Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes
Two weeks of labor in the gym, the very day of the “Cloud Gate 2” courses finally came— the final presentation.
I could vividly recall the uncomfortable but interesting activities through out the two exhausting yet exciting weeks. Right in the first class, the female dancer, Ling-kai, asked us to use our toes to feel our faces. The problem was we’re just finished running barefoot through the filthy dancing room. But that was nothing compared to the following activities. In the following days, we touched dusty and even “nauseating” places in the main gym such as transparent windows with scary spiders at the corner, floor with a dead and decomposing gecko lying aside and trash cans with stinky smell.
In addition, the process of creating our group dance was really a burden. There were so many different ideas about how to present our dance. But gazing at the door of the main gym, our group’s stage, we just couldn’t come up with any thought to put our ideas together. As the minutes ticked away, we became more and more irritated. I could feel the leaden and oppressive atmosphere around us. Every one had a somber expression.
But of course there were classes that I enjoyed. For example, in one of the classes, we had to improvise a dance. Although I am not a good dancer, I loved every movement of mine when dancing in front of the dancers as well as the students. We also made loud sounds in the dusky light of the staircase beside the Squash Field. That was weird and even a bit scary. But the sounds were in a harmony, flowing gently and beautifully through the entire staircase. It was as if we were a professional chorus.
The outcome turned out just perfect. A day before the final presentation, we explored the place, opening the icebox, smacking the trash cans and beating the windows with different rhythm. And the light suddenly dawned! So without too many difficulties, we finally composed our group dance. On the very day, May 30TH, the final presentation came. With my hand paining, for we had practiced the dance for many times the day before, I beat the windows with all my strength, making the strong rhythm as the opening of our presentation. Without any music, we accomplished our group dance performance, receiving applauses from all the audience.
Through the “Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes”, I have accomplished many extraordinary things which I wouldn’t have tried through out my life. Had it not been for the course, I would not have had so many unforgettable experiences. Definitely, I would try my best to become one of the forty students in next year’s “Cloud Gate 2 Dance Classes-Advanced”.
2010年5月29日 星期六
2010年5月17日 星期一
Personal Journal 9 May.17~May.23
A Letter From Sunny
This week I was supposed to write something about the unforgettable training experiences in Hsinchu. However, Sunny, a good friend of mine since junior high school and is now in CCU's Department of Chinese Literature, wrote me a letter. I got it when I was just back to the dorm today. The envelope looked ordinary. But the content was just the opposite.
Sunny is going to take a transferring exam next month. In freshman year, I can see how hard she has been working. Turing down all the activities which we think a “qualified” freshman should participate in, everyday, she goes to the library. The time she spends studying there is almost the same as that in the dorm. Studies dominate most of her time. As a student who likes to enjoy joining various activities, I can hardly imagine living that kind of life. But, in the letter, she told me that she can now adapt to it. And I was surprised to learn it is my personality that influences her attitude towards every hardship she is dealing with.
In the letter, Sunny revealed how she thinks of me as well as how my personality has had an impact on her. She said although, in front of me, she seems to be a carefree girl, behind her “sunny smile”, she ponders over my behaviors. She said she is sometimes worried about me. Often she would wonder, “Is Heidi working too hard? Behind her energetic appearance, is the overwhelming pressure pushing her to the limit?” But she pretty much knows that I am not a quitter—even though I am out of breath. So, on seeing my willpower, she mentioned in the letter, her attitude towards studying has been influenced to a certain degree. Whenever she is about to give up, she said she would ask herself to recall my perseverance. By doing so, she would soon regain her energy, and stick to her plan.
I was indeed moved. I didn’t know my zeal for things I love can indirectly contribute to her studies. Although it’s a bit surprising, I was glad. I think I should write this story down in case I forget this touching moment in the future. But one thing is for sure: no matter which university she will study in, our friendship will last for a long time.
This week I was supposed to write something about the unforgettable training experiences in Hsinchu. However, Sunny, a good friend of mine since junior high school and is now in CCU's Department of Chinese Literature, wrote me a letter. I got it when I was just back to the dorm today. The envelope looked ordinary. But the content was just the opposite.
Sunny is going to take a transferring exam next month. In freshman year, I can see how hard she has been working. Turing down all the activities which we think a “qualified” freshman should participate in, everyday, she goes to the library. The time she spends studying there is almost the same as that in the dorm. Studies dominate most of her time. As a student who likes to enjoy joining various activities, I can hardly imagine living that kind of life. But, in the letter, she told me that she can now adapt to it. And I was surprised to learn it is my personality that influences her attitude towards every hardship she is dealing with.
