Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Poem
Love's Secret
by William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh.
爱的秘密
威廉.布莱克
Translated by Maylord
永远不要向你心爱的人坦明，
能坦明的不是爱情；
看那轻风走动
无声、无形。
我向心爱的人坦明，坦明，
倒出心里的所有，
手脚颤抖、发冷，骇人得惊恐。
哎，她竟抽身而走。
她从我这儿走后不久，
过来一个路人，
无声、无形；
一声叹息，他携她而走。
by William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh.
爱的秘密
威廉.布莱克
Translated by Maylord
永远不要向你心爱的人坦明，
能坦明的不是爱情；
看那轻风走动
无声、无形。
我向心爱的人坦明，坦明，
倒出心里的所有，
手脚颤抖、发冷，骇人得惊恐。
哎，她竟抽身而走。
她从我这儿走后不久，
过来一个路人，
无声、无形；
一声叹息，他携她而走。
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
It was 36 degree Celsius
It was 36 degree Celsius today! It felt like summer! Usually, the summer of Seattle is just warm. I rarely feel hot. Most of the time, I would bring a light jacket with me. However, I even sweat today! I did enjoy the weather today.^_^.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Am I getting old?
I have back pain! I couldn't stand still on Thursday! I have to take pain killer pills!
I got the back pain from playing tennis for an hour on Thursday morning. Am I getting old?
I got the back pain from playing tennis for an hour on Thursday morning. Am I getting old?
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Furniture
I have always lived in furnished house. I am not keen on owning furniture. To me, furniture is associated with home. Home is where loved ones are. Even though I have lived in Seattle for 6 years, I refer Seattle as "school". "Home" is always where my parents live. When I talk to my parents on the phone, I'd tell them when I would go home and if I have got back to school from my travels.
However, I have accumulated furniture. Last year, I bought a bookcase and a study chair. I got a floor lamp from a friend. This year, I bought another bookcase and a file cabinet. I also got a desk from another friend. Today, another friend who is leaving Seattle soon has some furniture to sell. I might get a dresser and another floor lamp from her.......
Is Seattle going to become my home?
However, I have accumulated furniture. Last year, I bought a bookcase and a study chair. I got a floor lamp from a friend. This year, I bought another bookcase and a file cabinet. I also got a desk from another friend. Today, another friend who is leaving Seattle soon has some furniture to sell. I might get a dresser and another floor lamp from her.......
Is Seattle going to become my home?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Traveler's dream
I really envy this guy who gets pay to travel around the world.
You know what I mean when you watch his videos.
You know what I mean when you watch his videos.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Another friend in China told me that he couldn't log onto my blog
When I started blogging, I told my parents about it. They logged onto my blog almost every day.
I sent the link to my friends in China. Some of them checked it out. Some of them said they couldn't log onto my blog.
In March, my parents told me that they couldn't log onto my blog any more. Today, another friend told me that he couldn't log onto my blog.
I think I might have to get a blog from a Chinese company if I want my friends and family in China to read my blog. However, I'm reluctant to do that, as you might know how things would go when you have to manage the same thing at two places.
I got frustrated when I finally got a blog account from a Chinese website. The posts need to be screened before posting.
I sent the link to my friends in China. Some of them checked it out. Some of them said they couldn't log onto my blog.
In March, my parents told me that they couldn't log onto my blog any more. Today, another friend told me that he couldn't log onto my blog.
I think I might have to get a blog from a Chinese company if I want my friends and family in China to read my blog. However, I'm reluctant to do that, as you might know how things would go when you have to manage the same thing at two places.
I got frustrated when I finally got a blog account from a Chinese website. The posts need to be screened before posting.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Seattle International Film Festival
I don't remember when I started going to SIFF. It might be several years ago. This year I bought six movie tickets.
Gagarin's Grandson--Russia
A talented artist learns that he has a long lost brother living in an orphanage. To his further surprise, not only is he black, he also claims to be the grandson of the famed astronaut Yuri Gagarin. A film about family, friendships and the end of preconceived notions, filled with wise charm and true Russian soul.
It is an interesting story. I liked the movie.
Children of the War--USA
This powerful documentary explores the roles of social causes and government agencies in the rise of the Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) in the US and Central America. Estimated to have more than 100,000 members, it has the distinction of being the largest and most violent street gang in the world.
The movie was quite depressing.
Bad Faith--France
A Guess Who's Coming for Dinner? for the 21st century. This is a romantic comedy about faith, love and the difficulties combining the two. When Jewish Clara discovers that she is pregnant with her Muslim boyfriend’s baby, they realize that they are going to have do the unthinkable: meet each other’s families.
It was an entertaining movie with a happy ending.
