Blue Moon Journey [旅美雜集]

種樹人

2010-07-28T14:46:00.000-04:00

我家院子怎麼看都覺得少了些樹﹐還好有個打雜壯丁幫忙種樹。院子綠化了些。可憐壯丁終日與電腦為伍﹐鮮少用鋤。一雙嫩手馬上變水泡手。樹倒是挺給面子地﹐逐日茁壯中。

9 hours at New York City, What?

2010-07-28T14:21:00.001-04:00

Grand Central Station

Rockefeller Rose Garden

Goldman Stone Mill

New York Botanical Garden Mertz Library and Ross Hall

We decided to go to NYC couple hours before we just purchased the chinese bus ticket for $10 one way for each person. We were not sure if the ticket is really 10 dollars one way from Richmond. So when we went to the bus stop bought the ticket around 9.30pm went home and realized that we were going to NYC at midnight. I guess that makes the trip more advantuous and since I have a week off why not do something a bit off mind. Come on, life is short! It's a little get away for my vacation any way.

Well, just to warn anybody who are not used to long-hour bus ride with loud (people talking, cell phone ringing, kid crying) and poor strangers, this may not be your cup of tea. We sweared that we will never do this again ever. Reason one: we are too old to do this (midnight get or run away). Reason two: you can't pay me to ride any bus without A/C (J was so pissed when we got off the bus; I think they did have the A/C on just very low). Despite the cheap but rough bus ride, we did manage to go to the NY Botanical Garden since we both never been there. J almost passed out on the garden bench due to not slept whole night. We also went to Kinokuniya book store and walked around the China town. New York seems not as pretty as I used to see.

Black Dog at The Cafe Door

2010-07-28T13:36:00.001-04:00

Where is my treat!!

Last week we stopped by Cary Town Capital Cafe and saw this lovely dog waiting for his master buying a all natural dog biscuit for him (or her). A cafe sells dog treat, pretty cool idea.

週日海灘行

2010-06-17T18:05:00.000-04:00

上週剛好連休四天和JJ決定周日駕車到維吉尼亞海灘 (Virginia Beach) 散散心﹐順便晒晒太陽。JJ 假日一向晚起﹐所以我們大概近中午十一點才出發。為了避開高速公路 (I-64) 車潮﹐我們選擇產業道路﹐一路上風景倒是宜人﹐一整片綠油油的﹐還讓我意外發現原來我們走的竟是維州的花生農郡。原來那一片綠油油的全是花生田 (Peanut Patch) 呢﹐回家上網查了一下維吉尼亞州的花生產量還全國排名第五﹐而且以產超大花生聞名。沿路數了大概有5,6個大花生場及無數的花生專賣小店。只可惜沒下車逛。

開了約3個小時的車﹐終於來到了海灘。租了海灘椅和包廂篷 (Cabana), 開始我們的海灘晒晒樂 (熱)。我的媽﹐還真不是普通的熱。JJ 忘了上防晒油﹐想說有篷子。當天回家脫衣一看﹐活跳跳像一隻紅龍蝦。第二天整個人像蛇一樣脫皮。我說白人的皮膚還真脆弱。我則晒的剛好﹐到是不能再黑了。海灘人並不多﹐海風吹的人心蕩漾。忽然看到有遊客騎馬漫步海灘﹐挺不錯的主意。下次來得試試。夏天真是去海邊的好季節﹐要不是得開2﹐3小時的車﹐我大概會每天到海邊晃。

蔥爆菇﹐烤牛小排晚餐

2010-06-10T05:43:00.000-04:00

某日的晚餐。

Chesterfield Berry Farm 採草莓

2010-06-10T05:42:00.000-04:00

昨天﹐男友弟弟一家從南開一個半小時的車來玩。終於和三姐妹(8,3及2歲)見了第一次面。三個女孩都挺乖的﹐一點也不驕縱又活潑。尤其大姐﹐會隨時照顧妹妹們。有一點最令我佩服的是﹐只要爸爸一吹口哨暗示﹐她馬上靜靜地到他身邊受訓。

下午三點﹐我們出發到雀斯特非爾草莓農場(chesterfield strawberry farm) 採草莓﹐農場還附設一些遊樂設施及可愛動物區。倆個小時下來﹐採了草莓﹐玩了一些遊樂﹐摸了一些可愛動物。大伙又熱又餓﹐便到流行百貨商場的噴水廣場去消暑解饞。挺有趣的一天。

Mrs. Meyer's 之我撿到便宜

2010-05-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

大約三個禮拜前﹐居處附近的連鎖超市因換經營者﹐所有的店面在關門整頓前部份商品給了破天荒的大折扣。原本只是去買個菜﹐逛到環保清潔用品區時看到主婦們紛紛像是碼頭工人般上貨到自己的推車。剛開始我以為是員工在點貨 (其實是家庭主婦們)﹐看了看標價﹐我的媽簡直是免費贈品囉﹗統統一到三美元﹐大一點的三元﹐小的一元。不趕快拿簡直太對不起自己了。以上是我的成績 (買回來後還興奮了大概兩﹐三天﹐男友還以為我瘋了)。因為是Meyer's﹐所以我真的是蠻激動的。因為原價單位不便宜﹐像洗衣精64oz是15美元﹐我只花了3美元﹔蠟燭原本9美元﹐特價2元。

目前為止﹐我用了洗衣精(baby bloosm fragant)﹐蠟燭(geraniums fragant)﹐去污劑 (stain remover-baby bloosm fragant)﹐馬桶清潔劑 (lemon verbena fragant)﹐液態洗手乳及乳液(baby bloosm fragant)﹐效果都還蠻滿意的。要特別推薦的是天竺葵精油蠟燭 (Geraniums)﹐味道清香﹐有平撫焦慮﹐調節女性荷爾蒙功用。才點一下下便滿室薰香。改天再來用用羅勒洗碗精(basil fragant)﹐薰衣草浴室清潔劑和羅勒玻璃清潔劑。

一個鳥巢三百美金

2010-05-19T16:47:00.001-04:00

我恨鳥。
大概三個禮拜前﹐每天早上大概五﹐六點我睡覺的床頭正上方﹐牆裡總是傳來幼雛的啾啾聲。吵的我和JJ快精神崩潰﹐最後我大概都知道鳥家的作息了。鳥媽媽什麼時間餵食﹐幼鳥幾點就寢大概就是那固定的時間了。我倒是還可以呼呼大睡﹐JJ就不行了。堅持要找除害專家(Pest Control) 來解決問題。一來也是必須解決﹐因為鳥巢位於壁爐的正上方。如不解決惟恐影響壁爐的正常運作而造成火災。專家一來就花了我三百兩銀 (欲哭無淚)。原來是外牆面破了個小洞﹐鳥媽媽便在洞裡築巢。唯一的幼雛當專家開牆後也振翅飛遠。所剩的鳥蛋應是未受精的鳥蛋。這一課真是所費不資。平日的維護真是馬虎不得呢。

我家燉牛肉附湯晚餐

2010-05-19T16:08:00.003-04:00

自JJ結束在德州的案子後﹐我又開始例行吃的健康理念儘量每天自己烹調三餐。我常很慶幸JJ對中式料理的喜愛﹐我煮什麼他都吃的津津有味。說真的在美國自己煮飯確實是經濟又實惠。倆個人如果吃館子(懶人病發時)通常一餐下來至少三﹐四十美金跑不掉。自己煮又可掌握營養素及卡路里的需要。唯一惱人的是每天想菜單蠻折騰的。通常下班後我祇想躺在沙發看電視發呆讓思緒飄向無底的黑洞。不過從小受媽媽影響﹐我跟大弟都挺愛烹飪的。今天收括了冰箱剩下的食材就來個燉牛肉附蘿蔔湯唄。順道一提﹐JJ 相當抵制Wal-Mart的生鮮。他總是說Wal-Mart的雞大概都是三隻腳﹐倆個頭﹐不然這麼價錢這麼會壓這麼低。不過我偶爾看到新鮮的還是會在那買滴。但是大部份會在Fresh Market 或Trader Joe 消費。

首先﹐我把牛肉﹐胡蘿蔔﹐白蘿蔔﹐花菇和洋蔥切﹐切﹐切放炒鍋和大蒜﹐紅酒和一和然後加醬油﹐水﹐月桂葉﹐迷迭香換到燉鍋放烤箱350度燉(半途加入豆腐一起燉)約四十分。蘿蔔湯也是先把肉﹐花菇和白蘿蔔炒炒加水﹐玉米一起中小火熬約三﹐四十分。燉的時間可以做其他的事。倒杯紅酒﹐點個燭光﹐倆人晚餐揭幕。

おとうとの葵元和食

2010-05-17T09:17:00.000-04:00

我和大弟因為只差一歲﹐所以從小感情特別的好。有好吃的﹐我先吃﹐因為我是大姐。有好喝的﹐我先喝﹐因為我是大姐。有好玩的﹐我先玩﹐因為我是大姐。有好用的﹐我先用﹐因為我是大姐。兩人吵架﹐打架﹐最後趴倒被踩壓在地的總是我那老實﹐憨厚而無辜的大弟。兩人下課無聊在客廳玩科學小飛俠﹐飛來飛去﹐踢來踢去終於把酣夢午睡中的母親大人吵得飛出房間把我跟大弟用雞毛撢子伺候一頓加罰跪。因為我是家中唯一的女孩﹐我的個性被爸媽寵壞了活似個女霸王。記得大弟大概七﹐八歲時動了盲腸手術﹐晚上做惡夢大哭驚呼“姐姐啪哇﹐哇巴斗就疼”(台語)。於是我似乎頓悟反省我到底是什麼樣的姐姐啊。後來我上了護專﹐大學﹐接著又出國唸書跟家人見面的次數用五根手指算都還嫌多呢。漸漸地﹐我開始珍惜並想念家人。
大弟大概國中後就一直對料理﹐由其日本料理有興趣。高職電機科畢業後﹐還是走向最愛的日本料理之途﹐朝著自己的夢想邁進。大弟從最基層的學徒開始﹐洗碗﹐打雜﹐殺魚﹐煮飯﹐洗菜﹐到切魚﹐刨白蘿蔔絲﹐握壽司﹐捲壽司﹐站壽司台﹐步步走來不容易。也在不同的料理店﹐飯店工作累積了相當程度的經驗。同時﹐自己也不斷地進修看日文書﹐學刀工﹐手法﹐考執照以及習作日式甜點。還請了日文老師補習日文。自己終於在2008年有了“葵元和食”。我和男友去年回台﹐對葵元和食讚賞有加。
大弟每天早上六﹐七點就得去魚市挑買當日的食材。這點他是堅決一定要給客人最新鮮的。每天想配菜。總是忙到晚上九﹐十點才拖著疲乏的身體回家。我在國外煞是為他擔心。我只希望大弟多多保重身體。更為他的努力感到驕傲﹗

水晶手機裝飾第一課-眼睛脫窗

2010-05-07T17:48:00.001-04:00

一直以來﹐我都有看日文雜誌的愛好。礙於人不再台灣﹐看日文雜誌似乎便成遙不可及的奢望。家中唯一的日雜是大概兩年前在紐約買的。水晶手機裝飾似乎是由美國的富家女Paris Hilton紅到日本的少女族群。閃亮閃亮的水晶似乎也讓我的腦子閃亮不清了。日文雜誌中有很多超美﹐超閃亮的水晶裝飾。看得我目不轉睛。在日本還有水晶裝飾專門課 (http://gakubun.jp/ 講師﹕藤井愛弓)。我無緣去參與豪華正統課﹐只能自己在家學神雕俠侶的楊過土法練功哩。

昨天去Wal-Mart﹐終於讓我找到便宜又大碗 (打對折﹐哦耶﹗) 的水晶和仿水晶(壓克力)裝飾。統統掃回家。飛車到家後﹐馬上迫不及待地開始我的眼睛脫窗課。以下是我花了大概一個半小時的成品。

由於是第一個實驗品﹐能然有待加強﹗

終於要開始逼自己打中文部落格

2010-05-04T18:51:00.002-04:00

序曲

我神手一算自2001年來美國後﹐竟也匆匆過了九個冬天。真是歲月催人老。由最初半年剛到美國時西維吉尼亞的摩根城 (Morgantown, West Virginia), 然後四年在德州的“那個都去死”(Nacogdoches, Texas) 到至今即屆滿五年維吉尼亞的瑞奇蒙 (Richmond, Virginia)﹐由上課﹐打工﹐寫論文的窮人學生身份到找工作﹐正式上班﹐存錢買房子的有產階級。步步走來真是一部蕩氣的血淚史。不過也因此為我的美國生活添了許多美好﹐浪漫和瘋狂的扉頁。總之就是酸甜苦辣一切盡在不落格中。

這些年來除了零散的照片和片段的記憶外﹐好像沒有為生活記錄的習慣。覺得有點暢然。很多生活上的人事物其實都是快樂生活的題材。我想好好地悠閑地為自己整理一個像書的部落格。一本有趣的生活寫作書。

(照片大概就是將來大部份寫格的小窩)

Ski trip and conference

2010-05-03T17:45:00.004-04:00

It has been five months since my last post. I wonder myself " what and where have I been doing?". We got back from Vail and Chicago almost two weeks ago and my thumbs are still sored from snowboarding. Do I used my thumbs snowboarding? No. I was the Queen of Falling and Resting on the snow. I tended to push myself up so many times with my hands especially thumbs (why??? I guess it is instinct.) The snow was not very good condition compare to two years ago about same time of the year at Brekenridge. But we really enjoyed snowboarding, it is really a lot of fun just "surfing on the snow" (that's how I feel). The hotel ,Vail Montain Lounge and Spa was very nice in terms of service and environment. Not to mention that everything is expensive since it is a "resort". A bag of potato chip costs about 5 dollars (large one).

