Happy New Year

Saying goodbye to 2008, I am slowly packing my thoughts, walking into 2009. Which timezone should I count as a new year? what does that mean? well, a phone call from China close 8:00a.m. this morning starts the day with many greetings of "Happy New Year". Till evening, I went through different time zones in U.S. watching the new year coming. Sometimes, I wonder, if people try to hold on the time's footprint to beg for his speed, or people are anxious to shake the sheet which filled with the stories of past year, good or bad, happy or sad, getting ready for new year, that everything could start all-over, at least be corrected?

Whatever the answer it is for you, truly, Happy New Year! many wishes I have for myself, just get ready and live abundently!

Attitude

by: Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

《致橡树》

我如果爱你——
绝不像攀援的凌霄花，
借你的高枝炫耀自己：
我如果爱你——
绝不学痴情的鸟儿，
为绿荫重复单调的歌曲；
也不止像泉源，
常年送来清凉的慰籍；
也不止像险峰，增加你的高度，衬托你的威仪。
甚至日光。
甚至春雨。
不，这些都还不够！
我必须是你近旁的一株木棉，
做为树的形象和你站在一起。
根，紧握在地下，
叶，相触在云里。
每一阵风过，
我们都互相致意，
但没有人
听懂我们的言语。
你有你的铜枝铁干，
像刀，像剑，
也像戟，
我有我的红硕花朵，
像沉重的叹息，
又像英勇的火炬，
我们分担寒潮、风雷、霹雳；
我们共享雾霭流岚、虹霓，
仿佛永远分离，
却又终身相依，
这才是伟大的爱情，
坚贞就在这里：
不仅爱你伟岸的身躯，
也爱你坚持的位置，脚下的土地。

BBC Wild China

If you are interested to travel to China, you will enjoy this program BBC produced , which is very nice. It is so pretty, I have not been to so many places there, which made me want to pack things up and hit on the road. Here is what BBC covers:

第一集 龙之心 Heart of the Dragon
第二集 香格里拉 Shangri-La
第三集 西藏 Tibet
第四集 万里长城的塞外风光 Beyond the Great Wall
第五集 熊猫之地 Land of the Panda
第六集 潮汐更迭 Tides of Change

If you ask me my favoriate place to visit in China, I will say -- the Great Wall, which is a very special place in my heart. When you are there, you will what I mean.

Will you choose Facebook and OpenSocial?

I am done reading , a great book for whoever is interested in computer development and current google's world. I spent a lot of time resarching information about what author talked about new Google development.

What is the fun? the fun is, this is my professional field, in IT. I am living in the current cutting-edge techology through work and personal life. Current research and bidding on which wil be the next trend, will chanllege me to see if I fully understand the enviornment well as well as the market needs. In short, such as Facebook (with Microsoft investment) and OpenSocial(Google social network, trying to compete with Facebook), what is the market need? what necessary updates and strategies will keep Facebook the leading head position?

It is like the past fame of Netscape. In 90's, it dominated high percentage of ineternet brower selection, when Microsoft did not believe the future of internet connecting with personal lives changes. Nowadays, really, how many people still remember Netscape. I recalled during my freshman year, only use Netscape. Unfortunately, the development and marketing strategies inside of Netscape let itself fail to deliver the new competitive version to market, even ignoring the market requests. well, market tolerance and customers' loyalty are based on the company's commitment on what it promised to deliver. Sort of like "Wolf is coming" story, you do not give a false alarm.

Back to Facebook and OpenSocial, what is your choice of selecting your social circle, the open or close one? OpenSocial is still much too young to stand next to Facebook. Shall see...

Books

Finally I am done with my crazy love-reading on "Paddington Bear" after finishing all the possible paddington bear books I could get from library. My parents have been seeing me reading those children books on and on. I bet they ware waiting for me to pass this mode, and wondering what next mode I will get myself into.

It is always mental rest to read Children's book. I am back to audio book "Anne of Green Gables". oh, aren't you love Anne? sometimes, I feel that I am sort of like her -- very talktive.

I read couple Nicole Sparks books to practice my reading speed. Well, this is my rule of reading, I am most interested in non-fiction, esp. biography, feeling like to live through his live with his words. But those reading can not include speed, sometimes, need repetitive work to understand, at least for me, a Chin-glish(Chinese English) speaker. During the reading break, I will take some fictions as my speed reading materials, as most of fictions, you could read faster but not loosing the grasp of meeting, plus, certainly help my english.

Now I am reading "Planet Google". It is so much related to my profession, the discussion of open and close source has been a forever topic in computer world. If Google gives Microsoft and Yahoo a big surprise, facebook definitely did a better job to Google. Google represents the open source but facebook represents the close. It is not to say one is better than another. Bottom line, which much serve the global community needs and continually enhance the need.

Friends are special through up and down with you

Ever since I came back from Boston, I clearly feel the desire of going to MIT. Though the offer came in on July, I was so much looking forward my trip to China. Plus, I have a few things on the plate, which I could not feel the strong opinion one over another. Even coming back from China, since I spent so much time with different CEOs, VC and investors, I just do not know my next step at all. For once, I really take my time, even before the trip to Boston, I wonder the alternative. But the time in Boston, SDM open house program, conversations with alumni and current students, and MIT conference. I know that I belong here, not for the name of ivy league but the true feeling of involvement of innovation technology and management.

Coming home, reality kicks in. I need to get status straight, which has cost me many years waiting and rejections to other opportunities. I got frustrated and talked with my close friends, who has been there for me all along, listening and supporting, even believing in me for who I am. They decided to contact local congressman and senators. "If there is a right button, we will help you to find it and let him know how valuable to keep you!" How special to hear this from friends and their trust give me a lot of strength here. I believe there is a miracle.

Cannon Beach -- get away

Nov. 8-9, I took my parents to Cannon Beach. Amazingly, the entire drive was filled with pouring rain, but when I pulled into the parking of the hotel I reserved, it was gorgeous sunny and pretty. I hold huge guilty feeling for letting my parents in Olympia almost two weeks while I went to D.C. and Boston. So, I decided that this trip is totally to let them relax, and have fun time.

We agree there is no agenda, so everyone is on his own way, eating, playing, walking and wondering whatever and wherever. It becomes the best agreement we had ever!! suddenly they do not have to check me, vice versa. It is a quite nice hotel and we were at second floor with direct view of water. My dad has been dying to swim for a longtime. Pretty much the entire Saturday evening after dawn, he has been in the swimming pool for hours. That is quite unfair for him when he comes to see me. At home, he goes to the ocean swimming every morning for two hours. ye, two hours, I went once, he is a fast swimmer, me, use his word -- "sort of drifting like a piece of wood on top of water, not able to control speed and direction" :( ouch! past a few years, during his routine swimming exericise, he has been saved several persons' lives. I am so proud of my dad!

I felt this is a good get-away for me too from reality. Ever since I made my decision, I began to check in all the information. The most ironic response was back to this long-due document. oh, breath, breath!

A beautiful fall

I put a serious work-out plan in, to get in shape. ye, I had too many good meals in China, it is about time for me to get back to exercise. I have put a lot of time on cycling. Today I rode on trail to Yelm, listing , everything just went well until the way back home, pouring on me. By the time I walked in home, I looked like a "dipping chicken" (a chinese way to say 'a droughing rat').

I took my parents to Tumwater falls to see some running Salmon. The beauty of fall is gorgeous.





I just finished reserved a hotel at Cannon Beach to take my parents there this weekend. October I have left them here for two weeks while I went to east coast. I felt terrible and wanted to take them for a nice break. Just hope the weather is nice :)

What is your way to relieve your upset feeling?

Thursday evening after work, I clearly was not happy with overwhelming things happened at work. well, to make clear, I wish I handled those situations better. I have been considered the current position as a test-water experience to sharp my management skills and communication skills. I found the most conflict struggle is with people, different people, how can you handle the situations? Not to go to details of what happened, it is a project I am PM(project manager), coordinating the efforts with Microsoft field engineers. It is a very complicated system that required me to foresee the new picture of agency's infrastructure. The dilemma was how I can let people keep their own opinions, and willing to take advice to compromise. By the end of day, I need quiet moment.

My parents are great. They gave me space and let me be. I spent the rest evening, not to think about the work but drawing the Paddington Bear. Couple weeks, it was Paddington's 50 year's anniversary. I began to read his stories and love it. Is that a cute lovable bear? I could not help to keep on and on reading his books.

Decision

I have been pondering about the decision who I should take, for the longest time, to step up for form a corporation or go to school has been a hard decision. It circled my mind for quite a long time, then I chose to give myself enough time to plot along the road about the business idea. it went well, the plan, the model and meetings with business groups. Most of all, how to help investors to understand and fully see the vision I have. I have to admit, timing is very important. Before I left for China, the main three investors committed well and I went to the trip, did market analysis(only God knows how I managed my time in China) and I felt much firmly with my vision. Go Girl! Go with your dream!

Though noone could predict with economy, people could change their mind under severe economic situations or just feel uncertain. The recession has never bother me deeply. I always feel that is the way to correct what has been incorrect for previous peak economy. What does that mean to me? a few changes on my business plan but not major.

This morning, I felt more clear about what I choose to do. Not to choose one over another, but accomplish both in the right order after much thinking.

back from Boston's trip Oct. 21-25, 2008

I think my Olympic Blog serves a great deal of my trip in Beijing and afterwards. now I will spend more time here, focusing what I want to do.

Just got back from my Boston's trip, besides the long delay due to storms and burrr cold weather in Boston, I love this trip absolutely. part of me, deep inside of me feel alive, well-connected the spirits there, encouraging me to pursue.

