Learn, Share & Grow

Learn to be happy

2010-08-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Job hunting is indeed a very tedious and depressive business. True me I know how it feels like now I am part of it. However, I learn to be happy and gracious for what I still have. I have a lovely family, a loyal and kind husband and most importantly a cute as button son, names Andrew. In our life, we can avoid the ups and downs. What really matters is how to manage our emotion when a little bumps come our way. Can we remain calm in the face of not only happiness, but also sadness? As long as we can't learn to be happy, we will always be engulfed in the misery of mood swings.

Expectation, expectation, expectation

2010-08-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

This morning when Steve Perry explained why African American male has low high school graduation rate (NY close to 28 %), he considered low expectations to be the main cause. His explanation is that when teachers and school admins expect less of the students, the students will tend to act the way as they are expected. Based on Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation, other's expectations lead you to fullfill the type of performances/attitudes others expect of you. Now I am a mom and for the first time, feel like I am learning what education is about (despite my PhD in Education...how ironic...), I can't agree more with Perry. Andrew, mommy very possibly can't promise you enough tuition to go to Harvard, but this mommy can guarantee: I will always (okay, maybe sometimes remember to) be proud of you. I will alwsys expect the best from you. Remember always be true to all endeavors.

New Baby

2009-07-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Eric and I are expecting our first baby. Despite a little discomfort and concern about our future finance, we are overall wrapped in joy and excitement. Eric has been a wonderful hubby and already a very devoted father (I am jealous : P) Can't really imagine how I will gradually loose the only waist line left ^^ I guess I have to say good bye to my fancy dress for a while.....

Home Improvement

2009-07-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Was not too happy with the bare guest bedroom and decided to jazz it up with a tiny budget. Overall, here's a list of spedning.

headaboard: $ 78 (Target.com)
fabric for the curtain: $5 (Ikea)
flowers: $.75 (from Walmart....I know..such a steal)
Curtain rod: $4.67 (Walmart)
Little circle string deco: $2.5 (Walmart clearance item)
Labour: Free (Dorothy sew the curatins and Eric install the rob, great team work ^^ give me five !)

Grand Total: about $ 100

Peter the Rabbit

2009-07-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Found several tiny cute bunnies in our wegetable patch. From the little buroughs theye make, we can assume they are already making themselves very comfortable in the patch. Unfortunately, I accidentally cut a little piece of one bunny's ear off when I was trimming the grass. On my defense, I was aware of them and already chased 3 bunnies off before I trimmed the grass. Anyway, still miss that little one. Poor guy...When we are trying to help him out, he still ran veyr fast. Not too worry, after some antibiotic ointment and a day's rest in our house, he is happily back to the patch with his family. He looks pretty ok, when we check on him today.

Big Fat Juicy Caterpillar

2009-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Eric and I found a big fat juicy, maybe crunchy (Euw!!!!)caterpillar when we are picking tomatos from our vegetable patch. He is so soft on the touch and cute!! (can't believe I would describe a caterpillar as cute, but he truely is cute....). Today we found out he is gone...and we noticed there are more birds flying over the vegetable patch today...so we are thinking....the little caterpillar probably won't be able to make it to a beautiful butterfly....but anyway, best wishes greeny....we will miss u...

Thanksgiving

2008-11-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is coming soon. Just thought this would be the time to express my gratitude. First of all, really want to thank the wonderful students and Ms. Hollrah for helping me out this semester. Their energy and spirit amazes me. Also, want to thank the teachers and volunteers who make this culture exchange project run smoothly. Second of all, I want to thank Eric for his never ending support and care. Because of him, I feel like I am stronger to take on more responsibilities and accomplisher something bigger. Also want to thank my friends and family for being there for me. I am thankful.

A memorable page in Human History

2008-11-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

Small World

2008-11-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

My friend, Tomoko Tanekura from my exchange student program at Saint' Mary of the Woods college in Indiana, 1O years ago found me on gmail today!!! Can you believe that? I thought we loose touch ^^ Isn't this a small world? I really think we should thank Google, such an innovative cooperation, that makes a lot of things possible in this world.

Sincereity

2008-10-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

Chat with Sumi this morning. My impression of her is positive, sincere and energetic. S he sent a letter to other teachers explaining her and her students' progress on our project. I was so touched when she told me her students was able to reflect on immigration issues becasue of our project. I am so excited to hear this. Afterall, we are all like fish living in water. The longer we stay indoctrinated by the norm, the lesser chance we have to change our surroundings, which greatly influnce who we are. This is usually how we react to experiences 1. eye opening experience 2. seeking change 3. reinevnting yourself
But of course you can refuse to change, but WHY? I just feel it's silly and VERY boring to refuse to change.

