A Whole New Angela

Merry Christmas!!! Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but it represents "rebirth" to me. I am literally baptized and reborn under the blessing of Jesus because I realize to treasure precious time. Under the witness of Jesus Christ, I swear that I'll try to avoid from wasting time. I won't waste time on surfing the Internet and searching useless information. I should be grateful for what I own, because I don't want to feel regretful and guilty after I lose important things. During Christmas break, I have a wonderful memory. Last Saturday, I visited my grandma who was illed and went shopping in Shida night market with my family afterwards. I love shopping so much and I always marvel at cute, beautiful accessories. I ate tasty crepes and enjoyed my dinner though it was crowded. Shida night market was hilarious and interesting.

Christmas Performance

December 15, a special and memorial day, is PAS's Christmas Performance. We dancing group has practiced the dance over and over again, because we wish that every gesture fits with the rhythm. Our director, Christine, is puntilious and attentive to every detail. She wishes that we can coordinate as the same person. We freshmen wish that we can outshine and rock the performacne. During the performance, I am nervous but excited. I think we freshmen indeed do great job and impress people who had bad impression on us last year. It was embarrassing last year since the audience knew that we were unprepared. My father buys 26 raffle tickets today, and my brother gets 3 gifts while my mom gets 1 gift but I get NOTHING. I am disappointed with the result because I really wish that I can have a Christmas present from the school. I wish that I can get a iPad 2, or beast earphones, or digital album; however, there's no free lunch in the world. I learn that if I am eager to gain something, I should accomplish by myself. I shouldn't sit there and await for a good result without no efforts. Anyhow, I have a great experience and I enjoy the Christmas Performance very much. (though I have to stay up late tonight~)

Basketball Game

As I stated last week, we "almost won" the game against Jian Hua. This week, we PAS basketball girls compete with Jian Hua again in order to improve our skills. Mr. Lee gives little tiger more chances to play basketball against Jian Hua since he wishes to see improvements. I try really hard today since I wasn't reconciled to lose points from Jian Hua. I didn't bear grudge against number 7 and 13 but I was unwilling to admit that they had many fast breaks and we were too weak to defend or foul the ball. However, I am glad that little tiger improves today. We have the gut to foul the ball whenever they have fast breaks. I bump into my opponent because I want to stop her fast break, though I fall down, I'm glad that she doesn't have the chance to do layup. I have few jumbles with my opponents, in which I make great efforts on grabbing the ball. However, I have to admit that I am a little ruthless since one of my opponents falls down because she can't resist my strong strength. I then pick up the ball and past it to my teammate immediately because her position is near the hoop. I apologize to the opponent later in the game. Through the experience, I learn more and more important skills. I have to improve on dribbling since I need to look at my teammates and dribble in the meanwhile. I am more familiar with Give-and-Go and understand that I have to move back a little if I am free so I can stop or cut the fast break. This is truly a significant basketball game in my life since it enlightens me so much.

Quiet

I'm never the type of student whom my classmates hate, because I know when to "shut up my mouth so people won't stare at me". This is the rule for being a new student. My first year (last year) in PAS was truly tough and unpredictable. I just transferred from local school so I didn't speak English well. I had to change my hobbies and communicated in English with my friends. However, English wasn't hard to improve, but speciality was difficult. As I stated before, I knew that I should zip my mouth in class so people won't think that I was asking a stupid question or replying in a silly way. Unfortunately, this way didn't apply in my class. I was unable to understand why did my classmate detest me. I was baffled in her hatred. I couldn't understand how or why did I put her out of temper. Perhaps, our Eight Characters of Birth Time didn't fit at all. We might be destined to become enemies. Though I was afraid of her, I tried to keep a safe distance from her so she won't hate me that much. However, I believed some day in the future, we might become friends eventually.

Car Wash

My father has an interesting conversation with my mother tonight. My mom would like to wash her new car, in which I loves its color (shinning brown or glittering gold). She asks my father's opinions about the car wash near the freeway. My fathers replies that the owner of the car wash looks exactly like a ruffian because he munches the arecas and smokes cigarettes. He wears a pair of sloppy shorts and looks shaggy. His teeth are dirty, yellow, and his mouth is dark red. The environment of the car wash is dim, dusky, which looks like zombies will crawl out from the graves. My father says that the owner has a bad attitude though he is skillful at washing the car (because there's a washing machine). Haha. I think my father exaggerates the owner's appearance and behavior, but he persuades my mother successfully NOT to wash her car over there.

Dress

Since PAS will hold a Winter Dance next Friday, students have to prepare a formal dress or a suit. I shopped in the department store last night, instead of market (because I can't find a formal dress in traditional market). All the dresses in Sogo are elegant, gorgeous, and beautiful, but they are too expensive. I can't afford to buy such an expensive dress in which I might only wear once. Therefore, I decide to rent a dress instead of buying a dress. The dress is a graceful, cute bridesmaid dress which sparkles at night. Though it's light orange, instead of purple, the one I wish to wear, I am satisfied with the dress. Since most of the bridesmaid dresses are white, it's difficult to find a un-white bridesmaid dress. My dress glitters in the dark and looks like a dress that appears in fairy-tales. I love my orange dress a lot and will enjoy the Winter Dance next Friday. I will take many pictures with friends and keep my memories forever.

Neighbors

I haven't discussed my neighbors since I created my blog. I have a bad impression on neighbors who live in apartment (due to my social text book), unlike villagers, they are indifferent, cold-blooded because they don't care whoever lives nearby. Once a guy saw that his neighbor was moving house. He never helped his neighbor. Therefore, he felt guilty and aided the neighbor for the first and last time. However, the neighbor who was moving house wasn't the neighbor. The fake neighbor was a thief. It was ridiculous that the guy helped a thief instead of neighbor. He made the mistake because he never saw his neighbor before. However, I change my idea of people live in city after I move to my dear community. Today, our Japanese neighbor knocks the door and I am surprised. She gives us a bag of cookies, in which her mom brings back from Japan. She explains that my mom gives her children candies last time. She is polite and amiable. I thank her and she thanks me. Unlike other neighbors whom I meet in elevators, we don't have awkward silence. I find out that my mom is socialized, because she treats others with warmth and gifts at first, and thus the neighbors treat us well too. Although I might meet some neighbors who just lower their head and are obviously over-protective, I'm glad that I acquaint another friendly neighbor.

Rainy

It's drizzling during basketball practice. However, PAS girl basketball team shows mettle to practice basketball. It's interesting to play basketball under the rain. The rain doesn't downbeat our will power. We "team younger tiger" try our best to defend "team elder tiger". Coach Mr. Lee separates the members into two teams: elder tiger and younger tiger in order to make the drills more effective. Since part of the members have been playing basketball for a longer time, they stay in elder tiger and improve by exchanging views. I am beginner and thus I stay in team younger tiger. We younger tigers have great tacit agreement and we encourage each other when encounter difficulties. We upbeat our morale and make great efforts when playing basketball. I love younger tiger so much.

Dancing Group

Since Christmas performance is coming soon, we freshmen are willing to impress and rock the whole show. Whooo~ Class representations suggest to hold a entertainment program. There are five Santa Clauses, 5 reindeers, and they are going to compete with each other. The rest are cute, dainty elves, such as me. Elves are going to dance and cheer. Therefore, we stay after school and keep practicing the dance. I am still not familiar with the dance so I have to practice again and again. Dancing is always a hard subject for me. Since I was young, I couldn't bend my legs when doing the "angel" gesture because my legs weren't flexible. I was so depressed when all my classmates were able to "accomplish" the gesture while my legs couldn't touch my head. Anyways, I am going to practice hard and rock the performance.

New Rules

Ms. Pamela establishes new rules to the school. Since we PAS students signed the Honor Code, we shouldn't be late for school and any single class. If students don't arrive at school before 7:55, we will be locked outside the gate until the first period. After Christmas Break, if students are tardy, they don't have to wait outside the gate-- because they can go home. They will be marked absent. As for classes, if students are late 30 seconds after the bell rings, the teachers will lock the door. Students won't have the classes since they don't respect the teachers. The rules are strict but we PAS students will follow the rules and Honor Code. I will try to wake up earlier and enter the classes on time.

