A Hard Lesson-05/13-08

One day, it was a sunny day. I wanted to go out. So, I told my mom that I would go to the library to study with my friends and promised her that I would come home at five o’clock to have supper with her. At first, I studied hard in the library. However, after a while, I felt tired so I left there. Because it was only three o’clock, I had a few hours to spare. I decided to see some movies at a theater near my home. However, I became so immersed in the film that I completely forgot about the time. When the last movie finished, I looked at my watch. Oops! It was seven o’clock. I was two hours late!

I knew Mom would be raged if she found out I’d watch movies, not studying at the library. On my way home, I decided to tell her that I studied so hard that I forgot the time. Much to my astonishment, Mom stood on the corner. I apologized for being late and lied to her. I will never forget the look she gave me.

“I was disappointed that you lied to me.”

“What do you mean? I am telling you the truth.”

Mom looked at me silently. “When you didn’t show up on time, I called your friend to ask where you were, and they told me you left the library at three o’clock. So you see, I knew you lied to me.” A rush of guilt ran through me as I confessed the real reason for my tardiness. Mom listened carefully as sadness passed through her.

“I am angry, not with you, but with myself. I had to contemplate what I have gone wrong all these years.” She said sadly and softly.

My apologies and the rest of my words were useless. I had let my mom down and I was about to learn a hard lesson. I followed behind Mom and pleaded all the way, telling her how sorry I was, but she ignored me and kept silently.

Seeing my mom in such an emotional pain was the most painful experience that I have ever faced. However, it was also a hard lesson. I have never lied to her since then.

I Want to Be More Positive

My grandmother passed away one year ago. She was an optimistic, energetic person that I have ever seen. She kept encouraging others and looked at the bright side even when she was hospitalized. She was my mentor and set a good example for me. Every time I have problem in my life, I feel distressed and want to give it up. When I think of my grandmother, I tell myself not to give up and find a solution. Even though it is difficult, I am still willing to try and cultivate a positive attitude toward my life.

See more progress on: be more positive

Things I Like About Meinung(美濃)-04/25/08

    

       Kaohsiung(高雄) is the biggest city in southern Taiwan, and also an important transportation hub. It is the main center of the heavy industry and chemical industry, and a developing city. Nevertheless, Kaohsiung is not only an industry city but a city with beauty and culture. There are many scenic spots in Kaohsiung. Especially, Meinung is one of the most attractive places in Kaohsiung to me.

        Meinung is not a big town, and has a small population. It is surrounded with water and mountains. Just like its Chinese name, which means “beautiful and rich”. It is a gorgeous place. Furthermore, the Hakka traditions are well maintained. When it comes to Hakka artifacts, hanmade oilpaper umbrella and pottery are symbol of Hakka traditions. If you visit Meinung on a rainy day, you may see people using handmade oilpaper umbrellas. Sipping from a sturdy pottery teacup, you may wonder what life here was like in the past. Maybe a group of hardworking Hakka people sang folk songs while picking tealeaves. It made us still have a chance to admire authentic Hakka tradition today.

        Just a few kilometers away from Meinung, the “yellow butterfly valley” is worth visiting, too! Located in Meinung, it is filled with about 110 different kinds of butterflies. The most important of all is that the ecology in the valley is unique in that the butterflies spend their whole life here, instead of just for a winter, which gives credit to the suitable climate, abundant food and few natural enemies, so butterflies are free to multiply. Every year, in June and October, the whole valley becomes spectacular. Tens of thousands of butterflies are flying to show their beautiful yellow wings. Walking through a forest in a valley, you can see millions of butterflies dancing around you. It is a natural paradise.

        No wonder we call Meinung “indigenous town” in Taiwan. We can experience both nature and local artifacts. A trip to Meinung will bring people closer to the rich Hakka culture and to nature. 

Once I Was-04/11/08

 

Once I was a learner
Once I was learning to appreciate others
Once I was learning to praise others
Now I am getting wiser
Once I was a learner
Once I was learning to respect others
Once I was learning to admire others
Now I am getting wiser
Once I was a learner

Once I was learning not to look down on others
Once I was learning not to lie others
Now I am getting wiser
Once I was a learner

Once I was learning not to tease others
Once I was learning not to gibe others

Now I am getting wiser

My Diary-02/29/08

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Dear Diary,

      Last weekend, my cousin told me excitedly that she was going to see her Net pal. The charming man she met on a dating website two months ago. They chatted happily every day and then they decided to date. They decided to meet at a restaurant. My cousin said at first she sat there feeling butterflies in her stomach and imagined her date’s appearance. Suddenly, something terrible happened! An old and fat fellow came in and sat down beside my cousin. To her disappointment, the man was not attractive at all. But, my cousin knew that she should not judge people by their appearances. Then, she plucked up her courage to ask him if he was her date, the man admitted his identity and started coughing and spitting. My cousin wasn’t so pleased with that, “There’s nothing wrong with catching a cold, but at least he should show some manners in the public,” my cousin explained angrily. The supposedly romantic was ruined by his impolite behavior.

