To learn a third language…


Though right now, I can speak two languages, Chinese and English, I cannot speak them fluently. In fact, oftentimes, I still get mixed up between the two. This past month, my mom had enrolled herself into a leadership class and I had to proofread her assignments for her. I don’t know why I have to do that though since she insults my grammar afterward. She calls my English awkward and repetitive and my grammar awful. “I don’t know how you can write so awful.” Her words, not mine.

Do I really write that bad? Even my instructor had returned my paper, docking me five points for bad grammar. On the other hand, I’m not getting much complaints on here. So I’m not sure which is true. .

Anyway, if I can wake up tomorrow and be fluent in any language, I would choose English. I would speak no more Chinese, it would be a thing of the past. My grammar would not be awkward and I would not have any trouble expressing myself.

Of course, WP won’t let me do that. According to the prompt, I have to choose a language I don’t already speak. Well, in that case, I would choose Spanish because most jobs out there nowadays require a second language, Spanish. My mom said they’re in need of Chinese speaker but honestly, I don’t see many jobs with a requirement for Chinese speaker, unless you’re a translator, of course.

Anyway, I would speak a mouth of fluent Spanish. I would be able to curl my tongue to make the “r” sound, no problem. I’m not sure about the first thing I would do, maybe write it on my resume so I can earn more money with bilingual jobs? No idea.

Writing 101: A Character-Building Experience


I do not know her. We have never met before. Continue reading “Writing 101: A Character-Building Experience”

#AtoZChallenge – N For Natural Wonders


The state of Utah has a lot of natural wonders. It was once the breeding grounds for dinosaurs (no kidding). Archaeologists are still finding dinosaurs fossils out in the desert. Three years ago, when my family came to visit, I had the pleasure to go and see the brand new exhibits at the recently re-opened Natural History Museum.

Beside dinosaurs, Utah also has five National Parks, all with characteristics of its own. My favorites would have to be Canyonland and Arches National Park. I’ve been Zion National Park but I didn’t get to see much due to the my family’s whining. So I didn’t get to see much. Oh well, next time.

Arches National Park is made of a lot of arches and every one is different from the next. What’s so cool about them is they are all made from hundreds and maybe thousands of years of wind erosion. Just the thought that these arches were made by nature made them even more amazing to look at.

Canyonland National Park, on the other hand, used to be an ocean before the Pacific receded to California coastline. Just think, this is what the bottom of the ocean look like.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini-tour of the natural wonders I’ve seen in the past few years and thanks for reading. 🙂

#AtoZChallenge – M For Monterey


Monterey Bay, California is one of those places that has to be visited at least once. It is situated just south of the San Francisco Bay and next to Pebble Beach (17 Mile Drive). I am not a good tour guide and there are really not much to tell except you just have to see it and marvel at the landscapes yourself.

The last time I went to the city of Monterey which is the city next to the bay was May, 2010. We drove hours through the twisty freeway to arrive to this beautiful city. Our first stop was the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Unfortunately my external hard drive went bonkers that summer and lost all my pictures except these which I had cleverly uploaded to Facebook.

Anyway, after the aquarium, we met up with my mom’s friend who worked nearby and we went to a restaurant by the beach for lunch. It had to be the most exquisite lunch I’ve ever had. After that, we said goodbye to my mom’s friend as she headed back to work and we headed toward Pebble Beach.

17 Mile Drive or Pebble Beach is said to be California’s most beautiful coastline. On Wikipedia, it said that there are a lot of mansions and golf course along this scenic road. I guess I wasn’t paying attention since I was focused on the ocean. I mean, how can you focus on mansions and golf courses when you got this to look at?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini-tour and thank you for reading. 🙂

Socializing is Not for Me


In 2006, I was given a fresh start. I had moved to a new city, new state, new home, new school. For the first time, I got to choose my classes, not the other way around. I finally got to be in classes I would have never thought I could like web design and choir. Continue reading “Socializing is Not for Me”

Tranquil to Rage


Daily Prompt: Tell us about a time when you flew into a rage. What is it that made you so incredibly angry?

