Scrooge

Not been a good week. Despite the Christmas season, and two rare two-day weekends, this past week has been rough. I came down with my first case of the cold, lots of coughing, sore back, constant runny nose, and a rarity for me-headaches. Have been taking it easy, trying to get some sleep, and relaxing most nights. The weather has been more foe than friend though, rain and wind most of the past week, downright miserable. Begining to get better. The cold has been mitigated by a serious case of empty-headedness. On Sunday I left my jacket at a bar, after only a drink, and went back Monday but to no avail. That was quite infuriating, either they're lying to me or someone stole it,regardless it's gone. Then somewhere else in the course of the week I lost my charger and USB upload cord to my IPOD. This is one that completely baffles me, as I take my IPOD everywhere except out at night, and am very careful as to what I do with it and the cord. Without the USB cord I can't charge it, thus no music till I recover or purchase another. Finally, the death knell, the other day I was on my way to work when I realised my bike was missing. I looked all up and down the street, but no sign. I found my little basket down the street sitting on a stoop, outside someone's door. Granted I didn't lock my bike, it's older, amongst tens of others within arm's reach, but for someone to steal it?!?!? Sufficed to say, I wasn't, and am still not happy. The subway and walking pale in comparison. I guess everyone has weeks like these, especially when in another country, and as an easy going person I am keeping my spirits up, especially tonight (New Years). For all of this to occur in one week though, least of which Christmas week, is slightly deflating. On a lighter note, I had a good dinner at a hotpot (think a big round table with near boiling flavored water in the middle, in which you drop all kinds of meats, vegetables, and Chinese creations into) with a friend from work and her family. Afterwards I suffered down some "super-magical" Taiwanese rice-liqour with her Dad and brother. I cannot, and I consider myself a fairly open eater after being so picky as a kid, stress suffer enough. It was strong and had a horrid aftertaste. I felt like Yuri and his comrades drinking bad ruskie liqour whilst ice fishing in Siberia. Despite that, I learned how to play Mahjong. That was quite the experience, as Mahjong is taken like the word of God over here. Everyone over forty plays all the time, and money is always involved. Not sure if anyone back in the States has played, but it's as intense as a board game can get. I was chastised numerous times for not being quick enough, though my friend played with her money so I was spared walking out penniless. Tonight being New Years, friends and I are going to the Sun-Yat Sen Memorial to drink and watch the "spectacular" fireworks show from the Taipei 101. It's billed as the highest fireworks show in the world, which I assume to be accurate, albeit meaningless. Oh, one more depressing note, it seems as though packages take a long time in transit, as one from the family back home sent beg. of Decemeber has yet to arrive. So for those of you with cards/postcards/and a package in the mail be patient, it'll arrive eventually I hope.