Personal Survey

All the teachers from TAIS and other Adventist schools around Taiwan are going to a retreat this weekend. It is being held on the north coast of Taiwan. The drive will take an estimated five hours. I have been elected as one of the two drivers. (Probably because of my vast knowledge of the Taiwanese road systems) The retreat promises to have many exciting events such as Heather & Phil cooking "American Food" for Sabbath morning breakfast. We will be preparing a true American classic... chocolate chip pancakes. Awesome! (We actually eat these about 1-2 times per week. They are amazing with fresh mango or passion fruit on top.)

We were asked by our director Robert to answer a series of highly personal questions which will most likely be read aloud to the group in the most humiliating fashion possible. In the spirit of laying bare my soul, here are my answers:


1. Type of pet as a kid

Dogs, 3 fish (Goldie, Stripes & Dart who met a tragic end before their time. Ok, ok, I suppose their demise wasn’t that tragic or unlike most other fish – mysteriously found floating belly up in the tank, but still, it’s traumatic when you’re young!) Gerbils who reproduced like rabbits. (Hey, do you guys want a baby gerbil or two? They’re really cute!) A pair of rabbits who also reproduced like rabbits. (How bout a cute little bunny?) A single rabbit who met a truly tragic demise at the hand (teeth actually) of a neighborhood dog.

2. Your first car

Ford Mustang. But I must admit, that saying this is highly deceptive… it was not a cool one but one made during the less cool years – 1983. But the sliver racing stripes that I added definitely increased the cool factor (and I’m pretty sure they increased my top speed at least 7mph).

3. Number of brothers, sisters

1 brother – Matt. He’s 6’ 3” 6' 4" and went as the jolly green giant for Halloween this year. He and his new bride just bought their first house last week.

4. Favorite fruit

Mango. Longyen is also awesome. Maybe a fresh from the orchard apple when I’m back home.

Longyen ↑

5. Favorite food

Thai curry or Pad Thai. The curry should be nice and spicy so I can feel it simmering in my stomach for a while after I eat it. Awesome! Also excellent: Pasta with homemade sauce, homemade pizza sans cheese. Mom’s apple pie, (I’ll probably be highly depressed on Thanksgiving and Christmas as I will not be eating it this year. My mother is a pie master.)

6. If you could travel to any place (money no limit) where would you go?

I want to learn how to surf, but you see the problem is that my biggest fear is sharks. I know, I know it’s completely irrational as only about 2 people a year get eaten by them all around the world. What are the chances? I know, you don’t have to tell me. The root of the problem comes from my childhood. I watched Jaws when I was young. I was terrified. Ever since, I have been really scared of swimming in the ocean. So where I really want to go is somewhere that has awesome surfing waves, but absolutely zero sharks. None. Not even one. Then maybe I’ll be courageous enough to get in the water.

7. Your favorite Taiwanese food

Tsong Yo Bing

8. How many books do you read a year?

One if I’m feeling ambitious. For the record, I do know how to read, I’m just not that into it. I like to look at photographs instead.

Any other weird and fun facts about you, your family and your colleagues!

• My Chinese name means “A strong and handsome man”.


• I proposed to the love of my life down on one knee in 2 feet of water.


• One of my front teeth is half fake due to a bright idea I had once that my brother and I should have a sword fight with wooden baseball bats.