After Vail, there was a conference in Chicago. It was very convenient the conference was held in the Haytt Hotel which is very close to everything such as good dinning restaurant, Navy Pier, movie theater, river tour and subway to everywhere. The bar in the hotel was pretty good I like the open environment. Deep dish pizza was a bit disappointed. May be we picked a wrong place.

Navy Pier was nice for just taking a stroll or relaxing. Vacation is always too short. I can't believe it's already two weeks after!

2009 Trip to England

2009-12-05T10:42:00.005-05:00

Having a trip to England was just because I did not have to spend time and money on applying a visa. Although it was not the first on our list going for a vacation, we enjoyed it anyway. It is a vacation after all. This time we stayed in guest house instead of hotel. The only thing is that before you go make sure the quality of the guest. But how can you make sure the quality of a guesthouse? The easiest way is check the reviews on Internet. Usually it is pretty ture.

We stayed at 3 guesthouse over the 9 days vacation only one of the three satisfied us. My Oversea Experience is an australian-managed guesthous. It was the best among the three. It is about 10 minutes away from London by tube and it is at a very convenient location (a Tesco behind the house, tube is about 3 minutes walking distance, restaurants and coffee shops are around the coner).

We stayed pretty much in London. Since it was my second time visiting England, it's really Joe's trip to England. Me, I just wanted to get away from work, school and the US. We enjoyed London Eye very much because we went there around 8pm (they close at 9pm) no waiting line. You don't see that too often... We strongly recommend riding London Eye at night. It was fabulous. Weather was super nice while we were there.

I have never seem so many pubs in my life. Ediburgh has probably one pub every coner. I got to get into the Castle this time (6 years ago, I was a poor student and did not want to pay to go in). PS. I was standing outside of the Castle " listening to the Military Tatoo". It was nice to visit England again. However, beach resort would definatly on top of our list next time considering a "real" vacation. You know sea breeze, blue ocean, wave, coconut tree, and cheaper everything.

Taiwanese Family Gang

2009-04-07T15:54:00.007-04:00

It has been 5 years. Living in the US for almost a decade, the number of times going back home makes popole think if I am a political refugee who is not allowed to go back home. I blam it all to the US immigration. This is what I pay for the American Dream. It was such a wonderful short 10 days trip going back to see what I have missed all this 5 years in Taiwan.

Food is still awesome. Of course the best restaurant goes to my brother, Ken's japanese lounge. Yes, I call it lounge. One after another surprising creative plates have really indulging my taste bud like in heaven. Even Big J was so crazy about Ken's dedicated to Japanese cuisine. His insist of using best quality ingredients all so fresh and nutritish. He gets up 6am every day to the market to handpick all his fish and vegetables. You sit in the sushi bar like a child waiting what he is going to surprise with next dish. I am so proud of him.

I have to say ten days was really really short. So many to eat and so many people to catch up with. Dad, his girlfriend, brothers,nephew, sister in law and friends, its all good. This time I was also Big J's personal tour guide and translator despite I have not been in Taiwan for so many years. I am glad that he enjoyed my lovely hometown very much. Not to mention the scooter ride between busy Taipei streets. Too bad that he did not have a change to try a scorpion in Taipei. I am still not sure where I can find it in night markets in Taiwan. Well at least stinky tofu really "amzed" his sense of taste and smell......

Finally, another place that I would like to mention is the small fish vallage, Yei-Lui. A geological park was developed not sure what years ago. All my memory of this place is when I was like 8-10 years old I recalled. It is so different now. We were so attractive to those seafood restaurant's fish tanks. In fact, you pick your own fish from the tank for the restaurant woner to cook. We definately picked the one looked delicious. After a nice sea shore walk, eating fresh seafood seemed such a 'luxury' thing to do. Riding home the bus with the smilly face and happy stomach it was a nice day of fishing village.

January 1st, 2009

2009-01-01T22:28:00.004-05:00

Friends came from Texas and have been on the road for almost 2 weeks now. With their footprints left from Tennassee, Kenturky, Ohio, New York, New Jersy, Pennsilvania, until here at my little stop in Virginia, we have a lot to catch up for the last 3 years. It is hard to believe that 3 years has passed since I left Texas. I.K. still teaches in the University and J.N. is a wonderful mom and friend for everybody. Their two boys grew so tall now that I could not even recognized them.

Knowing that they would be arriving around 6pm, I pluged in the rice cooker, prepared some shrimp, vegetables, traditional taiwanese dishes and waited for them. Finally, they were here after a "long drive" (we all know how wonderful the traffic is in Washington DC) from Maryland. We could not wait and talk so much while setting up the table for dinner. They had so many interesting stories to share with me about their road trip. It seemed that I have been to bufflo city, New York with them seeing the bright night sky, 5 feet deepth snow, rapid white raft niagara fall, to West Point Academy attending the student meeting in the beautiful stained glassed trinity church hall and lots of nice senaries along their trip blueprint.

After dinner we talked more and I was preparing to go to work at 11pm which means that I got to take a little cat nap. Working the last night of year 2008 was not really cool espeical when you have guests at your house. On the other hand I thought they would probably sleep better without me in the house (laugh). J.N. got me this juicer for gift and this juicer exper could not wait to show me how to make the powerful, healthy and delicious green juice. She emphesized that banana peel is really good for your body and can not be wasted...... Yes juice that banana peel!! Apple, banana, broccoli, sweet pepper, strawberry, tomato, carrot and last but not least the "peel" all in one glass, drink it up! Well, it tasted really good and I feel heathier.

At work, it is the last day of 2008. The thought of did I miss something for 2008 and what I can improve for 2009 sticking in my mind. Not sure why I felt so uncertain at that moment. I should be just fine. It is just another regular day of my life and I shall make the best of everyday isn't it! When I got home in the morning, everybody was still sleeping. It is kind of nice that I felt I have family in my house. Happy moment is always too short. Less than 24 hours' staying, the Hung family was heading off for home to Texas. Before they get home, they have some more States to explore! Their next stop would be in South Carolina. Just like the movie "It is a wonderful life"-- there is no hopeless man who has friends.

X'mas and New Year 2008

2008-01-03T02:06:00.003-05:00

Another year has passed by. People came and went. Things changed. I am still the same old girl from Taiwan living in the States. The biggest thing that I was hoping this year did not happen. My immigration stuff still in labor and it seems a difficult one to me. So many things have happened to me this year especially the last season of the year.

Finally I am some sort of "owner". I have officially become a homeowner last November. A nest that is just belonging to me to induging myself. The two story town house has three rooms and one and a half bath. I am loving it despite not being able to sleep well in the morning.

J and I have been doing great. For the sake he has been so wonderful, I have no complain. We went to Mary's X'mas party. I got chances to see and talk with some friends that I have not seen for a while. This is the 3rd year I have been to Mary's for X'mas. It is always fun.

Cary Town's ball rising New Year's Eve event was relative new for people in Richmond. This kind of thing I think once in life should be enough. Next year I gotta be somewhere else. School starts in two weeks, I don't seem to have the motivation to go back...

Book and Movie: P.S. I LOVE YOU

2007-11-11T11:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6PLtVJ_VJM

It has been a while that I have not seen a good movie when I came across to this book and movie preview (will come out in December), it wows me. There are a lot of writers in the world but there are not a lot of books that will move you in heart. Just watching the preview, I have sensed that I definately need tussie while watching this movie.

little girl and the wave

2007-09-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

Last weeken after a breaskfast feast at Ukrop with A, we just made a prompt decision to go to Yorktown. We flew homes packing, making sandwichs, put on sunglasses and sandles, and hit the road. A insisted that she was going to drive considering my turtle speed driving and less sense of direction, she still got us lost for about 30 minutes. After all it has been good after seeing a nice blue sky and ocean scene.

We brought books and lawn chair reading under the tree shade above the yellow sand. Then A came to the point that she wanted to have sexy pictures taken. I was really not into it to be honesty. But somebody had to do it. So I took pics of her with a professional photographer's attitute and they came out surprisingly good. I was telling her how to put her legs, suck her stomach in, splash her long hair all those silly poses you can think of in the annual swimming suit calendar. Then it started to getting me excited so I join the smug shot as a bay watcher photo mob. Our professional attitute probably caught some tourists' interest (Yorktome is a popular civil war battle field, they have a historial park near by). A family, father mother about 6-70years old, daughter and son-in-law strolling toward us and ask if he (the father) could take a picture of A and me. (to add: we both wear two pieces bikini). I guess either we are hot sexy chics or endangerous species to them.

Then there came along this little asian girl with her father. Blue jeans, blue shirt with somewhat blue mood beyond blue ocean and sky, I like the feeling of this photo.

A farewell party

2007-09-05T14:42:00.000-04:00

The first time here in Richmond I went to a party with people who all have something common of Taiwan or the same area. I always love group pictures. I think it is probably I am so far away from home. A group picture makes me feel like belonging to some sort of family setting.

Crazy as Muscular and Feminant - Rudolf Nureyev

2007-09-04T00:49:00.000-04:00

"Because of Nureyev's gifts he was usually forgiven for many things, but stardom did little to improve his temperament. He was notoriously impulsive and did not have much patience with rules, limitations and hierarchical order. " www.nureyev.org

This was a description of Nureyev that I thought fits him so much. Sunday night after helping a friend painting, I could not wait to trun on TV to the PBS chennel for the doucumentation "Rudolf Nureyev-the Russian years". The program did a wonderful job of telling stories on Nureyev. Good and bad, love and hate, laughters and tears, sweetness and bitterness are all in one. One of his former colleage mentioned that for being a male ballerina, you have to be muscular and feminant, it is crazy. Another his dance partner said when she was leaving Russia for Cuba where her home was, Nureyev stay with her in the train compartment and cried a lot. When she finally got home, she suddenly realized that Nureyev was left behind then she cried. I imagined what she said on TV and thought that was a such beautiful but sad.

From the quote, I strongly feel the same way of some people that I met in my life. L is my one of my good friends who I have known for almost 2 decates. He has this such charm that people would forgive or deminish for his unperfect part. He also has some kind of temperament as in the quote (impulsive...). Life is not fair what else I can say. I used to be so angry that he could get away from some of homework and other little things that I have work so hard to earn.

Italian Potluck

2007-08-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

This was the second round (desserts) of Italian potluck. Due to starvation, I fortot to take the picture of first round italian dishes. Learning different languages has been always my interest eventhough most of the time I stay pretty much touchy and feeling stage of learning another language except Japanese. Japanese is easier to learn especially for Taiwnese. If you look up Taiwan's history you will ealily find out why. Taiwan was once colonized by Japan and there has been a long history between China and Japan. They share part of language characters and some pronounciation are very close.

