Posts
Where in the World is D Today?
Wishing he could just pack up and leave.
I love Taiwan, but right now I'm not feeling the love back.
I wanna go home.
I'm not going to because it's not the grown up thing to do. I've been 40 years old since I was 12 so I know to ride out storms. So I'm going to go try to sit in the back of the boat. Somebody tell me when we get there.
Peace
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Road Rules: Look Left, Right, Front, Back and Oh Yeah, Up!
Where in the World is D?
Looking Up and Saying... DUH!
OK, I know I promised no more stories on Taiwan traffic but this is REALLY important.
You've heard say or read my comments about the traffic here in Jhongli. Comments like, "People drive like Freddie Kruger on Crack!" Or "Taiwan traffic is not for the faint of heart" or "I said a prayer of Thanks because I didn't die crossing the street." (I actually do this several times a day.) In all seriousness, the traffic is not joking matter. I saw two scooter accidents on Sunday. Yesterday I was almost hit by a scooter, but here's why, and this is very common; It was 7:30 PM, the driver Did NOT have their light on AND was wearing a tinted visor. Even though I have taken to wear WHITE shirts at night, I can't see you with no lights on and she/he certainly didn't see my me in all my Blackness, white shirt or no. So, when crossing the street, I look forward, I look left I look right and I look behind me, because having a scooter follow you across the street only to whip around you on your blind side so they can make a left hand turn is very common. (People back home have no idea what I'm talking about, but I guarantee every Taiwanese person reading this knows Exactly what I'm talking about.) You understand why I thank the Lord just to go 50 feet without dying.
You also know I walk every everywhere. A big part of my routine is going to and from work. At every corner I look left, right, front and behind. I see the same things everyday. And EVERYDAY I come to the corner of Yanping and Jung Ping Roads.
I look left. There's the Organic Food Store. 
I look right. There's lots of shops. 
I look forward. There's the Little Green Man (He is Animated. Which is TOTALLY COOL!) telling me I can cross the street. 
I go on to work without thinking. I come home the same way, except now the Organic Food store is on the right and there's a LOT more traffic and people to negotiate.
Saturday I was rather bummed about some personal stuff. The usual stuff for me; How are the boys, Why can't I get everything to work right all at same time, but the big thing on my mind was am I doomed to walk the rest of my life "alone" (without a mate.) When I get like this, I like to take a prayer walk. It's calming. So as I'm wander the streets of Jhongli like some sort of ghost, I take a path I never before. Instead of going straight at Jung Ping Rd. I turn left at the Organic Food store. I walk all of 40 feet when I hear Christian music. It's in Chinese, but the style is completely recognizable to me. I stand across the street and watch for a long time. I was asked to go sit on a stool several times and decline. I'm comfortable watching and standing by this nice safe pole. After a while this group, lead by Lia, comes over and hauls me over to the seats. They have no idea what's going on in my head or my emotional state, but I acquiesce. They are not to be denied!
Remember that Organic Food store I see twice a day as I'm looking left and right for and arrant scooters or cars? Well, it never dawned on my to look UP!! If I would have looked up I would have seen this.......DUDE!!
I found my church home.
And like so many things that I've looked for over extended periods of time, it was right in front of me all along. The timing was perfect. I told Yi-Wen, the group leader, it was no accident I wandered by on Saturday. It was their first time doing something on the street.
So I needed to look up both literally and metaphorically. I will never understand God's timing. But I don't really care. I found wonderful Brother's and Sister's in Christ. A few people suggested that they could help me find an English church. My response was, "You don't want me to go to church here?" with a smile. "Oh no, I mean yes we want you" or something like that.
Thus begins a new chapter in this adventure. I'm sure more wonderful stories are on the way.
Looking Up and Saying... DUH!
OK, I know I promised no more stories on Taiwan traffic but this is REALLY important.
