Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
At the Dock
The stony shores ran away right and left in straight lines, enclosing a somber and rectangular pool. Brick walls rose high above the water – soulless walls, staring through hundreds of windows as troubled and dull as the eyes of over-fed brutes. At their base monstrous iron cranes crouched, with chains hanging from their long necks, balancing cruel-looking hooks over the decks of lifeless ships. A noise of wheels rolling over stones, the thump of heavy things falling, the racket of feverish winches, the grinding of strained chains, floated on the air. Between high building the dust of all the continents soared in short flights; and a penetrating smell of perfumes and dirt, of spices and hides, of things costly and of many things filthy, pervaded the space, make for it an atmosphere precious and disgusting. The Narcissus came gently into her berth; the shadows of soulless walls fell upon her, the dust of all the continents leaped upon her sides, took possession of her in the name of the sordid earth. She had ceased to live.
Dietary Changes and Health Care
As is shown in the graph, China's food distribution has taken great changes from 1960's to 1990's According to this statistics of cereals, vegetable, meat, and fruits, the number of those who eat rice, flour or vegetable has greatly decreased in the past four decades. In contrast of this the number of those who eat oil or meat has sharply increased. From such dietary changes, we can perceive the rapid improvement of our people' s living standard.
Why does this improvement occur? The direct reason is the fact that the Chinese people have attached much importance to their health care. Nationally, China's economic growth is booming, and more people are getting richer. Individually, everyone's consumption of food is increasingly varied. In particular, most of people are reluctant to eat much vegetable, but much meat and oil in their diets.
In my view, the changes of China's dietary distribution seem to be both positive and negative. The positive aspect is that China' s economical growth has given rise to the higher level of dietary standard, with most of people living rich and happy. But the negative aspect is that, I'm afraid, less eating vegetable will lead to poorer health, such as lacking vitamin nutrients in one's body. Therefore, we think it necessary for the Chinese to be aware of the balanced diets: Lots of vegetable and meat, which may gain us healthier bodies in the new century.
Why does this improvement occur? The direct reason is the fact that the Chinese people have attached much importance to their health care. Nationally, China's economic growth is booming, and more people are getting richer. Individually, everyone's consumption of food is increasingly varied. In particular, most of people are reluctant to eat much vegetable, but much meat and oil in their diets.
In my view, the changes of China's dietary distribution seem to be both positive and negative. The positive aspect is that China' s economical growth has given rise to the higher level of dietary standard, with most of people living rich and happy. But the negative aspect is that, I'm afraid, less eating vegetable will lead to poorer health, such as lacking vitamin nutrients in one's body. Therefore, we think it necessary for the Chinese to be aware of the balanced diets: Lots of vegetable and meat, which may gain us healthier bodies in the new century.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Telephones in Students Dorm Rooms
For students who have so long suffered from inadequate public telephones on campus, standing in a long queue waiting to make a call is past memory. Thanks to the new system of installing telephones in every dorm room, now students can make and receive calls without stepping out. Students are beneficiaries. Telephones have surely made students' life more convenient. While they can reach their families and friends more easily, the students can also be contacted by teachers and schoolmates as quickly as possible. For students who are far away from their families, to dial in and dial out has shortened the distance between their beloved parents and their lonely hearts.
But the significance goes far beyond simply making telephone calls. Indeed, it has provided college students with greater access to the information superhighway. With computers and telephones in dorms, students can get wired and surf whenever they want. Although telephones may be a disturbance as well as an indirect cause of quarrels, students find it is nothing important compared with its potential eonvenienceg Listenm dorms are ringing to the sound of telephones.
But the significance goes far beyond simply making telephone calls. Indeed, it has provided college students with greater access to the information superhighway. With computers and telephones in dorms, students can get wired and surf whenever they want. Although telephones may be a disturbance as well as an indirect cause of quarrels, students find it is nothing important compared with its potential eonvenienceg Listenm dorms are ringing to the sound of telephones.