But why Italian? I have never been really interested in learning Italian but shoes made in Italy and spaghetti. It seems always happen to me getting to know people first then know the language. Spanish was never on my list until I moved and stayed in Texas for 5 years. When M came to visit in May, we were listening to Italian CDs (that I checked out from the library) on our road trip. It was so hilarious that two of us repeating after the instructor. We were laughing, mumbling and making fun of each other's poor pronounciation. It made much more fun learning together this way.

A trip has been planning on for months in mind and hopefully it will happen. After surfing on dozens of language institutes, Napoli, Italy could be one of my final destinations. I have been always drawn to the "South" and water. It is always warmer, frinderlier and cheaper. And not to mention about the authentic Italian food is originally from Napoli. My next exploration is going to be Spain. So far I have only know a place that holds the Flamenco Festival. Life has more fun to reach out different things.

A baby shower in West End

2007-08-05T14:11:00.000-04:00

Vitoria the 5 month old baby girl sitting on mommy's lap was laughing so much while I was talking with her mom facing her. I was probably very exaggerated (may look like a clown) with my facial expression when talking. D is going to Taiwan to adaop a baby boy in few months. In the class, when she shared with me her excitments over adoption, I was very happy for her and wish that I could go with her to be her tourguide.

In Texas, I knew a family also has adopted babies. It almost gave me a dejuvu. Time has flew so slilently that I have been in Virginia for two years now. Before I left Texas, I was so uncertain about my future. Living in the States has been always my dream growing up knowing that I have 4 aunts in the States. With the long 7 year living here as a non permenant resident, uncertainty is evil of my nightmare. So many girls married older american men, so many foreign students want to marry american citizens, and so many broken unhealthy relationships. I am sure that is not what I want. Well, since I have passed infant stage long long long times ago. Adoption is not an option at all. One time I even joked with my wealthy and fun major professor if he is willing to adop me (he adoped 2 Rissian girs).

Adoption, I vote it. There are many babies all over the world who eager to have family and love. While ther are many couples who unfortunately could not have their biological children, how a wonderful match for both side. To love and be loved.

Chickadee and Old Hen

2007-07-18T19:43:00.001-04:00

Mr. L has been come and go in our floor few times. They call it frequent flyer. Before he got skin cancer (they said he used to have a tanning machine at home) and lost his wife two years ago, he worked for a telecommunicate company and was a pastor. As a 82 year old with cancer, he is better than other elders of the same age. First when he came to the floor, he could still walk with his cane and walker. He is getting weaker and weaker. This time he is juat pretty much stay in bed calling for assistances.

There are some clients that I like to stay and talk with in their rooms. Mr. L is one of them. He is polite and I think he is a really wise gentleman. That day I was helping him and passing medication in his room. "Hey! Chickadee" he called. I turned my head toward him with a big question mark on my face. "What is Chickadee?" I asked. Then he explained what chickadee means to me. Chickadee is a little bird usually indicating young and little girls. Then he asked me do you know what people call a old women. They say old hen. Well, I guess compare to his age I could be a chickadee. Everyday, I learn new words and things. This one is funny. If fact, when I checked on chickdee's really picture. They are so cute.

A bookstore that I have never been in Paris, yet.

2007-07-04T13:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOCl-NVUTpE&eurl=

Don't know what's going on with me recently. I just feel like to travel far far away for a while but I can't. Hopefully will be soon... Crazily, I surf onInternet for all the traveling infomation, France, Spain, Italy, and many others just to make myself feel that I am going to travel soon. Interestingly, I found this introduction of the bookstore in Paris. I should put it in my site seeing spot list, I told myself.

It is July 4 and I am working tonight. I still have a paper and a homework need to be done. I guess I am just very tired of shool. E's BBQ and firework party may disattract my mind a bit before I go to work.

Angry Dance - First Flamenco Class Ever

2007-06-30T01:43:00.000-04:00

I finally had my flamenco dance class. It was really fun clagging on the floor. The instructor explained to us the origin of flamenco was during a dark period in Spain. So when dancers dance Flamenco the emotion should be firm and kind of "angry". I kind of enjoy dance with a proud attitude.

As the day coming closer to get my immigration paper work done, I got eager then ever before to go on a vacation out of the US. One of the country that I want to go is Spain. Spanish culture has such an influence here in the state. I mean just from knowing that half of Texas population speak spanish. I think it would be a brilliant idea to speak and learn Spanish well. But then, I am also thinking about Italy too. I hope this vacation coming soon. Spain, Italy, France, Norway, anywhere is all good as long as I am traveling somewhere.

What a Code Blue!

2007-06-30T00:52:00.000-04:00

Monday, I came in to work at 7pm after 2 days off. Everything was going kind of slow and easy and I was expecting a new patient from PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit). As everyday work routine, I started to passing medication and checking my patients around 8pm after I got my report from day shift nurse, L.

PACU faxed the report long before I came to work. The patient had bilateral total knee replacement done, a 83 years old female. They called to confirm I have received the faxed-report and told me they were going to send the patient to the floor. I hang up the phone and continued my work at my last medication round on a patient. I heard PACU came up and the family member were all in the room. I thought that I would go down there to check on my new patient as soon as I finished passing medicine in few minutes. Then I heard they broad casting something but did not pay attention to it. As I was talking and watching the patient swallowing pills, I heard C was running like tornado in the hall way opening the storage door getting sliding board. I ran out to the door and asked what was going on. She did not answer. A, came out from another room like I did. We ran after C to the new patient's room. There were already about 20 people in the room. I was shocked when I saw K doing cardiac compression on the bed, Dr. P was directing the whole process, S was giving ambu bag then compress the IV fluid.

WHAT THE HECK......

I jumped into the crowd trying to do things that in the every minute period was so crucial to the patient. The EKG monitor shown a single straight line, then epi and nor epi were given to the patient still no pulse. Cardiac compression was still performing by K. Then withing couple minutes, we saw the heart beats on monitor. No body said anything, but I believed we all relief when we saw that wavy line on the monitor.

HOW DID THESE ALL HAPPENED IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES....

L, the nurse technician went into the room to take vital signs when PACU nurses came to the floor with the patient. She couldn't get BP, pulses and the patient was unresponsive. She was shaking and running to the charge nurse. When the operator was announcing the "code blue room 207", I missed it while passing medicine in the other room. PACU nurses dashed back to the room when they heard the announce on their way to PACU. That was how it happened so quick. PACU nurse said the patient was still talking to them in the elevator. It seemed that they had some trouble in PACU with that patient. Her blood pressure was low down there...

After this code blue, I think there are a lot I can do better. I am just glad that she did not die on me......In the medical field, uncertainty is such a trick.

Woody and me.

2007-06-07T14:26:00.000-04:00

Woody is not my dog. But I would like to have a dog like him. In legend, Woody flew from Minisota to Richmond, Virginia to become a lovly pet of a wealthy family. When I first saw him, he had all my attention. He is probably the cutiest puppy I have ever seen. He is my type of dog. Curly messy hair, long ears, eyes with hair covered, and figure of Teddy bear, all these have let him won my heart. A, my roommate described him like a little lamb.

Virginia Beach - Part II (Yoly from Colombia)

2007-06-07T14:16:00.000-04:00

I met Y seven years ago in West Virginia. The very first year I came to the State for school. International student house was a house that fulled of laughters, joys, romances, and friendships with strangers from all over the world. It is really hard to believe that we are still friends after 7 years. In these years, we only corresponded through emails. She is in Colombia and I am in the US.

With a week's off from M's visit from Texas, Y came two weeks ago and stayed with me along my 4 other roommates. It seemed the house suddently became international student house again. In these 7 years, we all been through a lot in live. Y works a good job in Colombia and also a licensed Psychologist. And me with 3 master degrees ( not that I am really proud of but is did mean some kind of achievment to me though?) and in the process of becoming American, we have good life.

Working full-time, I made some plans to spend time with Y and my friends here. We cruised through Richmond to Willamsburg and Virginia Beach (yes, 2nd time in a month). Although, we did not have coconut trees or hot six-packed muscle men to entertain us but all has been good. Sea breeze, waves, blue sky, sand and a ocean front hotel room with just a minute's walking distance to the beach, what can we ask more for life.

Our footprints were also left at James River with two little good looking "men". I guess that was my substitution for six-packed muscle men. It was just so hilarious when I saw they looking at me taking off my cloth with bathing suit underneath. They are definately curious. I just thoutht that was funny.

That was my "vacation" with friends this summer (yeah with over 40 hours' work and two summer classes going on). Wish my real vacation coming soon. I am ready to explor...

Virginia Beach - Part I

2007-06-07T13:46:00.000-04:00

This May is really a friend's month for me. M came all the way from Texas visiting me in the middle of May. With working night shift in the hospital, I think maybe it is kind of good that I can spare some day time with friend coming a long way to visit me. I love friends! Ever since I work like owl, my schedule and social life have been really living like vampire. While everybody sleep, I am up; while all my friends up doing things, I sleep. To end this curse, the only salvage for me is the day when I get my permenant resident document.

M is such a sweet friend to me. We use to hike together, go out together, and talk about a lot of things out of our mind very much. This time she came to visit me after 2 years leaving in different cities from each other. We were very excited to get the same old feeling back again. In order to be a "good" host, I was kind of planning where to take her to. So I came up with some places that would be potential "must-see" site near Richmond, Virginia. The only exception would be Kings Dominion. I think we have grown to old to take the risk of heart attack riding roller coaster. Sunshine, find white sand, waves, and "muscle men" sounded good to both of us. Definately, it would be a worth site to spend some time at. We stayed at the oceanfront hotel with all our pleasant heart.

Then we went to Washington,DC. Of course, this is also a must-see site at least one time in everybody's life. Best way to get around a big metropolitan would be riding the subway. We parked the car at subway parking log then took the blue line to white house, memorial momument, china town, and capital.

Happy time is always short. M stayed for 4 nights then back to Texas. I have another colorful page in my life book with M.

My talisman

2007-05-04T03:17:00.000-04:00

My little purple teddy bear key chain is my talisman. This morning when I came home and hang it on the wall, I took a second look and thought about this little thing has been with me for almost 4 years. It was a hot summer in europe as traveling in England with almost empty purse. Usually even summer time it is cool but the year I went they got heat wave. I thought I was lucky bucause I don't like cold weather.

The little bear only cost me 1 pound and it seems last forever and always brings back my memory of England. I was a student back then with not much money to shop around those boutique shops or fancy department stores. However, I did window shop at Harold department store in London. Purple teddy was found in the local farm market in Cambridge while I was visiting a friend going to school there. Before I went, my friend in London thought that I was probably going to stay in a castle dormantary with my friend. And of course, it was not a dormantary in castle.

While enjoying hearing queen's language all around me, it was worth engouth the trip itself. With not knowing a lot about Cambridge University, I was "Alice wondered the world". In the two weeks, I think I have left my footprints all over the campus. I found some interesting shops, events such as folk dance and local market. That was how I found my little teddy. The grandmom like lady was one among the market carts. I just thought those bears hanging there were so cute in different baby colors and bought two. So my teddy has been living with me ever since. He has been my taleman like the one from the movie Waterloo Bridge.

Tango, Salsa and Flamenco

2007-04-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

Cheer leading was probably the very first dance form that I had. Whenever I think about going dancing some crazy nights, I always think about how I came to the point loving dancing so much. I guess if I tell any of my friends after college, nobody would believe that I was a little cheer leader in elementary school. And I tell you, it was very competitive. Without a doub, now I still dance like a cheer leader sometimes.

Without music, dancing is like a bird without singing. Any dance has certain music theme to go with: Fast, slow, high pitch, low pitch, different instruments, and more. I have always drawn to fast beat music. For me I think fast music usually connects to happier mood and spirit. Maybe that's why I like dancing and I was a cheer leader. I think music and dance has helped me live through the good time and bad time in life.

Recently, I started to like flamenco and tango. My aunt and I used to watch dancing with the stars when I visit her in New York. The movie "Moulin Rouge" sings el Tango de Roxanne while "Phantom of the Opera" ryhms it too. The song was a key that opened my heart toward tango and flamenco. In Taiwan, I knew the Flamenco long ago. There was a legend about a female dentist who gave up all her career and fortunes for Flamenco. She is now a very famous flamenco dancer in Taiwan and is very successful in performance. (http://www.flamenco.com.tw/)

The musical "Chicago" another my favorate (West End Story the next) broadway show, taught me how sexy(evil) a women could be when they dance. Once a friend said to me, when you dance flamenco you fake a lot which I don't agree with him. They say " you don't see good flamenco, you feel it." So even I never dance flamenco yet, I believe that it is a very "emotional" dance. There are a lot I would learn from dancing it. Hopefully, I will be able to go to Spain soon.....