Sports Day

The warm sunshine transmits energy to all PAS students. It's a significant day for all the students. IT'S SPORTS DAY!!! Sports day represents FUN. Though it's exhausting and I'm dehydrated, I enjoy my events, such as tug-of-war, soccer, and 5-legged race. Since we are the Smurfs, we are so tiny and skinny that we aren't as strong as the Pac mans. (such an excuse) Well, the Pac mans engulf the Smurfs and thus we lose the first round of tug-of-war. Anyways, we Smurfs then undergo a series of training and toughen our strengths. The Smurfs are going to defeat the Mambas and win the victory. The Mambas are dumbfounded since all the Smurfs grow up and become gigantic. We become so powerful that we can easily pull the rope with one finger and defeat the Mambas. Honestly, I'm exaggerating. The Smurfs do win the game but we make great efforts. Too bad the Smurfs don't have a chance to challenge the Angry Birds. We get a 3rd prize for tug-of-war. As for soccer, the Smurfs are deft and adroit, so we score in the goal and win the Pac mans. We are cheerful because we finally avenge the insults. Tell you secretly, the score is 1:0. Joseph, Willis, Stephanie, and I are pair in the same group. We have great tacit agreement and are able to run (but we discover this half of the race).  We "walk" at the beginning, but we suddenly know that we won't win if we keep walking. We start to run and chase the Pac mans and Angry Birds. We are faster than the Pac mans but lose the Angry Birds. We feel remorse that why don't we discover this earlier. Anyways, second prize is good enough. Though my events sound interesting, the Smurfs lose lots of battles in other categories. Therefore, we are probably the last (4th prize) but we are the best in all the Smurfs' hearts.

Win or Lose?

Since I don't want to tell the truth directly, I indicate the truth in the title. We basketball team just finished playing against Jian Hua. However, I am not satisfied with our result. Physically, I will definitely improve my dribble skills. I can't even face the backboard when I am dribbling. My poor skills force me to pass the ball immediately if someone blocks me. I don't have the courage to dribble through my opponents because I am afraid that they'll steal the ball. I learn from the game that I am still too weak. I have to improve both dribbling and shooting. I want to score!!! Defense can't score any points. Offense is the only way to score points. Though I wasn't satisfied with our result, we will play another game next week. This time, we will win the victory.

Math VS Basketball

Basketball starts to become more important than Math recently. When my friends are studying Math hardworkingly, I am dillydallying and daydreaming. This is the moment when I feel guilty and uncomfortable. This Friday, we are going to have a Math Chapter 4 test. It is significant since the grade is a large portion of all. However, there's a basketball game tomorrow, in which we teammates wish to win. Therefore, I won't have enough time to study Math. I have to study really really hard. Due to the "tradition", we basketball girls have to wear shirt (MUN shirt), skirt, and a tie tomorrow. I guess I will be embarrassed since I outstand among all the students because the dressing is so special. Anyways, I wish that I can become invisible tomorrow and all my classmates won't be able to see me. I wish that Harry Potter can take me away by the magical broom, bring me to Hogwarts, meet my favorite characters, and teach me magic.

Bruise

It was a whole-new experience for me yesterday. I accidentally became the point guard and I was extremely nervous. However, since it was my fault to pass the ball inaccurately to my teammates, I was eager to grab the ball when it fell off. I didn't care about the dangers and followed my impulse which ended up with bruises on my right knee. Since my knee crashed the ground hardly, I could barely stand up. Anyhow, the game won't stop and I didn't want to give up. I made great efforts on defending and tried to calm myself down when I grabbed the ball successfully. I made correct decisions only when my mind was clear. Therefore, I persuaded myself to think thrice and calm down before I lost the ball. If my opponents grabbed the ball from me and succeeded in scoring points, I would definitely feel guilty and hide myself inside a dog hole for an entire day. Tomorrow, we will have a basketball game against Jian Hua junior high school. I promise that we PAS basketball girls will win and embrace victory.

Attitude

Attitude decides altitude. I believe that good attitude results in sweet harvest, no matter win or lose. We had a football final game today. My teammates (white team) were excited but anxious since yellow team gradually improved through practices. However, nobody wanted to lose and get a B. We tried our best to grab the belts and defeat the opponents. I made great efforts in defending though I am blocked by strong opponents. I was surprised that yellow team dropped the ball accidentally in which I passed by (luckily), grabbed it, feel dumbfounded, and aware that it was my chance to score!!!! Since my location was really near to the goal, I ran with all my energy and scored with a brilliant smile!!! Yahhh~ I loved my team so much because we had tacit agreement and cooperated with each other well. Thanks to our great captain, Kara, and to all my best teammates, we won the game!

Wedding Candies

I have a special but unpleasant dinner today. Although the dinner is delicious, the man singing with karaoke in the wedding ceremony is terrible. Since the wedding ceremony is upstairs, the strident voice strongly disturbs my family. I guess that he doesn't notice that he sings horribly, which makes me think about the king in the Emperor's New Clothes. I wish that I'm the innocent child who points out the truth: Can you please don't sing so loud, because your voice is cacophonous? Anyways, I try to ignore his voice. If I am the bride in the wedding ceremony, I will probably request him to shut his mouth. The sweet wedding candies recall my childhood. In childhood, my brother and I love to join wedding ceremonies in order to gain the candies. We bless happiness and get free candies no matter we recognize the bride and bridegroom. After all, wedding candies are our main goal. It sounds funny and immature to me right now since I can't believe that I used to store the candies in a jar. I give my brother a knowing smile and our laughter burst out.

Crescendo

Since tomorrow is PD Day, we students have a day-off. Yaahhh~ I am supposed to watch movies with Alyssa and Jenny, but we have a family trip, which is visiting my grandma. Sorry, Alyssa and Jenny. Don't leave me behind and go to the movies by yourselves! It is a simple, easy, and cheerful week. I basically spending one hour every day for reading my favorite fantasy-romantic novels or buying books online. I have finished reading Crescendo, which impresses me deeply and changes my view for true love. Love is based on firm faith. If you lack of faith in your lover, love won't last long. Crescendo is sweet, beautiful, and exciting. The ending builds up a suspense which encourages me to buy the next book-- Silence. I can't wait for silence and truly appreciate the writing style of the author. She has a sense of humor and controls the atmosphere well. Nora and Patch are best couples ever. Go away Scott. Don't break their love! If there is a Patch in my life, I'll fall in love with him immediately. No matter he's a fallen-angel nor a guardian angel, he's always Patch. The bad but sweet, thoughtful Patch.

Double-love

I am so surprised that I anticipated PE class since last Wednesday. Time pasts so fast. I used to wish that it rains whenever there's PE class, but it's different now. I love PE and wish that there are PE classes every single day. Although football is quite dangerous, my teammates and I have risked our lives in order to grab the belts. Victory becomes important, so does sportsmanship. We used to win for every game, but it's tie today. However, I am relieved and feel the excitement aroused deep from my heart. The feeling is wonderful as if I take a romantic walk under the drizzle which has soaked all my fatigue. Furthermore, it's double-love for both football and basketball. Since the boys have a game in the court, we practice in the court near A-Mart. Though it arouses my nostalgia to go home immediately, I enjoy the practice a lot. I clearly understand that I have to improve on layout and offense. All my skills in football are developed from basketball, such as defense. I learn that I can't hesitate when I grab opponent's ball because I will lose. Therefore, I admit that I'm a little bit ruthless in football. I enjoy the running from A-Mart to our school which costs us 6 minutes.

Forgive

After pondering for one day, I surmount the obstacle and learn to forgive my fault. Forgiveness unravels the lump in my heart and makes life better. I forgive my fault not because I pretend that the terrible mistake never happens, but I believe that facing mistake will promote improvement eventually. I can't blame at the teacher and myself every single day because it makes my life worse. I still have chances to turn the side around. Therefore, I shouldn't complain about the never-changing score, rather than learning a lesson and score higher next time. I now learn the importance of adding footnotes and I guess I won't forget it forever. I'm glad that I overcome the difficulty after one day of regretting and whining. I can finally go back to my track in life and act normal as usual.

My Essay is Garbage

Honestly, this reflection is even harder than Zheng He Analytical, because I can only think about one topic sentence. The only thing that I can improve is to sear FOOTNOTES in my mind, so I’ll never never forget them. Since the comments on my essay are such simple and concise, does it mean that I write a perfect essay or my essay is merely garbage so it doesn’t worth for the teacher to read it? “A good thesis” and “Add footnotes” are basically the teacher’s comments. I have spent great amounts of efforts on this essay, but what I get is an F because I DIDN’T ADD FOOTNOTES. Unfortunately, I can only blame myself because I was too stupid. Since I hung my revised essay with footnotes in wrong folder, the teacher didn’t have a chance to read it and he didn’t want to read it, so I deserved an F. Though I express my opinions in the essay, I still deserve an F. According my teacher’s marking, every paragraph is perfect but lack of footnotes. I deserved an F because it’s all my fault. Since there aren’t any resources, my essay is garbage.