     As I heard about her experience, I couldn’t help laughing at the dramatic story. Although I made fun of her, I still hope that she will meet her Prince Charming some day!

Mommy and me

Mommy and me原由 snow150174 上載

         This photo is about my mom and I. My mother is a person who keeps smiling and always looks on the bright side. It makes her look young for her age. When I feel upset , she cheers me up. She is a good companion and treats me as a friend. Furthermore, mommy always respects me and makes me feel good about being myself.

          For me, mommy plays an important role in my life! 

   

Tim’s embarrassing experience-01/04-08

    In the English class last week, Tim became a joke. The teacher lectured on the platform and taught again and again in hopes that every students will understand. Everyone paid attention to the teacher but Tim. Having stayed up the night before, Tim couldn’t help dozing off. He dreamed that his dream came true! In the dream, he became a teacher and wore suit and tie. He saw himself teaching grammar seriously; however, everyone dozed off and none of them paid attention to what he taught. Frowning, Tim was fed up with this situation. Then, he walked toward one of his student’s desk and thundered, “Wake up!” and with that he stared at his students angrily.

     Meanwhile, Tim felt someone knocking on his head and shouting in his ears, “Wake-up!” Tim woke up suddenly and looked around to see what was going on. Everyone was laughing at him. After a fleeting moment, he realized that it was only a dream . Feeling ashamed of his experience, Tim never dozed off in class again.

Andy’s Birthday gift -12/28-07

      Last weekend, Andy and his parents celebrated his fifth birthday. His parents held a party and invited all of Andy’s friends. Everyone had a wonderful time. Andy received a secret gift which was wrapped tightly. Andy opened it with curiosity. Much to his surprise, the gift was a puppy! Andy screamed and cradled the puppy gently. Both of them lived together. The puppy followed his master wherever he went. There was close relationship between them. Unfortunately, something terrible happened! Andy’s dog was missing. Andy looked for his lovely puppy here and there but he couldn’t find it in the park. The puppy was lost when he just left it alone for a while. Looking around anxiously the whole park, Andy cried out the puppy’s name in hope that the puppy could answer him, but in vain.

     Sadly, Andy decided to go home and asked his parents for help after looking for a long while. Arriving home, he heard something barking at him. He found his puppy sitting in front of the door. Andy was so delighted that he burst into tears and rushed to the puppy. “Goodness! I will never leave you any more, I promised,” he said.    

Jane’s cat-12/07/07

          

       Jane was a shy girl. When there were others around, her face turned red and became quiet. Because of her shyness, Jane didn’t have many friends to play with. Jane was so lonely that she longed to have a pet to keep her company. Accordingly, she persuaded her mom to keep a cat. At first, her mom turned Jane down. Through constant begging, her mom gave in but her mom would not take care of the cat. Instead, Jane should take care of the cat by herself. In the park, Jane was playing happily with her cat. Their favorite game was “fetch”. Satisfied, Jane hoped that she could lead such a joyful live forever.     

        Now and then, however, Jane found her cat unhappy. Nothing aroused its interest any more. Jane wanted it to be energetic; for this reason, Jane brought more cats home. Hopefully, the circumstance would get better. But it never occurred to Jane that her cats would turn her house into a place filled with footprints, scraps and even fishbone! Confusedly, Jane didn’t know whether her decision was right or not.

Picture from College Entrance Exam Center

My cousin, Andy-10/29/07

    

         My little cousin Andy is seven years old and has brought a lot fun to the family. He is chubby, has curly black hair, a round face and a rose-colored complexion. The most distinctive feature is his round eyes. They are very darl and bright, and they seem to smile at you all the time. This gives Andy adventage when he plays tricks on someone. If he looks at you with tears, you will feel guility to punish him.

         Adventurous and active, he likes climing up and down and chasing after birds, insects-any creature. Since he was in kindergarten, he has never come home with clear clothes. He always comes home with a face of smudges and a pair of dirty pants. Furthermore, he doesn’t care much abbout his toys. He likes to excitingly break them into pieces, satisfing his curiosity. However, he treasures his toys made by himself, such as the slingshot which broke the window. Consequently he received the punishments he deserved.

      Although he sometimes is so naughty that he makes others angry. Actually, most of the time, he is like an adorable angel. People around Andy love him and enjoy having him.