My Dream
My Dream
I have a dream that I am always young. Then I will have enough energy to do everything whenever I want. Moreover, I don't have to worry about the old age during which I even can't take care of myself. I know that my dream will not come true. However, I think it is lucky that I am young now. So I will treasure my time, enjoy my life and try my best to do everything well.
I have a dream that I am always young. Then I will have enough energy to do everything whenever I want. Moreover, I don't have to worry about the old age during which I even can't take care of myself. I know that my dream will not come true. However, I think it is lucky that I am young now. So I will treasure my time, enjoy my life and try my best to do everything well.
The Tallest Grass--Bamboo
Although bamboo is really a kind of grass, it looks more like tree——a beautiful tree. It has long leaves that sway in the wind like slim fingers reaching to touch something. Chinese and Japanese poets write poems and songs about bamboo, the artists paint it in pictures.
Not all bamboo grows tall. Altogether there are more than 500 different kinds of bamboo, and some grow no higher them your ankles.Bamboo grows best in places where it is warm and where it rains often. Some kinds of bamboo grow very fast. If they are growing near a house, their slim leaves brush the roof gently and cool the house with their shade.
Some bloom and have seeds every year. Some never bloom at all. Some bloom only once, after living about 40 years, and then die. However, new shoots of bamboo will come up from around the roots of the old ones.
But the most interesting about this remarkable plant is what people do with it after it is cut down. As bamboo is hollow, it can be fitted together and used for pipes to carry water. At the same time it is so strong that people use it to build houses, and even high bridges over rivers. Bamboo is used for more then building. People can eat it. The tender young shoots of hamboo are crisp and tasty. They are often found in Chinese or Japanese dishes. Bamboo can also be made into a fine paper, good walking sticks and fishing poles.
Bamboo probably has more uses than any other plant in the world.
Sports
All over the world people enjoy sports. Sports help to keep people healthy and happy, and to live longer.
Sports change with the seasons. People play different games in winter and summer. Swimming is fun in warm weather, but skating is good in winter.
Some sports are so interesting that people everywhere go in for them. Football, for example, has spread around the world. Swimming is popular in all countries near the sea or in those with many rivers. Some sports or games go back thousands of years, like running or jumping. Chinese wushu, for example, has a very long history. But basketball and volleyball are rather new. People are inventing new sports or games all the time. Water skiing is one of the newest in the family of sports.
People from different countries may not be able to understand each other, but after a game together they often become good friends. Sports help to train a person's character. One learns to fight hard but fight fair, to win without pride and to lose with grace.
Sports change with the seasons. People play different games in winter and summer. Swimming is fun in warm weather, but skating is good in winter.
Some sports are so interesting that people everywhere go in for them. Football, for example, has spread around the world. Swimming is popular in all countries near the sea or in those with many rivers. Some sports or games go back thousands of years, like running or jumping. Chinese wushu, for example, has a very long history. But basketball and volleyball are rather new. People are inventing new sports or games all the time. Water skiing is one of the newest in the family of sports.
People from different countries may not be able to understand each other, but after a game together they often become good friends. Sports help to train a person's character. One learns to fight hard but fight fair, to win without pride and to lose with grace.
A Letter of Complaint
Dear Manager:
Much to my regret, I write this to place a complalnt against your bad delivery service of your company.
The Samsung tape recorder model number JB/4703 that I ordered from your company on Nov. 1, arrived yesterday. The serial number of the machine is 4703 -0641. I am sorry to report that the recorder has been badly damaged. There was no unusual damage to the packing case, but when I opened it, I fimnd that the lid of the recorder had been cracked and that the
front surface of the machine had been scratched.
Since there was such damage to the goods, I decided to file a complaint against the delivery service. Would you please let me know whether I should return the recorder to you for a replacement or if you have an authorized service representative here to which I should take it? I will hold on to this recorder until I hear from you.