You've heard say or read my comments about the traffic here in Jhongli. Comments like, "People drive like Freddie Kruger on Crack!" Or "Taiwan traffic is not for the faint of heart" or "I said a prayer of Thanks because I didn't die crossing the street." (I actually do this several times a day.) In all seriousness, the traffic is not joking matter. I saw two scooter accidents on Sunday. Yesterday I was almost hit by a scooter, but here's why, and this is very common; It was 7:30 PM, the driver Did NOT have their light on AND was wearing a tinted visor. Even though I have taken to wear WHITE shirts at night, I can't see you with no lights on and she/he certainly didn't see my me in all my Blackness, white shirt or no. So, when crossing the street, I look forward, I look left I look right and I look behind me, because having a scooter follow you across the street only to whip around you on your blind side so they can make a left hand turn is very common. (People back home have no idea what I'm talking about, but I guarantee every Taiwanese person reading this knows Exactly what I'm talking about.) You understand why I thank the Lord just to go 50 feet without dying.
You also know I walk every everywhere. A big part of my routine is going to and from work. At every corner I look left, right, front and behind. I see the same things everyday. And EVERYDAY I come to the corner of Yanping and Jung Ping Roads.
I look left. There's the Organic Food Store. 
I look right. There's lots of shops. 
I look forward. There's the Little Green Man (He is Animated. Which is TOTALLY COOL!) telling me I can cross the street. 
I go on to work without thinking. I come home the same way, except now the Organic Food store is on the right and there's a LOT more traffic and people to negotiate. Saturday I was rather bummed about some personal stuff. The usual stuff for me; How are the boys, Why can't I get everything to work right all at same time, but the big thing on my mind was am I doomed to walk the rest of my life "alone" (without a mate.) When I get like this, I like to take a prayer walk. It's calming. So as I'm wander the streets of Jhongli like some sort of ghost, I take a path I never before. Instead of going straight at Jung Ping Rd. I turn left at the Organic Food store. I walk all of 40 feet when I hear Christian music. It's in Chinese, but the style is completely recognizable to me. I stand across the street and watch for a long time. I was asked to go sit on a stool several times and decline. I'm comfortable watching and standing by this nice safe pole. After a while this group, lead by Lia, comes over and hauls me over to the seats. They have no idea what's going on in my head or my emotional state, but I acquiesce. They are not to be denied!
Remember that Organic Food store I see twice a day as I'm looking left and right for and arrant scooters or cars? Well, it never dawned on my to look UP!! If I would have looked up I would have seen this.......DUDE!!
I found my church home.
And like so many things that I've looked for over extended periods of time, it was right in front of me all along. The timing was perfect. I told Yi-Wen, the group leader, it was no accident I wandered by on Saturday. It was their first time doing something on the street.
So I needed to look up both literally and metaphorically. I will never understand God's timing. But I don't really care. I found wonderful Brother's and Sister's in Christ. A few people suggested that they could help me find an English church. My response was, "You don't want me to go to church here?" with a smile. "Oh no, I mean yes we want you" or something like that.
Thus begins a new chapter in this adventure. I'm sure more wonderful stories are on the way.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Apples of My Eye
Where in the World is D Today?
Somewhere thinking about his sons.
I am blessed with good genes when it comes to not looking my age. Or Taiwanese people are really bad at guessing my age. I prefer to believe it is more the good genes; Combined with a reasonable diet, exercise, and drinking LOTS of water.
So at the age of 48, yes you read that right, I find myself still standing at the crossroads of being a “Grown Up” or being… well goofy. (More about Crossroads is coming in another blog entry.) If you know anything about me, I lean heavily towards goofy.
Having said that, I am a constant thinker and worrier. I had to grow up early in my life. First of all, it often was not always safe were I grew up. My family knows what I speak of with that statement. If you want to know, you will have to ask me face to face. That dark past will not be a feature of this blog. Anyway………
At the age of 48, you should not be surprised to know that I was once married. I have two wonderful boys, Sean who is 25 years old and married to Marcy. And Tim who is 20 years old and has just finished his Sophomore year at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. I was a single parent. Time were on occaision very difficult but we learned how to take care of one another. I Love them more than my own life. There is nothing my boys can not ask of me. Sometimes the answer is No, because I love them, but they respect me enough not to ask for the ridiculous. So I don’t say no very often. But I also raised them to be independent and self-sufficient, so they don’t ask often either. So when they ask I know it serious. The parents out there understand, Those wanting to be parents will understand someday.
