2010年5月30日 星期日

Journal (5/24~5/30)

Final exam is coming soon; in order words, this semester is going to end. And I am about to become a sophomore. Reflecting on what I have learned, I think all of my courses; the most rewarding course is English Listening and Speaking. Due to this class, I need to appear on the stage to show and tell, tell a story and have a speech. I am a person having a dislike to speaking in front of group, when I do it, I am nervous. The first time, I appeared on the stage to speak, I am really nervous. It is obvious that my show was unsatisfactory. But, with the increased times to appear on the stage, I straighten out my shoulders and be more confident. Now, when speaking in front of group, I am still a little nervous. But, comparing with previous experiences, now I am really having more confident than before.

In addition, I get much benefit from English composition. Because in the high school, the time I learned how to write a composition was short, I learned just for an entrance exam. Therefore, I did not like write a composition, I did not know how to write and what to write about. After coming in the college, I learned how to write a paragraph, it is totally different from I had written before. Then I knew just a paragraph need many parts to make up; let alone writing an essay. Step by step, from paragraphs to essays, now I am able to write a decent composition. In addition, every week I need to write journals. Writing journals can not only record my life experiences but also the inspiration to write my essays.

To sum up, I think in the freshman class, I really get much useful information from my learning. Although, I encountered setback or obstacles during the learning process, I made efforts to overcome obstacles. I am really glad that I can overcome these barriers, and I hope a new semester can bring me a new experience.

2010年5月23日 星期日

journal (5/17~5/23)

“Never give up” after read “The twelfth angel,” I learn this sentence from this book.
This novel describes John Hardin who had flawless life. He had high-paid job, beloved wife and lovely son. When he returned to his native place with honor to take over a new position, all luck disappeared overnight. His wife and son died in car accident. This was really the most tragic time in his life. When John touched bottom, the only thought he had is that end it all. Until his old friend, Bill who asked whether he took on a coach of the community little league, John packed his sorrow up to lead a team. In the baseball team, he met a little boy, Timothy who was different from other children. Timothy was slight and physical co-ordination. But his spirit of playing baseball was determined. Just like I above-mentioned, “Never give up” is impressive me. In the story, Timothy’s physical state was not good. However, Timothy is still enthusiastic about baseball. In spite that he almost didn’t strike the ball, he always yelled out “Never give up” to cheer up his teammate. His motto is “Day after day, in every level, I will become more progress.” He deeply believed this sentence and look on the bright side to live life. In the end of the story, Timothy came true his dream, he struck the ball.

I admire Timothy’s positive thinking. Owing to about me, when I encounter difficulty, I always look on the dark side, planning for the worst. By this way, when an outcome comes, I have prepared myself to accept any result. However, before an outcome comes, I immerse in worry and anxiety. I think it is really stupid to produce anxiety to myself. It’s just like a proverb saying “Meet trouble halfway.” After reading this book, I think I must change myself. I do not want to meet trouble halfway. Instead, if I can look on the bright side of bad things, I won’t be anxious. In addition, an outcome may be for the better. I think have the positive thinking is important, no one wants to live melancholic life.

2010年5月16日 星期日

journal (5/10~5/16)

At the beginning, I want to share a story with you. A long time ago, the America president, Reagan, he went to visit Canada, he was also invited to have a speech in Canada. However, during the speech, there was a demonstration from people who opposed America; they also interrupted Reagan’s speech many times. Due to this situation, the Canada president felt very embarrassed. On the contrary, Reagan still wore a smile on his face, and said: the demonstration happened very often in America; therefore, I think those people must came from America, they wanted to make me feel at home. After hearing this, the Canada president smiled, too. Hence, from this story, we can realize humor is the best medicine of the embarrassing atmosphere. In our interpersonal relations, we must be meet some embarrassing situation inevitably, the situation often make both not know what to do. But, at this time, if we can bring humor into full play, we can resolve the embarrassment, making the atmosphere become more joyful and easy.
Except resolving the embarrassment, humor also has other function. For instance, sometimes we want to tell others their shortcomings, but we are scared of that they will be hurt. At this time humor is useful. For example, one day, a boss came into the office, as soon as he saw his secretary, he told her: the clothe you wore today was pretty just like you, pretty and lovely. After hearing this, the secretary was very happy, but the boss continued saying: but I hoped that the way you dealt with document could be as pretty as you. From that day, the secretary was careful to deal with the document, and never did wrong again. In this way, the secretary won’t fell hurt; the boss also can achieve his goal. Isn’t it a good way?
However, when it comes to humor, we always associate humor with mocking others. To be honest, in our life, sometimes if we can have some jokes by the way of humor and easy with our friends or family. It can be a good way to enhance the relationship. Take myself for example, once, Carnation and I stood together in front of a big mirror. When we looked in the mirror, she said my skin color was whiter than you. As soon as I heard, I told her: but I am taller than you and thinner than you. After that, we were not angry with each other, instead we become closer.
Generally speaking, the function of humor is that make people feel happy and joyful, instead of being ironic. Therefore, we should avoid using words which will make people fell shame or embarrassed.
Last but not least, if we lack of humor in our life, it seems we lack something. So we use humor language to flavor our life. When we use the humor language, we also need to stop before going too far. Because less is better, too much will lose its beauty.