Sincerely yours,
Jonathan Edwards
Much to my regret, I write this to place a complalnt against your bad delivery service of your company.
The Samsung tape recorder model number JB/4703 that I ordered from your company on Nov. 1, arrived yesterday. The serial number of the machine is 4703 -0641. I am sorry to report that the recorder has been badly damaged. There was no unusual damage to the packing case, but when I opened it, I fimnd that the lid of the recorder had been cracked and that the
front surface of the machine had been scratched.
Since there was such damage to the goods, I decided to file a complaint against the delivery service. Would you please let me know whether I should return the recorder to you for a replacement or if you have an authorized service representative here to which I should take it? I will hold on to this recorder until I hear from you.
Sincerely yours,
Jonathan Edwards
Sunday, August 31, 2008
WHICH TO PREFER--PRIVATE CARS OR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?
Many people appreciate the conveniences of private cars. A private car gives more comfort and mobility and enables a person to go when and where be wants to, so much so that he can enjoy his leisure to the full by making trips to the country or seaside on the weekends, without the irritation caused by waiting for buses or trains.
But public transportation is also attractive. With someone else driving for us, we can feel relaxed on a bus or subway. And public transportation helps to lessen air pollution and traffic jams. It costs us less money and means more jobs for others.
Botb public transportation and private cars, however, have their own disad vantages. In fact the bus system does not provide frequent stops and the location of the bus stops is sometimes not so convenient. And a private car also has many problems, such as too much harmful carbon monoxide emitted. It often puts the traffic in and around the city to much trouble.
As far as I'm concerned, I hate the air pollution and traffic jams caused by private cars. So, given the chance, I would prefer public transportation.
But public transportation is also attractive. With someone else driving for us, we can feel relaxed on a bus or subway. And public transportation helps to lessen air pollution and traffic jams. It costs us less money and means more jobs for others.
Botb public transportation and private cars, however, have their own disad vantages. In fact the bus system does not provide frequent stops and the location of the bus stops is sometimes not so convenient. And a private car also has many problems, such as too much harmful carbon monoxide emitted. It often puts the traffic in and around the city to much trouble.
As far as I'm concerned, I hate the air pollution and traffic jams caused by private cars. So, given the chance, I would prefer public transportation.
If I were a Boy Again
If I were a boy again, I would practice perseverance more often, and never give up a thing because it was or inconvenient. If we want light, we must conquer darkness. Perseverance can sometimes equal genius in its results. “There are only two creatures,” says a proverb, “Who can surmount the pyramids — the eagle and the snail.”
If I were a boy again, I would school myself into a habit of attention; I would let nothing come between me and the subject in hand. I would remember that a good skater never tries to skate in two directions at once.
If I were a boy again, I would school myself into a habit of attention; I would let nothing come between me and the subject in hand. I would remember that a good skater never tries to skate in two directions at once.
The habit of attention becomes part of our life, if we begin early enough. I often hear grown up people say, “I could not fix my attention on the sermon or book, although I wished to do so”, and the reason is, the habit was not formed in youth.
If I were to live my life over again, I would pay more attention to the cultivation of the memory. I would strengthen that faculty by every possible means, and on every possible occasion. It takes a little hard work at first to remember things accurately; but memory soon helps itself, and gives very little trouble. It only needs early cultivation to become a power.
If I were a boy again, I would cultivate courage. “Nothing is so mild and gentle as courage, nothing so cruel and pitiless as cowardice,” says a wise author.
We too often borrow trouble, and anticipate that may never appear.” The fear of ill exceeds the ill we fear.” Dangers will arise in any career, but presence of mind will often conquer the worst of them. Be prepared for any fate, and there is no harm to be feared.
If I were a boy again, I would look on the cheerful side. Life is very much like a mirror: if you smile upon it, I smiles back upon you; but if you frown and look doubtful on it, you will get a similar look in return.