Relationship

2008-10-20T09:36:00.001-07:00

Had a long talk with two friends who are deeply in love, yet deeply confused at the same time (:S). I am really worried about them and was afraid that one worng decision from one side can ruin a potential bright future among them. I will pray for them and hope they will be all right.

Proposal Meeting

2008-09-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Passed my proposal Yeah! feel there are still so many things piling up in my to do list. Spent a great weekend with B and H. Wish Eric and be there with me, had it not be his Gout.....I guess illeness or a big event in your life can change how you perceive things completely.

Finished the book "pay it forward" H and I were joking about having the same assignemnt for her kids as well ^^

Visit Jamie in Houston

2008-09-09T08:40:00.001-07:00

Jamie transfered to Houston. Eric and I visited him over the weekend. His house looks very nice. Needs just a but of TLC and family ^^

IT Office Remodel

2008-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Some people in IT (Instructional Technology) suggest that we should remodel our office. So under Dr. Hughes's leadership, Eric, Rachel and I repaint the wall to a delicious pumpkin color ^^

Ms. Hollrah's classes

2008-09-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Had a lot of fun hanging out in Ms. Hollrah's class. She is such a great teacher, very fun, charistmatic and energetic. Her kids are so great and intelligent. Today we passed out the blog grouping, everybody is so excited. Hope Ms. Kim and the kids from Australia will feel the same as well. Have a great weekend. Everybody!

My second Korean Audience, Yeah!

2008-09-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Got a message from Hyejeong ^^ I am so so so happy. Really can't wait to read more about her on her blog http://blog.naver.com/thsgpwjdcjsw. Almost all students at Anderson High school already set up their blog. We also have about 22 students from Australia. I am really excited about the first culture exchange on blogs next week! Hope all the participants will have a lot of fun as well.

New Semester

2008-08-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Fall semester is coming and looks like the weather is getting coller (Finally.....). I come to Anderson High almost everyday, but had a lot of fun observing Rachel's class. Her kids are awesome and Rachel is such a great teacher. Her classroom is always disciplined, but full of fun ^^ Feel like I am back in high school again ^^ Ha! Ha...that would be long tiem ago. Getting really old..

Lead your life fully

2008-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Heard Randy Pausch passed away last Friday. While feeling sad about the loss of a noble soul, I am sure his spirit will be an inspiration for many of us, who are working hard to make ours dream come true. To Dr. Randy Pausch!

"Fullfilling other's dream is even greater than fullfilling ours"-Randy Pausch, 2008

一塊地總有一粒種子適合 There will be a piece of land that is fit for this little seed

2008-07-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

The gist of this story is that a girl encountered a lot of trouble finidn jobs, but her mom always encourages her to try something else. Evetually she found a job that fits her, a counselor at a school for deaf children. She did the job very well and eventually opened her own schools for the deaf. She also makes a lot of money selling equipments for special aid kids. The moral of this story is that a mothers' endless love is like the enduring seed, and the protagonist's successful is like the success of this seed to grow and thrive.

有一個女孩，沒考上大學，被安排在本村的小學教書，由於講不清數學題，不到一週被學生轟下台。

母親為她擦了擦眼淚，安慰說，滿肚子的東西，有人倒得出來，有人倒不出來，沒必要為這個傷心，也許有更適合你的事情等著你去做。

後來，她又隨本村的夥伴一起外出打工，不幸的是，她又被老闆轟了回來，原因是剪裁衣服的時候，手腳太慢了，品質也過不了關。

母親對女兒說，手腳總是有快有慢，別人已經幹了很多年了，而你一直在念書，怎麼快得了呢？

女兒先後當過紡織工，幹過市場管理員，做過會計，但無一例外，都半途而廢，然而每次女兒沮喪回來時，母親總安慰她，從沒有抱怨。

三十歲時，女兒憑著一點語言天賦，做了聾啞學校的輔導員，後來她又開辦了一家殘障學校，再後來，她在許多城市開辦了殘障人用品連鎖店，她已經是一個擁有幾千萬資產的老闆了。

那就是前些年她連連失敗，自己都覺得前途渺茫的時候，是什麼原因讓母親對她那麼有信心呢？

有一天，功成名就的女兒湊到已經年邁的母親面前，她想得到一個一直以來想知道的答案，母親的回答樸素而簡單，她說，一塊地，不適合種麥子，可以試試種豆子，豆子也長不好的話，可以種瓜果，瓜果也不濟的話，撒上一些蕎麥種子一定能開花，因為一塊地，總有一粒種子適合它，也終會有屬於它的一片收成。

聽完母親的話，女兒落淚了，她明白了，實際上，母親恆久而不絕的信念和愛，就是一粒堅韌的種子，她的奇蹟，就是這粒種子執著而生長出的奇蹟。

The immigration solution

2008-07-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

In order to become more prepared for Rachel's class for Fall, I was tring to read more articles/books on the three big topics: immigration, terrorism and promoting diversity. Came across this book at the UT library by Macdonadl, Hanson and Malanga. Even though not agreeing with them 100%, figured there is nothing wrong knowing more about this issue at a different angle.