In the letter, Sunny revealed how she thinks of me as well as how my personality has had an impact on her. She said although, in front of me, she seems to be a carefree girl, behind her “sunny smile”, she ponders over my behaviors. She said she is sometimes worried about me. Often she would wonder, “Is Heidi working too hard? Behind her energetic appearance, is the overwhelming pressure pushing her to the limit?” But she pretty much knows that I am not a quitter—even though I am out of breath. So, on seeing my willpower, she mentioned in the letter, her attitude towards studying has been influenced to a certain degree. Whenever she is about to give up, she said she would ask herself to recall my perseverance. By doing so, she would soon regain her energy, and stick to her plan.
I was indeed moved. I didn’t know my zeal for things I love can indirectly contribute to her studies. Although it’s a bit surprising, I was glad. I think I should write this story down in case I forget this touching moment in the future. But one thing is for sure: no matter which university she will study in, our friendship will last for a long time.
2010年5月10日 星期一
Personal Journal 8 May.10~May.16
A Group Learning Project For Sophomore Year
In order to prepare for the TOFEL test as well as a qualified tutor in the junior year, I came up with a group studying project. I have asked Brenda, Alfee and a few others their interests in the project. Now, I have drawn up a study plan.
First of all, the study group has to be small. In attempting to achieve effective learning, I consider the perfect scale of the group would be 4 or 5 members. When the scale exceeds 5 members, it is more likely that we encounter difficulties such as choosing meeting times and finishing extended vocabulary learning within an hour (my ideal length of the meeting).
Secondly, we ought to have a same textbook. I have chosen the “Longman iBT TOEFL Vocabulary” as the textbook for the group learning project. There are four advantages of this book. First, each vocabulary is followed by at least one example sentence. Second, at the right margin of each page are some synonyms of the vocabulary. Third, the textbook has a CD which contains the pronunciation of all the vocabularies and sentences. Forth, the page layouts are clear and easy to read.
Thirdly, group members take turns to assign work load and design a vocabulary test for other group members. This is what I think the most interesting part of the group learning. When it is time for one of the members to assign homework and design a test, they would have to study the vocabulary many times. He or she has to remember the vocabulary very well so that he or she can answer the problem of other members after the test.
Lastly, the members meet twice or thrice a month. The reason I set this regulation is that I do not want to put too much pressure on the members. But it has a worry. Since there would be a long period of time before the next meeting, it is possible that members do not study the work load on a regular basis. They may jam them up within a few days before the next meeting.
With Brenda, Alfee and Winnie, my roommate, on board, we are going to put the group studying project into practice at the beginning of the next term. Hopefully we will achievement our goal!
In order to prepare for the TOFEL test as well as a qualified tutor in the junior year, I came up with a group studying project. I have asked Brenda, Alfee and a few others their interests in the project. Now, I have drawn up a study plan.
First of all, the study group has to be small. In attempting to achieve effective learning, I consider the perfect scale of the group would be 4 or 5 members. When the scale exceeds 5 members, it is more likely that we encounter difficulties such as choosing meeting times and finishing extended vocabulary learning within an hour (my ideal length of the meeting).
Secondly, we ought to have a same textbook. I have chosen the “Longman iBT TOEFL Vocabulary” as the textbook for the group learning project. There are four advantages of this book. First, each vocabulary is followed by at least one example sentence. Second, at the right margin of each page are some synonyms of the vocabulary. Third, the textbook has a CD which contains the pronunciation of all the vocabularies and sentences. Forth, the page layouts are clear and easy to read.
Thirdly, group members take turns to assign work load and design a vocabulary test for other group members. This is what I think the most interesting part of the group learning. When it is time for one of the members to assign homework and design a test, they would have to study the vocabulary many times. He or she has to remember the vocabulary very well so that he or she can answer the problem of other members after the test.
Lastly, the members meet twice or thrice a month. The reason I set this regulation is that I do not want to put too much pressure on the members. But it has a worry. Since there would be a long period of time before the next meeting, it is possible that members do not study the work load on a regular basis. They may jam them up within a few days before the next meeting.
With Brenda, Alfee and Winnie, my roommate, on board, we are going to put the group studying project into practice at the beginning of the next term. Hopefully we will achievement our goal!
2010年4月30日 星期五
Personal Journal 7 May.3~May.9
“Oh My! Is It Real?”