Inner sunshine warms not only the heart of the owner, but of all that come in contact with it. “Who shuts love out, in turn shall be shut out from love.”
Importance of learning very early in life to gain that point where a young boy can stand erect, and decline.
If I were a boy again, I would school myself to say no more often. I might write pages on the doing an unworthy act because it is unworthy.
If I were a boy again, I would demand of myself more courtesy towards my companions and friends, and indeed towards strangers as well. The smallest courtesies along the rough roads of life are like the little birds that sing to us all winter long, and make that season of ice and snow more endurable.
Finally, instead of trying hard to be happy, as if that were the sole purpose of life, I would, if I were a boy again, I would still try harder to make others happy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
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Annual Expenses on Learning English
Annual Expenses on Learning English
It is well known that English learning is fairly important to the student, but also it is a money hunter. The Graph of Annual Expenses aims to show us the fact that daily study has constituted a yearly large sum of money. That is, students are,day by day, challenging the knowledge from a sea of reference hooks, cassette tapes, CDs and even VCD.
Buying books is always the biggest sum of a student's expense, which has ranged from 10 to 60 RMB yuan during the latest decades. What' s more evident, it can be found in 1999 that VCD is beneficial for students to better their English. Perhaps VCD may help students to improve listening comprehension. Therefore, they have spent 50 RMB yuan to buy VCD.
No one can deny the fact that CDs have something to do with learning English. In most situations, they are helpful to improve our understanding of foreign cultures, which are often considered difficult and tedious for students to learn form the textbooks. Compared with this, listening tapes is rather boring, so in 1999 a student spent less than 20 RMB yuan to buy tapes.
However, much money does not mean obtaining a better acquisition of a foreign language. In a long run, I am determined to make full use of available tools to master English, and try to make all the books, CDs, VCDs well - worth their expenses.
It is well known that English learning is fairly important to the student, but also it is a money hunter. The Graph of Annual Expenses aims to show us the fact that daily study has constituted a yearly large sum of money. That is, students are,day by day, challenging the knowledge from a sea of reference hooks, cassette tapes, CDs and even VCD.
Buying books is always the biggest sum of a student's expense, which has ranged from 10 to 60 RMB yuan during the latest decades. What' s more evident, it can be found in 1999 that VCD is beneficial for students to better their English. Perhaps VCD may help students to improve listening comprehension. Therefore, they have spent 50 RMB yuan to buy VCD.
No one can deny the fact that CDs have something to do with learning English. In most situations, they are helpful to improve our understanding of foreign cultures, which are often considered difficult and tedious for students to learn form the textbooks. Compared with this, listening tapes is rather boring, so in 1999 a student spent less than 20 RMB yuan to buy tapes.
However, much money does not mean obtaining a better acquisition of a foreign language. In a long run, I am determined to make full use of available tools to master English, and try to make all the books, CDs, VCDs well - worth their expenses.
Dietary Changes and Health Care
As is shown in the graph, China's food distribution has taken great changes from 1960's to 1990's According to this statistics of cereals, vegetable, meat, and fruits, the number of those who eat rice, flour or vegetable has greatly decreased in the past four decades. In contrast of this the number of those who eat oil or meat has sharply increased. From such dietary changes, we can perceive the rapid improvement of our people' s living standard.
Why does this improvement occur? The direct reason is the fact that the Chinese people have attached much importance to their health care. Nationally, China's economic growth is booming, and more people are getting richer. Individually, everyone's consumption of food is increasingly varied. In particular, most of people are reluctant to eat much vegetable, but much meat and oil in their diets.
In my view, the changes of China's dietary distribution seem to be both positive and negative. The positive aspect is that China' s economical growth has given rise to the higher level of dietary standard, with most of people living rich and happy. But the negative aspect is that, I'm afraid, less eating vegetable will lead to poorer health, such as lacking vitamin nutrients in one's body. Therefore, we think it necessary for the Chinese to be aware of the balanced diets: Lots of vegetable and meat, which may gain us healthier bodies in the new century.