The Planet--Sweden
This highly ambitious Scandinavian production draws on some of the poetic, observational strategies of Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi, allowing us to reflect on patterns and phenomena of human and natural existence from both intimate and sweeping viewpoints. The truths of The Planet, if frankly confronted, will move viewers viscerally and pragmatically to new levels of understanding and action.
One of scholars interviewed in the movie said that the problem of environmental protection is the developed countries. The out-sourced factories with heavy pollutants and low technology went to the developing countries. E-wastes have been shipped to the developing countries. People, then, complaint that environment is getting worse because the developing countries didn't clean up their environment?!
Confession of Pain--Hong Kong
Detectives Bong and Hei were once partners, until a tragedy turned Bong into an alcoholic private eye. When Hei's father-in-law is murdered, Bong's aid is enlisted into an investigation that grows increasingly treacherous. A twisty, thoughtful crime story from the directors of the Infernal Affairs trilogy. A remake is already in the works from Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company.
I enjoyed watching this movie. It is better than "The Departed", yet not as good as "The Infernal Affairs".
Getting Home--China
When his old friend Liu suddenly drops dead, Zhao has no money for a coffin to transport him home in, so he pretends Liu has passed out drunk and gets on the bus with him. A series of gently comic misadventures dogs their homeward odyssey.
I like this movie a lot. It not only travels through different parts of China, but also shows some characteristics of Chinese people. It's a movie worth watching. A similar book from the perspective of American, "China Road", might be worth reading as well.
Gagarin's Grandson--Russia
A talented artist learns that he has a long lost brother living in an orphanage. To his further surprise, not only is he black, he also claims to be the grandson of the famed astronaut Yuri Gagarin. A film about family, friendships and the end of preconceived notions, filled with wise charm and true Russian soul.
It is an interesting story. I liked the movie.
Children of the War--USA
This powerful documentary explores the roles of social causes and government agencies in the rise of the Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) in the US and Central America. Estimated to have more than 100,000 members, it has the distinction of being the largest and most violent street gang in the world.
The movie was quite depressing.
Bad Faith--France
A Guess Who's Coming for Dinner? for the 21st century. This is a romantic comedy about faith, love and the difficulties combining the two. When Jewish Clara discovers that she is pregnant with her Muslim boyfriend’s baby, they realize that they are going to have do the unthinkable: meet each other’s families.
It was an entertaining movie with a happy ending.
The Planet--Sweden
This highly ambitious Scandinavian production draws on some of the poetic, observational strategies of Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi, allowing us to reflect on patterns and phenomena of human and natural existence from both intimate and sweeping viewpoints. The truths of The Planet, if frankly confronted, will move viewers viscerally and pragmatically to new levels of understanding and action.
One of scholars interviewed in the movie said that the problem of environmental protection is the developed countries. The out-sourced factories with heavy pollutants and low technology went to the developing countries. E-wastes have been shipped to the developing countries. People, then, complaint that environment is getting worse because the developing countries didn't clean up their environment?!
Confession of Pain--Hong Kong
Detectives Bong and Hei were once partners, until a tragedy turned Bong into an alcoholic private eye. When Hei's father-in-law is murdered, Bong's aid is enlisted into an investigation that grows increasingly treacherous. A twisty, thoughtful crime story from the directors of the Infernal Affairs trilogy. A remake is already in the works from Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company.
I enjoyed watching this movie. It is better than "The Departed", yet not as good as "The Infernal Affairs".
Getting Home--China
When his old friend Liu suddenly drops dead, Zhao has no money for a coffin to transport him home in, so he pretends Liu has passed out drunk and gets on the bus with him. A series of gently comic misadventures dogs their homeward odyssey.
I like this movie a lot. It not only travels through different parts of China, but also shows some characteristics of Chinese people. It's a movie worth watching. A similar book from the perspective of American, "China Road", might be worth reading as well.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Movies and Media
About the Movie
I saw the movie "Black Book" tonight. I like the movie a lot. However, my friend who saw the movie with me has a very different idea of the movie. The critics have divided reviews of the movie, and it is not surprising my friend and I are divided on the movie as well.
About the Media
When I was searching for the reviews of the movie, the Google provided the American websites on the top of the search results. It sounds "VERY" logical that Americans are more likely to read American websites. Google and search engines always show the websites from the user's nation at the top in the result.
I saw the movie "Black Book" tonight. I like the movie a lot. However, my friend who saw the movie with me has a very different idea of the movie. The critics have divided reviews of the movie, and it is not surprising my friend and I are divided on the movie as well.
About the Media
When I was searching for the reviews of the movie, the Google provided the American websites on the top of the search results. It sounds "VERY" logical that Americans are more likely to read American websites. Google and search engines always show the websites from the user's nation at the top in the result.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Quit Mountaineering Class
I quited the mountaineering class last weekend. It was a hard decision. I haven't made any progress on my school work since this quarter. I wish I could manage my time better to do both: school and mountaineering.