Today, April 20th, is the day for the outcome of “Caves 4th Annual English Book Review Contest”. In 8:00p.m., with my hand sweating, my heart thumping, and my head spinning, I check the result. On the top of the college advanced group, I saw my name. My brain was in a whirl. It just couldn’t be. I glimpsed at the result once again. “Oh my gosh! Is it real?” I couldn’t believe what I saw. “I got the first place!” I screamed to Alfee on the phone.
It’s never an easy job for me to write to clarify my thoughts and feelings. That is part of the reason I used to be fear of writing. My inner self have a cognition that writing is never going to be my strong suite. So when Dr. Chen asked whether I want to join the Caves Book Review Contest at the end of last semester, I hesitated. I don’t have any confidence in myself. But Thomas J. Watson, head of IBM, once said, “If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.” I hope to improve the weakest part of my English ability. Therefore, I decided to make an attempt. I thought I should at least give myself a chance. After all, everything is hard before it gets easy. Having chosen the book, “Night Without End”, for the contest, the journey to an unexpected accomplishment began.
The writing of the book review was torture. I finished the book early. But it took me so long a time to think about the content. The skills Dr. Chen taught in the composition class seemed useless, for my train of thought was in chaos. I searched every information I could get form the internet, trying to clarify my reflection on “Night Without End”. Whenever sentences popped up in my head, I wrote them down, although they didn’t make sense to me at all. At last, combining all that I squeezed out from my brain, I finished the ugly book review. What a suffering! Since Dr. Chen was abroad at the time, I turned to Dr. Chang for help. The result was a bit terrible. She said I couldn’t give a clear idea why and what did the book impressed me so much. At that time, I have almost given up hope for joining the contest. But I am not a quitter. Despite the setbacks, I persevered in revising my crappy work. I rethought over and over again. With the company of my good friend in Chiayi University, I finished the revision. On March 20th, 3:30a.m., I clicked and sent it.
The process of writing a good book review is actually a transition of trial and error. It requires repetitive meditation. Today I rejoiced to know I got the satisfying result. But the greatest reward is to have stuck to my goal— to give myself a chance for improvement.
Today, April 20th, is the day for the outcome of “Caves 4th Annual English Book Review Contest”. In 8:00p.m., with my hand sweating, my heart thumping, and my head spinning, I check the result. On the top of the college advanced group, I saw my name. My brain was in a whirl. It just couldn’t be. I glimpsed at the result once again. “Oh my gosh! Is it real?” I couldn’t believe what I saw. “I got the first place!” I screamed to Alfee on the phone.
It’s never an easy job for me to write to clarify my thoughts and feelings. That is part of the reason I used to be fear of writing. My inner self have a cognition that writing is never going to be my strong suite. So when Dr. Chen asked whether I want to join the Caves Book Review Contest at the end of last semester, I hesitated. I don’t have any confidence in myself. But Thomas J. Watson, head of IBM, once said, “If you want to increase your success rate, double your failure rate.” I hope to improve the weakest part of my English ability. Therefore, I decided to make an attempt. I thought I should at least give myself a chance. After all, everything is hard before it gets easy. Having chosen the book, “Night Without End”, for the contest, the journey to an unexpected accomplishment began.
The writing of the book review was torture. I finished the book early. But it took me so long a time to think about the content. The skills Dr. Chen taught in the composition class seemed useless, for my train of thought was in chaos. I searched every information I could get form the internet, trying to clarify my reflection on “Night Without End”. Whenever sentences popped up in my head, I wrote them down, although they didn’t make sense to me at all. At last, combining all that I squeezed out from my brain, I finished the ugly book review. What a suffering! Since Dr. Chen was abroad at the time, I turned to Dr. Chang for help. The result was a bit terrible. She said I couldn’t give a clear idea why and what did the book impressed me so much. At that time, I have almost given up hope for joining the contest. But I am not a quitter. Despite the setbacks, I persevered in revising my crappy work. I rethought over and over again. With the company of my good friend in Chiayi University, I finished the revision. On March 20th, 3:30a.m., I clicked and sent it.
The process of writing a good book review is actually a transition of trial and error. It requires repetitive meditation. Today I rejoiced to know I got the satisfying result. But the greatest reward is to have stuck to my goal— to give myself a chance for improvement.
2010年4月14日 星期三
Personal Journal 6 Apr.26~May.2
A lesson learned-- Making A Choice
One of the important things I learn during the whole freshman year is learning to make a choice. For me, making a choice was never an easy thing, especially when facing the dilemma of things that I both don’t want to let go of. The misery was beyond description. It was not until one thing happened during the term that I realized the point of making a choice. That is, only when I understand what I truly pursue can I accept the choice I make with philosophy.