First of all, though mad and angry mean the same thing in American English, it does not in British English. Thus, “Mad” Hatter does not mean “Angry” Hatter. Secondly, I don’t fly into rage, I don’t think anyone does until you’re a very good actor. Thirdly, I don’t get angry in a second, it’s usually built, first annoyance, then irritation, and finally full on rage.

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You can even see the mountains in the distance That was taken 12 minutes after 3

Today of all days should be the day to be angry, at least for me. Why? Nothing is cooperating – the traffic, weather, and of all people, my mother! However, I am not.

What began as a cool light breeze this morning had turned into raging wind by the time I got out of class. As I settled myself in the computer lab, I could hear the wind howling and banging on the windows. I had expected this. After all, the radio did warn us yesterday about the wind warning and the storm that would bring rain and snow.

Late this morning, as I walked to the car, I could feel the wind pulling me back, not allowing me to go forward as garbage, tumbleweed, and debris flew across the way. I felt like I was pelted with garbage like some infamous person. So lucky nothing nailed me in the eyes.

At last, I made it to my car. I quickly threw my backpack into the trunk and climbed into the car, slamming the door shut. At that moment, I became nervous about the drive home with the strong wind and light car but I have to get over it.

Two blocks later, traffic began building. As I sat in the car with my head leaning against the head rest while listening to the radio and the howling of the wind, I became irritated. Can’t anything go right?

I thought back to this morning when my wonderful slumber was rudely interrupted for the second time this week by my mother’s early-bird phone calls. Yesterday, she called at 6:58 am and today at 6:40 am, more than half-hour before I was set to wake up. The reason for her call? To ask me to set up an order to buy stocks. “Do you think it’s a good idea to buy?” She had asked.

I yawned, still half-asleep. “That’s up to you.” I said, almost gagging from my retainers.

“What do you think?” I just sighed and awkward silence ensued, still pissed that she had woken me up so early. Then just as I halfheartedly wanted to hang up and go back to bed, she said, “Just set up the order.” So I did, hung up, and finally climbing back to my bed across the hall only to be woken up again less than 30 minutes later by my alarm.

Anyway, after a nerve-wrecking 40 minutes drive, I finally stepped through the door. My hair was full-blown messy but I was okay. I successfully made it down the canyon gripping tight to my swaying car’s steering wheel.

The sky is brownish, near red now. It will be a powerful storm, I can feel it just by the sound of the wind. “I am coming,” it howls. 🙂

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27 minutes later…
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6 minutes after that, you can’t really see it but the sky had changed a lot during those 33 minutes

Bald Eagle Sighting


I was browsing through my pictures when I came across these photographs. They were taken early February two years ago during my aunt’s second visit to the U.S. She had spent that Chinese New Year with us and together, we went to the Farmington Bay to watch the Bald Eagles. Apparently, bald eagles fly to Utah for the winter and the spot they settle every year is Farmington Bay which is the fresh water part of the Great Salt Lake.

It was quite a rough drive that day what with unpaved roads and ice but it was well worth it because we got to see America’s treasure up close. In keeping up with this week’s photo challenge theme Afloat, I have decided to show those pictures.

I hope you enjoy these pictures. 🙂

#AtoZChallenge – L For Locke


Before you ask, no, I did not spell the word Lock wrong. I am actually talking about the village in Northern California called Locke. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – L For Locke”

#AtoZChallenge – K For…


I’ve been searching the dictionary last night, trying to find a good word for “K” and there are none that inspire me whatsoever. So instead, I’m going to show you pictures of things that I know of that begin with “K”. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – K For…”

The Museum of New Ages


Today’s prompt asks: A hundred years from now, a major museum is running an exhibition on life and culture as it was during our current historical period. You’re asked to write an introduction for the show’s brochure. What will it say? Continue reading “The Museum of New Ages”

Floating…


I try to find something that will represent this week’s photo challenge and this is the best I can do.