I'll take the class again. I have invested so much on my gear. I can't waste them. I can't give up the beautiful mountains either.
I'll take the class again. I have invested so much on my gear. I can't waste them. I can't give up the beautiful mountains either.
File Cabinet
I got a file cabinet from a schoolmate today. I'm quite excited. Finally, I can organize my papers and academic journal articles better.
One of lab-mates said you like file cabinets when you are older. You need to do archiving when you get older.
One of lab-mates said you like file cabinets when you are older. You need to do archiving when you get older.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Snow Camping
Last weekend, I went snow camping in Olympic National Park with my mountaineering group "Glacial Monkeys".
We hiked 7 miles to the campground. Each of us had 35-50 pls in the backpack. It was raining, snowing all the time. We were completed wet, inside and out. The next day, when we woke up, our tents were covered with snow. By the time we got back to the parking lot and took off our backpacks, we have never felt better.^_^.
(Courtesy of Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys)
We hiked 7 miles to the campground. Each of us had 35-50 pls in the backpack. It was raining, snowing all the time. We were completed wet, inside and out. The next day, when we woke up, our tents were covered with snow. By the time we got back to the parking lot and took off our backpacks, we have never felt better.^_^.
(Courtesy of Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Mountaineering Expense
hard shell rain jacket $216.44
hiking boots $329.45
climbing gear $206.52
sleeping bag $266.92
mountaineering class $300.00
Total $1,319.33
(lookout from Mt. Erie)
(eagle at Mt. Erie)
(Big Chief)
(Ice Axe rescue at Big Chief)
All pictures are provided by Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys.
hiking boots $329.45
climbing gear $206.52
sleeping bag $266.92
mountaineering class $300.00
Total $1,319.33
(lookout from Mt. Erie)
(eagle at Mt. Erie)
(Big Chief)
(Ice Axe rescue at Big Chief)
All pictures are provided by Jeff--one of Glacial monkeys.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
It was February 10th that I helped her moved to the new place.
This morning, I went to her place again to move her things out.
In February, she hired a mover. We used two vehicles and took us three rounds to finish.
This morning, it only needed one U-haul to move everything. Her sister, her boss, and all her close friends came. However, she is not there......
This morning, I went to her place again to move her things out.
In February, she hired a mover. We used two vehicles and took us three rounds to finish.
This morning, it only needed one U-haul to move everything. Her sister, her boss, and all her close friends came. However, she is not there......
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Rebecca
You were beautiful.
You were slim.
You were a bit shy.
It was three and half years ago I first met you. I just joined Urban Form Lab. You were working in the same office but at Real Estate Research Center. Luc introduced us to each other. You were beautiful with a very sweet smile. At the same time, you were a little bit shy. I knew right away that I would have good time sharing office with you.
We went brunch, lunch, dinner together.
We went clubbing together.
We went drinking together.
We went to see movies together.
We went shopping together.
We went oystering together.
We went on trip together.
We had done a lot of fun things together. We became good friends. I also got to know you better.
You were determined.
You were sometimes nervous.
You were caring.
You were very considerate for others.
You were generous for friends.
You were also generous for strangers, not only because you were a good tipper.
You were the only one who was brave enough to drive with me and believed in my driving.
The last time we did things together was two weeks ago. We ran stairs. I want to climb Mt. Rainier this summer. You joined me for running stairs. However, I was out of breath only after a few minutes. You were walking at head of me, often stopped and waited for me. I started to doubt that if I really should plan to climb Mt. Rainier. Maybe you should do that.
You were slim.
You were a bit shy.
It was three and half years ago I first met you. I just joined Urban Form Lab. You were working in the same office but at Real Estate Research Center. Luc introduced us to each other. You were beautiful with a very sweet smile. At the same time, you were a little bit shy. I knew right away that I would have good time sharing office with you.
We went brunch, lunch, dinner together.
We went clubbing together.
We went drinking together.
We went to see movies together.
We went shopping together.
We went oystering together.
We went on trip together.
We had done a lot of fun things together. We became good friends. I also got to know you better.
You were determined.
You were sometimes nervous.
You were caring.
You were very considerate for others.
You were generous for friends.
You were also generous for strangers, not only because you were a good tipper.
You were the only one who was brave enough to drive with me and believed in my driving.
The last time we did things together was two weeks ago. We ran stairs. I want to climb Mt. Rainier this summer. You joined me for running stairs. However, I was out of breath only after a few minutes. You were walking at head of me, often stopped and waited for me. I started to doubt that if I really should plan to climb Mt. Rainier. Maybe you should do that.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Accents
I just read an article on British accents from BBC News. If I read this article five years ago, I wouldn't appreciate it. Surprisingly, how much I enjoy it now.
