Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Columbia River Gorge
I went to the Columbia River Gorge with two of my friends on the hottest weekend this summer. The temperture reached more than 100 F.
Third Hike of the Summer 2006--Mt. Dickerman
I like Mt. Dickerman so much that I came back this year again. Mt. Dickerman is considered as a strenuous hike with 3,900 feet elevation gained for 8.0 miles round trip. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with wonderful 360 degree views of the surroundings such as Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, Big 4 Mountain, Forgotten, Twin Peaks, Devil's Peak, Devil's Thumb, Vesper Peak, and Sperry Peak.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Travel Tips from My Friends
As I am very excited about my trip, I have told that to many of my friends. A lot of my friends gave me travel tips. Here are some of them.
As I plan to stay in youth hostels, one friend suggested me to watch the movie "Hostel" before the trip.
As I want to go to Italy, one friend told me to watch out the con-men there: never help people carrying babies.
When I told them I have learned a phrase in French: "Je t'aime." They concluded that I would find a husband, carry a baby, and lose my wallet at the end of the three weeks......
As I plan to stay in youth hostels, one friend suggested me to watch the movie "Hostel" before the trip.
As I want to go to Italy, one friend told me to watch out the con-men there: never help people carrying babies.
When I told them I have learned a phrase in French: "Je t'aime." They concluded that I would find a husband, carry a baby, and lose my wallet at the end of the three weeks......
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Parenting
This year, quite a few of my friends will (already) have babies. Hence, some conversions involved parenting, and parents' expectations.
From my kindergarten to my high school, my parents "pushed" me to study hard, to get good grades...... Well, they might have pushed me, however, somehow their expectations also became my own expectations. I did study hard to get good grades. However, I don't remember other things my parents "pushed" me to do. They just let me do what I like, even supported me financially. For a few years, I was very into stamps. I collected all kinds of stamps by buying new and old ones. It was an expensive habit. Once, I bought a set of stamps which was worth more than half month of my father's salary.
Since I got into college, I hadn't felt my parents "push" any more. They didn't tell me what I should major in. They didn't ask mush about my study or grades. They even didn't ask me to go to the graduate school. I'm very grateful.
From my kindergarten to my high school, my parents "pushed" me to study hard, to get good grades...... Well, they might have pushed me, however, somehow their expectations also became my own expectations. I did study hard to get good grades. However, I don't remember other things my parents "pushed" me to do. They just let me do what I like, even supported me financially. For a few years, I was very into stamps. I collected all kinds of stamps by buying new and old ones. It was an expensive habit. Once, I bought a set of stamps which was worth more than half month of my father's salary.
Since I got into college, I hadn't felt my parents "push" any more. They didn't tell me what I should major in. They didn't ask mush about my study or grades. They even didn't ask me to go to the graduate school. I'm very grateful.
Travel
The world is too big to stay just at one place.
I love traveling. One of my dreams is to travel around the world. When I was an undergraduate student, I was thinking about getting a job that could travel a lot, such as a tour guide. However, after only being a part time tour guide for a short period of time, I realized I didn't like the job that much. I had to take care of people in my tour group. And, I couldn't enjoy the trips as much. Because the trips in general were quite short, I couldn't get to know the local people and their cultures either.
In my junior year in college, studying abroad sounded very appealing to me. At that time, many of my classmates started preparing for graduate school. In China, to get into the graduate school, applicants have to take part in a national qualify exam. One of the required subjects of the qualify exam is the Politics of Chinese Communist Party. Even since I was in the middle school, I have known that I couldn't excel in the subject. In addition, it's very competitive, as each year there are much more applicants than admitted students. After finishing the comprehensive self-evaluation, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't get into the graduate schools in China. Studying abroad didn't require to take the exam on the Politics of Chinese Communist Party. I could not only travel, but also live in the foreign countries, which could be one step closer to my dream.
When I told my parents that I wanted to study abroad, there was a short silent. Then my mother first said: better make sure I was not day dreaming. I didn't remember what I said to them. I don't think I mentioned any about travel, or any ambition. I only heard my father say "Sounds good!" with some kind of excitement.
Until now, I have only traveled to a few places, and lived in two countries. I'm still working towards my dream.