2010年5月9日 星期日

Journal (5/3~5/9)

This Wednesday was the day which so called the “Dorm party” to our roommates. Through many times discussion, we finally set Wednesday that four members could show up this party. We chose the “卡菲萊姆” which is known for Thai cuisine to hold our party. As soon as we reach 卡菲萊姆, the appearance of this restaurant was attracted to me. The arrangement of the outside is pastoralism, letting customers feel relief. Not to mention the decoration of the inside which is filled with exotic sentiment, giving customers the feeling of mystery. When it comes to their cuisine, we ordered several dishes including “月亮蝦餅,椒麻雞,泰式炒河粉,打拋雞肉,蝦醬空心菜,涼拌炸蛋 and 摩摩喳喳. All dishes are the most local Thai food. As far as I am concerned, the “椒麻雞and打拋雞肉 are the most tasty. Especially the椒麻雞, the chicken is so juicy and its source is special, too. If you have chance to go the “卡菲萊姆”, I recommend you to order this dish. However, to be honest, the quantity of their food is not much; the prices are also a little expensive.
Despite of that, I think the “dorm party” was worthy. Because, in the normal, we seldom have a chance to get together in the dormitory at the same time. Even we have, we almost do our own things, seldom having the deeply talking. Therefore, by the party, the relationship between our roommates is becoming more and more intimate and harmonious. I think we can have this kind of party regularly. Not only do we enjoy the food, but also deepen the feeling between our roommates.

2010年5月2日 星期日

Journal (4/26~5/2)

This week I was as busy as bee causes I have dark circles seriously. Because 4/26~4/29 was the date of the “FLLD Week”, I was one of members in this group. That meant I have to do many preparations, including dance and food preparing. The night before the “FLLD Week”, I went to prepare the food selling tomorrow. To be honest, I was suspicious about that whether we could really sell out of foods. Finally, I just met the trouble halfway. Because, as soon as we started to sell, foods sold out. There was not enough time to us to cook our foods. Therefore, I was so surprised and glad, the pains was paid off.

After finishing the FLLD Week, in quick succession activity was coming at the weekend. Our department basketball team went to Kaohsiung where is my hometown, to join the basketball game. As the native, I must go cheering them on and provide some requirement.
On the first day, both male and female basketball teams had three games. The sun was shining fiercely, what is worse; we had to play in the outside basketball courses. Although the male basketball team was lost, the female basketball team won continuously. The finalist in the last day, they won the champion successfully. Everyone was so happy for them. Because before the basketball game, they had to practice more. The process was really tired, but, now effort was paid off.
Therefore, after finishing the game, everyone went to the Qijin to take a boat ride, eat sea food and eat ice. However, the time was not enough, we only had a passing glance at Qijin. It was pity.

It was a good experience to me, I hope the basketball team can win more honor for our department. And if have chance, they can come to Kaohsiung to continue the unfinished trip.

2010年4月18日 星期日

Journal (4/12~4/18)

This week is abundant to me. In the Monday night, my friends and I went to see the performance of the week of Taichung. Many of my friends are members of the Taichung club such as Jenny, Heidi, Estella and so on. They invited me to watch the performance. The show included drama and dance, in their drama they took “one played many roles.” I think it is much amazing, because every actor was well done. However, as far as I concerned, the part of drama was too long. If the drama could be more simplified and the part dance could be more, the whole performance would be more terrific.
The night of next day was more attracted me; an orchestra came to our school to perform. Because I have never taken part in this kind of performance before. Therefore, as soon as I got this news, I was too impatient to wait to watch this performance. In that day, the seats in the auditorium were standing room only. Just as expected, the orchestra did a good job. The performance was different from the formal concert. The main instrumental was “The Four Seasons.” In the beginning, the conductor explained the Four Seasons’ main image and meaning what Vivaldi want to express. After letting the audience realizing the image and meaning of the composition, they started to play. To me, among the four seasons, the most I like is “Fall.” The main image of the Fall is that people are happy in abundant harvest. Then everyone drinks and dances, after that they fall asleep. In this part, the melody is brisk and soft. Especially the concertmaster, 李季, was playing the part of people was sleeping and having dreams. His melody was appealing, the skill of violin was marvelous and his facial expression was impressive, too. Through his expression, we could see 李季 who put himself into the image of the Four Seasons. After they finished “the four Seasons,” they played some encores, also be popular with the audience.
To sum up, the whole performance was marvelous. To watch this performance, I think I got many things.

