Tag: inspiration

That Mighty Long Chat

Published on by Yinglan7 Comments

I went on a camping trip for three days and two nights during the summer between 6th and 7th grade. It was fun and not fun as I pointed in this little walk through my adventures.

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The fun? We got to go to all these cool and amazing places. The not fun? 3 minutes cold showers and the constant teasing by my camp-mates and the camp counselors couldn’t do anything about it.

I didn’t quite enjoy the telling ghost stories around the bonfire either. The log wasn’t comfortable and not a fan of burnt marshmallows. Also the night was still chilly even with the fire burning in the middle.

That’s why if I want to have a long chat with someone, I would definitely not do it around a fire. If I am to have that long chat, I have no idea who, surprise me, I don’t care, I would most definitely choose some place comfortable and indoor, preferably some place with couches.

This looks comfortable, let’s chat!

 

Daily Prompt – Fireside Chat

To Start the Day…

Published on by Yinglan7 Comments

I do a lot yet I also do very little in those 30 minutes after I awaken from my long 6-10 hours slumber and none of those thing will ensure my day is off on the right foot. Continue reading “To Start the Day…” →

These Little Moments…

Published on by Yinglan3 Comments

I don’t like taking pictures, especially of people, with people, eh… Bad experience with my mom on multiple occasions, don’t ask.

Continue reading “These Little Moments…” →

Imagination Recharged

Published on by Yinglan6 Comments

Last week was both a great week and a bad week for me. First the new semester began and that came with a lot homework and reading. Continue reading “Imagination Recharged” →

Blogging 101: Be Inspired by the Neighbors

Published on by Yinglan2 Comments

I have been mulling over this post for a few days now. You know, homework, outings, lack of time, blah blah blah. Continue reading “Blogging 101: Be Inspired by the Neighbors” →

Pencils Only

Published on by Yinglan3 Comments

“Do all of your assignment with pencil on paper.” That’s what all the instructors said on the first day class.

When I was working on my undergraduate degree, we were not allowed to type our homework, except for the communication class when we were required to type our reports. Well, frankly, if we were to write our reports by hand, it would take forever and by the time we finish, our hands might be in some serious pain.

Even now, I write all my notes by hand on my tablet instead of typing them in Microsoft OneNote. I enjoy writing my notes by hands because it just feels so much faster especially when the class involves drawing tables and graphs.

Still, that doesn’t stop me from imagining what the world would be like if we were to go back to pre-keyboard era which would be before the 1860’s when the typewriter was invented. Technically, typewriters count as keyboards. They have keys and the paper is the screen.

Underwoodfive

I guess without the keyboard’s existence, I might be dipping pens, pencils probably existed but maybe only special people used ’em. Maybe clumsy people like me might not even have pens but just wooden sticks to write in the sand so we don’t get ink all over our dresses.

This semester, I found out I have to type all my assignments! Honestly, I rather prefer to go back to the pencil and paper days. At least I won’t have to stare at a screen the entire day. I mean, it’s killing my eyes! I find myself to have to zoom in to 150% this morning just to read this Supreme Court Case (Brown v. Board of Education) for my Business Law assignment and the font wasn’t even that small. The words just looked so blurry and tiny to me.

Please do NOT tell me I’m going blind.

The Tiny Soldier Part 3 (Flash Fiction Chain #5)

Published on by Yinglan30 Comments

Flash fiction Chain #5

I am super excited to participate in this Flash Fiction Chain hosted by Jithin of PhoTrablogger. The following parts are inspired by the above image. Continue reading “The Tiny Soldier Part 3 (Flash Fiction Chain #5)” →

Contradiction of Everything

Published on by Yinglan2 Comments

Daily Prompt: Do you have a good friend or close relative with whom you disagree on a major issue (political, personal, cultural)? What’s the issue, and how do you make the relationship work?

Do I?

My 17-year-old cousin, the one who’s living in the basement, who’s eating all the food, contradicts just about everything. The way he argues about everything just makes me dislike him even more.

The worst part? My aunt stands with him. It’s ridiculous!

So I stopped talking to him but sometimes, even when I’m not talking to him, he had to jump in. Like on the day when we took the trip to Morgan, before we hit the highway, my mom had to stop by the Air Force Base to pick up her prescription. The three of us waited in the car.