So I made hot cocoa yesterday. Although it’s getting warm, I still enjoy it very much as breakfast. 😉

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The bird’s nest in the tree is classified as floating, right? From my angle, it’s amazing it stayed up there for so long.

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Clouds floating in the sky, don’t see much ’round here. A beautiful day is usually cloudless.

My Beautiful Planet


I feel like a kid answering this prompt. You get to design your own planet: tell us all about your planet — the weather, the seasons, the inhabitants. Go.

My planet would be similar to Earth except it wouldn’t have any of the danger like earthquakes, drought, tsunami, etc. It would have California weather, perfect everyday and no sudden shift in temperature. There would be rain, definitely. I will not have drought on my planet. Rain would ensure harvest each year.

There would also be snow up at the higher elevations so there would be variety instead of sunshine all the time. 

So I have mountains, plains, cities, what am I missing? Of course, water! There got to be lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, not to mention oceans and beaches. If I design a planet, I might as well go all the way. There would be pristine beaches with water like the Caribbean except it’s calm. Like I said, the weather danger of Earth does not exist on this marvelous planet.

Last by not least, the inhabitants. Hmm, that’s an interesting question. No gangs! I grew up in a horrible neighborhood in the suburbs of Los Angeles where thieves, vandals, and other horrible people ran around freely damaging other people’s properties. Sure, there can be bullies but I will not have those people ruin this beautiful planet I’ve designed.

Writing 101: Be Brief


The prompt for Day 5 of Writing 101 have us write about an encounter when we stumble upon a letter. Please note that this is completely fiction. Continue reading “Writing 101: Be Brief”

#AtoZChallenge – J For Jackson Hole


For the many that do not know, Jackson Hole is a small town in Wyoming not far from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. It is quite a beautiful place to go during the summer, just take a drive through Yellowstone and take its south exit to Grand Teton and Jackson Hole. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – J For Jackson Hole”

Writing 101: Serially Lost


Create-a-Better-Life-Through-Self-Reflection-and-MindfulnessWhen the assignment said to write about loss, I seriously couldn’t think of a thing. I was going to go full fiction but something came to me at the last second. I hope this is not too sad. Thanks for reading. Continue reading “Writing 101: Serially Lost”

Everything I’ve Ever Wanted


Daily Prompt: Tell us about a time when everything actually turned out exactly as you’d hoped. Continue reading “Everything I’ve Ever Wanted”

Plumber, Electrician, or Cellphone Repair?


Apparently, I’m not the only one who got a new job. My cousin, the one that used to live here, decided to hold off college and got a job selling Boba in China. I learn that from eavesdropping mom’s conversation with my aunt. My mom was disappointed and angry when she got the news. She started screaming at her sister which I don’t get at all. It’s not her fault or her decision. If he doesn’t want to go to college, isn’t that a good thing? It means he’s not coming back to the U.S. anytime soon, right?

plumbing_company_in_kalispellSince then, every time she’d called home, though I don’t know why, she had suggested my aunt put my cousin in some sort of apprenticeship. “He needs to learn something.” My mom said. “Life isn’t just about math and science.” Sometimes, I feel like she treats everyone like illiterate sh**. Just because people chooses to not go to college doesn’t mean they’re stupid. Some people who chooses to go might be the stupid one. Take me, for example. My entire family didn’t go to college and they turned out just fine. My cousin from my father’s side is a manager of a business right out of high school. Of course, it didn’t help that he inherited the business from his dad but my point is a lot of people don’t go to college and they turn out just fine.

Anyway, so far, she’d suggested him to be a plumber, electrician, and cellphone repair. That last one was the most recent due to the fact my new job is in a cellphone repair shop. I didn’t even know those things existed until now and apparently, it does not exist in China. I wonder what people do if they accidentally drop their phone on the floor and break the glass. Do they just throw it away?

