My dear teacher and classmates:
I can't believe that time goes so fast. At first, I felt that studying in ALP was really hard because we had lot of homework everyday. However, I am really happy that I have studied in ALP this semester. Not only my English has improved a lot, such as writing and reading, but I have met many good people here.
Actually, it takes me a long time to get along with people when I am in a new environment. When I study in ALP, I feel both teachers and classmates are so friendly that I don't have any pressure or any difficulties to deal with relationships. Moreover, I feel comfortable to ask questions in any classes since I was shy to ask questions before. The only thing that I still need to work on is my speaking. I always feel nervous to have presentaiton in front of the class, so I think that I need to train myself to be more confident.
I hope I can go back to my country this winter, but I will still study in Cal State Fullerton next semester. I hate the feeling of being apart. As a result, instead of saying goodbye, I want to say "Good luck. At last, if you come to my country "Taiwan", please contact me. Taiwan is small but interesting. I think you will have a lot of fun when you visit Taiwan, especially the gourment traditional food. Once again, luckily to meet all of you, and I hope you will have a great vacation.
Sincerely,
Ann
12/13/2009
12/05/2009
Recation of Baraka
When I watch the movie "Baraka", I can't forget the scene of a pile of skulls. This scene was taken in Cambodia. Pal Pot was the leader of Cambodian communist and started a movement which was known as Khmer Rouge in 1976. During this period, he killed many people whom he thought were disloyal to him. Moreover , many people died because the movement caused slave labor, mulnutrition and the poor medical care.
I remember there are some pictures about the skull piles around the world. Every time I see these pictures, I feel uncomfortable. Since I was born after wars and I live in a democratic country, I don't know exactly the feeling of living in a turbulent world. However, by watching some documentary films, I realize how miserable the wars are and how severe people suffer. Especially when a country is being reformed by a greedy leader, people are always the sacrifices.
Nanking Massacre is a also a sorrowful historical event which brings to my mind after I saw the scene of a pile of skulls. Those pictures about Nanking Massacre are so brutal that make me downhearted all the time. From those pictures, I can feel the ruthlessness during the war which also evokes my sympathy for the people who suffer from the war.
I read Dennis's blog.
As a result, when I watch the scene of a pile of skulls, I feel that people around the world should make efforts for the world peace. Life is fair and precious, and nobody should sacrifice for the wrong decesion or situation. Moreover, all of us should keep in mind that we are really lucky that we can live the way we want.
I remember there are some pictures about the skull piles around the world. Every time I see these pictures, I feel uncomfortable. Since I was born after wars and I live in a democratic country, I don't know exactly the feeling of living in a turbulent world. However, by watching some documentary films, I realize how miserable the wars are and how severe people suffer. Especially when a country is being reformed by a greedy leader, people are always the sacrifices.
Nanking Massacre is a also a sorrowful historical event which brings to my mind after I saw the scene of a pile of skulls. Those pictures about Nanking Massacre are so brutal that make me downhearted all the time. From those pictures, I can feel the ruthlessness during the war which also evokes my sympathy for the people who suffer from the war.
I read Dennis's blog.
As a result, when I watch the scene of a pile of skulls, I feel that people around the world should make efforts for the world peace. Life is fair and precious, and nobody should sacrifice for the wrong decesion or situation. Moreover, all of us should keep in mind that we are really lucky that we can live the way we want.
11/24/2009
Find an ideal job
"Find a job that you love doing and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius. In my opinion, it means that people should find a job which they are enthusiastic or interested in it, and then they won't feel that they are working. However, I think it is the ideal, but it doesn't happen in reality easily.
The main reason why people work is that they have to earn money for a living, and in most cases, it is hard to have a job which people love and can afford their livings. Thus, finding a "loving" job will be a bonus. For example, many famous artists had miserable lives when they were alive. However, after they died, their paintings became masterpieces, but they couldn't get any benefits from them.
I don't know people who have an ideal job. Many people told me that being a student is the happiest job. After they work, they don't have the feel which they dreamed before. However, I think my father has kind of ideal job. He probably works half a month, and he can do whatever he wants the other half a month since he is the co-owner. I think it takes a long time before he can enjoy his job.
