Pumpkin Picking in Taiwan

With the weather cooling, leaves changing and endless Facebook posts about pumpkin spice lattes, I know that Autumn has arrived. Naturally Halloween soon follows, which requires the annual hunt for a pumpkin. In Virginia we would go to the pumpkin patch, pick some apples, drink hot cider, eat caramel apples and drool over savory hot old fashioned cinnamon donuts. MMMMMMMM.

In Taiwan we do this.

1) Walk to the upscale supermarket that has ridiculously marked-up imported goods. 

2) Deliberate over the endless choices. (See box)

3) Smile at mom so we can check off this annual photo. Consider it checked.

4) Throw it in the cart and go. Total Time: 35 seconds

I am not even exaggerating when I write that it took 35 seconds. That is what occurs when the boys are in charge. I swear I glance at the produce for 2 seconds and there's a pumpkin in the cart. Seriously? I had to make Wyatt pose in front of the box, because I literally missed it. 

Oh well.- There are so many perks about living here I guess I shouldn't quibble. But you ALL know I will anyway.

Date Nights that Rock

Yeah. Not us. 

antique in question

Every girl likes to dress up. Particularly when it's a new dress with a little bit of tulle. It just make you feel... pretty. And I like to feel pretty. This leopard printed dress I wore was (FAABULOUS) for the annual Community Center Auction where there was plenty of Food, Drink more drinks and just Buying/bidding on cool stuff. You know what they say, when in Rome.....(What exactly does that mean?) Anyone?? I guess this is where google comes in handy. Anyway. I attend these functions, and "lightly" pressure my husband to accompany me, his beautiful wife because when we move back, this will not be our reality. THIS..these auctions, dinners and other crazy cool things we go to? THIS is not reality. I want to relish it as long as possible. Plus, refer to above, I like to dress up and I like to buy stuff. I even bought a red lipstick. Again, an instance which google was helpful.
*Rabbit Trail--- I wanted a red lipstick, because I wanted to look A) Different B)  Like Gwen Stefani. I accomplished one of the above, but I will leave 'which' to your imaginations. *Defining Moment of the evening: My ego was a bit crushed when Wyatt said I looked like a clown. Alas, at that point apparently I was disillusioned enough to think I was in the B category. I quickly recovered and happily left him with his beloved sitter.
The Auction was held at the Grand Hyatt. There was good food, entertainment, and fun items to bid on (even girl scout cookies). Naturally the night also entailed me hovering over coveted items  and getting all bent out of shape at the not-so-secret- silent auction. Will and I did score an amazing piece though..and I actually think it's a genuine antique. Really Will- it is....I swear.

The following weekend we headed out again to Oktoberfest. I know what you're thinking. Really?! Oktoberfest in Taiwan? LAME. Contrar my dear friends. Picture this. Large German man flown in from Germany, whose sole purpose is to ' act a fool' and pull as many people into his wicked web of crazy as possible. Mission Accomplished. One doesn't need to be drinking to join in...though a beer or two does help. The guy is a nut job...carrying around his horn, dancing, sweating, drinking, singing......good times. at the end of the night he pulls some hapless girl into his arms swinging her around, dancing, then proceeds to take his shirt off....and well. it's not pretty. Yes. That girl was me. That's all I'm saying about it. What happens at Oktoberfest, stays at Oktoberfest. I am nonetheless slightly scarred from the experience. Did I by chance mention the food? Troughs. Troughs of MMMMM. And pretzels. Some as big as Will's head. And my friends..we all know that's a big pretzel. Love you babe.