Dinner With My Mentors

On November 30th, I had a special dinner time with my mentors at Alice's home. Alice, one of my group members in my team, was responsible for preparing food, and I was responsibke for inviting our mentors and lead them to Alice's home. We invited four mentors, Kimberly, Tempestt, Amanda, and Monique and one mentee Leanda. As I mentioned in a last article that I sent the invitation to them and we decided to meet in front of Citibank at 6:20pm . It was very convenient for us that we meeted in front of Citibank because we would take a bus Q46 which station is near Citibank. Everything went smoothly. When we arrived at Alice's home, she almost prepared well. She made a lot of food by herself during Thanksgiving vocation. For example, dumplings, prok pies, and pancakes. Also, she prepared vegatables, fruits, and snack. Most of them were great, but she prepared too much to finish all the food. We introduted the history of food and the material to them. I thought it was a good communcation between East and West cultures. For me, it was a wonderful experience because I learned how to express Taiwanese food and show our culture to foreigners. Thanks for their supporting me in this semester. I believe we will have great activities in next semester.

Thanksgiving Party

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving party with Dabbie's family on November 23.
Through Project AIM, Rosa provided me the great opportunity to experiencea traditional Thanksgiving food and happy family time.

Although I thought the party might start from dinner time, my partner Yen-Ting and I were picked up by Frank, Dabbie's husband at 12:30pm at St. John's University. Although the weather was rainy and cold at that day, we were looking forward to visit their home. When we arrived their home, Dabbie was busy in the kitchen. Yen-Ting and I soon decided to help her. We help cut cheese, sausage, and ham and place them on the beautiful plates, which Dabbie's mother gave her many years ago. While we were all in the kitchen, Dabbie told us a romatic story about Thanksgiving and also introduce some traditional food. After a while, many Dabbie's relations came together, and we use Yahoo! Messager to say hello to their another relaton who was in Arizona and did not come back. I found Americans as treasure their family as Chinese do. What a sweet family.

Lunch started at 2:00pm. Dabbie prepared a lot of delicious food for us. I did not see most of them, but they were really delicious. Dabbie said they usually prepare their customers favorate dishes. Yen-Ting and I tasted every dish. We felt so comfortable because they were very nice and friendly. After lunch, we spent some time playing cards. They taught us two new games, and I also taught them the gane

we play in Taiwan. It was a lot of fun! We all liked the games. After eating cakes and drinking coffee, it was 8:30pm. It was time to go home. Dabbie's son sent us home.

I love these cute 15 people. I treasure our friendship.

Woodburry One Day Trip

On November 22, my friend and I had a wonderful Woodburry one day trip. The trip could also be called an advanture, because we both did not go to Woodburry before. Although some friends told us that we can wait for November 25 in which there will have a big sales on Thinksgiving Holiday, we decided to go there in advance because we knew there will be too crowd to shop anything.

Before the trip, we asked some friends and searched a few websites to check the schedules of bus and train. We planed to go shopping all day, so we got up at 6:50am to get on the first bus 8:30am at Port Authority Bus Terminal. It was spent 40 minutes from 169 st. subway station to Port Authority Bus Terminal station. Because we were new there, we spent some time to find the ticket shop. We asked some customers and the policemen, and finally found that the ticket shop is at second floor and the bus would be at gate 310 which is at third floor. How strange it is. In Taiwan the ticket shop and bus are usually on first floor. That is why we could not find them easily.

We were very excited when we arrived at Woodburry at 9:30am. These stores opened at 10:00am and closed at 9:30pm. There are too many stores to shop in one day. We checked the maps and planed to buy our torget goals first and then looked for others. I thought we were good planners and cooperatored very well because we finished all our plans and bought what we need, such as hats, scarfs, sweaters, overcoats, shoes, boots, hand creams, and so on. We spent almost 12 hours at Woodburry, but we can not go allover these stores. So, you know how large it is. Although, when we got home at 11:30pm and tired out, we were satisfied with ourselves and also the wonderful trip. I think we are good parters. I am looking for another advanture with her.