I still giggle out loud when I say this out loud, and my family can vouch for this. But, I NEVER wanted kids when I was younger. I say without reservation, my children have been without question the Greatest source of Joy I’ve had in my life. I am so blessed by them. I miss them terribly here in Taiwan. But I also would not be in Taiwan if it were not for them.
They wanted me to come. To have an adventure, and be able to experience more of what life has to offer; things you can’t do when you’re raising kids. (Boys I hope I characterized our multiple conversations appropriately in that one sentence.)
So now let me introduce to you the two true loves of my life; The Apples of their fathers Eyes, Sean and Tim. The first picture is of Sean (left), Sharese – their cousin, and Tim (right). Yes, Sharese is that short! The women in my family are not blessed with great height. The next picture is of me and the boys on the day of Sean’s wedding. The third picture is one on my Favorite pictures of Sean with his wife Marcy. (I will now acknowledge your curiosity at this point. No Sean does not look Black/African-American. He sometimes like to call himself “White Chocolate” which makes everyone both giggle and roll their eyes. And yes, there is more to the story. BUT, I assure you he is MY son.) And the last is one of my favorite pictures of Tim. He was the lead singer and bassist for the band Thunderclap Douglas and the Eight Track Groove.
Somewhere thinking about his sons.
I am blessed with good genes when it comes to not looking my age. Or Taiwanese people are really bad at guessing my age. I prefer to believe it is more the good genes; Combined with a reasonable diet, exercise, and drinking LOTS of water.
So at the age of 48, yes you read that right, I find myself still standing at the crossroads of being a “Grown Up” or being… well goofy. (More about Crossroads is coming in another blog entry.) If you know anything about me, I lean heavily towards goofy.
Having said that, I am a constant thinker and worrier. I had to grow up early in my life. First of all, it often was not always safe were I grew up. My family knows what I speak of with that statement. If you want to know, you will have to ask me face to face. That dark past will not be a feature of this blog. Anyway………
At the age of 48, you should not be surprised to know that I was once married. I have two wonderful boys, Sean who is 25 years old and married to Marcy. And Tim who is 20 years old and has just finished his Sophomore year at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. I was a single parent. Time were on occaision very difficult but we learned how to take care of one another. I Love them more than my own life. There is nothing my boys can not ask of me. Sometimes the answer is No, because I love them, but they respect me enough not to ask for the ridiculous. So I don’t say no very often. But I also raised them to be independent and self-sufficient, so they don’t ask often either. So when they ask I know it serious. The parents out there understand, Those wanting to be parents will understand someday.
I still giggle out loud when I say this out loud, and my family can vouch for this. But, I NEVER wanted kids when I was younger. I say without reservation, my children have been without question the Greatest source of Joy I’ve had in my life. I am so blessed by them. I miss them terribly here in Taiwan. But I also would not be in Taiwan if it were not for them.
They wanted me to come. To have an adventure, and be able to experience more of what life has to offer; things you can’t do when you’re raising kids. (Boys I hope I characterized our multiple conversations appropriately in that one sentence.)
So now let me introduce to you the two true loves of my life; The Apples of their fathers Eyes, Sean and Tim. The first picture is of Sean (left), Sharese – their cousin, and Tim (right). Yes, Sharese is that short! The women in my family are not blessed with great height. The next picture is of me and the boys on the day of Sean’s wedding. The third picture is one on my Favorite pictures of Sean with his wife Marcy. (I will now acknowledge your curiosity at this point. No Sean does not look Black/African-American. He sometimes like to call himself “White Chocolate” which makes everyone both giggle and roll their eyes. And yes, there is more to the story. BUT, I assure you he is MY son.) And the last is one of my favorite pictures of Tim. He was the lead singer and bassist for the band Thunderclap Douglas and the Eight Track Groove.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Me, Ming and the National Palace Museum
Where in the World is D Today?
3 Guesses. The first clue is Star and the last is Bucks.
This is one of those times when you may have seen some of this on Facebook. But not everybody has Facebook. So I do a little bit of double effort. If you're interested, in seeing this blog, then it is totally worth it for me.
There's not much story to tell. Ming is a teacher at, and more importantly, a friend from Chung Li Elementary School. She is the first Taiwanese teacher to befriend me. She has been instrumental in helping me adapt to Taiwan. I haven't mentioned her much on my blog, which is a major error on my part.
