miltownkid.com

That is a random title for those MK (Mortal Combat) fans out there.

Man, a lot has gone down since I last left you. If you’re like me and don’t like reading too much, you can go straight to the Flickr (see the link on the right) fer some pictures of last night’s Happy Hour (which was indeed very happy as the pictures will show).

Yesterday I had to do some things straight after my morning job. What were those things? Well I had to open a bank account and go do my driving test for a license. The bank account opening went very smoothly (I have all the IDs, chops and whatnot). Scooting there and back mad the whole thing a little more enjoyable. Then I stopped at the Crib o’ and took a rest.

After I felt fresh and ready to go I jumped on the bike and made my way to the testing center. That place was a little hard to find (the address was clear, but I drove right past it the first time). When I rolled in, I found out I was too late. It’ll have to be next week then.

Then it was back home, and to the store for name tags. Then off to the HH.

(I’m getting tired of typing, I’ll try to wrap this up. Talking to robonutz right now via Skype)

The Happy Hour was good. The beer was cheap. I had a few. People laughed. Yeah. Uh… See the pictures on Flickr. If you have some questions or something ask…

I did get my groove on up on the bar briefly (that was fun). I also heard from a Forumosan that there might be a club that welcomes my kind (B-Boys). Then I could do more groove-getting-oning.

In the morning I led a C Walking class for my kindy. Then had a long day of work. Now it’s about time to get to sleep.

Oh, and a shout out to Frost for helping me practice that 7 second line thing for the scooter test. I’m sure I’ll have no trouble passing it now (even though he’s failed like 5 times >.<)

So I had my first real road adventure today to and work back. I’d like to start off by saying I don’t think scooter driving is as dangerous as some people make it out to be. I know it’s only been my first day out and I’m sure I’ll have run ins with something some time down the line, but people I’ve ridden with drive WAY TOO FAST.

On my way to my afternoon job, the roads were clear and it was daytime, so I cruised most of the way between 50 and 60 (down that street next to the river between Yonghe and Banqiao for those of you in the know). Visibility was good, traffic was sparse, a nice ride.

Coming back…

It was night, very crowded and visibility was ASS (well, not so good). I drove most of the way around 40 (down the same road). I’ve ridden my bike around quite a bit and I feel safer on a scooter. If your speed is sensible and you’re focused on driving, seems like it should be OK. We’ll see how long it takes for my first “fender bender”. I’m betting it’ll be someone hitting me from behind.

The scooter did change my 1+ hour commute into a 25-30 min. one. I’ll probably still take the bus and MRT on bad weather days.

I’m really getting into this Flickr.com thing now. It’s really nicely laid out. I think I’ll be going Pro soon. That’s what I’m going to use for managing of photos. I wasn’t interested in it at first because I was worried about them being some kind of flash in the pan, but it looks as if they’re here to stay. If you haven’t checked out Flickr yet and you’re looking for a good way to present your photos online, check’m out (link to Flickr.com).

Now that I have the 2 jobs things going on, my interest in divestment and simple living has been sparked again. I’m already working on getting a copy of “Your Money or Your Life” and other books like that, but if you have any tips and tricks, feel free to let me know.

I should start keeping this updated regularly again now that I know I won’t be doing the “big switch” right away. One thing I’ve been getting good at is cutting back my computing time. Now I won’t just idly waste away in front of the computer playing Mine Sweeper and listening to a random MP3 on repeat. I’ll go read a book or something. Cutting away TV time too. Saving that for watching the many DVDs I’ve collected in my time here (does everyone go 99NT DVD crazy when they first arrive?)

Well that was a pretty good ramble for today. Let’s hope I get my license tomorrow (passed the online test 4 times in a row with a score of 100 so that won’t be a problem, but I best get some practice in for the driving part).

Hopefully tomorrow will bring “good news”

m.

I would tell you a story about me taking my scooter for a ride to Game Club today and really enjoying myself, but I won’t because if I did that, I’d be breaking laws by driving without a license. Hopefully I’ll get one on Tuesday.

Just went to game club today and played video games. Was planning on doing a little house cleaning but didn’t. Just sort of chilled today (that’s what Sundays are for eh?)

I’ll just stop here since I don’t have much to say.

m.

Been MIA for a while. Just been real busy with life stuffs I suppose and have neglected the blog. Finally got the “What’s going on?” email from mom, so I know it’s been at least a week.

Well, I got a few stories I suppose. I’ll start with work first…

So now I’m working 2 jobs (teaching English). My same morning job and now an afternoon job at the place I was “subbing” at over the summer. Having 2 jobs put me in an interesting position though (well, to me anyway). When I was discussing pay at my afternoon place, I just went for higher pay (since I didn’t really want to work there at the time) and they gave it to me with almost no haggling (shoulda went higher >.< ).

Then, after being happy with the pay increase I wasn’t happy with what I was getting in the morning and went for more there as well since I had the security of the afternoon (that was a little more of a battle) and got it. Adding them both together equals another about 4,500NT/month to line my pockets with. I don’t think I did too bad for my first time trying that whole “gimme a raise bitches!” thing.

I really need to get moving on this whole web redesign thing. That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t updated. I guess I’ll put the web design thing to the side for now and be sure to stay a little more regular with my blogging. I’ve decided that I’m going to use flickr to manage my pictures. They do some cool stuff over there and I’d rather pay them than mess around installing my own software. You can see my stream at the bottom of the post.

I plan on getting some more things up there soon.

I got a scooter now. That’s new news. Haven’t driven it yet, but I’m sure I will soon. Also went ahead and got a new PDA (I couldn’t stand the dying screen of my 3 year old Tungsten T anymore). I wanted to get some new hotness, but went for the Tungsten E2 instead (actually, it is pretty hot). I was very pleased with how the upgrade from one to the other went. It moved just about everything over and everything seems to be working fine. The new OS is nice as well (well, new version I guess).

I think I wrote about buying a new notebook maybe the last time I posted. Well, that notebook has been getting heavy use. Besides just the usual to-do list, I’ve also been writing down thoughts, feelings (:P) and random things in it. I’ve also been keeping things sorted by date. I’d go so far as to say I keep a diary now :O.

I’ve still been taking photos like a mad man. I got one today of this big ass cat at a tea place who’s slogan is (roughly from Chinese) “Drink tea, eat food, play with cats.” I’ll have to stop by one day and have tea, eat food and play with cats. Me and “the man” photoed also went for a swim today in a nice little pool in Yonghe. Speaking of Yonghe, I will be the king of it one day so make note.

I guess the start of the semester and being at 2 schools (one of them new) made me busier than I like to be. I’m also still regularly attending Jujitsu, so, you know.

I guess that’s about it for now.

emKid

[CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS]