Tom's Blog

快來參加臺北e大的「課程加好禮，A一個還不夠」活動!!

2010-10-21T19:20:00.002+08:00

「課程加好禮，A一個還不夠」活動網站：http://elearning.taipei.gov.tw/

狂賀！！臺北e大數位學習網「政府風險管理」與「服務心價值—公部門精緻化服務」數位教材今年度榮獲「數位學習品質服務中心」的肯定！好課程就是要與好朋友分享，即日起，只要您至臺北e大觀看任一門通過「數位學習品質服務中心」認證之課程，就有機會獲得許多好禮喔！趕快行動~錯過就可惜啦~

參加資格：

福氣分享獎：只要您擁有個人部落格(blog)，就有資格參加。

好課共享獎：臺北e大數位學習網會員

活動網站：臺北e大數位學習網(http://elearning.taipei.gov.tw/)

臺北e大獲得「數位學習品質服務中心」認證之課程：

(1)「政府風險管理」(數位教材AA認證)

(2)「服務心價值—公部門精緻化服務」(數位教材AA認證)

(3)「不孕症的原因與治療」(數位教材AA認證)

(4) 「長期照護系列3-長期營養照護」(數位教材AA認證)

活動辦法：

福氣分享獎：

　　於10月25日前只要在個人blog上po文，內容為「課程加好禮，A一個還不夠」+活動網址，並於本活動網站填寫個人基本資料及blog網址，就有機會得獎。

好課共享獎：

於11月01日前選修任1門臺北e大獲得「數位學習品質服務中心」認證之課程並取得認證時數，並於臺北e大學習論壇專屬社群版針對任1門選修課程發表至少100字心得文章，即獲得抽獎資格。

活動期間：

福氣分享獎：即日起至10月25日中午12:00止(以系統時間為準)

好課共享獎：即日起至11月01日中午12:00止(以系統時間為準)

活動獎項：

福氣分享獎：將抽出20名得獎者各獲得臺北e大e寶2G隨身碟乙份。

好課共享獎：將抽出20名得獎者各獲得1,000元禮券乙份。

得獎公佈：

得獎名單將於99年11月上旬公告於活動網站，並通知得獎者。

注意事項：

　　為鼓勵參與本活動，參加者於不同獎項可重覆得獎，但各獎項得獎以1次為限。

　　為利獎品寄送，參加者請詳填報名資料或臺北e大會員個人資料 (姓名、身分證字號、聯絡電話、通訊地址、電子郵件信箱等)，依填寫資料無法送達者，視同放棄得獎機會。

　　除參加獎外，通知領獎時，須傳真(fax：02-29314388)個人身分證明文件(身分證、戶籍謄本…等)予本處審認，以確保個人權利。

本活動辦法若有未盡事宜，由主辦單位修訂補充之。

Copyright © 臺北市政府公務人員訓練處

客服專線：(02) 2932-0212 按2　(週一至週五上午9:00-12:00 下午1:30-5:00)

Letter of application for a position

2009-11-10T18:32:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,
Mr. Vincent Wu with whom I worked at First Bussan Co., Ltd., and who is now a member of your staff, invited my attention to the advertisement for an office manager and advised me to apply.

I am, therefore, enclosing my Record Sheet giving in details my qualifications for the post. As you stress the importance of wide knowledge and foreign languages, I should like to emphasize my strong points in business experience and ablity of foreign languages.

If you feel that my qualifications meet with your requirements, I should be very pleased to come and see you on whatever day or at whatever time is convenient to you. If you will write me to offer an opportunity of personal interview, I shall be very happy.

Yours faithfully,

Letter declining the invitation very cordially

2009-11-10T18:16:00.003+08:00

Dear Sirs,

Mr. Vincent Wu, President of PFL Trading Co., Ltd., thanks you very much for the invitation to a dinner party at Royal Hotel on October 27th.

He would be delighted to accept, but as he has already made arrangment to attend an important meeting which cannot be cancelled, Mr. Wu unfortunately will not be able to attend the dinner party.

Mr. Wu wishes to extend his cordial greetings to Mr. Thomas Wilson.

Yours faithfully,

* farwell dinner party; inauguration ceremony (開幕式)

Letter declining the invitation

2009-11-10T18:11:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,

President and Directors of PFL Trading Co., Ltd., thank Mr. Thomas Wilson for his kind invitation to the inauguration of the Mellow Hotel to be held at the Hotel, but regret that they are unable to attend due to a prior engagement.

Yours faithfully,

Letter inviting to a Luncheon

2009-11-10T17:39:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,
On April 30th, we are giving a luncheon for Dr. Thomas Wilson.
Dr. Thomas Wilson will speak about the development of business in the field of Mail Order House in recent years.

Following lunch, our guest will be available to answer to answer specific questions you may have. We think you will find this discussion interesting, and hope you can attend.

The luncheon will be held at the Royal Hotel, Taichung at 12.00. Your prompt reply could be very much appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Letter of accepting invitation

2009-11-10T17:11:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,

President and Directors of PFL Trading Co., Ltd., thank Mr. Thomas Wilson for his kind invitation to the inauguration of the Mellow Hotel to be held at the Hotel, and will be pleased to attend.

Yours faithfully,

* to accept an invitation; admission by invitation only

Letter of Invatation 02

2009-11-10T15:29:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,
We are planning a small dinner party in honor of R.P. Blackmur President. The dinner will be held at the Taipei Imperial Hotel, Taipei, beginning at 6.30 P.M. for 8.30 P.M. on Friday, October 27 and dress will be informal business wear.

We hope that you will be able to join us in this opportunity to meet the senior directors of our company.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, October 27.
With warmest regards,

Yours faithfully,

Letter of Invatation 01

2009-11-10T13:26:00.003+08:00

Dear Sirs,

The President and Directors of Sun & Co., Ltd. request the pleasure of your company at Banquet to be held at the Royal Hotel, 1 Sung Chiang Road, Taipei at 6 P.M. on April 2nd.

Yours faithfully,

玫瑰,玫瑰! 我的第一位嬌客!

2009-11-02T23:56:00.003+08:00

　　今晚和前彰銀同事聚完餐後就飛奔趕去花店，深怕晚了一步，和前晚一樣，空手而歸。幸好，他們營業到9點才休息。聽了老闆夫婦解釋後，得知種花的土壤依花的品種有分，但大都用市面上可買到的培養土就可。至於開花的季節，也依花的品種有分，但我所買的玫瑰則四季都有開。本來想買白玫瑰，但老闆說白玫瑰較稀少。所以最後選了粉紅色的玫瑰來種。一盆也不便宜，要一百元。原想要買更小的幼苗來照顧，但他們那都賣盆栽花較多。而且聽說若從種子種到開花，要兩個多月的時間才夠。另外，還得知花有草本植物和木本植物之分。草本植物就是種到植物開花後，就會凋謝，無法再種第二次。木本植物的花則是可一開再開，我選的玫瑰就是木本植物。希望未來照顧她時能一切順利。

Nov. 2nd

The first night when Monica and I met each other

2009-11-01T23:31:00.004+08:00

On an evening event of my company, we first met each other.
She was a friend of one of my coworkers. I was really lucky to have a chance to make friends with her even though at that time it was because I couldn't go for dinner with others-- I had to take care of other customers with my coworker, Monica's friend. After the party began half an hour, we could join the party. That made me have a chance to sit beside her. She made me feel sweet as she helped to take food in my bowl for me when I was busy with a performance. Her acting and talking were so graceful that I couldn't take my eyes off her all night! I used to not believe stuff like loving at first sight. However, when seeing her, I knew I was totally wrong! Anyway, I told myself then that I wanted to know as more as possible about her.
Oct. 10th, 2009

Letter with a desire to import various foods

2009-10-10T13:28:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,

Your name was given to us by the Sun Trading Co., Ltd., Taipei in connection with the supply of Scotch Whisky. We understand that you have been supplying the best quality foods to all over the world and we are sure that there is a large demand for various foreign foods in our company.

We are the largest food trading company in Taiwan, and have offices or representatives in all major cities and towns in Taiwan. We are already importing a number of foods from Europe and the U.S.A. and consider, therefore, that we have considerable experience in this field.

We should be obliged if you would advise us whether you have a mind to deal with us by return mail.

Yours faithfully,

Letter proposing business to the company listed in chemical magazine

2009-10-10T13:17:00.002+08:00

Gentlemen:

As your name and address were listed in The Chemicals, we are writing to you with a desire to open an account with you.

We are one of the leading exporters of Chinese chemicals and are enjoying an excellent reputation through fifty years' business experience. We are sure that you will be quite satisfied with our services and the excellent qualities of our goods.

If you need more objective information concerning our credit, please direct all inquiries to the Bank of Taiwan, Taipei and Haiwa Trading Co., Ltd. Taipei.

We are looking forward to your early favorable reply.

yours truly,

Letter Proposing to have business connection

2009-10-04T19:20:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,

A few days ago we had the opportunity to see a display of your products at the Taipei International Trade Fair, and we were most impressed with their quality and low prices.

We should like to offer you our services as a pumps manufacturing company, and would mention that we have excellent connections in the trade and are fully experienced with export business for this type of product.