If you have read my blog, you might remember that I was asked if I was from China first time I talked to my former landlady on the phone for two minutes. Then I heard people said Americans love accents, more accurately European accents. I thought that was very strange. A few years later, I watched the movie "Love Actually", and found the story about a young British fellow who couldn't attract women in UK became very popular in the US because of his British accent very funny. I thought it could only happen in movies. How could it possible American women be attracted to men just because of their accents? I realized I was wrong very soon. One of my American girl friends told me that she liked this guy from Europe and he had a very cute accent!
Ironically, I started to notice accents last year. I have to admit it is pleasant to listen to BBC. However, I do find it more difficult to understand.
If you have read my blog, you might remember that I was asked if I was from China first time I talked to my former landlady on the phone for two minutes. Then I heard people said Americans love accents, more accurately European accents. I thought that was very strange. A few years later, I watched the movie "Love Actually", and found the story about a young British fellow who couldn't attract women in UK became very popular in the US because of his British accent very funny. I thought it could only happen in movies. How could it possible American women be attracted to men just because of their accents? I realized I was wrong very soon. One of my American girl friends told me that she liked this guy from Europe and he had a very cute accent!
Ironically, I started to notice accents last year. I have to admit it is pleasant to listen to BBC. However, I do find it more difficult to understand.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Catch up with the trends in China
Team shopping has been popular in China recently. It seems like there are quite a lot of new things coming out each year in China. Every time I visited my parents in China, I felt like I was "刘姥姥进大观园"--everything was new to me.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I have used "Google" a lot, from Email, blog, calender, photo, maps, search,.... I added one more thing yesterday called "Google Reader". I have to say I like it.
There are only a few other things I use on the Internet not "Google" related, including music (I use Pandora), school email (I still keep my school email), and messenger (I have a MSN account). I can't image the life without "Google" functioning.
I'm not sure if the rule of investment (diversifying investment) should be applied here. For now I'll just "consolidate" for the sake of convenience.
There are only a few other things I use on the Internet not "Google" related, including music (I use Pandora), school email (I still keep my school email), and messenger (I have a MSN account). I can't image the life without "Google" functioning.
I'm not sure if the rule of investment (diversifying investment) should be applied here. For now I'll just "consolidate" for the sake of convenience.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Relationship between Student Government & Government
I wish I remember the name of the program from NPR last November just right before the general election. It reported a student election in a high school in the US. Student candidates were campaigning for the election by doing fund raising, posting ads,... Everything was just like what the candidates of the senators and the congressmen were doing for their elections. At the end, student candidates with highest campaign money won. Those student candidates who had brilliant ideas and presented majority student interests did not get elected due to lacking of rich friends who were willing to denote money for their campaigns. Their ideas and agenda could not reach out to majority of the students. Surprisingly, this was similar to the results of all the president, senator, and congressman elections in the US.
Isn't it wonderful? We can see the US political system in the student government in the school. However, I didn't think about looking at the Chinese political system in the Chinese student government in the school until recently. I was chatting with my PhD adviser about the school syllabus in the US and China. Some public schools in the states cancel PE class due to lack of funding. I said my high school also canceled PE class for all seniors, however, my schoolmates protested and we got PE class back. Among all the schoolmates who were protesting, none of them were "student leaders" (I mean student president, anyone from the student government). Why they didn't say anything? I realized that those "student leaders" were appointed by the school or the teachers. Appointed by the school or the teachers meant working for the school or the teacher. Thus, it shouldn't be surprising to see that none of "student leaders" take part in the protest.
The different processes of forming government might be one of reasons that representatives in the US "aim" for the public, while their counterparts in China "aim" for the government--the Chinese government is cleverly defined for the public "people's government".
Isn't it wonderful? We can see the US political system in the student government in the school. However, I didn't think about looking at the Chinese political system in the Chinese student government in the school until recently. I was chatting with my PhD adviser about the school syllabus in the US and China. Some public schools in the states cancel PE class due to lack of funding. I said my high school also canceled PE class for all seniors, however, my schoolmates protested and we got PE class back. Among all the schoolmates who were protesting, none of them were "student leaders" (I mean student president, anyone from the student government). Why they didn't say anything? I realized that those "student leaders" were appointed by the school or the teachers. Appointed by the school or the teachers meant working for the school or the teacher. Thus, it shouldn't be surprising to see that none of "student leaders" take part in the protest.
The different processes of forming government might be one of reasons that representatives in the US "aim" for the public, while their counterparts in China "aim" for the government--the Chinese government is cleverly defined for the public "people's government".
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Mountaineering
I plan to climb to the top of Mt. Rainier (Elevation gain 3,200 m/10,500 ft) this summer. I signed up a 11-week mountaineering training course and went to the orientation last night. I should come out a training/exercise plan soon.