Why does this improvement occur? The direct reason is the fact that the Chinese people have attached much importance to their health care. Nationally, China's economic growth is booming, and more people are getting richer. Individually, everyone's consumption of food is increasingly varied. In particular, most of people are reluctant to eat much vegetable, but much meat and oil in their diets.
In my view, the changes of China's dietary distribution seem to be both positive and negative. The positive aspect is that China' s economical growth has given rise to the higher level of dietary standard, with most of people living rich and happy. But the negative aspect is that, I'm afraid, less eating vegetable will lead to poorer health, such as lacking vitamin nutrients in one's body. Therefore, we think it necessary for the Chinese to be aware of the balanced diets: Lots of vegetable and meat, which may gain us healthier bodies in the new century.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The World Is Getting Smaller and Smaller
Most of us have had an experience which reminds us the world is getting smaller. Perhaps when you went to some place far away from the city you live in and thought you knew nobody there, you were surprised to find that you ran into one of your old classmates on the street! Then both of you cried out, “What a small world!”
Why is the world getting smaller and smaller? For one thing, modern technology has created various means of transportation. And they are more and more available. Buses, trains, planes and taxis are found in most cities of the world. They carry goods and passengers to and from every corner of the world. For another thing, with the development of modern society, people are in contact with one another more frequently. Everyday we must deal with a lot of people unknown to us before. The more advanced a society, the more contacts we make with others.
So we can draw the conclusion that as long as technology makes progress, the world will grow smaller and smaller.
Why is the world getting smaller and smaller? For one thing, modern technology has created various means of transportation. And they are more and more available. Buses, trains, planes and taxis are found in most cities of the world. They carry goods and passengers to and from every corner of the world. For another thing, with the development of modern society, people are in contact with one another more frequently. Everyday we must deal with a lot of people unknown to us before. The more advanced a society, the more contacts we make with others.
So we can draw the conclusion that as long as technology makes progress, the world will grow smaller and smaller.
My Most Favorite Programme
The News Report has always been my favorite TV program. Almost everyday I turn on the TV at 6:30 p.m. and wait for the news program. This has become a part of my life.
The News Report contains a large amount of information C from the international political situation to the latest foot-ball game. And the most important character is its fast pace. Because of this fast pace, news programs can contain much information in a short time.
In my opinion, the News Report is more than a TV program. It is a way of communication. From this program, people can know and understand world affairs. The world thus becomes smaller and smaller. I especially appreciate this benefit of watching the news.
The News Report contains a large amount of information C from the international political situation to the latest foot-ball game. And the most important character is its fast pace. Because of this fast pace, news programs can contain much information in a short time.
In my opinion, the News Report is more than a TV program. It is a way of communication. From this program, people can know and understand world affairs. The world thus becomes smaller and smaller. I especially appreciate this benefit of watching the news.
The Positive and Negative Aspects of Sports
To a Chinese, the task of learning English well is not easy. So I, like many other English learners, have met with difficulties in learning English during the past seven years. But I managed to overcome them and made much progress. | ||
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
the furthest distance in the world
Proxyfire Software and Forum
The furthest distance in the world
Is not between life and death
But when I stand in front of you
Yet you don't know that I love you
The furthest distance in the world
Is not when I stand in front of you
Yet you can't see my love
But when undoubtedly knowing the love from both
Yet cannot be together
The furthest distance in the world
Is not being apart while being in love
But when painly cannot resist the yearning
Yet pretending you have never been in my heart
The furthest distance in the world
Is not when painly cannot resist the yearning
yet pretending you have never been in my heart
but using one's indifferent heart
To dig an uncrossable river
For the one who loves you
The furthest distance in the world
Is not between life and death
But when I stand in front of you
Yet you don't know that I love you
The furthest distance in the world
Is not when I stand in front of you
Yet you can't see my love
But when undoubtedly knowing the love from both
Yet cannot be together
The furthest distance in the world
Is not being apart while being in love
But when painly cannot resist the yearning
Yet pretending you have never been in my heart
The furthest distance in the world
Is not when painly cannot resist the yearning
yet pretending you have never been in my heart
but using one's indifferent heart
To dig an uncrossable river
For the one who loves you
Where is your heart
Where is your heart?
hiding something you never mention.