In addition, we operate our own advertising agency, and we can use the latest marketing procedures quite efficiently. You can be sure of increasing your turnover considerably if you would allow us to promote sales of your products throughout Taiwan.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Your sincerely,

結尾的措辭

2009-10-04T19:10:00.003+08:00

1. Your prompt reply is eagerly awaited.

2. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

3. May we expect your prompt response? 請早日賜覆

4. We look forward to the pleasure of serving you.

5. An early reply would help us to help you.

6. We should appreciate the opportunity of showing you how efficiently we can serve you.

7. Your prompt attention to this matter would be highly appreciated.

8. Perhaps you would let us have your reply pretty soon.

9. You may rely on us to give your requirements immediate attention.

10. We hope that this will meet your immediate attention. 希望貴公司能立刻注意此事

11. Please let us have your early reply.

開頭的措辭--給對方回信

2009-10-04T19:01:00.002+08:00

1. In reply to your inquiry of May 10, we are pleased to quote as follows.

2. As requested by you, we are sending our price-list and catalog.

3. We thank you for your letter of May 25.

4. In response to your letter of May 30, we have send you our catalog.

5. We are glad to inform you that we have sent today our catalog.

6. We are happy to advise you that we have marketed the new product.

7. Many thanks for your letter of May 15.

8. It was a pleasure to hear from you that you have marketed the new product.

9. We have pleasure in sending you our catalog requested by you.

10. Thank you for your letter of September 28.

11. We are pleased to receive your letter of April 1, and advise you our sending the goods you need.

12. We are obliged(=thankful) to you for your inquiry of June 25.

13. Refering to your letter of July 28, we have sent the catalog requested.

開頭的措辭--寫給有生意往來的對方

2009-10-04T18:50:00.002+08:00

1. We are pleased to inform you that we have just marketed our newly developed pumps.

2. You will find find enclosed with this email a catalog of new developed pumps.

3. As a result of the favorable supply situation, we are able to offer you the following goods.

4. We have pleasure in sending our catalog and price-list of newly developed pumps.

5. We are pleased to get in touch with you for the supply of submersible pumps.

6. Kindly quote us your lowest prices for the goods listed below.

7. Will you please quote the following items?

8. We hear that you have put an electric typewriter on the market and should be glad to have full details.

9. We should appreciate full particulars of your newly developed product.

10. Please let us have a quotation for the regular supply for iron steel.

11. Please send us your catalogues and price-list of the electronic gas lighter.

12. We should be oblighed if you would send us your catalog and price-list.

開頭的措辭--初次寫給對方

2009-10-04T18:36:00.002+08:00

1. We are writing to you with a desire to open an account with...

2. Let us introduce ourselves as a leading pumps manufacturing company in Taiwan.

3. Your name has been mentioned by our chief supplier as the most reliable firm.

4. We are anxious to contact some British firm with a view to act as their pumps supplier.

5. We are interested in your new product electronic translator and shall be pleased to have a catalog and price list.

6. Your name has been given us by the Taipei Chamber of Commerce and we would like to inquire whether you are interested in these lines.

7. We have seen your advertisement in The New York Times and should be glad to have your price list and details of your terms.

8. You will be interested in our new product electronic traslator.

9. You will be interested to hear that we have just marketed our new product.

A Brighter Tomorrow

2009-10-04T01:42:00.002+08:00

In the journey of life, there are always times when decisions have to be made. When making choices becomes hard, what you can do is simply let go and keep moving on, encouraging yourself and choosing a way to go.
There might be adventures never imagined just waiting around, and wishes and dreams in ways yet you cannon comprehend temporarily.
As you challenge your status quo. You will find friendship out of new things, and learn that there are so many options in life, and so many ways to grow!
You'll get to places never expected and see things never seen, or travel unknown wonderful spots!
You'll find comfort in knowing those who are always supporting you, and believe that whatever decisions you make, they are the right choices for you!
So, keep putting one foot in front of the other, and taking your life day by day... There's a brighter tomorrow just down the road. Don't look back! You're not going that way.

...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
-Holy Bible, Philippians 3:30

Taiwan Aboriginal Village Targeted for Nuclear Waste Disposal

2009-10-01T22:43:00.004+08:00

Because failing to sell its nuclear waste to North Korea and China. (What the hell do these two countries want this staff? making nuclear weapons?) Now, the goverment of Taiwan is seeking a burial place at home. The top choice is a poor aboriginal community, Nantian village in Taitan county, the Southeastern of Taiwan.

When it comes to nuclear waste, most people say, "not in my back yard." However, most residents of Nantian village favor building a low-level nuclear waste dump which is five kilometers away.

Taiwan has many barrels of low-level waste that mostly consist of contaminated clothing, boots and mops used by the workers at the island's three nuclear power plants. Engineers at Taipower, the eletricity monopoly, say time for the harmful radiation to decay will take around 100 years. (That's terrible.)

One of the company's chief engineer says, "Based on the design of the storage containers, once the nuclear waste is contained, it's harmless." (Most people know she is lying... I am sure she won't be willing to live next to the containers.)

Three fourths of the Nantian's residents are Paiwan aboriginals, who harmed the land and fished the water in Taiwan long before Han Chinese immigrants. Aboriginals have been lack of educational opportunities, and suffering greater unempolyment than Han chinese for many years. (Why hasn't Taiwan's goverment been able to solve this problems for years?) Critics say the disposal plans are just the newest form of discrimination against them.

Nevertheless, the villagers have a various idea; about 60 percent of them support the dump because of jobs and money brought from it. The Chief of Nantian village says representatives from the power company visit often and make presentations to promote the facility.

As a matter of fact, Taipower told the residents the waste dump will emit less radiation than the background radiation from nature. (In here, I am not sure what the background radiation from nature means.)

Taitung County is well-known for its organic vegetables and hot springs. Nonetheless, residents earn only $650 a month on average, half the Taiwan norm.

If chosen for the nuclear waste dump, Taitung County will receive $155 million called "Friendly Neighbor" payment. It's not clear how much money the villagers would receive.

The subject I like best in School

2009-09-29T23:31:00.004+08:00

The subject I like best in School is English. I like English because it is not only a good tool for entertainment but also an important means of communication. For example, when I watch English movies or listen to English songs, I can understand what the lines mean, and this makes me happy. I have also made many friends from around the world on the Internet. We all communicate in English, the international language.
As I love Engish a lot, I pay much attention in all of my English classes, and I work hard memorizing as many English words as possible. In addition, I expose myself to this language as much as I can by reading Engish novels and listening to radio programs in English. Learning English was not easy at first, but because of my perseverance and interest, I am happy to say that my English keeps on getting better and better every day.

* not only...but also...
1. It is not only a good tool for entertainment but also an important means of communication.
(= Not only is it a good tool but also an important means of communication.)
2. Mr. Wu is not only a dancer but also a famous writer.
(=Not only is Mr. Wu a dancer but also a famous writer.)
3. This room is not only dark but also damp.
(= Not only is this room dark but also damp.)
4. Jane not only offtered the emotional support but also volunteered to pay Jim's massive medical bills.
(= Not only did Jane offer the emotional support but also volunteered to pay Jim's massive medical bills.)
5. Susan is not only a talented pianist but also a famous painter.
(= Not only is Susan a talented pianist but also a famous painter.)
6. Mr. Lin not only speaks fluent English but also has a good command of Spanish.
(= Not only does Mr. Lin speak fluent English but also has good command of Chinese.)

* as + adv.+ as one can
1. Although John ran as fast as he could, he still failed to catch the bus.

Offer of a provincial agency

2009-09-24T23:32:00.009+08:00

Dear Sirs,

We have recently received a number of inquiries from the North of England for information about our range of pumps. This leads us to believe there is a promising market waiting to be developed in that part of the country. Sales of our goods in other parts of the United Kingdom have greatly exceeded our expectations, but the absence of an agency in the North has meant poor sales in that region to date.

From our experience elsewhere, we believe that a really active agent would have little difficulty in rapidly expanding sales of our goods in the North of England. As we understand you are well experienced and have good connections in this area, we would like to know if you are interested in accepting a sole agency. We are prepared to offer you a 2-year agreement, with a commision of 7 1/2 % on net invoice values. (兩年合約, 佣金按發票淨值的7 1/2% 提抽成)

As we wish to reach a quick decision, perhaps you will be good enough to let us know if our offer interests you. If it does, then I would suggest an early meeting at which details of an arrangment agreeable to both of us could be disccussed.

Yours faithfully

True Friends

2009-09-05T15:05:00.002+08:00

It's not difficult to have sincere friendship. Here are some principles to make true friends:

True friends listen to inner voices of each other.
True friends care about other's needs and help to solve problems.
True friends share different opinions, but won't put others down.
True friends always express their encouragements and compliments.
True friends are able to arouse goodness and potential of one another.
True friends accept and respect each other.
True friends are trustworthy.
True friends give each other room for changes.
True friends are not self-centered but deliver love around.
True friends bring each other power, courage and hope.

A friends loves at all time, and a brother is born for adversity.

from the website of www.dhf.org.tw/Seeds/

Making sentences 48 days left

2009-08-11T23:53:00.004+08:00

1. get off: leave a bus/ an airplane/ a train/ a subway (all of the transportation in which you can stand up)
After three more stops I'll need to get off, because the stop is the nearest one to my school.
2. get on: enter a bus' an airplane/ a train/ a subway (all of the transportation in which you can stand up)
We need to get on Bus 101 to the Taipei City Zoo.
3. get out of: leave a car, a taxi (all of the transportation in which you can't stand up)
We are getting out of the taxi at next block.
4. get over: recover from an illness or a shock
Suzanne has got over the serious flu.
5. get together (with): join, meet
Let's find some time to get together again.
6. get through (with): finish
I can't leave now; I still have lots of work to get through
7.get up: get out of bed in the morning
My brother usually gets up early to exercise before going to work.
8. give away: donate, get rid of by giving
My mom gave away some old clothes for people who need them.
9. give back: return sth to sb
Don't forget to give my money back this Friday.
10. give up: quit doing sth or quit trying
You shouldn't give up learning English. You will gain a lot from it.