Misha

2007-04-09T09:29:00.000-04:00

This is my #1 boyfriend. I always think that there is also some kind of special connection between people and pets. There are three cats in the house and Misha is my all time favor cat whenever I come home I just call him. The marvelous thing that makes him so speical to me is that he is a musical cat. Sometimes, I think he dances with the piano and music. H is the landlady and teaches piano lessons at home. When she teaches, Misha always pond on the classroom door with his paw to get in to the class. He always wiggles his tail with the music. He is a lovely and funny cat!

Skiing

2007-03-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

I almost fell from the chair when I read the previous post. There must be thousands of grammar mistakes I made... Coming back with sored legs and arms from upstate NY, I found that skiing was fun. Unfortunately, it was my first and last time skiing for the season. I had fun skiing with my cousin's family and friends. Usually, I am a pretty thankful person. I treasure friends, family, people and things that I found to be in a harmony status. Balance is the word, I guess would better discribe my philosophy toward life, so does skiing.

Since it was my first skiing experience techinally speaking, Dave, my cousin's husband would felt the most about how a rookie skiier may kill a person. Looking at him lying on snow after the first "blue track" run (yes, not even the black diamond yet) with me, I thought he was dead. As my cousin, after couple runs with her, I think I hurt her knee with crushing into her. I am a crim while skinning.

With almost killing two people, I skied a bit better by the end of the two day ski resort get away over the spring break. It was really a wonderful weekend get away spending time with them sicne we don't really see each other quite often. I have been thinking about relatiohship among people. Sometimes I think it is a very tough and easy lesson in life.

Busy bee life

2007-02-22T04:42:00.000-05:00

I am so sick. It is a bad cold that I ever have. With my clinical in school, I deal with kids up to age 18. Feburary, according to my preceptor, is the busiest month of the year. And my bad cold can defintely proof that. It has been over a month since school started and I am really tired of crazy schedule of school and work. I can't even believe myself that I overslept for work. I was upset. So I need a break.

Skiing in upstate New York sounds fun. I have been thinking about going with my cousin in Long Island since X'mas. Finally, it is spring break time and I request off from work. I is almost about 5 years I did snowboaring and skiing in West Virginia. I just hope that my cold will be gone by the time I go skiing. I guess, the busier I am the more fun I want to have.

As for work, just finished basic rhythm training and got my certificate. I felt I was in hell going to class right after work in the hospital. Fortunately, it was only a 6 week course and was begun before school started. But is you ask me what exactly the differences between 1, 2, and 3 degree AV block, I really can not tell. Patients are fun and bad. The fun part is when they get confused, they basically say something just slip out from their lip. The other day, I was changing this lady's dressing. She had a total hip replacement and was in extremly in pain. When I change it she screaming, kicking, and crying muder, but I thought it was a bit funny seeing that. Then she said to me " Is is this some kind of chinese torture?" That was really fun.

.

Tax Season already!!

2007-01-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

It is really hard to believe that it is tax season already. Unlike previous years, I think this year I will be taxed 10 folds since I am not a student any more. Crunching the numbers just in my head, I have no idea how much tax I need to "donate" to IRS. Thinking of it makeS me chill.

Recently, I have been thinking about a lot of investing plans. There are so many options in the markets: stocks, real estates, mutual funds, internet saving accounts, and 401k that I am interested in. Investment is such a unpreditable subject in life. I think it is very important but cannot breakthrough taking the risk mind set. Changing 401k plan has been on my to do list for almost a month now without put it in action. I have earned money before with mutual fund, so I will probably go back to mutual fund. Franklintempton's small company mutual fund was my pick and I think it is still doing good. However, fidelity has several top mutual funds and internet stock trading that caught my attention. A friend of mine mentioned about the potential of Nigeria's crud oil stock. It is better to do more research before I act. Scary tax season and investment plan! What a fast money dream!

Why Blue Moon?

2007-01-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

Blue moon first inplanted in my mind was about two years ago when I was watching a BBC TV series named"Pennies from Heaven". The song " Blue Moon" was played in it and I like the song. Today I was listening to the radio on my way to work and the host was saying that there is a very interesting phenomenone that people found. Usually we only have one full moon of a month. But when there are two full moons in a month. They call it Blue Moon. This makes me think of my reason to chose the name. Maybe I will find more intersting things about blue moon in the future.

I moved again.

2007-01-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

I hate moving. It was as I have figured before I moved in with M. Friends are not good to be roommates. She was the landlord and I think it is better for me to buy a house as soon as possible. Dealing with people that I have to compromise without my own choices is much!! But before I will be able to buy my first house, I need to save money for the down payment. Zero down is just too much interests to pay and I don't like to waste my money in that way. So I found a cheapper and seem nice place to stay for a short period until I buy a house. Hopefully this is a good way to save money.

Six girls under one roof could be fun and war. I think I will find out soon. The owner is one of the six, she teaches piano at home. One girl is a lawyer, one girl is from paraguy and she is a nanny. One is a yoga inststructor. And I am the nurse. The owner has three cats. So there is really not a lot of space in the room. After moving, my whole body hurts. I wish I know good message friends.

Ever sicne I came to Virginia and got a job, I have been looking and dreaming about a house by James River. Sometimes, I drove by the river neighborhoods just to see if there are houses for sale. I think it is never to early to look for hourses. My dream house doesn't need to be big but it must be a house with garage. I think I will make this one my new year resolution then. It is really no fun moving places from places.

Is pink my X'mas color?

2006-12-26T14:49:00.000-05:00

Merry X'mas and Happy Year 2007!!

It seems that I always hang out with Karen (cousin) and Ron during X'mas eve. The past two X'mas eves since I moved from Texas, I spent my time with friends and family for X'mas. I was in New York with my aunt and cousins two years before. My next year must be in Taiwan. Then it comes new year. My most unforgetable New Year was probably year 2005 at a bar in New York. Counting down the time and celebrating with champine, it was 100 times exciting when so many people celebrated with you yelling out "Happy New Year" as the TV screen showing neon, x'mas tree, and thousand silver sprinkle confetti (do you know they used 3tons of confetti this year in NY) piecese falling like snowing.

I think of going to different countries for X'mas. That should be fun. The other day I was writing X'mas cards sending out to Japan, England, Norway, Texas, and Taiwan. By the time I ran out of my cards, I still have many friends that I want to write to. My x'mas cards always becomes New Year greeting card for friends. Now I am still writing some friends through email for happy new year. Finding a balance point in work, school and life is just "too fun".

X'mas cake contest!

2006-12-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

Merry X'mas!! It is almost year 2007 and I am not in New York. Coming home with my heavy body, I am bitten at work today! One discharge, one admission, one dementia, one congestive heart failure post operation 2 months, and seems all of them were confused. Haven't worked day shift for so long, I think I stood all the way from 7am to 4pm skipping lunch.

Well, I have to admit that I did not get enouth sleep a night before "partying" with firends and family. It was fun. After working at restaurant for 4 hours, went back home for the X'mas party with M's family and my cousin. The cake contest was very competitive!

Cake 1 was March the Penguin; cake 2 was the guinea pig; cake 3 was boy and girl snow angels. And the winner was " March of the penguin". X'mas was nice to have friends and family together. Last year, I was new to this event. This year there were three new people. One is from Spain, one is from France, and Alex was born this two month ago so he is new too. After dinner it was board game time. I always enjoy playing board game ever since I came to the State and play it the very first year when I came and played with my ex's family. It has a magic power to draw people together even you don't know each other and it is fun. Happy time is always short. Working at 7 in the morning, I pulled myself out of the chair and went sleep and saw it was already 2 o'clock. I was pretty sure that I was alert and thinking a lot of things of this past year.

Holiday season workload

2006-12-23T02:33:00.000-05:00

It is almost X'mas day. Work has been pretty nice. Today we only have 3 patients for each nurse. It seems everybody wants to go home and spend time with family. If work can be like this everyday, how wonderful is that. Compare to 6 or 7 patients, I think 3 to 4 is best nurse to patient ratio. I like working in the new floor. It has been about a month after the renovation of my floor. Things seem getting better. We have more computers and the new feelings though people still complain.

Recently, I have been working a lot. It is during school break and I wanted to spend more time working. I am enjoying the holiday light workload. After the holiday, I bet we will have more surgical patients. Not only work in the hospital, there seems so many that I have to do such as moving, eating, cooking, shopping, getting to know new people and more things to do except going back to school... I don't know if I will be ready any time soon.

At work, we have almost elderly patients. Sometimes, I really hope I won't get old because it is really sad to see how insecured and confused they are then think back of myself when I get old. Today, this lady keep asking me what time is it whenever she wakes up. Sometimes, they keep asking yor name and I will always surronder to demantia patient. I feel bad when they keep saying thing out of the box. (I am going to the mall in a minute. Would you like to go with me ORZ)......She could not remember she is in the hospital and she uses pottie chair every hours. I need to find a job that will keep my spirit up. Maybe I just need a vacation to Hawaii....

All pass!!

2006-12-17T06:03:00.000-05:00

The bottomline is "EVERBODY PASSED THE CLASS". Whew! when I got this message in my school email account from the instructor, I felt such a relief for all these few months' school work. This one class especially worried me. I felt so weak and powerless those two weeks during the final exam period. Five classes and job don't get quite along in deed. But I think my problem is that my worry about immigration status worsen my balance a big time.

I remember that when I was doing the physical assesment final exam for lab section. Mrs. Hart wanted me to come back the follow week to do it again, my heart was just falling down the the 18th level hell. I thought I was failed. So I had another paper test to take and the lab exam to worry. G was a girl that I felt who could be my friend from this program. She was very nice and sweet, blond hair and blue eye. We started talking when we both were going to run marathon. She is always nice to me and talk to me. Some girls (most of the girls) in the class are very sorolity type looking to me. I am not into that very much!! You know who could be your friend by instinct thats what I believe. I did not know who I could ask for to be my partner for the 2nd time lab test so I asked G and she said yes right away. That was a very strong bonding right there since we are just classmates. So I studied, practiced plus worked at the hospital. So many time I felt I was almost collapsed and broke down. I told myself thoudsand time be strong and don't let them get you! On my lab test day, I just did what's in my mind from head, face, eye, ear, nose, neck, thoracic, cardio, neuro, muscloskeleton, and vascular system. When I finised in 40 minutes, I was like a man waiting for his sentence in the court. Mrs. Hart shown me my grade of 99% and then she hugged me. I tried to hold my tears and broken voice to not let anybody found that I was weak. But that was really the most wonderful moment of this semester. I made a friend, G, and I feel love from that hug from Mrs. Hart.

School has been out for about a week and I am not ready to go back yet. In order to go back for another "hell" period, I need more time for a break to prepare myself. However, it seems time doesn't wait for people. There are so many thing are going on and things that I need to put on my shoulder in my life.

For The Love of Pete

2006-12-03T12:18:00.000-05:00

Accidently, I found this pet store on my way to work. Friday, I got off from my class early and was window shopping at the boutique street next to work. This was one of the stores that I went in. They have a lot of pet stuffs from dog treats, food, blankets, beds, to toys. It was interesting and surprising. The interesting thing is they sell various pet "gears". The surprising thing is the cost. Then I observed the people who came in the store and wonder if they were all relatives of Paris Hilton. Then I thought of her Chiuaua. The clerk and the owner were very nice. I did have fun looking around the store. There was this lady with her infancy son sitting in the baby trolley and her golden retriver sitting outside the store. She bought a pet toy ball that will light up in different colors when touched. It was funny when she said that it was actually for her son then she put it in her son's hands. I think maybe it works better with children than pets!

Their website are well-design and user-friendly. (www.theloveofpete.com) Since I don't have any pet, I guess I save a lot of money.

Nursing philosophy: From Novice to Exper to Mentor

2006-12-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

From novice to expert to mentor: how Patricia Benner’s theory would be important in my future practice as an advanced practice nurse.