Following is my hiking resume
2004 Mt.St.Helens (Elevation gain 1 700 m/5,600 ft)
2005, 2006 Mt. Dickerman (Elevation gain 1,200 m/3,900 ft)
Following is my hiking resume
2004 Mt.St.Helens (Elevation gain 1 700 m/5,600 ft)
2005, 2006 Mt. Dickerman (Elevation gain 1,200 m/3,900 ft)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's day
I don't remember when I found him. It might have been a few years. I only remember I found him in a store. He has the characteristics I like. I checked him out. I fell for him. Then he became my "the one and only". He is great. When I need him, he always gives me comfort and satisfaction. He is so sweet.
However, last week, I couldn't find him. I have tried three times! Maybe I should try new things. I did, however, I didn't have the same comfort or satisfaction he gave to me. Yesterday, I went to find him again. He was there. I was soooooo thrill!
That was the story of my "Vanana" yogurt. Last week for three days I went to Trader Joe's, they went out the "Vanana" yogurt each time I went. Yesterday afternoon, I went to the store again, and they have it. I was sooo glad. It is Valentine's day today. I think my story today should be romantic.^_^.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
However, last week, I couldn't find him. I have tried three times! Maybe I should try new things. I did, however, I didn't have the same comfort or satisfaction he gave to me. Yesterday, I went to find him again. He was there. I was soooooo thrill!
That was the story of my "Vanana" yogurt. Last week for three days I went to Trader Joe's, they went out the "Vanana" yogurt each time I went. Yesterday afternoon, I went to the store again, and they have it. I was sooo glad. It is Valentine's day today. I think my story today should be romantic.^_^.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Wedding
Saturday, I attended a gay wedding. The wedding was for two men, and it was very lovely.
The grooms are good friends of one of my housemates. Even though I don't know the grooms very well, I got invited to the wedding, as the wedding was held at the house where I live. I had only been to wedding once before. I was looking forward to the wedding.
The house was decorated nicely. The catered food was quite delicious. The highlight of the wedding was when grooms exchanging their vows. I could hear the moving and happy weepings from different corners of the room. Their love touched everyone in the house.
I have to mention two other things. First, both of grooms' ex-boyfriends were invited and attended their wedding. They were all happy to see the couples being happy together. Second, the wedding cake that my housemate's brother made was very delicious.
The grooms are good friends of one of my housemates. Even though I don't know the grooms very well, I got invited to the wedding, as the wedding was held at the house where I live. I had only been to wedding once before. I was looking forward to the wedding.
The house was decorated nicely. The catered food was quite delicious. The highlight of the wedding was when grooms exchanging their vows. I could hear the moving and happy weepings from different corners of the room. Their love touched everyone in the house.
I have to mention two other things. First, both of grooms' ex-boyfriends were invited and attended their wedding. They were all happy to see the couples being happy together. Second, the wedding cake that my housemate's brother made was very delicious.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
孟子 (Mencius)
"故天将降大任于是人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为，所以动心忍性，曾益其所不能。"－－《孟子·告子下》
"Thus, when Heaven is going to give a great responsibility to someone, it first makes his mind endure suffering. It makes his sinews and bones experience toil, and his body to suffer hunger. It inflicts him with poverty and knocks down everything he tries to build.
In this way Heaven stimulates his mind, stabilizes his temper and develops his weak points. People will always err, but it is only after making mistakes that they can correct themselves. Only when you have been mentally constricted can you become creative."--Mencius (Translation is taken from a website of a Japanese college)
This is great about the Internet. If anything comes to my mind, I can look it up in Google and find something related to it. If I find something in Chinese, I can also find its translated versions.
Now, I remember why I cited Mencius. I think Chinese have emphasized or appreciated too much that suffering is to lead to success. Enjoyment has been negate.
"Thus, when Heaven is going to give a great responsibility to someone, it first makes his mind endure suffering. It makes his sinews and bones experience toil, and his body to suffer hunger. It inflicts him with poverty and knocks down everything he tries to build.
In this way Heaven stimulates his mind, stabilizes his temper and develops his weak points. People will always err, but it is only after making mistakes that they can correct themselves. Only when you have been mentally constricted can you become creative."--Mencius (Translation is taken from a website of a Japanese college)
This is great about the Internet. If anything comes to my mind, I can look it up in Google and find something related to it. If I find something in Chinese, I can also find its translated versions.
Now, I remember why I cited Mencius. I think Chinese have emphasized or appreciated too much that suffering is to lead to success. Enjoyment has been negate.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Driving
I finally officially started driving in January 2007, even though I passed US driving exam and got my driver's license in 2004.
When I finished the second driving exam, the driving examiner said:"I can't believe you passed the exam!" That was how I got my driver's license.
