"Practice of Space-order Paragraph"

It is a traditional Dutch living room in this picture. At the left side of this picture is a wooden cupboard, upon the door of which is a work of Millar. Looking through the door, beautiful plates are put at the top of the shelves set on both side of the walls, and a tea service is placed at the other two sets. Beside the cupboard is a writing table. If lighting the lamp up, it would be a wonderful place for reading.

The back door is next to the writing table, and there is also a big window which is decorated by potted plants. Between the back door and the window is a clock hangs in the wall, and a small side table is beneath it. In the right side of the room is a fumy stove which can be heated by coal. However, I think it is quite dangerous to burn the coal in the house especially in winter when the fresh air is not sufficient enough. Beside the stove is a cozy rocking-chair. I can imagine how comfortable will be when sewing on that chair!

In the middle of the room is a table with red cloth, and it seems that this family usually have their tea here. Under the table, there is a straw map extending on the wooden floor, and above the table is an old-fashioned kerosene lamp, which looks warm.

I have read some travel journals, and found that people in Europe lead a slow-paced life. They usually have brunch in stead of breakfast and dine out late at night. Between two meals, they would have some afternoon tea, which they enjoy very much. From this picture, it is evident that they pay much emphasis on tea time. Imagine that chatting in this living room with an elegant tea set and good tea. What a lazy afternoon! They really enjoy their lives, I believe.

"My Classmate"

One of my classmates is Kevin. He comes from Taichung, which is warm and people there are friendly. He goes home twice a month, because he thinks that takes too much time on the bus. His favorite color is light blue, which he thinks may bring him good fortunes.

Just like other boys, Kevin likes to play basketball. Because all our classmates want to win the champion, the basketball club he joins practice very hard. They play basketball after class and even on weekends. He is looking forward to the coming contest and hoping to beat other teams.

Kevin also likes traveling. One of the reasons he likes to travel is that he can experience the different sights and customs through traveling. He went to Hokkaido with his family this winter. It was very cold and snowy at that time, and they even encountered a storm which trapped them on the road. Although it is quite dangerous, he likes the beautiful scenery and the snow which cannot be easily seen in Taiwan. He thought that Hokkaido is a spot worth traveling again.

Kevin has a girl friend, Ivory. He often holds her hands and they walk on the campus at leisure. Next time if you see a boy wears glasses and goes hand in hand with a pretty girl, just say hello to Kevin and Ivory!

"How to Go to See a Doctor in Taiwan?" the first edition

Outline
1. go to see a doctor in an effective way
2. five tips for going to a doctor
3. prepare before going to a doctor, and have an advantage of it

Composition
Going to a doctor in Taiwan is more convenient than other countries, for the density of hospitals and clinics here are large. Although there are many medical places for medical treatment and is quite easy to find a doctor, it is necessary to get prepared if an efficient treatment is needed.

Here are five tips to follow. First, make an appointment before going to see a doctor, and double check with the secretary before the day you visit. Next, find out your national health insurance card and hand it to the nurse when you register. Then wait for your turn. If you feel really uncomfortable, ask for some helps, and maybe you can cut in line. Third, tell the doctor clearly the worst symptom that haunted you most. For example, do not merely complain about the dreadful headache but point out “where”, “when” and “how” your head aches. This helps the doctor to clarify the disease so to make a suitable prescription. Another important thing to be mentioned is that before you leave the hospital, check the drugs carefully. Make sure that those are your medicament. Finally, take the medicine by the instruction of doctor. You can see the improvement of your health.

Because in Taiwan, the time of doctor for one patient is limited, express clearly how you feel in a direct way is essential. Therefore, both doctors and patients do good to each other. Why not prepare before you go to a doctor next time? It may not only cure your disease but also the dislike of treatments.


~this is the edition that never printed out~

"The Present"

I have just read a book. It tells a little story about how to work efficiently and happily. The first step is to cherish the time “now”, and very concentrate on everything you do once a time. Next, learn from the past. Take advantage to the past and think about it carefully. Don’t sink into it, but try to use the experiences and grow from the ones. Finally, you can create an imaginable future; make planes to fulfill your dream.

a special Saturday!

Today I have two free meals to eat in Taipei! But that means I will become fat immediately at night.