How to say love will be forever?
I just feel so much happyness and sadness.
When you think of me naturally
and never doubt me.
You will know the deepth of love.
You will feel the sweet of love.
What I Have Lived For-
Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.
I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy - ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness--that terrible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it finally, because in the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what--at last--I have found.
With equal passion I have sought knowledge. I have wished to understand the hearts of men. I have wished to know why the stars shine. And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux. A little of this, but not much, I have achieved.
Love and knowledge, so far as they were possible, led upward toward the heavens. But always pity brought me back to earth. Echoes of cries of pain reverberate in my heart. Children in famine, victims tortured by oppressors, helpless old people a burden to their sons, and the whole world of loneliness, poverty, and pain make a mockery of what human life should be. I long to alleviate this evil, but I cannot, and I too suffer.
This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live it again if the chance were offered me.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Time is running out for my friend. While we are sitting at lunch she casually mentions she and her husband are thinking of starting a family. "We're taking a survey,"she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know,"she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous holidays..."
But that's not what I mean at all. I look at my friend, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will be vulnerable forever.
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without thinking: "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting, and she will think her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her child is all right.
I want my friend to know that every decision will no longer be routine. That a five-year-old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at a restaurant will become a major dilemma. The issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in the lavatory. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive friend, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the added weight of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her own life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. She would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years—not to accomplish her own dreams—but to watch her children accomplish theirs.
I want to describe to my friend the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to hit a ball. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real it hurts.
My friend's look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I say finally. Then, squeezing my friend's hand, I offer a prayer for her and me and all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this holiest of callings.
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know,"she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous holidays..."
But that's not what I mean at all. I look at my friend, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will be vulnerable forever.
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without thinking: "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting, and she will think her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her child is all right.
I want my friend to know that every decision will no longer be routine. That a five-year-old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at a restaurant will become a major dilemma. The issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in the lavatory. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive friend, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the added weight of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her own life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. She would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years—not to accomplish her own dreams—but to watch her children accomplish theirs.
I want to describe to my friend the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to hit a ball. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real it hurts.
My friend's look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I say finally. Then, squeezing my friend's hand, I offer a prayer for her and me and all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this holiest of callings.
The Joy of Living
Joy in living comes from having fine emotions, trusting them, giving them the freedom of a bird in the open. Joy in living can never be assumed as a pose, or put on from the outside as a mask. People who have this joy don not need to talk about it; they radiate it. They just live out their joy and let it splash its sunlight and glow into other lives as naturally as bird sings.
We can never get it by working for it directly. It comes, like happiness, to those who are aiming at something higher. It is a byproduct of great, simple living. The joy of living comes from what we put into living, not from what we seek to get from it.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ad, Ev, Al
I had the rare privilege to chat with both Evan and Alex Burke today. Evan is pursuing a professional career selling nuts and bolts in Louisville (as well as attending Southern Baptist) and Alex is still a landman in east Texas. However, though it did give me joy to hear from them; I really felt joy when Alex let me on their (secret to me) blog.
Evan created a blog that each of the Burke brothers can post to. And to me, its like standing outside a house window and sneaking a peek to see 3 boys' mischief going on inside. You look around to see if anyone sees you watching and then return to your inquisitive gander (knowing that trouble is imminent). Anyways, I hope the Burkes 3, continue to open their window curtains to us, as they are great writers with subtle themes/morales in [most] their work.