During the term, I joined two activities: “YA! CAT! Theatrical Club” and “American Language Village (ALV)”. The former is the musical workshop in CCU while the latter is an organization in which I work as a teaching assistant in their ALV English camps. Previously, they were not at all related. One would never have interfered with the other. However, one day I got two emails from each of them. And problem popped up. YA! CAT! Theatrical Club arranged an actor training program from 6/29-7/4 while ALV informed me that I was assigned to take four English camps during the whole July. I was troubled. 7/3~7/4 are two important days of both activities. I can’t ask for leave. So, I write to the person in charge of the camps, informing him the situation and seeing if I could still join the first camp (from 7/3-7/9). The answer was no. His letter suggested displeasure and that a choice had to be made. It’s just too hard for me to think clearly when being stuck in the situation. But thinking of the problem deeply, I heard my voice. I love singing. And I have long dreamed about singing and acting on the stage. During the training, they will select the best six actors for next year’s musical. As for ALV, I still have the other three camps to take during 7/11~7/30. I want to get myself a chance to perform on stage. Therefore, at last, I choose to join the actor training.
Although I was deeply sorry to have failed to abide by my promise (I told them I won’t have any other plan in July), I was glad to have chosen what I truly want. Inevitably, I may still encounter similar situations in the future. So, I considered it a good lesson learned.
One of the important things I learn during the whole freshman year is learning to make a choice. For me, making a choice was never an easy thing, especially when facing the dilemma of things that I both don’t want to let go of. The misery was beyond description. It was not until one thing happened during the term that I realized the point of making a choice. That is, only when I understand what I truly pursue can I accept the choice I make with philosophy.
During the term, I joined two activities: “YA! CAT! Theatrical Club” and “American Language Village (ALV)”. The former is the musical workshop in CCU while the latter is an organization in which I work as a teaching assistant in their ALV English camps. Previously, they were not at all related. One would never have interfered with the other. However, one day I got two emails from each of them. And problem popped up. YA! CAT! Theatrical Club arranged an actor training program from 6/29-7/4 while ALV informed me that I was assigned to take four English camps during the whole July. I was troubled. 7/3~7/4 are two important days of both activities. I can’t ask for leave. So, I write to the person in charge of the camps, informing him the situation and seeing if I could still join the first camp (from 7/3-7/9). The answer was no. His letter suggested displeasure and that a choice had to be made. It’s just too hard for me to think clearly when being stuck in the situation. But thinking of the problem deeply, I heard my voice. I love singing. And I have long dreamed about singing and acting on the stage. During the training, they will select the best six actors for next year’s musical. As for ALV, I still have the other three camps to take during 7/11~7/30. I want to get myself a chance to perform on stage. Therefore, at last, I choose to join the actor training.
Although I was deeply sorry to have failed to abide by my promise (I told them I won’t have any other plan in July), I was glad to have chosen what I truly want. Inevitably, I may still encounter similar situations in the future. So, I considered it a good lesson learned.
2010年4月7日 星期三
Personal Journal 5 Apr.5~11
The Best Gift
For so long a time, I have been thinking about what is the best gift for me. Beautiful clothes, expensive electric appliances, and fancy trips to foreign countries used to be good gifts. But recently, I realized that a “book” is in fact best gift. When a book becomes a gift, it must be a special one. Maybe its content is great, or the name or the cover of it is related to the receiver. Up to now, I have received three books from my teachers. Each book has a story.
The first book I got is “Collins COBUILD Learner’s Dictionary”. T. Ted, my English teacher in junior high school, gave me my first English-English dictionary as a gift for entering the English department. The dictionary helps me a lot in writing and speaking (I installed its CD-ROM).Whenever I use the dictionary, I remember his earnest in teaching as well as his love for our class.
“The Notebook” is the second one. Heather, one of my favorite teachers in Lizen senior high school, gave it to me when I was about to graduate. Heather is like either my best friend or my sister. We once talked about secrets, went to Hi-Life and gym together, and sometimes she drove me home. I liked to help her with her never done works in Foreign Languages Center. One day Heather introduced a famous movie “The Notebook” to me. I wept throughout the second half of the movie for the touching love story. I love the story a lot. So, when I opened the wrapping, I was surprised to find that the gift was the book of “The Notebook”. Every time I see the book, I remember the wonderful days with her.
The third one is “Heidi”. I got it from Ryan, also one of my favorite teachers in Lizen. “Heidi” is a gift for graduating. It’s a book of my name, and its cover is green (my favorite color!). I love the book so much! Ryan, Charlene, Lisa, Fiona and I often hold reunions in Taichung. We are all teachers and students from the same high school. Now, after graduated, we become friends. The book always reminds me of the fabulous memories with them as well as the gorgeous food in restaurants we visited.
