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.