Kiss the Earth
By Thich Nhat Hanh

Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Bring the Earth your love and happiness.
The Earth will be safe
when we feel safe in ourselves.

May 10^th                               Thursday

One of my friends usually gives me a ride to Lotus where I work at; however, he had two finals today so I didn’t force him to get up as early as before. He usually takes me to Lotus at 9:00 a.m. and I spend 45 min reading books outside of Lotus before my working. (Actually I begin work at 10:00a.m. but he has a class at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. That’s why I always have extra 45min reading books rather than sleeping.) Considering it’s the week last but one this semester, I decided to go there by bus, rather than ask other fiends to help me.

My experience began with waiting buses in front of KLC. Without any bus stop sign, I have wandered on the way from Cleveland to Broadway for several minutes and missed the bus. I didn’t realize it until it was 9:13, because the bus was supposed to arrive at 9:05. Thinking about another bus route, I then headed towards Axe library, telling myself “I can not miss it again.”

After asking information from Jessie, I was very sure about what the bus looks like and which side of the road I should choose to wait. This time I chose to stand on the steps so that I could see the bus coming (See, how smart I am!). 9:20, 9:25, 9:28, 9:29…… No bus!!! Only when I was going to dial another friend’s number for help, the bus arrived.

I told the bus driver my destination and then sat on the nearest seat. There were two passages on that bus --- a guy with a white cowboy hat was talking about countryside music with a middle-age lady. I took out my textbook, beginning to prepare for finals. But their conversation was so loud that I could not concentrate on the book. So I looked out of the window to find that I have never been there before. The first thought running into my mind was that I must miss the bus stop where I should get off. I didn’t know what to do at that time. Luckily, I saw the gas station near WAL-MART a few minutes later, which made me feel secure and laugh at my silly unconfirmed fear.

Suddenly, the driver, Bill (I knew his name from their conversation), asked me “Do you know where Lotus is? I’m not sure.” After I told him, he responded: “we don’t drive down that way." then turned to other people: "Do you mind if I drive her to Lotus?” “No.” Their responses really surprised me. Thanks to their kindness, I was able to be on time. And I still remember they hope me have a good day when I got off the bus, that’s why I was in a good mood the rest of the day. Thank you!

 

 

 

Introverts and extroverts are so classically different, it’s no wonder they need to be shown they’re loved in different ways. Find out the Five A’s that will help the extrovert in your life know you love them, here:

Atttention: Take frequent notice of and an active interest in what she is doing.

Acceptance: Show that you are on her side and at her side.

Affectin: Be frequently demonstrative--physically and verbally--of your love.

Appreciation: Make frequent mention and on special occasions a special mention of your recognition.

Allowing: Join her and share in her interests in some way as often as possible.

The first letter:

Kelce Lab   Inbox Personal Information

A genuine smile transmits loving energy that has the power to warm and heal.

We went to the same bar again after the wonderful steak buffet last Friday, that why I didn't show up in the Chinese Students Association Welcome Party, but I was not in a good mood at that time. There were fewer people dancing or drinking maybe becuase they closed several days for the sake of snow weather. There were only two things made me happy. One was that we didn't have to pay entrance fee before 11:00p.m.. The other was that I was sitting in a couch enjoying Ilsi's fantastic dance. If there's a third one, it would be that I was spending time with my friends. Thank you, guys~

 

Surprising! Had a party in our apartment last Saturday. I believe Kris and Elmer are both good DJ. Fabulous! But for me, it's more enjoyable to see other's dancing or talk with friends rather than dance by myself. Maybe I'm a boring person. I was boring my friends in the party.

 

Come to one conclusion: I am not a party animal at all!

 

 

 

2007 Spring started last Thursday. I wanna talk about the last day of my winter break.

 

I thought it would be anther boring day. I just talked with some friends online. Shawn said he would probably go bowling later 'cause he was uncertain. Sammy Jo told me there was no heat in her apartment and her kitchen sink was backed up.  Poor Sammy Jo! I gave her 30 minutes to do her hair and get around. Then she showed up with her red van on time in front of our back door. It was snowing!!! Guess what? We, two bored people, made a wonderful day together, fixing Chinese food, talking about our breaks, walking in the snow and shopping in Warl-mart. She was so excited that she even took pictures of the food I made for her. Also she got her third fan (Chinese fan) from another country, she has one from South korea and another one from a country I don't know. I wish we could spend more time together or watch a movie, however, she had to leave earlier before the snow got thicker.