The main purpose of this trip is to attend MIT SDM open house and this year SDM conference. Ever since I returned from my China trip, I put a lot of time to think through how I want to move the next step, but keep not getting a clear picture. I was hesitate to go to this trip but decide to go, to find more information about what I decide to do. I know that I will move out of current place, just matter of time. When most people worry how they could get offer, I got couple amazing ones in hands already. My hot potato is how to execute the plan, how to link each step well, making my own unique linear graphic here. Am I too engineering? Though the schools are very famous, I'd rather to select well based on how education helps my career growth and realize my dream, instead of bragging the fame of school. So, I went on the Boston trip.

Needless to say, I love MIT, like being a nurd in a right place, not feeling odd and getting funny looks from people. That is true, with my own oddness, sometimes, I found very off-beat with most crowd, but in MIT, feeling just in nature. Do not brag how smart you are, as you can always find someone who is smarter than you. Do not show off what you have done, as you can always find someone who did more amazing stuff than you. Here, you learn, you absorb, you dive in with clear vision.

Open house is much like a routine work. I went to check out the financial air and housing. The living standard in Cambridge is way high. Well, there are some drawbacks here, probably this is one of those things I need to get used to or deal with. The fun part of day 22nd was meeting with all current students and alumni. It is a small program with 30+ students. ye, you will get very inch of attention from professor and staff members. is that great? I do not want to be one of oven popseed muffin, rather getting what I am looking for. During the reception, I talked with an elder gentleman who sat next to me, for over an hour we discuss the relationship between engineering design and business strategic planning, fascinating! In the end, he said, "are you ready to be in my class?" ehh?? what class? He is Prof. Tom Allen, will teach one of core courses to me soon. cool!

Due to the time difference, 3 hours between east and west coasts, I keep reading my new book , a good one!

Trip in ShangHai

July 28, 2008 Monday

By early morning, we reached Dalian. The sleeping seat in the train was really comfortable. I only have 3 hours to be home before I headed to airport flying to ShangHai. My mom made fresh noodles. In Chinese sayings, welcome with noodles and eat dumplings at farewell. I'd rather to eat noodles.

View from Dalian airport, I just felt amazed with those apartment buildings.




Reach Shanghai, view the cross river bridge, which is a very important connection here.



Shanghai street, you can see the instant mineral water machine to purchase and local food vendor around the corners.


The largest ShangHai subway terminal, big, clean and safe.



I had some meetings this afternoon, by evening, when I went to hotel, at square, residents having an out-door dancing event. The sweet rhythm and sounds made you relax in the summer night. There are so many different age groups dancing.




Tonight I had Korean stone bowl rice dish, with eggs, veggies and meats. It is much better than the one I got in U.S., later I was told that there are quite a lot of Koreans living in Shanghai.



July 29, 2008 Tuesday
Today I am off since I have a whole day meeting tomorrow. I decide to tour around the city. I went to a traditional place to get breakfast, steaming bao-zi.





In pu-dong, there are many new buildings. But in the middle of pu-dong, there is a large century park, just like central park in NYC. It is a quite get-away place without traveling far away.







If you look at the central building shape, it just looks like a bottle opener. But, that is not Beer company, it is the financial district.


Central lake



Front landscape




Pigeon house





I walked around the financial district, ye, also went to a nice restaurant.



Since I need a pair of professional shoes for meetings, I went to Shinway Union Square "Ba Bai Ban", totally like NYC Saks Fifth Ave inside, locating right by the financial district. I had couple funny things happened there.



At women clothing location, when I asked a lady to pick up a shirt for me, she said that they do not have my size. I asked what the largest size they have, "only XL"!! goodness! By the time I was at shoes section, they told me that they do not have my size of shoes since too big(my shoes size is size 8). I guess I am completely out of Shanghai people average size. South of Chinese are petite, but I am only in petite in U.S. Hai-ya, I tried not to think too much about my size :(







July 30, 2008 Wednesday

Today is the day filled with meetings, talking, planning and discussing. I have to admit, that is very challenging and fun to work with people with different background. But we all have the same passion.

Tonight I went to Huang Pu river, the famous place in Shanghai. You will see the history of this city. One side is Pu-Xi district, another side is Pu-Dong district. Oh, I love this city, not because it is a city, but because its up-beating and youthful spirit!

A defer decision

July 18 I had a call with James Frick at CMU admission about my defer request decision. He was very helpful and suggest to fill out the defer request, due to my Olympic commitment.I really feel hard to make the decision, wishing to have both this year. But in reality, there is no way for me to make the trip to China, and go back to school on time. After the conversation with James, I sat there, cying, soaring for putting "hold" on this offer. In Feb. I went to CMU for on-site interview. Though the school locates in the very hitorical city presenting with years of past-glory on the steel industry, the school is uniquely standing there and super,super welcoming. I had a blast, even took time to learn the city history. Read this book , which is a good history desciption of the city and school.

2008 Olympic Trip Journey

With many friends requests to have a blog about my Olympic Trip, I decided to register one for that purpose. I still want to keep this one as my diary.