I can't wait for my first trip to Europe in less than 2 weeks.
I love traveling. One of my dreams is to travel around the world. When I was an undergraduate student, I was thinking about getting a job that could travel a lot, such as a tour guide. However, after only being a part time tour guide for a short period of time, I realized I didn't like the job that much. I had to take care of people in my tour group. And, I couldn't enjoy the trips as much. Because the trips in general were quite short, I couldn't get to know the local people and their cultures either.
In my junior year in college, studying abroad sounded very appealing to me. At that time, many of my classmates started preparing for graduate school. In China, to get into the graduate school, applicants have to take part in a national qualify exam. One of the required subjects of the qualify exam is the Politics of Chinese Communist Party. Even since I was in the middle school, I have known that I couldn't excel in the subject. In addition, it's very competitive, as each year there are much more applicants than admitted students. After finishing the comprehensive self-evaluation, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't get into the graduate schools in China. Studying abroad didn't require to take the exam on the Politics of Chinese Communist Party. I could not only travel, but also live in the foreign countries, which could be one step closer to my dream.
When I told my parents that I wanted to study abroad, there was a short silent. Then my mother first said: better make sure I was not day dreaming. I didn't remember what I said to them. I don't think I mentioned any about travel, or any ambition. I only heard my father say "Sounds good!" with some kind of excitement.
Until now, I have only traveled to a few places, and lived in two countries. I'm still working towards my dream.
I can't wait for my first trip to Europe in less than 2 weeks.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Shooting Advertising
A crew of people is shooting "money tree" advertising outside of my department building. The whole block has been blocked from traffic since this morning. I can see them just from my window. However, I can’t tell what exactly they’re doing.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Shocking News
How many things can happen in 5 years? I don't have much to say about myself. However, there are quite a lot for my friends and people I know.
A friend of mine got married couple years ago and she's expecting a baby in September.
The TA I had a crush on 4 years ago is going to get married. Sadly, I'm not the bride.
A friend of mine got married couple years ago and she's expecting a baby in September.
The TA I had a crush on 4 years ago is going to get married. Sadly, I'm not the bride.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Grown Men Cry
People said soccer is a sport that can make grown men cry.
I went to an Italian restaurant at Fremont to watch the World Cup final with some friends yesterday. The game was very exciting, from headbutting to penalty shootouts. The Italians were celebrating after the game. The French were........
I went to an Italian restaurant at Fremont to watch the World Cup final with some friends yesterday. The game was very exciting, from headbutting to penalty shootouts. The Italians were celebrating after the game. The French were........
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Mars and Venus
Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus. To understand how people from Mars and Venus think, I read "Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent.
It's quite interesting that the book concluded
Women wanted men to be in control, baroguely big and strong both in spirit and in body, but also tender and vulnerable at the same time, subservient to their whims and bunny soft. Women want someone to lean on and hold on to, to look up to and collapse beside, but someone who knew his reduced place in the postfeminist world nonetheless.
It's quite interesting that the book concluded
Women wanted men to be in control, baroguely big and strong both in spirit and in body, but also tender and vulnerable at the same time, subservient to their whims and bunny soft. Women want someone to lean on and hold on to, to look up to and collapse beside, but someone who knew his reduced place in the postfeminist world nonetheless.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Something about Travel
"there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." -Mark Twain
I can't agree more.
I can't agree more.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Freedom
This is one of my favor poems. At 14, when I first read this poem, it was translated into Chinese by 林觉明.
生命诚可贵，
爱情价更高，
若为自由故，
两者皆可抛。
Later on, I found out it was a poem from Sándor Petőfi.
Liberty, love!
These two I need.
For my love I will sacrifice life,
for liberty I will sacrifice my love.
I totally agreed with the poet. Freedom was the most important thing. Sadly, recently I has begun to think that it wouldn't be too bad to give up freedom for love......
生命诚可贵，
爱情价更高，
若为自由故，
两者皆可抛。
Later on, I found out it was a poem from Sándor Petőfi.
Liberty, love!
These two I need.
For my love I will sacrifice life,
for liberty I will sacrifice my love.
