​There was a mood for rum raisins today.. and if i was eating ice cream, usually it will have to be Hagen Dazs.  Therefore, it was.  YAY!!! 

Because there was a sale, who could resist a sale of Haagen Dazs by the pint?!?!?! 
i couldn't for sure.  So instead of walking away, i bought three: rum raisin, cookies & cream, and pistachios!  
Today i dove right into rum raisin.. but who would have thought that the simple memories could bring me to tears.. tears of sadness that the man who enjoyed this so much is gone, and now going on five years; tears of joy that i was given the opportunity to share this with the man who shaped me to be who i am; and tears of wonder of all the times i had with him and the time since he's been gone. 

Cheers... rum raisins! 
Cheers dad, to you! 

We're off to 2021, and the US seems to be in chaos with the oncoming of switching out Presidents.  Not sure something like this has ever happened in history.  However, a bit disappointing start to 2021.  And the vaccination also seems to be a problem with distribution.  This is tough indeed. 

Meanwhile, here the temperatures have been cold and without heating.  Definitely another adventure here.  Earth quakes have resumed as well.  Fortunately, nothing really major.  Many have been caring and reached out to ask me how am i doing here?   And here it is...

Well, the cultural difference is just the start.  It's always different when you are actually in it -- just different.  What does make it difficult is the earthquakes.  One never know when it may strike.  At times, there may be a warning given about 30 seconds in advance.  I am thankful that the earthquakes have been pretty tamed.  While 30 seconds advance warning doesn't sound like a lot, but it sure is.  Grateful for that warning!  

Other than that, adjust to the cold without the heat is something to get used to.  Layering... lots of layering.  And scarves have come in handy as well.  All is well and will be grand! 

Nowadays, I am always alert to the possibility of an earthquake striking.  

Do you ever look at this world and think: what in the world happened to it?  
Yes, this is a intense and wide general question to be asking.  Considering so many factors and species...

All the meanwhile, this has been going on for quite some time that no one stopped to realize.  Then many now will stop and look closer then realize: people are just people.  No one is really ever going to be there for you.  Nothing is ever perfect, but relationships can be built.  Of course, like all the other beautiful things/ buildings, and families you see, nothing is easy nor fast. And only if both parties are willing to endure faithful and loyalty to each other.  And nowadays with the world and our society filled with evermore countless temptations and lack of effective and healthy communication, that makes it significantly difficult -- even undesirable.  Another component that is more difficult than that: when being communicated to of matters from another party's perspective, it's not always easy to be receptive and understanding. 
All these factors, some fundamental factors, simply cause more than unnecessary side effects.  At the end of the day,  For decades now, I aim to work on myself to be someone who can fulfill these simple fundamental morals and traits.  Long to find a team, as I once did and be part of it for future decades to come.  

Yesterday is now long past, 
History still longs its cast,
I won't permit it to last.  

Today is a new day, 
Starting with a new way, 
Be ready to come what may.

I have now found a place to reside for this upcoming years.  Yes, my apartment in Taiwan.  This apartment is very homey and cozy for me.  From all the places that I have seen, this one was the one most suited and fitted.  I feel blessed and very grateful. 

While I am settling in, cleaning is quite a bit of work.  In which makes it more difficult on a sprained ankle.   I have now been out of quarantine for just a bit over a week.  The one thing that I have learnt about living in Taiwan is that recycling is intense - requiring one to clean and dry the takeout bags and boxes, and even the cups from drinking.  The intensity also comes from the extreme amount of garbage this island creates on such a small amount of land.  Scary! 

My apartment comes with both a parking spot for both car and motorcycle.  And like in many places that are crowded, the parking garage is in the basement.  I have yet to see what happens during storms of typhoon season.  My neighborhood is not as close to the water, but yet not too far either.  The height and floor of my apartment, m-a-y-b-e can give me a bit comfort to the flood.  However, in terms of earth quakes.. I will keep my fingers crossed.  Something that seems to be occurring in the Northeast of the U.S. nowadays too.  Sometimes it's more subtle than others.  Something I need to be more actively reviewing the precaution to take when it should occur.  

Next up... adjusting and learning the work environment here!  So I am about done settling in with one more cleaning to do after my ankle is better.  And off I go to learn the work culture here.  And of course, I am researching and learning on new posts for holistic and alternative medicine.