Embrace Life in Its Variety

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Top Ten List of 2009

Every year, I will do a Top Ten Chart to list the ten most important things/events/people that have created a huge impact in my life as a reflection while the year draws to a close. So here's the list:

1. My Family
As most of you know, I have started living in Taiwan some months ago. This is a decision that my family has respected me greatly, as they have a lot of reservations, worries and reluctance about me going to Taiwan alone. It is understandable as I am a female and can be rather naive at times. So I want to thank my family members, especially my Mum, for supporting me in my decision to go to Taiwan.

2. Achieved my Taiwan dream
Yes! I did it! I achieved my dream of living in Taiwan!
I already liked Taiwan just from knowing its culture through various Taiwanese variety shows so many years ago. I'm not sure exactly when, but it was probably about 6 years ago that I had this dream, cos a university classmate told me recently that I actually talked about this dream enthusiatically in class while doing a self-introduction in one of the classes. 2 years ago, when I lived in Taiwan with friends for one month, I was 100% certain about my dream having experienced the place with my own eyes and heart. I had to sacrifice some things, like close family time, a good tutoring career, a good salary, home cooked food and friends but it's definitely worth it.

3. My Beau
I'm happier because of my beau. And I'm a lucky gal to have him as my beau. The rest are for his ears only.

4. My House
I love my house in Taiwan! My beau really found a good place. It's warm, cozy and comfortable!

5. My Long-Term Career choice
I think teaching will be my long-term career choice, probably until the day I die. I've confirmed this while job-hunting in Taiwan recently. I'm glad there are many things to play around with, from the subjects and knowledge I can teach to the variety of ages of students I can come into contact with, I can sure have fun in the education industry for a long time to come.

6. My Life in Taiwan
I know I am talking a lot about Taiwan, but this is my blog, so.........hee. I enjoy my life in Taiwan as I can finally do all the things I have always wanted(even more blessed to have someone to enjoy it with me!). Right now, I am looking forward to the 2010 Countdown fireworks at Taipei 101, spring, summer and autumn in Taiwan! I wonder how it will feel to live in Taiwan for a long time to come!

For now, that's about all. If there are more, will update again.

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 23:05   0 comments

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

For the Ladies (or future tai tai who intend to keep a gigolo, hee!)

At Taiwan beauty contest, it's all about the men
Reuters - Wednesday, December 16

By Ralph Jennings

TAIPEI, Dec 16 - Swimwear, evening wear and polished lines will decide the winner of an international beauty pageant in Taiwan this weekend, but dresses, eyeshadow and long hair are out -- this contest is only for men.

After two weeks of practicing dance steps and fine-toning muscles, contestants from 28 countries will walk down a catwalk in central Taiwan on Saturday to be crowned as the world's most handsome man in a contest that's becoming more popular.

"Women can do it, so guys can do it, too" said Christine Huang, the pageant's hostess in Taiwan. "You see negative press about some of the women's contests, but this one's going to be pretty conservative."


More here

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 13:47   0 comments

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Back in Sunny Island

I'm back home in the sunny island of Singapore! And it feels good to be home!

It's familiar. It's comfortable. It's relaxing. Feels like I'm back here on vacation. Haha!

Right now, I'm nursing a cough and flu, so will most be suitable to meet friends 3-4 days from now.

It feels good to be here, even though it's hot and humid, hee.

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 11:30   0 comments

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Christmas Kids

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Maybe some things have been planned a long time ago...... You never know the meaning till you see it again. And you'll know it did not happen just because it was a coincidence. There are indeed no accidents.

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 22:55   0 comments

Monday, December 07, 2009

Baby Step 2: Fried Rice

That's my dinner this evening: fried rice

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Ain't I getting better?

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 21:48   0 comments

Thursday, December 03, 2009

The Moment has come

To anyone who asks me when I will learn cooking, I always answer, "When I'm left with no choices, I will learn to cook."

And that day has finally come.

After being sick of outside food and not wanting to starve during this winter period in Taiwan, I have decided to cook. And I did well on my second attempt to fry tofu. I'm sure I'm a good cook, I just need practice.

Going to try luncheon meat tomorrow! Cooking seems fun, actually.

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 19:41   0 comments

Friday, November 27, 2009

What The F**k

Irish Catholic Church apologises for hiding child sex abuse for decades
Posted: 27 November 2009 0217 hrs
Channelnewsasia.com

DUBLIN: Ireland's Catholic Church apologised and admitted its shame on Thursday after a damning new report showed it covered up child sex abuse over more than three decades.

The Irish government also said sorry for failing to protect children after the latest report, published six months after a first landmark study revealed widespread abuse of children in Catholic care.

More here

posted by Mandy Zhang @ 13:30   1 comments