Problems with the Lappy 486..

So…
I’m having serious computer issues again. This is a recurring theme in my life that I am not a fan of. Recurring themes that are ok: Tex-Mex, mini-vacations, pedicures, etc. Not ok? Computers breaking, droughts, olives, etc.

Here’s the dilemma. Please let me know if you have any insight, opinions, whatnot. My little computer is fantastic. He's tiny, cute, lightweight, has an external D drive, etc. Just perfect for what I need. However… he’s stopped reading USB drives. This presents many problems: camera cords, memory card readers, that external D drive, external hard drive that I was about to purchase, etc. What do I do? I bought him last May, refurbished in Austin from a trusted store, as well as a brand-new copy of XP (because I refuse to use Vista). Is this something easily fixed? Do I need to start looking into draining my bank account? If so, do I go Mac or PC? Additionally, will I be able to get all my stuff off this computer if the ports can’t be fixed? These are questions I have. If you have an answer to ANY of them, please let me know.

In other news… it’s spring-ish! There’s some green stuff in various places in town! So that’s exciting.
Next post? My trip to a Chinese clinic. Spoiler alert: I survived.

Randomist Post Ever.

Some days, I really feel as though I live in the land of –ish. Today, there is sunshine…ish. I was sick, and feel better-ish. The internet works-ish. The kitchen is clean-ish. It’s just an interesting world to live in.


On another, more interesting note, Val is here for the first installment of Dirty T Party Weekend 09! Good times have been had by all. DDR, Pizza Hut, an early birthday party, coffee, Indian Kitchen, hair washes (at a barber shop? We’re still not sure what happened…) a photo shoot (pictures will follow…), etc. Everyone else went out to WuYi Square for an afternoon, but I was nocturnal that day… It’s been a GREAT weekend and so fun to have FUN in our city. We seriously don’t leave campus during the week, and forget that Taiyuan has quite a few redeeming qualities and pretty good restaurants.


As previously promised, here’s a recap of the Changchun Party Weekend 09:
- Flying definitely wins. It was worth the kuai.
- I love the individual hot pot restaurant they took us to – AMAZING. Company was pretty good too.
- Waffles. Seriously, ladies – Scott Semanski is the waffle king.
- Great refreshment and fellowship with some fantastic brothers and sisters. Rockin’ music too.
- Games. Lots of games. Also, a serious ab workout of laughing. Always a good time. =)
- SNOW! There wasn’t a lot. But that’s ok. There was one short-lived snowball fight… but it was ended early. Oops. Sorry…
- I was spoiled rotten by Marie, my hostess. Wow.
- Cute Korean coffee shop, art work, poems, hurb tea and sugar packets.
- Check the FB album for more. It was just a GOOD weekend!


And…. Let’s see… OH. Big news. I submitted my paperwork to transfer to the University Teaching Program within ELI! So that means I’ll be moving and teaching in a University next year! I should be finding out my placement soon – I’m VERY excited and thrilled about getting to spend more time in this amazing country!


Last thing: This picture makes me smile. I was invited to Douglas’ birthday party after school one day. Here, he is making a wish as we are singing Happy Birthday. However, note Harold’s face (top right). Is that not the picture of sheer happiness?!? Ah, I love that class.

Changchun Party Weekend 09

Wow. I'm way too tired right now from a trip to DDR with some co-teachers (oh yeah...) but will be posting soon about our little jaunt to Changchun last weekend.

We'll gladly host anyone who wants to have a Taiyuan Party Weekend 09.... Or would be glad to bring a party to you... any takers?

Yet another reason...

... why I love Austin, Texas.

My brother went out and got a sunburn on March 1st because he was playing this game. He said it was awesome, and I've never known him to be a big advocate of organized sports.

Here are a few more reasons why I miss Austin:

the beauty

the shopping

happiness

fun times

a best friend*

did I mention the beauty?






* other Austin-friends, do not be offended. you just don't have a funky website.