Things change too quickly in Taiwan…
A lot has changed since I last wrote here. I changed teaching jobs last month right before Chinese New Year. This was stressful and a major change in a lot of ways. However, I managed to make a fairly smooth transition into my new job.
Basically, my old position was really ruining my experience in Taiwan. Working late nights for unpaid work was really getting to me. So I found a better job with normal working hours and more stability. I’m really happy with this choice and I know I did the right thing.
Since I quit my job at Hess, I’ve been able to work on one of my major goals in coming to Taiwan. To study Kung Fu. I’m studying Jeet Kune Do at a small studio right near my apartment. Jeet Kune Do is Bruce Lee’s version of Kung Fu. The studio is covered of pictures of Bruce Lee and we bow to a large picture of him at the end of every lesson. The lessons are almost completely in Chinese and my teacher learned from a man who studied directly under Bruce Lee. I’m really enjoying this and so glad that I have this opportunity to study Kung Fu so close to its origins.
Also my Chinese is getting much better. I’m still far from fluent but I mostly communicate things within necessity. Reading characters is still extremely difficult but I recognize a few. Mainly “woman”. This is VERY useful when looking for the lady’s room in public.
Overall, I’m keeping myself very busy. I work full-time and study Kung Fu and Chinese in my spare time. I don’t feel like I’m on vacation mode anymore so sorry for the lack of posting. I will get up some pictures soon that I’ve been meaning to post of things I see around town.
Hello Ms Kung Fu Fightin!! What a treat to study that martial art right at its genesis!! I’m glad to hear that everything went well with the new job and that the transtion has been a smooth one. Today is Easter, so I attended a gorgeous sun rise service that left me speechless. Happy Easter, dearest Heidi. I still remember our Saturday evenings coloring Easter eggs and yours were always quite creative. I didn’t color Easter eggs last night but I made some mini chocolate molten lava cakes and they were a hit. Somehow, I see myself as a baker….
I’ve been reading that Taiwan has a new leader, and that he is from the “opposition.” Nowadays, I can’t tell who the opposition is — I guess I’m reflecting this years election cycle here in the US where, for Democrats, the loyal opposition always were the Republicans. Now, I’m not too sure.
What I”m sure about is that I do miss you. Post some pictures, OK? Stop being such a “native” and act more like a tourist….We want PICTURES!!
Love you lots
Aunt Martha
Dear Heidi, Been so busy lately that I haven’t even had time to log into your website, but your birthday is coming up and I’ve been thinking of you so much this month. I am fascinated with all of your adventures and cannot wait to see you again and hear about them in person. (And give you lots of hugs!) I understand how it is when you don’t have enough time to be posting pictures,etc. but I’ll be anxiously waiting for the next ones! Have a wonderful birthday. Let us know how you spent it. I love u, Aunt Z
Dear Heidi, Send me your latest e-mail address. The latest I have is the UCSC one. I know that is incorrect! Miss you. Aunt Z
Because i have not been able to send e mails i have not written. I know we spoke on your birthday but again i want to tell you how much i love you and how much i miss you. i thought about you a lot on your birthday and how i wanted to see you and speak with you in person. i hope you will come home soon. send me an e mail, i want to see if i get it. i don’t know how to figure out my mail. love, grandma
dude!!!!
that is soo awesome!! For a long long time I’ve always respected the teachings of Jeet Kune Do..and have always wanted to learn! that is really awesome Heidi! Keep it up! =)
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!
Hi Heidi,
I’m moving to Taichung within the next month or so, and I’m looking for a martial arts instructor. I’m having a bit of trouble at the moment finding something I’m interested in, but JKD is one of the disciplines I think I would like.
My question is this:
What certification/training does your instructor have? Is he an official JKD instructor? Also, how do you know?
Not trying to cast doubt on your school, but I really am concerned with the quality of teachers (anywhere).
Thanks!