La mei

I know it's been a long time since I've added anything new, and there are many important things that have happened over the last couple of months. But for me, this one is at the top of my list: I was out for my usual Wednesday evening post-stressful school day run, when I passed a man in his late 40s. He gave me a big smile and said "Oooohhh! La mei!" Directly translated, that means "spicy girl" or something like hot girl, loosely translated. : ) Talk about a self-esteem booster!!! (I do, of course, realize that this same man did not see me AFTER my run, looking much less spicy and much more sweaty, but obviously, I don't care.)

Anyway, BESIDES that extremely news-worthy event, there has actually been a lot that's happened since my last blog. I've been to Taipei twice, once over Chinese New Year with Nick, and once when my mom came to visit. Both times were totally different and great. When Nick and I went, it was a very laid back week. We did lots of walking around, ate plenty of American food (think Chilis, Macaroni Grill, Subway), lots of shopping (not buying), and stopped in at some of the important sights like the National Palace Museum (http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm) and Taipei 101 (http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Tower/index_tower.asp). Mostly, we just spent a lot of time relaxing, which was much needed and wonderful!
My mom came to Taiwan about 3 weeks after Chinese New Year was over (about two weeks ago from today), and I met her in Taipei. We spent 3 days there, in a whirlwind, sightseeing, shopping, eating, and doing very little resting. We had a really good time, though, I mostly just enjoyed seeing her! After Taipei, she came back to Chiayi with me for about a week to see how I live here. She got to meet all of my friends and coworkers, and I showed her around town. She was very adventurous in trying all sorts of new foods - many of which I won't try (think chicken feet and something called "stinky tofu"). She also came to school with me and met all of my favorite (and not-so-favorite) students : ) We had a really nice time together, and I think she enjoyed meeting all of the extremely kind and generous people that Nick and I are lucky enough to be friends with here.
While my mom was here, a VERY exciting thing happened for me (and her, actually...). I found out that I was accepted to the University of Nebraska Anthropology Graduate program!!! This is something I've wanted for a long time, and I was (and still am!) so excited and relieved that it's actually coming true. UNL's program is excellent, and exactly what I wanted, as they have a very well-respected staff with a great reputation for placing their graduate students into top PhD programs. I also feel happy that I get to go back to Lincoln for a couple of years. After spending a year away, it will be nice to be home, even if it's only for a while.
So, I've written a WHOLE lot now, and I think I've caught you up on mostly everything that's new with me (new is a relative term, of course).
I hope you're all well, and would love to hear from you soon!

As always,

Katie