2008 Is Upon Us

Last weekend was a great weekend to celebrate Christmas. Boyfriend and I went to Finga's Base Camp and had a yummy Christmas dinner with my colleagues from other branches. I don't think Boyfriend has had a Turkey dinner for Christmas before and he seemed to enjoy it so that made me happy. Then we went back home, I had him open his Christmas presents while I attempted to make Glühwein using an electric hot-pot which tuened out OK. I then watched "It's a Wonderful Life" while Boyfriend fell asleep cuddling next to me :) He didn't seem to be a fan of the movie and I'm sure that would make my step-dad proud as my step-dad always teased my mom and I for watching (and sobbing) at the movie ;) The next day, we went to Iie Jong Street and even though I was feeling really sick, I wanted to get out so Boyfriend and I went there and had some candied tomatoes and toasted marshmallows with chocolate sauce and sprinkles and stuff :) So yummy! Then we went back to my place and watched some more Christmas movies, and ate some snackies :)

Unfortunately for Christmas day, I went to the doctor and found out I had Trichitis, NOT bronchitis, only because I have had a serious cough for 4 weeks and a hoarse voice. Nothing serious, but still want to get better!

Actually, that's about it, since I've been busy, but as 2008 is upon us here are my resolutions.

1. Be a better person.
2. Work and study hard, but do NOT burn yourself out.
3. Keep worthwhile job while improving self at worthwhile job.
4. Help others in need!
5. Listen to others and CARE!
6. Strive for independence.
7. Make this a positive experience!
8. Settle Down.
9. Stop talking about self so damn much!
10. Study English grammar more!
11. Remember that laughter truly is the best medicine!
12. Learn authentic Chinese/Taiwanese cooking!!!!!
13. Be more active!!!!!!!!
14. Don't fall into a trap!

I wish you all a WONDERFUL and prosperous 2008!

Happy New Year!! :)

Introducing...My Students!!

OK, so my mom, who is probably the only one who reads this blog now, has been asking me to show pics of my students and I haven't had time, plus am worried about legal issues with parents and the school, but the school said it was OK so here's some pics of the Christmas party we had on Saturday ;)

It was so much fun!

The first pic is a HORRIBLE pic of me, and shows how short I am!

This is only a quarter of my students, but I have memorized about 98% of all 100 or of my student's names!!!






















And a video of the kids doing something I enjoy doing: Chowing down!!! :)




So even though I may be strict with the kids or may yell at them for talking too much or speaking Chinese in class, I am grateful to have such nice, sweet, HILARIOUS and SUPER SMART kids...They make me proud to be a teacher! Thank you kids!

Busy Bre Has No News or Cool Piccies...

Sorry guys, have been busy with training, teaching, grading homework and getting Christmas cards and stuff sorted among many other things. Luckily I'm not TOO busy, but I'm busy enough and last night I was so drained from training and teaching that I couldn't even finish my Chinese HW, fell asleep at 10:30 pm (which is the first time I've gone to bed that early in MONTHS) and this morning my colleagues and I seemed to struggle a little in Chinese class.

But, on the upside, my schedule will be back to normal and that business lasted only a couple days. Surprisingly, I am not stressed either :) Just a little more tired than usual!

I hope that my next blog will showcase my experience of "Christmas in Taiwan" I will try to take pics of what the Holiday season looks like in Taiwan for those of you (like me) who have NEVER been in a tropical climate in winter...

Zai Jian...time to take my before lesson plan nap ;)

Noticing Differences and Changes Compared to the Past

My First Christmas Tree

Boyfriend took me to get a Christmas tree (fake) for my apartment as I never fail to put up my (family's) Christmas tree every beginning of December. December in Taichung is a little odd for me. I have NEVER been in a place in December where the temperature was 20 degrees celsius!!!!

Anyway, I love my dear tree. It is very simple: cheap red and green bulbs, sparkly snowflake ornaments and cheap but cute and twinkling lights. Boyfriend is also going to bring some cut-out pieces of sparkly reflective material in shapes of Christmas trees and etc. so that I can sprinkle them onto my tree for added sparkliness. :)

As Boyfriend and I were trimming the tree, I reflected back on Germany 2 years ago. I won't go into details as I don't like getting too personal on these blogs (that is what my actual journal is for :) ) but I was down and out and in a bad place...VERY bad...downward spiral...anyway, I reflected back on that and compared it to now:

• I have my OWN tree and have decorated it MYSELF (with the help of boyfriend)
• I am working and have a job and...it is worthwhile!!!
• I'm not fighting with parents and our relationship is as good as ever!
  
• I have money to send my mom and step-dad a small Christmas package...small but from the heart.
• I am working hard at studying Chinese and love it!
• I have a nice boyfriend who has so far been just great!
• Although, this is not as much as I want, I AM getting out and seeing things and experiencing things...remember what I said...baby steps...
• I have money and I have neough to save!!! Even though, I intend on investing in things like a printer/scanner/copier in one, Adobe Photoshop Elements, cheap CD-player, laminator, etc. etc. and other things to help me settle here and be MORE COMFORTABLE...

In short: I have done something with my life and continue to work hard to keep that dream alive...as silly as that sounds...

I also bought a warm blanket because the nights do get chilly here and if you don't have a heater then a blanket is a good investment for these months. So when I bought the blanket, it came with a comforter cover and so I had a choice and they were ALL ugly so I chose the UGLIEST one, NOT only because it is Christmassy but because it WAS the ugliest!

I swear, this blanket reminds me of the tablecloth my Grandma B. used to have for Christmas...Those are Poinsettias, by the way.

Well, that's it for now. My feet are quite chilly even though they are in socks and fuzzy Ikea Slippers so that is my cue to go cuddle in my comfy comforter in its FUGLY comforter cover and fall asleep to the hypnotizing Christmas tree lights-which is what I used to do as a kid. The lights on the ceiling above the tree always reminded me of fireworks and would just sit there relaxed while soft Christmas music was taking me away to Sugar Plums, Nutcrackers and Dancing Snowflakes...