So, this is my blog about my Olympic trip:

http://charlotte2008olympic.blogspot.com/

need a clear mind

Jumping among too many things, I try to get a clear mind, not loosing my focus. Today and tomorrow I am off. I will concentrate on my documents. in addition, get everything organized, ready for the trip.

Glad mom found the better way for me to get a spot in U.S. consulate, she is way too SMART and CALM when handling tough situations. I have a list of things to check before I leave for trip, aha, check this one!

xixi, busy time, I only can go to "books" to find my get-away moments. I went back quickly skimming read several books, well, thankfully I read before, otherwise, with this speed, just too crazy. I like those books, hey, what a hack! I do not even share this blog with others, just blahblahblah here :)

"To kill a monckingbird", still remember when Mark VH recommended this book to me, my mind was sucked into the words; "The fountainhead" by Ayn Rand, Tricia likes this one, so do I; "Siddhartha Hermann Hesse" and "Occupied America", there are certain sections, my favorite, I just jumped there to taste my old feelings.

good news never comes alone!

While I prepared how I can communicate clearly and effectively with Tepper admission on July 3rd noon, 11:45a.m., just 15 mins before the agreed conversation time, I received an email from MIT. xixi, good news really never comes alone. This is a decision letter of "yes, we want you to be our MITer!" message. I was stunned and wow!

Before I have to continually spin my head with too many factors, news and reach my decision, I decide to enjoy the news for a while then bother my already complicated situation. Thinking about couple years ago, when I first had this thought, now, I feel the invisible wave that I could touch, to feel what I dream for :) way to go, girl!

July 4th, I went to Cairn's lake house for the holiday gathering. Truly, I am thankful for this country and his freedom. I am amazed with friendly people and great friends I had here.


Current reading: "The PIXAR Touch" by David A. Price (if you have seen any pixar clip, you might wonder how these people pull out the great idea and carry on. so far, this is a good book.) When I use the gift card purchasing this book, there is another book "mountains beyond mountains" got my attention, eeee, when I finish this, aha, I already got one in line.

a late email from Tepper

Friday(June. 27, 2008) very early morning I received the email from CMU which came way too late. If this email came one month early, I have not hesitation, accepted and moved on. But when I could not confirm any information a month ago, I decided to work on my own. Now, this late email just stirred the pot.

I am so thankful for my sweet friends who listen to my wonder and uncertainties, strongly encourage me to think through what I want to do next. want to whining little bit here "I wish I could sneak out of these decision modes for a second..." :)

It is supper hot here, around 90 through the weekend. I am cooked!! whining here again! goodness, I feel my brain is running crazily, well, I have around one week to make decision.

looking forward to see my family! miss them terribly!

Can not wait to see my parents!

I am counting down the days when I will fly home. Ever since I got my flight ticket, I began to feel homesick. Really, how old am I? I wonder if there is a certain age that the person will not feel homesick anymore. I doubt I will reach the age soon.

How much do you believe your own abilities?

Have you doubt if you can do what you dream for? what will you tell yourself if you hesitate with your plan/vision? how much confidence you have in you? more than 4 year's development and planning during my spare time and endless evenings, I am approaching the road to build the steps towards the vision. Many factors and thinkings, totally different kind of "stress", but I am glad that I did not give in before while I was not sure. I am very thankful for my parents supports, many times they encouraged me to look at the big picture I want to go for, instead of only thinking. Do not let the safe net stop your moving-forward steps! what kind of wisdom inside!! I am sure there will be more difficulties on the road. I bet there will be time I will be hesitate with my decisions and question. I am glad that I am working and making things happen, then just dreaming. Oh, I love the beauty and unknown of life. Keep up, working hard and focus, you will get there. oh, hey, do not forget to have fun!


I am counting down the time when I will be home. It is always home for me there. I am longing for seeing parents, families and friends. Though I will bring part of tasks along the trip, I will enjoy every minute. Watch this Beijing Welcome You

Current Reading: Harvard Business Review -- Interviews with CEO. This book definitely gathers the good amount of CEO with their advice, wisdom and suggestion. Perfect timely for me to get my mind off the things and listen to their words.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to myself! Yesterday was the Bday, my friend Kristen took me for lunch and Jane & Henry took me for dinner. Tonight, my friends Spee and Bishop hold a birthday dinner for me. I enjoy the time with friends very much.

On birthday, there was an call from the Olympian newspaper sports section interviewed me about my upcoming trip to China working for U.S. Olympic Committee. Here is the link of the news Unfortunately, there were a few errors in the statement. I just have to laugh loud for what is on the newspaper.

This year's birthday is less anxious and stressful than last year. I feel that I am much patient and willing to look the alternative options.

Current reading: How the best of the best get better and better.

strech goal and performance

Tonight is my last lesson on Strategic Management course. I love this course very much. The course challenges me very much, thinking strategically, improving presentation and writing skills. I really like Dr. Alexander, who is very encouraging. She did not look at me as one of numbered students in her class, but saw my strength and weakness, motivating me to face the difficulties and letting me to grow. What a professor! The contents of this course is invaluable!

