An Eventful Thursday: A record setting week


Whew!!! Finally, a load off my chest.

After getting just three hours of sleep and a protein-rich breakfast (Hot Cocoa and scramble egg sandwich) , Continue reading “An Eventful Thursday: A record setting week”

Liebster Award: First Nomination!


liebsterblogaward-2

First of all, I just want to say thank you Artfullyadelie for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Aww, I have to blush a little. It is currently the second achievement I’ve gotten since I started blogging. At this point, I should probably put up an achievement page. Last year, I was nominated for the Sunshine Award. I am extremely honored. It’s not everyday you get nominated. Of course, I was going to write the post yesterday but excuses, excuses, excuses!

I had a large weight loss shake yesterday, then a large bowl of grapes, and finally, a large bowl of Ramen noodles for lunch. Of course, Ramen noodles are no good without the soup base which by the way is full of MSG. Not soon after I finished, I was exhausted. I stumbled through work, thank god I work at home 🙂 and I wasn’t completely awake again until a few hours ago, after I had dinner, a shower, and begin fiddling with some of my old short stories (I’ve posted them too! Click here to check it out!).

Now, it’s 11:30, planes had stopped rumbling outside (long story), my computer’s off and I can’t sleep. Great!!! Oh well, at least I have my tablet handy, might as well take the time to get this started and finish it in the morning. So, according to Adelie, I’m supposed to:

  • Write 11 facts about myself
  • Answer 11 questions
  • Ask 11 questions
  • Nominate 11 other fellow bloggers.

So first things first, 11 facts about me:

  1. I do NOT know how to write a happy ending! If you’ve read my flash fictions and short stories on my other blogs (Click here), you’d know that none of them has a happy ending. I don’t know, maybe a sad ending just tricks people into thinking there might be sequel?
  2. Two of the most annoying sounds in my ears is a baby’s cry and a child crying. It just make me want to scream and throw things. So if you don’t want me to go insane, control your child! OR keep your child away from me! 😦
  3. I am the most awkward person at parties and gatherings. 😮 I don’t know what to do there. Everybody’s talking to each other at the same time and everywhere’s crowded and full of plastic cups. Maybe I just need to be go to more parties and get used to the atmosphere.
  4. I can either be the loudest, most social person you’ve ever met OR I can be the quietest, most invisible person you’ve ever met. It all depends on the place, occasion, and the familiarity of people and topic.
  5. I have a very severe case of stage fright. Even now, after I’ve joined Toastmaster for almost 3 years, my heart would pound and I would forget everything the moment I hit that podium.
  6. I love to cook and travel but I don’t have the money or the time right now. Maybe someday.
  7. I used to play the  piano and a little guitar but without practice for 7 years, I forgot it all. 😛
  8. I used to want to be a singer, a director, and an actress. But I don’t have the look, the voice, and the emotion. So oh well, I
    A Maglite
    A Maglite

    still pretend the maglite is a microphone and sing to my stereo for fun though.

  9. I am extremely old-schooled. I didn’t start listening to music, using a computer, and watching Tv until 2002 when I was 11. I’m still using a flip phone when everyone’s got a smartphone and tapping away. I dislike texting too!
  10. I wanted to be a website/graphic designer but my mom’s friend wanted me to be a civil engineer. Naturally, she listened to her friend and pulled me along with it.
  11. I went to three different high schools in 4 years after moving from California to Texas to Utah. The moves were adventurous but meeting new people is hard.

Now, 11 questions from Adelie:

  1. What is one thing you have been meaning to do but haven’t seem to find the time? I’ve been meaning to finish the two 1000-piece Ancient Chinese painting jigsaw puzzles my mom’s family brought with them when they visited two summers ago. Wow, two summers? Has it really been that long? Anyway, my mom bought these for me when I was 6 and I do not like to leave things unfinished. I said I was going to do them two winters ago, then last Summer, then last Winter. Well, someday, I’ll get it done.
  2. Finish-Line-Full-HD-Image-8Are you motivated by fear or hope? Of course, I’m motivated by hope, if a person’s motivated by fear, how are they going to get things done? I believe that everything has a start and an end, you just need to get over that hurdle to the finish line.
  3. If you could invent an ice cream flavor, what would it be? I’m not very creative but if I could invent an ice cream flavor, if would probably have all the things I like and probably all the things my mom hates. Yes! We are completely opposite when it comes to ice cream. It might be plain vanilla with mint, fruit (probably strawberry maybe peach), plus marshmallow swirls. NO nuts though.
  4. What is the one word you love for people to describe you? It all depends on the situation. I had people describe me as lovable, tolerable, stubborn, and even lazy. Obviously, lazy is a horrible word to describe people. I do like it when people describe me as stubborn though because it shows I’m persistent. It shows that I’m not the kind of person that give up easily. However, I would love to be described as fun and cool because I’ve never been those things. So being described as fun and cool will definitely make my day.
  5. Who do you most look up to and why? Well, there hasn’t been a lot of people in my life because I don’t really stay long enough to get to know them. Like my dad and step-dad, my dad passed away before I could properly register his voice in my head and my step-dad, well we talk but most of the time, it was about him teaching me stuff or we’re just having fun. So the person I look up to would probably be my mom because she’s hard working and cunning. She wants me to be like her everyday and I try very hard at it too.
  6. If you could master one dance style, what would it be? Ha Ha 😀 If I can master one dance style, it would be ANY since I do NoT know how to dance! I’m the most awkward and clumsy dancer you’ll ever see. So don’t expect me to dance at parties.
  7. If you were a superhero, what would your name be? Hmm, I’ll have to think about that.
  8. What is the one thing you’ll never regret doing? Coming to the U.S.! That is the one thing I’ll never regret doing. If I am still in China, I would’ve never gotten my diagnosis and been a goner at 33! Besides, I would have never discovered the joy in blogging and be blogging in my bed at 4 AM in the morning! Can’t Sleep! Darn you, fluctuating temperatures! 🙂
  9. What’s one word you always second-guess yourself when spelling it out? Lately, that list seemed to be growing! I used to be a whiz at spelling. Maybe I’m getting old. 😀
  10. What’s the nicest thing anyone’s has ever said to you? Hmm, I don’t know. I love you, you’re adorable? We express our feelings very differently in Chinese.
  11. Fill in the blank: In a perfect world, love and peace would be everywhere.

Now, for my 11 questions:

  1. If you won a free airplane ticket to travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  2. What is the one word you dislike when people are using to describe you?
  3. If you can change the name of a food, what would it be?
  4. If a stranger hands you a hundred dollar (pound, euro, whatever your currency), what would you spend it on?
  5. If you’re a reincarnation of a famous person, who would you want it to be?
  6. If you can have any job in the world, what would it be?
  7. If you were a pop icon living a double life, what would your pop icon name be?
  8. If you can have an ice cream flavor named after you, what would be?
  9. What is the one word you like people to describe you?
  10. If you can time travel to any destination in time, what year would it be?
  11. If you can wake up to any sound, what would it be?

Now, for the hard part, nominating 11 fellow bloggers. It’s going to be very difficult, real difficult.  Also I cannot guarantee that any of these bloggers hasn’t been nominated.

So here it is:

  1. Brainstorm
  2. From Pickles to Paris
  3. bluchickenninja
  4. Wake Up Your Luck
  5. Osomann
  6. P.s Meganelizabeth
  7. VintageDahl
  8. Release the Mind
  9. Older Than Young
  10. Gwenism
  11. Fortiesgirl

Well, there you have it, my total of 11 facts, 11 answers, 11 questions, and 11 nominees! Looking forward to hearing for you! 🙂

Most Memorable Nights of a Lifetime


Close up of a graduation cap and a certificate with a ribbonGraduation is one of the most memorable days or nights in anybody’s life whether you are graduating from high school or college, the ceremony itself just somehow makes you feel like for just this one day, you are the most important person and nothing else matters.   Continue reading “Most Memorable Nights of a Lifetime”

Graduation


I can’t believe it.  Today is exactly a month from my graduation.  I am so excited! Also, in three weeks, I’ll be at last done with school.  Wow, how time flies by! I can’t believe it, it’s been 5 years since I first enrolled for my first course, Calculus I.  It has not been an easy journey and that includes preparing for graduation.

I applied for graduation more than two months ago and my adviser asked me if I was planned on walking.  I wasn’t sure at the time.  Then when I asked my mom whether I should attend my graduation ceremony, she was like, “There won’t be anyone attending.  Why don’t you wait for your aunt and walk next year?”

I would’ve thought that confirmed my decision because for one thing, I won’t know anyone.  Most of the people I know had graduated last year.  For another, I cannot beg my mom to go to my graduation ceremony.  I remembered the last time I asked her to go, she blamed me afterward because she missed a meeting and didn’t get her promotion.  So, this time, I’ve learn my lesson.

However my friend, Laura, insisted that I go, that it was once in a lifetime and that she will go as a support.  So now, I have two
voices in my head.  One is telling me to do it and the other one was telling me to wait and see if I have another chance in the future.  For the past two months or so, those two voices have been battling non-stop that is until two days ago.

What happened two days ago?

My friend, Laura, came over to my home to study.  We began talking about the graduation because come on, let’s face it, our brains can get tired and need some time to absorb the knowledge.  She showed me pictures of her graduation ceremony from last year.  Don’t even ask how she’s still in the same class with me after she graduated, the answer is we had a horrible professor last year.

