Taipei Times Article

Check out today's (6/16) "Community Compass" in Taipei Times:
http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdf

I think the article was well written, but maybe lays more blame on Kaohsiung City Government than they are actually responsible for. Unfortunately, a project at the bureau took the i-center building out of their hands and it was the management company that would not get the center re-opened. Different vision led to a lot of confusion and broken relationships. We had a good run of about 2 years initially about 4 years ago but was at a standstill for over a year.

I'm excited about the possibilities of developing International Friendship House and the benefit it can be to the foreign community of Kaohsiung City and area.

Thanks for all your support!

Check out http://internationalfriendshiphouse.blogspot.com for more information about upcoming activities.

Ladies Night at International Friendship House

Coming Soon - a time for just the ladies to get together.
Saturday, July 4th, 4-7pm, there will be an opportunity to make some new friends, enjoy some refreshments, and add some new "treasures" to your closet and jewelry box. If you have clothes, jewelry, female items, or anything related to females, we'll take donations and have it available to trade for that evening. Yes, we'll even take your half full bottle of body wash that you don't use because it makes you itchy! This is a great chance to go through your belongings and find things you're not using and pass along to someone who might.

Remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure! Come ready to shop but leave your wallet at home!

All remaining items will be donated to charitable organizations.
Contact Melissa (0971119930 or internationalfriendshiphouse@gmail.com) for more details or to arrange for donations.

IFH Open House/Book Sale

Come down to International Friendship House Saturday, May 9th from 2-5.

You can see what we're all about and support a great organization, His Hands Taiwan, at the book sale. If you have books to donate, contact me to make drop off arrangements. We'll have an open house so you can see the space and enjoy some refreshments. We will also help you stock up your personal library.

You can see pics and a map on our blog: http://internationalfriendshiphouse.blogspot.com.
We're located at #83, Lane 129 Wunzih Road, Zuoying District - directly behind Fitness Factory on Boai 3rd Rd.

If you need further directions or have questions, please contact Melissa @ 0971119930 or internationalfriendshiphouse@gmail.com

Thanks for your community support!

BARK

and

International Friendship House

are holding a

BOOK SALE!

When: Sunday, November 16th

3pm-7pm

Where: Pet's World (180 Boai 3rd rd)

Hundreds of books for sale,

English and Chinese. All Proceeds will go to charity.

If you would like to donate books to this charity event, you can drop them off in advance at the following locations:

Pet's World – 180 Boai 3^rd Rd

International Friendship House - 83, Lane 129 Wunzih Road

Foster Hewitt's – 30 Wenjhong Rd

For more info on this event contact:

Melissa at internationalfriendshiphouse@gmail.com or

Natasha at Natasha@BARK-Taiwan.org

weekend in Taipei

I went up to Taipei to look after Gemma and also for my good friend Beth's wedding. Lots of fun to be had. Got in on C&N friend's b'day celebrations also. They have a great group of friends up there.

some bowling fun!

I forget how much fun bowling can be. We walked down to the alley a few blocks from my place.

My Taiwan Nephew's 3rd B'day

My friend's Larry & Michelle have a son just a couple weeks younger than my nephew Alex. I interact a lot with Charlie which helps. We went to a nice park to celebrate his birthday.

Meinong

I took my friend Leigh up to Meinong for a few hours. It's a Hakka region which is farming based. We went to the Cultural Museum so here's some cool pics!

day trip to Taipei

So, I'm not so good at posting what I'm up to. I guess it doesn't feel so exciting anymore. I went up to Taipei last Sunday to visit Heather and family before they headed back to the Great White North. Unfortunately Vin had to work so I didn't see him. We met up with Nevada and Gemma for a play date at the City Hall Sand Box. Lots of fun!

So....it's my birthday!

I'm not quite sure how to feel or celebrate this year. I'm not quite where I thought I'd be at age 35. Also not sure if it's a good or bad thing. So far, nothing planned for the actual day. I went for a nice dinner with a friend on Sunday. I'm planning on starting my birthday by going to the gym (to work off said nice dinner) then relax and read at Starbucks for a portion of the rest of the morning. That time will also include a call with my parents who will be joining me here in less than 50 days, wow!
I'll add more if plans change or I take any interesting pics!