Last week on May 27th I started my job at State Liquor Control Board, leading a large team. The job duty is very different that I have more hand-on management experience, making me thinking a lot, well, also tired after work. all my close friends know that I like to talk, but at work, I need to talk more professionally than ever, after work, I'd rather be quiet, playing some music or listening music. The mental tiring is very different from physical one. To use my strategic management course term "stretch goal and performance", I literally feel the stretch from my comfort zone to touch the field I am not familiar. Once again, I know no-one likes to change but change could bring you more unexpected. I am waiting for mine.

Last weekend I went to Portland to attend Bill Saltzman's wedding, meeting many familiar faces and ELIC teachers. Before I left Portland, I kept my promise, visiting Grandma Betty at her graveyard, thinking of her, really, I miss her very much!

I am reading a book from Harvard Review , a very thin book, but took me very long time to read and think. Lately, I am gathering and reading "Yifu Lin"'s biography, a new appointed chief economist for the world bank. This man is amazing Chinese man. if you have time, check him out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Yifu_Lin

current reading: Jack Welch's biography.

life's ups and downs

The past week and half, I have been following closely to the earthquake in my motherland. I feel the fragile of life, the helpless of seeing the natural disaster, the heart-broken connecting what happened there and my current environment. A lot of time, I could only use a word of "disbelieve" to describe, feeling guilty to live comfortably here. While I complain the hard choice of my career and investment, I forgot how important to live, to live without worries of food and clothes. Reading the news, I realize what I should consider important in life. The cards are re-prioritized. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims.

---- from Luo Lan ----
每个人都可能有环境不好，遭遇坎坷，工作辛苦的时候。说得严重一点，几乎可以说，在我们每个人降生到这个世界以前，就被注定了要背负起经历各种困难折磨的命运。

但这并不是说，因此就该认定人间没有乐趣，或生命没有价值。我们虽然被注定了
要靠劳力、靠工作来维持自己的生活，虽然被注定了有七情六欲来品尝人间各种各样的离合悲欢；但在另一方面，我们却有机会欣赏这有鸟语花香的世界，我们还有智慧可以体味人间苦乐的真谛，我们也还有心情来领略人间的爱心、善良和同情是何等的珍贵。总而言之，和我们所付出的代价比起来，我们的收获是值得的。

我常把人生比做一次旅行，辛劳和苦难算做是我们所不能不花的旅费。而在这一趟
旅程中，我们可以得到各种各样五色缤纷的经验。当我们痛苦的时候，可以当做那是我们在旅途中的涉水跋山、走狭路、过险桥。而当我们快乐的时候，那是我们到达了风光明媚的处所，卸下了行装，洗去了风尘，在欣赏留连。也正如旅行一样，不在某一处风景区永远停留，而只能在驻足一阵之后，就又该背起行囊去寻觅另一处佳境。

因此，人间的苦苦乐乐，我们都该把它看做理所当然。做生意顺利的时候，财源滚
滚而来，取之不尽，用之不竭，那是顺境。一旦遇上风险，逆境来临，就又要过一过节衣缩食的苦日子，不够坚强的人当逆境来临时，就难免会匆匆结束这次旅行，提早承认自己的失败；而假如我们够坚强，就该明白，我们就是为经历这些风险而来。

做为一个像样的旅行家需要勇气，也唯有有勇气承担旅途风险的人才可以到达人生
的胜境，才可以领略到一般人所领略不到的“化险为夷”，“夜尽天明”，“腊尽春回”等等的乐趣。因此，逢到逆境时，我们要忍一忍、熬一熬、再多拿出一分勇气和信心；不要只看旅途的艰苦，而要把希望的灯光点亮，去照见那你所想要去的地方。

我们每一个人都有受到环境压力的时候；但在这时候，你与其悲伤流泪，就不如将
就自己既有的条件去慢慢耕耘，等一旦机会来临，自己也有了足够的条件去应付了，境遇就好转了。许多事实使我相信，一个人的生活需要可以缩小到最小限度，而一样保持乐天达观的心倩。只要你自己不让自己消沉灰颓，环境是不能把你怎样的。

懂得旅行乐趣的人，往往对平坦好走、容易达到的地方没有兴趣，而偏偏喜欢去找
那些险峻的山，未开发的林，或没有人烟的岛。他们认为旅行的乐趣在于克服那些途中的困难，在于到达别人所不易到达的地方，在于发现新的佳境。

懂得人生的人也是一样，他们往往不喜欢平稳凡庸的生活，而有胆量去尝试一些困
难的、冒险的、但却有内容、有意义的生活。因为他们知道，当困难克服了，险境过去了，他们才会尝到一些人生的真味，他们才会真正懂得人生的苦是怎样的苦法，乐又是怎样的乐法，贫穷的滋味怎样，失恋的滋味如何，而他们最大的收获却往往是成功的快乐。

俗话说：“吃得苦中苦，方为人上人。”所谓“人上人”并不是一般功利的想法；
而是说，他可以在生活上比一般人较为豁达开通，眼光远大，做起事来可以得心应手。如果我们从小就安安稳稳无风无浪的像花朵一样生活在暖房里，我们所见的天日就只有那一点点，所能适应的温度也就只有那一点点，那还有什么意思呢？


--

Two weeks notice!