When I first learned and heard about Patricia Benner’s theory from one of the classmates in this course, I felt deeply that this is the theory that I would like to research more and apply in my future practice as an advanced practice nurse or a in-hospital nurse. In one of the articles that I found there is a quote saying “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” From just reading this quote, it has inspired me enough wanting to learn how to use Patricia Benner’s theory guidelines and become a good mentor in my future practice. My foreign status bothered me ever since I came to the States either being a student or a nurse. I came here a long way to become a RN. It was not a light journey at all. From taking Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS) qualify test, English language proficiency test to the never ending waiting process, I am glad that it has turned out to a happy ending. Now I can finally tell family and friends that I am doing well. I realized that it is very important to have a mentor to guide you through the dark road. As a foreign nurse, I do have quite a lot of things to learn such as culture differences, languages (slangs), believes and systematic differences etc. Nursing is a caring “business”. Our customers are most of the time sick people; our products are performances and nursing skills . We deal with flesh human beings not machines. Being a competent nurse is very important either in the professional aspect or improving people’s health. Therefore, this is why I choose Patricia Benner’s model of from novice to expert to mentor to be my topic because it would help me and other prospect nurses to become competent in a more efficiency way.

This is the first paragraph of my paper for a class that I am taking now and I got 100%. Well, because this is only a one-credit class so the instructor gives high grade to everybody. What surprised me was when I got an email from my teacher, I was touched. The email is full of encouragements and understandings even it was a short email. I was inspired. I never dislike nursing but also never really devoted myself enough in nursing. After all this years' on and off working and studying to become a "good" nurse has helped me grown a lot, especially during the most important two stages in my life. The first one, I would call it "broken family" period when I was 12 to 18 years old. After dad decided to close his company, mom went to the US working in the restaurant with aunt and uncle. Dad went too the later year. Three of us were left living in an apartment one floor above my grandparents. The other period, I would call it "life direction" period which is happening here in the state under a situation to become an "American". Now I think back and found that nursing really has "saved my life" in time from both traumatized-life stages. Who says life is like riding a rollercoaster going up and down?! It is so true. But I think I have reached the age too dangerous to ride one. I might have a heart attack!!

Who wants to live forever

2006-11-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

My free movie ticket had been sitting in my car for at least 6 months since April. The hospital give out movie tickets for employees' birthday. I threw away my homeworks, papers and trivia behind and decided to go to see the movie "The Fountain". My favorite atress, actor, and the fairy tale. I was one of the only three audiences in the theater for the first show of the day. On my way to the movie I went by Rite Aid for after thanksgiving shopping and bought something that was totally out of my shopping list. Well since the shop was very close to the theater, I thought. After shopping, I got lost and could not find the theater. I never been to that theater before..... By the time I got in the room, it was so dark and I stumbled in whatever seat I could touch and sit down.

Last night, Sarah Brightman sang "who wants to live forever" on a TV commercial. The music is still in my mind and today I saw the movie about a man who wants to save his beloved wife dying from cancer. He is a doctor who eager to find the cure for his love. The doctor also struggles himself not letting go the truth of death. Time went to 16 century in Spain. The queen's conquistador finding the tree of life. Then time goes to 26 century the man keeping and nursery the tree. Three parallel stories ends in the same chapter of a book. The man finally let go and was set free himself.

The plot is well-organized since I think that it is not easy to run three stories smooth in a movie. The movie is a bit sad but with the happy ending. (thefountainmovie.warnerbros.com)
Well, finished the movie and work...I guess I still have to face my final exams....Ahhhhhh.....

Alex loves Pooh

2006-11-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

As soon as I put Alex in his crib, his big smile made me smile. He was looking at Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore hanging and dancing with the music. Alex is now two months old and he is getting bigger and bigger every day. Yes, EVERYDAY!! I remember when he was born, he was only like 7 pounds and now he is 12 pounds. As I am a child health major in the nursing program, Alex is growing very well. When I turned my head and look at his 6 feet 2 tall dad, I realized oh, Alex has much more potential to grow. Alex is R and K's (my cousin) first baby and he is really a happy boy.

He likes to sleep while there are music, TV, and people's talking in the background. On thanksgiving night, I was holding him downstairs in the crowad and he fell asleep so I took him upstairs to put him in the crib. As I walked up more steps his eyes got wider and wider as the background getting quieter and quieter by the time he was in the crib his eyes were like two 100 watt light bulbs looking at the Pooh and he smiled. I took him back downstairs then he fell asleep quickly as the background talking came back to him. So I guess we found the best lullaby for Alex.

My frist marathon in New York

2006-11-08T14:53:00.000-05:00

It finally came the day and I made it to the finish line. At the last 2nd mile, I was walking and almost draging my falling apart body holding the power gel on my right hand toward the line. As soon as I saw the orange and blue finish line gate at the last mile, I took a deep breath and got myself together running again. I was smiling running the last mile. I felt great after all these months' training.

I ran my first marathon on Sunday and the race was a very nice and fun experience. On friday, I worked after school and was thinking about how I am going to take my exam on line before the race. That was really a pain in my neck. I felt like to hit my head against the wall asking god "WHY!!!". On the top of that my bus was leaving at 1am. After work, I flew home, finished packing and took a cat nap. Bus arrived at Chinatown around 7am Saturday. Ok, before the Expo center open for registration, I am going to study more for the exam, I told myself. There I was sitting in a tea shop eating dim sum and studying as hard as I could.

The Expo center was packed of people from all over the world. All the vendors tried their last effort to sell and promote their products for the last day of the registration. I got my bib and signed up for the bus to the start line at Staten Island tomorrow morning. Leaving with a full bag samples (T-shirt, pens, jam, and pain reliever), I went directly to the NY public library. I have to admit that I wanted to choke the person who literally used his cell phone next to me while I was taking the test with my lap top.... When I arrived at my aunt's, I just took a shower and went to bed.

Woke up at 4am, I took the train from Long Island to Penn Station. The sky was still dark blue while walking from Penn to the bus stop at NY library. As I walked closer to the library, people aggragated like going to see a concert or something. I was more excited than nervous.

It was really a wonderful race that I ever had. I was running with the 5 hour pace team in the beginning and the team leader was really fun. She would ask cheering people to say "5 hours rock", "5 hours rock". There were people all the way from the start line to the finish line to cheer you up. They called your name telling you don't give up, you are almost there, good job. To make the race more vivid, there were also live bands. Yep, bands with drums, microphones, guitars, bass, and amplifier. You don't need iPod really. Water and Gaterade were served every and every other mile. Poeple handed tissues, sponges, and things to show their supports. We clapped with the live band music, we waved when passing the camera, and we laughted when someone nearby said something to crack you up. I was tired but I was happy running this marathon.

Running through New York's five boroughs-Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Manhattan, I saw New York in five hours. That's pretty worthy, isn't it? People wore customes either to get people's attention or awarness of some issues. I saw two "rhinos" running. That's people from save the rhino organization. I saw a british nanny running team wearing bra running. There was no one minute boring while I ran.

I ran an official time of 5hours and one minute. It is pretty amazing that I was able to finish it and did not pass out. Thank you New York marathon for giving me such a pleasant marathon experience. I am coming back next year.

Maple Leaf Rag and Heart Murmur

2006-10-30T23:47:00.000-05:00

I love this! Last Thursday in my physical assessment class, the instructor used this music to ask us "guess" what kind of heart murmur could symbolize this music. Everybody in the class was probably as confused as I was. "Are we in the wrong classroom?" "Wait, is this Music 101?" But after she played the song I loved it right away with all my hear and eager to google on the Internet to find out who Scott Joplin was and what ragtime is.

Maple Leaf Rag was the most popular fall music back then and even now. The music is very happily jumping into my heart and I learned that ragtime music is also considered "pre -Jazz". No wonder I love it!! Here are the Internet link for the music and the meaning of ragtime. Scott Joplin seems to be a great legend in the American music history. They call him "King of Ragtime."

Listening to the music makes me think of Texas too. I think this is music of the South. Or maybe it is just about time for me to go back to Texas for a visit again. As for the heart murmur, I think I will figure it out later... but no promise.

http://www.scottjoplin.org/biography.htm
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Bayou/9694/music.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_(music)

Chicago means stinky water

2006-10-14T01:44:00.000-04:00

Architecture tour on boat

Chicagowa was a word that native american used couple hundred years ago indicating Chicago River. What it really meant was "Stinky Water". This is the most intersting thing that I learned from the Chicago River architecture boat tour. It was really a educational tour and I enjoyed it a lot despite noisy chinese tourists behind me. They seemed didn't really care what the tour guide was saying.

The most impressed building is the oldest building along the river. The building was original a food storage and was converted to apartment. The tour guide said that it took them almost a year to melt the icy hourse hair that was used as insolation. When it was finally meltted, it was rotten.

Chicago Bear was playing on Sunday. How lucky we were bump into thousands of audiences that were flood out from the soilder field colecium on our way to Shedd Aqurium. People were cheering the Bear's winning and we were the only people walked in the oppsite direction. What is so fantacy of FOOTBALL. I would never understand.

Navy pire was ok though. A lot of people and it was hot that day in Chicago! It was really hard to believe that Richmond was flooded and we were in Chicago enjoyed the sunshine. First night was Shushi night. The town that I stayed was called "boy town" (you know what it means!) It's near Lincon park, a pretty nice neighborhood. Most of the asian restaurants were owned by Thai. The area has quite a Thai population. I shopped at some stores. They have a lot of small shops selling different things: art, cloth, pottery, coffee and tea, pet shop and more. One of my shopping trophy is that I bought a Bally skir for $8. I was pretty happy. I shall be shopping Queen one day.

Oh, the bridal show was fun too. I learned a lot about bridal business. Some retailers has very private booths because they don't want others to copy their designs. Some mass market their products. We got a lot of little gifts and free candies. One booth even served the liquor chocolates. It was a very nice experience. I think there were total 400 booths. Well, I think Chicago is fun to visit in Fall after all. (The first time I went it was as cold as hell and no fun...)

Puppy Farm! Puppy Fun!

2006-09-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

puppy farm

I was mad... The other day I was writing this log and my computer disconected on me. All my writing was gone. So here I am again.

Puppies are cute in all way. Don't you think. There were total three labrador moms two yellow and one chocolate. As I walked into their little pen, they all approached me saying "pick me! pick me!" If they could talk, I think that was what they said.

Last week, I got a chance to see a labrador breeder's "production". Pretty amazing, I think there were total 15 yellow and chocolate lab puppies scattering in three pens all waiting for good homes to stay. I am glad one of them definitely is now in a good home and he was named Loki.

I was playing with Loki and it was fun watching him making all his efforts to fetch the tennies ball. He is only eight weeks old. I wonder myself how he knows to fetch the ball in such a young dog age. My cousin, Susan, they have three yellow labradors. She is a volunteer of a guide dog association in Long Island. She had Casey about 8 years ago long before she volunteers for the association. Then she brought Godie home and trained her to become a guide dog about two years ago when Godie was about one year old. When Godie is on training, they would put a vest on her indicating she is on duty and no distrubes are allowed. It is very interesting and fun watching how guide dogs are trained. I think labrador is smart and very friendly.

Jane just had three Jack Russell Terrier puppies. They are very hyper as the day they were born to be Jack Russells Terrier. I usually would goup them with Chiuaua kind. I think sometimes they think they control the whole world......

1990's Look! What's in!

2006-08-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

student nurse

I can't believe that I uploaded this picture to my blog! By the time when my nursing intership was at the last month back to more then 10 years ago, everybody seemed to be ready to dash out this military psychiatric ward. Working in this institute was indeed a lot of fun. I remember I had quite a lot of typical textbook cases.

Usually, we were 10 students a group and each month we went to different ward: surgical, medical, nursery, operating room, public health, psychiatric, gyn, delivery room and peadiactric. It took us a year to accomplish the intenship in order to graduate. Operating room did make my life miserable a big time. There was this doctor of rectal specialist. He was famous of his temper. You need to pass equipment to him before he acts. God knows what he wants next! So everybody had to memorize the procedures and know what equipment would be needed to be serve to him at certain point. If you miss, there will be a "house of flying dagger". I was stress out that month working in operating room.

Delivery Room was pretty tense too. Each student needs to delivery a minimum 20 babies to meet the academic requirment since we were under a nursing and midwife division. Where and who would provide such a huge quantity of babies for us students. But we made it. Thanks to the high birth rate back then.