So World, Meet my Friend Minghui. (I hope I spelled that right.) And Oh yeah, the National Palace Museum was really cool too! (Taking photos was not allowed inside. Sorry folks.)
OK, before I have to stop and again sing the praises of 7-Eleven in Taiwan. I was running late as I am oft to, and did not eat breakfast before getting to Taipei. I love Strawberry jam. And there it was... as if calling to Strawberry Jam and bread. Add some Orange Juice, step back and say an ever so hearty Awesome! Everyone here thinks I'm goofy when it comes to 7-Eleven. I just say, "you guys REALLY have no idea how different this is from America." (Some day I will do a post on bread in Taiwan. Again a very different experience from America.)
I look fat in this picture :(
These pictures are from a Garden connected to the Palace Museum.
It was a GOOD day!
3 Guesses. The first clue is Star and the last is Bucks.
This is one of those times when you may have seen some of this on Facebook. But not everybody has Facebook. So I do a little bit of double effort. If you're interested, in seeing this blog, then it is totally worth it for me.
There's not much story to tell. Ming is a teacher at, and more importantly, a friend from Chung Li Elementary School. She is the first Taiwanese teacher to befriend me. She has been instrumental in helping me adapt to Taiwan. I haven't mentioned her much on my blog, which is a major error on my part.
So World, Meet my Friend Minghui. (I hope I spelled that right.) And Oh yeah, the National Palace Museum was really cool too! (Taking photos was not allowed inside. Sorry folks.)
OK, before I have to stop and again sing the praises of 7-Eleven in Taiwan. I was running late as I am oft to, and did not eat breakfast before getting to Taipei. I love Strawberry jam. And there it was... as if calling to Strawberry Jam and bread. Add some Orange Juice, step back and say an ever so hearty Awesome! Everyone here thinks I'm goofy when it comes to 7-Eleven. I just say, "you guys REALLY have no idea how different this is from America." (Some day I will do a post on bread in Taiwan. Again a very different experience from America.)
I look fat in this picture :(
These pictures are from a Garden connected to the Palace Museum.
It was a GOOD day!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
My Birthday Part 3
Where in the World is D Today?
Reflecting on his Birthday.
As promised from the blog post my birthday part 2, Part 3 will be special. At least it is to ME.
It wasn't until I looked back that I realized what a COOL Birthday I really had. My Birthday was spread out over 2 days. Day 1 was the movie with Jane.
We went to see Wolverine: X-men Beginnings. But before I went to the movies I went to Starbucks. I thought I would just stop by and goof around on my computer for a little bit. The only person at Starbucks who know it was my birthday was Sylvie. We had chatted online the week before and I mentioned that it had been my observation that it often, not always, rains on May 5.
Once I got to Starbucks, what happened later made me cry when I got home. First I ran into Cindy. That's always cool. I hadn't seen her in maybe 2 1/2 weeks. I have slightly different relationship with Cindy than I do with Pie and Shaq. We talk about deep stuff; the future, the world and our place in it.
Then Pie rolls in. Say it with me people, AWESOME! Then Sylvie come over and says I told you it wouldn't rain! I am all smile then it happens. I get my gift.
A simple envelope with a birthday card, or so I thought. I'll let you read for yourself.
Me and Sylvie
Me and Bryan
Me and Eddie
Me, Sylvie and Edison
And what is a birthday without CAKE!
I got the cake from one of 6th grade Homeroom Teachers. Her name is (spelled phonetically - Yu Shun).We meet on Wednesdays after school and I help her with English and she teaches me some Chinese. But mostly we just talk about Family, our kids, you know.... LIFE. She is so kind. My life is richer here at Chung Li Elementary school because of her.
Reflecting on his Birthday.
As promised from the blog post my birthday part 2, Part 3 will be special. At least it is to ME.
It wasn't until I looked back that I realized what a COOL Birthday I really had. My Birthday was spread out over 2 days. Day 1 was the movie with Jane.