Now I finally submit the final two weeks notice. I will begin the new job on 27th. To be honest, I am very much looking forward to this new change. This is just a beginning step which I have been wanting to take for several years. A lot of time, the brick wall is build by myself with my hesitation and assumptions.

To be or not to be on the path I originally planned, I learn that it is important to keep my mind open and look at other opportunities.

Are you a A-student or B-student?

I re-read the book of "lucky or smart". Just really like this little small book, making you think and trying to see what kind of student you are, A or B student? The author has an interesting analyzing method. I feel that I am B-student. Hope, I will follow the B type pursue the dream smoothly.

Today I finished the audio book "crack millionaire code", quite lengthy but fascinating one. Friday when I visited David and Ann for his birthday, David suggested me to list the books I have been finished. well, I doubt I have the energy to go back to look, but could start recording now.

Now, I am working on "The Reengineering Revolution" by Michael Hammer and Steven A. Stanton.

A new bike

Yesterday I got a new bike, first thing I did, I falled and scratched right knee. But it was just very funny as right cross the street, a bunch of teenager riding bicycles looking at me, wondering if I could ride the bike. The truth is, I did not know how to ride on a bike until I came to U.S. oh, can you believe that I am originally from China. ye, all my friends can not believe this truth. I tried to find all kind of excuses for not riding a bike in front of them. Until someday, my friend Tricia realized and decided to teach me on how to ride a bike.

Apparently, now I need to shape my skill. It is a cross bike with 21 speeds. Quote my mom's word here "I do hope to see you ride on your bike more than 10 minutes!" wow, I'd better beat that challenge.

Are you living your life in full?

I am always impressed with the conversations with elders who decibed how they live their lives. As odd it could sound like, I do enjoy the conversations with people who are older than me, feeling like to communicate with wiseman/wisewoman. Almost all of them, without any reservation, share with me their happiness, sadness and certain regrets. Their sincerity and patience make me comfortable to tell them my struggles and seek the advice. I like to hear each of their advice, then process these in my brain, plus what I have thought, the final decision is always way better than my single-minded process. That is the main reason that I love to read biography, feeling just like to talk to an elder, listening to his life-long stories.

When I was in Pittsburgh in Feb, visiting CMU for a week. With much of my intersts I went to a few classes, visiting a few people in arts school, music school, CS and Human Computing Institute, as well as Tepper. When I was at HCI, a few professors and students repetitively mentioned one person's name "Randy Pausch", who was a professor there before. When they found out that I have no clue, they asked me if I ever watch TV, I said "no, I do not watch it.". They said "why don't you search online". With sort of wonder and curiousity, I watched Randy's "Last Lecture" on youtube. It was encouraging at the moment when I was questioning myself for the step I plan to take, it was inspiration that I will pursue the dream I have, the brick wall is to stop people who do not want that much, but not for people who desperately want it. It is the strength while I was standing in the cold pittsburgh rainy windy downtown, I told myself that I am still alive, I can coninually dream big and make it happen. It was the soul shaking that I have been too serious about my innovation, forgetting why I decided to start at the beginning -- all about fun! Randy's dark humor delivers a lot beyond the words. My prayers are with his family.

Are you living your life in full? living in your full potencial? If you can choose, will you choose the easy life, well, between meadiocore peacefully living and risky advantrous exploration? it is personal choice, but I know which one I will choose.

Good news!! I will work for US Olympics Committee

May 1, 2008, I received the notice from USOC (United States Olympic Committee) about my new role this summer in Beijing Olympic Game. I am very happy to get this opportunity, to be one of 35 volunteers to server USOC.

"Greetings!

This email serves as your official invitation you to represent the USOC as a volunteer at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China this summer. Below are the steps you need to take to secure your space at the Games. Please review the attached documents for information on tourist visas, housing and dress code...
"

I vividly remember the interview, talking about my professional work, leadership skills, event-planning abilities, hobbies and other activities. When she found out that I have been working for BBBS(Big Brother, Big Sister) over 8 years, she reponsed "I am the Big too!" wow, immediately, we felt we were much closer and trust between us. Later I look back, when I volunteered for BBBS, it was purely from my heart and passion for Children's growth. Little did I know that it led me more opportunities in several events and expend network horizon. I wonder if BBBS has helped me more then I did.