In 2005, after one year I had my license, first time I got a chance to drive on the road. A friend of mine and I rent a car and planned to go to Grand Canyon from Los Verges. My friend let me drive for an hour or so, and he said to me:" Lin put off of the freeway. I'll drive for the rest of the trip." So I did, as I have never seen him being so serious.
Due to my glamours driving history, none of my friends were willing to let me drive their cars. Last December, I joined the flexcar program for the purpose of driving practice. The program covers cost of gas, comprehensive driving insurance, and automobiles. That means I can officially drive now. The first trip was to warm up. My friend, Rebecca, was brave enough to sit in the car with me to give me instructions. Rebecca thought I was a careful driver but I need to speed up a little bit. My second trip was tonight to a Korean restaurant in Lynnwood, locating about 20 miles north of Seattle. I did all right to the restaurant, except that I missed one traffic light on highway 99.
So people, relax! I won't get onto the freeway until July of this year.
Make the force with me.
When I finished the second driving exam, the driving examiner said:"I can't believe you passed the exam!" That was how I got my driver's license.
In 2005, after one year I had my license, first time I got a chance to drive on the road. A friend of mine and I rent a car and planned to go to Grand Canyon from Los Verges. My friend let me drive for an hour or so, and he said to me:" Lin put off of the freeway. I'll drive for the rest of the trip." So I did, as I have never seen him being so serious.
Due to my glamours driving history, none of my friends were willing to let me drive their cars. Last December, I joined the flexcar program for the purpose of driving practice. The program covers cost of gas, comprehensive driving insurance, and automobiles. That means I can officially drive now. The first trip was to warm up. My friend, Rebecca, was brave enough to sit in the car with me to give me instructions. Rebecca thought I was a careful driver but I need to speed up a little bit. My second trip was tonight to a Korean restaurant in Lynnwood, locating about 20 miles north of Seattle. I did all right to the restaurant, except that I missed one traffic light on highway 99.
So people, relax! I won't get onto the freeway until July of this year.
Make the force with me.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ski season started
I went skiing first time of this season. The weather was nice: sunny and cold. The snow was abundant. With three-day weekend, Stevens Pass attracted numerous skiers and snowboarders.
Last ski season, I just started doing the blue trails. I hope I can run the blue trails smoothly by the end of this season.
Last ski season, I just started doing the blue trails. I hope I can run the blue trails smoothly by the end of this season.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Housewarming
My parents built a new house at my father’s village this year. Traditionally, a ceremony for moving in new house and a housewarming should be held on the day when my parents officially move to their new house. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. My parents decided to have a traditional ceremony and housewarming.
A traditional ceremony and housewarming is nothing simple nor easy. It took my parents a month to prepare.
First, a “lucky” day for moving in the new house should be chosen based on “Yi Jing”, an ancient Chinese semi-scientific book of “Feng Shui”. My parents consulted an experienced senior in “Lin” family and decided December 23rd, 2006 as the “lucky” day for housewarming. Another reason they chose December 23rd was that I would be in town to attend the ceremony and housewarming. According to the custom of the village, my parents should invite their relatives, friends, and colleagues to have lunch and dinner that day.
Second, my parents need to make a decision on who they have to invite, who they should invite, and who they want to invite. For the last several years, my parents were invited to a few weddings, housewarmings, etc. They kept all the invitations! Those invitations were the importation source that they based on to invite people. In addition, close relatives were ones who they have to/should/want invite. The list included 42 families!
Then, my parents had to write invitations and send them out to each family. Since housewarming is a good lucky event, red invitations should be used. My mother is quite good at calligraphy. She hand-wrote all the invitations. My father was responded to send out all the invitations. At the same time, menu needed to be decided. Chinese are in favor of event numbers, therefore, event number of dishes are preferred. My father chose eight dishes for a table with 10 people. As there were so many people would come to have meals at my parents’ house, my parents hired chefs and waiters and waitresses from a restaurant to make lunch and dinner on the day of housewarming. I was told that the restaurant would buy and prepare all the materials needed, including all vegetables, meats, tables, chairs, chopsticks, rice bowls, etc. Chefs would cook everything fresh at where housewarming was held. This is a kind of service offered in quite a lot of restaurants in Zhongshan.
Conventionally, moving to new house also should move one’s ancestors together with. Therefore, ceremony of inviting ancestors to move in needs to be done. In the village, Guan Ying, god of earth, god of heaven, god of front door-guard, and god of cook are worshiped. They also should be invited to the new house. Overall, the ceremony of moving into new house includes three parts: moving the person and family, their ancestors, and all the gods and goddesses they worship to the new house. For moving the person and family, my parents prepared the required items, such as new red water buckets, new red washbasins, new dishes, new bowls, new chopsticks, etc. Special items for moving one’s ancestor and gods and goddesses include hundreds of paper-made mountain-shape gold and sliver, paper-made new clothes, shoes, and hats. To worship the ancestors and gods and goddesses, scents need to be prepared. In addition, a whole cooked rooster, a whole cooked fish, a big chunk of pork, some tofu, etc need to be arranged. Guan Ying is said to only have vegetarian food, so special vegetarian food is prepared. As my parents didn’t have experience doing ceremony, they invited my father’s two older sisters to help. Since there were too many things to prepare, my parents couldn't have everything ready until the midnight of December 23rd.