Anyway, my aunt was begging me to take her to City Creek Mall which I did. She was talking about buying souvenirs and I started telling about when I took my former boss’s wife to the mall late 2013. I told about how she purchased over $200 worth of environment friendly soaps without blinking just because her daughter said it was good stuff. I also told about the tea shop next to the environment friendly soap store, how a few ounces of tea leaves cost $40.

“It’s so ridiculously expensive. I don’t think I’d waste my own money on tea.” I said.

The normal response, I think, would be, “I have to agree, money is hard to come by and you worked hard to earn that. It’s good for you to save.”

Instead, my cousin piped up, “You can’t be like that. When you want it, you’ll be willing to spend to get it.”

“Unfortunately,” I replied, “I will never have the heart to spend so much for food.”

He sighed, “Well, then that proves you’re cheap.” Can you believe that? He flat out and called me cheap! Least to say, I spent the remainder of the trip irritated.

Next Saturday, I’m supposed to spend the day shuttling him again from home to the testing center and home again. I don’t even want to do it but as usual, I’m the only one that know how to get there.

One more month and he’ll gone. One more month and I’ll no longer have to hide food in my room. 

I still cannot believe I’m hiding mentos and butterscotch candies in my room. It’s not like I’m going to eat it all.

 

Brain Power

Published on by Yinglan6 Comments

Daily Prompt: Let’s assume we do, in fact, use only 10% of our brain. If you could unlock the remaining 90%, what would you do with it?

This is a strange prompt, I have to say, and it was late today. I didn’t see it come up until at the start of my second class.

Do we really use only 10% of our brain? That would be an interesting fact.

If I can unlock the remaining 90%, I would not know what to do with it. It’s just too much brain for me. I would rather it stays locked.

Whoa, scratch that…

Actually, I read this novel a while ago, I can’t remember the title but according to the story, apparently everyone has some kind of supernatural power, they just need to unlock it with their minds.

What if my other 90% was some sort of supernatural power? If that’s true, I would love to use that 90% for mind reading or some kind of cool psychic power. So I can secretly get a glimpse into my mom’s complicated mind, hey maybe it’s not complicated, just to see and double-check her tasks for me before I go do it. Because I’m really tired of the vague instructions and the unappreciative behavior. I mean what exactly do you want me to do?

It’s Crazy…

Published on by Yinglan8 Comments

I just spent almost the entire day doing homework and studying for the two pre-lecture quizzes for tomorrow only to find out one of my teachers had delayed the quiz to Tuesday. I finished my homework though, finally. Continue reading “It’s Crazy…” →

It’s Looking Bright

Published on by Yinglan15 Comments

Well, I just had another adventurous day, this time, not on the road but on the sidewalk. Apparently, the university had decided to clean the parking lots but not the walkways. There was like a layer of ice in front of every building. It took me forever to get to my class.

I was surprised that despite the ice and slippery conditions, some people decided to wear their flats and high heels to school. Well, I would like to wish them good luck. Then again, I bet no one is as clumsy as I am.

Anyway, before I left this morning, I opened my browser and had a quick look at the prompt. Honestly, I thought it was worse than yesterday’s. But whatever, I need some inspiration.

My keyword for the google image search is “LANDSCAPE” and here’s the eleventh image.

" Street Art " Montreal 2012

This is beautiful, isn’t it? According to google, this is a painting of sunset in Montreal, Canada.

“LANDSCAPE” is often my search word in google because when it’s so gloomy and cloudy and the weather’s yucky outside, my inspiration meter would plunge and looking at beautiful painting or photo of somewhere tend to be able to squeeze something out of me.

You know, after going to my new classes today, I think I will look forward to this semester and this year. It’s looking bright.

Bad Weather and a Busy Day

Published on by Yinglan6 Comments

I had such a busy morning and a nerve-wrecking drive JUST to pick up my paycheck. But I’m home now and alright. Whew!

I feel both grateful and angry that the storm chose to ignore the city I’m residing in. It’s completely ridiculous! The moment I left the city on the Freeway this city, rain began pouring harder, much harder.

