November 2 this year, I turned 30 (by Chinese count, I was already thirty and am now 31, but I digress. . .). I did not want to end my twenties, but change is unavoidable, so it MUST be embraced. So November 1 was the last day of the glorious decade known as my 20's.

Last Coffee of my twenties: served at the little coffee shop on Chungsiao Road in Hsi Chih near the school where I teach. It was bitter and very strong, like most coffee served in Taiwan.

Last Morning Class of my twenties: the Taiwanese woman with me in this picture is one of my teaching partners, Rachel. On the last day of my twenties, I began the day teaching English in Rachel's class, the Greeen Rabbits.

Last Communication Books of my twenties: every two weeks, I have to write progress reports for each kid in my classes in Green books (Green Rabbits) or Blue Books (Blue Hippos). Pictured here is actually the Chinese communication book Rachel wrote, because last week was my week to do it and this week is her's to write reports in Chinese, but you get the idea.

Last School Lunch of my twenties: Spaghetti with baby shrimp, vegetables and chicken nuggets.

Last Misspent Lunch Break of my twenties: Jeff and I went to a cafe and chatted about how we are older then we once were and younger then we'll ever be. (ten bonus points for anyone that can identify the quote)

Last Class Circle of my twenties: The Blue Hippos. I am lucky to have two great kindergarten classes.

Last Potty Break of my twenties: do I really need to explain this one?

Last Afternoon Class of my twenties: On the last afternoon of my twenties, I worked with Amy. She and Rachel concocted an elaborate conspiracy to celebrate my birthday. I blew out three candles planted in a McChicken Sandwich, got birthday cards from both classes and was serenaded by 31 shouting kindergartners -- in both Chinese and English.

Last Night Out of my twenties: in the elevator after "The Night of The Living Vickies." At the nightclub, TU, we met only women named Vicky -- many of them. All of the clubbing and carousing accurately reflects the decade of my life that has passed.

Ages are arbitrary anyways, right? We are keeping track of a random milestone so we may eat cake at least once a year, I guess. The answer to it all? I will grow up when I am good and ready to and not sooner. OK?

First Hangover of My 30's I am getting too old for this.

First Laundry of My 30's: Two dark loads, one light. Blue shirts, green underwear. Warm water, three cycles in the dryer, each load.

First Curry of My 30's: page 32 in the cookbook. Very yummy.

First Toothbrush of My 30's: Got an electric toothbrush and now take my dental hygene much more seriously. Is that a sign of growing up or just being motivated by the rational fear of the dentist's chair?

Destination: Taipei, TienMu district for Kung Fu. Cost: 26 NT Dollars. Estimated travel time: 24 minutes.

First Martial Arts Class of My 30's:Me and Mick, about 5:32 on my birthday.

First Guinness of My 30's: One pint, 230 NT dollars. I stopped counting after three or four or something like that.

First Bartab of My 30's: "You're not the first, and definitely not the last, now I know where I am heading -- for the adult crash." (Twenty bonus points for guessing this quote!)

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