porking out

Today, I drove my mom and myself (yes, I drove) to B&Q and Hola (Taiwan's version of Home Depot and Bed Bath n Beyond). After a little shopping we were hungry and ready to eat. We walked a few blocks to a night market near by and ended up eating some good old fashioned Taiwanese food - Pork chop rice and fried chicken leg rice. Now that I've officially moved back, I promised myself that I would have more self control when it comes to eating out in Taipei. But everything is just so damn good! We still don't have water at our house so on our way home, I stopped by another hair salon to get my hair washed. I paid 140 NT this time but I liked this salon much better than yesterdays. I can really get used to this hair washing deal...

pork chop rice

chicken leg rice

sugar cane juice truck

aqua, por favor

Due to the construction of a new building near by, some water pipes were broken and unfortunately had affected my whole complex. Apparently, water had been leaking since Wednesday, but no one came to inform us until it was too late. We now have no running water! What's worse was that this morning, my hair was so oily it looked like someone poured olive oil on my head. Fortunately, there are tons of hair salons around my neighborhood so I was able to conveniently walk down and get my hair washed. I just randomly picked one and got a quick shoulder massage, hair wash + rinse (rinse = conditioner = extra cost), and blow dry for a total of 130NT, or approximately $4.30 USD. The salon was definitely no W's Salon, but damn.. it was so 'effin cheap!

Also, today is the BFF's birthday - Happy Birthday BFF! I miss you!

Great America

Jail Cell - Day 2

My mom and I were able to visit Shady today at her jail cell - or the National Taiwan University Pet Hospital where Shady is held for a 3 week quarantine.  For once in my life, I think Shady really misses and loves me - I've never seen her so happy to see me! We were able to stay for 1.5 hours and then had to go. She rested on my lap the whole time except when jumping off for some water. I miss my Shady so much! These are going to be 3 long weeks for her. Poor puppy!

Officially Fobbed

We are officially Taiwanese residents - we, meaning Shady and myself! Below is Shady enjoying her last hours of freedom at the Taoyuan Chiang Kai Shek airport before being jailed up in a cell for quarantine. Thankfully she was ok after the flight and held her pee the whole entire trip. Of course after letting her out, she peed on the floor near the luggage carousels. That's my girl.

the FINAL last supper

Today we made an appointment to have all of Shady's documents stamped and approved by the USDA, located in South San Francisco. The appointment was for 11:30. We were about 3/4 of the way there when I realized I forgot all the documents. F**K. We rescheduled the appointment, drove all the way back to San Jose, picked up the papers and then drove back to the USDA to get everything resolved. I was beginning to think that I wasn't meant to move back - or maybe Shady! Thankfully, everything is taken care of and we are scheduled to leave tomorrow. Even with all that happened, I was happy that I was able to stay an extra couple of days.

So for our final last supper, the hubby and I went to CPK - another generic restaurant we frequent and will surely miss. We finished dinner just in time for a showing of Jackass 3D. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It's purely disgusting at some parts, but it was worth the laughs.

I'm still sad about leaving, but I think these extra few days made me more mentally and emotionally prepared. Goodbye for now - I will continue my waste of space life in the motherland!

artichoke dip

chipotle pizza

dorkified 

and.....

we're back! So..we didn't actually take off because Shady was missing some USDA stamped document that I was not aware of...and neither was my vet. HUMPH. I can't believe how much trouble it is to  export a 6.5 pound dog from the United States! The good side is, more time spent with my favorite peeps.We'll find out tomorrow when we can officially leave. At least this time, I'll be fully prepared.

fyi: the hubby's t-shirt reads "ban the bra"

Happy Birthday Jaxsie!

My last day in California spent with some of my favorite gals and godson. Look how yummy he is eating his birthday cake below. I'm so sad that he's not going to remember me the next time I'm back...Jaxsie, your godma loves you!

the last supper....

Tonight is our last night here before we move back to Taipei. Our last supper was at one of my favorite generic bay area restaurants - Cheesecake Factory! Something I will not be able to have and will definitely miss. Boo. We had 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 1 slice of pumpkin pecan cheesecake. Most of the entree dishes came home with us.

appetizers...yummy

done!

We've finally finished packing. But we ended up with more boxes than anticipated:

Total of 20 boxes. I thought we would have a maximum of 10. I was wrong.

Shady's new pad...

I ordered a new doggie bag for Shady since her old one is falling apart. I'm bringing both back to Taipei in hopes of finding cheap repair labor. I hope Shady will like her new one as much as she likes the old.