We went to see Wolverine: X-men Beginnings. But before I went to the movies I went to Starbucks. I thought I would just stop by and goof around on my computer for a little bit. The only person at Starbucks who know it was my birthday was Sylvie. We had chatted online the week before and I mentioned that it had been my observation that it often, not always, rains on May 5.
Once I got to Starbucks, what happened later made me cry when I got home. First I ran into Cindy. That's always cool. I hadn't seen her in maybe 2 1/2 weeks. I have slightly different relationship with Cindy than I do with Pie and Shaq. We talk about deep stuff; the future, the world and our place in it.
Then Pie rolls in. Say it with me people, AWESOME! Then Sylvie come over and says I told you it wouldn't rain! I am all smile then it happens. I get my gift.
A simple envelope with a birthday card, or so I thought. I'll let you read for yourself.
Me and Sylvie
Me and Bryan
Me and Eddie
Me, Sylvie and Edison
And what is a birthday without CAKE!
I got the cake from one of 6th grade Homeroom Teachers. Her name is (spelled phonetically - Yu Shun).We meet on Wednesdays after school and I help her with English and she teaches me some Chinese. But mostly we just talk about Family, our kids, you know.... LIFE. She is so kind. My life is richer here at Chung Li Elementary school because of her.
Re-thinking Taipei 101 and Teaching
Where in the World is D Today?
Re-thinking and revising a few things.
I have gone on the record on this blog and other places as saying, (The things I know, I am completely confident of. The things I don't know, I am totally neurotic. I know teaching. I am 99.9% completely confident when I go to teach a lesson. Women... hmmm.... well, put that in the neurotic category.)
Today I went in to teach what I thought was a pretty good lesson with kids I was confident would do well. While I think it was a good lesson in theory, me believing we could build from the two previous weeks. I felt like I was at the base of Mt.Vesuvius (look it up if you don't know the history) during the lesson. Translation: the lesson was AWFUL!!
After crawling out of the ash, I bounced some ideas of Will, my friend and mentor. Will would not actually say this, but his response was some akin to, "that's dumb". So going back to the drawing board a third time, I came up completely re-vamped lesson for my second class. (All in about 40 minutes time!) And you know what?! I was a lot better the second time around. There is still one adjustment to be made but I felt so much better.
I admit I am a recovering perfectionist. I know things can't always be perfect. But dang it, anything worth doing is worth doing well! My students had no idea what I had gone through with the previous class and whole exploding volcano thing, but did they get a better lesson. Frankly, yes. And I was happier too!
NOW, about Taipei 101. I would now like to retract my preious statement of "I thought it would be taller" and basically dismissing the excitement over it. Last weekend I was on my way north to see some really cool stuff north of Taipei. So as we're driving by I look out the window and OMG!, there is Taipei 101! From a distance, with other "tall" buildings in the picture, 101 is GIGANTIC. And yes, if I were a freakishly large gorilla I would want to climb it.
So people, sometimes we have to back and see things from a different perspective. And be gracious enough to say, "Hey, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but gosh, I was wrong."
In the end, Everybody wins.
Re-thinking and revising a few things.
I have gone on the record on this blog and other places as saying, (The things I know, I am completely confident of. The things I don't know, I am totally neurotic. I know teaching. I am 99.9% completely confident when I go to teach a lesson. Women... hmmm.... well, put that in the neurotic category.)
Today I went in to teach what I thought was a pretty good lesson with kids I was confident would do well. While I think it was a good lesson in theory, me believing we could build from the two previous weeks. I felt like I was at the base of Mt.Vesuvius (look it up if you don't know the history) during the lesson. Translation: the lesson was AWFUL!!
After crawling out of the ash, I bounced some ideas of Will, my friend and mentor. Will would not actually say this, but his response was some akin to, "that's dumb". So going back to the drawing board a third time, I came up completely re-vamped lesson for my second class. (All in about 40 minutes time!) And you know what?! I was a lot better the second time around. There is still one adjustment to be made but I felt so much better.
I admit I am a recovering perfectionist. I know things can't always be perfect. But dang it, anything worth doing is worth doing well! My students had no idea what I had gone through with the previous class and whole exploding volcano thing, but did they get a better lesson. Frankly, yes. And I was happier too!