Dinner Invitation

One of mentees in my Project A.I.M. group called me this evening. She said that she want to invite several mentors to have some activities together, but she did not sure how to do it. I thought it is a good way to communicate with these nice persons and share our experience with each other. We discussed a lot about whom we will invite, when the date is, which place is better, and what kind of food we will prepare. Finually, we decided to have a dinner party at her home. We planed to handmade some traditional Taiwanese noodle food by ourselves. For example, steamed dumplings, cakes within green onion, and so on. I had sent them the invitation by email, and I will contact them in few days to make sure if all of them have free time to come. I feel excited to hold this dinner party. It will be very interesting to introduce these delicious food to my dear mentors. Hope they will like it.

Broadway Show: The Color Purple

On November 16, I saw my first Broadway show "The Color Purple " in New York. From Project A.I.M., I got a cheap ticket which was only US$15.00. The show started at 8:00pm at Broadway Theatre which is a classic theater. When I entered the theater, I saw that many people derssed formal clothes, stood and drank in front of the bar, and talked to strangers to share their opinions about the show. I found that there are something different from Taiwan. In Taiwan's National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center in Taipei, there is no bar provideing many wines before the performance. Most of shows performed in Taiwan start at 7:30pm, and it will be not inconvenient for audiences to go home late.

Before seeing the show, I had read some related information from the offical webside of the color purple: "The 2005-2006 Tony Award nominations were announced May 16th. Color Purple was nominated for 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical." I expected to see the top performance. I did not understand all the story, but I enjoyed in their resonant singings, beautiful actions, realistic spaces, and stage lighting. My friends and I all agreed that it was amazing and worth to gain the awards. Although it was almost 11:30pm when I arrived my home, I still felt very excited and looked forward to next Broadway show.

What a Wonderful Forest Valley Retreat!

On November 10--12, I participated in a Project AIM retreat which was hold at Forest Valley YMCA at upstate New York. I had a lot of fun and got many new experiences from this trip. Forest Valley YMCA is a nature environment with fresh air, clean river, a wide of meadows and forests, and many wooden castles. When we arrived at Forest Valley YMCA at the first night, we were surprised at that many stars were seen on the dark air. I do not have the beautiful experience in any city.

Also, I learned much from these useful classes and outdoor activities, for example immersion in St. John's Values, conflict management, cross-cultural experience and team building. In these classes, I realized the importance of trust, love, confidence, cooperation, and team work. Especially in the class of team building, I was delivered to cross a small hole by many tall guys. The rule is that you can't touch the lines and bells. If the bells rang, you can't win the score. I must relax and trust them to pass me. Fortunately, because of our love and cooperation, all of us pass it. In these classes, I challenged myself and had a lot of fun.

During the trip, there are many great dishes, and free to eat. Also, I made many new friends Michelle, Sisi, Julia, Alica, Amanda,Vincent, Michael, Leanda, Tempestt.... I love their lovely personality. Before we left the camp, we exchange our MSN, and took many pictures. I love this retreat! Thank you, Rosa! Thank you, Project AIM!

A Magic Trick in Class

In today's writing class, my teacher showed us an interesting magic trick. I did not know if he learned the trick in recent time, but it was really successful to attract everyone's attention. He asked me choose one card from many playing cards, but not let him know which one I selected. After we had some conversation, he found out the card I choose quickly. I was very surprised at he can play this magic trick.

Although playing cards is just the basic magic trick, I am still interested in how and why it happened. I knew there might be some secrets in the cards or some skills the player used, but I can't tell. A magic trick is really a good entertainment to have close relationships and bring happiness to people. Playing a magic trick is not only the important part of the show, but also creates the feeling and atmosphere which everyone enjoy and attract in it. Because of playing the little magic trick, my teacher created a fun and joyful environment in class.