Books are in deed best gifts. The books I got from my teachers and friends not only allow me to absorb new knowledge and admire the beautiful lines, but also remind me of the time that has elapsed. With these books, whenever I am under pressure or sad, I can once again call those beautiful memories to mind.
For so long a time, I have been thinking about what is the best gift for me. Beautiful clothes, expensive electric appliances, and fancy trips to foreign countries used to be good gifts. But recently, I realized that a “book” is in fact best gift. When a book becomes a gift, it must be a special one. Maybe its content is great, or the name or the cover of it is related to the receiver. Up to now, I have received three books from my teachers. Each book has a story.
The first book I got is “Collins COBUILD Learner’s Dictionary”. T. Ted, my English teacher in junior high school, gave me my first English-English dictionary as a gift for entering the English department. The dictionary helps me a lot in writing and speaking (I installed its CD-ROM).Whenever I use the dictionary, I remember his earnest in teaching as well as his love for our class.
“The Notebook” is the second one. Heather, one of my favorite teachers in Lizen senior high school, gave it to me when I was about to graduate. Heather is like either my best friend or my sister. We once talked about secrets, went to Hi-Life and gym together, and sometimes she drove me home. I liked to help her with her never done works in Foreign Languages Center. One day Heather introduced a famous movie “The Notebook” to me. I wept throughout the second half of the movie for the touching love story. I love the story a lot. So, when I opened the wrapping, I was surprised to find that the gift was the book of “The Notebook”. Every time I see the book, I remember the wonderful days with her.
The third one is “Heidi”. I got it from Ryan, also one of my favorite teachers in Lizen. “Heidi” is a gift for graduating. It’s a book of my name, and its cover is green (my favorite color!). I love the book so much! Ryan, Charlene, Lisa, Fiona and I often hold reunions in Taichung. We are all teachers and students from the same high school. Now, after graduated, we become friends. The book always reminds me of the fabulous memories with them as well as the gorgeous food in restaurants we visited.
Books are in deed best gifts. The books I got from my teachers and friends not only allow me to absorb new knowledge and admire the beautiful lines, but also remind me of the time that has elapsed. With these books, whenever I am under pressure or sad, I can once again call those beautiful memories to mind.
2010年3月21日 星期日
Personal Journal 4 Mar.29~Apr.4
Girls’ Talk
This weekend, Silvia and Winnie went home. There were only Sharon and I staying in our dorm room 3810. It was the first time. Normally, there would be more than three girls in 3810 every weekend. We sing, chat, and gossip. We always had great fun. So, tonight was a little bit different. Somehow I felt strange. Sharon and I had never had one-on-one talk. Therefore, I was worried that we would not have much conversation to kill the long night.
At first, there is silence in the room. Several questions kept running through my head, “How strange would it be if we didn’t have any thing to chat about? How boring would it be if we couldn’t do things other than finishing the never-done homework? How am I going to react if Sharon brings up a topic which I am not interested in? Do I have to start a conversation?...”Oh it’s driving me crazy! But later the worry turned out to be for nothing.
Right after I took a bath, walking back to my seat in front of the computer, and was about to say something to break the ice, Sharon spoke. “What’s your idea about love? Do you think you’ll date many men before you find your Mr. Right?” asked Sharon.
It was such a surprise for me. She talked! Regardless of the previous bother, we had a great time chatting and sharing different opinions on the topic she brought up till at daybreak.
I used to think Sharon and I would not share same ideas of many things. And tonight proved I’m right. But that didn’t really matter. We were both willing to listen to different ideas of each other and respected views that are different from us. Most importantly, although we’re not in sync, we had a great late-night girls’ talk.
This weekend, Silvia and Winnie went home. There were only Sharon and I staying in our dorm room 3810. It was the first time. Normally, there would be more than three girls in 3810 every weekend. We sing, chat, and gossip. We always had great fun. So, tonight was a little bit different. Somehow I felt strange. Sharon and I had never had one-on-one talk. Therefore, I was worried that we would not have much conversation to kill the long night.
At first, there is silence in the room. Several questions kept running through my head, “How strange would it be if we didn’t have any thing to chat about? How boring would it be if we couldn’t do things other than finishing the never-done homework? How am I going to react if Sharon brings up a topic which I am not interested in? Do I have to start a conversation?...”Oh it’s driving me crazy! But later the worry turned out to be for nothing.