I want to thanks Miss Lai, because she gives us the chance to have an abundant and also delicious breakfast in Grand Hyatt Hotel, a high-class hotel which I have never gone into.

At night, I saw many of my seniors at the restaurant, some of whom and my teacher I saw only once a semester! We chatted and laughed happily, although I was really tired-out.

It was another busy day, but I enjoyed this kind of business. ^^

"The French in London" from BBC

This is a program made for students learning English, and it is really easy!!! I thought it would be very difficult in understanding without a script of the conversation, but it was not so hard as I thought, in fact, it is an usual chat. I can totally understand it. My English is not so bad at all!

Go click and listen to this program, and you will find that English is actually a piece of cake!


http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1557_london_extra/page2.shtml

Coming of "Die Schopfung"~

Next Wednesday will be significant to me. About two months ago, I decided to participate in a performance in Taipei Medical School, and the day finally comes! I am wondering how it will be when the chorus, the wind band and the soloists present this show, without much practice. Everyone there are good, the singing skill, of course, is the part I care most. I met many friends there, and we are all enjoy in the music, especially in chorus^^.

I am looking forward to the day! Hoping that I can do my best!!!

reflection

I wonder whether it is a rule that people who are busy will use their time in the most efficient way. Recently, there are businesses occupied most of the time, (I kept complaining about this…) but the more I have to do, the more I will do. I really learn how to distribute time and how to make a proper plane. I think it is worth to be tired out. ^^

re "A silent noise"

I believe that it’s part of my fault to make you upset. I will change my attitude and place more attention on the group business.

the mid-term of chemistry

It’s really scary this morning! Because we had a chemistry mid-term exam in the afternoon, I did not feel quite well. Last time, I did bad on it and get a terrible grade, but this time I spend more time on preparing it; however, I don’t think I can get a nice score this time. Even though I spend more time, but when I am writing the test, there are still so many questions that I can’t figure out.
How can I get a good grade on chemistry?

too busy for me...

Today I check on my schedule in the morning and suddenly found out that the schedule is almost full! It is occupied by homework, exams and some activities we student major in Chinese medicine must attend. One third of the time I give it to the chorus I join, and the time left is little, not to say study carefully, I wonder most of the time that could I really go through the text for one time? I don’t like this way of life…too busy for me.

too busy for me...

Today I check on my schedule in the morning and suddenly found out that the schedule is almost full! It is occupied by homework, exams and some activities we student major in Chinese medicine must attend. One third of the time I give it to the chorus I join, and the time left is little, not to say study carefully, I wonder most of the time that could I really go through the text for one time? I don’t like this way of life…too busy for me.

minor things

The weather was good these days, sunny and breeding. When I walked slowly from downstairs our dorm, I enjoyed the fresh air, the light wind, and the bird’s singing in the morning. I think I can pay more attention on the minor things in which I can escape the business a little while.

complain

I don’t like the way I live now.
Always busy, busy, and busy; always have duties pup out to surprise us.
Another way to explain the odd condition is only to slow down the pace of the life, but I see no way to smooth it…

campanion in chorus with other schools

It’s a happy day, but it is also tiring. I went to Taipei Medical University this weekend for the performance and for learning some techniques about singing. Today the whole day, we practiced two brand-new songs which is ought to be trained in weeks. I am pretty nervous, because others seemed familiar with those songs. However, it turned out to be great! The harmony between each part of the chorus is excellent!

One of the songs, “Alleluia” composed by Randall Thompson, is peaceful but a little grief. It is quite difficult to present this song in an attracting way; nevertheless, we did it! Although I cannot proudly say that we did great, I am contented that we can complete this song within half an hour.

Another one is “Razzle, Jazzle”. It is a song with jazz style. It impress me with light, hopping, and let’s-go-to-dance mood. A song that makes people happy, and I really enjoy it!

this morning

We have a mid-term exam of Chinese medical diagnostics today. I was wondering yesterday that I may fail to prepare it well, and be flunked at the end of this semester…(depressed). But it turns out that some part of the test is pretty tough to answer, for me, I am not sure how many score I can get.

Forget it! I need something to cheer up!

