In Other News...

Those of you who follow me on facebook know that I have a brand new baby niece! Say Hello to Miss Maddy Lou! She's exceptionally tall for a newborn, with long fingers and big feet, and her 6' 0" tall aunt thinks she's perfect in every way. :)

Adorable! And thanks to the wonders of this futuristic world we live in, I've been able to Skype with (well...at) her! I can't wait to hold her when I get home!

In other news, I've been getting mauled by the biting insects here. No one else has been their snack, though Emily has discovered she's mildly allergic to our repellent-infused laundry detergent. I've been wearing 98.11% deet bug spray, and reapplying every hour, and still I'm the tastiest thing on the menu. Ugh. (Don't worry, I've been very thoroughly vaccinated for all kinds of insect-related diseases.)

Also, here is a beautiful full moon on campus.

And the totally amazing view from the rooftop of the professional costume shop (the Betty and Jan of TNUA)

And the beautiful quilt I just bought (I need provide my own at the next place we live). Taiwan is a shopper's paradise (uh-oh). You can find quality items for less than half the price. Ex.) scarves: US$3.40, hand-made hats: US$7, hand-dyed/painted full-length skirt: US$23, beautiful hand-stitched Indian quilt made from sari scraps: US$60. The only items I've paid over $23 for are 1) this quilt, 2) that hand-painted skirt, and 3) a white knit blazer from UniQlo (US$24). Yeah...I might have a whole new wardrobe when I come home...

Totally worth it.