Last week before I left on spring break, the microwave I purchased less that 2 months ago quit. I decided to make the 24 hour turn-around trip to the big city to return it. I graded on Friday morning, and jumped the train with my 40 pound suitcase in order to go to B&Q, the DIY store modeled after Home Depot...it is even orange! Unfortunately, the taxi card I had meant I made a trip all the way to Neihu, a suburb of Taipei, when I could have gone to one closer to Tian Mu...another TM. After 30 minutes waiting for each level of the hierarchy to hear what my problem was, then proving I was not lying by plugging it in after going for an extension cord, they agreed to credit my card. I could not face carrying that heavy load back to Neili, so I decided to purchase a small toaster oven. Back I went on the long taxi ride to Tian Mu, C waiting with wine and cheese and crackers to fix my worn spirits. Ms. Leanna, their cleaning lady who also babysits for them on most "daddy date nights," took one look at my box and said "oh no! I have a toaster oven to give you from one of my other clients." Unfortunately, she could not bring it until Monday, so I will take the 24 hour trip to the city AGAIN next week to pick it up...and make another return to B&Q. A plus? They are supposed to deliver C's reupholstered couch on Thursday, so I may...I repeat, may...get to see it. I spent the evening seeing "Date Night" and having a margarita at Chili's on my own as K & C had their date night and went to see "It's Complicated." K will be gone to Ireland this week for meetings after the most recent Dell restructuring. C says she will definitely accompany him the next time he has to go to Ireland!
Saturday was the Spring Fair at TAS. A and I walked over early in order to look and shop before the huge crowd gathered. A was dressed in her dance t-shirt, and we were prepared to see her dance at the scheduled time, 11:50. C & I arrived at the dance floor in plenty of time...but this year they were ahead of schedule, and she danced early. I told her I was in tears behind my sunglasses when I found out we missed her. She said "Gram, I had tears in my eyes when I looked out and you were not there." I really was ready to throw up after that....and so many people said "A, I saw you dance and you were great!" in front of all of us sad people. It was hard to take, but I will get to attend her dance recital where they will perform two dances.
I'm attaching pictures of some of the fair that will not do it justice. The cafeteria was full of vendors, the yard was full of things for the kids to do, and food was everywhere. I cannot tell a lie...I bought beautiful jewelry made in Shanghai from Di Halliday, one of C's Aussie friends that I like so much. I bought my lucky lion and the money god carving for my office. I bought a gorgeous modern painting of 3 ladies in cheongsams standing under umbrellas in the rain. I confess...it was hard to drag everything home AGAIN...but I love every single thing. K is going to bring one big suitcase home for me, and I have almost reached my limits. Remember, I still have hand puppets and some pottery vases on my list...and that is before Beijing, Bali, and Phuket! He says he may have to go to the US twice...so maybe?????
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