A Delicious Snack

Recently I like to eat a special delicious snack, pretzel pieces, whose brand name is SNYDER's of Hanover. I did not notice this product until one of my classmates bring it to my home and share with us. Many other classmates also like it so much. After that, it becomes our favorate snack when we have a meeting.

SNYDER's of Hanover produces many different kinds of flavors, but we all like "Honey Mustard & Onion". Its look is yellow inside and brown outside. It tastes a little salty and crisp. It is not expensive, only US$2.59 with tax. You can find it at 7-11 which is near gate 6 at SJU. I strongly recommend the delicious snack, pretzel pieces. You should not miss it.

A Lively Postcard from UK :)

Saturday night I received a postcard from UK. It was sent by my best friend Yvonne, who is studying MS finance in UK now. I was so surprised that she remembered my address in New York, because I only talked about it one time at coffee shop in Taiwan.

We did not knew each other for a long time, but we always had many topics to discuss and communicate, especially during the time that we both prepared for study in a MBA school. I think it is why we became good friends soon. Although she lived in Kaohsiung and I lived in Taipei, we discussed our classes and study by MSN or phone. We shared our resources and information to help each other study well and apply the business schools.

Now we both go abroad to study. Although she is in UK, and I am in USA, the distance will not break our friendship. Because of my good partner Yvonne, I knew that I am not alone. The beautiful postcard is the best gift for me in this month. It is not only warm my heart, but also encourage myself to keep growing and learning in my treasurable studying time in USA.

Two New Friends

Today I am very happy to have two new friends, Stacy and Brandy. They are my classmate’s friends in church. Both of them are nice Taiwanese.

Stacy is a tall girl with long hairs. She learns to play violin and lives at New York for seven years. When she talked about the hurt of playing violin, all of us were very surprised. She showed a light red scar on her left chin, and explained that playing violin for a long time will cause a scar because she must use her left chin to steady the violin. Also, her fingertips became rough. Suddenly, I remembered the old saying “no pain, no gain.” She paid for the hurt, but I think she will gain more from the practice, and pass the exam.

Brandy is a little shorter than Stacy. She is a college student and lives at New York for three years. She is a cute girl who likes to laugh. During our conversation, I laughed loudly because of her humor and response. She told me that she knew many good restaurants with cheap prices. We had decided to go to a hotpot store together in cold winter.

When my classmate and I left the church, we exchanged our cell phone numbers and give best wishes to each one. I like these cute girls. Staying with them let me feel relax and happy!

A Halloween Party

Next Tuesday is Halloween Day. Some classmates will have plans to join the Halloween activities in Manhattan. They invited me to go together, but I can’t go with them because I have a class in the evening. Oh! No. I don’t want to miss the interesting activity.

However, I participated a Halloween workshop this Friday. Project AIM invited many children and their parents in our neighborhood to dress up for the Halloween and join the pumpkin carving/painting. These kids dressed so cute. Some of them dressed like a superman or a queen. The youngest one dressed a pumpkin cloth. These staffs played with them and helped them use different watercolors on their pumpkins. These children were very creative. Their pumpkins were colorful and interesting. I also painted on a pumpkin. Although it was not so cute, I took a picture with it. This painting activity was very funny.

This is my first time to have a Halloween party. I like the feeling that families were together and everyone enjoyed playing in the Halloween activity.

Stop Eating!

Since the weather is getting cold, my appetite for food becomes “huge”. At the beginning, I did not realize that my eating habit in New York was changed. In Taiwan, I sometimes drink some tea after a meal. However, when I came to USA on August, I became not only drink some tea, but also eat some snacks. I like these snakes, such as lays, chocolate, and yogry because eating made me happy. When the weather was getting cold, I felt I was easy to be hungry, even I just finished my meals. And the worst was that I wanted to eat more and more during my midterm weeks. I always want something to chew in my month to reduce the stress. If not, I felt lost. It is really terrible that I can not stop eating! Suddenly, I realize that I really eat too much. I did not become a fat girl. Now I must always remind myself that it is time to change back my eating habit. Stop eating and do exercise!!