Making sentences 49 days left

2009-08-09T21:36:00.003+08:00

1. eat out: eat outside of one's home
My family usually eats out every Friday nights.
2. fall down: fall to the ground
I remembered when I learned to ride a bike for the first time, I fell down badly.
3. figure out: find the solution to a problem
Shawn is trying to figure out the puzzle in the detective novel.
4. fill in: complete by writing in a blank space
Please use a B2 pencil to fill your answer in the blanks on your answer sheet, not your test sheet.
5. fill out: write information on a form
It is usually necessary for patients to fill out a form to provide their personal information, which helps their doctors understand more about their health conditions.
6. fill up: fill completely with gas, water, coffee, etc.
I didn't have enough money to fill my car up.
7. find out (about): discover information
No one wanted to find out why the boy committed suicide.
8. fool around (with): have fun while wasting time
Tim likes fooling around with his classmate Jammy every day.
9. get along (with): have a good relationship with
Connie always can get along with foreign friends.
10. get back (from): return from (a trip)
Peter's family went to the airport to pick him up as he just got back from China.
11. get in: enter a car, a taxi
My brother's head hit the car door badly when he was about to get in.

Making sentences 50 days left

2009-08-07T19:38:00.005+08:00

Taiwan came a severe typhoon Morakot today, so all the workers and students in the island had a day off. And all I could do the whole day was watching DVDs, reading books or surfing the Net. I am going to finish making sentenses with phrases from my English grammar book on this post as the last one I did.

1. cheer up: make happier
After learning my close friend Jim's loss in the speech contest, I tried to cheer him up and confirmed his excellent performance.
2. clean up: make neat and clean
My family took a whole day to clean up the mass resulted from yesterday's typhoon.
3. come along (with): acompany
David, wait for me! Let me come along with you!
4. come from: originate
In today's history class, my teacher asked if anyone knew where our life came from.
5. come in: enter a room or building
Julia, could you help me stay out the door and don't let anyone come in when I am changing clothes?
6. come over (to): visit the speaker's place (instead of someone else's place!!)
My grandparents is coming over for dinner with us around seven thirty.
7. cross out: draw a line through
Could you please give me a hand to cross out the names of the guests who are at the party from this list. (It took me a long time to think about how to write the object of crossing out....)
8. cut out (of): remove with scissors or knife
My friend Amber likes to cut out of all the news about her favorite singer Khalil.
9. dress up: put on nice clothes
Why are you dressing up like that, June? Oh, it's for my best friend's wedding tonight.
10. drop in (on): visit without calling first or without an invitation
It is considered impolite for most people in the U.S. to drop in on someone.
11. drop out (of): stop attending (school)
Jacky has decided to drop out of shool and focuses on his new business.

Making sentences 51 days left

2009-08-06T22:20:00.006+08:00

In today's writing, I would like to make some sentenses with verb phrases from my English grammar book.

1. ask out: ask sb. to go on a date
I am asking Janet out for dinner tomorrow night.
2. blow out: extinguish (a match, a candle)
Blowing out the match, Alex! Don't you know it may set a fire to
our house?
3. break out: happen suddenly
In Taiwan broke out an mysterious lethal flu withou any warning.
4. break up: separate, end a relationship
Amber just broke up with her boyfriend Andy this month.
5. bring back: return
Don't forget to bring the British Encyclopedia I lent you last month
back this Sunday.
6. bring up: (1) to raise (children) (2) mention, start to talk about
Jeff's mother brought him and his three sisters up all on her own, so
he adored his mother very much.
During the meeting in this morning, our supervisor brought his colorful
college life up.
7. call back: return a telephone call
Could you keep a message for me to ask Jack to call me back
whenever is available.
8. call off: cancel
They called off their outdoor picnic because of the typhoon's coming.
9. call on: ask sb. to speak in class
Most students in Taiwan who are called on often keep silent instead of
speaking what they think. This kind of learning situation mostly
controled by teachers' lecturing has killed students' creativity.
10. call up: make a telephone call
Don't forget to call/ring me up once you get home tonight.

My bookreport of "Who was Louis Armstrong?" 52 days left

2009-08-04T22:42:00.007+08:00

Keywords and phrases:
nicknames n., mouth, dipper n., gulp n., gatemouth, satchelmounth, suitcase, work v., jewish, wagon, rags n., blow on v., horn, live music, jazz, bars, drift out v., band, Joe Oliver, cornet n.

People have got nicknames. Louis, of course, who was no exception, got nicknames just like you and I did. His friends called him dipper because of his mouth that could drink an entirely-full dipper water in one gulp. The appearance of his mouth that looked like a gate or a big suitcase got him nicknames like gatemouth and satchelmouth. Residing in a very poor area, little Louis knew he had to work to help make his living. So, he ever sent newspapers on street corners and worked for a Jewish family. When riding on the wagon with the family, he helped blow on a horn to let people know the coming of the wagon, to see if anyone wanted to sell things to or buy things from the family. Even then, Louis started showing his interests in music. In his free time, he would go wherever live music was playing, most kinds of which in New Orleans were jazz music. Bands there usually played in bars and dance halls. Although little Louis was too young to enter those places, he would stood outside and enjoyed the music drifting out from the bars and dance halls. Joe Oliver, who played the cornet, was his favorite musician.

My first working day in HCP 53 days left

2009-08-03T20:22:00.007+08:00

Keywords and phrases:
pump, manufacture v., quality, fringe benefits, hire, full-time, coffee break, colleague, company traveling, stress, supervisor, time clock, workaholic n., international markets, salesman, project, schedule, industry, workforce, contractor, complete v., income, overtime ad.

Today was my first day to work in HCP Pump Manufacturer Corporation.
It is one of the best companies in pump manufacturing industry in Taiwan. I am very pleased to have the chance to work there. Its high-quailty products have won it an excellent reputation around the world. Don't get me wrong. I am not doing commercial for my company. I am just telling the truth! Even if I am hired as a contractor in one future year, I will still do my best in my position to be an good assistant in my department, handling international businesses, hoping I can become a full-time worker at this time next year. This company gave me an unique feeling at the first time I met its interviewer. The interview made me feel that it must be a well-organized company. It is worth working in it beacuse of its favorable systems, good working environment, and wonderful fringe benefits. All of these excellent working conditions have made HCP's workers envied by many. I am really lucky to get hired now because my supervisor said the company is working on expanding its overseas markets. That means if anyone works hard to follow the company's growth, he will have more oppotunities to succeed in his career. This also explains the reason why many new employees are needed for the its growth instead of replacing workers who get laid off. Today was just for a warm-up. A tight schedule to learn more about all kinds of products is waiting for me for next few weeks. So, wish me luck!

My bookreport of "Who Was Louis Armstrong?" 54 days left

2009-08-02T07:37:00.008+08:00

How strange it is. I wrote my blog earlier than I usually do! This may mean that I am not scared of writing in English any more even if I may write something well or not. I just want to write to express what I think by a different language. I am making progress!

Keywords and Phrasese:

slavery, to end, blacks, unfairly, Jim Crow Laws, African Americans, restrict v., separate a., people of color, second-class, citizens, streetcar, empty seats, babysitter, head v., to throw off, to beat up, arrest v., swim, aim, scared a., stiff ad., joke n., dice, adore v.

Although slavery had ended at the time of Louis, blacks still were treated unfairly. The pass of Jim Crow Laws was one of the laws that restricted the rights of people of color seriously. The law asked them to sit at separate seats, stay in separate hotels, use separate water fountains and public restrooms, and they were even not allowed to enter some white-people-only restaurants. They seemed to be second-class citizens; they were treated unfairly. Once, A Louis's family friend babysited Louis and his sister. When they got on a streetcar, some seats up front were available. So little Louis went ahead, sitting in the seat to see where the car headed. The babysitter called him to get back on his own seat, but he didn't want to. Then, the babysitter went to drag him back and warned him that they might be thrown off the car or even beaten up if they obeyed the rule that colored passengers had to sit in the back of streetcars.

Hard to believe it? Another case that Louis recalled later will let you know that I am not joking about how serious the situation of discrimination against blacks was at that time. The story happened in one hot afternoon when Louis went swimming with his friends in a local pond. While all of them were having fun in the cool pond, a man, pointing a gun at them, suddenly appeared. All of the boys were scared stiff! They thought they were going to be killed! However, the man only burst into laughter and told that he was merely making a joke to terrify them. The man treated those black boys as jokes. It's really unimaginable nowadays, isn't it?

Even growing up in such discriminatory time, Louis still had a happy life, playing cards or dice with friends. He also loved his mother very much even though they didn't live together often. The best woman he adored the most was his mom.

My bookreport of "Who Was Louis Armstrong?" 55 days left

2009-08-01T23:51:00.007+08:00

I guess I have been making mistakes in regarding a bookreport as an article. I just learned this new word "bookreport" from my English teacher, Mr. Chris, this afternoon. Well, I think the few posts I wrote these days should be bookreports instead of articles because most of the writings were based on some books I read before.

KEYWORDS and PHRASES:
rough and tumble a., gun, crime, support, maid, grandmother,
slave n., strict a., swat v., be grateful for sth., concern n.