Finally, it was the housewarming. I was waken up by my mother by 5:30am! My two aunts had started preparing for more than one hour by then! According to the experienced senior of “Lin” family, the good time to have ceremony was early morning on December 23rd, 2006.
The traditional ceremony
Six o’clock, the ceremony started. First water buckets and washbasins needed to be filled with water. Additional items such as lucky money, etc (I couldn’t remember what other items were) were added to the buckets and washbasins. Then, my dad holding a huge rice cake, my mother holding pictures of ancestors, and I holding “Guan Ying” were walking in line to the door of the new house. Scents for ancestors and Guan Ying were lighted. Worship items were presented in front of the door. Two big chains of firecrackers then were lighted. The first part of the ceremony was done: my parents officially moved to the new house. Before starting the second part: inviting one’s ancestors to move in the new house, requesting protection of god of heaven had been carried out by praying to the god of heaven. Then inviting one’s ancestor to move into the new house started. Paper-made mountain shape gold and sliver, and paper-made clothes, shoes, and hats were burned. My parents and I each prayed in front of the ancestors. Then, one of my aunts used a pair of wooden items by their landing patterns from throwing them into air to indicate whether ancestors have moved into the new house. Similar processes were done for inviting gods and goddesses. By the time the ceremony was done, it was around 8:30am.
Cooking for Housewarming
Four male chefs and about five waitresses from the restaurant came around 9 o’clock with all material in a truck. It seemed the crew knew what to do well. They didn't need to talk to each other much. Five stoves were set up just outside my parents' house in a very short time. Some crew members started washing vegetables, and meats. Two of the chefs responded for chopping and cutting. Two other chefs responded for cooking. They were so organized. Tell you the truth, I haven't seen anything like that before. By noon, a feast of ten tables were ready!
As for the people who were invited to the housewarming, I have to say that I only know half of them. Since I have only gone back home during the vacations for the last nice years, I haven't seen some of my relatives for almost ten years! It was nice to see them again. It was also interesting to meet those people who are my relatives but I haven't met before.
It was a very long day on December 23rd, 2006. At the end of the day, both my parents, my two aunts who help us, and I were very tired. We were very glad that all the guesses enjoyed the feasts including lunch and dinner, as all the dishes were finished! The chefs prepared more than enough, but the dishes were so good that people took the leftover home.
A traditional ceremony and housewarming is nothing simple nor easy. It took my parents a month to prepare.
First, a “lucky” day for moving in the new house should be chosen based on “Yi Jing”, an ancient Chinese semi-scientific book of “Feng Shui”. My parents consulted an experienced senior in “Lin” family and decided December 23rd, 2006 as the “lucky” day for housewarming. Another reason they chose December 23rd was that I would be in town to attend the ceremony and housewarming. According to the custom of the village, my parents should invite their relatives, friends, and colleagues to have lunch and dinner that day.
Second, my parents need to make a decision on who they have to invite, who they should invite, and who they want to invite. For the last several years, my parents were invited to a few weddings, housewarmings, etc. They kept all the invitations! Those invitations were the importation source that they based on to invite people. In addition, close relatives were ones who they have to/should/want invite. The list included 42 families!
Then, my parents had to write invitations and send them out to each family. Since housewarming is a good lucky event, red invitations should be used. My mother is quite good at calligraphy. She hand-wrote all the invitations. My father was responded to send out all the invitations. At the same time, menu needed to be decided. Chinese are in favor of event numbers, therefore, event number of dishes are preferred. My father chose eight dishes for a table with 10 people. As there were so many people would come to have meals at my parents’ house, my parents hired chefs and waiters and waitresses from a restaurant to make lunch and dinner on the day of housewarming. I was told that the restaurant would buy and prepare all the materials needed, including all vegetables, meats, tables, chairs, chopsticks, rice bowls, etc. Chefs would cook everything fresh at where housewarming was held. This is a kind of service offered in quite a lot of restaurants in Zhongshan.
