Updating System...

Yep, I'm still there. For those who were worried, shame on thee. For those who were hopeful for my demise, I blame you none. For those who I have lacked in contact with recently (many), I apologize. You are not forgotten in the least (see previous post). Just been a bit busy lately, and my schedule has not been one appropriate for talking to those in the U.S. I could be here all day, but I much rather actually do something on this glorious stress-free day, so I'll just spew some quick bullets about what I've been up to, in a vain attempt to portray my business (and thus, lack of communication).

-First of all, the 閃靈 concert was amazing. Corey has a more detailed write-up on his blog Here. I'll add some quick notes of my own: I think it was the first time since I've arrived in Taiwan that I didn't feel like a foreigner. Everyone was really cool and were shouting, bumping, laughing right alongside us. I'm sure there was still a bit of a spotlight on us...but then again, part of that might've been due to the fact that we were also going nuts for most of it (we were pretty drenched in sweat by the end). Also, the throwing of Joss paper was an interesting addition to the experience, as it's so symbolic of many things that I'm not entirely familiar or comfortable with....and it makes for an interesting slippery floor to try to stand your ground on during the pits. All in all, I was very impressed with the show, not only with the band, but with the crowd as well. The place was a-buzz with anger, laughter, and love of freedom...all the things that are so relevant for a 閃靈 show.

-People seem to keep coming and going out of my home and life. On the 23rd, Grace and Charlie moved back into their apartment, so Josie came next door to stay in my place until her departure. At this point, Corey left to live in a temporary apartment in Danshui, to be closer to his job (and farther away from us). However, during his second night there, he returned back to the apartment here, due to extreme allergy conditions at the apartment in Danshui. So, for 5 days until Josie left, there were 3 of us here in the apartment. It was a little nuts, but we all survived (and now my apartment looks like an apartment again). So now, Josie is gone, and Corey remains once again.

-Tutoring is going pretty well. I'm finally at the point where I feel I have the right amount of students...enough to support me, but not so many as to become a real job. To be honest, it has many perks that I am enjoying. Yes, if I didn't need money, I wouldn't be doing it....and I knew that because I had to do it, it would bring many great experiences. So far, it has not disappointed. The variety of my students is a big part of it (from age 8 to...30+).
Really, if I didn't have to plan and prepare lessons, I wouldn't mind it at all...but man do I hate that part.

-Training-wise, I couldn't be happier. My bagua lessons with Marcus continue to go well. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity for much practice in that lately, but I am confident that passion will overcome. In addition to Bagua, an incredibly nice chap, Austin, has hooked me up with a Tai chi class as well. Our teacher is only 21 years old, but he is already a master...both in competition and in knowledge. His ability to generate power from seemingly nowhere is absolutely amazing (he is a fraction of my stature). Best yet, the class costs me nothing (save the MRT fare to Jiangzicui, which is close). The only downside is that he does not speak English, so Austin usually translates what I don't understand from watching. Fortunately, our teacher is not teaching us any forms, but focusing on the fundamentals...how to generate power through our legs, proper structure, etc. This will really help me with bagua et al.
On the flight side of the arts, parkour continues to be another highlight of my week. We've been getting a pretty good attendance rate recently. On that note, we have a big meet-up in DaHu park this Sunday, with our group and a few others in the Taipei area whom we normally don't ever see.
Anyway, really happy to have these opportunities, definitely growing from it...especially physically, obviously.

-Creative exploration: I've been continuing my er....'tour', for lack of a better word, of my creative interests. A little photoshop, a bit of texturing, some creative writing and scripting, a bit of drawing, some music dabbling, etc. While most of this doesn't get past the dabbling stage, definitely educational and enjoyable. Some of these skills will culminate in the completion of my current big project, a hl2 mod I'm working on (announcement for that will come later). Just all these things that I would love to learn that I wish I had/have more time for.

Anyway, that's for all now. For those on Facebook, an album has posted of some pictures thus far. I'll try to do that every month, since I don't post many pics on here.
Be in touch, and I'll try to do the same.
Peace