For me, my ideal job is a personal stylist. When I was young, I like to put everything on my barbie dolls. As I grow up, my target became to my sisters and my friends. I can give them any suggestions from their hair styles to make-up or clothes. As a result, if my job is a personal stylist, I could make people happy and make my own living.
In today's world, it is much easier to get a job which people love since many jobs are related to Internet. As a result, many new jobs emerge, and people have more choices. I think everyone wants to find a job which they love, and if people work in a good mood, they will have efficient performances.
The main reason why people work is that they have to earn money for a living, and in most cases, it is hard to have a job which people love and can afford their livings. Thus, finding a "loving" job will be a bonus. For example, many famous artists had miserable lives when they were alive. However, after they died, their paintings became masterpieces, but they couldn't get any benefits from them.
I don't know people who have an ideal job. Many people told me that being a student is the happiest job. After they work, they don't have the feel which they dreamed before. However, I think my father has kind of ideal job. He probably works half a month, and he can do whatever he wants the other half a month since he is the co-owner. I think it takes a long time before he can enjoy his job.
For me, my ideal job is a personal stylist. When I was young, I like to put everything on my barbie dolls. As I grow up, my target became to my sisters and my friends. I can give them any suggestions from their hair styles to make-up or clothes. As a result, if my job is a personal stylist, I could make people happy and make my own living.
In today's world, it is much easier to get a job which people love since many jobs are related to Internet. As a result, many new jobs emerge, and people have more choices. I think everyone wants to find a job which they love, and if people work in a good mood, they will have efficient performances.
11/14/2009
Journal#15 Dear Mom and Dad
Dear Mom and Dad:
I understand your worry about me marrying an American, but not everything is as bad as you think. First, even though the cultural differences will make our marriage a little bit difficult than others, it is worth to give a try since I believe he is my Mr. Right. I admit that it takes time to get involved in different culture, but I will be used to it since I’ve lived here for five years.
Besides, you mention about the communication which is also a big problem. I think it is a great chance for you to practice English. Both of you come to the US back and forth every year, but you don’t have a chance to learn English. Therefore, it is an opportunity for you to practice your English. I think our family members are generous and open-minded, and they are just too shy to speak English. In fact, I believe communication is not a problem. Moreover, I can teach him some simple Chinese to greet grandparents, and otherwise, you can also use body language.
Finally, you say that Americans are easily to divorce. It is too arbitrary and not true for everyone. There are a lot of good marriages around us. Moreover, talking about the divorce, the divorce rate increase sharply in our country's too. I think that the stability of relationship depends on how we cultivate it but not bases on the average statistics. As a result, I don't think it is a problem, too.
My dearest Mom and Dad, I'm a mature grown-up, and I need your support instead of objections. Although it is a rough road, with your company, I will have more confidence and succeed in marriage.
I understand your worry about me marrying an American, but not everything is as bad as you think. First, even though the cultural differences will make our marriage a little bit difficult than others, it is worth to give a try since I believe he is my Mr. Right. I admit that it takes time to get involved in different culture, but I will be used to it since I’ve lived here for five years.
Besides, you mention about the communication which is also a big problem. I think it is a great chance for you to practice English. Both of you come to the US back and forth every year, but you don’t have a chance to learn English. Therefore, it is an opportunity for you to practice your English. I think our family members are generous and open-minded, and they are just too shy to speak English. In fact, I believe communication is not a problem. Moreover, I can teach him some simple Chinese to greet grandparents, and otherwise, you can also use body language.
Finally, you say that Americans are easily to divorce. It is too arbitrary and not true for everyone. There are a lot of good marriages around us. Moreover, talking about the divorce, the divorce rate increase sharply in our country's too. I think that the stability of relationship depends on how we cultivate it but not bases on the average statistics. As a result, I don't think it is a problem, too.
My dearest Mom and Dad, I'm a mature grown-up, and I need your support instead of objections. Although it is a rough road, with your company, I will have more confidence and succeed in marriage.
11/12/2009
Journal #14 Analyzing an Argument
Isa Ghani.(2009, November 3) Alien in America: Everything's better in Texas. Daily Tatin..4.