Anyway, I saw what a big deal it was.  By then, that tiny voice that is telling me to go was starting to take over and soon it took over.  I began having visions and daydreams of what my graduation ceremony would be like.  Then in one breath, I’ve decided.  It’s once in a lifetime and I should attend my own graduation.  So, today, I have officially purchased my cap and gown and a stole of gratitude for my mom for all her support over the years.  I don’t know if she’ll keep it since she’s not sentimental like me but I will still give it to her as a thank you.

Preparing for the Big Day

To prepare for my momentous day, there are several things I am going to try to achieve in order to fulfill my picture perfect moments.

1. Lose at least 10 pounds.  At this moment, I’ve already successfully lost 2 pounds and since my mom left for her training
yesterday, I have put myself on a diet where I do a protein shake in the morning, a light lunch (maybe), and a light dinner as well as an average 500 calories loss in exercise daily.  I think if I have an important goal, I can probably stick to it.

2. Buy a dress and new pair of shoes.  I think since I now have paychecks, I can afford to buy myself a more age appropriate dress and a pair of high heels but at the same time, I can’t get something that is over $50 since I’m still saving up to buy a car.

3. Beautify my appearance.  Right now, my face is breaking out for some unknown reason.  I’ve been using astringent every night and it gets better but somewhere else would start breaking out.  I don’t know what to do about it.  I have these white spots that’s popping up all over my nose area.  I guess when the time comes, I’ll just have to cover it with makeup.

Now, a question for my readers, yesterday, an email was sent to me saying Commencement is May 1 and Convocation is May 2.  I’m not sure what it means.  Can anyone tell me what’s the difference between Commencement and Convocation and do I need to go to both?

Thanks for reading!

Club Goals for 2014: Start Building


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Yinglan's avatarToastmasters Energizer Club #2439

Since 2014 has arrived, I believe it is time to make some new goals myself and even for our beloved homeless Toastmasters club.  At the end of 2013, we have gained a club coach but lost three members in the process.  As the VP Membership, I can’t say that I’m pleased at the result of a club coach.  After all, a club coach is supposed to help the club gain members, not lose members.  However, the lost of our club members is not the club coach’s fault.  Our beloved members left for a reason, they left because of jobs, school, and family matters.  Due to the lost of those three members, our club is now down to five members and a coach and our goal for distinguish club is now nowhere in sight.  That is why we need to set some goals for the new year.

Goals:

#1 Reach Distinguish…

View original post 411 more words

Sunshine Award


sunshine-awardThank you, Jennifer Windram for nominating me for this award.  It is good to be recognized.  According to Jennifer, I am to list 10 things about myself and then nominate up to 10 other bloggers for the award.  Boy, that is going to a toughie to come up with 10 things about myself since I wrote just about everything in the about me page.  Let’s think…

So 10 random things about me…

1. I am 22 years old and I am a fifth and last year student at the University of Utah finishing up my degree in Civil Engineering.  I don’t necessarily like Civil Engineering but my mom talked me into it.

2. I am currently an English as the Second Language (ESL) tutor at Layton Christian Academy and for two other people outside school.  I am also an interpreter and translator for a company here in Utah.  So that’s one, two, three separate jobs but combined in one.

3. I don’t like hot weather because when you’re outside in the heat under the sun, you get hot but there’s nothing you can do about it.  You can remove clothes but you’ll eventually run out and then what will you do? Go naked? In the cold weather, you can keep piling on clothes until you’re warm enough.

4. I was born in the southeast corner of China, right by Hong Kong.  I came to the U.S. when I was 10 and I’ve been back about 8 years ago.  My mom went back to our hometown last month and she showed me pictures.  It is almost completely unrecognizable to me.  I’ve live in Los Angeles for 4 years and I went there last year and there was hardly any changes.

Is that an Imax?
Is that an Imax?
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I’ve never seen so many cars and trucks when I lived there

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. I don’t like going to amusement like Disneyland.  I prefer to go somewhere where I’m close to nature and not surrounded by people.

6. The thing that I want to do the most is travel.  I want to go visit the old places like Rome, London, Pompeii, places that is filled with history.  I am not exactly a history buff but I am still curious.

7. One of the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen is the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset.  If I have a chance, I would make that 90 minutes journey to go see it again.

8. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music.  You can put on almost any song and I would enjoy.  The rhythm just has to be catchy for my ears.

9. I enjoy cooking and my favorite things to make are deserts.  Pies, cakes, cookies, you name it and I will find a recipe and learn.

10. Last but not least, I was in the 2010 Utah Pioneer Day parade for the Chinese Society of Utah.  I enjoyed it and I wish to do it again even if I have to walk miles under the July hot sun.

Now, the blogger nominations…

1. Chris Martin Writes

2. Weekly Flash Fiction

Here is what you have to do (According to Jennifer Windram’s post): 

1. Use the Sunshine Award logo in the post.
2. Link to whoever nominated you.
3. Write ten pieces of information about yourself.
4. Nominate up to ten fellow bloggers, “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”.
5. Leave a comment on the nominees’ blogs to tell them of the award

Good luck to you all and have fun!