Maybe going to a movie is a good choice~

complain

Today is Monday, but how would I wonder why it is already Wednesday (I mean in the middle of a week). So busy, so many tests, and so many trifles to do. When will I get rid of all this…(sigh~)

Schools say iPods becoming tool for cheaters

news from CNN:http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/04/27/ipod.cheating.ap/index.html


outline ------------------>>>>

1.Schools across the country(here means America) are targeting digital media players as a potential cheating device. Because school officials realized some students were downloading formulas and other material onto the players.

2.Some students thinks that the ban has not stopped some students from using the devices.People who are going to cheat are still going to cheat, with or without them.

3.Conversely, Duke University in North Carolina began providing iPods to its students three years ago as part of an experiment to see how the devices could be used to enhance learning.


reflection --------------->>>>

I-Pod has been more and more popular in Taiwan. Almost every student in high school has one. The advantage of i-Pod does on learning is providing the listening practices, but in reality, the chance is that students regard it only as a media player that provides entertainment rather than a tool of learning. It is pitiable that we own a useful tool but no one can get advantage of it in some proper way.

an interesting day

Yesterday some classmates and I went to my high school to propagate the summer camp held in Chang Gung. Though it was exhausted, I still felt very excited that I can go back, especially when teachers were all there. Sometimes I may a little bit upset that why my classmates and I don’t have leisure time to visit old friends or teachers, but this time, even though it was for some other reasons, I would treasure this special memory.

a short note

Kind of bored this afternoon…
I had planted to go to National Palace Museum today, but it rained since morning. Actually I would rather stay at home than going out in a rainy day. When finish all this paper, it would be great to read a good book, and with a cup of tea would be even better!

It's a busy week

It’s a busy week but will be a memorable one.

“The Chinese Medicine Night” falls on Tuesday, we have a lot of fun. Everyone stay from the beginning of the show because we already pay much attention on this performance, and want to the presentation. It’s worth! It is worth of our sacrifice of time to ask for perfect! We should give ourselves a big hand, for the hard working and for the happiness we spread. “The Chinese Medicine Night Market” is on the next day. I think it is tiring but still it’s fun. During the whole week, we sell products to customers. I have to say that it is a good way to practice the skill of speaking, especially how to talk others into buying your goods. ^^

reflections of "Genesis" and "Hajleluya"

Saturday I went to Taipei Medication University to practice the part of chorus of “Genesis” by Austria composer Haydn, and today the chorus of school I join practice “Hajleluya”. “They are great songs, but not in my everyday life,” I am not used to these songs before I have myself sing; however, it is not true. In some way, I can feel the emotions being writing down between the lines, and sometimes while singing, I can experience the compliments that the composer wants to give, even though I don’t have religious belief, I am moved.

Not for the presence of God, but the passion those people emerge toward God.

An interesting workload

Today we had an extra class about making the products of Chinese Medicine’s week. This time we will sale those products we make. It is interesting, but the process of producing is no funny thing. We form some lines like factories do, and we are unpaid labors- even worse than child labor in the 18th century. But there is nothing we could complain about, it is I decide that to offer helps. For fun. Sometimes you just need to convince that it is worth to have some fun in life, if it does not scarified too much!

story series2

The grandma want to prepare some special gifts for her lovely grandchildren. She hasn’t seen her family for years because the father of those grandchildren is always busy in working. This time they stop by is only because the parents will go abroad, and they need a person to take care of the two children for a month. But grandma doesn’t mind. She is never too happy to see her child though her son doesn’t think so.

An upcoming book: The Buena Vista Sisters’ Club

"This is the extraordinary story of Anacaona, a glamorous all-girl orchestra which stormed to success in Thirties Cuba and became the toast of Old Havana. The 11 sisters took their exotic ‘son’ rhythms across the world before fading into obscurity after the Cuban Revolution. Here, in an extract from a new book, saxophonist Alicia Castro, now in her eighties and one of the surviving four, recounts how it all began."

whole story ------------->>>

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article1604105.ece

I draw some outline about this report of a Cuba's girl orchestra. I can't wait for the publishing of this book, and hope you all could enjoy it!

outline ------------------>>>

Anacaona started out at a cafe. At the thirtys, girls were not regarded to earn their own livings but stayed at home surportting her family. Although the circumstances was harsh, the arthor told us that "there was nothing I enjoyed more than going every evening from humdrum Lawton to the vibrant nightlife of Old Havana; or that initially father was dead against us performing in the open-air cafés, saying there was no way his daughters were going to work at night near the sleazy bars and brothels."