When I’ve already gone 10 miles, I had this terrifying urge to turn around and go home, to call the office and tell them to forget it, I am not driving in this dangerous condition. But then, my stubbornness kicked in and I hate to do thing halfway. Besides, I kind of need the money to cover my books and credit cards especially with that $3200 tuition, I need it now more than ever.

Finally, about an hour later, I made it to the office. In and out of that office in less than 5 minutes and then it was time to go home.  Yikes!

The drive back, that’s scary. I am not sure whether it was the road material or the road was flooded, I couldn’t tell but my car made this funny whooshing noise and it skidded TWICE even with winter tires. Thank god for no traffic, otherwise I’d be in trouble.

It was terrifying. After that, my chest began to pound. I was almost praying, hoping that the story I wrote over the weekend wouldn’t come true. It cannot come true and it better not come true.

I made it home and had to immediately make some lunch, to calm my nerves but I’m just happy I’m okay. I’m just so glad I only have Tuesdays and Thursdays classes this semester and then I don’t have to face so much bad weather.

They should NOT be spoiled…

Published on by Yinglan1 Comment

Daily Prompt: Pick a contentious issue about which you care deeply — it could be the same-sex marriage debate, or just a disagreement you’re having with a friend. Write a post defending the opposite position, and then reflect on what it was like to do that. Continue reading “They should NOT be spoiled…” →

A Slow Day

Published on by Yinglan4 Comments

I feel like today is going especially slow. I don’t know why. Last night, after suffering from a stomachache all night, I went to bed only to find myself sleeping and waking up repeatedly through the night and finding myself at a different place on the bed every time.

It’s weird, right? I wonder if I should be worried. Nah, maybe I’m having a strange week, that’s all. Maybe just some pre-semester jitters.

My aunt is currently downstairs cleaning the floors while I was supposed to wash my mom’s car. That’s not going to happen.

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Outside is dark and cloudy again and it’s freezing cold, only 39°F. I thought there’s not supposed to be a storm for the next 7 days. The weatherman lied, wouldn’t be the first time. I checked the weather and it’s supposed to snow and rain on Monday. How am I supposed to go to Salt Lake City to pick up my paycheck?

On the bright side, after almost a month, I finally sold my mom’s statistics book and after two days, I finally applied for that summer audit position at American Express. I’m crossing my fingers and hope the HR will return my email soon, preferably Monday, and give me an interview. Until then, all I can do is cross my finger and not jinx it.

Amazed…

Published on by Yinglan4 Comments

You know, I’m kind of amazed at myself right now.

I finally finished this month’s work last night. I am so happy I get to relax and decompress during these last few days before the semester officially begins again.

Now I know I’ve complained about my work often because it’s so bored. I just sit at my computers translating stuff. Is that boring or what? So to take away the dullness, I decided to scour through my CD collection and listen to songs I haven’t listened to for at least the past 5 years.

When my stereo was still in the basement, I used to go down there and sing along to all the song I know. This week, I decided to do the same thing. That’s why I am so amazed. I still remember the words. All of them. It’s like when I want to sing along, the words just flows perfectly out of my lips and I heard these songs forever ago.

I don’t know how I do that because if you ask me to repeat it back to you, I cannot but when the music plays, I can sing the lyrics perfectly.

Home At Last

Published on by Yinglan2 Comments

It was a cold and snowy night. I can still remember this night horribly well because it was most likely the first time when I spent the whole drive home praying that I wouldn’t get into an accident.

Continue reading “Home At Last” →

The Shadow on the Wall Part 10 (Flash Fiction Chain #4)

Published on by Yinglan16 Comments

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I am super excited to participate in this Flash Fiction Chain hosted by Jithin of PhoTrablogger. The following nine parts are inspired by the above image.

Character List :

Maggy: 19 year old Granddaughter of the Owner of the House

Robert: 27 year old House Cook

Steve: Fifty-something House Caretaker

Grandpa: Owner of the House (Dead and Bejeweled, Sacrificed as an experiment by Frank Somerset)

Frank Somerset: Mad Scientist and Maggy’s Grandfather

Nita: Narrator

Recommendation:

Read all the other nine parts before venturing this part.

