Ch-ch-ch-ch-CHINA

This CNY two of my dear friends and I set out for Beijing to see what China was really all about. Our first impressions were super great…we didn't really know that the airplane was about to touch down. Fog? you might ask. Ummm I wish. The smog was so thick that you could barely see to the end of the runway. That aside we set out to see the history and culture of ancient China.

We found that learning about the late Mao (or Mao Mao as I like to call him. Also meaning Cat in chinese) took a decent amount of time. Between Teinenman Square and the Emperor's palace we walked nearly 100 miles (according to Rachel and I. Actually only about 4 according to John) We spent 6 days in Beijing and were lucky enough that the majority of them brought blue skies--a complete rarity. Near the end of our trip we headed to the "ancient wall tour" about ten other people and us took a bus into the hills of china to climb the great wall. It was an amazing thing to see. To imagine those men slaving over that wall for so long. Knowing that so many people had been worked to death to protect their land. 

We had an amazing trip and traveling with John and Rachel was fantastic. In the words of Marissa-- Jachel is my favorite couple to third wheel :)

Thanks for the memories my friends!!

Here are some quick pics for your viewing pleasure!

Woah

Many people who know me may know that some days I get caught up in the moment and forget that I have things in my life….like a blog :)
But also, I would like to say that I am not fully to blame for my lack of entirely inspiration postings that have been so clearly missing from your lives (haha)
My computer once decided to go for a slight swim in the dog's water bowl. Long story. Anywho it took me a little while to have my broken keyboard checked out. The apple company here concluded that I would not only need an entirely new keyboard but I would also need a new mother board. Um yeah sorry no. I will just do with my slightly soggy one for now…xie xie.
So it goes like ohhhhhh. what I wouldn't doooo. To write your name on my heart, get you wrapped in my arms, baby all around you. Sorry just thought you would like a short song to past the time.
Ok ok back on track. I've been gallivanting around China and Taiwan for the last two months. Having more fun than I thought possible! Posts with pictures to come soon.
Byeeeee

2014

Even though the first month of the year is half way through I will still attempt to salvage whats left in laying out my previous year and the coming one as well.
Twenty thirteen brought so many wonderful things in to my life. It was a full year here in Taiwan. One with so much laughter, excitement, energy and fun.
Apparently our generation loves list so with Gen Y following close to my own heart I will summarize 2013 with some lists.

Adventures of 2013:
1. Bali, Bali, Bali. Too much fun to even know where to begin.
2. Road trip up the east coast of Taiwan with friends
3. Every hash run of the year (again--scenic hikes and beer… need I say more)
4. Taroko Gorge-- killer bees, chinese tourist and "the biggest storm to hit the earth this year"
5. Swinging back through Whitman Country for a little friends, family and football

Ridiculous things learned about Taiwan in 2013:
1. People can carry anything and everything on a scooter (picture a family of 5, a 2x4 and a chicken)
2. Spacial awareness is a learned skill and apparently not taught here
3. Taiwan beer can be mistaken for Busch Light if you drink it frequently enough
4. Poor Taiwanese children go to school from sun up to sun down
5.Your home can easily be converted to a business if the price is right

Foods I missed from America in 2013:
1. Craft macaroni and cheese
2. McDonalds Diet Coke
3. Everything from La Casa Lopez
4. Red Robin French Fries
5. Burritos

Countries visited in 2013:
1. USA (does that count)
2. Hong Kong
3. Indonesia

Worst decisions made in 2013:
1. Taking Henry home--no one to look at me with a googlie eye now
2…..Nah who am I kidding??? Everything else was AWESOME

And the list of life, love and the pursuit of happiness for 2014 (aka new goals):
1. Love more
2. Worry less
3. Forgive easier
4. Eat more fruit and veggies
5. Drink more water
6. Drink less beer hahahhahahaha just kidding 
7. Tell people how wonderful they are
8. Take time to appreciate the moment at hand
9. Find joy in the curiosity of children
10. Get moving
11. See more cultures and countries
12. Eat really good food
13. Never forget how amazing life it
14. Carpe the crap out of this year!!!!

To all of my people who have made this year great….I truly appreciate and love you. Thank you.
I am so blessed to have friends and family in every corner of this great, big world.
My friends who have always believed in me and have encouraged me to always follow my dreams. I would not be who or where I am today without you. Thank you.
My friends I've met here who have become my family. The ones who put up with my craziness on a daily basis. The ones who have picked me up when I've fallen and the ones who I know will be part of my life forever.
And my family. Life knocks us down but it is so amazing to know that we will always have each other. I miss each and every one of you every day (Sorry I'm not always good at Kik Grandpa)
Here's to each of you. Here's to the memories we've made. The nights we don't always remember, the sunsets we've watched, the times we've cried and especially for the times we've laughed.
You have truly made my past year amazing.
Here is to health and happiness; friendship, love and fun. Here is to 2014

KaohsiungHashHouseHarriers

We've been doing a ton of Hash runs over the past few months. (ps sorry for not posting Uncle Den) A hash run is when a group of people get together at a designated location to follow two people running ahead leaving marks along the trail. Its like a scavenger hunt but with beer! What could be better??At the end of the run we nominate each other for random things and then you have to chug a beer. Its hilarious, fantastic and we have made some amazing friends through this group.
Ok, beer drinking aside--we've also seen some beautifully amazing places in Taiwan along the way.

I am so thankful for this group!! Not only do the provide us with great fun and beer, they've also given us lifelong friends.
Here's to many more hashes!!