Face Time

Sometimes Katie and I get a little frustrated when our Face Time calls aren't answered...

Costco Wholesale is A Whole Bunch of Awesome

Finding out that there was a Costco in Hsinchu was definitely a selling point in deciding to come teach English in Taiwan. So when I got tired of being around weird smelling food, I would always be able to find solace in the Costco food court.

We ventured forth a couple weeks ago and went exploring. I of course was more excited by the prospect than the my companions, but I didn't care. This was Costco, and I needed to see everything!

It was weird to see totally American snacks along side some weird jelly fruit chunk candies.

These are my dad's favorite and I totally thought of him when they appeared in the aisle.

Holla!

And then you see this and remember that you are definitely in Asia as they love their flavored milks here. I've seen Apple milk, but have been too afraid to try it. Maybe someday...

There was a selection of sushi trays, instead of deli platters in the cooler.

I totally thought this was a massive box of otter pops when I saw the colors from down the aisle, and I ran up only to find that I have no idea what they are, as I cannot read Chinese. Sad day.

We had to go on a Saturday, and it was just as crazy here as it is in America. Loved it!

Inner Peace

We had the opportunity to go to a wellness seminar offered by our ward Relief Society. Our translator said that they had hired a "master" to come and teach us moves.

Corina and I were sold. We dragged Craig along. He protested of course, but resistance was futile.

There was lots of kicking of legs, punching of arms, and deep breathing.

We, of course, were the only ones taking pictures.

Pushing out.

Meditating.

Craig and Corina were able to take things more seriously than I was.s

Notice how serious Corina looks compared to me?

And here I was trying to rein in my smile and look all zen. Craig knows the truth though...

Church Potluck

A couple of weeks ago there was a potluck at church for all the English speakers. It was to give us a chance to get to know each other as we all live in different cities and commute to church for the most part.

One of our bishopric members is American, and he hosted the shindig at his house.

 It was beautiful!! Having only been inside our janky apartments during the last 8 months, seeing how the other half lived was pretty exciting!

 I think there were about 15 or so of us and we all gathered for a taco bar. It was delicious!!

 I may have ate 2 burritos and a taco. No judging. I haven't had Mexican since I got here, and while it's no Burrito Factory, it was still pretty darn good.

 Cyrel, the man in the picture above, was taking pictures all night. Mostly without people knowing they were being photographed... He got some real gems.

Corina looking stern, and me looking both distressed and unimpressed at the same time.

Micahel  mid-chew.

Me, hunched over my plate with a big mouth of food. That Cyrel is all about catching the little moments we might miss.

 Corina and I don't have very many pictures together. We're good friends now, but prior to coming to Taiwan, she was just a girl that had heard about teaching in Taiwan through one of Craig and Corina's mutual friends, Emily.

Living in a foreign country where you don't speak the language doesn't allow you to stay not friends for very long.  She's only been here about 3 months, but it feels like she's been a part of the crew since the beginning.

We have similar senses of humor and outlooks on life so we've clicked well.

 All of us.

 Funny poses.

 Craig calls this one the "Granny Bozo" shot. He thinks that I look like the family matriarch surrounded by all her posterity. I DO look like I'm tired and over the experience as many elderly are want to do at family gatherings.

 Jared and Melanie are Class-A  photo bombers. Check these pics!

 

Also, one of their daughters, Ashley, became obsessed with me and spent all evening drawing me pictures and asking me questions.

Ashely: "What's your favorite type of lemon?"
Me: "Errmm? I didn't know there were other types than just yellow lemons."
Ashley: " There are Myer lemons and there's this one that's crossed with an orange, so it's sweeter..."

This chick is gifted. Super smart. She made me a "Thanks for coming" card with all my favorite animals, including " White Guy the Polar Bear".

She's in hog heaven since I just got called to work in primary.