Cockroaches vs Mosquitos

Sorry my title sounds like a low-budget horror flick.

I have a bone to pick with the creator of cockroaches and mosquitos. I mean, COME ON NOW! What good are they to society? Why aren't they extinct? It's not like we can eat them (except for the poor souls that do on Fear Factor) or that they're full of nutrients.

Okay, some might say that even though we, humans do not eat them, other creatures do. I believe rats and other bigger insects feed off of them. Not that I'm an anti-advocate for animal rights, but I'm positive I won't lose sleep if we lived in a world without rats, spiders, insects and other diesease carrying creatures. The whole circle of life/food chain theory is just over rated.

I say bring back the saber tooth tiger, wooly mammoth and do-do birds and drive these baterica-carrying insects to extinction! At least the shit from those animals can help fertalize the Earth.

Who's with me?

70% Fobulous

You know you're turning into a 100% bonafide fob when you start collecting Hello Kitty magnets...

The lastest fad in Taiwan are these mini Hello Kitty magnets. You can only get them at 7-11 (by purchasing 77NT or more) and there's 30 of them to celebrate 30 years of Hello Kitty mania. I initially started collecting them to give to my godmom's daughter, but since she got all 30 of them, I'm starting to collect them as well! They're useful!

I don't think I have the strength to collect all 30, but it would be nice. I think I have 8 so far.

Anyway-- out of the blue, Kieran messenges me and he's coming back to Taiwan! Whoo-hoo! I told Alice that I was the glue that held everyone together (I think I say that a lot). She just laughed in my face. Whatever, I like to think its true.

Oh, I met up with Josh and Timmy today. They bought a basketball at Xi Men Ding and we played ball at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. It was fun, hot and exhausting. Too bad Josh is leaving tomorrow--no more ball! =(

Sorry I was such a wet blanket Josh! I promise to take you out next time you're in town!!!

Chinese Angelina Jolie!?

When I interviewed for the AE position at Publicis, I noticed that the account director looked a lot like Angelina Jolie! I thought I was imaging things...but when I went in again for my Chinese test, the resemblance was uncanny! Similar facial structure, big eyes, lips--and she's tall for a Taiwanese! (I'm guessing around 5'9).

Anyway, there's a new singer in Taiwan that I think resembles the lovely Astri.

http://www.forward.com.tw/rebecca/

Look-a-like rate = 85%

What do you guys think?

Sithsense

Sithsense my ass! I thought it was a 20 questions game--freakin darth vader kept asking! I think he asked 26 questions and still couldn't figure out my object. I was thinking of a toothbrush. Next time, I'm going to think of a vibrator--let's see if I can outwit a darthie twice!

Whoo-hoo! Just got a free black bra from Alice! It fits like a glove and makes my boobs look bigger! I shall call it my Black Magic bra! mUahahahaha.

Cable TV

It just struck me now that cable tv here includes commercials! What a pain in the ass! I was watching Sex and the City and I was interupted by several commercials! Grr~ I thought the whole point of subscribing to movie channels was to get rid of unwanted commercials.

My Godmom works for a high end retail store, Loewe, and they had a fashion show the other day at Taipei 101. Jason and Amanda couldn't make it so it was just me and Alice enjoying the h'orderves and cocktails. My Godmom was helping out a really x5 rich customer and pulled Alice and I aside and asked us if we wanted to be introduced to the guy. SUGA DADDY! But considering it was a bit scandelous, we quickly changed the topic. Whew~

Now for official news. I've accepted a job as a Trade Account Executive. My starting date is still being scheduled, but I told them June 20th is my preferable start date. It's not advertising, but its a great company and there's lots of room for advancement.

Super Granny

My Grandma has super duper human strengths! When I came home last nite, I saw a HUGE ASS spider on the wall. I mean, it was the size of my hand! I started shrieking like a girly girl and my grandma took one look, went to the kitchen, grabbed a broom and started beating the crap out of the spider. I figured I needed a weapon to protect myself, just in case the spider were to attack me, and the nearest object I could get my hands on was an umbrella.

My grandma doesn't have very good eye sight and kept missing the the spider when it fell to the floor. In a brave attempt by yours truly, I took one swing and defeated the giant spider! As teh spider lay dead on the floor, my grandma swoops down and picks up the dead carcass with her bare hands!!! Once again, I started shrieking like a girly girl cuz it was just too much!!

And that's my story.

LIVESTRONG

In the states, it seems like everyone has one of those yellow 'livestrong' bracelets (I'm no exception). But in Taiwan, the only people I've noticed that wear them are people in advertising. And whenever they see me wearing it, they have a 'shocked' expression on their faces. Kinda funny.