As the title read, it won't be difficult to guess that I am reading a book about Mr. Louis Armstrong. Since born in 1901, little Louis spent his childhood in a rough and tumble area called Storyville, a poor and black section of New Orleans. Because of lots of guns and crime in the area, Storyvill also got a nickname, Battlefield. Louis' mother, Mayann Armstrong, got to support her two children by herself. Sometimes, she worked as a maid. When she went out to work for days, Josephine, Louis' grandmother, would take care of him and his sister named Beatrice. Josephine used to be a slave. But now she made her living washing and ironing clothes for white people. She would gave little Louis some money to pick up and deliver the clothes for her. Josephine was very strict and often asked Louis to go to church, and even Sunday school. As Louis didn't behave himself, she would swatted his behind with a branch. Ha ha!! This reminded me of the similar situations that I once had. However, Louis was very grateful for Josephine's concern. He knew she just didn't want to let the awful living environment have any bad affects on him.

to be continued...

Procrastinators -- 56 days left

2009-07-31T20:41:00.009+08:00

Are you a procrastinator? If you are asking me, then my answer is "YES." I didn't write anything on my blog yesterday although I knew I should. Today's topic is a little related to my last post--Time.

KEYWORDS and PHRASES:
to master a skill, procrastinator, put off, chronic, procrastination, result in, drop out of school, persistently, delay doing sth, before long, overwhelmed, quit school, time-management, have difficulty V-ing, to concentrate on, avoid V-ing, be axious about sth, fear v., sign n., tendency to V., to identify, in order of, priority, be/feel in control, budget one's time, adequate, to accomplish, to reward onself, counselor, mild, motivated a., at times

In the article, I learned that someone who doesn't master a skill of managing time or budgetting time very well is called a procratinator. They often put off doing things like homework, chores etc.. Do you have similar experiences like that in your life? Come on, be honest and don't feel shamed to avoid this question. Actually, statistics show that 90 percent of university students will often delay studying for tests or writing required papers until the last minute before. Before long, these students will have difficulty catching their studies and it results in quitting or dropping out of their schools.

There usually are three reasons explaining why people procrastinate. First, many are poor at time-management and try to do much in very little time. Handling too many tasks at a time causes them hard to concentrate on accomplishing everything. Another reason is that people are lack of confidence to do what they don't excel at/in. I should be classified to this group. People like me are often anxious about not doing everything well enought. Why I put off writing a English article sometimes is because I want to write it perfectly. Unfortunately, it ends in failing to finish my writing on time. A third reason people procrastinate is that they feel bored about what they need to do.

Have you identified any of these signs in yourself? If you do, here are a few tips for you to improve your tendency to procrastinate. First, list the things in your life in order of their priorities. Second, budget you time to finish things. Don't try to do too many in very limited time. Then, you will find that you have more adequate time and feel more in control of managing your time to achieve everything. Once your situation of procrastination gets milder, don't forget to reward yourself. After all, we all procrastinate at times, don't we?

Time, 57 days left

2009-07-30T01:25:00.004+08:00

After going on writing in English over nine days, I was almost out of thought about what to write tonight. Luckily, one of my favorite books inspired me. It used to be one of my English course texts, offering diversity of topics and issues. I pretty fancy this kind of books. One the one hand, it provides information about certain topics, such as time, marrage etc. On the other hand, the next unit in this book will follow its last topic to present a issue, which let its readers' concepts extend further. These series of book, "ACTIVE skills for Reading", written by Neil J. Anderson, have three different levels.

Keywords and phrases:
time, following schedule, to schedule, punctual, horology, to keep track of time, early clocks, timepiece, to patent in 1876, quarts-powered clocks, accurate, atomic clocks, reliable, to monitor, to coordinate, a universal time standard, nuclear energy, being on time, spend time, save time, kill time, waste time, make time

Today the topic of my writing is about time. In the article from the book I read, I got some knowledge of time. Following schedule, being on time, spend time wisely and so on are one of the common situations in which people are involved. Being Punctual has also become a virtue for people in all ranges of society. Why do I say so? As inventions of instruments used to keep track of time has continued to get better for centuries, there aren't any excuses for people to make for not knowing what time it is. Can you imagine what the earlist alarm clock looks like? Well, it was made by sticking a nail into a candle. When the candle burnt down, the nail would fail to the tin candleholder. The noise of the nail hitting the tin would wake the sleeper. However, that may not work to a deep-sleeper like me! I also learnt that Americans already knew how to protect their ideas for making goods from stealing by others in very early time. Inventors patented their own knowledge. How does a quartz-powered clock work? I wondered how a stone can provide electricity to a clock.
As people asked to have more accurate time in their lives, consistancy in clock power for horologist became the priority. Atomic clocks, powered by nuclear energy, are the most advanced clocks at present. They make time highly reliable and easy to monitor. Atomic clocks which are coordinated creat a universal time standard. Expressions such as "Time is money," "Time marches on," "Time flies when you are having fun," and "Time is the most valuable thing a person can spend" is guilding me to look the time in my life from a different angle. I am going to make time to develop another interest of mine.

My day on Jul. 28th of 2009, 58 days left !

2009-07-28T13:04:00.013+08:00

When I was doing my English grammar pratices today, I met some problems about noun clause.

Pratice 1
I don't know who is Bob's doctor. (I think that my answer should be ok.)
I don't know who Bob's doctor is. (the answer)

Pratice 2
In the following conversations, I need to use the words which are provided in ( ) to re-write the conversations.

ex:
Alicia: I really like my English teacher.
Bonnie: Great! That's wonderful. It's important to have a good English teacher. (think that, be delighted that)
Alicia thinks that her English teacher is very good.
Bonnie is delighted that Alicia likes her English teacher.
Bonnei thinks that it's important to have a good English teacher.

conversation 1
Mrs. Day: How do you feel, honey? You might have the flu.
Bobby: I'm okay, Mom. Honest. I don't have the flu.
(be worried that, be sure that)
Mrs. Day is worried that her son, Bobby, might have the flu.
Bobby is sure that he is okay. (my own answer)

Conversation 2
Kim: Did you really fail your chemistry course? How is that possible?
Tina: I didn't study hard enough. I was too busy having fun with my friends. I feel terrible about it.
(be surprised that, be disappointed that)
Kim is surprised that Tina failed her chemistry course. Kim supporsed that Tina was a hardworking student. However, we can tell that things seemed not to go that way. Tina is disappointed that she spent too much time having fun with her friends instead of well-budgetting her time.

Conversation 3 (at a party)
David: Mike! Hello! It's nice to see you.
Mike: It's nice to be here. Thank you for inviting me.
(be glad/ happy/ pleased that)
David is glad that Mike came to his party.
Mike is also pleased that he can be invited to David's party.
Both the host and the guest are happy that they can have a good time together at the party.

Conversation 4
Fred: Susan has left. Look. Her closer is empty. Her suitcases are gone. She won't be back. I just know it!
Erica: She'll be back. (be afraid that, be upset that, be sure that)
Fred is afraid that Susan has left because of the emptiness of her closer. He is upset that she won't be back.
Erica is sure that Susan'll be back.

Conversation 5
John: I heard you were in jail. I coundn't believe it!
Ed: Neither could I! I was arrested for robbing a house on my block.
Can you believe that! It was a case of mistaken identity. I didn't have to stay in jail long. (be shocked that, be relieved that)
John was shocked that his friend Ed was in jail.
Ed was relieved that he was proved to be guiltless and could be out now because of the police's mistaken identity.

Pratice 3
Ex: I'm glad that...
---the weather is nice today.
Sam is going to finish school.
I can speak English.

(my answers)
1. I'm please that...
---my English is getting better and better.
my girlfriend agreed to marry me.

2. I'm sure that...
---Jeff will come to my birthday party tonight.
you will pass your driver's license test.

3. I'm surprised that...
---you didn't tell your parents the truth.
Sonia got married with the man she hated before.

4. Are you certain that...
---your parents has allowed you to go to Africa with us?
she is the one you are going to spend your life with forever?

5. I'm very happy that...
---I made it to study in America.
my sister has recovered from an car accident.

6. I'm very sorry that...
---my brother has hurt your sister so much.
I forgot to bring a LV bag for you from France.

7. I'm not sorry that...
---John had a car accident because I have warned him to obey the traffic
rules before.
you missed your final exam this morning. I have tried to wake you up,
but you kept on sleeping.

8. I'm afraid that...
--- your dog can survive more than a week. He is very sick now.
I may lose my job because of the economic recession.

9. Are you aware that...
--- there is a big and violent demonstration going on in Tibet?
global warming is changing our living circumstances?

10. I'm disappointed that...
--- only few people really care about our country.
my parents don't support my plan to travel abroad.

11. I'm conviced that...
--- my English will be as good as a native American.
people working hard always get great rewards.

12. It's true that...
--- cheap goods have no good qualities.
being honest is the best policy.

13. It is a fact that...
---you can't go to a good university if you don't study hard from now on.
my brother can eat a whole cake in 3 minutes!

14. It's not true that...
--- Mary has got divorced with Jack.
investing in stock markets always make one a millionaire.

My day on Jul. 27th of 2009, 59 days left !

2009-07-28T01:15:00.004+08:00

In today's writing, at firtst, I would like to thank Mr. Mahdi Seifollahi for his help with my writing these days. The Help offered by him is very precious for most students in Asia who want to learn good English but don't have good learning environments. I hope students like me can have the chances to meet more helpful teachers like Mr. Mahdi Seifollahi in the future. By then, learning circumstance will not be a problem at all!

