Day Eighteen.

It's been eighteen days since I left Taiwan...and I must admit I feel like I left a part of myself behind--my heart. I know there are people who would tell me I am lucky to live where I live, but then again, the grass is always greener on the other side.

I won't say the transition has been easy because it hasn't. It has, however, taught me a few more lessons about myself. When I arrived home, I felt very much alone, however when I left a few days later to visit my family, being around people bothered me. I returned to my apartment a week and a half later, a little better, but the silence was deafening--again, I felt alone. The people I loved and missed were halfway around the world and I had very little access to equipment at the time to be able to contact them. Thank goodness for 3G on my Kindle and the emails I received that made everything all better. The silence may be burdensome and the bustle of people too loud, but the lack of people makes you appreciate them just as the presence of the people makes you appreciate the silence. All is One.

Every day things get better, easier to handle. I still feel like something's missing, but here I have things that I did not have there. I have my family, my job, my schooling. That something, I fear, will always be missing, but hopefully I can find things around me here that make me just as content. Of course, as soon as I do, my two years here will be up and I must leave yet again. Life never stops to wait.

Day One Hundred Thirty-Two.

My last Thursday.

These last few days have been a little uneventful. I don't know what to do now that I only have a few days left. I spent the day sleeping and watching TV--it is too hot outside to do anything! Still, I'd rather sweat here than cry back in the States.

Day One Hundred Thirty-One.

My last Wednesday.

I played ninja with the men's dorm leader today; he may have won the round, but I ultimately won the game.

Day One Hundred Thirty.

My last Tuesday.

Goodbye girls. Thank you for all of the shopping and the goodbye birthday cards and gifts. I will never forget you.

Day One Hundred Twenty-Nine.

My best friend at home broke his ankle. I wish it didn't take something this extreme to make me want to go back to the states, just for a little while.

Today I learned a very valuable lesson about patience and decision making. While I may not yet be completely comfortable putting it into practice, I will try my best. All we can do is give our best.

More shocking news to make the agenda tonight: Liferan is getting married! Best wishes to my friend and his soon to be bride.

Day One Hundred Twenty-Eight.

This is probably my last night with internet as well as my last night with a roommate. On the plus side, I feel like I have a stress fracture in my left foot and each day I have to climb the stairs to come home or leave, it feels fantastic. Oh wait, that's not a plus side. Somehow, I feel I would rather feel the physical pain than step on the airplane next week. Unfortunately, I have to do both.

I applied for a new job last night. Cross your digits.

Day One Hundred Twenty-Seven.

It looks like I have the privilege of living in my dorm room alone for a week...with no internet.

Sounds like a party.

Day One Hundred Twenty-Six.

My roommates packed up almost everything in the room today. The desks look so barren and the beds are empty; things are packed into large bags, ready to leave. I am somewhat doing the same, preparing my things to move downstairs for my remaining days. I have a good start now, just clothes and electronics outside the bags, save for my day to day toiletries which I can carry downstairs separately.

I'm not ready for this...

Day One Hundred Twenty-Five.

I've been busy preparing to move to the new room. I guess it shouldn't be that difficult since I never really unpacked, but I have to figure out what I'm keeping and what to give away or throw away, etc...

I don't want to go home.

Day One Hundred Twenty-Four.

I can't describe the feeling that rockets through my body when I'm standing somewhere far above a city and looking down upon its twinkling lights. No sounds but the sweet chirping of crickets accompanies my thoughts high on this rooftop overlooking the city that has taught me so much. Taipei, the city that has given me everything I've ever wanted and so much more.