Evan created a blog that each of the Burke brothers can post to. And to me, its like standing outside a house window and sneaking a peek to see 3 boys' mischief going on inside. You look around to see if anyone sees you watching and then return to your inquisitive gander (knowing that trouble is imminent). Anyways, I hope the Burkes 3, continue to open their window curtains to us, as they are great writers with subtle themes/morales in [most] their work.
I couldn't believe when Mommy said we were going to the beach, that a year had already passed by. That's like half my life! I saw pictures of last year's beach trip, but I don't remember it very well. I was really little. Daddy told me there was lots of baseball stuff. This year I only went for a little while, and I saw lots of superheros. Gramma made me a shirt with Dora and Boots that said "Not All Superheros Wear Capes." I had a lot of fun seeing all my family, but we didn't get to stay very long this year. Mommy was sad that Daddy didn't come with us, and Aunt Shaunie had to come home for Curriculum Night. (I looked that word up in the dictionary) We stayed at Gramma and Grampa's for the rest of the week, and Daddy took me in the pool. It was fun to play in the water, but nothing like good ol' San Clemente Beach!
I photographed one of my best friend (Kisha's) family up at their beautiful home in Kula. It was raining just minutes before the portraits but stopped just in time for us. I loved their yard and all of the flowers. Anuhea (Kisha's daughter) is so cute! She is 0ur son, Kaimana's playmate :) I find it hard to get babies to pose in any way so I like to take a bunch of fun candids of them, which are always great because those are the real memories to cherish! Thanks guys for letting me capture these images of you!
We arrived in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario and checked into the Quality Inn with an awesome deal. Who knew that one of the perks of my becoming a travel consultant was cheaper hotel room rates!
We settled in just in time to watch a thunderstorm roll in. We were snug and warm in the Hotel and the trailer was safely parked in the parking lot. We were hoping to do some laundry, but since we were booked on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in the early morning, we had an early night.
We settled in just in time to watch a thunderstorm roll in. We were snug and warm in the Hotel and the trailer was safely parked in the parking lot. We were hoping to do some laundry, but since we were booked on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in the early morning, we had an early night.
Human Resources Management
hrm. so i'm in los angeles, but i'm looking for a job in san francisco. the long and short: my last company laid me off on 3rd april (no april fool here--they waited an extra day just so we'd know they meant business, i suspect ... and even after laying off nearly half the company they still lost $0.08/share), so i'm looking for a new gig again. i haven't (in six weeks) had an interview yet--the first is next tuesday at uc berkeley, which could be fun ... returning to academic computing wouldn't be such a bad thing.
a little job i was doing as a favor for a friend wraps up next week ... and then my days are truly free. i already spend way too much time in starbucks while i'm not at work--this may only get worse before it gets better.
so, anyway, i'm in los angeles visiting with my friend marc ... last night we saw dame edna do her things ("Hello, possums!" is now stuck in my head), and today we saw a taping of "The Weakest Link," in which we saw the second weakest link win the pot, although it was hardly a pot of money to brag about--they failed to bank even ten percent of the possible dollars. i guess i learned that watching a game show is much more fun than watching it be taped, but it was still fun.
don't know what's yet on the pipeline for the rest of the weekend, really ... still chasing down jobs, but i don't know what marc's planned for the weekend. i head back home on sunday ..
a little job i was doing as a favor for a friend wraps up next week ... and then my days are truly free. i already spend way too much time in starbucks while i'm not at work--this may only get worse before it gets better.
so, anyway, i'm in los angeles visiting with my friend marc ... last night we saw dame edna do her things ("Hello, possums!" is now stuck in my head), and today we saw a taping of "The Weakest Link," in which we saw the second weakest link win the pot, although it was hardly a pot of money to brag about--they failed to bank even ten percent of the possible dollars. i guess i learned that watching a game show is much more fun than watching it be taped, but it was still fun.
don't know what's yet on the pipeline for the rest of the weekend, really ... still chasing down jobs, but i don't know what marc's planned for the weekend. i head back home on sunday ..
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