My life and other things that have happened

In the months following our return to Taipei, Dad's health went up and down. There was always hope he might recover but it soon started to dwindle after he had emergency surgery to correct a fault with the PEG that was put into his stomach. In the end all the hopes and prayers were spent and he passed away a few weeks ago. I thank God that James and I made it back to the UK in time. Being with him at the end and being able to say goodbye was terribly hard but I'd have been inconsolable if I hadn't been there.  In the weeks that come and gone since my return to Taipei I've found it very hard. Some days are better than others but there is always an underlying pain in my chest. Having friends (and James) around has made it easier. Work has provided me with time to think of other things. A mind spent solely on grief is one that tires easily.  I've been struggling to listen to music since Dad died. It's always provided me with comfort but now I just can't lis...

James and I went home on the 20th June for our summer break. The hopes of a nice relaxing holiday we're put on hold when my father was taken into hospital the day we got back. The last month has been emotionally and physically exhausting. I don't like saying it but I wasn't sure whether he was going to survive this time. He looked so frail and weak and the doctors were very concerned. Thankfully after five weeks in hospital, he's going to be discharged soon. It was hard leaving my family to come home, but I'm glad I left knowing he was going to be ok and now I can take some time to rest and get myself ready for the new school year.  Taipei continues to be as hot as ever. The pool is open so I've been taking advantage of it when I can. James and I have both been hit hard by jet lag and recently we've been sleeping in shifts. He's going to sleep early and waking up in the early hours of the morning and I'm going to sleep late and getting up late. It...

I love my new library. It's so pretty and full of life. It has puppets and murals and bean bags galore! I could not be a happier librarian if I tried :) It's spread across two floors (juniors downstairs and infants upstairs). My favourite place is the reading area with the bean bags and the boat. It's like a little haven for reading. Here are a few photos for you to enjoy!

It's been a very long time since I updated my blog, mostly because not a lot has been happening lately apart from work and sleep. The Easter holidays came and went and now it's only a week until the end of term. This first year has really flown by. It's had its ups and downs but over all I'd give it a solid B+/A-.  So what's been happening: Well, first of all, I've been offered a new job! I know, exciting times in the Crofts/Greenwood household. I'm going to be moving to primary in August as their new Librarian. I'm very excited, though not so much about the amount of snot I'll be subjected to (hehe!). I'm over the moon to be back in the Library game again and looking forward to being the kooky Primary Librarian :) I hope I get to do story time. That would be epic! Today, I am turning the ripe old age of 31, which isn't exciting or terrifying at all. It's been a rather quite day so far which has been nice. James and I have plans to ...

Since we arrived in Taiwan, James has been plagued by the mosquitos. Being allergic to life as he is, this can mean that bites turn into welts and last for days. The electric blue light zappers that are so prevelant in places with lots of bugs don't seem to do diddly squat. After much searching we found some plugin defuser things that seem to help, but the best thing to deal with the little blighters is this remarkable device we found at a local store.  It's a tennis racket bug zapper! It's fricking amazing and James bombs about the house giggling with glee whilst dispatching the little buggers. He has expressed a wish on more than one occassion that they came with counters so that we could each have one and keep score. So, if you're reading people who make these amazing things. Please add counters. Your sales could double and make a highly allergic (and rather tasty) man very happy. 

Today was the last day of school before the Chinese New Year holiday. We had a plethora of activities for the kids and teachers to participate in. Here are a few images and videos from the day.  The videos can be found here: Chinese Drumming Dragon Dance Assembly SLT dressed in traditional Chinese clothes Red lanterns  Chinese Dragon Dance Chinese Brides (male teachers) waiting to be chosen by the Groom (Our CEO Dr. Weston) The brides are revealed! Chinese drumming  2014 is the year of the Horse and there are decorations for sale everywhere. James and I bought ourselves a pair of stuffed animal horses from the local store. They are terribly cute! We have very few plans for the holidays as we are in desperate need of a rest. We're going to do a little sightseeing but mostly spend some time in our pjs playing video games. A nice way to spend the holiday I think.  Happy New Year! 新年快乐!  ( Xīn nián kuài lè) ...

2013 was quite a year of change for me. The year started out in quite the worst way I could ever imagine and at times I wasn't sure it was ever going to get better.  Life has a strange way of working out though and the second half of the year has seen my life change in incredible ways. Looking back I can't quite believe all the things that have happened. I wouldn't be where I am now without my boyfriend James. He has made me happier than I ever thought possible and understands my weird and wonderful moods.  So roll on 2014! We have some exciting times ahead of us and I can't wait!