 

P.S. went to Warl-mart twice but just spent less than $5.00 bought a plastic bag! ha ha...

 

 

Chilly afternoon. outside. no restroom. all kinds of things.

 

I got a paper with my first name and a number after filling up a form. Michelle (Carolyn's conversation partner) asked us to use it for bid. She also gave us some tips: if there are someone bidding higher than the certain price you think it's right for you, do not bid further; do not bid for the stuff you don't want...

 

The auctioneer and his assistants scanned the crowd for bidders first. Bidders bid openly against each another, with each bid being higher than the previous one. However, the auctioneer spoke so fast that I couldn't catch the price he said at first (Americans are used to that). He was asking for a higher price after he got one, "4,4,4...5,5,5...yeah, 6,6,6..." if no bidder raised their paper, he would say "sold out, X dollars" and his assistant would write down the number on the highest bidder's paper. Michelle helped a Mexican dad bid crayons for his pretty girl and paid $4.00 for him 'cause the girl wanted them so bad but someone bid higher.

They were talking about guys' stuff when I was nearly killed by Tsunami's hot pot. "We should go to a bar 'cause Helen is old enough now!" Did I hear a wrong sentence??? See, I lost my only pretext for not going to the most noisy place --- bar!

Yeah, I'm not twenty! So why not join them and have fun? "Ok, let's go!"

 

For Chuan's sake (she prefers the bar with big dancing pool), we headed to Joplin. Finally, we entered a Spanish style bar.

 

Upon entrance, my eyes first scanned not the stage but the audience. I was expecting to see some drunkards but interestingly, the majority there were young attractive girls in their twenties, wearing dresses and fully made up. I really enjoyed watching one of the girls dance. She was the one who seemed to really enjoy what she was doing. She was dancing enthusiastically and was creative with her dance moves.

 

Most of my friends know that I don't like bars. It's not so much that I begrudge bars the prices they charge, it's just that I don't think I am often getting my money's morth. However, I changed my idea 'cause it's a pretty good bar I think. Guess what? I danced! I couldn't help dancing! The music, the lights, the dancing people. I were sweating when I enjoyed myself there. But I'm really tired and cold now. Alright, I'm going to bed soon. By the way, the restroom is so comfortable that I even wanted to sleep in the orange couch there. ha ha~~~

 

Artist: ALIZEE

Album: MES COURANTS ELECTRIQUES (2003)

Song Name: I'M NOT TWENTY!

Looking for paradise
Is always on my mind
Morning light shining right
Sing me a lullaby

Oh! Baby come to me
Bring back simplicity
I'm here, you see !
So why hang on to me ?
Just write me poetry
If you're okey dokey !

Get up and start to smile, guy
Do it for me
Wake up, I'll come around man
Let's do boogie-woogie.

It's not even a game
Get over your pain
I'm not twenty
Not even ashamed
Could we celebrate?
Cause I'm not twenty
And life goes on and on
I go as I come
Mélodie de vie
I fly all alone
A light little stone
You get old at twenty
And I want to be free !

Oh! Baby baby mine
You're always on my mind
Having fun is just fine
Your love, I shall deny

Falling for me, indeed
Is diving in someone's need
Love is too strong !
I've fallen into me
And freedom's ecstasy !
You can never go wrong !

It's not even a game
Get over your pain
I'm not twenty
Not even ashamed
Could we celebrate?
Cause I'm not twenty
And life goes on and on
I go as I come
Mélodie de vie
I fly all alone
A light little stone
You get old at twenty
And I want to be free !

Na Na Na
and i want to be free.

It's not even a game.....*2

By Cait Johnson, author of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air (SkyLight Paths, 2003).

Simple Solution
This simple numerology how-to can show you what 2007 has in store for you: what are the important lessons you need to learn? What are the sacred tasks to be accomplished? Find out here:

1. First, you need to find your personal one-digit number for this year. Write your birth month and day in numbers (for instance, September 23 would be 9 + 23.)

