorating plans will move forward smoothly with excellent results. Career opportunities will present themselves from April to June, while exciting, intense romantic encounters are likely in July, August and December. An important aspect for those under this sign in 2010 is to be mindful and caring of loved ones. It will be crucial to listen to them and also to accept any help they may offer during this changeable year.
Hey, that sounds pretty good to me. I’ve always had a thing for horoscopes, but I do have a sneaking suspicion that they only sound so accurate because I can always think of something in my life that applies. Is that the point? Or are they really just that good? Let me know; you can find out yours here.
Fourth of July Weekend
Unfortunately, there weren’t any BBQ or fireworks here in Taipei, so this weekend was spent just like any other. Although I do miss me some hot dogs, grilled burgers, cole slaw, and big backyards with sprinklers and the smell of fresh grass.
I spent Saturday working for three hours in the morning, then sitting in the searing sun at T.G.I. Friday’s for lunch. Fast forward to dinner at the Ambassador Hotel, bowling (first time here!), and poker at Champagne into the late hours of the night.
This morning was sunny and beautiful, so we attempted to go swimming. But anytime we step anywhere within a 100-foot radius of the swimming pool, storm clouds immediately cover Taipei and so we got rained out after an hour.
But I did get this shot of a rainbow in the sky before the clouds opened up and poured.
Dragon Boat Festival Weekend
Four day weekends are the way to live. What’s wrong with having a three-day work week? I bet lots of people would be down with that. Despite the fact that we have to make up Friday’s day off this Saturday.
Wednesday Night: Watched Terminator Salvation. Action was great, Christian Bale was manly, not enough plot. I give it a B-.
Thursday: Jen, Michael, and I went to my grandmother’s house and watched my aunts make zhonzi, which are rice triangles wrapped in bamboo leaves.
We ate a giant lunch and played lots of Blokus and Big 2. Finally, we headed back to our place for a group nap, then ordered pizza and mahjong-ed the night away.
Friday: We got brunch at The Diner, which is the best thing since sliced bread. Seriously, they took it and made toast, added bacon, eggs, and a yogurt fruit cup.
They serve breakfast all day and, man, is it really good breakfast foods among other delicious entrees.
Then, we went to see the Dragon Boat Races under the DaZhi Bridge. I think next year, I will sign up to do the race. It looked like it was lots of fun! And I miss being on a team.
Later, we had dinner at Chili’s (Mmm.. it was an all American food day.) and watched Night at the Museum 2, which I give a B for its funny parts and ridiculous cheesiness.
Saturday: Jen & I decided that we were going to go to the zoo to see the pandas, so we take the MRT all the way out there only to find out that the panda tickets were all given out. Since we’ve already been to the zoo, we decided there was no point in paying for admission, so we turned around and went walking around Zhongxiao Fushing instead. Then, dinner with Michael’s grandparents, then night out on the town to meet up with some of Michael’s friends at Champagne 2 and Room 18. Champagne 2 was a really nice lounge bar, and we sat around chatting and ended up playing teams of Blow Cow. Room 18 was so crowded to the point that it hurt to breathe.
Sunday: We went to Jioufen 九份 , and on the way, Michael took us to this beautiful overlook on top of the mountain.
Jioufen was high up in the mountains, and so we climbed about 3000 flights of stairs today. Legs are now toned for the rest of summer.
Jioufen was beautiful, filled with tea shops and was very touristy, and definitely had some good eats. Apparently, all the good places had lines so of course I had to stand in them to find out what the big deal was. These fried shrimp balls were totally worth the wait!
Before we left, we stopped and had tea at this cute little tea house with an amazing view.
To Parents
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sometimes mothers can drive you crazy, but in the end, they’re still your mother. I miss mine a lot, especially when I was sick. I remember, one night at the hospital after the fourth and fifth day and the doctors couldn’t give me a straight answer about what was wrong with me, they just kept poking me with needles and throwing big words in Chinese at me, I broke down and wished that my mommy was here.
I miss my daddy very much too. I still call him Daddy.
Hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day on this beautiful day!