This afternoon the new company I am going to work for asked me to go to the office to tell me when to work and what I should know on the first day of work. It was going ok. I was quite fond of this company and hope to work as soon as possible! I will become lazybones soon if I don't get some work to do. After that, I went to the bank I used to work as a security guard there. The manager of the bank said he wanted to give me some clothes which fit him very well when he bought them. But, he had no idea why he couldn't wear them any more after just a few months. I guess the one to blame is his wife, a really great cook! Anyway, I tried those clothes on which were still very new and they fit me very well.

My views on a short story----PFH66, 60 days left !

2009-07-27T00:57:00.004+08:00

Today's story is about a conversation between a man and a small child. A man whose name is John bought a new and smaller house than the one he used to live in after his mother's death. During the moving, an old and heavy clock but all furniture was moved by himself. Why didn't he ask workers to move the clock for him? The reason why he carried the clock in his arms was that the clock had been passed through all his family's generation. During his way to the new house, he stopped and took a break. Suddenly, a small boy stopped in front of him, and then the boy said John was a stupid man because he thought John could buy a watch like everyone else.

I think the boy's words are very interesting and natural. When people are young, they just say what comes into their mind without thinking twice. Although speaking directly to others sometimes might be helpful, in my point of view, speaking after considering is always the best policy.

my views on short stories----PFH66, 61 DAYS LEFT

2009-07-25T21:44:00.005+08:00

The first story I read today was about a car accident and drinks. In the story, a man called Harry drove his car and had a car accident one day as he didn't stop his car when a traffic light turned red. His car hit another car driven by an old man. The old man was scared and shouted to Harry. Harry went to him and said he's very sorry about the accident. He then took a bottle of whisky from his car and offered the old man a glass to drink. The old man didn't notice something wrong with Harry's offering and kept on drinking a lot until he asked Harry, 'Why aren't you drinking?'
And can you guess what Harry said to the old man? Harry said 'I don't want any whisky now. I'm going to sit here and wait for the police.' How clever Harry was! Wan't he? He played a trick on the old man and wanted to let the police think the old man was drink while driving.

My views on a short story ---PFH66, 62 DAYS LEFT

2009-07-25T00:14:00.010+08:00

key words: sandwiches, married, wife, loaf, bread, enough

In this short story, a worker uesd to make his own sandwiches before he got married. But, after getting married, he didn't need to make sandwiches by himself any longer. His wife did. However, things seemed to go wrong day after day. He told his wife there weren't enough slices of bread to eat. So, his wife simply add more and more slices of bread to one sandwich every day(I think). In the end, his wife even cut a loaf of bread into two big slices and put a big piece of meat in it. But, the worker still complained that two slices of bread weren't enough for him to eat. I think what I found out from this story is misunderstanding between the man and his wife. I guess the man just wanted more sandwiches instead of one with lots of slices of bread and he didn't say it clearlier to his wife. And that's why she made mistakes again and again.

(It seems that I still can't write what I want to express fluently and use words properly in my writing. If you are reading this article and could do me a favor to give me some advice, I'll appreciate you very very much! )

INTERNET---PFH66, 63 DAYS LEFT

2009-07-23T22:13:00.003+08:00

The Internet is an important part of the daily lives of millions of Americans, and it continues to grow rapidly. But it has not always been a happy story. In the late 1990's, everybody was in love with the Internet, and stock prices of on-line companies were very high. After the stock 'bubble' burst, a large number of Internet companies went bankrupt. Many services, such as website and photo hosting, were once free. Now, companies are starting to charge for these services.

Despite these troubles and changes, the future of the Net is very bright. People regularly use the Net to read news, check stock prices, and conduct banking. Businesss are moving more and more of their operations on-line. Many companies no longer sell items in stores, prefering to sell exclusively on-line. Within businesses, e-mail communication has become the number one means of sending out messages and information.

The personal lives of Americans have also been strongly affected by the Internet. E-mail is extremely popular, as are chatrooms and forums. Every day, thousands of new friendships are formed on-line. This could have a strong impact on social relations.

The Internet is still very young, and its full impact has yet to be felt.

THE FUTURE...POFHI66, 64 DAYS LEFT

2009-07-22T15:55:00.005+08:00

Americans thinks a lot about the future. There are many books, movies, and TV shows about the future. In some of these, the future is a dark and dangerous place. But, in many others, the future is exciting, interesting, and incredible.
Two things are common is most of these visions. First, computers and high-technology are common. Most people believe technology will get better and better. Also, many of these stories take place in space. People fly around in space ships, talk with aliens, and live on other planets.
No one is really sure what the future will be like. But, it's a topic many people like to think about and discuss.

EDUCATION....65 DAYS LEFT

2009-07-22T01:30:00.008+08:00

Topic of the day: EDUCATION
Americans go to school for 12 years. Elementary school, junior high school and high school are free. The law say children must go to school. But, when students are 16, they can take a special test. If they pass the test, they can leave high school. Most people graduate from high school when they're 18 years old.
There are many private junior high and high schools, but they are very expensive. Most children go to public schools. All colleges and universities cost money. But, the public schools get money from the government. So, they aren't very expensive. Private colleges and university are extremely expensive.
Junior high and high school students can choose many of their classes. Everyone takes math, English, and science classes. Art, music, dance, and other classes may be taken if students are interested. University students choose most of their classes.

If I can really form a new habit in 66 days!?

2009-07-22T00:11:00.009+08:00

Yesterday I read a piece of news about how long it takes to form a habit. I was quite interesed in this as I had the same experience before too. The habit was studying English every day. Before I formed this habit, I just wanted to learn good English. I never thought of how long it would become one of my habit. However, it just happened to me!! I became an English lover and couldn't stopped myself from studying English. I didn't know how long it took me to form the habit. But I liked it!! After all, it was a good habit, an valuable habit for many people who are eager to learn English well. I was happy I did it. And now, after knowing it takes about 66 days on average to form a habit, I am really excited. So, I am planning to form a good habit so as to let it be one of my strangth. My new habit will be writting or typing at least an English article every day on my blog. 66 days, come on, let's start!!

有錢無罪，沒錢活該受罪？(上)

2009-07-21T21:50:00.006+08:00

前些日子我去聽了一個關於如何申請公費以完成自己夢想的課程。在課堂中，老師提到有些擁有豐富出國經驗，自身經濟條件也不差的參賽者，也來跟其他已三十多歲但從沒出國，經濟條件也較差的人，爭取經費。不用說，那些出國經驗豐富的人，所提交的企劃書一定寫的比另一方好（沒出國，經濟條件也較差的人）。現在問題來了，若今天你／妳是評審，你遇到兩位參賽者。一位是有自身經濟佳且企劃書又寫得好的Rich。另一位是口袋空空，年紀一大把卻還沒到過機場的Poor。在這樣的情況下，你會把最後一個機會留給誰？
＊兩人出國的動機都是好的，各自所懷有的夢想是正當的，都沒有要貪取經費做為滿足自身出國玩樂的意圖。

It takes 66 days to form a habit

2009-07-20T23:57:00.004+08:00

It takes 66 days to form a habit

It takes 66 days for a healthy resolution to become an ingrained habit, researchers have claimed.
By Roger Dobson Published: 9:00PM BST 18 Jul 2009

That was the average time it took for volunteers in a study to begin doing automatically something they had adopted as a daily duty, such as eating fruit with their lunch or going for a run before dinner.
It means if you make a New Year's resolution to exercise or eat healthily and do it daily until March 7, it is likely to stick.
The research, the first to investigate how long it takes to form a habit, has significant implications for people who want to adopt a healthy lifestyle or stick to a diet.
The same team has now been funded by the Medical Research Council for more research looking at how to use habit creation in weight loss.
"What we found was that it takes 66 days on average for people in our study to acquire a habit," says Professor Jane Wardle, of University College London, who carried out the study with Dr Phillippa Lally.
"It varied between individuals, but the finding is that if you do something everyday in the same situation, it will become an automatic reaction in response to those situational cues, a habit. It is the first time this has been established."
"Performing an action for the first time requires planning, even if plans are formed only moments before the action is performed, and attention.
"As behaviours are repeated in consistent settings they then begin to proceed more efficiently and with less thought as control of the behaviour transfers to cues in the environment that activate an automatic response - a habit."
In the research, being reported in the European Journal of Social Psychology, the researchers set out to investigate how long it took for the repetition of behaviour to reach a stage of 'automacity', where it is performed whenever the situation is encountered without thinking, awareness or intention.
The volunteers who took part in the study were asked to choose a healthy eating, drinking or exercise behaviour that they would like to make into a habit.
It had to be done in response to a particular cue, such as eating a piece of fruit with lunch, drinking a bottle of water with lunch, or running for 15 minutes before dinner. Participants were asked to try to carry out the behaviour every day.
Each day they also completed a test designed to measure features of habits which are central to automaticity, including lack of awareness and lack of control.
Results showed that whilst the average time to form a habit was 66 days, more complex behaviours took longer, whilst an exercise habit took longer to form than a healthy eating or drinking habit.

This article was from Telegraph.co.uk 19 July, 2009

習慣66天養成

2009-07-20T23:49:00.002+08:00

英國研究人員說，養成一個習慣，要六十六天。
倫敦大學的心理教授沃迪說，不論是要早起運動，節食減肥，只要能撐過六十六天多半就成功了。他說，養成一個習慣，需要的時間因人而異，但是平均是六十六天。
沃迪說，要做一件事以前，大家都會計劃。接著就是實行。實行過六十六天，這件事就成了日常生活的一部份，到時候就會做，也就成了習慣了。
在他的實驗裡，他請受試的人選擇午餐時候吃水果，或是喝一瓶水。同時要求他們每天都得做。他每天會給受試的人一個測驗，看他們什麼時候開始不自覺的吃水果、喝水。結果發現，大約到第六十六天，多數人到午餐的時候都會不自覺的吃起水果或是拿起水瓶。
不過，比較需要毅力的習慣，譬如，每天跑步十五分鐘，養成的時間會長一點。

本則新聞由中廣新聞網提供 2009/07/19

Phrase of the day

2009-07-18T20:25:00.017+08:00

Phrase of the day
* There are some sentences(with ? marks) written by myself, and I am not sure wether they are right or not. If you can help correct them, I will be very grateful.