Jules Verne-Journey to the center of the earth

2008-07-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Due to a recent new movie based on Jules Verne's Journey to the center of the earth, I am intrigued to revisit this novel again. I remember reading another one in Chinese titled "the Lost world". The plot is almost identical, not sure which one is based on which. Anyhow, just finished reading this book and enjoy it as much as the first time ^^

All i have to do is Dream-Everly Brothers

2008-07-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Eric introduces my this lovely song.

化解職場衝突的新語言

2008-07-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

> 職場裡的人都應該用 “ 瓊瑤 ” 式的說話方式
> 比方生氣的主管或同事對你說：「你這個折磨人的小東西，你怎麼會這麼粗心哪！」
>
> 然後你回答：「我知道這一切都是我的錯，我不知道自己怎麼會笨成這個樣子，請你
> 儘管責罵我吧。」
>
> 然後對方就會說：「我不許你這樣說自己！」
>
> 然後，大家都笑倒在地上，就天下太平了！
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 職場裡的人都應該用 “ 金庸 ” 式的說話方式
>
> 比方生氣的主管或同事對你說：「你這個欠挨刀的小雜毛，看你壞了老子的好事！」
>
> 然後你回答：「我知道這一切都是我的錯，做兄弟的在這裡跟你陪不是了。」
>
> 然後對方就會說：「今天就是賠了你十根指頭也濟不得事。」
>
> 然後，大家都笑倒在地上，就天下太平了！
> --------------------------------------------- -----------------------
> 職場裡的人都應該用 “ 英雄 ” 式的說話方式
>
> 比方生氣的主管或同事對你說：「你把一個人想簡單了。」
>
> 然後你回答：「我知道這一切都是我的錯，大王你是怎麼發現的？」
>
> 然後對方就會說：「你的殺氣在亂……」
>
> 然後，大家都笑倒在地上，就天下太平了！
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> 職場裡的人都應該用 “ 村上春樹 ” 式的說話方式
>
> 比方生氣的主管或同事對你說：「事情做成這樣，我感覺像是在夏日裡把發燙的耳朵
> 貼到牆壁一樣的感覺，是一種冰冷的回音…」
>
> 然後你回答：「就像是1978年壞掉的唱盤一樣。」
>
> 然後對方就會說：「跳舞吧，羊男！」
>
> 然後，大家都笑倒在地上，就天下太平了！
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 職場裡的人都應該用 “ YA教授 ” 式的說話方式
>
> 比方生氣的主管或同事對你說：「因果循環總相隨，請看職場七要事。」
>
> 然後你說：「請您開示…」
>
> 然後對方就會說：「一個人的勝負成敗，就在於你埋了什麼因，你在裡面慢慢的澆
> 水，我可以告訴你，總有一天活泉會冒出來，
> 這種耕紜平常是看不到，是隱性的，這是你所命定好的基因，就會有好的果報出
> 來。」
>
> 然後，大家都笑倒在地上，就天下太平了！
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 職場上應該要用「人間四月天」的方式說話
>
> 主管生氣地搥著心肝說：「這天大的錯誤是怎麼造成的？你知道這錯誤拉鋸著我肉做
> 的心嗎？」
>
> 你得無辜地回答：「我許下的錯誤再也收不回，但我早已是你的人！」
>
> 主管：「我對你已經酸痛震痲都經歷過了，現在最了脫的，莫過於心死了！」
>
> 然後大家就笑倒在地，天下太平了～