Midterm Examinations

Recently, I have several midterm examinations. That a student has many tests in school is not a kind of serious thing, but, for me, I have left school life for a long time and I am worried about if I can handle these terrible examinations. I was graduated with a bachelor degree of Chinese literature, not a business related. I do not have any business related degrees, so I must finish nine basic courses and other marketing field courses, and then I can graduate.

In this semester, I have three basic courses, such as Business Statistics, Business Information, and Economics for Management, which are essential business knowledge. The first midterm test was Economics for Management which was on last Wednesday night. To prepare the test, I read the Chinese translation of the textbook, and also the textbook and quizs in each chapter (English edition). Also, I discussed some questions with my classmates who help me a lot to correct my misunderstanding economic concept. Although I had studied these test contents, I still felt nervous and stress during the test. During the test, all students were asked to finish 50 multiple choices and 20 questions and answers within two hours. Oh! It was too difficult to all the students. I tried hard to finish all the questions, but I could not…. And most of the students did not finish them, either.

At least, the test finished. I should study hard to prepare other two midterm examinations which will be on next following weeks.

An “Onion” Clothes Style

The weather in Autumn in New York is really strange. The change of weather in USA is different from one in Taiwan. One day it is too hot to dress a jacket; the next day it is not enough to wear a sweater. Moreover, the morning is hot, but the night is “cold”, not cool! I can not believe that the differences of temperature are in one day. Even I see that the sky is shiny outside the room, I must check the temperature to see if I wear too much or enough, because sometimes the sun will cheat people to wear little. My friends taught me that I can wear T-shirt and long-sleeved clothes, and then an overcoat, an “onion” clothes style. If I still feel cold, I can use hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm.
When my friends told me the warming protection in Taiwan, I could not understand what they mean. But now I got it. Because the indoor rooms will use heating, I do not worry if the temperature is too cold to focus on what teacher teaches in class. On the contrary, I can take off my overcoat, and wear T-shirt and long-sleeved clothes which is just fine for the heating temperature. If I still feel hot, I can only wear a T-shirt. That is what my friends called an “onion” clothes style. If I wear a wooden sweater and can not take off in the heating room, I must sweat and feel uncomfortable. This is another difference from Taiwan. Hope I can pass the severe winter and do not eat too much! haha ...

New, Clean Bathroom Comes Back!

Studying in New York, I live in an apartment and share a bathroom with one of my roommates. When we moved in the apartment, the bathroom looked very new and clean and we both liked it, except there was no window. At the beginning, we planed to wash the whole bathroom every weekend, including sink, mirror, closestool, bathtub, and floor. However, after the semester began, we both were busy participating in many activities at the weekends. We did not have enough time to wash our bathroom, but we tried our best to keep the floor dry and threw the trash once a week.
Yesterday, my roommate and I went shopping at flushing. Suddenly, I saw there was a set of light green bathroom carpets which were very suitable for our bathroom to keep it warmer and drier. My roommate and I knew that it was time to clean our bathroom. My roommate suggested "Rebecca, shall we start to clean the bathroom?""Of course, we start it tonight." I said. We bought the carpets, and made a decision to separate our work parts. Although brushing the bathtub used a lot of water to wash, I felt happy that the clean bathtub was bright. (Ya! No need to pay water fee!) Finally, we cooperate to finish all the hard work, cleaning the whole bathroom, putting the warm carpets on the floor of bathroom. We both were satisfied with it. Oh! Our new, clean bathroom comes back!