Right after I took a bath, walking back to my seat in front of the computer, and was about to say something to break the ice, Sharon spoke. “What’s your idea about love? Do you think you’ll date many men before you find your Mr. Right?” asked Sharon.
It was such a surprise for me. She talked! Regardless of the previous bother, we had a great time chatting and sharing different opinions on the topic she brought up till at daybreak.
I used to think Sharon and I would not share same ideas of many things. And tonight proved I’m right. But that didn’t really matter. We were both willing to listen to different ideas of each other and respected views that are different from us. Most importantly, although we’re not in sync, we had a great late-night girls’ talk.
Personal Journal 3 Mar.22~28
The Most Embarrassing Moment Of My Life
This is a true story. Since I told it in the English Listening and Speaking Class, I also want to share it with the classmates in the composition class.
When I was in junior high, I joined a 25-days study tour to Australia. And one Saturday, all of the students went to the “Dream World”, Australia’s popular theme park. Three of my good friends, Shelly, Sunny, Fiona, and I formed a small group and began our extraordinary adventure of this fabulous place.
We tried many thrill facilities, experiencing the rush of motorcycle racing, the spinning, twisting, and tumbling of tidal wave, and even traveling 13 stories, experiencing high-speed, heart thumping, hair raising twists, as we somersaulting into a 360-degree rollercoaster, and many others. They were just awesome!
But after that four of us decided to cool down a little bit. So we went to “The River Rapids Ride”. There was a special line for people who don’t mind join strangers. They can save time in waiting for an empty ride by filling the vacant seats of other group. So, when it’s our tern to travel down the foamy water track, since there were still two seats left, the operator beckoned two men, one old, one young, in the filling line to join us. I assumed that they were father and son. The young man was very tall and good looking. I was so excited and wanted to talk to him. But I was shy then and I didn’t dare to start a conversation. After that, we tried every means just to take a photo of that handsome guy. But all were in vain. Therefore, when I saw the young man entered the Runaway Reptar Rollercoaster, and the other was waiting at the exit, I walked towards him and asked the stupidest question I’ve ever asked. “May I take a photo with your son?” I said. “Sure, but he is not my son. We are couple,” answered the old man. All of a sudden, I wanted to dig a hole and hide myself as soon as possible. My so-called good friends had already run far away, leaving only me and the old man. But he was really a nice man. He chatted with me. I realized that the tall and handsome guy was actually his boyfriend and was only 19 years old. The old man himself was already 41. Despite the age, they loved each other deeply. I was so touched. Later the old man asked the young man to take a photo with me.
This is the most embarrassing moment I’ve ever had. But it’s really something that worth remembering. Love can overcome any obstacle. Even my foolish question couldn’t make him feel uneasy. However, I did learn a lesson. For sure, I will not again say something I’m a sure about.
This is a true story. Since I told it in the English Listening and Speaking Class, I also want to share it with the classmates in the composition class.
When I was in junior high, I joined a 25-days study tour to Australia. And one Saturday, all of the students went to the “Dream World”, Australia’s popular theme park. Three of my good friends, Shelly, Sunny, Fiona, and I formed a small group and began our extraordinary adventure of this fabulous place.
We tried many thrill facilities, experiencing the rush of motorcycle racing, the spinning, twisting, and tumbling of tidal wave, and even traveling 13 stories, experiencing high-speed, heart thumping, hair raising twists, as we somersaulting into a 360-degree rollercoaster, and many others. They were just awesome!
But after that four of us decided to cool down a little bit. So we went to “The River Rapids Ride”. There was a special line for people who don’t mind join strangers. They can save time in waiting for an empty ride by filling the vacant seats of other group. So, when it’s our tern to travel down the foamy water track, since there were still two seats left, the operator beckoned two men, one old, one young, in the filling line to join us. I assumed that they were father and son. The young man was very tall and good looking. I was so excited and wanted to talk to him. But I was shy then and I didn’t dare to start a conversation. After that, we tried every means just to take a photo of that handsome guy. But all were in vain. Therefore, when I saw the young man entered the Runaway Reptar Rollercoaster, and the other was waiting at the exit, I walked towards him and asked the stupidest question I’ve ever asked. “May I take a photo with your son?” I said. “Sure, but he is not my son. We are couple,” answered the old man. All of a sudden, I wanted to dig a hole and hide myself as soon as possible. My so-called good friends had already run far away, leaving only me and the old man. But he was really a nice man. He chatted with me. I realized that the tall and handsome guy was actually his boyfriend and was only 19 years old. The old man himself was already 41. Despite the age, they loved each other deeply. I was so touched. Later the old man asked the young man to take a photo with me.