2. Then add 2007 to your birth month and day (ex: 2007 + 9 + 23 = 2039).

3. Now add those 4 digits together. (ex: 2 + 0 + 3 + 9 = 14).

4. If, like me, you got a 2-digit number, add those digits together (ex: 1 + 4 = 5). THIS is your number for this year.

5. Here is the chart for determining what lessons and tasks you are likely to face this year, based on your personal number:

ONE - A great year to begin something, a project or enterprise. One years are filled with energy and the power of focused will. Know that you can change your life for the better! Just be sure to take into account the feelings of those around you.

TWO - A year for forming partnerships of many kinds, and for focusing on your own deep ways of knowing that go beyond the intellectual. What does your gut feeling say? What are the deeper forces at work in your psyche that will eventually demand expression? TWO years often involve exploration of the more mysterious aspects of life, either through therapy or the study of shamanic or other practices.

THREE - This is a creative year, rich with possibilities for bringing things into form. If you have dreamed or envisioned something, a THREE year is the time to come out into the world with it. Be sure to spend some time in nature, and to enjoy the process of living every aspect of your life creatively.

FOUR - This is a year to build firm foundations, make clear-sighted plans, take on a leadership role in your own life, become your own authority. FOUR years are the building-block years of great achievement. Make sure you think things through carefully. Own your own power as the architect of your life, rather than giving that power away to others.

FIVE - This is a year to explore your relationship to the systems--especially religious institutions--that exist to help humans find the keys to Spirit. You may be called to take an unconventional stand on spiritual views, or embrace your power to help others find their keys.

SIX - This is a year of loving connection. Although SIX years often include falling in love, there is more to them than that: SIX years are about clearing away our “stuff” so we can be a better conduit for the mysterious power of loving that flows through the universe. This may take the form of passionate involvement in causes, as much as in forming unions with a beloved Other.

SEVEN - SEVEN years are all about forward momentum, being in the driver’s seat of your life. The important thing to remember is the necessity of aligning all aspects of yourself--mind, body, heart, will, spirit--with your purpose. If your wheels are not aligned, it will be difficult to get anywhere. But if you are completely in accord, there will be no stopping you.

EIGHT - This is a year of balancing the needs of your ego and will with those of your body and your instincts. Great achievement is possible during an EIGHT year, but be sure to take time to rest, and play, and daydream.

NINE - This is a good year to take time away from all the noise and busyness to commune with your inner Wise One. Some time alone may be in order, or you may need a nourishing retreat to get yourself back in touch with the still, small voice that knows your answers. This is also a good year to begin a program of study, or to find a mentor or teacher who will be helpful to you.

I didn't go to the nursing house today. I wish I could say "Happy New Year" to those lovely ladies and gentlemen. We haven't spent time with them for two weeks. have been there for many times though, I even don't remember the name of that nursing house. I like going there with Don on Tuesdays encouraging them and spending time with them. feel being needed at that time. Maybe I could call them grandma or grandpa. I was touched a lot when a lady said "We love you!", kissing me. So sweet!!! Sometimes, I was the one who was encouraged. They applauded after my reading for minutes, though I read some words wrongly.

 

 

I hope this year brings lots of joy and good blessings for them!

补上《我的生日》 特殊的日子，要用中文记录下来。

这么一个特殊的日子，一年的最后一天，我终于21岁了。哈哈

 

朋友问我为什么只写了一个标题，留下一片空白。呵呵，其实我不知道该从何写起，想说的太多，想感谢的也很多。当天晚上也妈妈打了电话，可是忘了时差问题，只好说“妈妈，元旦快乐！”每次想说“妈妈，我爱你！”的时候，总是哽咽，卡在那里，一言不发。下次一定要大声地告诉她。终于做了决定，不管心里想什么，都要毫不保留地告诉妈妈。

 

还有我那些可亲可爱的朋友们，谢谢你们的祝福和贺卡，当然还有那些飘洋过海的礼物（尽管我还没有收到，哈哈）。发我短信的朋友们，不好意思，我的手机半年前已经停机了，呵呵，回来补上吧。各位要请我吃川菜的同志，可不要忘了啊~~~

 

PSU的朋友们，谢谢你们给的惊喜。陪我度过快乐的一天，告诉你们一个不是秘密的秘密，哈哈，以前在宁大的时候每次因为熄灯问题，总是在12点之前就爬上床睡觉了，这次竟然是2点多才回到家，哈哈。cookie cake, Chinese food, special gifts, fruit cake, firecrackers, movies and birthday kiss （某些人可不要吃醋哦）

 

P.S. I will forgive someone for being stupid.

havent written any entry for two and a half months. Many stories happened during this period: fall break trip, thanksgiving dinner, friends' birthday, moving house, winter commencement ceremonies and final exams.

