Sunday, March 31, 2013

Henry James

I've been playing how much is that doggy in the window for about two months...I kept seeing the same dog in a small little cage at this pet store. This weekend was the fifth time I went back and he was still there! I offered the store a lower price and they accepted!!!!
I picked up my bundle of joy this afternoon! He is so fun and hasn't barked yet. (Knocks on wood)
We have a great park near our house and we took him there today! Since he hadn't really ever ran around much he was quite confused. And a leash simply pissed him off for the first three hours we had him. 
But tonight we went on a long walk and it was getting slightly easier...other than when the ground changed in the slightest. That made him a bit nervous haha
We're taking him to the beach on Tuesday! He'll be a world traveler and bilingual before you know it!
Now just to come up with his Chinese name!!

Also, just saw this on the internet and fell in love....I've got lots of teaching to do with Henry but it looks like lots of learning to do as well.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live. He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued, ”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.” Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Friday, March 29, 2013

23

I thought it would be quaint of me to post 23 things since I've recently turned the big two, three. My first thought...23 favorites. Nah I have too many. Second, 23 things the asian culture has taught me. Hmmm that might not be totally PC. Thirrrdd, I will post 23 things I've learned in my 23 years.
So I started thinking....

1. "Take advil and drink some water." is the solution to any life problems (Thanks mom!)
2. If those two dont work try beer.
3. Laugh as much as possible and ensure that you get a good belly laugh every day.
4. Love every person as much as you can for the time they're in your life.
5. Do something amazing every day (Still trying to accomplish this one......)
6. Try every food at least once.
7. You should probably shower more than once every three days. (speaking of, this is day three. OOPS!)
8. Exercise may suck but you'll never regret it
9. Wash your makeup off every night (um yeah a work in progress)
10. Go to the dentist.
11. Always keep close tabs on your health
12. Take care of yourself. You've only got one shot here.
13. Buy as many pieces of clothing as humanly possible (HEY! I didn't say they were all smart things)
14. Shoes will always fit so buy those too
15. Eat watermelon all summer long.
16. Spend time at the lake and ocean. They're the two most refreshing places in the world.
17. Do the things that scare you.
18. Diet coke is the best drink in the whole entire world (Ok so maybe I just miss diet coke...Coke zero isn't cuttin it here peeps!)
19. Your mother always knows best.
20. TRAVEL.... Never have I or will I ever regret seeing the world. I'm such a different person because of it and will continue to change daily.
21. Speak your mind but know when to keep your mouth shut
22. Love yourself. 
23. Dont take life so seriously!

The twenty-three years I have been alive have been blessed with so many wonderful things. I am so thankful for every experience I've had and every person I've met. 

Thank you to my wonderful friends here who threw me a surprise KTV party!! Best celebration :) Pictures and details to come. Just trust me, it was a good time!

I never thought I would be writing a blog from the middle of Asia, nor even anywhere but Pullman. But, HEY! Here I am. I can't wait to see where my spirit will guide me next! 

Here's to 23 and hopefully many, many more to come!!!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Pink House

After somewhat of a mix up as to which was the correct restaurant that we wanted to eat at, at this large pink castled shaped building (yes I know you're wondering why on earth I haven't been here yet?!) we landed in the quaint, barbie meets hello kitty wonderland! The place in which I think I am meant to spend the rest of my days!
The walls were pink, the chairs were pink, the people wore pink, the cups were pink...EVERYTHING was pink. 
So, naturally I headed in, in all pink and flowers! I was thrilled with the whole thing and would definitely say its a must for whom ever ventures over to Taiwan!!
I'm thinking we will make a debut back there for my BIRTHDAY! (Woah....23?! Where has the time gone? I swear just yesterday I was 17 hahaha)

 I had to wear my HK watch of course!


 Lori's "Coffee"




Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Lori does Asia

The most exciting thing happened....My mom came to Taiwan!!! It was the greatest thing ever. She got to see where I live, where I teach and even ride on the back of my scooter!
From eating at fish markets, driving through the mountains, getting scared off by monkeys, exploring Kaohsiung, tons of massages (for Lor), lounging on the beach, a few sunburns, lunches and dinners on the ocean, drinking grapefruit green tea all day long, shopping for purses and cell phone accessories, finding the perfect presents to take home to Kyndell and an amazing weekend on Baisha beach in Kenting it was a trip for the books. She even mentioned that she should buy a house on the beach and I could come visit her on the weekends...we should all probably push her in that direction!
Miss you already mom and I'm so thankful for your visit here!!!
Here's a few photos until Lori is able to figure out the FB machine and post more :)







Here's to wonderful family, friends and SUN!



Sunday, March 3, 2013

I am...

So I love, love, love reading blogs. I think it gives me hope that someday mine will be super cool and people will want to read it HAHA But anywho...I was reading this blog today and she wrote about twenty things that she is. So, I figured I would give it a go.

I Am......


1. i am adventurous

2. i am not afraid of what others think

3. i am the worst crier in the world (as in it takes so much for  me to let some tears go)

4. i am in love with country music

5. i am obsessed with instagram

6. i am in great need of traveling

7. i am crazy about asia (or maybe asia is making me crazy?)

8. i am in a love like-hate relationship with the gym

9. i am addicted to shopping

10. i am an over eater (it just tastes so good)

11. i am not good at eating healthy

12. i am a person who loves meeting new people

13. i am afraid of settling

14. i am naked without nail polish

15. i am a worrier

16. i am not really blonde (you never would have guessed huh?!)

17. i am a learner (currently mandarin in on the plate)

18. i am a teacher

19. i am in love with people's passion

20. i am finding myself wanting a dog more and more as the days pass



Who are you????