No, today's "change" does not refer to any of the following:
- Sarah and I are just fine - no "announcement" though like some of you are asking for
- Not thrilled, but not overly worried about Tuesday's voting results.... just have to sit back and wait to see how this all sorts out.
- American Idol - soon down to final 12! A healthy group this year (pretty open in my opinion). You could argue if some of the contestants are auditioning on the incorrect evening but whatever....
- Brett Favre..... so long. His retirement makes Minnesota a contender for the division again!! Can they get Sage out of Houston????
- The Moment of Truth is strangely addictive... but last night's show was WAY over-hyped.
I've accepted a work assignment to live in Taiwan (known to some as "Taiwanol") for 18 months.
WHAA???????
Yeah, I'm moving to Taiwan to live and work for an 18 month assignment. Don't worry, my blog will still be active (hopefully more than this week) from over there. It's time for a change anyways;) It's something I've always wanted to do - and the timing is right for me.... kind of;)
So here's the questions I usually get asked:
Q: Where is Taiwan? Is that China?
Short answer: It's an island (about the size of Indiana.... with a lot more people and a lot less corn) off the coast of Mainland China. It's the island to the east of China, but south of Japan. Here's a map! And they are part of the Republic of China - more on that at a later date.
Q: Do they speak Chinese?
Yes - Mandarin Chinese (national language) is the main language taught in schools. Mandarin is a pain to learn (I'm still trying to graduate through chapter 1). English is common among the business people (and others) - so there's hope for me yet!
Q: Are you selling your place?
No - unless you're offering $200k+???? Everything has it's price! No renters either.... long decision process but I believe to be the correct one.
Q: When do you leave?
Just booked my trip this morning - I fly across the pond on March 27 (3 weeks from today).
Q: What's the story with Sarah then?
Sarah (the greatest girlfriend in the world) will be coming with me at a future date.... gonna be a tough start to be away from her but we'll make it!
Q: If Sarah comes over, are you getting married in Taiwan?
No.... I believe Sarah's answer was "Hell No" for clarification
Q: Do they eat cats there?
No.... no dogs are eaten either
Q: Are you painting yourself gold and impersonating Buddha when you get there?
Tempting.... Might get me a better price on things!
Q: Nervous?
For someone that really doesn't get nervous for anything.... kind of! Booking a one-way plane ticket will do that to you though.
Q: Do you get to come home at all?
Yup - stay tuned for when!
Q: Do you have all of your shots before you leave?
Mom - as I've told you every time we talk on the phone, Mayo Clinic says I don't need any shots..... I'll tell you again next time we chat:)
So that's all for today:) Send me any questions and I'll post more. I'll make all of you feel like you're living in Taiwan over the next 18 months with pictures, videos, updates, stories, etc.
Haiku of the Day
Big man in Taipei
Life as an ex-patriot
No, not like Stallworth
Entertainment of the Day - Haven't really talked about the concert from last weekend.... Kahn and I went to see the Boomin Beyond Measure tour at the Target Center. Nice Christian Rock concert! Jeremy Camp is the Alternative/Rock performance and was quite enjoyable, TobyMac (of DC Talk fame) was quite good as well with more R&B/Rock mix. My thoughts from the show were:
- Toby's 43 years old now.... acts a little "thugish" for a 43 year old but is still enjoyable.
- Target Center SUCKS for concerts if you're not in the front row for U2 concerts;) This one was probably the worst for sound in my opinion (yes - worse than Dave)
- Lots of High School kids in the audience.... and all with cell phones. Some paid money to come to the concert to text their friends 99% of the time!
- Family friendly show for obvious reasons.... still a good time and good show despite not having the usual rock concert swearing, etc.
Weblink of the Day - A link that tells quite the story.... with little else to be said.
3 comments:
Your mission, should you chose to accept it: Find something in Taiwan with a "MADE IN USA" sticker on it.
When would be a good time to visit?
1. When is the going away party?
2. Who is going to take care of the house while you are away?
3. Will you get caught up in Sumo wrestling? (you will be close to Japan)
4. What will you be doing for IBM? (might need to come talk to me or email for that info - confidential reasons)
5. Will your back hold up to all the bowing you will need to do?
6. Do they make beds big enough for you in Tawain?
7. Is Sarah leaving her job (I don't have a clue what she does) or is she getting an "assignment" as well?
8. Who will replace you on in the La Crosse Orchestra?!? How will they live without the BIG SHOW as the main attraction?
and finally -- drum roll please --
Who will lead the bowling league in avg low score?!?!?
On a more serious note - cool. Have fun and hope the job "assignment" works to your advantage. Oh, and take a picture of the Great Wall (I know you will go sight seeing in China - admit it - you will).
Okay...whoa whoa whoa. 18 months!? I am getting married in like 15 Big Show. I don't know if I am very happy about this. I was hoping you would play a little orchestra action too! Amazing news though!
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