According to this article, the author states that he doesn't like everything in America such as the accent, food, and people's attitudes. However, after he went to Texes, he found out that everything he hates is in California not the United States. The article is the claim of value which appeal to emotion, trust and values. He describe a lot of merits in south or midwest and persuade immigrants to visit thoes places. Moreover, he uses his own experiences to convince people how wonder the shouth is. I believe there are some different aspects in the south or midwest, but the author uses so many emotional words which makes me doubt the fact. Besides, this article just makes me believe that the author has a great on his trip in Texax.
According to this article, the author states that he doesn't like everything in America such as the accent, food, and people's attitudes. However, after he went to Texes, he found out that everything he hates is in California not the United States. The article is the claim of value which appeal to emotion, trust and values. He describe a lot of merits in south or midwest and persuade immigrants to visit thoes places. Moreover, he uses his own experiences to convince people how wonder the shouth is. I believe there are some different aspects in the south or midwest, but the author uses so many emotional words which makes me doubt the fact. Besides, this article just makes me believe that the author has a great on his trip in Texax.
11/03/2009
#13 Summarize/Paraphrase Practice
Loretta Chao. (2009, November 1). IPhone Gets Lukewarm Reception in China . The Wallstreet Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703294004574509181789222564.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
From this article, Chao(2009) reported that the first sale of iPhone in China fell expectation. The first reason is that many customers already bought their iPhone from other countries or unauthorized sellers. Second is that the price of iphone is way too expensive that people would rather buy it in gray market than the authouized stores. Finally, the failure of the sale is that chinese government restricts the wi-fi feature of iphone in order to balance the market of cell phones in China. As a result, Apple has to figures out a way to improve the inconvenience of iPhone in China, or people will choose the gray market instead of official stores to get their iPhones.
From this article, Chao(2009) reported that the first sale of iPhone in China fell expectation. The first reason is that many customers already bought their iPhone from other countries or unauthorized sellers. Second is that the price of iphone is way too expensive that people would rather buy it in gray market than the authouized stores. Finally, the failure of the sale is that chinese government restricts the wi-fi feature of iphone in order to balance the market of cell phones in China. As a result, Apple has to figures out a way to improve the inconvenience of iPhone in China, or people will choose the gray market instead of official stores to get their iPhones.
10/23/2009
#12My first source
Yellen, J. (2008). The Mortgage Meltdown, Financial Markets, and the Economy. FRBSF Economic Letter, 2008(35/36), 1-7.
My research paper is about late-2000s recession, and the sub-prime mortgage problem is one of the important reason that caused the recession. The sub-prime mortgage problem affected not only on housing market but also the global economy. This article gave me a general idea of how the mortgage influenced the economy. For example, it talked about the problem that the drop of house prices will also affected the financial activities. This is like a chain reaction. Since people reduced the spending on commodities, the unemployment rate will arise, and the unemployment rate arises, the credit crunch problem will increase. All the problems leaded to the recession.
This is just one of the problem that contains in my research paper.
My research paper is about late-2000s recession, and the sub-prime mortgage problem is one of the important reason that caused the recession. The sub-prime mortgage problem affected not only on housing market but also the global economy. This article gave me a general idea of how the mortgage influenced the economy. For example, it talked about the problem that the drop of house prices will also affected the financial activities. This is like a chain reaction. Since people reduced the spending on commodities, the unemployment rate will arise, and the unemployment rate arises, the credit crunch problem will increase. All the problems leaded to the recession.
This is just one of the problem that contains in my research paper.
10/18/2009
#11Research questions
Over the past two years, not only is the United States, but also countries from all over the world under through the economic recession. Since the problem concerns about our daily lives, I want to do research about the late-2000s recession.
First, I want to talk about how the recession happened or what causes the recession. The recession is like a storm, it had been a while before it broke out. As a result, I want to know more about how all these happened at this time, and why this year.
Second, I want to find the effects after this recession. We can see a lot of data about the effects after this recession. For example, the unemployment rate, the price of oil, and GDP are the data which changed during this time.
Finally, I want to know the reaction that people had during this period and how the recession influenced their lives.
Recession is a interesting phenomenon that it have happened irregularly and there were famous ones in the history. Therefore, I want to do some research about the late-2000s recession in this research paper.
I read Helen's and Dannis's blogs.
First, I want to talk about how the recession happened or what causes the recession. The recession is like a storm, it had been a while before it broke out. As a result, I want to know more about how all these happened at this time, and why this year.