Anyhoo, after the disappointment with McCann, I started to weigh my options to pursue other opportunities. Wham-bam~ I got an offer at a trading company and it aint too bad. I have till Friday to tell them my final decision. But at this point I'll be taking it. The only bad thing is its a bit far. Whatever, taht's what the MRT is for.

David's English Center

I think its typhoon season here.... It's been raining like crazy this past week and from the news, there's floods in Southern Taiwan. Yikes!

I have to teach a class demo tonite at David's English Center. The company itself is smaller than Global Village but the pay is higher and its closer to grandma-mas. I'm reviewing the material that I have to teach and it just cracks me up!

A: Our tickets are gone! They aren't in my purse.
B: I have them, Bobbie. Can you just relax? You're driving me nuts!

C: Did you see my handbad? I want to read the tour guide.
D: I think your bag is checked.

E: Did you know this airport was built in 1750?
F: You are lying! Airplanes weren't even invented until the early 1900's.

G: I'm afraid of the airplane being hijacked.
H: Don't be silly! Let's get on board.

Once again, I'm teaching adults--so it should be fun!

Loewe fashion show tomorrow afternoon. My godmom told me to bring all my "pretty friends". Too bad most people I know are working! Oh well... at least I convinced Alice, Amanda and Jason to go. Free samples!~

On a sad note, I didn't get the AE position at McCann Erickson. But according to Agnes (hr director), I'm on her short list for future potential entry level positions. Bah~

Internet cafe, we meet again!

I realized from my past posting that I didn't really explain anything. Ha-ha....my bad. So here's the scoop.

After talking to Grace about the job and the meager salary, her opinion was "its too low! find a different job". I called the company and tried to renegotiate the salary. Seeing that they wouldnt budge, I told them politely that I would have to decline the position. Point of the story? I'll never listen to Grace again! =P

Speaking of Grace, I finally met up with her last nite. When she called me at 7:30pm the first words outta my mouth were "oh wow, you're off early!" I was at my friends house when she called and I told her taht I would bike over in a bit.

Yep, that's right! I bought a bike. Not a scooter ( =( ) but an actual 2-wheeler bicycle. I haven't owned a bike since jr. high and truth be told, I'm so out of shape! And get this, its PINK! I bought a yellow lady bug shaped bell and bike helmet. I get stares everywhere cuz people in Taiwan don't wear bike helmets!!! I think its crazy considering all the traffic. I'd rather get the stares than to look 'normal' without one.

Alice was with me when I bought the bike and as I was looking at all the bike accessories, I really wanted to pimp my bike! A basket is next! Muahahahaha!

I have an interview with a Baking company later. Wish me luck Kristi! If I get the job, you'll be set for life with cooking ingredients! =P

Over and out.

Ugh~

Officially unemployed again....

frugly baby

I need to update more. Tsk tsk.

It seems that my past entries have all been about job hunting--well, I'm ending it now! I got a job offer last Friday as a Marketing Specialist (its really a branding position) and I'll be starting Monday. It's not what I had in mind, but it'll do for the time being.

The gals and I went and saw the Taipei Phil Harmonics perform couple days ago and it was amazing! But the highlight of the night happened in the cab ride over.

We were talking about instruments and languages.

Amanda: (to Janet) No wonder you're so good at languages. (cuz Janet's a pro violinist)
Janet: Yes, its because I can hear things...

Me, Amanda and Alice: o__O" yes, of course you can hear~~~

Whaddya know

I've been on 7 interviews now. I had 2 back-to-back today. I've been getting the same responses "So, how's your Chinese?" o__O"

One of the interviews I had today was actually a 2nd one. I had to do a powerpoint presentation (not the TNS company) and present it to the manager. I think he's from Malaysia or Singapore. I could tell from his English accent. Anyhoo, after my previous experience with people in that area (Pico), I was somewhat prepared in formatting my questions and answers.

They're hiring 4 researchers and do I want to be one of the 4? I really don't know. It would be a last resort. Why? Cuz the manager is from SE Asia! No offense to those from there, but I know how "nonsense" minded they can get.

I have 1 interview tomorrow and then I'll be all out. Shit~

Taxes

During my brief stint as an English teacher, I made thousands and thousands of NT dollars. Now, I have to fill out a damn tax form! I actually have around NT1000 waiting for me, but after looking at the form, the government can keep the money! Plus, I got a phone call from OUI couple days ago and my extra curicular activity as "an interpreter" has to be taxed too. UGH~

TNS Global

I had an interview yesterday morning at a market research/consulting firm. I think it went okay. I was pleasantly surprised that everything was conducted in English and when I met with my interviewer, he actually shook my hand as he introduced himself.