Watching an Opera on TV

After eating lunch, I decided to take a rest, and then turned on TV. When I changed some channels to look for an interesting program, suddenly I found that an Opera was starting. I was not sure if the Opera's name was "Orlando Palandino", but it did not impede me to enjoy it. I turned the voice loudly, drank a cup of hot jasmine green tea , and wrap up with a warm woolen blanket on sofa. Everything was perfect! However, I felt depressed because I could not understand what these singers' Italian voices at the beginning. Fortunately, there was English translation on the bottom of the screen, so I could enjoy the songs and also read English translation to understand the whole story. The most spectacular of the performance of the two chief actors was their solo. From their voices and body languages, I felt their love, pain, angry, conflict, and contradiction. They put in themselves to sing the opera as if the story was true, not a play. I was touched by their professional skills and emotions. After watching the opera, I felt so happy and satisfied that I wanted to sing and dance in my room. Although I had not watch a Broadway show at New York, I had a wonderful time this afternoon.

Have an arts trip next Friday?

When I came to New York, I wanted to visit many museums in New York, but the trip for arts was not started until now. In Taiwan’s bookstores, I read some travel books which introduce that there are many famous museums in New York, for example: Metropolitan museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Whitney Museum of American Art … ect. These museums collected a various of paintings, pictures, and patterns which were created by art genius. In all of these museums, the first one I want to visit is Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was renovated and opened on 2004 for celebrating 75th anniversary. In the new building, the rooms are one time larger than old ones. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the best museums which collect complete modern arts in the world. Its collections include Picasso, Van Gogh, Vincent, and Warhol. I have a suggestion to visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) next Friday. Should we go together? I really look forward to the arts trip with all of you next Friday.

Coffee means relaxed, smooth, and delighted.

Sometimes I feel I am a coffee addiction, because I almost want to have a coffee everyday. For me, drinking coffee means relaxed, smooth, and delighted. After I finish a hard work at home or at office, having a cup of hot coffee with a small sweet cake is wonderful. When I meet with my friends in Taiwan, we often choose a coffee shop which has lovely music and many books to read. In the nice environment, we can easily open our mind to share our experience. My family usually eat at a restaurant on the weekend, we often have coffees after dinner. Although my mother always worried about she might not sleep well at night, she usually chooses coffee and enjoy the happy family time with us. Actually, I am not a coffee addiction. I just like the feeling to drink some coffee. I know coffee fee is an additional expense, and also someone always said that "Save coffee, save money.", I still can not say I will not drink coffee any more. I love coffee as if I love my family. Now only when I finished my work or when I miss my parients and friends in Taiwan, I will have some coffee to smooth myself. I think coffee is a beautiful creature in the world.

Ellis Island / Statue of Liberty Trip

Yesterday, I was very excited to join the Project A.I.M. activity, Ellis Island / Statue of Liberty Trip. Although the weather was a little haze and the temperature was low, I still had a good time with my friends. We took a tourist coach to ferry service station, which is near Wall Street. Our first station is to visit Statue of Liberty. On the ferry, you can clearly see whole Statue of Liberty, the spirit of America. Under the most important huge, grand sculpture, I was shocked and understand why Americans treasure it so much. However, we did not make an appointment to go to the top of Statue of Liberty, we only went around the island and took some pictures. Our next station is Ellis Island. There is a museum on the island, where you could see many histories and video about immigration. I learned much from many interesting introduction. After this culture trip, I understood the importance of Statue of Liberty in American Culture.

An Excellent Cat -- ReRe!

My classmate Ye Ting bringed a cat from Taiwan. Her name is “ReRe”. She is an excellent cat, which type is Chinchilla. This is my first time that I can so close to a cat, because none of my friends feed on cats. I know Ye Ting is ReRe’s second owner. No Matter how poor background ReRe has, Ye Ting still loves her cat. When Ye Ting decided to study in USA, she also decided to bring ReRe to come together. For coming to USA, ReRe was forced to accept many medicinal Test in Taiwan, and she must have injections on her back legs. I believe ReRe must feel hurt and scared, and it must be the reason that she hates others tough her legs. I often visit Ye Ting to play with her cat. Sometimes I talk to ReRe, and she replies as if she can understand what I mean. She acts very slow and excellent, but when she plays a ball, she becomes very dexterous, and vigorous. The fest speed you see will be very surprising! When ReRe feels you are easygoing, she will use her tail to touch you lightly and show her friendly. I like ReRe, because she is so cute, smart, and comfortable.