Part 1 : Written by Sweety

Part 2 : Written by Travelling Hat

Part 3 : Written by Saya

Part 4 : Written by Kelvin Moses

Part 5 : Written by Sona

Part 6 : Written by Manvi

Part 7 : Written by Austin

Part 8 : Written by Wandering Story Teller

Part 9 : Written at will by Rashmi

Now onto Part 10

“What happen next?” Nita’s cousin asked eagerly as she looked out the window, rain had begun to fall outside. Nita was pausing the story both for dramatic effect and the fact that she had no idea what happened next. She had no clue her hyper cousins would be so into the story.

She cleared her throat loudly, inhaled a deep breath, reached deep into her mind and continued…

Maggy smiled in her sleep. She rolled over and could feel the roughness of the hay. Her eyes burst opened and she bolted up, suddenly remembering everything from the previous night and how she’d come to be nestled among these hay. She glanced around and realized she was in the barn about two miles from the mansion.

Rob’s arms stretched high up in the air, his t-shirt pulled up revealing his lean abdomen. “Good morning.” Maggy said.

Rob turned around, a little startled, and smiled brilliantly. “Good morning to you too.”

“What’s for breakfast?” He blinked. “Oops, forgot.” She covered her mouth and giggled. It didn’t take long before they both burst into laughter.

Snap…

Their laughter ended abruptly when they heard that. Maggy gasped. “What was that?”

Rob pulled her up from the pile of hay they’ve been sleeping on. “Come on.” Quietly, they made their way to the back of the barn and hid themselves behind a thick stack of hay.

Footsteps entered the barn, sets of footsteps, Maggy could differentiate. She was sure she knew who they belonged to but she needed reassurance. She turned to Rob with pleading eyes. Can you see who it is? Her look told him. He nodded and slowly inched forward to get a look at the intruders. When he did, he immediately sprang back. Maggy opened her mouth. Is it them? She was going to ask but Rob threw his hand over her mouth. “Shh,” he whispered quietly and guided her out the back door.

The moment they’re out, Rob pulled his hand from her mouth and they broke off in a sprint. Rob was a quick runner but Maggy, on the other hand, was running out of breath. At the bottom of the hill, Maggy stopped, her hands rested on her knees. She panted. “Rob…wait.”

Ahead, Rob continued running but he soon realized Maggy was no longer behind him. Maggy? He thought, stopped, and looked back. Maggy was at least a hundred yards behind. She was kneeling on the grass, panting. His eyes shifted from her to something in the distance. Two figures stumbling toward her. Good lord, he thought. They’re coming.

Maggy stared at him as his expression quickly shifted to anxious and worried. He waved his arm frantically, motioning her to go toward him quickly.

Maggy turned around and gasped. Frank and Steve were staggering quickly toward her. She turned back to Rob who was already jogging toward her. She was caught in the middle. She picked her up and began jogging toward Rob but her legs were like jelly. Jeez, pick it up, won’t ya. She urged her legs.

Her stomach growled from hunger and her heart pounded in her ears both from panic and exhaustion. She stretched her hand toward him but when they were just a finger away, she felt a triple sting in the small of her back. The remaining strength in her legs suddenly felt completely drained as everything before her swirled. Her knees fell on the grass as her eyelids drooped.

Faintly before the darkness gave way, she saw Rob fell to his knees as well, the end of three red darts stuck out of his left shoulder.

Look for the conclusion: James

Master of Words

Published on by Yinglan1 Comment

Daily Prompt: If you could choose to be a master (or mistress) of any skill in the world, which skill would you pick?

If I can pick to be the master of any skill in the world, I would pick the Master of Words. I would always know the right things to say.

Those of you who are frequent readers of my blogs probably notice that I rarely comment on any posts. I usually just click “like” and that’s it. That’s because I’m afraid of saying the wrong words and offending somebody which is what my mom often says when she brings me to meet somebody.

In fact, I think that’s how all my friendship ends, either by my mom’s disapproval or my words.

She often tells me the thing I say embarrasses her, that it’s inappropriate, childish, and whiny. Honestly though, that’s the way I speak. I cannot change my voice. So eventually, I just stopped talking. Just don’t really say much in general. I mean, what’s the point?