Second, I want to find the effects after this recession. We can see a lot of data about the effects after this recession. For example, the unemployment rate, the price of oil, and GDP are the data which changed during this time.
Finally, I want to know the reaction that people had during this period and how the recession influenced their lives.
Recession is a interesting phenomenon that it have happened irregularly and there were famous ones in the history. Therefore, I want to do some research about the late-2000s recession in this research paper.
I read Helen's and Dannis's blogs.
10/16/2009
#10Research topics
For me, I really don't like doing research papers because it always costs me a lot of time. However, being a college student, it is essential and required to do this, so I will choose a topic about my major, business, to be my research paper.
Last year and until now, as big as international corporations and as small as neighborhood grocery stores ran out of business because of the economic recession. For example, chains of retail stores such as circuit city or maryven were all closed. Moreover, many financial corporations were merged or took over from the government. Many people lost their money from stock market, and the most serious problem is that many people lost their jobs. As a result, many houses go on bid, and a lot of people have no place to live.
In our daily lives, everything concerns about business. Since I want to study in business for my grad. school, I would like to do some research about business. By doing the research, it may widen my knowledge about business and help me enhance my major.
Last year and until now, as big as international corporations and as small as neighborhood grocery stores ran out of business because of the economic recession. For example, chains of retail stores such as circuit city or maryven were all closed. Moreover, many financial corporations were merged or took over from the government. Many people lost their money from stock market, and the most serious problem is that many people lost their jobs. As a result, many houses go on bid, and a lot of people have no place to live.
In our daily lives, everything concerns about business. Since I want to study in business for my grad. school, I would like to do some research about business. By doing the research, it may widen my knowledge about business and help me enhance my major.
10/04/2009
# American food
When I was in my country, it is interesting and fun to eat in an american restaurant. The atmohphere was suitable for friends hanging out, such as energetic servers, music, but we all knew that we might gain some weight the next day. In my mind, I always think that American food divides into two opposing extremes. One kind contains high calories , such as french fries, cheese, and donuts, the other kind has low calories, such as cereal, salad.
After I came to the US, I find that American food is really simple and I like some of them. For example, sandwish is one of the American food that I like but I seldom ate in my country. It is really easy and quick to have a sandwish for lunch, and I find that there are a lot of sandwish stores in the US. Compare to my country's people, Americans eat a lot of bread. We live on rice, so we seldom eat bread. However, when I am in the US, unless I cook rice by myself, I find out that rice tastes not as good as my country's.
The cooking style is also different from ours. In the US, people bake, grill, or boil, but Chinese dishes' consider to have more different styles. When I go to american restaurants, I can imagine waht I will see on the menu. What's more, it looks that american restaurants are all chain stores. Although it is convenient for customers, it lacks novelty. In my country, people like to eat in different restaurants, and the restaurants should have some specialities to attract people.
After I have lived in the US for two years, the first thing that I come back to my country is to eat different local food. Compare to my country's food, American food is the food that I only can eat once in a while.
After I came to the US, I find that American food is really simple and I like some of them. For example, sandwish is one of the American food that I like but I seldom ate in my country. It is really easy and quick to have a sandwish for lunch, and I find that there are a lot of sandwish stores in the US. Compare to my country's people, Americans eat a lot of bread. We live on rice, so we seldom eat bread. However, when I am in the US, unless I cook rice by myself, I find out that rice tastes not as good as my country's.
The cooking style is also different from ours. In the US, people bake, grill, or boil, but Chinese dishes' consider to have more different styles. When I go to american restaurants, I can imagine waht I will see on the menu. What's more, it looks that american restaurants are all chain stores. Although it is convenient for customers, it lacks novelty. In my country, people like to eat in different restaurants, and the restaurants should have some specialities to attract people.
After I have lived in the US for two years, the first thing that I come back to my country is to eat different local food. Compare to my country's food, American food is the food that I only can eat once in a while.
9/28/2009
#8 pessimist vs optimist
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." I think this quote has a very clear definition that people who are optimistic will always see things in bright side; on the contrary, people who are pessimistic will always have negative thoughts on everything.
My star sign is Gemini, so I think that I have dual personalities in some ways. I always change my mood or mind in just one second. Therefore, I believe that I have optimistic and pessimistic characters in my body. However, my optimistic character is greater thatn my pessimistic character.
