Spank me

Yeah, spank me for not making any entries since I've been in Taiwan. It seems that whenever I think about doing it, I'm not at my pc, or I'm busy doing something else on the computer like chatting with my kids. Or, most likely, I'm stuffing my face again. Here you see Marc, Zenny, me, and the woman who runs this shop, where I ate duck for the first time.

Even right now, I could write what I've been doing for the past few days, but I'd rather go out and explore. If any of my friends are reading this, please be patient and I'll get around to the sordid details of my time here so far.

The newness of it all

I arrived in Taiwan Tuesday night. My senses are reeling from all the sights, sounds, smells, and especially the tastes. Taiwanese food is soooo yummy, at least everything I've tried so far. There is so much that I've experienced in just my first day here. However, I will have elaborate next time, as my pc is acting up. I'm in Safe Mode right now, but as soon as I figure out what's wrong I'll write more and post some photos.

For now, though, suffice it to say that life is good!

Astro-cartology reading

Let me preface this entry by saying that I'm not a big follower of astrology. Chalk that up to my religious upbringing, I don't know. However, I find it interesting when a reading corresponds to my personality or path in life.

Here is the astro-cartology chart (thanks Marc) which describes how Fortuna and Taiwan relate to my life. Pretty interesting.

Fortuna, California, USA

The quality of this connection does not lend itself particularly well to worldly pursuits. Hopes and ideals are probably too high to meet anyone's expectation. If this is the case, there will be disappointments sooner or later. This especially applies to encounters made along this line to latitude. At first, they might appear in a favourable light but soon reality catches up.

Promises are not kept, hopes dashed and in the worst case scenario, there can be intrigues and deceit. With all new contacts, do not become blinded by the apparent perfectness of conditions. Enjoy the romantic moments but guard against any concrete intentions and arrangements.

The atmosphere of these places can be compared to the razzmatazz and glitter of Hollywood. Perfect conditions exist here for an escapade into the realm of fantasy and dreams. Artists, authors and actors know how to appreciate this creative inspiration. You could also meet some highly spiritually evolved individuals but it is still important to keep your feet on the ground.

Taiwan

Staying here is like being part of a fictional film production. Your dreams and imagination are incited, and you are deeply moved by the intensity of life. There is a soft shimmering glow and boundaries fade away. Moved by sympathy, awe and empathy, all your emotions become more sublime.

You could experience some wonderful, sensitive relationships. You long for emotional connectedness, selfless surrender and the inner fusion with a loved one. You may meet your big love, but it is still questionable if reality matches your idyllic expectations.

Venus/Neptune is a pleasant but deceptive place, and you should be aware of the tendency to idealise and hide the truth. Special care needs to be taken with money and valuables, as the potential exists for thefts and other material losses. Artists, on the other hand, experience an unexpected creative phase. Their creativity mirrors the sensitivity and aesthetics of this inspirational and subtle region.

Some last thoughts

Three days to go until I board my plane for the 13 hour flight that I've imagined for so long.

It's silly, but I keep thinking in terms of "lasts" before I leave for Taiwan. This is the last weekday I'll be in the US for a while. Yesterday I watched "Survivor" with my kids at Chelsea's for the last time. As I write this, I'm eating leftover tom kha gai, the last time I'll be eating my favorite dish (in the US). Even though my kids and I have discussed our short- and long-term reuniting goals, both in the US and overseas, I still break down when I think in terms of "last time" for hugging them.

To counteract these bittersweet, emotional thoughts, I'm trying to concentrate on the many, many "firsts" I'll be experiencing once I'm overseas. Most of these firsts are conjectural, of course; I mean, I haven't even stepped foot yet in my new country. In the coming days and weeks, it remains to be seen which of my imagined visions of life in Taiwan were on the money, and which were wildly off the mark.

Below is the weather report for Fortuna and Taipei. Note that the current temperature and humidity levels, on the left side, are as of 1:00pm Fortuna time, but 4:00am Taipei time! Guess I won't have to worry about dry skin.

Laughter in Long Beach

Went to So. Cal. this past weekend to visit my old friend V before I leave. This is us after we got our nerve up to embark on an adventure and visit a leather bar. I'm following a MySpace tradition and not using his full name. It seems silly, but adds to his mystique. He's in the photo, so he may appreciate my not using his full name. I thought the black bars added a nice pulp-fictionesque touch.

So, V and I got to eat, and reminisce, and eat, and hang out, and eat, and bar hop, and drink lattes, and eat. It was like no time had passed and we were still in our 20s, dishing and gossiping and laughing about our misadventures. I got to meet his darling friend Gianna, and met up with old friends Misti, Brie (have fun in Dubai!), and Lucretia. I had a wonderful time and made some great new memories. Gianna and V have a friend already in Taiwan, so now they'll have yet another excuse to come and visit.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to fit my life into two suitcases.

Response to my mom and sister