NOW, about Taipei 101. I would now like to retract my preious statement of "I thought it would be taller" and basically dismissing the excitement over it. Last weekend I was on my way north to see some really cool stuff north of Taipei. So as we're driving by I look out the window and OMG!, there is Taipei 101! From a distance, with other "tall" buildings in the picture, 101 is GIGANTIC. And yes, if I were a freakishly large gorilla I would want to climb it.
So people, sometimes we have to back and see things from a different perspective. And be gracious enough to say, "Hey, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but gosh, I was wrong."
In the end, Everybody wins.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My Birthday Part 1
Where in the World is D?
In the Movie Theater.
(These pics are not from my Birthday. I didn't take any, I just didn't think of it. But I will try to get a better one and pretend it is my bday.)
For as long as I can remember, I have gone to see a movie on my birthday. It's one of the few traditions I adhere to somewhat religiously. I love going to the movies and my birthday is always around that first week of the beginning of the summer blockbuster season. And most importantly, I've always seen a movie WITH someone. That's important to note. It traditionally is Sean and or Tim or both. Well gosh, I'm in another country for for my birthday for the first time in my life. I've only been here a short time and don't know that many people And then there's the issue of people are busy (even my Starbucks buddies) and then there's the unfortunately timing of my birthday being in the middle of the week. Add to that I am just not the type to beg people to hang out with me because its my birthday. It is my nature to be much more low key about my birthday. The fact that I put happy birthday to me on my Facebook was major departure from my typical Modus Operandi. . So what am I to do? Take a chance and ask someone to go to the movies with me. Not going to the movies on my birthday is just unacceptable. So....
I asked Jane. I know Jane from Elementary School and from the gym. She has a tiny body and a huge wonderful laugh. To be perfectly honest, I think my invitation freaked her out a little bit. People here usually celebrate birthdays in groups. So here is this foreigner guy asking her to the movies for his birthday, ALONE. She graciously accepted and skipped going to the gym so I didn't have to spend my birthday alone.
So if you happen to run into Jane, give her a wink and nod, and tell her she did a good thing.
I have one more very important part of my birthday, but it is very late and I MUST go to sleep. Trust me, it is WORTH the Wait. (I will call it birthday Part 3)
In the Movie Theater.
(These pics are not from my Birthday. I didn't take any, I just didn't think of it. But I will try to get a better one and pretend it is my bday.)
For as long as I can remember, I have gone to see a movie on my birthday. It's one of the few traditions I adhere to somewhat religiously. I love going to the movies and my birthday is always around that first week of the beginning of the summer blockbuster season. And most importantly, I've always seen a movie WITH someone. That's important to note. It traditionally is Sean and or Tim or both. Well gosh, I'm in another country for for my birthday for the first time in my life. I've only been here a short time and don't know that many people And then there's the issue of people are busy (even my Starbucks buddies) and then there's the unfortunately timing of my birthday being in the middle of the week. Add to that I am just not the type to beg people to hang out with me because its my birthday. It is my nature to be much more low key about my birthday. The fact that I put happy birthday to me on my Facebook was major departure from my typical Modus Operandi. . So what am I to do? Take a chance and ask someone to go to the movies with me. Not going to the movies on my birthday is just unacceptable. So....
I asked Jane. I know Jane from Elementary School and from the gym. She has a tiny body and a huge wonderful laugh. To be perfectly honest, I think my invitation freaked her out a little bit. People here usually celebrate birthdays in groups. So here is this foreigner guy asking her to the movies for his birthday, ALONE. She graciously accepted and skipped going to the gym so I didn't have to spend my birthday alone.
So if you happen to run into Jane, give her a wink and nod, and tell her she did a good thing.
I have one more very important part of my birthday, but it is very late and I MUST go to sleep. Trust me, it is WORTH the Wait. (I will call it birthday Part 3)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Birthday part 2 Or (My life as a Panda!)
Where in the World D?
Partying like a Rock Star and Startled at how similar he is to a Panda Bear?
I was just explaining to my friend Ming that my sense of humor is sometimes too odd for Taiwanese people. It's not them it's me. Who else would compare themselves to a Panda Bear, seriously. Just Bear with me. get it bear.....