Did I mention she didn’t sound happy when I told her I got a new job?

That had been turned around last Friday when she suddenly was interested to know everything about my new job like what does the business do or how much is labor per hour.

The motive? Oh she always has a motive alright…

…and I figured it out in a jiffy. She wants to take over as usual. This time is different though. She doesn’t really wanted to take over my job, well she does but really, she wants to take over the cellphone repair guy’s job. She thought taking apart an iPhone is easy and that it’s no-brainer to fix a phone. She thought earning $70 an hour fixing a phone is easy. She wanted me to ask my boss to let her be the protegee of the cellphone repair guy.

Ha ha, very funny. I’m not going to do that. Nice try, though. The last thing I need is to have my mother breathing down my neck again. However, if I could learn a trade, I would learn cellphone repair. It looks profitable but I’ll have to learn it secretly maybe from the cellphone repair guy. He seems nice enough. 😉

#AtoZChallenge – I For Insane


The past two weeks have been just insane. I feel like all the blog posts have been rushed and I haven’t had the time to really buckle down and do some writing that’s really worth reading. So I can understand why my site traffic is taking a plunge; yes, I’m crazy about that. 😉

I got up early this morning even though I went to bed super late last night. I guess I’m just excited because first of all, it’s Friday and secondly, I have work, a good way to earn some cold hard cash.

I’m mostly excited because all this craziness is coming to pass. I can finally sit down, breathe, and catch up all that’s happened in the blogging world and not worry about to have to run around as I’ve done this week.

So in my post on Sunday, I mentioned I skipped my daily ritual (Daily Prompt) two days in  a row. Well, I have only done it once this week. How ’bout that? First, the prompt are not really inspiring me to write anything, except yesterday which I intend to write in just a moment, and the weather wasn’t not exactly cooperating.

This was a picture I took on Tuesday and it was already passed 9 am when I snapped it. It’s been like that the entire week.

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It rained and snowed on Wednesday not to mention the temperature went from 60’s and 70’s to 30’s and 40’s. I didn’t want to wear my warm down jacket since it’d just been cleaned. I had to settle with my regular thick coat which didn’t do much good against the cold.

Another thing that made my week insane was in my post Sunday, I told you the fantastic news that my instructor had cancelled class on Tuesday. Well, that came with consequences because I spent until midnight on Wednesday night doing all the homework and filling in the notes for Thursday’s class. I was so tired I didn’t even want to get up yesterday but I did anyway with the hope of just getting the day over with. That was difficult. Nothing was cooperating especially the traffic. It took me 45 minutes instead of my usual 20 minutes commute to get home. Thank god I don’t have to go anywhere except work today.

So here is to a wonderful day. 🙂

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Writing 101: Commit to Writing Practice


It took me two days but I finally come up with three songs. These three songs are not the most important, as stated in the exercise but they do have significant importance. Continue reading “Writing 101: Commit to Writing Practice”

#AtoZChallenge – H For Headphones


I know, such a dumb word I have chosen to represent H. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – H For Headphones”

#AtoZChallenge – G For Gamer


G was supposed to be for “Grammar” but honestly, I hate for you guys to hear me complain day after day. So G is for “Gamer” instead. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – G For Gamer”

Writing 101: A Room with a View


Window With A View_1Day two of Writing 101 is asking us to tell about a place we would go if we can zoom through space. Continue reading “Writing 101: A Room with a View”

#AtoZChallenge – F for Forgotten Streak


As I lie awake in bed last night, I realized something. My blogging streak started last April and since then I haven’t stopped blogging. So I think this is the real anniversary of this blog, not February of 2013 since I blogged for less than a month before quitting. Okay, so I posted a few times between September and April but it doesn’t count. Less than 10 posts a month does not count as consistent in my books. Continue reading “#AtoZChallenge – F for Forgotten Streak”