Miss Chinese

On Saturday afternoon, I spent 4 hours doing nothing besides searching famous Chinese authors, such as Qi Jun, Yu Guangzhong, and Xi Murong. After studying English literature, I missed Chinese literature so much. I love Qi Jun, the best female author, because she has written so many essays which moved me to tears. Her writing style is sensitive, simple, but touching. She pours lively images into simple, concise words. She is worth for Nobel literature prize. I wish that I can mimic her style and transmit warmth in my English essays. Yu Guangzhong, the talented male author, has written great amounts of poems about nostalgia. He believed that namely poetry, prose, translation, and commentary are four dimensions which bring Chinese literature to its peak. His writing style is subtle, clever, and delicate, in which readers always have aftertaste and would like to read over again. As for Xi Murong (Oh~I adore her so much), I wish that she can come to PAS and teach us Chinese. Please!!! I will skip Spanish and listen to her lecture.

    Youth    
             By Xi Murong                     
               
    All endings have been written,
    All tears have been on the way.
    Suddenly the beginning was forgotten
    In the past old summer day.

    No matter how hard I trace my mind,
    Young passes like a cloud and wind
    Fuzzy seems your smiling face,
    Slowly fades in eve mount haze.

    Then I open the book to flyleaf yellow,
    Only to find the fate binds it so hollow.
    In tears at the book again and again I look,
    I have to admit youth is too hasty as a book.

After reading the poem, I do believe that people fall in love with Xi Murong. Her writing style is beautiful in a miserable way. I wish that I can blend her writing style in my English essays along with that of Qi jun, and create a sensitive, concise, touching, and miserable writing style.

Terrible

It's simply a terrible day. First, I lost my electronic dictionary. I searched all over my locker and school bag, but it resulted in nothing. I thought that I lost in English class, but there wasn't anything on my seat. I didn't care so much but I then remembered that we would have a vocabulary quiz which required perfect sentences. I suddenly felt like a cat on the hot tin roof. However, I barely remembered what did I study.  Second, I forgot to do my homework. I learned HL Theory and worried about my homework in the meanwhile. Therefore, it wasn't effective and I guessed I would forget the important theory. Third, I forgot to bring my Wordly Wise 5, so I had to play "hide and seek" in class. Fourth, I didn't bring my USB so I had to borrow it from my friend. I had a hard time dealing with my terrible memory and day. It wasn't my day at all! Wish that I can have a better day tomorrow.

Football

Football is a sport game which plays between two teams by carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line. We are currently playing football in PE. Honestly, I don't enjoy PE, because the teacher is strict, stern, and the grades often depend on winning or losing the game. I ain't athletic or agile at all. I don't have the DNA of Kobe Bryant, who is good at playing basketball, so I always try my best and work hard. Although practice makes perfect, it doesn't mean that we can master every single subject if we practice over and over again. However, I fall in love with football. Football is dangerous, and balls don't grow eyes. Therefore, we need to protect ourselves carefully. I enjoy the moment tackling the belt down from opponents though I have to pull it with my barbarian strength and power. I can defend much more better than offend. I will practice offending with hard work so I won't regret after I see my PE grade.

Sleep

I was crazy last night. I couldn't believe that I made great efforts on prezi until midnight. Therefore, I didn't sleep much yesterday, actually it should be NOT ENOUGH. My back always aches along with drying eyes if I didn't sleep enough. It is a symptom that I will undergo a terrible day. In MUN class, we watched documentary video again. Yes. AGAIN. I can barely open my eyes because I almost fall asleep. My head nods automatically because I can't support the weight of my head, which is getting heavier and heavier. I wonder why I always want to sleep when watching videos in MUN. I never fall asleep in other classes, besides MUN. Perhaps, it's the teacher. His voice hypnotizes students and lull us to sleep. He has a poker face and he rarely laughs, which makes him seem unfriendly. However, after watching lots of videos, I find out that I am so lucky to learn in the school. Therefore, I shouldn't waste money and sleep in class because when I want to sleep, children on the other side are suffering in famine and one-child policy.

SUNNY ~

The basketball practices last week were definitely exhausting. We had to climb stairs which gradually increased from 4 sets to 6 sets. (though Mr. Lee decided to reduce to 5 set due to his kindness) Since it rained cats and dogs last week, we members suffered in climbing unlimited sets of stairs, which was a nightmare that hunt me long and drawn-out. My muscles ached and arms cracked; I could barely write and type. However, I recovered from the excruciating painful practice. Today, it is a warm, golden sunny day, which means that we don't have to climb the stairs! Yaahhh!!! Basking in the sunshine, I feel that all the stress is relieved. I feel the vigorous vines are sprawling around me, and the butterflies are sucking honey from the splendid blossoms. They compose a beautiful picture which widen my visions. I am so grateful that it's a sunny day :) If it's a rainy day, I bet that I'll commit suicide and jump down from 6 floor. Furthermore, I find myself fall in love with basketball, which arouses my interest to improve my skills.

Taiwan 100-year-old Concert

I went to Taiwan 100-year-old Concert last night. Since it rained sporadically last week, I worried that it might rain cats and dogs. Thanks to God, it listened to my sincere litany and decided to clear up. However, I did prepare raincoats in case. It was bustling with noise and excitement since Judy Ongg was the last and fans were too excited to see her. Though she was a talented international singer, I never heard her before. Because she was 60-year-old, she was famous in my parents' generation, but not nowadays. (well, I might be punched by her fans if they saw my journal; please calm down) When she appeared on the stage, I was amazed by her beautiful, fair-skinned appearance because she looked exactly like a young teenager. She was glorious, as the glittering star in the dark, velvet night. She had a heavenly voice which attracts all the audience. She was powerful and sonorous, as the loud bell in the temple. I suddenly fell in love with the 60-year-old lady. She wasn't arrogant as other international celebrities; she was amiable and chatted friendly with audience. All the audience was cheering "Encore" and "Bravo", which eventually touched her heart and decided to sing one more song. She acted like a neighboring grandma who read stories for grandchildren at night. She talked with a sense of humor which was worth for me to learn.

Jersey

I GOT MY BASKETBALL JERSEY EVENTUALLY!!!! The moment I found out our jerseys arrived, I was so glad that I couldn't help but jump for joy. Jersey meaned everything in the basketball team. It represents that I am a member in the team, I am a basketball player in PAS, and I am going to create my basketball history by myself. Another important part of jersey is our NUMBER. The number that will accompany us through rest of the high school years. It isn't merely a number, but a number that represents me, Angela, who has stayed in PAS basketball team before. No one can replace my number and my position. EVER. Mr. Lee told us that the number wasn't significant because we are all going to create a shiny basketball history by ourselves. "Create the number's own history!" His words enlightened me which regained my self-confidence.

Adulthood

I finally grow up today. Recalled the Marigolds, the protagonist Lizabeth suffered in the great need for her mother but she was never there, and the bewilderment between child and woman. She was confused and lost her way in neither-child-nor-woman predicament. Therefore, Lizabeth destroyed and trampled the only beauty in Ms. Lottie's garden-- warm, passionate, and sun-golden marigolds. Compared to me, I'm glad that I wasn't confused in the plight. When I was surprised by the difficulty, my friends were always there and supported, encouraged me. My mother is always there and accompanies me through difficulties. Although it's too late for me to grow up (compared to other girls), I am so excited that I finally become a little closer to adult. However, my heart will always stay in childhood, and remains happy-go-lucky attitude forever.

Golden-brown Car

Since my mom has driven Volvo car for more than ten years, my father decided to change a new car for her in order to drive mischievous children to school. The new car can ensure our safety and accompany us for the next ten years (at least that's what I think) I love our new golden-brown car so much because it's shiny-shiny and bling-bling under sunshine. Though the car is sort of dark brown, I would like to name it as golden-brown. Golden-brown sounds more elegant and exquisite. I support to select this color because it's more special and rare compares to other cars on the freeways. I disagree to buy a silver car although it looks more graceful because tons of cars are silver. I wish that our car is more outstanding. My parents take my advice in heart and back up my idea. The car is Tiguan, a brand under Volkswagen. My parents like to buy cars from different car companies so they can compare each one. The sale is cheap right now since Tiguan has sales promotion, which gives customers lots of presents, such as a TV and tickets of LCM baseball game. (Though I didn't have a chance to see Wang Jianmi) When my parents are bargaining, I help to persuade the seller and manager to sell the car cheaper. It was a great experience for shopping and bargaining.

HAPPY!!!

As the title announces in advance, I'm so cheerful today. There are different reasons. First of all, my midterm score isn't as terrible as what I thought before. I thought that I would fail the exam, especially English, but I was so surprised. Just want to let you know, I spent merely one minute per essay question with messy handwriting. (I've never written in such untidy words) I was so amazed that I only got one deducted point out of 15 points. Furthermore, I wake up from procrastination and  addiction to romantic dramas, in which I only skimmed through ISS. Half of my points was lost in the story, ISS. I was regretful yet glad that I finally realized the importance of midterm. Second, I am joyful today since helping people made me extremely pleasing~ I found a watch and returned to the owner. I secretly helped my friend to answer grammar questions correctly. I stayed in a cooperative group in PE. I learned to love playing basketball. I learned to love my school. I learned to go to school with a positive attitude. Every "thank you" and "you're welcome" resulted in my good mood and created a more colorful, wonderful life for me.

