White Elephant

The white elephant gift exchange has become a tradition at our Christmas day family in Taipei gatherings. This year we once again had a Christmas brunch at “THE BOYS” place. They are our dear neighbours who live just one floor under us. The brunch potluck was varied and vivid for our taste buds. The dishes ranged from sushi to pineapple and ham, and from ginger cookies to vegetable boudsa.

After we were all fed, it was time for our white elephant gift exchange. One man's junk is another man's treasure – especially at Christmas. Each year there is a gift that is sought after by many. In years past it has been a bottle of ice wine (not truly white elephant style, but it was welcomed :)) This year it was THE FRYS. Yes, the dear Fry family moved back to the States in the spring after seven years on Formosa. I always say I'm in Taiwan because of the Frys. Marcia and I were teammates for a year in China. The Lord used her to bring me here and I am forever grateful!

The Weis moved into the Frys apartment and they found the treasured Fry Frame left in their new home, and brought it to our gift exchange. The Frys left us a memory and I'm sure they never imagined how that memory would be fought over.

You can play out the white elephant in many different styles. We opted for picking numbers and each number in order can either chose a gift from the gift pile or steal another person's gift. The Frys first found fame as Lisa unwrapped them. My gift was stolen so I quickly took hold of my Friends for Life. Only to have them snatched back by Peter Chang! Blast those married couples working together! Linda then ran across the room with the Frys in her arms. Naomi became an obstacle as she took them to her side of the room. The married factor worked in my advantage as Daniel snatched the Frys from Ms. Bai and there was a victorious cheer! Then the British tea cup, Melissa, ended the game with the Frys in hand. She came from the furthest for our celebration and found the famed Fry frame to her own fortune. It was a white elephant fought for well.We shall look for a white elephant in Chiang Mai this week :)

Christmas on the Roof

Twas the night before Christmas in Taipei and we were in our little rooftop. Creatures were indeed stirring - two cats who share our home. The Christmas tree was lit and a sweet Christmas song filled the air with hopes that the JOY of the season could continue to be shared.

Tickle is sporting his Christmas bow. He loved being in on all the action :)

We won a new flat screen TV at our company's Christmas party. Daniel got it all set up and it looks great in our living room. I also appreciate the extra space the flat screen gives us. What a Christmas surprise!

I've been battling a pretty bad cold the past couple of weeks. Daniel has been taking good care of me. He even documented my restful state :) Resting has become my new favourite sport. I do hope to get back to other sports soon! I am thankful to be slowly feeling better :)

Christmas Party

We had our company Christmas Party today at the American Club. It was a festive affair! The program began in the morning and ended with a most wonderful time of year lunch. We enjoyed the decorations and the JOY to the WORLD of it all!

Our traditional around the tree photos. Daniel and I with our favourite neighbourfriend, Steve.

THE BOYS WITH BELLS ON (OK, not literally :))

THE GIRLS JINGLE BELL ROCK! (literally!)

Alex Santa added to the mix!

A Married Christmas!

With dear Dai Dai

Rachel and I celebrate six Christmas in Taiwan together!

A New Canadian!

My mamale officially became a Canadian citizen on Friday December 5, 2008. She went to London, Ontario for the citizenship ceremony and swearing in. There were over 100 new Canadians declared at her ceremony with an international mix of 40 nations. It was wonderful to chat with my mom on the phone and hear the details of the event. It seemed to be very jovial from her report. The judge gave a little history of Canada speech and encouragement for the group. Each country was called and representative groups cheered or waved their flags. Each individual new immigrant was called to the stage to receive their certificate of citizenship and also had photo opportunities with the judges. Then they repeated the declaration in both French and English. Our national anthem was sung by all. Participants were invited on the stage at that time, and my mom proudly went up and stood right beside the judge. That's my mamale!
My dad cheered on with love and joy. They've lived in Canada for close to 45 years and now they are both citizens. Our dear family friends, the Baumgartners, (Tante Evi and Onkel Joe) joined them for the festivities.

Now where do you go to celebrate your new Canadian citizenship? A Chinese buffet of course! That's where they found themselves for a "true patriot love" lunch. Ah, I love Canadians. I'm proud of my dear mamale and her red and white song! She sings is so beautifully!

Improv and Egg Nog!

Daniel transformed our common room into an improv theartre!

Daniel hosted the evening. He was truly a improv theatre director! I had a great time getting the snacks together and more!

The Actors: Our electric group of colleagues and friends
The Games: Look Who Is Coming Over, The Dating Game, Trusty Translators, Prop Talk, Worst Candidate, Freeze
Characters: A hamster, a woman who speaks in narration, a man on the moon, a woman who regresses in age, a man on top of Mt. Everest, a football player in slow motion, a fashion model, a fierce cat, Joyce Meyer, and many more!

We had a fun night with Christmas twinkles about and a lot of laughter. It was the kind of laughter where your mouth starts to hurt! We are truly blessed with such a talented and FUN group of friends here.

A Christmas Market in Taipei

Last weekend we went to the Christmas market at the Taipei European School. It was a beautiful day to get into the festive spirit. The crowds caroled about!

Our first stop was the outdoor food court. Daniel was a happy marketer with his German sausage and pork steak! I found a plate of roasted mushrooms that were flavoured with herbs and spices! The scents and sounds really set the jingle about. This was our third visit to the market, and it's always a festive time!

Daniel was a happy man with his meat. I think the German pork steak bien dang (lunch box) was the best bien dang he's ever had!

We also enjoyed walking around all the vendor stands with food, crafts and handiwork.

Beautiful Beth and her French bagette!

The food court was very international! Oui! Oui!
The Changs chilled with a Christmas ice cream cone! They are one cool couple!

We ladies at your picnic table spot. There was a constant ebb and flow from here back to the market cheer.

Green is a Christmas colour!
Grunkohl = Green Cabbage = Kale

We found this poster advertising a north German kale dinner. We were surprised to find the they'll be a Grunkohl dinner in Taipei! We'll have to think about going . . .

Grunkohl is one of my favourite meals. My mom has perfected this north German meal and our whole family enjoys it. My mom is from southern Germany and my dad is from north Germany. But she has certainly embraced the north German cuisine.

And we surely did enjoy a Grunkohl dinner together when I was at home in October!