This is the most embarrassing moment I’ve ever had. But it’s really something that worth remembering. Love can overcome any obstacle. Even my foolish question couldn’t make him feel uneasy. However, I did learn a lesson. For sure, I will not again say something I’m a sure about.
2010年3月14日 星期日
Just want to talk about it~
Cycling With May
Today I'm a sportive girl! I went cycling at 9this morning and running on a treadmill this afternoon.
May invited me to cycling. We biked all the way around the Chung Cheng University.
It was really amazing. I have never been out of the university and have a look around since I entered the FLLD. I felt absolutely fabulous!
Today I'm a sportive girl! I went cycling at 9this morning and running on a treadmill this afternoon.
May invited me to cycling. We biked all the way around the Chung Cheng University.
It was really amazing. I have never been out of the university and have a look around since I entered the FLLD. I felt absolutely fabulous!
Personal Journal 2 Mar. 15~21
An Unexpected Encounter
It just happened! What a fortuitous meeting!
Yesterday was the day of the “YA! CAT” performance. Being the first musical of Chung Cheng University, and having many players from seniors in FLLD, there’s no reason for me to not attend the show. May also bought the ticket for the musical, so we arranged to take the bus at six fifty p.m. together. Although I was not well dressed, I promised I “did” look better yesterday—before leaving, I took a shower, chose one of my favorite clothes, and wore my white pointy loafers.
When arriving at the bus stop, an unexpected thing happened!
A huge group of foreign students occupied the bench next to the stop, some laughing merrily, some playing guitars, and some were concentrating on cell phones. We were stunned by the amazing sight. Later a Mexican boy beckoned us to come. At first, May assumed, wrongly, that he wanted her to take the photo for them. But he was actually inviting us to join them. He made a bit of harmless fun of May, and we all laughed.
After that another boy came and talked to us. His name is Alex. Alex is from Vermont, and is going to turn nineteen on March 17. Alex speaks Chinese with unbelievable fluency that its’ amazing for us to realize he has learned Chinese for only a few months. The Mexican boy is Chema. He is very talented: He is good at mixing drink, playing guitar, and singing. May and I was surprised to know that Chema is only 16!—he looked disappointed when knowing that we are three years older than him. Later we learned that they are actually high school exchange students from the Rotary Club’s “Rotary Youth Exchange” program. That’s cool~
May and I also met many other students. They were all nice guys. I asked them their msn addresses on our way to the Chiayi Performing Arts Center. They also invited us to dinner in Chiayi city. Although we screamed “yes” in mind, since we had already bought tickets for the musical, we declined their invitation.
“What a fortuitous meeting!” I said to myself, and also to May. In Chung Cheng University, I seldom meet students from western countries. So, for sure, I will seize the chance, for I have already got their msn, to expand my circle of friendship, and fulfill step by step the expectation on my study plan: To make friends from all over the world!
It just happened! What a fortuitous meeting!
Yesterday was the day of the “YA! CAT” performance. Being the first musical of Chung Cheng University, and having many players from seniors in FLLD, there’s no reason for me to not attend the show. May also bought the ticket for the musical, so we arranged to take the bus at six fifty p.m. together. Although I was not well dressed, I promised I “did” look better yesterday—before leaving, I took a shower, chose one of my favorite clothes, and wore my white pointy loafers.
When arriving at the bus stop, an unexpected thing happened!
A huge group of foreign students occupied the bench next to the stop, some laughing merrily, some playing guitars, and some were concentrating on cell phones. We were stunned by the amazing sight. Later a Mexican boy beckoned us to come. At first, May assumed, wrongly, that he wanted her to take the photo for them. But he was actually inviting us to join them. He made a bit of harmless fun of May, and we all laughed.
After that another boy came and talked to us. His name is Alex. Alex is from Vermont, and is going to turn nineteen on March 17. Alex speaks Chinese with unbelievable fluency that its’ amazing for us to realize he has learned Chinese for only a few months. The Mexican boy is Chema. He is very talented: He is good at mixing drink, playing guitar, and singing. May and I was surprised to know that Chema is only 16!—he looked disappointed when knowing that we are three years older than him. Later we learned that they are actually high school exchange students from the Rotary Club’s “Rotary Youth Exchange” program. That’s cool~
May and I also met many other students. They were all nice guys. I asked them their msn addresses on our way to the Chiayi Performing Arts Center. They also invited us to dinner in Chiayi city. Although we screamed “yes” in mind, since we had already bought tickets for the musical, we declined their invitation.