大前研一：聰明人必做的 10 件事

2008-07-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

一、儲蓄友誼

靠得住的友誼是今生最溫暖的一件外套。它是靠你的人品和性情打造的，一定要好好地珍惜它，如果到目前為止，還沒有幾筆，那麼，從現在用心去儲存還來得及。

二、學會放手

這個年齡已經不允許不成熟，當你無力把握命運中的某種愛、某種緣、某種現實，就要學會放手。給自己一個全新的開始，只要信心在，勇氣就在；努力在，成功就在。

三、播種善良

一定要極盡自己所能，讓那些比你苦、比你難過的人感受到這世上的陽光和美麗。這樣的善良常常是播種，在不經意間，就會開出最美麗的人性之花。

四、懂得音樂

一定要學 or 懂一種樂器，它會洗滌你的身心，打開你的記憶和想像，更會帶來意想不到的寧靜。另外還有攝影、收藏，它們都能讓我們的生活增添滋味。

五、避開兩種苦

塵世間有兩苦，一是得不到之苦，二是鍾情之苦。前者在你付諸努力的前提下，就把一切當作一場賭，勝之坦然，敗之淡然，好在這年齡還有一定的資本得以捲土重來；至於後者可說是世間最苦，如果把這時還有這樣的情愫，一定要像清除灰塵般，把它從心屋裏掃出去。

六、學會承受

有些事情需要無聲無息地忘記，經過一次，就長一次智慧；有些苦痛和煩惱得要默默地承受；歷鍊一次；就豐富一次。這個年齡不該再像小時候那樣大喊大叫，痛哭流涕。

七、常懷感恩心

當我們參加完葬禮，總會湧起一些感慨；當我們大病初癒，總會有萬般珍惜。感恩的心一定要時時保留，它不僅讓你憐惜身邊事物，還能平撫欲望和爭鬥，甚至幸福的感覺也往往源自於此。

八、熱愛工作

儘管它不像喝茶、聊天那般愜意，但它檢驗著我們的智慧和能力，得以讓我們體現價值及獲得成就。一定要全心愛它，畢竟它讓你大半生有事做、有飯吃。

九、勤於學習

讀書和學習都是在和智慧聊天，每年至少要讀五十本書，它不僅保證你的記憶力、感悟力，還能讓你維持個性魅力，這可是練瑜珈做美容所不能達到的效果。

十、享受運動

善用時間運動、享受自然。你的體重就不會因懶惰而上漲，你的容貌也不會因歲月而減少生動，在某種程度上更能保存青春、快樂與健康。

More Zoo pictures

2008-07-08T09:59:00.001-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/culture.exchange.dorothy/SaintAntionioZoo02?authkey=00-z_8pTPZE

Saint Antionio Zoo

2008-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Eric and I went to the Saint Antionio Zoo last Sunday. Like two big kids, we got excited over all the exotic animals on display. I felt sorry for the encaptivated animals, but at the same time amazed at the variety of species living on the same earth as us humans. Eric's favorite was the "Elephany Schrew". Wish I had a chance taken its picture before the battery went out. It was such a lovely place for both big and small kids ^^

Final countdown Day 3

2008-06-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Like a Marathon runner approaching the destination, feel like I can't move any step forward, except my will telling my body, "hang on there Dorothy. You are getting there".

Thought about my constant need to have lots of social support. My friend, V, on the other hand, is always a loner, but a cofnident and calm loner. Which is better, more emotional ups and downs among friends, or a loner with a peaceful life?

Already planned hundres of ways to celebrate the completion of the 1st draft, which hopefully will happen soon ; ) A novel by Trooper sound interesting. The ed-media proceeding CD sounds like a useful thing to do (but less inetresting, of course...), tons of swimming, travlling, trying out recipes, crafts..... HA! Life can be really beautiful ^^

Projects

2008-06-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Just went I feel I am going crazy from the pressure, my galfriends came to my rescue. It was so much easier and fun when you study with your friends. Also, three lessons I learned from this experince is
1. Start as early as possible
2. Divide and Conquer
3. It is ok to moan. Your friends will understand it ; )

PROPOSAL

2008-06-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Final countdown before the proposal is due. Sometimes doesn't even care to turn on my computer. What a nightmare!!!! Good thing is it is going to be over in a few days. Already planned all the possible ways to celebrate the end of this ordeal, a trip to Houston, Dallas, St. Antionio, or just a BBQ party with friends ^^

Garden

2008-06-18T11:14:00.001-07:00

A gave us a beautiful tomato plant. After our loving care, it gave out more flowers. Hopefull they can all turn into big fat juicy tomataos one day : D

Eric has been a very devoted gardener, but there is always more to do in the garden than our time allows. We just found rabbits, which frequented our yard also liked sweet potato leaves. Thye already nibbled all the new spruced leaves. Really don't know what to do with them : ?