For example, every time when I am in a new environment, I always feel anxious and nervous. I will worry about a lot of unpredictable situations. However, when the pressure goes beyound my limit and I can't tolerate anymore, I will switch my thought to another side and think that there is no big deal and I can overcome those trouble in the end, so I tell myself to relax and be brave. I always persuade myself that I can make it even though it is extremely difficult.
Through my experiences, I think that optimism is very important. A crisis or a turning point are the result that people can take control. Besides, the active attitude makes things easier and more successful. Finally, the mood is conductive, so if people who are optimistic, everyone will feel the energy and want to get along with them. Thus, being a optimist, and give the world more positive energy.
My star sign is Gemini, so I think that I have dual personalities in some ways. I always change my mood or mind in just one second. Therefore, I believe that I have optimistic and pessimistic characters in my body. However, my optimistic character is greater thatn my pessimistic character.
For example, every time when I am in a new environment, I always feel anxious and nervous. I will worry about a lot of unpredictable situations. However, when the pressure goes beyound my limit and I can't tolerate anymore, I will switch my thought to another side and think that there is no big deal and I can overcome those trouble in the end, so I tell myself to relax and be brave. I always persuade myself that I can make it even though it is extremely difficult.
Through my experiences, I think that optimism is very important. A crisis or a turning point are the result that people can take control. Besides, the active attitude makes things easier and more successful. Finally, the mood is conductive, so if people who are optimistic, everyone will feel the energy and want to get along with them. Thus, being a optimist, and give the world more positive energy.
9/20/2009
#7 Birds of a feather
When I retrospected my lifetime, I found that I always had some specific friends in every period. Although we were really different, we depended on each other and shared everything. Our conversations were always full of lauhter.
For example, my best friend, Ada, is my elementary school's classmate. Compare to me, she is extremely patient, careful and responsible. I am a careless person, so sometimes I may make mistakes unconsciously. As a result, she is my best counselor, and I always talk to her when I have trouble. She always makes me calm and peaceful.
My another good friend, Hannah, who is a vegetarian because of the religion. However, I can't live without meat. She loves outdoor activities; I likes go shopping, go to movies, or do indoor exercise. Although we have so many differences, we like to hang out with each other. It becomes very interesting because we will try to find the balance. For instance, whenever we want to have a lunch together, we have to find a restaurant which offers vegetarian food.
In my opinion, two people become friends because they have some specific characteristics that attracts each other. Although my friends and I don't have a lot in common, we admire each other's merits. I'm glad that I can have these friends who fulfill my life in all aspects.
For example, my best friend, Ada, is my elementary school's classmate. Compare to me, she is extremely patient, careful and responsible. I am a careless person, so sometimes I may make mistakes unconsciously. As a result, she is my best counselor, and I always talk to her when I have trouble. She always makes me calm and peaceful.
My another good friend, Hannah, who is a vegetarian because of the religion. However, I can't live without meat. She loves outdoor activities; I likes go shopping, go to movies, or do indoor exercise. Although we have so many differences, we like to hang out with each other. It becomes very interesting because we will try to find the balance. For instance, whenever we want to have a lunch together, we have to find a restaurant which offers vegetarian food.
In my opinion, two people become friends because they have some specific characteristics that attracts each other. Although my friends and I don't have a lot in common, we admire each other's merits. I'm glad that I can have these friends who fulfill my life in all aspects.
9/13/2009
#6 Dr. Dolittle
In my opinion, if animals could talk, it will be very scary. I can't imagine that when I go to the zoo and hear that all kinds of animals are talking to each other. When I stare at them, what do them suppose to say to me? Maybe people who are animalholic will be very glad that they have the way to communicate with them; however, that will never be me.
I think one reason that animals attract people because they are animals. They are different than human beings because they can't talk. They have certain ways to interact with people. For example, from the eye contact, the touch or the motion, both humans and animals will have the same understanding.
Actually, I am really afraid of animals, especially cats. I had a bad memory when I was an elementary school student. One day when I was on my way back to my home, I saw a dead body of a cat which was lying on the roadside. I was terrified. Since that I have never had any experience in getting along with animals. The impression was too deep to erase. As a result, the fear of animals is the fear that I've never overcome. Although I find that some animals are really adorable, this is under the condition that I know they won't be close to me in a certain distance.