I totally agreed with the poet. Freedom was the most important thing. Sadly, recently I has begun to think that it wouldn't be too bad to give up freedom for love......
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Fremont Summer Solstice Parade
Fremont summer solstice parade is to celebrate the beginning of summer in Seattle. Saturdady I finally went to watch the parade first time since I came to Seattle. A great fun! Enjoy the pictures I took during the parade!^_^.
Fremont Summer Solstice Parade
Naked bicyclists are one of the highlights of the parade. This year there were 200 naked bicyclists!
Monday, June 12, 2006
I'll be broke
The airline tickets are sooooooo expensive! I think I'll be broke very soon...... Maybe I should marry a pilot?
Friday, June 09, 2006
Napping in the Bookstore
I went to the University bookstore near campus this afternoon. I bought two books, a Moleskines schedule book, and a blank journal notebook. Then I went to the cafe of the bookstore and started reading one of my books. I felt asleep only after several pages! When I opened my eyes, I saw a very good looking guy! A nice nap.^_^. ^_^.
Dehydrate
I can't believe I was dehydrated this morning.
When I woke up this morning around 8am, I felt very dizzy. I thought I was sick, got a cold or something. I went back to sleep again. By around 11am, I finally could get myself out of the bed. When I was eating my brunch, I saw one of my housemates. After I told her what happened to me, she told me I was dehydrated, because of the heat, as another of our housemates turned the heater on to 85 degree last night......
When I woke up this morning around 8am, I felt very dizzy. I thought I was sick, got a cold or something. I went back to sleep again. By around 11am, I finally could get myself out of the bed. When I was eating my brunch, I saw one of my housemates. After I told her what happened to me, she told me I was dehydrated, because of the heat, as another of our housemates turned the heater on to 85 degree last night......
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Bastards
"Men are liars. They are bastards." A guy friend of mine told me this.
I still remember when I first time met him, he told people his stories about he and his girlfriends. I said to him "You're a bastard", after he finished. He didn't get angry. Instead, he corrected my English pronunciation of "bastard", and added "Men are liars. They are bastards."
I still remember when I first time met him, he told people his stories about he and his girlfriends. I said to him "You're a bastard", after he finished. He didn't get angry. Instead, he corrected my English pronunciation of "bastard", and added "Men are liars. They are bastards."
About Chick magnet
When my first time heard of "chick magnet", it was when a housemate of mine described her brother. Today I just read an article on "How to Become a Guy Magnet." No, no, no, I don't dream or think of being a guy magnet. Yes, yes, yes, I'm looking for advise on relationships and dating. Sure, sure, sure, I'm seeking suggestions how to find out whether a guy is interested.
Why things can't be straightforward. I have asked two of my girl friends' opinions. Yet, both suggested me to hold back and wait for the guy to act. At the same time, I should be within "reachable distance". Is it that bad to say something straightforward? Or men like to have teases and want to have control?
Why things can't be straightforward. I have asked two of my girl friends' opinions. Yet, both suggested me to hold back and wait for the guy to act. At the same time, I should be within "reachable distance". Is it that bad to say something straightforward? Or men like to have teases and want to have control?
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Windermere Cup--Rowing
This morning I watched the Windermere Cup, a rowing race at the UW. The elite field includes Russia, Michigan, Central Florida and UW.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
I can't become a Christian
I don't know if I'm an agnostic or an atheist.
A couple weeks ago, I was approached by two Mormon missionaries. They wanted to teach me about "God". They wanted me to believe "God". As a good research student, I wanted to have evidence. However, they felled to provide any. All the time, they said "There is God", "He is like a Father", "He will be always there"...... It was very disappointing.
One of the missionaries also told me that when he needs comfort, or help, he would ask "God", just like asking comfort or help from "father". It seemed like "God" is for comforting. Why not looking for comforting from family and friends? Are they not good enough? A Chinese writer Yutang Lin once said Christianity won't be widely accepted in China because Chinese believe that people are capable to communicate and a third partner is not needed.
A couple weeks ago, I was approached by two Mormon missionaries. They wanted to teach me about "God". They wanted me to believe "God". As a good research student, I wanted to have evidence. However, they felled to provide any. All the time, they said "There is God", "He is like a Father", "He will be always there"...... It was very disappointing.