New Quarter

I am a bag which loads great amount of stories. They are stories about my life. I just ended my first quarter in freshman year. I have to admit that I didn't try hard enough in my first quarter. I simply distracted by unuseful information on the Internet and tricked my parents that I was working hard. I could finish projects and homework much more earlier if I didn't procrastinate a lot. Therefore, I felt guilty and regretful when I heard my mother's warm encouragement and looked at my father's pleasant smile. I was wasting my time again. I have to CHANGE. RIGHT NOW. I regret that I didn't study hard enough for midterm. I have to spend my precious time on studying or improving vocabularies. I will show improvement in my next quarter. However, I have treasured memories in my mind, such as Halloween and my birthday. They are the memories that will haunt me forever, because they are the best of mine. (At least I don't have to be contrite~) I decide to change a bag and carry more beautiful, memorable stories in my bag. New quarter. New bag. New story. New life. 

In Time With You- New Enemy

When Ariel suffered in the betrayal of her boyfriend, Bolin accompanied her for 5 years and Ariel eventually (seemed to) walked out from the shadows. However, the big bad demon is coming back. He is David. David has encountered difficulties and understood the snobbery in society. Therefore, he's back for Ariel. He found out that he couldn't leave her, because she's always a book that worth to read over and over again. Although David once betrayed and left Ariel behind, he decided to treat her with true love right now. Through five years of training, Ariel is now an excellent and confident modern girl. She has prepared for five years in order to prove that she has become a butterfly, instead of the caterpillar who was beguiled and bewildered by David. Anyhow, the moment she knows that David is coming back, her heartbeat becomes irregular and sporadic. She pretends that it doesn't matter but her daily life is strongly messed up because she's waiting for David's call every single day. Bolin understands Ariel's true feeling and observes every unusual action deeply in his eyes. He feels anxious and concerns that Ariel will hurt by David again. This time, Bolin is going to confront David and protect his love.

In Time with You-Escape

When Ariel is disappointed in love, Bolin accompanies her through difficulties and surmounts the obstacles. When Bolin wants to hug Ariel and comforts her, she crouches, collapses, and cries. Whenever Bolin wants to tell her the truth and say "I love you", she branches off the topic. Although Ariel is curious and wonders why does Bolin say "I would never fall in love with you", she restrains and holds back the true feeling because she doesn't want to cross the boundary between friendship and love. Once when Bolin was about to explain the reason in which he declares such negative words, Ariel felt something was wrong and prohibited him to continue. Bolin would break their friendship and Ariel would lose the most important friend if he told the truth. (sigh~) Whenever Bolin has a girlfriend, Ariel criticizes the girlfriend. On the other hand, whenever Ariel has a boyfriend, Bolin is eager to expel and drive him away. haha. Bolin feels that the person who accompanies Ariel throughout the rest of her life time should be he since he's the one who understands her the most. Both Ariel and Bolin are escaping. They are evading from the love of each other. They are suppressing the fondness with each other.

In Time with You-Birthday

It's Ariel's 30-year-old birthday. She plans to celebrate with her best and forever friend, Bolin. Bolin prepares a secret gift for Ariel, but she doesn't like it. It's a lion with a necklacelike-square-black hair, but Ariel thinks it's a cat stuck in a stinky tofu. haha. Ariel has a particular interpretation and a special taste. Bolin explains that Ariel is confident and prideful, so she always restricts herself in her own principles and rules, such as the square necklace of the lion. (that's Ariel's defect) But the lion proves that Ariel is special since nobody is similar to the square hair lion. However, Ariel always gets the wrong point, thinks about the imperfection Bolin described, and blames Bolin. Bolin is disappointed. He worries that Ariel doesn't like the present. He explains that how much efforts he has spent to convince the boss to sell the lion, because it's not for sale. Ariel replies," Since it's Bolin who spent so much time and efforts to prepare the present, I think I am going to love this cute lion." Therefore, Bolin smiles like an optimistic, cheerful sunflower as if the true love is blooming splendidly.

In Time with You-Betrayal

Ariel is resolute, firm, and has her own opinions on everything. Her constellation is Leo, and she fights for justice. There was once a girl, Beatrice, in her high school who was bullied by the boys. Therefore, Ariel stood up for the girl and cooperated with all the girls in class and swore to start World War III. There were sixteen girls and fifteen boys in class. Whenever the class needed to make a decision, such as voting for leaders, girls would always win since the votes were 16 to 15. However, girls lost in the ballot for dressing on the sports day because one girl betrayed and voted for boys. The betrayer was Beatrice. Ariel was so furious that she break with the betrayer. Ariel had made great efforts and fought against the boys so hard because of Beatrice, but she betrayed. Beatrice excused that she had fallen in love with a boy and wished to help him. But it was merely a trick. The boy deceived the girl and her love. Although Ariel collapsed in her heart, she pretended nothing and walked away with pride as usual. It was the first time Bolin worried her emotion because he knew she was sorrowful and depressed. But the pride of Leo maintained her fake smile on face. How could Ariel overcome the difficulty?

In Time with You

I am supposed to focus on midterm, but I am greatly distracted by the drama "In Time with You". Honestly, the drama has a wonderful plot as the Phantom of the Opera and Somewhere in Time. This sentence twists and tangles my heart: I said that I will never fall in love with you because....... I love you so much that I am afraid of losing you. The protagonist, Ariel, was classmate with Bolin since high school. Because Bolin once told Ariel that he will never fall in love with her, they promise to become perpetual friends. Their relationship challenges with the idea that boys and girls can't last friendship forever. Therefore, although they are both fond of each other, they keep reminding the "boundary line". They are afraid that if they stride over the line, they won't become friends anymore. They are scared that they will lose the friendship and the position, the most important friend, in each other's heart. They are best friends ever. Whenever Ariel is disappointed in love or encounter difficulties, Bolin will accompany with her. But Ariel never notices that there is a sincere heart so near to her and always protects, guards her secretly. Bolin is always the one who Ariel gets comforts and advice. What will happen in the story? Wait till next post and you'll find out.

Halloween & Africa Map

We are going to have a Africa Map Test tomorrow, in which I have to memorize all the African countries. It's hard since there are great amounts of small provinces and I'm unfamiliar with them.  However, I had a great time for the Halloween in our school, especially the scary movie, The Grudge. It's so terrifying and creepy that I close my eyes whenever the music background foreshadows bad omens. haha. Therefore, I wasn't scared by the movie a lot besides the death rattle. I've dressed as a leopard, active and outgoing. My friends and I wandered around the hallways, joined costume contest, and played the haunted house. I didn't scream loudly and frequently in the haunted house since it wasn't as frightening as that of last year. The Fear Factor is just absolutely horrible since I have to search marbles in the left over and worms and perhaps raw chicken. Well, I didn't look at it clearly because I didn't want to remind myself what did I actually touch. I promised that I washed my hands with soap at least ten time and spread alcohol on my hands. Although my hands are terrible, I think it's fun and interesting to participate the Fear Factor.

Collapsion

I can't bear to pretend anymore. The only thing that I want to do is to hide in a small, cozy corner and CRY. My tears burst out immediately, because I know how disappointed I am. Seriously, I want to give up. RIGHT NOW. Get rid of the crowd and embrace friends who give me supports are my wishes. The smiles on my face are fake, definitely fake. I don't understand why do I have to smile ingeniously. Perhaps I just want to comfort my friends and classmates. Finished expressing my disappointment, I can explain the reason. Basically, we lose a softball game, which is a midterm. The most significant part is that I think I have the responsibility since I didn't hit the ball out. Losers will get a B while the winners  get a A. It will shatter my wishes. Furthermore, I was so frustrated when someone even mocked at me. It is so insulting that I am really mad at that person. Though the person might feel nothing, but it hurts me a lot. However, I haven't overcome the difficulty yet.

Dream

When I was about to post my journal last night, I felt exhausted and accidentally fell asleep. The moment when I opened my eyes, it was twelve at the midnight. It was so unbelievable so I rushed and dashed and prepared for sleep. I forgot to post my journal and closed my computer. However, it is 7 right now. I was supposed to wake up at 6, yet I was totally immersed in my sweet dream. I would like to keep the memory of this dream in my heart. Everyone is magician in the school. The first scene is that students are running and flying in the stairs since a bad guy is chasing us and locking the exits. He controls the students who were caught by him and turned them to approach darkness and become evil. The evil students then fight with the teachers in the school. They have powerful skills which lead to victory. We students first take refuge in the cafeteria but we decide to stand against the bad guy. When a beam of green light shoot toward me, I shoot a blue light right back. I find myself in the middle of the battlefield and the bad guy is looking at me with gruesome expression. However, my parents ask me to wake up since it's already 7. I wish that I can finish my dream and I'm reluctant to end this dream.