I am going home to do something which I am longing for, being a bridge between two counties I truly love and appreciate. USOC requires me to be in Beijing from Aug.1 to Aug.24. I will spend the day of Aug. 18 in Beijing. That is a very special day, by Aug. 18, 2008 I come to U.S. totally ten years. I have tought about how special it will be and what I should do to make it very meaningful. see, I will make a circle, staying in China and helping Americans to know more about my country and help them to enjoy this special event in my motherland!

There were couple opportunities that I could work for two famous althetes as interpreter during the game. They will cover my flight, boarding expense and pay for my work. After thinking over, I decided to take this volunteer, long-length, paying all these expense from my own pocket job. I do not want to be in Olympics as audience, or just see the games, not only those, but being involve more in the structure set of organication settings. While many questions my decision, I encourage myself to follow my heart and do what I like to do.

Elissa told me that I will work at the Beijing Hilton -- USOC headquarter (3rd Ring Road) and USA House -- business and hospitality center (right beside Worker Stadium). They are about a 10 minute cab ride from one another and very close to my uncle's place. Ye, Beijing, I am back!

My crazy schedule continues, no complaints here, but more fun and I enjoy it absolutely, really! Yesterday strategic management class we discussed Disney case. Later I found out that I am one of two students never been to disneyland or disneyworld. me, and another american girl. Last year if I did not plan to pursue my plan travelling to east coast, I would have been to disneyland. Maybe I should consider this as my next vacation location. Strategic Management becomes one of my favoriate classes now, though there are tons of reading, referenced reading. I told myself that I will finish all the readings and fully prepared before the class. Though I could get by, I'd rather use my time wisely.

Couple weeks ago, the language agency asked me to help an american family in Children's clinic as interpreter since they just got back from China, adopting one boy(after they have adopted two girls in China.) I said yes. During the interpretering time, I got to know this lady Patty and kid Kai, a cutest nicest kid ever! She expressed the interst about getting Kai and her two girls' Chinese language education. After she found out that I have taught in Chinese school and wondered if I could do the job, I told her "Yes, I will". I know, how crazy my schedule is, but, I just could not say no to her, a nice American lady willing to take three kids to their lives and try her best to keep their heritage and language skills. Plus, I really like this little boy, goofy, funny and very adorable. This monday I spent 1.5 hours there working on their Chinese speaking. I have to admit, these three kids are very committed to learn. They even work on writing those Chinese Characters, cool!

Lately, I found some nice way to get those top rating good books through UW. I am very excited! so far, I still keep up with my new year resolution: one book per week. The Everlynnwood reading skills are helpful for me to read the big books fast without loosing to grasp the meaning of contents. Keep it up, Girl!

This week reading:
1. Developmental entrepreneurship : adversity, risk, and isolation
2. Growing Up With China -- interesting.

Here are the book review for "Growing Up With China" by Wall Street Jounal.

Socialism Is Great!
By Lijia Zhang
(Atlas Books, 320 pages, $24)

Bookshelves are replete with poignant memoirs set during China's Cultural Revolution – but few and far between are personal accounts of the 1980s. The decade that began with Deng Xiaoping opening China to the outside world and ended with the protests of Tiananmen Square in 1989 was transformative not just for China's economy, but also for the people living through it.

This is the backdrop of "Socialism is Great!" a memoir by journalist Zhang Lijia. The book chronicles 10 years in Ms. Zhang's life as a factory worker, during which she is transformed from a dutiful communist leading her school class to a nonconformist responsible for organizing the largest pro-democracy protest in Nanjing in 1989. Socialism is not "great," as the title ironically notes, but rather fosters an air of paranoia and repression so strong that Ms. Zhang is soon doing everything in her power to break out of the mold. Trapped in the stultifying environment typical of a state-owned enterprise characterized by "surplus labor flow and inefficiency" – often leaving workers with little to do other than gossip – Ms. Zhang describes herself as a "frog trapped in a well, unable to access the world beyond."

"Socialism is Great!" is a riveting tale, but it would have benefited from more historical context. The ups and downs of the '80s play a secondary role to Ms. Zhang's coming-of-age story. Now a world traveller and accomplished journalist, Ms. Zhang is full of political insights about the era of her youth. "The 1980s was a big missed opportunity," she notes in an interview. "Political reform is now off-limits. Though people enjoy far more personal freedom – it is freedom to make money, not political freedom. Politically, China is still a cage – but the cage is so big that people don't feel its limits." Perhaps that should be the subject of her next book.

April already

It is April, but the weather just like January, cold and rainny. When I left Iowa, I would say one of reasons for the move was that I had a hard time in winter. My right leg arthiritis killing me through the entire winter, though I dressed myself with every possible clothes I found, just imagine a panda, which was me vividly then. Living in Northwest, I tried to live with the rain, most time fine, since there are mountain, seafood, water etc. But, I know, now, I am ready to wrap up my chapter and start the next one.