One of the missionaries also told me that when he needs comfort, or help, he would ask "God", just like asking comfort or help from "father". It seemed like "God" is for comforting. Why not looking for comforting from family and friends? Are they not good enough? A Chinese writer Yutang Lin once said Christianity won't be widely accepted in China because Chinese believe that people are capable to communicate and a third partner is not needed.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Random Thoughts about "中庸"--The Doctrine of Mean
"喜怒哀乐之未发，谓之中；
发而皆中节，谓之和；
中也者，天下之大本也；
和也者，天下之达道也。
致中和，天地位焉，万物育焉。"
When joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure have not yet arisen, it is called zhong (equilibrium, centrality, mean).
When they arise to their appropriate levels, it is called "harmony."
Zhong is the great root of all-under-heaven.
"Harmony" is the penetration of the Dao through all-under-heaven.
When the mean and harmony are actualized, Heaven and Earth are in their proper positions, and the myriad things are nourished.
(http://www.hm.tyg.jp/~acmuller/contao/docofmean.htm)
I was reading my text book last night. Man needs self-efficacy. and at the same time, he can't leave social network and social supports. 中庸"The Doctrine of Mean" jamped into my mind.
Human can only comprehend certain frequents of waves, which are in the middle of all frequents of waves.
Human likes certain weather, not too hot, nor too cold; not too dry, nor too wet.
Human likes certain body shapes, not too fat, nor too thin.
......
It seems like "the Doctrine of Mean" holds certain levels of truth.
.^_^. .^_^. .^_^. .^_^.
发而皆中节，谓之和；
中也者，天下之大本也；
和也者，天下之达道也。
致中和，天地位焉，万物育焉。"
When joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure have not yet arisen, it is called zhong (equilibrium, centrality, mean).
When they arise to their appropriate levels, it is called "harmony."
Zhong is the great root of all-under-heaven.
"Harmony" is the penetration of the Dao through all-under-heaven.
When the mean and harmony are actualized, Heaven and Earth are in their proper positions, and the myriad things are nourished.
(http://www.hm.tyg.jp/~acmuller/contao/docofmean.htm)
I was reading my text book last night. Man needs self-efficacy. and at the same time, he can't leave social network and social supports. 中庸"The Doctrine of Mean" jamped into my mind.
Human can only comprehend certain frequents of waves, which are in the middle of all frequents of waves.
Human likes certain weather, not too hot, nor too cold; not too dry, nor too wet.
Human likes certain body shapes, not too fat, nor too thin.
......
It seems like "the Doctrine of Mean" holds certain levels of truth.
.^_^. .^_^. .^_^. .^_^.
Maya Lin
I watched a documentary of Maya Lin couple years ago. Her art works are showing at the Henry Art Gallery. I also went to her lecture last Thursday. It was a pity I couldn't see her in person, as the tickets were sold out. I had to watch live video.
I felt like I was like a person who had a very tasty egg, wanted to see the hen who laid the egg.
I felt like I was like a person who had a very tasty egg, wanted to see the hen who laid the egg.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Doing interview is hard!!!!
I have to do an interview for my homework this week. It was very hard. I felt like an idiot to ask people on campus for interview.
Lucky, I did find two people to interview, however, I couldn't keep them talking for 40 minutes as it was required for my assignment.......
Now I know I can't be a reporter.
Lucky, I did find two people to interview, however, I couldn't keep them talking for 40 minutes as it was required for my assignment.......
Now I know I can't be a reporter.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Apple ibook
I can't believe I did it! I bought a ibook yesterday.
I was so excited to check out figures in the computer.
I was so excited to check out figures in the computer.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Ski
As I told many of you that I started to like ski, this winter season I invested on downhill ski gear. I have used it for three times already. One of my most exciting progress is that I got to the blue runs.