They are talented girls. Elevent sisters composed this chorus. Though team members changed as time went by, the spirit of this orchetra will never change.

"Every now and then we’re invited to award ceremonies, because our Orquesta Anacaona, which played together for more than five decades, was declared part of the “cultural heritage of Cuba” in 1989."

reflections --------------->>>

I haven't seen this book yet, but I am interested of it. Years ago, I saw a movie talking the story about a family band from Mexico. I am impressed by the movie, so Iwill watch every movie or read autobiography concerning to this topic. However, the Chinese book salers don't seem to appreciate thiskind of book, I read not much.I am happy that my English is improving and then I have a choice to know more people about this group. ^^

It is a story’s begin…

I want to write a story on my blog to increase the contents of it. The beginning of the story is that, a woman makes ornaments to earn her own living. One day she took the products to the market and wanted to sell them out, because it is nearly Christmas, and this woman’s grandchildren is going to visit her, the…


(see you tomorrow :) )

Oh~it's very cold out there

It is really cold now!

The temperature today has dropped fast, at least five degrees, and it started to rain heavily. It is really terrible! I was then going back to the dorm, the wind blow harshly, and I tried hard to hold up my umbrella in case that it was blow away.

Please do not rain in the following weeks~

i am tired

I am so tired! I cannot concentrate on anything right now. This weekend I slept over ten hours, but I still felt very tired. Why am I tired? It is a question that I cannot answer myself.

An abundant shopping trip in Taipei

2007.03.30

Today Micky and I went shopping for the ingredients and containers of the products we sale in the Chinese Medicine Week. We went to some chemical engineering shops, Chinese medicine shops and herb shops. Strolling in the old streets in the surroundings of Taipei, I found another part of this city which is totally unfamiliar to me. Those shops, selling things for some certain usage, were decorated by an ancient atmosphere. That led me to the past. A truly different part of my world, but the one I will enjoy. People here were friendly. We did no bargain, but they make some discounts for us. We could not decide which one is suitable, and there was someone giving advices. I like it.

CHAMPION!!!

2007.03.28

Actually I am really tired now, but I still have something exciting to say.
That is,

“WE WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE CHORUS CONTEST, and BOTH of the games we participate in!!!!!!!!!!!”

This is a big news for all of us, the members of the 曉韻 chorus. We have great passion for singing. I think that is the most motivated part of us. Especially for those seniors, they go to the contest with us, taking pictures and doing some little things, encouraging us (so sweet!) and some of them even sing with us.

I really appreciate that. They spend so much time to direct our practices, to modify our voice, and many other things. I think I am really lucky to have a chance to meet them and be taught by them. They are harsh sometime indeed, but all they want is to see the improvement of us. We are the ones being cared most. As for this glory, I do think that it should be shared with all the people that help us, and not only people virtually participate in the contest….

There are so many things to say, and it is not an easy thing to describe the movement for one thing that you have to spend the time to understand it, and also pay the energy to learn it from again-and-again practices. I once heard someone say that “you should learn everything carefully by heart, and especially those you CAN only learn it by heart.” It is the very sentence I think can present my feelings now.

an exciting week

2007.03.27

Tomorrow the chorus will go to 三峽 for the competition. I am now both excited and nervous because I am not so good at singing besides all we want to do is to win the campionship!

Last weekend and even all the weekends of March, we practiced for this contest. Although I have practiced very hard, my voice is not good enough. I know that to win the contest is only the short term goal, and the long term goal is to enhance the sablitility of my singing skill. It is a far way to go, and as for the result, I believe is the one I anticipate for.

^^

a touching song

2007.03.24

Today I heard a song which touched me a lot. It is light and hopping but not the kind strong like band music. The most touching part is the lyric. It is about a man telling a woman who he had fallen in love how he admired her beauty and how she attracted him. The lyrics are simple, only four lines, but accompany with the music and the singer’s sexy voice, the song sounds comfortable.

2007.03.24

We have a free style writing in class and teacher told us to post it on our blogs. But what happened to my writing? Where is it?