Despite the fact that it would be interesting if the animals could talk, I hope they won't. I think the world is attractive because there are all kinds of creatures. If animals can talk to humans, there would be nothing in mystery and the realtionship between humans and animals will lost some curious elements. Therefore, I hope animals will always use their own languages.
I think one reason that animals attract people because they are animals. They are different than human beings because they can't talk. They have certain ways to interact with people. For example, from the eye contact, the touch or the motion, both humans and animals will have the same understanding.
Actually, I am really afraid of animals, especially cats. I had a bad memory when I was an elementary school student. One day when I was on my way back to my home, I saw a dead body of a cat which was lying on the roadside. I was terrified. Since that I have never had any experience in getting along with animals. The impression was too deep to erase. As a result, the fear of animals is the fear that I've never overcome. Although I find that some animals are really adorable, this is under the condition that I know they won't be close to me in a certain distance.
Despite the fact that it would be interesting if the animals could talk, I hope they won't. I think the world is attractive because there are all kinds of creatures. If animals can talk to humans, there would be nothing in mystery and the realtionship between humans and animals will lost some curious elements. Therefore, I hope animals will always use their own languages.
#5 Life's soundtrack
When I was a high school student, I had an experience of studying abroad in Ediburgh, Scotland for one month. That was the first time I lived in a foreign country and experienced a different lifestyle. At that time, the movie "Moulin Rouge" became very famous. Before I went to Ediburgh, I hadn't had a chance to watch the movie. Therefore, I didn't know the song" Lady Marmalade".
Edinburgh was really different from Taiwan. The old castles, museums, and the highland were really charming that we didn't see in Taiwan. We went to school every morning, and every afternoon, the school always planed a variety of tours to let students choose. My classmates and I had a lot of good time during the sightseeing. The best activity that we loved for sure was the club night on friday night.
I had never been to night clubs in Taiwan before I went to Ediburgh because I was under 18. As a result, all of us were really exticed. It was a student night club, and there were students from all over the world. We made a lot of friends from different countries,such as Italy, Frence and Russia. The guys who came from Italy were really handsome. I was really lucky that I went to the same class with them. When the DJ played the music, everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and the movement. "Lady Marmalade" was the song that the DJ played every friday night. I guessed the melody really fit the mood at the club and everyone liked the song.
Therefore, every time when I hear "Lady Marmalade", it reminds me of the time in Ediburgh. After I came back to Taiwan, I bought the soundtrack first, and then I watched the movie. It is really a good song that makes people high and happy.
Edinburgh was really different from Taiwan. The old castles, museums, and the highland were really charming that we didn't see in Taiwan. We went to school every morning, and every afternoon, the school always planed a variety of tours to let students choose. My classmates and I had a lot of good time during the sightseeing. The best activity that we loved for sure was the club night on friday night.
I had never been to night clubs in Taiwan before I went to Ediburgh because I was under 18. As a result, all of us were really exticed. It was a student night club, and there were students from all over the world. We made a lot of friends from different countries,such as Italy, Frence and Russia. The guys who came from Italy were really handsome. I was really lucky that I went to the same class with them. When the DJ played the music, everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and the movement. "Lady Marmalade" was the song that the DJ played every friday night. I guessed the melody really fit the mood at the club and everyone liked the song.
Therefore, every time when I hear "Lady Marmalade", it reminds me of the time in Ediburgh. After I came back to Taiwan, I bought the soundtrack first, and then I watched the movie. It is really a good song that makes people high and happy.
9/08/2009
Journal#4 weather
I think people who live in southern California are really lucky. There are always sunny days. I like sun because it gives me hope and energy to survive every busy day. Therefore, when the first time I arrived in California, I felt that I'll have a good start.
My country has four seasons, and each season's weather are really different. For example, spring and fall are the best seasons in Taiwan because the weather is cool and pleasant. However, we have rain season in May, so people should always bring umbrellas in case of the rain. In Taiwan, many high school students go to the summer school; However, we have Typhoons in summer. Have you ever had the experience that your socks and body are drenched on the way to school? I have, and many times. When I entered the classroom, all my classmates hung their socks under the desk, and spread out books on the shelves. At this time, umbrellas are useless because the wind is too strong for people to hold the umbrellas. If there is no typhoon, the weather is extremely hot and humid in summer. It is like having a sauna everywhere when you're walking outside. Therefore, I preferred the winter the best when I was in Taiwan. The weather is cold, the sun is warm and the atmosphere is romatic because of the holidays.