2010年4月11日 星期日

Journal (4/5~4/11)

I want to introduce a movie “Gattaca,”which is about “Genetic engineering.”
In the not-too-distant future, the gene technology can analyze human beings’ DNA and determine where you belong in life, when the embryo just forming.
The leading role in the movie called Vincent Freeman who wants to travel the Saturn. However, Vincent is one of the last "natural" babies born into a sterile, genetically-enhanced world, where life expectancy and disease likelihood are ascertained at birth. Therefore, Vincent becomes one of the underclass of humans that are only useful menial jobs. In order to move ahead, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow. Jerome Morrow is a perfect genetic specimen but he was crippled in an accident. Vincent uses Jerome’s blood and urine to pass the gene test in the Gattaca Corporation where he can achieve his dream: travel the Saturn. However, at this time, a colleague is killed, others colleagues suspects his origins and the police start to investigate.
After seeing this movie, I think this movie is think-provoking

2010年4月4日 星期日

Journal(3/29~4/4)

It is an interesting story.
A king went to hunt, but he fell to the valley carelessly.
When no one could help him, a dragon appeared.
The dragon told the king, “If you could answer the question which the most difficult in the world,”, I would help you.
The dragon said the question was “What do women really want?”
The king could not think out the answer, but he did not want to die.
Therefore, the king came up with a give-and-take condition.
The king told the dragon, “Could you help me first, I could give you my soul in pledge, and after seven days I would come back, giving you the right answer.”
The dragon agreed, saying “If you did not come back, you would die.”
After the king returned his country, he asked all people.
However, nobody knew the answer. At this time, a farmer said, “There is a knowledgeable witch out of the town, maybe she knew the answer.
On hearing the news, the king sent the handsome captain to bring the witch.


The witch came to the palace, telling the king, “I knew the answer, but I had a condition. If I succeeded in saving you, I wanted to the handsome captain to marry me.”
The king promised the witch without the second thought.
Although the captain was reluctant to marry an old and ugly witch, in order to save king’s life, he had no choice.
After getting the promise from the king, the witch said the answer was “Women really want is they can decide the way of life by themselves.”
The king brought the answer to find the dragon, succeeding in taking back the soul.
When the king came back, they started to prepare the wedding of the captain and witch.


On the wedding, the old and ugly witch matched the young and handsome captain.
What’s worse, the witch was constant eating, drinking, and even farting loudly.
However, the captain just held his anger back, he promised the witch.
Finally, they entered the bridal chamber. When the witch came from the bathroom, the captain was surprised.
Because the old and ugly witch turned into the young and pretty woman.
The witch told the captain, “Because you kept the promise, you did not be angry at me in the wedding. Hence, I decided to become a pretty woman to accompany you at 12 hours in every day. And you could decide I became pretty woman in daytime or at night. But as soon as you decided, you could not change anymore.”
The captain was caught in a dilemma; he thought if she became pretty woman in the daytime, I had to sleep with an old and ugly woman. But if she turned into pretty woman at night, I could not bring her out in the daytime, everyone would laugh at me.
In the end, the captain was vexed, he told the witch, “You could decide what you want to be, I would not interfere you.”
After hearing these words, the witch was overjoyed.
The witch said, “Due to your toleration and wisdom, I decided to become an elegant and pretty woman at 24hours in every day to accompany you.

2010年3月28日 星期日

Journal (3/22~3/28)

I think this week, which is the busiest from the beginning of the semester.
In order to prepare the exhibition of FLLD, in this week, I start to practice dances and make posters. To me, two tasks are not my strong point; therefore, I feel tired. Especially learning dance, when I could not remember the dance steps and dance smoothly, I would feel disappointed. In addition, I want to say sorry to Ball who teaches us dance. Because, we cannot prepare well, causing her pressure.Therefore, I will try to do my best to prepare the exhibition of FLLD. .