Here's the deal. This is really an extension of the blog entry "Not exactly a celebrity.." Last week was my birthday. On Tuesday, my actual birthday, I went to the movies with Jane. I had my traditional movie with a nice person and had good conversation afterward. On day two, Wednesday the 6th, I went out with Ken, Ivor and Gary. The military guys from work. I also ran into Yama. Yama is the manager at the guy. He was there with a few people from the gym. Tommy is the one who's name I remember.
So while we're there, we upgrade to the VIP section next to the dance floor. (My ears were ring for two days afterward by the way.) So we are in the flow. So between my school friends and Yama, I am meeting a ton of people, many of which were women. Here's where the Panda part comes in. When I went to the Taipei Zoo a while back, the line of people trying to see the Panda's was pretty long. Similarly lots of people wanted to meet me. But at the end of the day, you don't really want to take a Panda home. They are cute and entertaining from a distance, but what do you really have in common with them. You feel really good when you see them, but you're really OK leaving them at the zoo. I sometimes feel like that Panda. (This really doesn't apply to Ken, Gary and Ivor. It was their idea to take me out in the first place. The were in the cage with me, not one of people coming by as a spectator.)
So here's how I approach this... If you're a Panda, do you appreciate the attention. Yeah. Every Panda can dig on a little extra attention, especially on it's birthday! I had a wonderful time! But the Panda can't really begrudge the zoo patrons for going home and leaving the Panda at the zoo. It's normal. Especially after only being at the zoo for three and a half months.
Over time I know I will be less Panda-like. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the moments of being the star attraction at the zoo, knowing that it is only for a very brief moment,
excepting it for what it is and keep moving forward. Someday, I'll get up off all fours, speak understandable Chinese and people will say, "Wow, A talking Panda! He looks friendly and seems pretty tame. Let's take him home and get to know him better."
Oh, I haven't said it on my blog or Facebook, but as a not so casual observer, Taiwanese women seem to come from a VERY Good gene pool! But, that's just my opinion.
Partying like a Rock Star and Startled at how similar he is to a Panda Bear?
I was just explaining to my friend Ming that my sense of humor is sometimes too odd for Taiwanese people. It's not them it's me. Who else would compare themselves to a Panda Bear, seriously. Just Bear with me. get it bear.....
Here's the deal. This is really an extension of the blog entry "Not exactly a celebrity.." Last week was my birthday. On Tuesday, my actual birthday, I went to the movies with Jane. I had my traditional movie with a nice person and had good conversation afterward. On day two, Wednesday the 6th, I went out with Ken, Ivor and Gary. The military guys from work. I also ran into Yama. Yama is the manager at the guy. He was there with a few people from the gym. Tommy is the one who's name I remember.
So while we're there, we upgrade to the VIP section next to the dance floor. (My ears were ring for two days afterward by the way.) So we are in the flow. So between my school friends and Yama, I am meeting a ton of people, many of which were women. Here's where the Panda part comes in. When I went to the Taipei Zoo a while back, the line of people trying to see the Panda's was pretty long. Similarly lots of people wanted to meet me. But at the end of the day, you don't really want to take a Panda home. They are cute and entertaining from a distance, but what do you really have in common with them. You feel really good when you see them, but you're really OK leaving them at the zoo. I sometimes feel like that Panda. (This really doesn't apply to Ken, Gary and Ivor. It was their idea to take me out in the first place. The were in the cage with me, not one of people coming by as a spectator.)
So here's how I approach this... If you're a Panda, do you appreciate the attention. Yeah. Every Panda can dig on a little extra attention, especially on it's birthday! I had a wonderful time! But the Panda can't really begrudge the zoo patrons for going home and leaving the Panda at the zoo. It's normal. Especially after only being at the zoo for three and a half months.
Over time I know I will be less Panda-like. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the moments of being the star attraction at the zoo, knowing that it is only for a very brief moment,
excepting it for what it is and keep moving forward. Someday, I'll get up off all fours, speak understandable Chinese and people will say, "Wow, A talking Panda! He looks friendly and seems pretty tame. Let's take him home and get to know him better." Oh, I haven't said it on my blog or Facebook, but as a not so casual observer, Taiwanese women seem to come from a VERY Good gene pool! But, that's just my opinion.
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