New Recipe

2008-06-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

R was very generous to share his mom's loving kindess. They are so yumm ^^ Tried to use the ingridents to create a unique menu "Seaweed and vegetable noodle". It is very light and healthy. So pretty much, I just boil some noodle and cut spinach into Julian slices. Mixed in a package of the seaweed soup mix. Then to finish it up put some Bamboo shoot pickle on top. Very delicious. Yes, you should give it a try ^^

Taiwan in 2050

2008-06-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

Found this interesting video on youtube. It's amazing to see how the future turns out ^^

Friendship

2008-06-16T14:19:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you thought someone is not worthy your friendship. You don't even care to keep in touch. Chances are he/she can give you the most needy hands when all your other "good buddies" are not available. Learned to cherished any friends, no matter he/she is worthy or not. Treat people with respect and dignity. You never know when you will be in need.

Texas=Very Hot

2008-06-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is probably the 3rd consecutive week to hit 100 F. Super hot everyday and the lawn seemed to need more water than ever to keep it green. Kinds worry about the water bill now. Good thing is school is off, students will be able to take cover at home or travelling?

Daisy's wedding

2008-06-16T11:27:00.001-07:00

Daisy got married in April. It was at a lovely event place close to Hamilton Pool. Brougt our Camcorder, but realized it was out of battery : ( Recall and Lynn helped take Eric and my picture. Wonder how our wedding will look like when it is our turn ^^

My Sweet Korean Friend-Sumi

2008-06-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

Sumi is a very special Korean friend at UT. Didn't know her for too long, but felt already knew her for ages. Heard she is alreayd in Korea and teaching!!! I will definitely miss her warm smile ^^ What's so unusual about our friendship is that we both share the same passion to bring this wworld closer by connecting kids from around the world. This Spring, we had some kdis from Taiwan to do the culture exchange with Kids at Anderson High. Like Sumi's Korean kids, Taiwanese kids also have some concern about their English, but it turns out American kids here are so amazed by how good the Taiwanese kids' English is and by the Taiwanese culture they learned through the Taiwanese kids blogs. Just want to let Sumi's kids know, they should have confidence in their English. Afterall, nothing good will ever happen if you are afraid to try new things. Plus, Samsung has a huge plant here in Austin, it would really Americans in Austin to know more about wonderful things about Korean culture (even I can't wait to know more about Korean culture from Sumi's students ^^). Sincerely hope more Sumi's students can join us. It is going to be a fun project. You will be surprised how friendly and intelligent those Anderson High School students are ^^

Culture Exchange

2008-02-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

There seemed more tech problems than I expected before this project can be up and running. Sometimees just feel I have hit a wall :) Anyway, visited a student's blgo and saw very active interactions going on there. I feel really happy that this project can bring some positive influences on participating students' lives. Maybe a litte, but I am sure this experience make an impact through the rest of their promising lifes ^^ Thank you wonderful students for making this project happen : )

Welcome 國立科學工業園區實驗高級中學Ms. 劉秀敏's Class

2008-02-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see the first blog post from Taiwan. Thank you Ms. Liu for facilitating this project in your classes. I have a very good feeling about this project and I really appreciate help from those wonderful teachers, Ms. HsingMin Liu, Ms. Iris Lin, Ms. LiChun Chen and of course, Ms. Rachel Hollrah. I am also thankful for those hardworking and intellugent students from Taiwan and Anderson High. This is so exciting ^^ I really can't wait to see how this project will turn out. I am really amazed by the persistence from teachers and all those positive energies from the students ^^

All right, need to get back to work............

歡迎惠文中學加入 ^^

2008-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Received a message from Iris regarding her students' account. I am so excited to have them join this project. I am sure students from Anderson High school will feel very happy about the news as well given that they have been working very hard to prepare for this project. Thank you Iris for the wonderful job facilitating ^^

Embed videos in your blog

2008-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in posting videos on your blog, there are two possible ways. you can post a video from another webiste. All you need to do is to copy the embedded text provided by the site and past them in the new post area on your blog. For example,

Or you can post your own videos here. If you plan to post your own vidoes, please make sure your or your friends' images are not shown in the video (to protect youself and your friends).

Traditional Chinese Dance

2008-01-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

Three Gorges Dam

2008-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Three Gorges Dam Project in China

2008-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Found this interesting Podcast on NPR

Three Gorges Dam Project in China
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17810431

Having a meeting with Ms. Hollrah

2008-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Had a great meeting with Rachel. She is the best Social Studies teacher I have ever met. I feel lucky to work with her on this project ^^

Project Kick Off

2008-01-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

After many help from Ms. Hollrah, Ms. Lin, Ms. Chen, Ms. Liu and ,of course, wonderful students from Anderson High, Hui-Wen and Experimental High, we are going to kick off our first culture exchange project. Yeah !! I am really excited about this project and I hope all the participants will feel the same as well ^^