In Taiwan, no one shakes hands when first introduced. Its a bit weird not to but I'm starting to adjust to it. When he was done introducing the company and the position, I started to ask a bunch questions and towards the end, he's going to have HR schedule a 2nd interview. Whoo-hoo! But he warned me taht for the 2nd interview, I'll be given a case study and I'll have to do a 20min presentation to the team. WTF? Whatever--it'll be just like Callaghans class.

Over and out.

Cockroaches

I went jogging with the girls Sunday nite. We started from their apt and jogged to Taan Park. It was a perfect evening to go out and at point, I felt like we were marathon runners. There's an amphitheater in the park and I heard Amanda sing for the first time---damn she's good!! I can't wait for her album to come out. I asked if I could get my freak on in her music video--she said sure. Whoo-hoo!

I have 3 interviews lined up for this week. I thought one of them was for today--good thing I doubled checked cuz its really for tomorrow! Ooops. I'll be administered a writing test, but this time, I'll get to write in English! *breathe of relief*

Last nite, as I was getting ready for bed, I saw a cockroach near my pillow!!!! Gross huh? I wasn't quick enough to kill it with my slipper so I was hella paranoid the rest of the nite--wondering if the cockroach will attack me in my sleep and lay eggs deep within my skin. *shiver* (astri, i read your friends blog about not licking envelopes cuz cockroaches lay eggs on them or something....)

As for the Ogilvy writing test, its fine if they don't call me back. I'm over it! ^__^

ps. Josh, I can never read your blog!!! Unblock me or something.....

Oglivy or bust!

I think I'm giving myself too much pressure. I have an interview with Oglivy tomorrow afternoon and I'm already shakin like a chihuahua. Not too sure why, but I'll be administered a test that will last 2-3 hours, in both Mandarin and English!!! It's going to take longer than the S.A.T's, but hot diggity, I better get results!

I'm just worried cause I don't know what the interviewing style will be and I would hate to fuck up due to minor blunders. But I guess if I do do horribly bad, I'll take it as lessoned learned and work my ass off when another interview rolls around.

Wish me luck!

The Pain~ part II

Yep, first it was OMD, now its McCann.... They sent me an email for an interview!!!! Son of a bitch.

Monday's

I'm starting to think that anywhere in world, Monday's are the pits. It's not that I'm having a bad day or anything, but just knowing that its Monday brings the blues.

I had a somewhat busy weekend. I went to Keelung for some seafood lunch with the family and had plans to meet with Janet later in the evening for a nice job around Taan Park. She flaked on me but I still took the opportunity to jog down Zhong Xsiao Xin Shen.

Sunday was a day spent with my godmoms family in the mountains. We had lunch at a local shed like place, played ball, walked around and ate dinner somewhere in the country side. Janet text me to see if I had wanted to go bowling, but after a whole day trekking around, I was too tired. Turns out she was with a few local celebrities ( F4's Vaness, Tension's Jimmy, Machi, etc). Oh well--not too bummed cuz she didn't list Brad Pitts name. Then I would've been kicking myself in the arse.

Job situation: the package has been sent. The only thing now to do is wait..........

First nite

My first nite in Taiwan, I met up with Alice and Janet and had dinner near their apt. We decided on sushi and headed to this place similar to Sushiland. It was a bit surreal to be sitting there with them. Once we ordered sashimi and proceeded to have the funniest conversation.

Janet had a piece of raw fish in her mouth and felt disgusted by the texture and had no other option but to spit it out.

Janet: It's like having a piece of raw fish in your mouth!

Me & Alice: oookay

Janet: It's like having fish in your mouth! You know what I mean?

Me & Alice: *blinked blankly*

Apparently we didn't know what she had meant, but it was some funny shit.

Hope all is doing well!

Back to the Inferno called Taiwan

Bada bing, bada BOOM!

I'm off to Taiwan---tonite! I misunderstood the flight times and I thought I would be flying out Wednesday nite at 1:55am, but silly me, its actually Tuesday nite/Wednesday morning. Oops~~

As I was feeding the meter in chinatown, I accidently tripped over my foot and instead of catching my balance, I just plain fell to the ground and rolled over. It was really sad. 2 people walked by me and looked at me like I was stupid and crazy.

I'm off to run more errands and to say last good-byes. I apologize for not having a good bye dinner. Its just that I've had like 2 already and I keep coming back!! Kind of defeats the purpose, wouldn't you say?

I'll miss everyone!! And best of luck with all your endeavors!