November 18th

Ni Hao!!!!

I find it shocking that almost a month has passed since I last blogged on here. I wasn't planning to write today, but as it turns out, it is definitely past time. In the last three to four weeks, I've had my birthday, gotten a cold, which I am still fighting, eaten lots of fried rice and done tons of other amazing stuff!! Isn't life Grand!!! My birthday was wonderful!! I got loads of cards from friends and family back home. It really made it a special birthday. Also, I was able to celebrate with some of my friends here. We went to KTV (karaoke tv) and sang some songs. It was fun.

This week, I was planning on going to Kenting, which is a national park about two hours south of here, where there are rumored to be beautiful beaches and great hiking trails. However, I caught a cold which erupted like a big typhoon last night, so that adventure got put on hold. I was still going to try today, but the ignition in my scooter didn't work. I got it changed out, but by the time they were finished, it was 3 o'clock. Too late to go anywhere far. However, if I get out of this coffee shop, I may try to head to chichen island, which is just off the coast of Kaohsiung. I can go either by tunnel or ferry. The main problem is finding the tunnel.

Last week, on Saturday specifically, was the first meeting for swing dancing. Julie, a girl from my church, and I taught a group of people swing dancing. It was a good experience. I think people had a good time. We had around 15-20 people show up, and were able to teach them some of the basics, despite any of the problems that arose (those being, that we planned the event at the cultural center at 7:30 without knowing that at that time, the celebration party for the World Games was taking place there and was EXTREMELY loud).
Still, we were able to do our best, and it went as well as could be expected. It was good for a first time. I think we will both teach again, we just have to set up a time.

Speaking of teaching, it's been going alright. I usually teach 16 hours a week, but that means, when you include grading and preparation time for planning class, that I probably end up working between 25-30 hours a week. Of all that, I only get paid for the sixteen hours I actually teach. Still, It's been OK. I do have free time, and I don't have to work on Wednesday. Also, my first semester of Chinese class ends in two weeks. I will remain at the same school for the second 3 month semester, but after that I may switch schools. But we will see.

I am still very much looking forward to exploring the island. The cold and scooter problem kept me down this weekend, but I will not be defeated so easily.

Here are my interesting observations I have had recently: People here ALSO think I am weird! - Why has that been so all my life, that people who get to know me make this observation?? What do I posses that so sets me apart from others?? Is it my amazing good looks, my stunning personality, or my blazing speed in hand to hand combat. Who knows? But I'm beginning to evaluate it.

Second: I cannot escape the six sense kid!! Just the other day, a Chinese lady from my church wanted to know if I was brothers to the boy who played in the sixth sense!!!!! I really wonder how many times I have been compared to him. Dozens. But I know he doesn't have the same blazing speed in combat that I do!!

Well, that's it for now!!!!
Anyone want to come visit me?? You can!! You can stay at our place!!!! We won't even charge you!!!!:)