As a nursing school student, I did learn and grow a lot. It is a vivid page in my life book.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2006-07-31T18:18:00.000-04:00

Moon River

These two days, I have been listening to this song. I recalled myself and couldn't remember if I have seen this movie or not. Audrey Hepburn was such an attracted actor in the movie. She was so elegant. There is also a letter she wrote that touches me. It is not just her appearence but also her sweet and understanding of people. Here is the letter that she wrote to a friend:
"Dear Henry,
I have just seen our picture-BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S- this time with your score.
A movvie without music is a little bit like an aeroplane without fuel. However beautifully the job is done, we are stil on the ground and is a wourld of reality. Your musci has lifted us all up and sent us soaring. Everything we cannot say with words or show with action you have expressed for us. You have done this with so much imaginetion, fun and beauty.
You are the hippest of cats- and most sensitive of composers!
Thank you, dear Hank. lots of love Audrey."

Cards

2006-07-26T19:46:00.000-04:00

card from Norway

It is hard to believe that time has passed by me under a secret tempo that friends now are spreaded out all over the world!! Life is good when you get message from friends in mailbox. I love to receive letters from mailbox knowing that I am not forgetton by friends.

S is now in Norway with her Norwagian writer hubby. A fabric greeting card, how special, it was the first fabric card that I have ever received in my life. (www.vigocards.com) It was April when she moved to Norway. Nothing but cold I would think of about Norway. She seems very enjoying the life there. Learning language, traveling to other Island, finding a job and making new friends are definitly keeping her busy. Actually, it was the first card I got from her after she left the States. I love the card a lot. It is blue and brown on a velvet fabric. The patten is pretty victorian to me. S is such a sweet and nice friend that I met in Texas. She used to give me rides when I did not have a car to travel around the town. We used to take classes together and she would help and encourage me on my broken english. I would never forget one time she spoke up for me when I was in a embaressed situation. I felt that I was protected by her and not alone.

Another card that made me happy for couple days is from C. It is a picture that he took in Cambodia about couple years ago when he traveled and worked in Asia. He now has his own photograph business (www.kestrelfilm.com) and also works on films. I admir his talent on photo shooting and being so nice of people of my kind. And he has been always my favorite story teller. Every photo tells a story. He has a lot of interesting stories. The card from him is a sence of old trees. I assume that it was because we were in forestry college. I love the children photos from his website.

Not only that I love to receive letters, I like to send letters to friends too. Email is convenient, fast and easier but it is just different. I feel receiving letters is like seeing friends through the past. When I get a letter, I think back of time what we have done, where we met and how wonderful that time and places have not seperated us apart.

Yellow Panther!

2006-07-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

Yellow Panther!

Russell is getting older. I worry about him. His parent told me that he probably lost couple pounds in these past few month. He is such a sweet cat. How do I know Russell? Time went back to almost 6 years ago when I first got here in the State I stayed with my aunt. One day I saw this yellow careless cat strolling around at my aunt's back yard and cooling his paws by the pond. I thought he is so funny. I should have taken the picture of that scene.

He is not shy when I call him he will come to me and let me pat him. Then I tried to hold him and he let me too. So I guess I got the trust from him. I stayed with my aunt for the summer and then went to Texas for school. It was a long period that I haven't seen Russell until I moved to Virginia after graduating last year. I saw him again often and now he is about 12 year old or maybe older since he was a stray cat when my aunt's neighbor adopped him.

I think we remember each other. The other day when I hold him, he was so light. I hope that he is healthy although he is getting old.

He is two!

2006-07-22T22:42:00.000-04:00

He is two!

Fox is 2 year-old and he got a bike! I went back to Texas three weeks ago visiting my "old friends" and really had a good time despite I missed my flight on my way back to Virginia. It was about more than a year ago ever since I moved to Virginia from Texas. It was nice seeing them again.

It was really nice seeing, eating, and just relaxing with my old roomys. Also, I haven't seen A for almost two years and now she is back in the US. I was so happy to see her coming back sharing with her happniess of studying in Spain and everything. And thank her for taking me to see Les Miserable. I also got to see NaNa and PaPa.

It was a nice visit but I have to say that Texas is really "hot". I almost forgot how hot it was until I went back. I did have Mexican food and don't know when I will have it again here in Virginia.

What's all about depression?

2006-06-13T03:30:00.000-04:00

I was doing some kind of observation about the cycle of depression. I hate to be sad or feeling depressed. Therefore, I try to turn on TV watching something to make me laugh or make me feel happy. Working with confused patients makes me depressed, working two jobs one right after another makes me depressed and extreme tired, working two jobs and going for graduate school is the road to death if I am accepted this fall. Wowwww....

Cooking everyday makes me depressed, eating after cooking for my own meal makes me sadder, cooking , eating and with a dog begging right in front of my face set fires on my head. Why is everything so sad and heavy? I found out that it is something to do with my every month business. And they say eating chocolate will change the chemical of the body to make you feel happy which is a wonderful thing to know and to eat. I also found out usually it is like a week before the first day when it comes. Now I know and will have a way to fix my cycle of depression. The answer is CHOCOLATE.

I need probable about 10 pounds of chocolate this week because I will be working a lot. When the depress chemical comes, nothing is right in the world. The good thing is after depression it comes with the happiness. Camping at the beach with friend makes me happy, getting pay checks makes me happy, and kick boxing makes me happy so on ans so for. I think it is a sub cycle inside everybody.

Everybody makes differences

2006-05-11T18:30:00.000-04:00

-I took a road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference-

I saw this on a friend's blog. It touched me when I read it. Having been through the very difficult but fun studying process in the States for all these years, I think I have made my life a significant difference. Laying in my bed, sometimes I wonder what would be my life if I did not persist to come to the States. Now I am working as a health provider. I believe that I shall made differences to somebody else life. When I go to work with the thought, I work happier and job becomes more enjoyable.

At my job, we have a lot of old people and usually they come from nursing home. They are sent to the hospitals when they are sicker at nursing home. A lot of Alzeheimers, dimentias, broken legs, organ failurers, and so many other problems, they are helpless. I found that the most thing I heard from them when asking them question is " I don't know" even a simple question like "Do you want to go to bath room."

Now I think I am such a lucky person that I have many resourses and helps so many years studying and living in the States. Everybody makes differences.

One Day in Arboretum

2006-04-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

charlie's angel

When M sent this picture to me through email, I smiled myself and time was going back to 2004's spring at SFA's arboretum. Around the time of blooming azalea every year, I think I will always remember two other angels. M has a job in Austin, Texas. F is studying in Carbondale, Illinoi. I, myself work in Richmond, Virginia. Life seems to play a very naughty game master on earth. Friends get together in a certain place then are seperated in other places. Emails, pictures, and phones are the media to connect each other from time to time until the relatiohships either longer or wash out.
We meet new friends but old friends are more adroable to me. So when new friends become old friends. It is like drinking a glass of red wine. The longer the red wines are stored the better it tastes. Cheers to my friends! And Charlie I think, he is probably the master to make friendship happen.

2006-04-03T20:34:00.000-04:00

Laptop

New Laptop, Yeah!!

2006-04-03T19:37:00.000-04:00

Since my second-hand old laptop kept giving me all kinds of problems, I finally made up my mind to get a new one. The question was a Mac or PC, was a entry-level or fancy one, was a cheap or cheapper one, and was black or silver...Oh, God! Can somebody just send me one from the sky and I will take it. Browsing on line and I mean just with DELL, there was just more than enough information that I needed to know. It had been about 3-4 weeks that I though about buying a new one in Feburary. Fortunatelly, my job is giving me certain level of economic security that I will be able to say goodbye to me old laptop.

I happened to find out that there is a Dell direct store (kios) in Richmond opening in March 20. Thursday after work two weeks ago, I could't wait to arrive the Kios as fast as I could and find a pretty, multifuntional, and cheap laptop then brought it home the same day. The result was a bit disappointed. When I went to a Apple store in North Carolina in December, I thought Mac was so cool. The store exhibted all kind of their products such as laptops, ipods, desktops, accessories, and softwares, etc. The store was packed (maybe it was close to X'mas). But still. So, when I went to the Chesterfield Mall Town Centre and tried to find the Dell kios, I wondered if Michael Dell was going downhill or something. But I was so desperated for a computer, I walked to talk witht the sale representative any way and bought a XPS M140 in twenty minutes. When I said I bought, it means that I ordered a laptop at the kios on line. So, I didn't get the laptop right away..... One good thing is that I got a small discount from going there.

Yeah, I am finally using my new top and having my normal life back. Without a computer, I felt
my life was so bored and started to have withdrawl syndrom from not using keyboard.... I was typing on my desk.

My Roommates

2006-02-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

My Roommates

Aren't my roommates cute? Kirby and Quinn are well-behaved roommates. Usually they won't come to my room which is the topest room in the house. Starting with Kirby, I was trying to let him out from the cage the other day when I heard him whinning. So I went downstairs to see him. He growed at me when I tried to open the door to let him out and go potty. I was kind of scare that he seemed to bite me and didn't want to come out from the cage. That was so wired. He was kind of upset or nervous. Obviously, I didn't want to lose a finger or get a bleeding hand. So I let him stay there as he wanted. The next day, when he saw me he was all jumping and running on me. Isn't that multipersonalities? He has soft curly gray hair and sometimes I think myself if he can see with all those long hair covering his eyes. But he seem to run and walk without problem so I guess it is either he has very good sense of smell or is good at direction.

Unlike Kirby, Quinn is a food lover. Whenever I cook in the kitchen, he will sniff around the kitchen islet and get on tables or counters on his front feet. And this is not his fault. Quinn was adopted from the shelter and found that he has Addison Symdrom and Epilepsy. He is on medication every 6 hours. The durg makes him want to eat all the time. The cutting board in the kitchen has a cute dog figure just like him and it says "The chef is not responsible for the dog hair in the food" on the background. I think it is funny.

Speaking of how I was able to take a picture of two dogs sitting still close to eachother just imaging that I was holding a cookie in one hand and trying to take the picture with the other. And calling their name constantly when either one of them was trying to move out from my camara window. It was kind of playing crown thing.

Snowing Richmond

2006-02-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

snowing Richmond

snowing Richmond

The two snows of 2006 were such exciting for most people in spite of the cold. Wait just a minute, is the news just announcing it is now 21 degree? Oh, well my room is the warmest any way since I live in the attic. It is about two weeks at Charter Colony. Things have been going pretty smooth with me and I enjoy my life a lot.
Monday is the day that I suppose to have my orientation of CJW Medical Center (www.cjwmedical.com). Yes, I got a RN job finally. After I got my license, I have been running between different hospitals which most of the responses regarding my applications are very positive and I have choices. Driving to work of the restaurant, I looked at the snow flakes falling and melting on my wind shield thinking about the meaning of life. Snow flakes were dancing with the wind as my speed went up. Shouldn't life be beautiful and simple as snow flakes. White, weightless, pure, and angel-like.... I think seeing snow flake is a sign as a piece of good news.

Figure Skating and Valentine

2006-02-14T00:47:00.000-05:00

China&Russia2006

What a wonderful present for Valentine's day to me! Fugure skating has been one of my favorite watching sports. I must say that it is the most beautiful sport that I consider it is an art form than a sport. Combining music, opera, dance, and technic, pair figure skating needs more hard work comparing to single figure skating. It was really a touchful moment to see both Russian and Chinese skaters standing on the podium. These two neighbor countries not only are the good competitors but are friends enjoying over a skating party to me.

I got the winter olympic tv schedule on my desk with all figure skating highlighted. Returning home from the book store, I rushed into my room and turned the tv on NBC ready for the program. I never knew that China has so many well-trained skaters for Olympic. I could not continue watching Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang's performance after they failed the salchow quadruple which no one has ever done it bofore. She was literally thrown on ice and injured her knee. Everybody could see her pain from the tears holding of her eyes on TV. Amazingly, they continued and beautifully performed their spirit.

Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin were kind of stunned off the rink when they saw the brutal fall of Zhangs. Two years ago, they had a worse accident on ice. Tatiana lost her conscious over the performance and Maxim lost his confidence on ice. I think this is a great moment for them winning the gold medal this time. For them it really means a lot. Shouldn't a relationship of two lovers be just like the relationship of a pair skater. There are trusts, encouragements, strenghs, and tests over a time period.

