2008/04/30

回家回家回家機票訂好了!!!!!Ticket for HOME BOOKED!

耶耶耶耶耶耶耶~簡直是太開心了!!!!!!

各位看官,西低~~~九月一號我就會跳上飛機飛回家,九月三號周三凌晨(討厭的時差....)五點半現身台北CKS機場~
請大家該要抱貓咪來的該要帶紅酒來的該要來鋪紅地毯的該要送鮮花的該要來當苦力搬東西的

一個都不要給我漏掉~~~~~

然後,我會在台灣玩耍到九月二十二號再滾回來迎接開學.....

BACK TO HOME
Sep.1 20:15 Chicago O'Hare==> Sep.1 22:40 San Francisco (AA)
Sep.2 01:35 San Francisco===> Sep.3 05:30 TAIPEI C.K.S.!!!!!(China Airline)

Back to the U.S.....
Sep.22 23:10 Taipei C.K.S.==> Sep.22 19:20 San Francisco (China Airline)
Sep.22 23:56 San Francisco==> Sep.23 05:56 Chicago O'Hare(AA)

在美國怎麼/跟誰訂機票?Where & How to book a Flight from the U.S.
六福旅行社 USA GATEWAY TRAVEL
Ms. Grace Tang
PHONE 1 888-241-6688 1-800-887-6883
E-MAIL: GRACE.CVG@GTTTRAVEL.COM

2008/04/28

Amazing Grace



Amazing Grace
John Newton (1725-1807), Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

The One Who Do Care

Is proactive; Shows up "by accident;"
Is respective; Cares the things that matter to you.
Really.

2008/04/26

愛的代價 Price of Love- Second Story Festival@Webster's Wine Bar




I went to the Second Story Festival with Ann tonight at Webster's Wine Bar to meet two of her long time great friends. One of them is a warm, talented black woman she worked with in Washington DC, and one of the storyteller tonight; the other is Candy, a Taiwanese girl Ann knew since young in Texas.

The appetizers we had there were all amazingly tasty, but unfortunately I only remember one of the dish's name- Pate. I also loved their coffee moose, our desert. It made me feel like in heaven~ However, what touched me most tonight was the stories told by the five storytellers. Their story ranged from lesbian issues, break-up couples, father and daughter, and love affairs outside of marriage. To me, every single story centered one very basic, important yet complicated theme: LOVE.

"To love," I couldn't help but toasted my second wine with the girls.
I wish I could write down my feelings at that very moment, really!

And on my way back, this famous song- Price of Love- hit me, echoing in my mind again and again....
Let's go, let's go, you have to learn how to grow up
Let's go, let's go, you have to undergo some pain, some struggle
in life sometimes anyways
Let's go, let's go, find a home for your own heart
You've cried, you've gotten broken heart
But that's the price of love....


Webster's Wine Bar
1480 West Webster Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0608
Close to Metra Clybourn station. Direction from Clybourn to Webster's
No Photo ID check, no entrance fee for the bar
For the Second
Story Festival show, we paid $15 each including 4 red wine tasting.
Food was FANTASTIC, but the charge did not include in our $15.

愛的代價  唱:張艾嘉 作詞:李宗盛 作曲:李宗盛
記得年少時的夢嗎 像朵永遠不凋零的花
陪我經過那風吹雨打 看世事無常 看滄桑變化
那些為愛所付出的代價 是永遠都難忘的啊
所有真心的 痴心的話 永在我心中雖然已沒有他

*走吧 走吧 人總要學著自己長大
走吧 走吧 人生難免經歷苦痛掙扎
走吧 走吧 為自己的心找一個家
也曾傷心流淚 也曾黯然心碎 這是愛的代價*

也許我偶爾還是會想他
偶爾難免會惦記著他
就當他是個老朋友啊
也讓我心疼 也讓我牽掛
只是我心中不再有火花
讓往事都隨風去吧
所有真心的 痴心的話
仍在我心中雖然已沒有他

*

Spring's coming! Wendy should....

Find a guy!去找妳的春天啦~ (7 votes)
Fight for a job!給我認真找工作! (4 votes)
Study harder!更奮發念書 (3 votes)
Hike harder!更常去健行 (1 vote )
Spring?Is that edible?春天?可以吃嗎?(1 vote )

What are you thinking, people?
I wish I could meet your expectation, but I doubt it :P
Job and study part seems easier to execute~

2008/04/25

[轉錄] 職業小偷 測戀愛

如果你是一個職業小偷,受雇去取一份機密文件,逃亡計畫已設想妥當,沒有後顧之憂,你會採取何種手法呢??