Conventionally, moving to new house also should move one’s ancestors together with. Therefore, ceremony of inviting ancestors to move in needs to be done. In the village, Guan Ying, god of earth, god of heaven, god of front door-guard, and god of cook are worshiped. They also should be invited to the new house. Overall, the ceremony of moving into new house includes three parts: moving the person and family, their ancestors, and all the gods and goddesses they worship to the new house. For moving the person and family, my parents prepared the required items, such as new red water buckets, new red washbasins, new dishes, new bowls, new chopsticks, etc. Special items for moving one’s ancestor and gods and goddesses include hundreds of paper-made mountain-shape gold and sliver, paper-made new clothes, shoes, and hats. To worship the ancestors and gods and goddesses, scents need to be prepared. In addition, a whole cooked rooster, a whole cooked fish, a big chunk of pork, some tofu, etc need to be arranged. Guan Ying is said to only have vegetarian food, so special vegetarian food is prepared. As my parents didn’t have experience doing ceremony, they invited my father’s two older sisters to help. Since there were too many things to prepare, my parents couldn't have everything ready until the midnight of December 23rd.
Finally, it was the housewarming. I was waken up by my mother by 5:30am! My two aunts had started preparing for more than one hour by then! According to the experienced senior of “Lin” family, the good time to have ceremony was early morning on December 23rd, 2006.
The traditional ceremony
Six o’clock, the ceremony started. First water buckets and washbasins needed to be filled with water. Additional items such as lucky money, etc (I couldn’t remember what other items were) were added to the buckets and washbasins. Then, my dad holding a huge rice cake, my mother holding pictures of ancestors, and I holding “Guan Ying” were walking in line to the door of the new house. Scents for ancestors and Guan Ying were lighted. Worship items were presented in front of the door. Two big chains of firecrackers then were lighted. The first part of the ceremony was done: my parents officially moved to the new house. Before starting the second part: inviting one’s ancestors to move in the new house, requesting protection of god of heaven had been carried out by praying to the god of heaven. Then inviting one’s ancestor to move into the new house started. Paper-made mountain shape gold and sliver, and paper-made clothes, shoes, and hats were burned. My parents and I each prayed in front of the ancestors. Then, one of my aunts used a pair of wooden items by their landing patterns from throwing them into air to indicate whether ancestors have moved into the new house. Similar processes were done for inviting gods and goddesses. By the time the ceremony was done, it was around 8:30am.
Cooking for Housewarming
Four male chefs and about five waitresses from the restaurant came around 9 o’clock with all material in a truck. It seemed the crew knew what to do well. They didn't need to talk to each other much. Five stoves were set up just outside my parents' house in a very short time. Some crew members started washing vegetables, and meats. Two of the chefs responded for chopping and cutting. Two other chefs responded for cooking. They were so organized. Tell you the truth, I haven't seen anything like that before. By noon, a feast of ten tables were ready!
As for the people who were invited to the housewarming, I have to say that I only know half of them. Since I have only gone back home during the vacations for the last nice years, I haven't seen some of my relatives for almost ten years! It was nice to see them again. It was also interesting to meet those people who are my relatives but I haven't met before.
It was a very long day on December 23rd, 2006. At the end of the day, both my parents, my two aunts who help us, and I were very tired. We were very glad that all the guesses enjoyed the feasts including lunch and dinner, as all the dishes were finished! The chefs prepared more than enough, but the dishes were so good that people took the leftover home.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Canada Geese
According to a friend of mine who majors in biology that those are not Canada geese, instead, they are surf scoters.
Monday, December 04, 2006
My Country and My People
I love reading this book "My Country and My People" (Lin, Yutang. 1935. My country and my people. New York
"There is no end to the number of things it would be a pleasure to say about My Country and My People, but the only important statement first and last is that reading it has far more value than talking about it." (Charlotte Tyler)
"First giving an idea of the rhythm of Chinese history, the physical development of the Chinese, and the qualities of Chinese thought, Dr Yutang Lin then goes in more detail to the behavior of the Chinese man in society, his political system, his relation to his family and nation, his ideas about sex and the position of women, the arts of prose and verse, of writing with the brush and of painting, and the art of living itself."(Charlotte Tyler)
Like doing my own research, the more I read the more confused I feel. As a Chinese having lived in China for 22 years, I still don't know how to answer when people ask me "tell me about Chinese culture, and what Chinese people like".
"There is no end to the number of things it would be a pleasure to say about My Country and My People, but the only important statement first and last is that reading it has far more value than talking about it." (Charlotte Tyler)
"First giving an idea of the rhythm of Chinese history, the physical development of the Chinese, and the qualities of Chinese thought, Dr Yutang Lin then goes in more detail to the behavior of the Chinese man in society, his political system, his relation to his family and nation, his ideas about sex and the position of women, the arts of prose and verse, of writing with the brush and of painting, and the art of living itself."(Charlotte Tyler)
Like doing my own research, the more I read the more confused I feel. As a Chinese having lived in China for 22 years, I still don't know how to answer when people ask me "tell me about Chinese culture, and what Chinese people like".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