MUN Sequela

MUN sequela is a serious symptom that represents the delegate is exhausted and immersed in MUN deeply and way too much. First of all, every sentence that blurts out begin with "The delegate of Sudan believes that......" or "Does the delegate of ______ admit that.....?" Every words speak from my mouth won't begin with first person. Second, I will raise my hands as my placard in which "The delegate of Sudan, France, Japan, Brazil, you have been recognized in that order" echoes in my mind. Third, we can't have direct conversation. We can't speak to each other directly since it's not appropriate. Furthermore, if I don't understand what people are talking about, I may just ask, "Can the chair please ask the delegate of ______ rephrase his/her question?" It's embarrassing but humorous because there aren't any chairs, but some classmates might pretend themselves as chairs and say "granted". Eventually, HSINMUN is memorable indeed since my mind is full of the details of the interesting conference. I would like to share the most common but amusing words from the chair "Laughing is not in order" and "Sleeping is not in order", when some delegates just lie on the table and slumber with a great dream.

HSINMUN

During the weekends, students have a MUN conference. Since it's our first conference, we are nervous but excited. Mr. Walghren comforts us that it's the easiest, simplest conference and we've written two resolutions. He states that we are top 20% among the students because lots of students are from local schools. (but the best high schools in Taiwan) The main-submitters are China and Russia. Since the delegate of China is hardworking and has a novel idea, I decide to support him. I address a speech to elaborate a specific clause and defend the clause when delegates attack the defects. I think I've done a great job yet I am exactly wrong. We fail to convince other delegates. I am so disappointed when the resolution I support doesn't pass. The determination to revenge kindles and burns in my heart. I decide that I will tear Russia's reso into pieces (figure of speech)-- I am going to attack and render the Russia-side delegates to become speechless and dumbfounded. I keep making comments and suspecting the ambiguity in Russia's reso until the chair ignore me intentionally. haha. Although I doesn't succeed to convince the delegates not to vote for Russia's reso, it is a memorable experience which I discover that I can be pretty talkative and express my opinions bravely.

MUN Resolution

MUN is the hardest subject ever. Since my grade lapsed from A+ to B+, it never recovers, which depressed me and lost my confidence to regain my score. Thanks to Alyssa, who describes my grades in veracross as: The B+ is so obvious among the straight As. I'm even more dejected since then. However, I will definitely not give up my grade in MUN. I'll try my best and work harder. MUN Resolution is an impossible mission for a new beginner as I. I can't even understand what should I research. Furthermore, operative clauses are way more difficult than preambulatory clauses. Operative clauses contain the policy statements of the body making the resolution. They have to be clear and unambiguous. Unlike preambulatory clauses which are mostly facts, operative clauses have to be workable and fully reflect the existing policies of the country. Therefore, we can't talk about concrete numbers, such as sending ten thousand peace-keeping troops, because we don't know who should send great amounts of peace troops. Anyhow, there's a resolution due tomorrow, and I better to finish it right now.

Missing Children

China has a significant amount of kidnapping and human trafficking in which children are sold to new “adoptive” family or slave labor. Since the gangs are large, national, and highly organized, the police are shiftless and they will investigate only on cases that are proved to be crimes. The gangs ensure that children are shifted over great distances and shuffled between handlers. Therefore, it’s hard and almost impossible to trace the victims. Since it’s difficult to save the children, we can think about how can the gangs earn money by kidnapping. The answer is simple and easy—some people want to buy the children. The solution to combat human trafficking is to reduce poverty. If people are rich, they will prevent their children from selling to slavery. Furthermore, citizens should be more aware of the missing children. They can't extricate themselves out of the plight, since the children represent the future power of China.

When basketball is more important than life

When basketball is more important than life, injury is a piece of cake. Although I might injure by defending or grabbing the ball, honestly, it's "robbing" the ball, all I care about is the magical ball that help to earn points when we shot into the hoop. During the basketball practice, when I was defending the offense, the offense's head accidentally bumped against my face. It hurt yet I bore the pain since the basketball game won't stop for me. It happened another accident in the following round-- my nose was sacrificed for the ball, which I protected with all my strength. However, it was worth for me to protect. Mr. Lee then taught me the correct way to grab the ball and protect myself, which I can achieve two things at one stroke. It's silly to hurt yourself because you don't show filial piety toward your parents. When I don't mind to hurt myself, my parents will worry about me. Therefore, I will never injure myself intentionally from now on.

Ghost Story

Seriously, writing a plot diagram about ghost story is not only hard but terrifying. When I am thinking about a ghost story, my heart is chilled with terror and my hands can't stop to shake. I keep turning my head around because I feel something weird is happening, or it is pure suspicion. I have to distract myself intentionally, in order to avoid from the fear in my heart. The truth is-- I am afraid of the ghost that I am writing about. I wish that the ghost is hamane and kindhearted, who will show sympathy for me. So please, don't appear in the real world and my dream. I don't want to have nightmares, because I am already sleepless recently. I even have to turn my pillow upside-down and comfort myself that different position is luckier, though it doesn't seem to change at all. However, dear ghost, please don't scare me, because I am timid and shy. I worship gods at regular time, and I respect all gods, so please don't frighten me :)

Pressure

When people have higher expectations and standards, they have more pressure. Since our self-confidence and self-esteem don't allow mistakes, we have to work harder. This week is arduous and strenuous for me, due to my procrastination and great amounts of tests. I had Spanish test on Tuesday, English on Wednesday, Biology on Thursday, and Math on Friday. I discover a bad effect from the continual tests, which is indolence. I started to become shiftless and lazy after every-Thursday Biology tests, because I was paralyzed by the similar questions. Therefore, I didn't study that detailed yesterday. When I find out the test is extremely difficult today, I am regretful. I am contrite that I should study more, instead of dillydallying. Though I put many efforts and try my best when I am having the test, I should study earlier. Therefore, I am going to start a revolution, which will improve myself and promote to study harder.

Perfume Lily

I had a predestined relationship with perfume lily. Perfume lily is delicate, graceful, and the most important, fragrant. When I once brought perfume lily to school, the aroma just dispersed and scattered around the classroom. I then understand the process of diffusion. Diffusion is the process by which particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It's the driving force behind the movement of many substances across the cell membrane without using energy. Since the odor of perfume lily is stronger at a particular area, the molecules with fragrance will then move to the area with low concentration. Therefore, the odor of perfume lily will spread through the classroom. Perfume lily is known as the tears of Adam who was searching Eve diligently. It represents the pure love or friendship. I believe if Adam gives Eve perfume lilies as certificate of true love, Eve will probably follow Adam earlier, and conceive humans long before the history.

Combat Slavery

Anti-slavery organizations raise public awareness of slavery by cooperating with local governments and organizations. They persuade governments to face the issues of slavery squarely and develop policies to eliminate slavery. Modern day slavery brings challenges, such as the true meaning of freedom, the collaboration between governments and citizens, and effectiveness of laws to us living in freedom. Since people can’t stop slavery, we can’t say that we’re free. Slaves who deceived by tricksters are suffering in predicament which reflects on the loose laws that aren’t effective to combat slavery. In addition, if the collaboration between governments and citizens has gaps and barriers, illegal slave traders won’t baulk the chances to trade more slaves secretly. Therefore, combating slavery is not only the government’s job, but also citizens’. The solutions that I have to stop modern-day slavery are setting up a website about slavery and broadcasting speeches in the radios in order to spread the mistaken value of slavery, and call upon the public to devote to the abolition of slavery. Through the mass media, the government will then pay more attention to the issue of slavery.

Somewhere in Qing Dynasty-2

Evelyn's sister, Crystal, was once the fiancee of 8th brother, yet she concealed the secret since she had a deplorable memory and the marriage was annulled by herself. 8th brother is now influenced by Evelyn due to her vigorous energy, straight-forward personality, and the similar appearance of Crystal. He starts to be attracted by Evelyn and treated her warmly and amiably. 8th brother's best friend, 13th brother, knows that 8th bro falls in love with Evelyn so he tries his best to assist him. In the meanwhile, the emperor is enlisting maids into the imperial palace. All of the concubines love Evelyn yet the queen doesn't want to irritate any of them; hence, Evelyn serves as a tea servant to the emperor, Kangxi. Depends on her modern-day intelligence and agility, Evelyn is bestowed favour by the emperor. Since she understands to praise the emperor with famous quotations by ancient people, the emperor appoints her to become the leader of tea servants. Observing the dark, gloomy side of officialdom and comprehending Qing dynasty in the history, Evelyn knows the destinies of every person yet her future is unknown.

