The Swing o' Things

So, life is getting back to normal here in Taipei as we've now been officially back for a week today. Feels like more time has passed than that and our vacation is quickly becoming distant memories of freezing temps, oversized food portions and other things of a North-American nature. Our 1st few days back were cool. We were warmly greeted back to our jobs by both students and staff. Hugs all 'round was the theme of the day...I swear I had to pry some of my students off of my by promising them lots and lots of candy. Ahh, candy...the currency of the young. Still, really nice to come back to....teaching must be one of the few professions where people are actually happy to have you back, and they don't pile on the "crappy" jobs, or give you attitude because you weren't there in the front lines slaving away, and they're just jealous 'cos you got away for a bit and they didn't. I think most of us can honestly say we've been on both sides of this situation before.

The 1st weekend was excellent yet low-key due to budget constraints (int'l flights are the number one killer of savings accounts) BUT, still managed to tai-wan on (haha! little play on words there for ya)@ Johlene's pad...cheap beer, good company, good conversation and many cig's later, it was 6 bells in the A.M as we poured ourselves into bed. Slept in late on Saturday and just chilled like icecubes for rest of the afternoon. Later on, we checked out "Constantine", which gets mixed review but is definetely a renter. Then, home for a Domino's pizza feast. Met up with Di and Angie on Sunday for a catch-up chat @ ours, then a quick online chat with Dave&Sus. And that concludes week one back in Taiwan.

This week seems to be going a little slower as it is only Wednesday today, but there is light @ the end of the tunnel ladies and gents, as next weekend is a long one. February 28th, known in Taiwan as 2-28 (er er ba) is a public holiday which means paid time off. 2-28 marks the anniversary of a massacre in Taiwan during the tumultuous times when the Taiwanese were struggling for independance from communist Japans' occupation. Tens of thousands of Taiwanese were killed during riots as martial law was imposed upon the country. So, the Taiwanese remember those who died for freedom by having a day off...makes sense.

So, that 'bout wraps things up for this edition...special birthday shoutouts to Anita on March 5th who's not even going to be here!!...no worries 'Neets, we'll have a party for ya in your honour!...everybody's favourite brown girl Bernadette on March 6th, hope you have a blast on your big day and make sure you do a shot and think of us...promise we'll be back in time for your next b-day in 2006!...and last but not least, m'man Corey on the 9th...I know you'll be sure to have a blast as we'll make certain it's an evening of special magnificance...alright cats, catch ya's on the flipside.