“What a fortuitous meeting!” I said to myself, and also to May. In Chung Cheng University, I seldom meet students from western countries. So, for sure, I will seize the chance, for I have already got their msn, to expand my circle of friendship, and fulfill step by step the expectation on my study plan: To make friends from all over the world!
2010年3月10日 星期三
Personal Journal 1 Mar. 8~14
What I learned from "American Crime Stories"
This winter vacation I read some intriguing readers. “American Crime Stories” was one of them. (Why I chose this book was partly because I learned about some basic criminal psychology during last semester.) This reader talked about seven different types of crimes. In the stories, the commission of each wrongdoing had its own cause and I was inspired by them. When it comes to the word “crime”, many people may think about something negative. People seldom commiserate with culprits. They may think it is the person who commits the offense should take the blame. He or she should be behind the bar and get it in the neck. However, it’s not always so. There are countless reasons for committing crimes. So we can’t have preconceived opinions before knowing the truth in depth.
Take one story in “American Crime Stories” for example. The first story is “The Heroin”. It talked about a girl named Lucille whose mother was a psychotic. The girl accompanied her mother for many years, waiting for her to recover. But until her mother died she had never become sane. The girl suffered a great loss and she was afraid she could not fit in the society. Trying to forget the terrible memory, she left the city to start her new life. Later she found a job as a governess. She thought she ought to take good care of the two kids and win the hearts of the family. But as time went by, the thought of winning the trust of the family grew terribly strong. It was not enough to just read fairytales to the kids or bathe them. Money she earned meant nothing to her either. She was eager for something dangerous to happen so that she could win honor for saving them. She had to prove herself in a crisis! Hence, she poured gasoline around the house, lit the match, and walked aside, waiting for the fire to grow tall. The ending was self-evident. After finishing the story, I felt sympathetic towards her. I didn’t think she was culpable of punishment. It was the unpleasant past that caused her to behave strangely.
In sum, I think it’s important that look at a crime from various angles. We are neither the person involved, nor the criminal who commit the crime. So we can’t tell what exactly the cause is for him or her to do the terrible thing. If we can try to stand in their shoes, perhaps we may realize some further and complicated stories between the criminal and the victim. Thus, we may be able to judge an event from a different point of view and observe what’s happening around us in a more objective way.
2010年1月5日 星期二
The Rights to Write Week 14
Question 1
How do you like the weekly writing prompts? Are they interesting or boring? Inspirational or weird? Are they related to your life? Can you suggest anything better and give some examples?
I think they are special topics to me. Every week when I see a new task, the writing prompt always makes me think about something and give directions to help me finish my task. However, even though some topics are informative and related to our lives, they do not really interest me, so sometimes I have difficulty coming up with proper answers for the questions. Maybe it would be better if we only have the direction about what to write every week, and we choose our own topics to write and post them on the blog.
Question 2
Do you like the two-way online discussion with your keypal? Or do you think we should have more people (like 3~4 students) form a group blog to exchange ideas? Why or why not?
Yes, basically I think the two-way discussion is the best way to do this blog activity. I think to have my own key pal is like having a secret friend who will listen to me. We will not see each other, but we can understand each other’s thought through mutual communication. On the other hand, if we have too many people to do the communication, it is more possible that we have problems finishing tasks if we have to give comments to all the members.
Question 3
Have you encountered any difficulties during the semester when using blogs to discuss with your keypal, e.g., computer problems or anything?
No, there is no technical problem I encounter when using the blog. The only problem is that I find it difficult for me to give reply to my key pal every week. Part of the reason is that my key pal is often too busy to give a reply, and part of it is I am always overwhelmed by different deadlines and forget to reply.
Question 4
How do you like the project website? Are they friendly enough? Have we left out any important content? How do you like the layout/design?
I think the project website is just perfect! Everything is good and organized and the designs are really cute. All the pictures and cute bullets match the topics, and this creates a good atmosphere for writing. I can tell from all the task layouts that our TA worked very hard. Here I would like to say thank you to Kevin, you are conscientious about the work and a perfect TA!
Question 5
What have you gained from this blog activity?
I am amazed by other classmates’ writing style. Through their words, I learn their ways of communication. This is really interesting and inspiring! Also, I realize the use of words really matters how the content is. From others’ writing, I find some of the tasks are really eye-catching, and there are still a lot I can improve.
Question 6
If you had an opportunity to start over, would you have done anything differently? If so, how?
If I had an opportunity to start over, I would turn in my task 6 on time and I would reply to my key pal’s comments each week. If possible, I would also try to make my writing more interesting. By the way, I would ask my key pal to reply on time so that I could achieve the second wish I just mentioned.
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