"Falling Back Up Again"

We learn so much every time we fall and sometimes the outcomes of climbing back up again surprise us.

I have always been a big believer in determination, if you haven't fallen, you're not reaching your full potential yet. While I have been working in Taiwan, I have definitely stumbled a few times which cultural differences in work dealings, having supervisors tell me off for crappy work that some else did, etc. But let's just take it all in stride! This video is truly brilliant, and really reinforces my beliefs about not giving up! (Since it's not a Youtube video, I can't embed it in this post, so you'll have to click on it to watch it, sorry about that!). 

http://news.distractify.com/culture/a-runner-fell-in-a-race-but-then-she-got-back-up-and-taught-everyone-a-major-life-lesson/?v=1

Multicultural Debate: Religious Schools

I think for too long Australia has been overly diplomatic about multicultural matters that it stunts our true understanding of each other's culture/s and/or belief/s. From this article alone, it is difficult to assess whether there is a right or wrong; and reading through the comments, while I don't agree with everything, it's good to see there being honest opinions and debate. I definitely think you're onto something here, truly job well done Rhian Deutrom! Thank you! 
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/principal-of-redlands-college-mark-bensley-transfers-muslim-student-teachers-after-they-wear-hijab-to-school/story-fnihsrf2-1226930481260

I myself attended a Catholic High School and while my parents are buddhist, they have never forced me into any religion. Having visited Malaysia and Singapore, I've met lots of Muslim friends and while I don't agree with all the teachings, I still think it's interesting to learn about it. I think people mistake "not appreciating a culture" as "racisim". But I think with different cultures, you don't have to appreciate it, you just need to understand it. Understanding is the first step towards reducing ignorant actions in society.

Copping someone else's load.

It's weird. Today I got told off at work regarding the lack of quality in a document that we were supposed to send out to a client. Thing is, I didn't produce that document at all. At first I was annoyed about having to stay back because I had been intending to go home early to nurse my sore throat and building headache. I stayed back and finished the document according to their specifications and just got home at 10pm with two of my fellow colleagues. For some reason, I'm actually really happy now. Despite the accusation, I've unexpectedly learnt more things by picking up after someone else's grunt. I guess if we live with the intention to learn then it doesn't matter how others see us. (Also, on another plus side, I get to do the graphics art for a concert, one of our clients is a prominent Taiwanese rock singer, consider him the Bruce Springsteen of Taiwan!) 

Laundry in another CIty

People interested in high density living: In Taiwan, the balcony area's main purpose is for laundry and when there is not enough space, an extension rope gets suspended above ground. Amidst my slight sickness (sore throat and slight headache), I almost drop my laundry down a six storey pit which I have no idea how to access, might have to holler out to the people on each level to pass it back up? Australia, you sparse heaven with an abundance of ground level laundry space! On the plus side of this laundry arrangement in Taiwanese apartments, it teaches you to be pretty coordinated and have quick reflexes even when you are sick. So why am I so caught up over one shirt? Because my male colleague commented the other day, "Alice, for a girl, I've noticed you only have six shirts."

His observes correctly...and creepily.

Meeting New People: Brandon Gray

Don't you agree that a good conversation should not be prescribed who's turn it is? Let the other person finish expressing all their energy, passion and ideas properly. I do this for you because later I do not want to be abruptly cut off later when it's "your tun to talk". The time spent on forced flows of dialogue, we might as well be silent and humming a tune. 

你會不會認同聊天不一定要把輪流當做順需？

A revelation in the chat of BG's Shangrila Hotel, had the most massive chat that went from 8pm-3am. Love moments like this, meeting cool people having great conversation!