To my dearest homeland, Taiwan:
Happy Birthday!!!! This is your 100th birthday :DD
Though I don't sure whether I can celebrate your 200th birthday,
I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY for your firm and steadfast resolution that leads you to live meaningfully and vigorously till now. 
I'll always remember your spirit and retrospect everything that you give to me :)
I love my golden childhood, warm family, and didactic teachers in Taiwan.
I love the beautiful sceneries, limpid ocean, and fresh air in Taiwan.
I love the blooming economy and mediocre politics in Taiwan.
I love every single thing in TAIWAN!!!!
Wish that Taiwan's economy can become worldwide and is able to join the UN soon~
LONG LIFE TAIWAN~~~YAAAA!!!!!

Somewhere in Qing Dynasty-1

Since I love to watch movies, I imagine to become a director and contemplate to design the plot of  movies. When a modern-day lady, Evelyn, accidentally shuttled back to Qing Dynasty, she embroils the conflict between the brothers and crown princes. Evelyn is a normal girl who loves to read Chinese history and expresses creativity a lot. After she has a car accident in front of the National Museum, she discovers that she lives in Qing dynasty in which Kangxi Emperor governs. She finds that she has an elder sister and starts to make friends with 8th brother, 10th brother, 13th brother and 14th brother; she has interesting adventure every day. 10th brother loves Evelyn secretly, but he is eventually appointed to marry another maid by the emperor. 10th brother can't change his destiny and submits to the emperor. Since she is sentimental that people in this time can only resigned to their fate--listen to the emperor, she tries to bump against the horse in order to shuttle forth to modern times; yet, 4th brother thinks she is committing suicide and saves her life. From now on, people's fates seem to twist and intervolve.

Ideal Government-Constitutional Democratic Monarchy

Do you believe in an ideal form of government? One of the main reason that the government declines is that lacking supports of nobles and citizens. The ideal form of government blends the main idea of different governments and cultures. It needs to be democratic since listening to people’s voices is important. It needs to have a king or queen since we need a united symbol of the country. It means that they have a king or queen, but people can still vote for the representatives. This ideal form of government is known as constitutional democratic monarchy. Constitutional democratic monarchy is the ideal form of government since the constitution is democracy. The members of parliament are elected by the citizens. People can choose their favorite representatives. They can change them if they aren’t satisfied their ruling. However, people may argue with other forms of governments. Though democracy can listen to people’s opinions, everyone may disagree in views, and causes conflicts. Although monarchy is easier to guide the country, it’s too biased for the monarch to make a decision. As for Communism, though people can have jobs, the government owns all the properties and there is no freedom of speech. Therefore, constitutional democratic monarchy is certainly an ideal form of government.

Ottoman Empire

Osman I built a powerful and strong state in Anatolia. Osman's son, Orhan I, succeeded to conquer parts of the Byzantine Empire. The key to the Ottoman's success was their military. As their empire grew, the Ottomans enslaved Christian boys from conquered area. The boys were converted to Islam and trained as elite soldiers called Janissaries. Later on, there was a military leader, Mehmed II, who was to take Constantinople because it controlled a major trade route between Asia and Europe. By using massive cannons, Ottoman forces battered the city's walls and seiged Constantinople. Mehmed II rebuilt the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, which was no longer a Christian cathedral. Ottoman Empire reached its peak during Suleyman's ruling. He swwpt through the Safavid Empire, Egypt, and North America. He reformed the tax system, overhauled the government bureaucracy, improved the court system, and established new laws to reduce corruption. Therefore, Suleyman is known as Suleyman the Magnificent.

Slave Trade

Slave trade attributes to a shortage of labor in Americas, which led to the beginning of the Atlantic slave trade. Millions of Africans were forced to leave everything behind and face the unknown in unfamiliar country--America. The Middle Passage was a distressful tribulation because captive Africans were chained together with no place to sit nor stand. Therefore, some Africans committed suicide before arriving to America since there were larger challenges. Slaves had no rights and freedom, and slaveholders controlled most of the conditions under which they lived. Enslaved Africans were the properties. The slaveholders usually treated the slaves with unlimited labor and push beyond their physical abilities, which eventually led to death. If the slaves revolted, they had only two ways- whether success or death. Some slaves were able to flee plantations and hid in remote areas while others were executed death penalty. After all, revolutions were inevitable.

New Glasses

The week before last, I sought for a treasure in my life. Since I've got myopia, I had to wear glasses in order to look clearly at things far away. I was nearsighted and both eyes were -1.5 diopters; unfortunately, they increased to -2.0 diopters. Therefore, I went to an optical shop and got new glasses. My new eyeglasses are exquisite and graceful with the decoration of coloured glaze. They are light pink as the sakura (cherry blossom) when the spring is coming. They are orange as the garden cosmos which blossom and contend in beauty and fascination in summer. They are pink as the sunset glow with peach blossom in autumn. They are firm and tenacious as the plum blossom which thrive and outshine others in winter. The beautiful and delicate eyeglasses arouse and mirror various feelings of seasons, which evoke my curiosity. I will definitely keep them in good condition and decrease the abrasion by treasuring them sincerely. Since the eyeglasses are so wonderful, how can't I love them so much?

Dream of the Red Chamber

Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Romeo-and-Juliet love story, is the masterpiece of Chinese classical novels during the Ming and Qing dynasties with the most profound influence on later generations. The work is comprised of 120 chapters, the first 80 of which were written by Tsao Hsueh-chin and the remaining 40 by Kao Hgo. Since the author has experienced a wealthy life which later turned down to decline, he puts on painstaking efforts to portray such amazing characters. Tsao Hsueh-chin created a tragic love story between a young man, Jia Baoyu, who was born along with a jade and a young lady, Lin Tai-yu, who harbored hatred while she died. Their love has been misunderstood and then broke down since Daiyu couldn’t understand that Baoyu loved her but married the other girl, Xue Baochai. With unlimited distress and sorrow, she died eventually. Since Baoyu was hoodwinking by his family that he was going to marry Daiyu, instead of discovering the truth on time, he missed Daiyu forever. Finally, he became cynical and understood the emptiness of the material world, and then became a monk. Drawing the materials from real life, the novel is full of the author’s personal feelings filled with blood and tears. This is probably the reason why I do want to become a nun and look everything as nihility.

CAMP PAS 9/28

It was the returning day, the bittersweet returning day. I had too much memories to recollect and I had too little time to embrace all of the memories. But I knew that the memories were the best souvenirs ever. When I was writing the reflections, I didn't sure what should I start, because there were too many worthy reminiscences. My main idea in the reflection was COOPERTATION since it was the most significant thing I learned in the camp. I couldn't accomplish the goal without cooperating with friends and partners. We made great effort to pack up the tent, because we couldn't squeeze it in the bag. We rafted with tacit agreement and the never-give-up spirit. We had a barbecue with sacrifice of patience and full stomachs. We paddled the boat by loud shouts in support. We passed the Dare Devil by the encouragement of partners. We performed the play and dance by team work and hard work. We will pass on our PAS spirit forever!!!

CAMP PAS 9/27

It was chilly in early morning. The cicadas were performing a symphony on the trees while the leaves were dancing for entertainment. I got up gradually and took a walk in a narrow passage myself. I enjoyed the moment when everything was so calm and placid, besides the warm sunshine and murmuring breeze. I was more familiar with the labyrinth and was able to identify the roads. The breakfast was good, and then we drove almost 2 hours to the rafting site. The rapid water splashed against the shore and aroused the surge. The refreshed smell of waterfalls engaged me and summoned up my curiosity to challenged it. We had to paddled with similar tempo in order to reach harmony and braced ourselves when the waves attacked us. I seized the rope in our raft tightly as it was the only hope to embrace my life. The rope was the connection to the world. Therefore, I never fell off the water and eventually completed my mission. Since different captains in the raft were enemies, we sailors had to maintain our dignity and honour by assaulting--splashed water to each other. I fell in love with rafting again since it was always my best memory. At night, we watched the aboriginal dancing and singing with excited mood, which aroused our interest in rest of the team shows. I loved the pixar movie show in green team and the deep-love dancing in yellow team pretty much. Red team had an awkward performance in the play and dance, yet I thought that we tried our best. I respected the leaders' improvisation since they merely spent little time to organize and plan the play. At midnight, I slept in the refugee camp and enjoyed my last day in Kara Island with best friends.