(The possibility is that I didn’t click the “send” bottom = =”)

Therefore I need to write another…according to my creation…(not team work)

------------------------------------------>>>

In one afternoon, I am strolling on the street. It is quite, and people walk pass in a fast space. It seems that there would be no one care or even notice a tremendous change happen between them. But in this quite afternoon, nothing would happen. I walk along the street in an especially slow speed wondering something interesting.
I buy a scorn of ice cream, licking it while I cross a street. There comes a bus, and I hurry to chase after it. It is faster and faster, but I still run after it. I have no definition but a loud noise tell me to get on the bus and then I can find the reason why I am strolling in the street.
But I didn’t catch it at last, I think I will have many other afternoons walking out of goals on the street.

-----------------------------------------<<<

I try hard to finish it in 10 minutes. It's not interesting I know...

Things happened these days...

2007.03.23

I am now talking about the weather. On Monday, it was cold out there. I put on sweater and scarf but still can’t resist the freezing air. Then it was Thursday, the sun was shining, and people wore shirts to class. Spring is getting closer and closer!

Another thing I want to share with you all is a story about an anonymous angle (or maybe "some"). I have told you that some kind-hearted people folded the clothes for me. Today, when I again walked to take my clothes, the other angle folded them up! Last time, I believe it was a surprise from my roommates or classmates for my birthday (close to it), but it happens twice! Now I’m definitely convinced that they are angles.
Thank you all to help me. I do appreciate it.

a little bit tired

2007.03.22

I am very tired today. We have four continual classes of our major in this afternoon. Actually this subject is quite interesting, and teacher is nice, but listening in straight for four classes is no funny thing. On the other hand, I am not sure that I can really memorize all the stuff that being taught.

diary from Mar 10th to 15th

These are the diaries.
Sometimes writing clears the thoughts, and it do good to ourselves.
I like to write rather than to talk (or maybe that's chat), so hope you all can browse through my blog from time to time, and give me some advices! ^^

dairy------------------------------>>>>
2007.03.10
Is there only a misunderstanding?

I think I have strange day these days, for I wonder things now I do is weather meaningful or not. For example, sometimes I may think that using MSN to chat is quite a waste of time, but I still use it to connect my friends, and especially those do not live in Taipei.

Frankly to say, I don’t like the way of “communicating”. In my concern, I regard the “face-to-face” style as the most direct way of communicating. When you talk to someone in person, you can not only listen what he is trying to tell, but also inquire other information from expressions, body languages, and even the atmosphere there at the time. That take an important part of my meeting new people.

Actually, words make some problems sometimes. Even if you carefully check the lines before pressing “ENTER”, there are always offends. You don’t mean to hurt others, but it DOSE hurt.

2007.03.12
It is definitely going to be really busy this semester

Today I have only 6 classes. But when I entered my room it was almost ten o’clock at night. The chorus is now practicing almost everyday, but it seems never has a perfect version for our group. We practiced for two weeks, including 3 full days, but to tell the truth, I can’t see the break-through.

2007.03.14
Today is White Valentines Day

It is said that Japanese creates this festival, and in this day, for the boy or girl who had been told being in love with, has a chance to tell the other one weather he or she is willing to be the very person.

I think Japanese has a good sense in business. They know that people--especially those in love—need more excuse for getting together; therefore, they create many a festival like so-call “White Valentines Day”. They sell chocolates, flowers, and hearty meals, … This festival then becomes a fashion in Taiwan. Couples in Taiwan then celebrate this day, even though they do not venture to cry out their love to someone. Trend in Taiwan grows very fast, and we tend to reform the shape we like in some way. At last, the festival will become (or already become?) a new culture in Taiwan.

2007.03.15
I love you, angel(s)!

I meet angels today!

We have classes from 8 in the morning to 8 at night today, and I stay at library till 9:30. Back in the dorm, I need to finish my biology report and at the same time wash the clothes. Washing clothes is a time-consuming work to me, and I see it as a harsh work actually. After about 30 minutes, I went back to take the clothes to the dryer, and someone had already folded them! I thanked her for doing this to me, but she really didn’t have to do this, and I throw them into the dryer. It past almost an hour, when I went back to the laundry, again, all my clothes were folded up tidily, and laid in my cart! How lucky I am do not have to spend the time doing the things I really don’t enjoy—especially I am now really tired.
It’s quite late at night, but I still want to thank you, an anonymous angel(or angels). Thank you.