1. get something off your chest: to tell someone about something that has been worrying or annoying you for a long time, so that you feel better afterwards
: After dring several bottles of beer, Jane got what her husband did to her off her chest and kept on crying. ?

2. rather than 是個滿特殊的對等連接詞(conj) =instead of+ V-ing
1.因為其後若接動詞,要原形
ex: Bryson decided to quit rather than accept the new rules.
(= Rather than accept the new rules, Bryson decided to quit. ?)

2. rather than 可放於句首
ex: Rather than go(v.) straight on to university why not get (v.) some work experience first?
: Rather than work(v.) hard, he plays(v.) around all the time.
(= Instead of working hard, he plays around all the time.)
: Rather than study medicine, he played music.
(= Instead of studying medicine, he played music.)
: He is lazy(adj.) rather than diligent.(adj.)
(= Rather than diligent, he is lazy. ?)
: Mary is a student(n.) rather than a teacher.(n.)
(= Rather than a teacher, Mary is a student. ?)
: He is interested in swimming(V-ing) rather than (in) dancing.(V-ing)
(= Rather than dancing, he is interested in swimming. ?)
: He failed because he was lazy(clause) rather than because he was stupid.(clause)
(= Rather than because he was stupid, he failed because he was lazy. ?)
: I think you'd call it a lecture(n.) rather than a talk.(n.)
(= Rather than a talk, I think you'd call it a lecture. ?)
: I stayed(v.) home and slept rather than go(原v.) to work.
(= Rather than go to work, I stayed home and slept. ?)
: Mike likes jazz music(n.) rather than classical music.(n.)
(= Rather than classical music, Mike likes jazz music. ?)
: They like living in the mountains(prep+n) rather than near the ocean.(prep+n)
(= Rather than near the ocean, they like living in the mountains. ?)

3. rather than 可接兩個有對等關係的S.,之後的動詞應變按第一個主詞作化
ex: He rather than I is wrong.
: Mike rather than you was chosen to be the class leader for next semester. ?
: Julia rather than her sisters is studying abroad next year. ?

I got a new job!!

2009-07-17T01:10:00.002+08:00

Today was really my day!! Until learning that I am going to work for a new company from Aug. 1st, I have been unemployed since I graduated on Jul. 1st. Gosh, it is really a tough time for me to have nothing to do every day. I want to work!! I guess I am a person who can only get his self-confidence by perfoming well on his work. I am glad that it was worth it to wait half a month for a company I want to work for the company even though I was not sure if they would hire me or not. During these days, I kept on arranging several job interviews and even objected some job opportunities. I am glad I did it! I kept patient waiting for the supervisor's call who promised to let me know if I was accepted or not. Actually, she was too busy to remember to call me. Therefor, I told myself that maybe I should made a call to make thing clear. After all, I was tired of waiting... So, I called to her office, but she was not in her seat. I left a message. At about 3 pm, she called me back and told she forgot to tell me that I was hire. After all of this, I told myself if one day I take in charge of a company's interview , I will let interviewees know wether they are hired or now as soon as possible.

An unforgettable night for Dr. Jones

2009-04-26T09:55:00.000+08:00

It was one rainy night, and just when I was about to get into bed, the telephone rang. "Who could that be? It's almost twelve o'clock." I picked up the phone and a voice in a panic came right into my ear. It was Dr. Smily. He practiced medicine in a small town called Dusty Town, which was thirty miles away.
"Thank Goodness you are home, Dr. Jones," said Smily.
"Yes, what is it for you to call me this late at night?"
"I have a patient who needs an open-heart surgery immediately. You know I am not a surgeon. I need you to perform the operation."
"Can you have the patient moved to my clinic?" I said.
"I am afraid not. The patient's condition is critical." said Dr. Smily.
"All right, I will get there as fast as I can."
I hung up the telephone and began to get dressed. In a short time I was driving my car on the street. It was raining hard, and I was driving slowly. When coming to one intersection, I stopped for the red light. Suddenly a man with a dark raincoat coming from nowhere opened the car door. Before I could do any thing, the man pointed at me with a gun.
"I am sorry, but I need you car," the man said.
"Sir, I can't give you my car. You see I am on my way..."
"Shut up! I don't want to hurt you. I just need the car. "
I had no choice but to get off my car and watched the man drive it away.
I then called the taxi company for help but no one was there. It was almost one o'clock, and no one would want to work. Finally, a police car came by, and after knowing what had happened, the police gave me a ride to Dusty Town. It was two o'clock when I got there.
"It is really kind of you to come," said Dr. Smily, "but the boy died half an hour ago."

"I am very sorry. I could have made it if only I hadn't been robbed"

"You have done your best. Now let me introduce you the boy's father," Dr. Smily pointed to a man sitting at the corner. It was the man with a dark raincoat.

"My God. It was you..." I screamed.

Seeing my face, the man realized what he had done, and couldn't help bursting into tears...

A Questionaire for Strategies of Learnling English

2009-04-26T09:27:00.001+08:00

1. Do you like learning English? Why?
Yes, I do. Because if you can speak another language, you will have more opportunities than others to find a good job, I have myself study English at least two hours every day, and being able to speak English has made me make friends with lots of foreigners.

2. Do you think your English is good or not? Why?
I think my English is ok. As I am not an English major student, I have to spend more time working on other subjects relating my major.

3. How do you usually study to improve your English?
Since there are four different parts of learning English, which are speaking, listening, writing, and reading, I improve each part with various ways. As for reading, I usually improve my reading fluency and increase my vocabulary by reading a lot easy stories every day at the beginning and then try to read more challenging materials after few months or even years. As for listening, I always listen to online English radio programs, like BBC or VOA. I also download some of the free mp3 data from the Net to my mp3 player and listen to them while I am walking to work or to school or riding my scooter on the road. Speaking, it might be the most difficult part for many people in Taiwan, not except me to overcome. The best advice I will give is trying to speak out loud every word or sentence when you are reading. Speaking to yourself is also a good way. Be thick-skinned. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Days after days, you will find that you can communicate with people well in English. Last, writing is also the toughest for any English learners. We don’t have many foreigners around our life to help with correcting our writing, so I would suggest people who want to improve their English writing by writing short sentences or paragraphs regularly. You can decide what to write by yourself. It’s kind of like writing what you feel on your personal blogs. And then asking your English teachers or teachers from English department to help correct your writing will be the best.

4. Are you afraid of speaking English? Why?
No, I am not. I am not afraid of speaking English as I’ve been practicing very often and making mistakes is no big deal for me. After all, I am not an English native speaker, so I feel confident of speaking out loud even though I am not sure if I am right or wrong.

5. Do you think you speak English fluently? Why?
I think my speaking is ok. Because I don’t have many opportunities like practicing partners or environments to speak English around my life, my speaking improves not much. However, even though I might make some small mistakes like using wrong tenses, or improper words, I still try to use other similar words or expressions to express what I exactly want to say to my friends.

6. What difficulties do you encounter very often when learning English? What kinds of methods do you use to solve the difficulties?
When learning English, I often have difficulties in speaking or writing English with words I want to express. And then I replace them with other words which have similar meanings.

7. Do you discuss what you can’t understand with your classmates while learning English? Why?
Yes, I do. When bumping into what I can’t understand, discussing them with my classmates is always the most efficient way to find out the answers. As the old saying, “Two are better than one ”

8. Do you ask your teacher actively problems that you encounter while learning English? Why?
Yes, I will. I always do so, because if I don’t ask lectures for helping, I won’t be able to know the correct answers to the problems I encounter forever.

9. Do you use other ways of learning English?
No, my ways of learning English are mostly like the above. They are all very good methods to follow. However, in my opinion, the most efficient way of learning English well is that anyone who wants to learn English well only has to be determined to study English and use it every day.

2009-04-12T10:08:00.000+08:00

Ways to promote the tourist business in Taiwan written in 2008

When it comes to promoting tourist business in Taiwan, it is always difficult to answer because there are so many different ways to discuss. Some people may say that building new facilities for tourists to visit is the best ways to boost Taiwan’s tourism while other people might say that preserving old buildings or scenic spots is the most ideal one. I have come to my own point of view on this issue as well. In my opinion, both of these ways are suitable to promote Taiwan’s tourism.

First, building new facilities in one nation has always been able to make people around the world feel that the nation is such a creative and modern place that it is worth spending time and money to go on a trip there. This not only can enhance the nation’s image to the whole world but also make the population in this nation feel proud of themselves. Take Taipei 101 for example, when I took my foreign friends to visit Taipei 101 last year, they were very surprised that in such a disadvantageous construction condition, Taiwanese could unexpectedly build the highest skyscraper in the world! This made me feel pride of my people.