Delicious! SAPPORO

Last Friday night, I had a delicious food and shopping night. After discussing homework with my classmates and finished the presentation powerpoint, I was so excided to go shopping with my friends. Although it was just five o’clock and it seemed that it was too early to eat dinner, we still decided that our first step is to eat Japanese noodles at the famous Japanese restaurant, SAPPORO, in 49th Street in Manhattan, and then went shopping. I had heard several friends who had eaten at SAPPORO recommended that I must eat at least one time. We were very lucky to have four seats to sit, and did not waste time to wait on line. I ate a “Wei Zeng La Mian”, sharing “steamed dumplings” and “fried pork chop” and drinking hot “Japanese Sake”. Wei Zeng La Mian testesd really delicious! The special of Wei Zeng La Mian is its soup. The hot Wei Zeng soup tasted very rich and smooth. It seemed that after you finished the soup, you could get all energy you need, and suddenly recovered your tired body and mind. Also, fried steamed dumplings and fried juice pork chop were very tasty. The most different part was hot Japanese Sake. Drinking some Japanese Sake could lead you in a happy mood, because it was not too strong. We all felt satisfied at the Japanese food at SAPPORO. For me, it was a great time for friends meeting. Especially, I always like Japanese food. If you ask me a good place to eat in Manhattan, I will also recommend that you must visit the sweet, nice Japanese restaurant, SAPPORO.

My mentor in Project A.I.M.

Yesterday I attended "Diversity of New York City", an activity of Project A.I.M., and I finally met my mentor, Kimberly. An undergraduate student, majoring in science, she is an cute, enthusiastic, and vigorous girl. As an assistant of Rosa, the leader of Project A.I.M., Kimberly is familiar with many international student affairs. She not only studies hard, but also works smart. I think she uses her time effectively, and also balances her living and learning very well. Surprising to me that she can speak a little Chinese. She told me that she has Chinese classes three times a week at St. John's University. Although Kimberly just started to learn Chinese level one, her pronunciation was very clear, standard and excellent. We talked a lot of Chinese food, Chinese activities, and the difference between American culture and Taiwan culture. I am so happy that my mentor is so great that we can share many intereating topics with each other. I believe I will learn many things from Kimberly and Project A.I.M. In Project A.I.M, I can make new friends, improve my English communication skills, and visit many special and famous spots near New York City. I am very excited to joining their activities in the future. if there are any spectacular stories, I will write down them and share with you.

One Month in New York

September 12th 2006 is the day that I arrived at New York one month. Thinking about the whole month, I really finished many things, such as settle down my own room, attend an meaningful international student orientation, register in St. John's University, have a photograph Storm Card, open checking and saving accounts at Citibank and visit many famous views in Manhattan. Amoung all things, visit Manhattan is the most interesting thing. Of all places I have visited in Manhattan, Central Park is quiet an impressive city forest. It is so huge that I can not go through it in one day, and I think even in one week it is still not easy to discover all its secrets. Central Park may have different sights in each season, and it is worth to spend more time to visit it. Maybe have a picnic in spring, or ski in winter is a good idea! Now new semester starts and I am busy in many assignments. Summer vacation is over. But during one month, I have a lot of fun and have many new friends here. New York, the most busy, gorgeous, advanced city in the world! I almost can not believe I am here now!

Hello! Welcome to my new blog!

Dear All:

Welcome to my new blog, and share with my English writing experience and any topics you want!

Have a nice day!

Shih-Ru (Rebecca)
2006.09.07