I've lived in the United States for two years, and I really like the weather. Even though the summer is also as hot as Taiwan's, it is dry here, so people don't sweat all the time. Moreover,weather usually won't be the problem when people plan to travel in the Southern California. As I mention earlier, I like sunny days because it gives me hope; therefore, I think I am really lucky to live here.
My country has four seasons, and each season's weather are really different. For example, spring and fall are the best seasons in Taiwan because the weather is cool and pleasant. However, we have rain season in May, so people should always bring umbrellas in case of the rain. In Taiwan, many high school students go to the summer school; However, we have Typhoons in summer. Have you ever had the experience that your socks and body are drenched on the way to school? I have, and many times. When I entered the classroom, all my classmates hung their socks under the desk, and spread out books on the shelves. At this time, umbrellas are useless because the wind is too strong for people to hold the umbrellas. If there is no typhoon, the weather is extremely hot and humid in summer. It is like having a sauna everywhere when you're walking outside. Therefore, I preferred the winter the best when I was in Taiwan. The weather is cold, the sun is warm and the atmosphere is romatic because of the holidays.
I've lived in the United States for two years, and I really like the weather. Even though the summer is also as hot as Taiwan's, it is dry here, so people don't sweat all the time. Moreover,weather usually won't be the problem when people plan to travel in the Southern California. As I mention earlier, I like sunny days because it gives me hope; therefore, I think I am really lucky to live here.
9/06/2009
Journal#3 Old fears
Actually I'm a timid person because I'm afraid of lots of things, such as dogs, cats, ghosts, closed space etc. However, the loneliness was the fear that I'd overcome.
I have two sisters and nine cousins. When I was in Taiwan, we all lived together. Therefore, I had a colorful childhood because we always played together. Two of my cousins were even at the same age as mine, so we went to school together and at the same class. I never felt lonely when I was in my country because my life was always full of people. I never went shopping or went to the restaurant by myself.
After I came to America, only my sister and I lived together. For a long time, I couldn't adapt myself to the loneliness. Most of time, I had to do grocery shopping or having lunch by myself. It seldom happened when I was in Taiwan. I had never eaten in a restaurant by myself. What's more, I couldn't often chat with my friends because we're in the different time zones.
Therefore, I realized that I had to change myself to fit in the new life. I started to eat lunch by myself. At first, I felt weird, but when I saw that many people were doing the same thing, I felt better. When I was in my spare time, I wrote my blog to share my life in the US with my family and friends. When they visited my blog and wrote some comments, I felt they were around me.
I don't feel lonely anymore because I have learned how to deal with it. Moreover, I'm kind of loving being alone now. I've become more independent in many ways and I think that's a good sign for being a grownup.
I have two sisters and nine cousins. When I was in Taiwan, we all lived together. Therefore, I had a colorful childhood because we always played together. Two of my cousins were even at the same age as mine, so we went to school together and at the same class. I never felt lonely when I was in my country because my life was always full of people. I never went shopping or went to the restaurant by myself.
After I came to America, only my sister and I lived together. For a long time, I couldn't adapt myself to the loneliness. Most of time, I had to do grocery shopping or having lunch by myself. It seldom happened when I was in Taiwan. I had never eaten in a restaurant by myself. What's more, I couldn't often chat with my friends because we're in the different time zones.
Therefore, I realized that I had to change myself to fit in the new life. I started to eat lunch by myself. At first, I felt weird, but when I saw that many people were doing the same thing, I felt better. When I was in my spare time, I wrote my blog to share my life in the US with my family and friends. When they visited my blog and wrote some comments, I felt they were around me.
I don't feel lonely anymore because I have learned how to deal with it. Moreover, I'm kind of loving being alone now. I've become more independent in many ways and I think that's a good sign for being a grownup.
8/31/2009
Journal#2 Public transportation
I think that the most convenient transportation for people who live in southern California are cars. When l arrived at LAX first time, my uncle drove us to my home. I know there are buses, trains or taxis here, but I seldom use them. Moreover, I hear that they are inconvenient. I was so lucky that my dad bought me a car because I couldn't do anything or go anywhere without the car. Maybe I could, but it would cause a lot of time or works.