Second, preserving old buildings or scenic spots is also a good way to help promote Taiwan’s tourism. Not only can it help our next generation learn more about history, but also attract foreign tourists to visit. Take Torako Gorge in the west of Taiwan for instance. This summer my brother drove my Canada friend and me to Torako Gorge. While we were going on a hike there, both my friend and I were moved by the marvelous view. From my brother’s explanation, we also learned a lot history about how this highway was built. After the trip, my friend said he will take his family to visit this wonderful place again. These two experiences have deeply influenced my point of views on this issue.

That is not to say, of course, that the other ways to promote the tourism in Taiwan are without merit. Some people may argue that spending more money on advertising is more beneficial for Taiwan’s tourist business. Nevertheless, for the reasons I have presented above, I believe that my opinion is more valid.

What should we consider when choosing our majors? Why?

2009-04-02T03:17:00.000+08:00

When reflecting on people's opinions about choosing majors, it is important to take two basic points of view into consideration. Some people say that we should follow our own interests while others say that it depends on the future development of the majors we choose. I have also come to my own conclusion. I think both of these important considerations are very considerable.

The first consideration I think we need to pay more attention to is our own interests. People always can do very well on things they are interested in. Take David Beckham, one of the excellent football players around the world, for instance. When he was six, he showed great interest in football. By keeping on practicing on and on for years in Manchester United football club, he led the team, for three year in succession, to the victory of winning European Football Champions, and has become one of the most successful players."Doing what you're good at and doing what you love"is his secret of success.

The second consideration that I would like to mention is the future development of the majors we are about to choose. It's always important for us to find out how the majors will develop because studying the right majors often has a lot to do with great success in our future careers. One of my friends Ryan, for example, knew nothing about what he was going to study before choosing his major, ending up with learning nothing when graduating and changing his jobs all the time due to the lack of professional abilities. Both of these examples have deeply influenced my point of view on this issue.

That's not to say, of course, that the other answers are completely without merit. I'm sure there are many things that I have failed to mention. However, I believe that the reasons I have provided in favor of my point of view are the most valid.

"The Best Gifts I ever got"...from Reader's Digest

2009-04-01T08:27:00.000+08:00

(I am?)Like so many Americans, I am spending too much tme shopping for presents to give my children, feeling(=and I feel) unsure that the gifts are things they would use or even want.
I need -we all need- to remind ourselves, during the countdown to Christmas, to reach back to our lessons in true giving.
On our living room mantel(adv. phrase), was(v.) a complete set of Shakespear's works(s.).
Daddy, a teacher-preacher who never raised his voice in the pulpit, tried to educate our congregation's mind, as well as touch its heart.
I was given strength from my mother's strength in the face of(:in a situation where there are many problems, difficulties, or dangers) tough challenges.
I remember(v.) once, after I became a civil-rights lawyer in Mississippi, (n. clause)I broght home to visit Mama a small girl who'd lost an eye.
When (I was=being?)confronted by the reality, though, I quavered. (=Though when confronted by the reality, I quavered.?)
(When my mother saw?) Seeing my hestitation, my mother gentlly pushed me aside and did it without missing a beat.
I am still ashamed of my resentment when (I was?) asked to share my room with a homeless child for a few days.
I no longer have or even remember most of the presents I found under the Chritmas tree as (I was=being?) a child.
But I carry with me and treasure the lessons in living I was given throught my childhood....... (=But I carry(v.) the lessons(o.) and treasure(v.) it(o.=the lessons) in living I was given.....?)
May these memories give me the strength to stop shopping, and instead to give a child a true gift(=instead of giving a child a true gift?)-time (which is?) spent with a caring adult, time (which is?) spent sharing some of the great lives and spirits ...

Quotes about Friends

2009-04-01T00:32:00.000+08:00

You can find out who your real friends are when you're involed in a scandal.

A real friend is who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Every body wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is somebody who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Every business is built on friendship.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.

One friend in a lifetime is much; two are many; three are hardly possible.

7. The best mirror is an old friend.

The above transferd from Readers' Digest in April

The writing and speaking test of GEPT

2009-03-29T22:00:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was Saturday, the day I got to take the second part of GEPT in order to pass it. There were two parts in yesterday's test, writing and speaking. Like most participants, my heart beat faster and faster as the test time got closer and closer. Even thought most friends of mine and I believe that passing the Intermediate of GEPT isn't a big problem to me, after all I studied aboad before, the writing and speaking part of it is still the main reason I didn't dare to take the test as early as possible. I always work hard every day to let English input to my brain, but I forgot to output English from my brain totally! It's really no good for a English learner not to pracice expressing his or her own thoughts in English regularly. So that's why I set up this new blog for myself to force myself write down something once in a while. I know I am not good enough at both of speaking and writing. However, by posting my writing on my blog frequently, some other days, I believe my writing skills will become better and better.
Beside writing constantly, I learned some other strategies of improving writing skill from a book called " How to prepare for the TOEFL essay". In the book, the author gives 9 strategies to students to follow.
1. Paying attention when you read and trying to imatating the modles of good writings.
2. Read more to build your vocabulary and your understanding of the ways ideas are expressed.
3. Write as much as you can. Starting from describing what you see aboud you by writing easy sentences.
4. taking a notebook with you to record you thoughts and your writing.
5. Keeping a journal(=diary). Record the events of the day
6. Taking notes when events happen. Reread your notes ad turn them into sentences. Ture sentences into paragraphs.
7. Write every day. Spend five minutes a day writing, and do it faithfully (=regularly) every day. Once a week, assign yourself a topic and write an essay in thirty minutes.
8. Go back over your writing frequetly. Use the blank page to experiment with different ways of expressing the same idea.
9. When you rewrite, imagine you are writing for a diffenrent audience.
All of the above strategies are excellen. I have made up my mind keeping on following them forever.

聖嚴法師， 108自在語

2009-03-29T20:57:00.000+08:00

提昇人品
1. 需要的不多，想要的太多。2. 知恩報恩為先，利人便是利己。3. 盡心盡力第一，不爭你我多少。4. 慈悲沒有敵人，智慧不起煩惱。5. 忙人時間最多，勤勞健康最好。6. 布施的人有福，行善的人快樂。7. 心量要大，自我要小。8. 要能放下，才能提起。提放自如，是自在人。9. 識人識己識進退，時時身心平安；知福惜福多培福，處處廣結善緣。10. 提得起放得下，年年吉祥如意；用智慧種福田，日日都是好日。11. 身心常放鬆，逢人面帶笑；放鬆能使我們身心健康，帶笑容易增進彼此友誼。12. 話到口邊想一想，講話之前慢半拍。不是不說，而是要惜言慎語。13. 在生活中，不妨養成「能有，很好；沒有，也沒關係」的想法，便能轉苦為樂，便會比較自在了。14. 四安：安心、安身、安家、安業。15. 四要：需要、想要、能要、該要。16. 四感：感恩、感謝、感化、感動。17. 四它：面對它、接受它、處理它、放下它。18. 四福：知福、惜福、培福、種福。19. 能要、該要的才要；不能要、不該要的絕對不要。20. 感恩能使我們成長，報恩能助我們成就。21. 感謝給我們機會，順境、逆境皆是恩人。22. 遇到好事，要隨喜、讚歎、鼓勵，並且虛心學習。23. 少批評、多讚美，是避免造口業的好方法。24. 平常心就是最自在、最愉快的心。25. 踏實地走一步路，勝過說一百句空洞的漂亮語。26. 知道自己的缺點愈多，成長的速度愈快，對自己的信心也就愈堅定。27. 多聽多看少說話，快手快腳慢用錢。28. 唯有體驗了艱苦的境遇，才會有精進奮發的心。29. 踏踏實實做人，心胸要廣大；穩穩當當做事，著眼宜深遠。

享受工作
30. 忙而不亂，累而不疲。31. 忙得快樂，累得歡喜。32. 「忙」沒關係，不「煩」就好。33. 工作要趕不要急，身心要鬆不要緊。34. 應該忙中有序的趕工作，不要緊張兮兮的搶時間。35. 不要以富貴貧賤論成敗得失，只要能盡心盡力來自利利人。36. 任勞者必堪任怨，任事者必遭批評。怨言之下有慈忍，批評之中藏金玉。37. 隨遇而安，隨緣奉獻。38. 成功的三部曲是：隨順因緣、把握因緣、創造因緣。39. 見有機緣宜把握，沒有機緣要營造，機緣未熟不強求。40. 人生的起起落落，都是成長的經驗。41. 用智慧處理事，以慈悲關懷人。42. 以智慧時時修正偏差，以慈悲處處給人方便。43. 慈悲心愈重，智慧愈高，煩惱也就愈少。44. 面對許多的情況，只管用智慧處理事，以慈悲對待人，而不擔心自己的利害得失，就不會有煩惱了。45. 心隨境轉是凡夫；境隨心轉是聖賢。46. 大鴨游出大路，小鴨游出小路，不游就沒有路。47. 山不轉路轉，路不轉人轉，人不轉心轉。48. 「精進」不等於拼命，而是努力不懈。49. 船過水無痕，鳥飛不留影，成敗得失都不會引起心情的波動，那就是自在解脫的大智慧。50. 給人方便等於給自己方便。51. 甘願吃明虧，是仁者；受辱吃暗虧，是愚蠢。52. 壓力通常來自對身外事物過於在意，同時也過於在意他人的評斷。53. 用感恩的心、用報恩的心，來做服務的工作，便不會感到倦怠與疲累。54. 隨時隨地心存感激，以財力、體力、智慧、心力、來做一切的奉獻。