Last Sunday, Amenda and I went to Stevens Pass for downhill ski again. Even it was snowing and rainning. we had fun. Until 3pm in the afternoon, I came to the lower section of a blue route. It was quite a flat area, yet my speed was pretty fast. When I tended to slow down by making a turn, I created a "2-point yard sale". I fell on the snow, with my left ski at least two yards away from me. Amenda who was just in front of me saw me fall. She immediant asked me if I was all right. For a second, I couldn't move. I said to her: "No." I kept laying on the snow. Then I saw two ski patrols come to me. They first checked if I was conscious, then asked me how I fell. They also requested first aid staff. When we were waiting for the first aid staff, Amenda and the two ski patrols kept making sure other parts of my body were all right.
I didn't exactly know how I was taken down the hill. When the first aid staff came, they first put me into some flat equitment used deliverying injuried persons on the snow. I guess it was some sort of slide. They said I was wrapped like a taco. My ski and poles were also wrapped with the flat equitment. The first aid staff then quickly took me down to the first aid room.
I was all right, except that my left ankle was twisted a little bit. I have to rest for one or two weeks before I can do any sports again. Ski season will end within a week. It meant to be my last ski of this season.
Last Sunday, Amenda and I went to Stevens Pass for downhill ski again. Even it was snowing and rainning. we had fun. Until 3pm in the afternoon, I came to the lower section of a blue route. It was quite a flat area, yet my speed was pretty fast. When I tended to slow down by making a turn, I created a "2-point yard sale". I fell on the snow, with my left ski at least two yards away from me. Amenda who was just in front of me saw me fall. She immediant asked me if I was all right. For a second, I couldn't move. I said to her: "No." I kept laying on the snow. Then I saw two ski patrols come to me. They first checked if I was conscious, then asked me how I fell. They also requested first aid staff. When we were waiting for the first aid staff, Amenda and the two ski patrols kept making sure other parts of my body were all right.
I didn't exactly know how I was taken down the hill. When the first aid staff came, they first put me into some flat equitment used deliverying injuried persons on the snow. I guess it was some sort of slide. They said I was wrapped like a taco. My ski and poles were also wrapped with the flat equitment. The first aid staff then quickly took me down to the first aid room.
I was all right, except that my left ankle was twisted a little bit. I have to rest for one or two weeks before I can do any sports again. Ski season will end within a week. It meant to be my last ski of this season.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
The Seattle Idiotarod
On March 18th, some of my friends and I took part in the first Seattle Idiotarod. Our team was called "Village Idiots". It was fun. Yet I was exhausted after 4 miles racing. At the end, we were chosen as the best costume.
More pictures @
http://www.randyjames.net/Idiotarod/index.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithandvictoria/sets/72057594087321346/
http://flickr.com/photos/razi/115016604/in/set-72057594084525684/
http://flickr.com/photos/mcburce/sets/72057594085139060/
http://students.washington.edu/dennyt/bike/point83/20060318_Idiotarod2/
http://students.washington.edu/dennyt/bike/point83/20060318_Idiotarod1/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gr8noise/sets/72057594085781953/
More pictures @
http://www.randyjames.net/Idiotarod/index.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos
http://flickr.com/photos/razi
http://flickr.com/photos
http://students.washington.edu
http://students.washington.edu
http://www.flickr.com/photos
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Ski boots
Finally, I found a pair of ski boots that fit me today!
My feet are so small that REI doesn't carry my size. My friend Amenda had to take me to the ski stores in Belluvue. I got lucky the store does carry my size and they are on sale, 50% off!
Right now, I got my ski and ski boots. I just need to bind them together. Then I'm ready to ski.
I plan to do downhill ski on 26th of this month with my own gears! I'm very excited about it.
My feet are so small that REI doesn't carry my size. My friend Amenda had to take me to the ski stores in Belluvue. I got lucky the store does carry my size and they are on sale, 50% off!
Right now, I got my ski and ski boots. I just need to bind them together. Then I'm ready to ski.
I plan to do downhill ski on 26th of this month with my own gears! I'm very excited about it.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
I bought a pair of ski......
I bought a pair of ski at REI today$$!!
I can't go to ski with my own gears yet. I still need to find a pair of ski boots.
I'm doing such a big investment$$$$$
. I think I might need to buy a season ski ticket next winter.
I can't go to ski with my own gears yet. I still need to find a pair of ski boots.I'm doing such a big investment$$$$$
. I think I might need to buy a season ski ticket next winter.
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