Although the public transportation is not as easy as cities in east coast, the freeway systems are very progressive in southern California. The signs are clear, and the freeways are wide and united. What's more, most drivers obey the rule and yield others. It is easy driving here compare to my country. My country, Taiwan, is a small island. A lot of people ride motorcycles as their transportation, and the motorcycles have their own lanes. However, many people who ride motorcycles will cut into cars' lanes, so drivers should always be careful to motorcyclists. As a result, when the first time I drove in the southern California, I felt very comfortable. I didn't have to worry about motorcycles, and I enjoyed the speed.
Despite the road systems are convenient in southern California, the traffic jam is the serious problem here. The traffic is always bad during the rush hours. I think it wastes not only time but money, especially the gasoline is getting more and more expensive these days. My country has the same problem too, so the government is trying to build the subway to reduce the traffic. I think if the public transportation improves the inconvenience, many people will consider to take those transportation instead of cars.
Although the public transportation is not as easy as cities in east coast, the freeway systems are very progressive in southern California. The signs are clear, and the freeways are wide and united. What's more, most drivers obey the rule and yield others. It is easy driving here compare to my country. My country, Taiwan, is a small island. A lot of people ride motorcycles as their transportation, and the motorcycles have their own lanes. However, many people who ride motorcycles will cut into cars' lanes, so drivers should always be careful to motorcyclists. As a result, when the first time I drove in the southern California, I felt very comfortable. I didn't have to worry about motorcycles, and I enjoyed the speed.
Despite the road systems are convenient in southern California, the traffic jam is the serious problem here. The traffic is always bad during the rush hours. I think it wastes not only time but money, especially the gasoline is getting more and more expensive these days. My country has the same problem too, so the government is trying to build the subway to reduce the traffic. I think if the public transportation improves the inconvenience, many people will consider to take those transportation instead of cars.
8/28/2009
Journal#1 Introduce myself
Hi, all composition classmates. My name is Hsin-Chien Chiang, and I like it very much. However, it may be a little difficult to pronounce it in English, so you can just call me Ann.
I am from Taiwan, and I've been living in California for two years. My family members are my parents, and two younger sisters. Now, I live with my sister in Mission Viejo. When I was in Taiwan, I lived with all my uncles, aunts and cousins. It was always full of happiness. As a result, I feel bored at the first year in the United States, especially the holidays. However, everything is going better now.
I'm most afraid of geckos. I lived in the country before I came here, so there were a lot of geckos outside of my home and they sometimes came into the house. I feel disgusted when I saw them. I had a terrible experience which was a nightmare to me. One day, my mom bought a cup of green bean soup for me. While I was eating the soup, I found a gecko in it. I was stunned. After that, I hadn't eat green bean soup for a long time.
I wish my English will improve a lot in ALP program this semester because I already applied the MBA program and it was a reason why I came to the states. My major was accounting when I was in university. Now I want to get my master degree to pursue my dream. I want to work in an international company after I graduate. That' why I want to enter an MBA program in the United States. I like living and studying in California, and I think CSUF is a great palce to get my degree. Hoping to know each of you this semester.
I am from Taiwan, and I've been living in California for two years. My family members are my parents, and two younger sisters. Now, I live with my sister in Mission Viejo. When I was in Taiwan, I lived with all my uncles, aunts and cousins. It was always full of happiness. As a result, I feel bored at the first year in the United States, especially the holidays. However, everything is going better now.
I'm most afraid of geckos. I lived in the country before I came here, so there were a lot of geckos outside of my home and they sometimes came into the house. I feel disgusted when I saw them. I had a terrible experience which was a nightmare to me. One day, my mom bought a cup of green bean soup for me. While I was eating the soup, I found a gecko in it. I was stunned. After that, I hadn't eat green bean soup for a long time.
I wish my English will improve a lot in ALP program this semester because I already applied the MBA program and it was a reason why I came to the states. My major was accounting when I was in university. Now I want to get my master degree to pursue my dream. I want to work in an international company after I graduate. That' why I want to enter an MBA program in the United States. I like living and studying in California, and I think CSUF is a great palce to get my degree. Hoping to know each of you this semester.
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