They don't want me. It's Chinese New Year!

2006-01-31T01:34:00.000-05:00

I was a bit disturbed when I got the email about not getting the internship at the hospital after two major interviews. This is the position that I have been waiting for and not going to other hospitals. Because this possible internship program, I truned down couple offers. Well, I guess things just don't always go what you expect to. This NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) internship program takes about 2-3 months to complete then you will work as a staff after the program. I have done everything to show them about my interest. However, after several interviews with the nurse recruiter, manager and the educator, they probably think it would be too much trouble to sponsor me for the immigrant visa (according to the email that I got from the human resourse people).
Well, I just have to put myself together and go to other hospitals. I am glad that I have a temporary job working at the Shanghai chinese restaurant otherwise I don't know how I will be able to survive after moving out from my aunt's. Happy Chinese New Year!!

Bachelorette

2006-01-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

When my friend saw this picture, she said to me you were the one who the most didn't seem to catch the bouquet. My cousin, Karen's wedding has been officially and unofficially approved three years and three months ago, respectively. Marriage to me is like adult playing house. I can't remember how many wonderful and ugly marriages I have seen or heard about through friends, relatives, coworkers, and strangers. About two or three weeks ago, there was a book introducing by a reporter on CNN news. "Are Man Ncecssary?". I think it would be an interesting book to read. But I wonder if there is a book name " Are Woman Necessary?".

The day when we got together!

2006-01-20T23:09:00.000-05:00

Italian food

I think it was the picture that we took at Nacogdoches before Carey was heading to Mongolia for his film project. It was Jenny, Shu-Yung, Shu-Chun,I Kuai, Carey, Ching and me. We did have a good time. Actually, I am just practicing my online photos posting today. It would be good to have photos on my blog, I think. To make stories more interesting and fun, photos are necessary.

Writer's Notebook

2006-01-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

It has been a while that I think about having my writer's notebook. The idea came from the time when I was a student assistant in Elementary Education Department. I was assigined to Dr. Lacina as her assistant for all her classes online (WEBCT). I really enjoy working with her. I learned how to write, what makes a good writer and I read all her students' writing. It was really a wonderful expirence. English is not my mother tounge but I am a good learner and willing to learn it very much. So the wirter's notebook idea was form ever since then.

Web log is a good way to apply my writing desire. It is not that seriours and I can manage to write whatever I want to write about. Sometimes, I feel I have so many things happen everyday that I want to write and share. Every little thought and thinking would be very interesting to be recored. Life is full of laughter, sadness, and unforgetable moments that I don't want to miss it all. Places that I go, pleople that I meet, things that I do could be all important parts or pages of my life.

I do have a lot to learn about writing.

King Kong, Geisha, Gay Cowboy, Pocahontas, and more...

2006-01-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

Rachel and I was talking about the movies at work today. We were planning going for King Kong after work to see the midnight movie. But they didn't show King Kong at midnight when Rachel checked on the newspaper. There are pretty good movies recently. I guess it is because the holidays (X'mas and New Year). Why King Kong? Rachel and I was talking about the first King Kong movie. She said that she cried when King Kong held the beauty in his palm carefully and when King Kong fell from the Empire State Building. In fact, I don't really have clear images in my brain but little bit black and white King Kong holding a girl pictures and the moment when he fell from the building.

The other day, I was reading Y's blog and she has left some critiques about Pride and Prejudice, and Brokeback Mountain. Also, Trinh was talking about going to see Memoir of a Geisha. At the dinner after Richmond Bridal Show, Trinh said that she saw the movie and she liked it. So we were talking abou the movies for a while. When I mentioned about the Brokeback Mountain, Ron had a comment that he doesn't want to see a gay cowboy movie. But I think it would be a good movie to see.

The New World will be in theaters by the end of this month. I have been expecting for the movie for almost more than a year. The reasons are: 1)Carey is the assistant producer; 2) I have seen the movie " The thin red line". I like the movie and director; 3) I like Pocahontas story ever since I've seen the Disney movie.

Any way, I went to see King Kong on 1/12 and I cried through 1/2 movie. I cried when King Kong fought so hard and brave with the dinosaurs. I cried when they caught King Kong so cruely then I cried when King Kong fell down from the Building. God, I never know that I am such a cry baby....

Last weekend (1/15), I went to see Memoir of a Geisha. I've read the book and like it a lot. The movie was kind of disappoing. I think maybe I was expecting too much before I saw it plus my stomach was killing me when I was watching the movie. So I didn't really enjoy the movie.

In a nut shell, movies help me to release my emotions and learn English.

New York or Somewhere else

2006-01-05T00:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't know finding a job with a registered nurse license would be so easy in the states to me. Since I got my license about a week ago, I went to the local hospital in Richmond near my aunt's house which is where I am staying. They would hire me on the spot if I said yes. Well, I am still kind of doing weight and balance thing. There are something I need to think about before I make my final decision.

The employment agency in New York that I talked to offering the best pay and it is a very attractive city which I don't know if I really like it. Moreover, I think that it might be a job that I don't really like because they contract with nursing homes. It is not that I don't like old pelple. When I was in Taiwan, I would cry whenever I go to a nursing home. It is just sad to me working at that environment. Texas has all my friends that I love to stay closer and I think it would not be a problem finding a job there with a license. But I just don't feel like going back at this moment. As for Virginia, I think that I need to move out from my aunt's first then I will think about it. I have been staying with them for 6 month.

New York, New York, Lone Star carefree spirit, or just take a job closer and easier in Virginia... It is my project now.

My blue shooting star

2006-01-03T00:05:00.000-05:00

I was driving home after work. The sky was dark blue saturated with cold air. As soon as I walked out the restaurant door, I ran to my lovely car and couldn't wait to get home in next second. It was two days before my NCLEX exam. I have been studying for the exam about 6 month including the qualifying exam. I was pretty nervous and just wanted to get over with it. Working and studying in the same time is not fun at all. Speaking of working, I mean working in a chinese restaurant. I remember like five years ago, I have sweared that I would never work at a restaurant in the future and guess where I am now. Any way, I am tired but I work hard.

Turning up my radio to the classical music station, I was on my way home. When I stopped at the traffic light, the blue shooting star flew through in front of me in a way of telling me "come on girl, make you wish and it will come true." I think I made a wish without a doubt in just two second. I was excited to see the shooting star (It was blue. Isn't that special?) inspite of my heavy body and sleepy eyes.

Then I drove a happy trip to home. It is hard to forget if you have seen a blue star in you life. I think I will never forget it. I took the exam for 6 hours and felt sorry for myself because I left 2 questions unanswered(total 265). I was sad when I left the test center. I though the blue star was a good sign. The proctor wished me good luck when I walked up to my locker leaving for work at 4pm. That was very nice of him but I felt it was pethtic.

Then it was X'mas. The it was two days before New Year's Eve. I went to get the mail after I got home from work. There was my registered nurse license (somehow it looked like a piece of trash paper to me; it is about a 5x7 big paper). Yeah, I passed the exam. I kissed the blue shooing star good night.

Merry X'mas, dear friends

2005-12-30T03:12:00.000-05:00

I got off from working at Shanghai chinese restaurant and my aunt told me that my cousin called to see if I want to go over Mary's for X'mas party. It was on chrismas eve around 11pm. I was tired from work and needed some love that night at that moment so I went. It was one of the most unforgetable X'mas in my life so far.

To tell the truth, I was not prepared at all for the party and was told just to show up. I drove there and found there was about 20 people inside the house when the door was opened. Most of the people were Mary and Trinh's family members and relatives (father, mom, brothers, cousins and friends etc.). Some were cooking the X'mas ham, soup, and stuffs and serving drinks in the kitchen area. Some were talking and drinking either in the living room or the dinning room. The X'mas tree was standing beautifully by the window and the fire place was heating up everybody's heart nicely. I was kind of didn't know what to do though I know some of them. I was glad that my cousin, Karen and her husband, Ron were there. Since it was my first time to Kieu's X'mas gathering (It is hold annually), I was considering new member. Mary and Trinh were nice. They were talking to me, showing me things around and it made me felt more confortable as time went by. Actually, I was thouched and very happy that I came.
It was the time to eat and wish everybody Merry X'mas. Then it was the time to open the presents. They were piled like a little mountain. Mary and Mariko were delivering the gift to everybody. And I got presents too. I was surprised to get presents. I like X'mas not because I get gifts. Looking at the X'mas tree, I thought of where I was for X'mas last year and years before. I think I like X'mas because of it gives me time to think of friends and my family that are not around me. I send cards, calls, or emails every year to Taiwan, Japan, and England trying to wave friends and family hello and present to them I am still alive. It is also interesting to know how friends and family are doing. It is neat and it is almost Year 2006!! Merry X'mas and Happy New Year everybody.

Bubble Secret

2005-12-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

I have a secret that it is about you and me. The secret is wrapped with bubbles. Sad and beautiful thing is I cannot talk to you of the secret because I've lost my voice over this ambigious relationship and it is better to just leave it for myself. The devil has told me all the consequesnes if I tell. It has been hurts and aches all over my piecesed-heart. My tear drops are saved and drained at quiet nights just for me.

Picking up my heart pieces, I leave you and move on. Bubbles disappear in the air. When kids blow bubbles in the games, memory comes back to me and the bubble secret is formed. I am the little mermaid who does not die.

My little mermaid though came from the several of my relationships with people. Sometimes, I think I lose voice with people. Sometimes, I unwrap the bubble to let people decode my bubble language.

Russell

2005-12-01T00:59:00.000-05:00

You are the laziest and cutest thing I have ever met. On sunny days, I would see you laying there with your eyes closed like an old man thinking back his life. On rainy days, you walk like nobody else's business under either heavy or light rain. I heard of your story about almost losing a ear couple years ago. It was a vigorous fight and you won.

Sometimes, I like you to stay with me at the house without my family's knowing. It is like the little secret that only we both know in the whole world. Although you don't talk a lot, you always reply me that you love me too with a understandable sound.

Yes, that purring is such a love language in your cat world. And I know that ham and turkey will always be my weapon to win your heart-Russell, my secret pet next door.

The Jolley Family that I Miss

2005-11-16T18:15:00.000-05:00

Do people say when you kind of feeling lonesome, you miss the most nicest people who you ever met in your life. Yes, Janice and Tom are considered my friends that I would never find again any place in the world. Recently, I think of the my life back in Texas while I was living with Janice, Tom and Toddy (Oh, and two cats- Sasami and Nabiki).

Since I was the only chinese in the house, it was really fun trying to think and talk in english 24-7. Janice and Tom both speak good english of course because they are americans. Toddy, well, is now 2 years old. He speaks some english which I think I can understand about 1 percent of his talk. So you know how much I might understant his talk way back when we were roommy together. He is such a doll. Last time I talked to him on the phone. He greeted me with a cute cute "hi" during his first thanksgiving dinner. As for Sasami and Nabiki, I think one "Meow" means pat me and two "Meow" means feed me. Purrrs mean I am in heaven.
Sometimes, I think that Janice and Tom have rescued me during the time I studied at SFA. I was just a poor foregin student living the limited budget with them. Janice was pregnant with Toddy. (I do want to thank WIC program about the free milk, juice and cheese etc.) Tom was the only "man" who brought bread home and he worked wired hours something like 10pm to 7am. But I had the most nice and sweet experiences living with them in that little house on Greenwood street.
We had fun and funny experiences. How can I forget the day when Toddy was born. It was probably 4am in the morning when I got the phone call from Tom at the hospital. "The baby is coming in anytime" he said. "Ok, I will pick up papa and mama to the hospital in few seconds," I replied. Well, I didn't have a car that time. Tom's big old van was the only availabe veihcle at that moment. Oh, lord! And where exactly is papa and mama's address. I guess I would just hit the road and God will help me get there safe. Somehow, I picked up papa and mama arriving hospital at a good timing. We were blessed to have the most cutest baby Tod in the world. It was December 4th, 2003.
Though time flys, I would never forget my lovely family in Texas.