1.買通警衛,假裝工作人員矇混溜進去偷取
2.挾強大火力直接進去搶
3.月黑風高的晚上破壞保全系統,潛進去偷
4.花兩天時間挖一個地道,直接進入保險櫃










1.買通警衛,假裝工作人員矇混溜進去偷取
你對於目前的戀愛感到徬徨和矛盾,好像少了點安全感,既期待又怕被傷害,不知道勇敢的去愛,還是稍稍的走開。雖然他條件並不差,你總是沒辦法把心交給他,要得到你完全的信任,似乎還要再加把勁兒。

2.挾強大火力直接進去搶
你戀愛哲學是:只要是我喜歡,有什麼不可以。你不排斥條件比你差的情人或異國戀 情,反正只要卯上,你的愛情就像麻辣火鍋一樣燒滾滾,大膽而奔放。

3.月黑風高的晚上破壞保全系統,潛進去偷 <=My pick, but I don't think it's me =.= How about you guys?
雖然你的內心飢渴難耐,但是卻極力保持冷酷的外表。你再「悶騷」下去,當心得內傷!對付你這種假道學的人,只能化被動為主動,才能讓你卸下面具。

4.花兩天時間挖一個地道;直接進入保險櫃
你的愛情不及格,只有托兒所程度,時常表錯情而不自知,又左思右想的裹足不前,丘比特碰到你也傷腦筋。

Wendy E-News-[The warmest Spring greetings from Chicago!]

Dear my lovely friends,

Warmest Greetings from Wendy in Chicago!
How is your spring time going? Are you ready for some update from Wendy?

Of course I'll start with this- Study again.

My second quarter ended around late March, and I've enrolled in the third round- Spring quarter- already. This term of struggle will keep me busy till early June.

As expected, "Database Marketing & Analysis" and "Marketing Finance" occupied most of my time and strength for the previous quarter. "Media Economics & Technology" and "Stakeholders & Community" together with the two quantitative courses overwhelmed me in the end of the quarter with 4 giant group projects plus 4 terrifying final exams. I once had 3 consecutive meetings from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and I was not special. My classmates had handful horrible experiences like that in that period of time. So, yes, we celebrated crazily short after the hell quarter finally came to an end. Who would love to have 15 hrs marathon discussion on cases ever again?

What made the Spring quarter special was that I could customize my courses, finally. I choose the "Brand & Communications" concentration instead of the quantitative "Analysis & Insight." So my collection of courses, besides the common "Media Law, Policy & Ethics," includes "Brand & Advertising Solutions," "Marketing Public Relations" and a quantitative "Marketing Mix." I had fun so far, although the horrible group project storm is destined to get closer and closer to me again. (We have 3 client projects this time) On top of that, I have assignments coming to me almost regularly- at least two each week..... But, well, I've paid so much to be here, I will try to get the most ROI!

Additionally, I went for another Kellogg Greater China Business Conference last weekend. "Make the best out of Northwestern" is one of my motto, you see. :) I felt excited about the topics they covered, and it indeed was amazing to be here but connect with the market dynamics over there in another end of the world!


Come on, Wendy's not always studying, I had FUN!
I didn't visit any other city during my spring break. I spent time just here, relaxed, witnessed two snow storms in late March....

I stayed at home watch Japanese drama, cook, surfing the Net, or just did nothing. When a friend came for a visit, we went downtown walk around, and I enjoyed a spring hiking in the Starved Rock State Park at the end of my Spring break. I realized the precious value of peacefulness and stability during that period of time. I might be a little bit lonely in town, but life could still be beautiful.


Lastly, big issue, my internship
I have decided to involve in the Global Residency project arranged by Medill IMC program. It works this way:

6/16-7/06 Take courses in Evanston, do research on the company and the project
7/07-7/18 Go on site in Yum! Brand China Division in Shanghai, responsible for KFC's summer beverage promotional program for youth
7/19-8/29 Back to Chicago, keep contact with clients in Shanghai, prepare final proposal

Among 80 classmates, 20 of us will involve in the Global Residency project, and we'll work in 4 teams for 3 American companies all based in Shanghai.

My teammates include another Taiwanese girl, a Russian girl and an American. Expecting one more person~ Sounds cool?

This will be my first time to go to Shanghai, but the second time to China (I've been to Beijing before) Please let me know if you have any advice and suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.

Lastly, I am planning to go back to Taiwan in September after my residency is over, and will stay for 3 weeks meeting family and friends. I can't wait for that day to come!!! I will need to come back to the U.S. again for my final fall quarter though.....

Spring in Chicago is not yet so warm, still windy, sometimes chilly, but the sunny sky has cheered most of us up. Hope the place you are right now is also full of the fragrance of lovely spring :)

Take Care!

