You know that grinds my gears?

The Taipei 101 is officially not the tallest building anymore. Apparently Dubai is working on a building and they announced just the other day that it has surpassed the Taipei 101 (without saying how much higher they are going). The way I see it is, I went to the top of it while it was still the tallest. Why do people compete to be the superlative anything? I figure it gives them a sense of accomplishment until someone comes along to beat that record. But eh... I'm not the one who built such a tall building.

Formosa is great and all, but there are some things that are "mind bottling". For example, anything that is made for couples. T shirts, key chains, hats, watches etc. Why? Just why would you want to match or have something that corresponds to your significant other. Drawing attention to the fact that they are in a relationship together because it is necessary to announce it to the world. I wonder if the business is thriving.

For people who say that Asian people can't drive, I'd tell them to try and drive here. What would be 3 lanes in the states is essentially 5, and what would be a one way street somehow develops into a two-way street. I don't think I will ever try to drive in Taipei downtown traffic. Ever.

Oh and I miss my Family Guy and I miss The Office. I've watched too many bad movies here, and need some good television that isn't streamed of the internet and blurry.

It's Bloody Hot

So today it is supposed to hit almost 100F, but feel like 103. I don't know what that means, but I know that it is damned hot. I'm not a big fan of air conditioning, but this weather has definitely made it one of my newest friends.

Yesterday we went to the area called Danshui (which roughly translated is "Weak or Tasteless Waters"). It's an area long the coast with lots of food, and random shops. You can ferry out to the other shoreline for less than a dollar. Randomly, while buying a drink on the street, I saw a friend from my Third Year Chinese class. I didn't even know he was in Taiwan, let alone in Taipei! Talk about random. It reminded me of when I ran into a friend in Beijing last summer in a random shopping area. Talk about "yuan fen".

What's this about updating one's status?

I have officially collected 10 mosquito bites (5 from a hike I took early Sunday morning).

My grandpa just offered me a cup of some Asian alcohol. No idea what kind. Japanese? Sweet and light. Tastes good.

I miss people though. Needing a really good hug and I can't wait for arrival of my parents. Tomorrow is a day for me to get some work done. I've been working on several projects, and things have been taking shape pretty well.

Today my brother and I went to the temple where they are keeping a spot/mini shrine for my grandma. We said our prayers and burned our incense. It's sad to go there every few days to see more photos being placed around us, and seeing different faces mourning different loved ones. That's life though. I come home to see the babies, and things just feel better. (Warning: holding babies can be addictive)

I'm ok.

I have been lacking good sleep lately.

Aside from all the other madness in my life lately, I feel surprisingly empty at times. For the most part, I have relatives surrounding me, cooking things for me, taking me places, giving me babies to hold, telling me stories, and passing on wisdom. But other times, it's like I'm really all alone. There are things I can't say and things I can't express properly.

The few chats with certain friends have been so great. Helpful in the healing process. But I can't wait until my parents come. I may be an "adult", but I miss them so much.

It's hard being strong sometimes, and pretending like things don't bother you, or hurt you. I've been bottling up a lot since I've been here, and it hasn't been good. Faking smiles more often than not.

Extended Stay.

I am staying longer than originally planned. Because of my grandma's passing, I am staying to wait until we can gather most of the family and do the proper cermonies and going to Nanjing with her as well.

It's been hard, yet good things have come of it. Family will be coming together, and that rarely happens when the family is so large. It's nice to be surrounded by loved ones. I have no doubt that good things are to come.

Formosa the Fun

I'm back again in Taiwan. Shopping, sight seeing and visiting family as usual. Just me and my brother. Mostly getting come rest and relaxation for me though.

Updates:

Hairs cut.
Ears pierced.

Soon to come:

I might dye my hair.