So, if I am the Master of Words, I’d know what to say at all times, meeting my mom’s friends, at job interviews, anywhere. Oh, and if this mastering thing can add in some voice and tone adjustments like Donald Duck in Donald’s Dream Voice, make my voice sound less whiny and childish and more adult-like, I’d be all in.

Blogging 101: Write For My Dream Reader

Published on by Yinglan5 Comments

I need to take a breath. I’ve worked 8 hours today and translated over 2000 words. Continue reading “Blogging 101: Write For My Dream Reader” →

Sanctuary

Published on by Yinglan1 Comment

Daily Prompt: A sanctuary is a place you can escape to, to catch your breath and remember who you are. Write about the place you go to when everything is a bit too much.

This is my sanctuary
This is my sanctuary

My place of sanction is a small area in the entire house where I can store my personal stuff, blast loud music and sing along, is the place where I finally feel at home after a long day. That place is my room.

It’s like my own little studio. I’ve got food, water, bed, basically everything I need to survive. Not long but you get my point. I basically live in my room. I stay there most of the day, to work, write, whatever.

It’s not the brightest spot of the house though. I keep the blinds shut so the sun won’t hurt my eyes and make me feel sleepy. It tends to do that.

Anyway, I feel like this post is more or less a repeat from a project I recently did for a company called Wework where I share my workspace with everybody. You can check out the article here. 

3 Ways to Go Viral

Published on by Yinglan2 Comments

Daily Prompt: Your blog just became a viral sensation. What’s the one post you’d like new readers to see and remember you by? Write that post.

My blog had just became a viral sensation??? How did that happen? I wonder, hmm…

I think there are probably only three ways that this blog can ever go viral.

  1. I’ve done a crazy stunt and got taken down and uploaded onto Youtube.
  2. I finally finish a novel and some big name producer read and decided to turn into a TV show or movie and everyone’s flocking to find out who I am.
  3. All my doctors got my symptoms wrong and misdiagnosed me AGAIN and I really have days to live.

I don’t think any of those situations are very likely though.

  1. I am not a risk taker so I won’t do dangerous stunts.
  2. Some big name producer is going to read what I write, yeah right.
  3. The third way? Ha, I’m healthy as a horse and unless I suddenly come down with something and I don’t get better, that’s not going to happen.

As for the one post I would like readers to see and remember me by? I haven’t written it yet and I don’t think I’m ever going to because if I ever feel the need to write that post, let’s just say it’ll either be the end of me or the end of this blog.

Blogging 101: Introduction

Published on by Yinglan6 Comments

In less than a month, this blog turns 2! Continue reading “Blogging 101: Introduction” →

To the Rescue!

Published on by Yinglan10 Comments

Daily Prompt: Tell us about the time you rescued someone else (person or animal) from a dangerous situation. What happened? How did you prevail?

Ha, ha, me rescuing someone? That’s hilarious. It’s more like people rescuing me. I don’t think I’ve been rescued by someone before. I’ve always managed to come around on my own. Even the time when I was squirming crazily on my bed, my body going into full spasm. When I came around, I was shocked to find my step-dad, the one who’s training to be a RN was the one freaking out.

But no, this is a story for another time. This is a story about how my mom prevented a major house fire. I know, the prompt said a person or animal but a house, to me, like most inanimate objects are looked at like a person.

It was September, 2013 (wow that feel a little weird to say), it seems everything happens in September. Anyway, an international student came to stay with us because the school had no host family available. I had just begun my job with my former boss, Mr. Li.

It was a Saturday, it was my first day on the job. I reported for work early that morning and my tasks that day were to assist on his trip to the accountants’ office as well as the supermarket. Basically, I was supposed to trail behind him like a puppy while my mom was his wife’s volunteering driver for the day.

When I finally came home that day, my mom said, “She almost burned the house down!”

“What happened?” I asked curiously.

“I just stepped out for a few minutes and she left the toaster oven on! If I didn’t see it, the whole house would have gone up in flames.”

After a few days, weeks, months and even now and then, she was still talking about it, telling about her heroic rescue of the house. Unbelievable! The story became horribly annoying after a while but hey, she did prevent a fire and saved the house.