CAMP PAS 9/26

Taking train to Hualien is an absorbing experience, especially with friends. Though it seemed endless to pass the 4 hours on the train, we chatted (everyday life), took tons of pictures (with grotesque expressions) , and played cards (Big 2 and Cheat). Since I was in red team (at the very front), I had to cross the carriages in order to reach yellow team, which was at the very end of the train. The footboards between the carriages were dangerous and fragile, yet I still ventured my life. haha. After setting our tent, we played a game by passing water in paper cups and pour it into the bucket. However, I was assaulted by Jenny and Alyssa, which caused my T-shirt to be entirely wet. Therefore, I sought for revenge. Then we walked 15 minutes to the Li-Yu Lake. Paddling in such large lake is exhausted, yet our team achieved the goal by collecting 4 cards. YAAA!!! Though some of the teachers tried to move and escape when students reached their boats, our team insisted to finish the mission by taking a shortcut and pleading sincerely. Last, we had BARBECUE! Since it was raining, our light didn't work, the fire was too tiny, the members in our team almost couldn't fill their stomachs. Yet, our spirits and souls summoned up power to cooperate and solve the problems. We prepared a flashlight ourselves, while someone roasted the meat, hot dogs, and chicken legs. We even requested the workers to help us ignite the fire. Although we were in predicament, the team spirit promoted us to be more collaborative. At night, students enhearten with courage in the Dare Devil, in which the teacher disguised as ghosts, monsters and scared the students. Mr. Lee wore a scary mask, ran toward us with flip flops, and was attacked by Ms. Lucy's skillful martial arts. Every time I saw a bucket, I yelled that I saw the ghosts so the teachers won't assaulted and surprised me. (even though I didn't notice them. This was a tactic) Since it was so interesting (but I was timid and screamed so loud even children laughed at me), I decides to walk around again with the other group. During sleeping time, the gathering people outside the tent were so talkative that I couldn't fall asleep. I chatted with friends in my tent, shared our opinions about ______ (haha~It's a secret~), and ended my first weary day.

Atonement

Born in an upper-class English family, Briony Tallis is a creative and active 13-year-old girl with infinite imagination, who has great potential to become a famous writer. When an inappropriate letter is accidentally delivered to her, she thinks that the maidservant, Robbie, has improper ambitions toward her beautiful sister, Cecilia. Soon, when the family is having dinner, Briony's cousin, Lola is raped by a mysterious man. Though Lola declares that she doesn't know the true identity of the criminal, Briony certainly accuses of Robbie by explaining that she saw Robbie committed the crime. Therefore, Robbie is arrested by the police; but the true criminal is Paul, who Lola marries eventually. Four years later, in order to be released, Robbie decides to join the army. Through a short reunion with Cecilia, they renew their love, yet it's time to fight. Since Briony feels guilty, she gives up the chance to go to Cambridge and joins the nursing in order to repay the society. Still, Cecilia never accepts the apology from Briony, because she breaks the true love between Robbie and her. In Briony's last publishing book, Atonement, Robbie and Cecilia finally becomes lovers and starts a new life happily-ever-after, yet it's merely imagination. In reality, they both die due to war and natural disaster. They deserved to be lovers, yet Briony's accusation changes their lives and urges her to live in guilt and criminality forever. 

Bread

Whenever I pass by a bakery, I smell the scent of strong fragrance, which disperses in my stomach and urges my limbs to purchase automatically because the bread is fresh out of the oven. The most difficult-making bread is French bread, because it requires a baker's great capability, since French bread has a crisp crust (exterior) and a chewy interior. I love the bread which composes of active dry yeast though the bakers have to spend more time to ferment. The more time the baker ferments the yeast, the greater the texture of bread will be. Therefore, the bread will be more chewy and delicious. Yeast serves as a catalyst in bread which speeds up chemical reaction. Yeast gains sugar in flour as energy while releasing carbon dioxide in return. Since carbon dioxide doesn't have enough place to grow, it gradually fills up and rises the bread when exposed to oven heat. Bakers can't cut corners for making tasty bread because the result (bread) can easily understand a baker's skill. Baking bread isn't a simple process, it is a skill which requires patience, attempt, and hard work.

Friendship

"A Christmas Memory" gives me deep feelings and refreshing ideas about friendships. Friendship is not limited in ages, we can have best friend despite great difference in ages. Because the narrator's best friend still preserve childish disposition, the activities they do together are interesting and attractive. I've never made a fruitcake on Christmas before, even more, I seldom give presents to people I've met once or twice because we aren't familiar. The friendship between Buddy and 60-year-old woman seems to remain perpetual, but it doesn't. Though the friendship remains steadfast under the cruel relatives who treat them worse, it gradually weakens and collapses due to the ravage of old ages. Health doesn't allow the friendship maintain forever, because Buddy's best friend gets dementia and starts to forget Buddy's identity. It's sorrowful when I almost finish the passage, and my tears burst out without my permission. I sigh that life is painful and unknown, because I thought that their friendship should maintain eternally!! However, I love Truman Capote's writing very much because he develops the atmosphere that touches his readers deeply.

Love

Love has various forms, whether friendship or love at first sight; but I would like to share about the family love between my mom and me. Recalled that I sprained my ankle yesterday, not only I was disappointed, my mom was like a cat on the hot bricks, extremely anxious and agitated. Since we weren't familiar to the orthopedic clinics, we searched information online in order to go to the doctor during the golden 48 hours. Unfortunately, when we arrived to the orthopedic clinic, the doctor wasn't the one who studied bones-- he is a medicine doctor. I was so desperate yet my mom didn't want to give up. She then rode the motorcycle to search another orthopedic clinic, but it's way more further. During the ride, I was grateful to her considerate care and her love which always support me. I know that she will always stand up for me whenever I am frustrated by difficulties. She is truly a competent and perfect mother. I am glad that I am born in this family and more thankful that I am her daughter.

Crack and Break!!!

The title of this entry is exaggerated, but I did feel that terrible when I happened the accident. During basketball practices, when I was shooting the ball, I slipped by the sands on the ground (perhaps), and lost my balance. Carelessly, I then SPRAINED MY ANKLE. My ankle is almost cracked and snapped when I fell on the floor, and I couldn't even stand straight. Thanks to my ardent and warmhearted partners in basketball team, they support and sustain my limbs to walk in order to rest on a chair. Sitting on the chair for 1.5 hour and putting ice pack on my ankles, I feel so hopeless and have an enthusiasm to join the practice. The most important lesson that I learned from the accident is to TREASURE MY LIFE. I realize that life is fragile and delicate that it can't endure wounds physically, but life can face difficulties bravely mentally. Therefore, I will be optimistic and face the challenges in my life, but treasure my life in the meanwhile.

The Phantom of the Opera

This is another romantic and bittersweet love story. Erik, a real person, is intelligent but not good-looking so he always disguises himself under a mask. Christine, a beautiful girl with heavenly voice, wishes to sing on the stage. Christine believes in the Angel of Music due to his father's promise on his deadbed. When Christine is offered a chance to sing in the Paris Opera House, she hears a voice that speaks to her. The voice agrees to teach Christine to sing and aids her to amazed the audience on her first performance. Her playmate in childhood, Raoul, was glad to find Christine singing in the Opera. The voice's owner, Erik, falls in love with Christine. Therefore, he (perhaps) hypnotizes and kidnaps Christine to his gorgeous, magnificent house in the cellars. Christine then discovers Erik's true identity yet she accidentally unmasks Erik. Erik is so furious that he sends Christine back to the Opera House. The phantom, Erik, then sends letters to the managers of the Opera House to promote Christine to be the chief. Unfortunately, the previous chief, Carlotta, wasn't satisfied and insists to perform the drama; but she becomes mute during the performance. The hearsay of the phantom becomes more popular and mysterious. During the chaos, Christine told Raoul the truth of the phantom, Erik, and they promise to accompany each other through the rest of the life. But, they don't know that Erik is just right behind them and feels extremely jealous. He then threatens Christine to marry him or not he will murder Erik. Christine is forced to become her bride but she realizes the loneliness of Erik after he kisses her. Christine kissed Erik back deeply with sympathy and compassion, yet Erik suddenly realizes that his cruel deeds force the lovers to be apart. Erik then tells Christine that she can marry the right guy whoever she wants. Erik is never loved by anyone (including his parents who detest and give up him) until he meets Christine. He now understands the true meaning of love. Love isn't binding each other, but treats the other sincerely and makes his or her dream come true. Erik then decides to disappear in Christine's life forever.