Patience, is never a good visual charater inside of me. But so far, life has truely tested me on this. I tried very hard to keep myself busy, sometimes even in sane. oh, do not get me wrong, no compalining here, I'd rather to be busy than boringly wonder and wait. The new quarter class is Strategic Management, taught by a Oxford graduate Prof. Her English accent totally reminds me of Melissa Albeck, one of my fun nice international friends, currently move back to London. My last quarter Advanced Financial Accounting, I was not happy with my final grade. The prof. challenged me to retake another final, if good grade, replace, if not, I will stuck with new grade. aha, what a heck(is this a cursing word, hope not)! The more people challenge me what I can complish, the more I will take in and tell them that they are wong. so, I made a "deal" on this. In May, I will retake a final. This quarter's readings are fun and A LOT. Talking about killing my printer, enn, I think I need not only buy more papers, but a new printer. I found myself that my fast-reading skills get improved.

Today, PMI told me that I got my membership. So, I am going to proceed to take PMP test. www.pmi.org This is the best Project Management credencial ever in the world. It is not just like a test you need to prepare. You need to have years experience and required training(and continuing trainings). I want to challenge myself to this test to give me a level that where I am in PM. I am sure these study and busy schedule will occupy me during this waiting time.

Am I making this blog like a laundry list? Here are some fun reading I did. Lately just read many good books.
Buffett biography
Bring your whole self to work from Harvard Business Review
Beyond Olympics

Keep a cheerful up-lifting spirit!

waiting, waiting......

The first week of Feb. I was in PA, meeting with all the people who could potentially give me an opportunity to get close to my next step of career. I fully prepared for several months. I would say that was a successful trip, plus, I tried my best. The result should come out on March 17th, and, the status is on-hold. With so much expectation, I have put hold many things and waiting, now, more waiting...

It appears that to make things happen, that could be more unexpected and hurtles. Well, cheer up and be proactive. I am waiting, positively.

Take initiatives!

Cold weather, reminds me of old days in Iowa. I caught a bad cold and still fight for getting back to a normal me.

I am more and more assure that this is what I want to pursue. I do not like to choose "safe life" but go for adventuresome. This is my life, that I am responsible to take initiatives and make happen.

I found myself reach the peak of my language skills that I definitely need to improve it. So, guess what I did --- adding more agenda to my schedule :) I add one hour one-on-one meeting with UW language center to working my speaking on Monday before my 4 hours length class, as well as two hours speaking on Thursday. Well, so far manageable!

While I am working on my statement, I should get ready for the trip. Tell you the truth, I am little bit nervous. I pray that I will do well and present the true me. It is an opportunity, an great opportunity!! I want it very much.

Current reading: "How we compete" by Suzanne Berger, a cool book.

Busy schedule, but, Love it!!

I always know that I do not like the plain day in and day out routine, but fond of a little bit "Chaos" to lighten up the day. If you just take a glance of my week, not bad, right?!

Besides the full-day crazy working on the CFD project(check out http://www.cfd.wa.gov new project I am developing now).
Jan. 7th 6:30-10:00p.m. Class: Accounting for Business Decision, it went till 10:30p.m. A great class, not the boring theoretical one but practical to every day thing. It reminds me the book I ready couple years ago
Jan. 8th 6:00-7:30p.m. New Year first time ToastMaster session, interesting, but not decide if I will join in right away or wait a little bit. I want to improve my public speaking skills. After that, I went to Tuesday small group. Due to too many commitment and schedule(plus these couple month class), I seriously consider to drop out Tuesday group since I have Sunday group. I think I will need to make the decision soon.
Jan. 9th got a break, dinning out with Arash
Jan. 10th Big Brother Big Sister hosting a thank you mentor gathering and invited me to attend; catch my study and reading
(interesting moment: probably only happen for me :) I sat next to two guys who talked with me about their volunteer experience. As we chat long, I asked if they are school councilors since they did look like one. One looked at smiling, sorting of weird grin, responsed "I am lutenent Governor." eeeeeee
Jan. 11th plan to be like a kid, spending couple hours in downtown "wind up here" toy store to play for a while before heading back to my study
Jan. 12th going to Portland visiting my ELIC friend Saltzman family

If you ask me, wow, too many things, but I really enjoy it.

Current listing: The Age of Turbulence by Greenspan

Current reading: This is your brain on music by Levitin



Waiting is the biggest test on me for the news. It really challenges me now.

Happy New Year to you and may you realize your dream this year!!

This is the year of 2008. Ten years ago I came to this country, never planning to stay in US this long. I guess that you could never live on your exact plan.

Last night, I sat living room trying to keep myself awake to enter the new year not in sleeping style. I looked at back what happening in 2007, and listed 5 things that I hope to happen in 2008. It is I that should take initiatives and go for it.

Talking to mom is always special, who has been patiently listening to me over two hours on the phone. In the end, she said "...., you deserve a great year in 2008. Do not let other things stop your dream!" I will remember that.


Today, I am working on the documents. I pray that this week I could get some news from MIT. The interview invites have started to send out. I am very anxious now.

Do not stop your steps!