 

It made me sad to see off my friends, maybe we won't meet each other again for the rest of our life. Thanks Shimin, gave me advise before you left. I didn't know what to say and how to comfort you when i saw you crying in the airport. Hope you have happy time with your family and your "man". You are the first Chinese I knew in PSU except orientation leaders. Strong and hard-working. Come on, baby. I will see you in Haerbin in the world of ice.

 

To my korean friends, you guys must be at home now. 그리울꺼예요. Sang-mi Un-nee, your daugter will be proud of you because you are such a good mother as well as good friend. Moon, it's very hard for me to speak in Korean, so don't laugh at me, please. are you surprised? I can say 그리울꺼예요. Yam, "ladies hunter", we will miss you because you are definitely handsome.ha ha~~ we are a good "team". Park, you haven't joined us for many times. I'm glad you and Moon spent your last two nights in our house. What a pity, I didn't take pictrues with you. Mr. Bong, you always call "Helen" very very slowly and gently. It's time to go to bed. Jin, finally you came to our house with Siying's invitation, so i hope you will forgive me (i didn't invite you on Saturday evening).

 

I image the moment I'm leaving PSU sometimes. Dear friends, how shall I withhold from tears when we part??? Only one semester left. come on, Helen.

 

 

We, Chinese students in Pittsburg State University, celebrated Mid-Autumn Day last night (a week advanced). The celebration began with the barbecue, we were divided into five groups and were all busy with roasting food: meat, chicken legs, sausage, vegetable……Our group had more than ten people, but just one small roaster! How can we make ourselves full? One word: STEAL. HAHAHAHA. Interestingly, I called kyle to come to eat food as soon as they’re done, but there’s NOTHING left when he ran here. “Who steal them?!”

The climax of the celebration was a firework display. The fireworks exploded in a shower of sparks with a loud bang. Some flew straightly into the sky like rockets, while some whirled slowly to a certain point then exploded. Colorful, wonderful…I even can not find a word to express how much I like them. Watching fireworks in America, FIRST EXPERIENCE!

Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most popular festivals. Many historians come up with different versions as to the origin of this festival. I am more in favor that Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival to celebrate the harvest for the year. China has been an agricultural country for thousands of years. After a full year of hard working, farmers have to find a way to celebrate after the harvest is done. There is no better month to hold the occasion than August. And what better day than the 15th of August ( lunar calendar ) when the moon is full. now,It's an occasion for family reunion. Chinese families like to get together to eat the mooncakes and watch the moon at the Moon Festival night. For the people are out of town or for Chinese are from China stay in USA, we miss our family and share the same moon at the night of the Moon Festival .

What a pity! We have not eaten moomcakes last night. Do you know the legendary story for the cake ---- moomcake? During the Yuan dynasty, China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty  were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Backed into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty .Maybe, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.

The moon is also a favorite topic for the Chinese poets, along with fine wine and beautiful women.

 

                                                               水调歌头

明月几时有，把酒问青天。不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年。我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，高处不胜寒，起舞弄清影，何似在人间。

转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。不应有恨，何事长向别时圆。人有悲欢离合，月由阴晴圆缺。此事古难全，但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。

How time flies! It seems like there aren't enough hours in the week to get everything done. Where Does Time Go? I have no idea. Sleeping, talking, studying, eating, playing…… Someone told me just enjoy your life. Time is now, time is this moment.

How do you deal with your money? Spend some, and then save them in the bank to make sure you can withdraw them whenever you want. But can you save time in your bank?

Everyone has twenty-four hours a day, and three hundred sixty-five a year, once a day in your life is gone, it will never come back. Do you know when you will die? I just know I’m alive when I wake up everyday.

I love my life and I don’t want to waste time. They told me the best way of using time is to plan time well. But, guys, you know, I’m so lazy that I always can’t finish my plan on time, which makes me much crazier. Always stay up late to make up my assignments. It’s me! HAHA

I prefer to enjoying time with my families and friends, rather than working hard lonely.