平安人生
55. 生命的意義是為了服務，生活的價值是為了奉獻。56. 人生的目標，是來受報、還願、發願的。57. 人的價值，不在壽命的長短，而在貢獻的大小。58. 過去已成虛幻，未來尚是夢想，把握現在最重要。59. 不用牽掛過去，不必擔心未來，踏實於現在，就與過去和未來同在。60. 智慧，不是知識、不是經驗、不是思辯，而是超越自我中心的態度。61. 積極人生，謙虛滿分；自我愈大，不安愈多。62. 上等人安心於道，中等人安心於事，下等人安心於名利物欲。63. 你是有哪些身分的人，就應該做那些身分的事。64. 在安定和諧中，把握精彩的今天，走出新鮮的明天。65. 擔心，是多餘的折磨；用心，是安全的動力。66. 財富如流水，布施如挖井。井愈深，水愈多；布施的愈多，財富則愈大。67. 面對生活，要有「最好的準備，最壞的打算」。68. 只要還有一口呼吸在，就有無限的希望，就是最大的財富。69. 救苦救難的是菩薩，受苦受難的是大菩薩。70. 超越生老病苦三原則：活得快樂、病得健康、老得有希望。71. 超越死亡三原則：不要尋死、不要怕死、不要等死。72. 死亡不是喜事，也不是喪事，而是一件莊嚴的佛事。73. 每一個孩子，都是幫助父母成長的小菩薩。74. 對青少年，要關心不要擔心，要誘導不要控制，用商量不用權威。75. 愛你的孩子，與其擔心，不如祝福吧！76. 夫妻是倫理的關係，不是「論理」的關係。77. 能不亂丟垃圾，隨時清撿垃圾，都是做的功德。78. 眼光，是你的智慧；運氣，是你的福德。79. 喜愛的就想佔有，討厭的就會排斥，患得患失，煩惱就來了。80. 經常少欲知足的人，才是無虞匱乏的富人。81. 心不平安是真正的苦，身體的病痛不一定是苦。82. 明知心不平安是苦事，就趕快以持念「南無觀世音菩薩」來安心吧！83. 現在擁有的，就是最好的。擁有再多也無法滿足，就等於是窮人。84. 不要用壓抑來控制情緒，最好用觀想、用佛號、用祈禱，來化解情緒。

幸福人間
85. 好話大家說，好事大家做，好運大家轉。86. 大家說好話，大家做好事，大家轉好運。87. 每人每天多說一句好話，多做一件好事，所有小小的好，就會成為一個大大的好。88. 急須要做，正要人做的事，我來吧！89. 我和人和，心和口和，歡歡喜喜有幸福。90. 內和外和，因和緣和，平平安安真自在。91. 自求心安就有平安，關懷他人就有幸福。92. 人品等於財富，奉獻等於積蓄。93. 奉獻即是修行，安心即是成就。94. 擁有的多，不一定讓人滿足；擁有的少，不一定讓人貧乏。95. 現在所得的，是過去所造的；未來所得的，是現在所做的。96. 好人不寂寞，善人最快樂，時時處處助人利己，時時處處你最幸福。97. 若希望人際關係相處得好，就要把心量放大，多接納人，多包容人。98. 只要自己的心態改變，環境也會跟著改變，世界上沒有絕對的好與壞。99. 人與人之間的相處之道，需要溝通，溝通不成則妥協，妥協不成時，你就原諒和容忍他吧。100. 大的要包容小的，小的要諒解大的。101. 以全心全力關懷家庭，用整體生命投入事業。102. 戒貪最好的方法，就是多布施、多奉獻、多與人分享。103. 包容別人時，雙方的問題就解決了。104. 學佛的人，有兩大任務：莊嚴國土，成熟眾生。105. 要做無底的垃圾桶，要學無塵的反射鏡。106. 煩惱消歸自心就有智慧，利益分享他人便是慈悲。107. 用慚愧心看自己，用感恩心看世界。108. 淨化人心，少欲知足，淨化社會，關懷他人。

2009-03-27T11:53:00.000+08:00

Reversed: My Winter Vacation

When it comes to having a winter vacation, I believe that no one, especially students, will say no to it. Neither do I, of course. Because of a special visitor’s coming, my winter vacation of 2009 was definitely one of the most unforgettable ones in my whole life. By showing my American friend, Council, around Taipei, not only did he learn how energetic the life in Taiwan is, but I had a chance meeting some interesting people as well.

In those days, we enjoyed a cultural and knowledgeable travel to the National Palace Museum, an adventurous journey to Taipei Zoo, and a must-see and breathtaking spot, Taipei 101, the tallest building around the world. Besides these daily sightseeing, we also had a great time hanging out at night to some famous spots like night markets in Shihlin and Huahsi streets to take a variety of local snacks a try and going to coffee shops to talk about everyone’s unforgettable traveling experiences.

During this trip, I also met two of Council’s friends. The first friend is a well-known poet and is very familiar to me because I have read his work “A Beautiful Mistake” when studying at high school. Both Council and I were really lucky to be able to have a lunch with him and to listen to him read the sentimental poem for us. Wasn’t it great? In addition to meeting this respectful poet, we went to the Studio Classroom magazine company to meet the other friend, Fiona, who works as an English teacher there. When being introduced to her, I was quite excited about being able to shake hands with the teacher whom I can see on TV every day. After she showed us around the studio, all of us learned lots about the complicated progress of making TV programs. It’s always been a great thing for me to make friends with people from various careers.

Thanks to my friend’s visit, not only did this winter break make me experience both American relaxing life style and Taipei’s busy life style at the same time, but I also had chances to get acquainted with his two nice friends. All of these has made this year’s winter vacation no doubt to be the greatest one I’ve ever had.

2009-03-22T00:01:00.000+08:00

My Winter Vacation

When it comes to having a winter vacation, I believe that no one, especially students, will say no to it. Neither do I, of course. Because of a special visitor’s coming, my winter vacation of 2009 was definitely one of the most unforgettable ones in my whole life. By showing my American friend, Council, around Taipei, which is the most prosperous city in Taiwan, not only did he learned how energetic the life in Taiwan is, but I had a chance meeting some interesting people as well.

In those days, we enjoyed our cultural and knowledgeable travel to the National Palace Museum, an adventurous journey to Taipei Zoo, and a must-seen and breathtaking spot, which is the tallest building around the world, Taipei 101. Besides those daily sightseeing, we also had a great time hanging out at night to some famous spots like night markets in Shihlin and Huahsi street to try some different kinds of local snacks or to coffee shops to talk about everyone’s unforgettable traveling experiences and people we met.

In this trip, I also met two of Council’s friends. One of them is a well-known poet whose work”A Beautiful Mistake” was familiar to me. Both Council and I were really lucky to be able to have a lunch with him and to listen to him recite the poem for us. Wasn’t it great? In addition to meeting the respectful poet, we went to the Studio Classroom magazine company on the other day since Council’s friend, Fiona, works as an English teacher there. When being introduced to her, I was quite excited about being able to shake hands with the teacher whom I can see on TV every day. After she showed us around the studio, we all learned lots about the producing progress of TV programs. It’s always been a great thing for me to make new friends from various careers.

Thanks to my friend’s visit, not only did I enjoy a relaxing winter break and experience Taipei’s life style, but I also had chances to get acquainted with his two nice friends. This year’s winter vacation is no doubt to be the greatest one I’ve ever had.

Sharing my learning English experiences with the writing classmates

2009-03-21T00:06:00.000+08:00

In today's English writing class, I made it hand in my assinment in time, which was given last week. Even though this class is not the class I have to take this semester, I still tried to do my best to accomplish what the teacher asked us to do because I want to learn more!

In the class, my assignment was luckily, yeah, luckily, to be picked out as a demo. When the teacher found out some mistakes in it, I somehow felt quite embarrased, but I told myself "That's ok, Tom. You are here to learn something, to find out your mistakes and improve them. In that way, there will be a good chance for you to enhance your English in a short time. " After telling myself these words, I felt much better. After all, Rome was built in a day. My major isn't Engish, so my writing skills are impossible to be as good as a student's who majors in Enlish. When the class finished talking about my work, she asked me to share my English learning experieces with the class. I was really shocked when hearing this. However, I was also a little bit excited about having an audience listening to my personal views on learning English, which I usually wouldn't do because most people around me don't have any interests in learning English.

During the speech, not only did I provide them many personal learning tips, but I anwered all the students' questions as well as I could. Because of the speech, I made many new friends interesed in Enlish.

The best of all was that the teacher asked me if I was interested working for a trading company owned by her former student after class. I was really glad that I could be offered a job in this economic downture. This has made me strongly believe that everyone should always work hard since you never know when a good chance is coming.

姨婆的拜訪

2009-02-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

今天本來想說可跟同學去看場電影"澳大利亞"，但同學不想出門，可能是天氣陰陰的，再說，屏東這也沒有什麼地方可跑的（看完電影後要去的地方），所以最後就不了了之。
　　後來想說下午約同學去學校打球，但在出門前卻獲悉姨婆和一洋表舅要回枋寮家那走走，和爸媽聚聚。我也就跟他們回家去了。一路上，姨婆反覆地跟我說她因跌倒而引起中風的事，可能是年紀大了，她才會如此反覆重樣的話吧。我對這倒是不覺得煩，僅是想到先前生活過著非常規律，六十多歲的她自己還坐捷運去游泳運動，竟也是不敵年老病痛的折磨。手腳不時會發麻，走路也要用拐杖支撐。（好強的姨婆怕別人笑，所以拿雨傘偽裝）覺得很可憐，難道人年紀大了都一定會這樣嗎？我真難想像自己的父母與自身年長時如此的模樣啊。　
Tom Feb 14th, 2009