Oops! I fell at the wedding ceremony

2005-10-21T10:13:00.000-04:00

The passed Sunday was my cousin, Karen's wedding at their backyard. I was there helping a day before and the wedding day morning since it began at 5pm. On Saturday, my brother and I was decorating yard fence, the front door arch, and helping put up the light bulbs. I mean it doesn't look like a difficult chore to work on but it took us forever to just twist and fix the streamer. The wind was blowing the streamer in the air like an angry monster. Finally, we finished several things that we need to do and the house looked less messy comparing to the prior day. It was a sunny Sunday and we still had about 400 things to do before 5pm. Ok, I set up those 13 tables and 100 chairs in the yard then I ran in and out of the house doing this and that. Time was ticking and the bride had to stop at 2:30 pm no matter what she was working on because she had to get dress and have the make up done.

At 2pm, friends started to come and help out. I was kind of tired running in and out of the house putting up table clothe for 13 tables in the backyard again and again because of the wind...As for the food, there were about two tons of food ready to set up on the buffet table. I mean sashimi, shushi, lobster, beef roaster, rolls, sauted shrimp, pig feet (oh! yes gotta have this if you are wedding a chinese) and all kind of dishes. Not to mention about the three-level wedding cake. Any way, everybody was waiting by the wedding arch where the groom waits for the bride to come. The wedding music was having some king of problem because the DJ (groom's dad) couldn't find the song on computer. I ran out to ask the groom and yes I feel just right in front of everybody. Thank you the camera man who had gave the poor lady a hand.

The wedding went well. It was about 80 people show up at my cousin's backyard. Finally, they got married under families and friends' withness after they got married at the court two years ago.

Chef Lee Chinese Restaurant

2005-08-20T02:02:00.000-04:00

Today is my 4th day working in the restaruant after I graduated with 2 master degree in August. What have I done so far are that I broke one glass, fell once like flying squirlle while holding a tray on the slippery floor while walking into kitchen, ordered couple wrong entrees, and made customers waited for a to-go box for about 10 minutes and so on. Good! What is going to happen next...and next..

The New World

2005-08-20T01:58:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about writing a narrowtive about Carey. I met Carey while I was in Texas working on my master degree. He was working on his too. In my view, he is a true artist, photographer, and a friend with funs. Talking with Carey makes you feel that you were filmed by him. This might be a little too abstracted. But if you have seen his graduate thesis video about the forestry story, you will know what I mean. In this short historical documentary, he interviewed the people from Roosevelt's Tree Army. When those young boys who were between 18-25 age planting trees for living, they won't know how much it means to the world today. Under Roosevelt's Tree Army, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was designed to reduce unemployment while also conserving natural resources. The CCC changed the lives of several million people, along with Big Bend National Park in Texas.
In the film, these unmarried "young boys" are now covering with grey hair, wearing reading glasses and singing song with guitar on racking chair on porch. The story starts with the some black and white pictures showing young men planting tree in the wild then comes with the aside speaking of different people's memories. The audiens were seem to stand in the wild with those young men planting tree. There were some laughting, sweating, and singing. The story ended with an old man singing with giutar. I was so touched.
When I know that Carey is going to be part of a hollywood movie, I was so excited and happy for him. I know he will make it. He was just coming back from Mongolia filming a short film. The movie maker informed him to work in Virginia and he went for about 6 months. As he came back, I was shared some fun stories about Ferrel Colin, the director and so on. Life is fun when you have stories to share with firends.
The movie is my type of movie. I like indian legends and all kind of things about native american. It is kind of mysterious and taboo. I know that I will definately enjoy the movie and think of Carey!

Finding a job in New York City

2005-08-09T01:50:00.000-04:00

New York City is crazy as Van Gogh. This is how I would put it in my own dictionary. Last week I went to the National Career Fair in Holiday Inn at NYC. My aunt lives in Massapequa, Long Island, thus I commuted from her house to the city almost everyday. The first day was not fun at all. I took the midnight run away bus at 1am and arrived at Chinatown at 7am. The girl next seat was talking on the phone all the way. No need to say, I almost hit her with my high heel. (I was grummpy being forcing to listen her conversation with her family). About the high heel, I had the job fair to go at 11am in the city so I was all dressing up while riding the bus.

New York, where I should start with the story. Oh, the job fair was so crowded when I got there. The line just to get into the fair was long and made me feel like to knock everybody down to get to the frist in line since I haven't slept on the bus last night. I was tired, sleepy and had two blisters on my foot. I heistated if I wanted to join the line. I went down stair to the lobby and sat on the sofa just trying to relax a little bit. About an hour, I decided not to go in and went to the public library. There is a job information center in the library. So I wrote down some information and got on the train to my aunt's.

My leg was hurting me because of the new boot and I walked a lot between avenues and streets. I needed to go to Columbia University Medical Center to check out some job position and maybe tried to introduce myself to people. It was really a nice and well-equipted from my view. The hospital itself is near the riverside and you could see the Wasington Bridge. I think it would be cool to work there so I sent my resumes to different department online (it is the only way to apply for their job).

While walking on NYC, I felt like I was just a small fish amont the school. People are from different backgrounds. Skyscrapers, tourists, and venders this is the most metropolitan city in the world I was thinking this myself. Do people really live here or people just exist here for the most golden period in their life?

This time, I walked one step further about finding a job in NYC. I think it is enough for this time. Next month, I need to do something more and maybe I need to be more aggressive. "Here is New York!" as everybody says.

The First Beach Camping, 2005

2005-07-24T01:44:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you that I am a swimming lover. Oh, here is another good conbination for swimming. How do you think about camping and swimming at the beach? Does it not making you the queen or king in the tropical island? At least that is how I feel whenever I go camping at the beach. Mixture of fine white sand, blue sea connecting to sky, and lying like swimming suit super model whil drinking colorful cocktail. Yup, this is how I would picture my first beach camping in 2005.

I have just moved to Virginia about a month. My cousins and some friends were planning going camping at Virnignia beach for father's day celebration. I have never met other people other than my aunt's family yet and I thought this my be a fun weekend getaway to meet new people, to go swimming in the sea, and to just relax.

We left richmond around 8pm and arrived at the campsite about 10pm. It was kind of late and dark to set up the tent. I met about over ten people that I have never met before in the dark not knowing how exactly they look like. In my mind, I thought by tomorrow morning I might not be able to know who's who that I was talking last night. The campfires was nice and warm up everybody's good mood talking, laughing, joking and of course drinking. Pork chop sniffed around to see if there were piece of meat or food has dropped on the ground. She is a sweet but hungary poppin. Guess, I was not going swimming tonight after driving and a full tommy. Mary and traing were brushing their teeth with the "blinking toothbrush". I mean a toothbrush that literally was red blinking. We though it was funny that Mary was too lazy to go to restroom and cleaned her teeth with a plastic cup by the campfire.

In the morning, we had some donuts and coffee. Mary's father reminded everybody that it was the "FATHER'S DAY". Happy father's day!! We replied. The sun was very big that day. We all walked to the beach and could not wait a minute more to jump into the water to relase all the solar energy that we have absorbed. Pork chop found some friends chasing with each other, and swimming to get the toy that we have thrown to sea. We were so enjoy the moment. I swam for a while until my arm could not stroke anymore. Then I relaxed on the sand covering a saloon. As an asian female, I am inheretied the afraid-of-getting-tan syndrom.

Time flew fast while everybody lying and mind blanking. I had such fun over this beach camping. I think sea could be a good psychologist to everyone.S

Book Club: One Ture Thing

2005-07-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

This book discussion is my second time. First time was last month and I think I would never forget about the embarrsisng moment. I was new in Virginia and decided to go out to meet new people. Library was good I think. People who reads are good people. Can't remember who once have said that. It was probably from Asian confusion's wisdom. Public libraries of Chesterfield county are very neat and useful. It makes me addict to going there everyday studying. One day I was checking out their billboard and found the monthly book discussion meeting. Next thing I did was to check out the assigned book: Snow falls on Cider and forgot about it until like two days bofore the book discussion.

Well, I was studying in the quiet studying room and planning going to the discussion at 7pm. I knew that there was a big meeting room inside the library so, I knocked on the door and opened the door found a full room staring at me. "Did they move the time up earlier?" as I wondered in my mind. I was hesitated to go in because the form of the meeting did not seem like a book discussion. So I closed the door without saying anything but look at the lady standing behind the podium. But as soon as I closed the door, I regarted thinking " this must be the room, where else can they hold the discussion?". Then I opened the door again and got the same staring from 100 eyes. That kind of killed me at the spot and I closed the door second time. This nice lady at the lobby then told me the book discussion was next door. Book disscussion was ok. I did not talk much but listen. This is the first time book disscussion shock!

Ok, I am going to involve more this time. The book we are going to talk about is: One Ture Thing by Anna Quindlen. About two weeks before the meeting, I saw the move on Oxygen chennel. This helped me to read the book faster since English is my second language. The story is about a harsh, sharp, well-educated hardvard graduated girl quite her highly paid New York job to take care of her newly diagnosed cancer mom by her father's command. It is a story about family and social people life. The reason that I have enjoyed this book is this is book is also my story. Same illness mom, well-educated daughter and bittersweet feeling seeing the love one dying.

We were asked of the opinions about the book by Suzan, the group leader. Every one decribed how they thinkg about the book. Different scenes and several detail in the book were discussed. Suzan was really a good leader of a book discussion as she addressed herself was a retired high school teacher. Some people I have saw last time, and some are new, all female. No surprise. I do think that this is a good experience both in self improving and meeting new people. Oh, and cannot forget to mention about the sweet baked chacolate cookies. Next month's book is: Memories of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Humm..I can not wait!!

Dad's new girlfriend

2005-07-22T01:58:00.000-04:00

My dad was pretty excited on the phone introducing me about his new girlfriend. I asked about her name, family and profession. As the answers transmitted to my ear to my mind, the time seemed just drifted me away from the phone. It was August 25, almost a year now after mom breathed her last breath in the hospital of breast cancer terminal stage. From the flight landed at Taiwan to the day I cried goodbye to my lovely and strong mom was only 100 days.

She had been always a funny, strong and thoughful mom since I came to this world. I addmit that I am more daddy's girl. But knowing that it does not mean sweetly hugging and smiling here. In asian culture, fathers are the type of roles that whip you with their serious glares. In my family, I am pretty sure that I am the one who dares to reply his glares with a soft greeting kind of conversation. There was a period of time that I madly againsted my mom on all kind of things. And I blamed it to the HORMONE. Yes, if it was not it by what else reason I can attribute to?

I started to understand more about my mom and the relationship between us when I went to college then working in the baby room and pediactric clinic. We were closer and less tesion. Three years after graduating from the college, I flew to the States to achieve my dream of higher education. Then it was the 3rd year at the beginning of my second degree, I got to know that she had cancer. I went back last year and spent her last three months whith her. We would hand in hand walk in the park, take the bus shopping at the mall, and eat like queen and princess at a fancy restaurant. I think and hope she was happy while I was with her though it was not 100 percent perfect life.

She is pretty, a retired teacher, and likes to sing my dad's happy tone of describing his new girlfriend. I was still on the phone listening. In deed, I am very happy for him. It was just another me feel like crying when time flys back to last year. Has he forgotten about mom? I wondered as I hang up the phone.

New friends in Richmond

2005-07-18T01:47:00.000-04:00

I like swimming just like wearing my pj walking around in the house. The water contacts my skin which makes me feel so fetus. It was at Karen's house last evening one month after having their 2005 pool party. Water was very warm and the sky was gary a little bit with some T-storm rain drops. Every body kicked, pedaled and maybe gargled down some pool water by accident or intentional. Ever since my childhood camping memory was kind of impressed to my mind, water or I should say swimming is my way to remember my family time. Mom, dad, my two younger brothers and my best friends of childhood sat by the campfire and grilled the chicken. I remember the sound of the chicken fat sizzling. We always got hungry after a long day swimming.

Today my best friends from childhood have gone. We don't even talk or see each other any more. Pacific ocean may not be the greatest distant between us. It just we all grew up and live on our own lives. Mary, Traing and John are my new friends, I suppose. Life is such a fun thing to stick with. You meet new people then you might leave somehow. But then you kind of connect to each other with a invisible thin red thread in between and it works like a web. Last night we played poker after swimming and eating BBQ. Games were fun and crazy. Sometimes I am sure that laughters are the healthiest vitamine in the world.

I like swimming, poker and new firends. They all make me happy!!