Security Council-P5

Humans are competitive and we want to surpass and exceed others whenever there are chances to prove our strength and power. The Permanent 5, China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have great authority in the Security Council. They are large, influential nations and hold a trump card in the form of a veto. When a P5 member votes no on a resolution, that certainly kills the possibility of passing the resolution. Since the Permanent 5 hold great power, other countries are eager to expand the council members in order to gain permanent seats. I strongly suggest Japan to join the P5. Japan is a large national economy in the world. Its Gross National Product, which indicates that Japanese products and services have high market value due to its qualities. Japan produces advanced technologies, such as robots and electronic devices. Japan is suitable to have a permanent seat because it’s one of the most advanced and affluent country. United States will be glad to give Japan a permanent seat since it has frequent trading with Japan. Furthermore, the U.S. has been concerned the major global power, China, recently. If Japan allies with the U.S., the U.S. will definitely gain effective assistance from Japan, because Japan had serious conflicts with China in the past.

Age of Exploration

A spirit of discovery and innovation has awakened in Europe during the Renaissance, therefore, it promotes the European explorers to sail on voyages to discover routes toward new lands, such as Asia. The main reasons that drove the people to explore new lands are wealth, fame, faith (spread Christianity), and pure curiosity. The tools, compass and astrolabe, enable the navigators to know the accurate direction, and calculate their locations. If I was a European explorer, I would be interested in discovering China, because there were legends that China is wealthy, cultural, and artistic by reading Marco Polo's journals. On the other hand, sailing is dangerous and perilous, because I may miss my way in the labyrinthian oceans. Though it might be a great adventure, I had to risk my life. If my family concerned about the dangers I might face, I would probably give up since I didn't want to worry them. Furthermore, I couldn't ensure that I have enough knowledge and ability to control the caravel. Through my anxiety of sailing, I will conclude that success needs great courage and intelligence.  

Biology

Biology, a study of natural world, helps students to understand fabulous lives and living organisms. I love biology, because I am interested in observing and making experiments that I am suspicious. I have curiosity toward the unknown in the nature and open-minded to accept new ideas and theories. Biology is one of my favorite subjects until now. NOW NOW NOW! I start to suspect how did I fell in love with it, and wonder whether I do fond of it right now. First, I was so disappointed that I could barely apprehend what does the teacher teach. The class is noisy, vociferous, and out of control; the teacher, Mr. Smart, doesn't have any power to handle the class. He's too nice to shout at students and keep them quiet. Second, the study is truly hard. I'm not intelligent enough to understand the basic chemistry rules and the complicated graphs in few minutes. I have to think over and over again, and perhaps, research for information, in order to get the subjects. However, though my condition in the class is a bottleneck in front of my future, I will try to accomplish and succeed it.

Bloody Mary

Henry VIII, the most "passionate" king in the history, has romances with six marriages. This is a journal about Mary Tudor, child of King Henry and Queen Catherine of Aragon. Mary Tudor was once pearl of England, jewel of the world, and treated with hundreds of lady-in-maids, until the divorce of her parents. Since king Henry was disappointed that Queen Catherine couldn't produce any male heirs, he decided to have the marriage annulled, so does their daughter, Mary, will be illegitimate and declared as a bastard. Mary loathed and cursed the lady who deprived of the love and marriage from her father, Lady Anne Boleyn. Mary thought that she bewitched her father and seduced him into a merciless and ruthless king who beheaded innocent citizens. Now Mary is a powerless bastard who is at the bottom of social class due to Anne Boleyn. Mary even has to serve her baby half sister, Elizabeth. Through the terrible life experience, she has changed her personality. She is furious and revengeful, therefore, she becomes cruel after she regains the throne, known as Bloody Mary.

Howl's Moving Castle

Hayao Miyazaki, my favorite Japanese film director and animator, has created fabulous film that astonished me once again. Recalled the movie Spirited Away, I was first obsessed by the characters and the vigorous and unconstrained style of Hayao Miyazaki's imagination. I certainly love the adventure of Chihiro Ogino and her growth after she worked in the bathhouse. Therefore, Howl's Moving Caste attracts me when I discover that it's his movie in 2004. Sophie, an diffident 18-year-old teenager who is cursed to transform into a 90-year-old grandmother by a spiteful witch, has to discover the treaty between the magician Howl and the fire demon Calcifer in order to break her curse. Sophie will regain her youth only when she's more confident with herself and will grow older when she eludes problems. She is still an immature girl who is dealing the affection toward Howl and soon she will discover the entwisted past between Howl and her. I appreciate the true love between Howl and Sophie, since my heart aches while they both suffer in the grief of the possibility of losing each other and the cruelty in wartime. Ultimately, Howl's Moving Castle is a love story, yet it involves confidence, courage, encouragement, and trust among the lovers and family members. 

Birthday

On September 8, one of the angel transforms to a baby, and is sent down to Earth. The baby comes into the world with a cry, and is blessed with love and hopes. Most babies are born with happiness and felicity, and they are the treasures in family. I'm very glad that I have a complete family and a group of intimate friends who understand me and are willing to tolerate my immature deeds. Every year on my birthday, I will usually prepare some goods for my class, whether a cake, drink, or desserts. I often receive bliss and gifts from friends, yet this year is special. This is my first time to celebrate my birthday in the cafeteria, because we never had the "audacity" to sing Happy Birthday out loud. It's pleasing to share birthday with PAS students and I'm even more cheerful to share chocolate with my dear classmates. Thanks the people who bless me~Thanks the people who sing Happy Birthday to me~Thanks for every classmate in 9th grade, I love you guys so much~

Flute

I love to play flute, because its sound is melodious and tuneful. The silver tube looks beautiful and aesthetic, and the tactility is exquisite. Flute is a graceful instrument, though it doesn't really fit my behavior. I would like to learn flute due to the elegant performance of the flutist. The performance amazes me and promotes me to learn flute. At the beginning, I can barely blow it with weak and short breath, and I can't maintain a certain duration. However, I keep praticing day and night; I can finally control the strength of my breath and the volume of my flute. I then learn to play the diatonic scale and memorize the fingering. Although the songs I play aren't difficult for most flutists, I try very hard to practice and practice. Eventually, I wish that I can stand on the stage and performs the flute well, like the flutist who amazes me. I will try to astonish my audience and influent more people to learn flute.

Darfur Conflict

I dislike wars, and most people are tired of the wars (WW1 & WW2). Therefore, people decide to create an organization in order to maintain world peace, which is known as United Nations. During MUN classes, we watch a video called "The Devil Rode on Horseback", which is describing the Darfur Conflict, a civil war in Sudan. The non-Arab Sudanese (citizens) were suppressed and slaughtered by the Sudanese government massively. The Sudanese government slew its citizens due to their accusation of discrimination. Since the government doesn't treat the non-Arabian citizens equally, they decide to protect their rights and declare the discontented emotions. Obviously, the country is lacking democracy. People don't have the freedom to criticize the government or perform the demonstration. If someone in your village did "rebel" against the government, all residents in your village are identified as criminals, even the innocents. When I look at the pictures of tons of tons of corpses, I was touching and sympathetic. I sigh helplessly and wonder how would I help them if I knew that there was such a horrible war in 2003. Though I didn't have a chance to help the non-Arabian people, in the future, I will definitely be glad to join the Security Council and give suggestions to maintain the world peace.  

Basketball Team

Similar as most people's cognition, I'm definitely neither athletic nor muscular. Unbelievably, I join the basketball team this year. Honestly, basketball team is harsh. I dislike to do "suicides" frequently; I loathe climbing the stairs from 6th floor to 1st floor repeatedly. Then why would I join the basketball team without any enthusiasm? Do I want to torment my body? No. Of course not. Though I am interested in playing basketball, the most important thing is that THIS IS A TEAM SPORT. I appreciate the tacit agreement among team members. I really wish that someday we can play basketball with only a meaningful glance and understand the next step. I know, it sounds difficult, and it only appears in comic books and cartoons, but this is my ultimate goal of playing basketball with these significant members. Not only to practice my skills, but also to build up the tacit agreement, I will keep practice playing basketball diligently and hard.

High-School Life

Middle-school life has gone with the wind, and now HIGH SCHOOL welcomes me. High school is an unknown to me, since it sounds mysterious but I'm actually excited to it. Although high school means more homework, I can learn more stuff and gain more knowledge. Life is made up of different phases. When we are babies, we learn to crawl, babble, and eventually walk. When we are children, we learn to make friends, have fun, and read fairy tales. When we are teenagers, some people may rebel against their parents or teachers, but we will ultimately turn mature, learn to pardon faults, and respect the elders. When we begin to keep in touch with the society, we'll have to socialize with others in order to find a job. When we are elders,.....mm, I wish I can look at the world through the prospect of nihility. Everything is nihility, whether wealth or success or failures. (I'm really suitable to be a Buddhist) However, future is unknown. I'm not a psychic who can predict the future, therefore, I will create my future by myself-- fate is held in my hands.