2010年3月20日 星期六

Journal (3//15~3/20)

In this week, I saw a documentary which about birds called “The winds of the nature” in the general education course. The documentary mainly observed and recorded a variety of birds’ migration. The birds fly through the high mountains and great rivers even the scorching deserts. In this migration journey with difficulties and dander, the birds have to fly through thousands of miles. Why they are willing to put in much hard work but get very little results to experience the journey? The only one purpose is to “survival.”

The birds are the same as human beings, not only the birds; the whole world’s creatures are similar to us. In order to survival, the creatures have to hard work. Like as the migratory birds, they fly through the far distance to find the habitat. As human beings we also work hard to live. However, there is having many reports about the suicide, when people turn on the TV or open up the newspapers. The most of suicides all think that they do not have money; they could not live any more. Finally, they choose to end up their lives, instead of keeping their heads above water. As the saying goes “Heaven will always leave a door open.” The birds are so hard to live, human beings, however; look down on themselves lives. After seeing the documentary, I think human beings can learn the spirit of the birds. When we encounter difficulties and think we cannot hold on; we can think that even the birds are so hard to live. We will have more power to go on.


In this Saturday, my friends and I went shrimping. Because it was my first time to go shrimping, I felt excited and expected. As soon as arriving, we started shrimping. But, I think it was difficult to me. Owing to during the two hour of shrimping, I did not get any shrimps. I felt so depressed; my friends all got several ones. Finally, we shared shrimps together. But fortunately, other guests saw our shrimps were too less, they decided to share their shrimps to us. Although in the beginning I did not fish any shrimps, I felt glad in the end. Because I went out with my good friends, having the shrimps feast.

2010年3月14日 星期日

Journal (3/8~3/14)

The saying goes “Well begun is half done.” , I think the proverb applying to me in the new semester. Because the first day of March is my birthday, in that day, many of my best friends held a birthday celebration to me. They prepared cakes, cards, presents and the “shaving cream” which my friends used it to play a practical joke on me. But I really appreciated from the bottom of my heart to my friends. Due to my friends’ discreetness, the birthday celebration was the most terrific I have ever experienced than before. For this reason, I used the proverb “Well begun is half done.” to describe my new semester.

In addition, in this new semester, I created an expectation to myself. I hope that I can be more perseverance, in this way; I can be able to achieve the goals setting by myself. The goals include reading English news, learning five to ten new vocabularies, and listening the English news report every day. However, according to past experience, I always did work every day at the beginning. But with the time went, I was more and more lazy, always thinking the reading or the listening could put till tomorrow. It became a vicious circle, what makes matters worse; sometimes I would indulge in the PPS or MSN, and so on. Eventually, I would totally ignore the goals setting at the beginning. I think it is like the proverb “Brief period of enthusiasm.” Therefore, I want to get out of the bad habit, being more perseverance and responsible person. In order to achieve the goals, I think the most effective way is that go to the library. In that place, I will not be attracted by other things; I can do everything done in the schedule. In this way, I can not only improve my English level but also get rid of the bad habit.

2010年1月3日 星期日

Task 11

1. After going through many weekly writing, I think I like this writing pattern. Because the way of writing in English is fresh to me. And every week’s topic is interesting, too. But, I think there are some questions are too much alike such as “week ten’s self evaluation and peer review” and “week thirteen’s reflection.”
2. The two-way online discussion is a good way. Because when one posted his/her article, the other could response to him/her at once. It works much efficient. Nevertheless, the mode of two-way online discussion’s disadvantage is that the writer just can receive one other thought. If writers want to know more various aspects in the same question, they have to link other writers’ blogs. Sometimes, writers will think it was inconvenient, and they are also not willing to read the articles which not respond to them. So, if having a group blog to exchange ideas, writers can receive more ideas at the same time. But, when using this pattern, I think that writers who in same group blog should post their articles in the same time. Because, if the first writer delays posting his/her article; the second one, the third one will delay too. In doing so, the task will put off. In the sum, I would like choose the same way of writing on blog.
3. To be honest, we are smooth during our discussion on blog. Except for the beginning, my blog’s setting got some problem causing my keypal could not respond me smoothly. But latter, I fixed setting, it was going smoothly.
4. I like this project website. Apart from design well, every task’s background has abundant changes. In brief, this website is well-down.
5. I think I gained three things in this blog activity. First, the writing skill, after writing so many articles, I learn how to make my article more coherence and smooth and avoid to have unnecessary errors. The second is critical thinking, some questions tend to guide writers to make a comment such as“Britney Spears”and “The strawberry generation.” The last is that sharpen the speed of English typing.