2008/04/24

陳小弟第一次自己策劃帶外國人逛大街啦~

身為姐姐的我,說甚麼都要覺得很驕傲的啊:D

第一篇: 周末要陪外國人出去玩~~~
...這是我第一次完全接手一個接待外國人的機會啊。開始的時候,真的會很煩躁,因為看看平常這麼多大小事情已經讓我沒什麼時間玩樂,要帶別人去玩樂,又是一個外國人,完美的自我要求下,突然會很抗拒。

不過後來,慢慢的找到資源,有中銘願意跟我一起當地陪,還有映嵐願意幫我翻譯我的破英文,更重要的,還有一個很厲害的旅遊規劃小組在背後提供資源...加上姊姊願意在背後給我加油打氣,說真的,走到現在,雖然還是慌亂的狀況,可是一切也都還算有個譜,堅持真的很重要!!!!!...

第二篇: Robin來台灣~~~我想這篇是感謝文
...其實說到台灣旅遊,我好像沒有把台灣玩得很透徹呢,這次去的地點,除了陽明山、淡水之外,宜蘭、鶯歌甚至於101頂,對我來說都是新 地點,而且開車真的猛累,而且油錢嘩啦嘩啦的像水一般流去,好在有中銘跟我一起分擔當地陪的部分...
...當然第二天的加一地陪--嵐嵐姊,也一定要提到一下囉,紮實的英文+很會找話題的開放功力,對我而言,這樣便大大的減輕了溝通上的許多壓力。...
有一就有二啊老弟,火坑就是這樣跳的!Good Job!

2008/04/22

Got Tech Anxiety? New Northwestern IMCers?

“Oh my goodness! Medill sent me a long list of required hardware and software to buy! How can I manage all these?”

Hold on, hold your breath new students. Let me give you some real idea on what you need for IMC program

  • Hardware:
    • Laptop: You absolutely need one. The recommended list seems complicated, but the main idea is “get a laptop you like, get a laptop that works.” Some additional suggestion includes:
      • Our data intensive program will make your laptop work on several SPSS or SAS projects. Make sure your laptop processor meets the standard
      • You definitely need wireless connection
      • What if you are a loyal Mac user? Feel free to be one still! The major problem you may encounter is our IT staff has limited knowledge about Mac. Also, some software, such as SPSS, may not be so compatible on Mac.
      • Some classes introduce students to run Second Life, which requires higher system requirement. It is highly recommended, but not a must.
    • Do I need an earphone, a microphone, a webcam for my laptop? No one got killed when he/she does not have one.
    • Do I need an iPod, a digital camera, and/or a DV? These help IMC students on producing several projects, but you will still survive if you don’t have them. Additionally, most projects students worked on were group projects. Chances are…at least one of your team member gets something for you to borrow!

  • Software:
    • System: Mac, Microsoft XP, Microsoft Vista all work fine. Feel comfortable to use the system running in your native language.
    • You must have:
      • MS Office- doesn’t matter if it is 2003 or 2007 version.
      • SPSS- we use versions from 11 to 16. Everyone survives.
    • If you have this, your life may become even easier:
      • Windows Movie Maker or other video editing software
    • What skills do I need regarding software?
      • SPSS: Don’t panic! Professors here are so nice and they will teach you how.
      • Excel: Unfamiliar with it? Take some time to google on “Excel Tutorial,” you will find this helpful.
      • Powerpoint: For numerous projects you may work on, you have to be good friend with it.
      • If you also know how to use video editing software like Windows Movie Maker, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or some more, you will enjoy your fantastic IMC life!

2008/04/21

W報報之【芝加哥也到春暖花開的時節,Wendy報報又來囉~】

各位敬愛的前輩、各位親愛的好朋友們,好久不見!

沒錯,我在美國雖然天天累到劈啪喘但是依然活力十足的活著。
距離上次與各位連繫以來,我在團團轉的究竟是甚麼事呢?

首先,學業。
第二個學期(2008年1月底至3月底)早就過完了,現在的我已經在第三學期(2008年4月初至6月初)的掙扎裡打滾。
第二學期的「資料庫處理」與「行銷經濟學」一如所預料佔據了我大多數的時間,另外的兩門課「媒體經濟學」與「股東關係與社群經營」的後期發展則與前述兩科結合讓我陷入了空前恐怖的期末團體報告+期末考試風暴!還記得有個周六我從上午九點連開三個會到晚上十一點,而環顧四周同學,人人都有滿手這樣讓人連抱怨的力量都沒有的經驗。最後一個資料庫的報告我們還有馬拉松式15小時討論的歷史紀錄!期末考完的那剎那,大家真的抱起來大叫慶祝地獄生活的結束啊~~~

結束了前兩個學期的所有共同必修,第三學期開始我們各選專門開始客製化自己的課程。
我最後還是選擇了Brand & Communications(品牌與傳播)而不是資料導向的Analysis & Insight(資料分析與洞悉),所以除了一門共同科目的「傳播法規倫理學」以外,我另外選了兩門「品牌與廣告決策」、「行銷公關學」及一門稍為資料導向的「行銷組合」。上了三周課程目前為止的心得是:學得真痛快!雖然地獄般的期末報告風暴又已經開始響起警報(這次有三門課的案子都是企業委託案),老師們「分散風險」的教學風格更讓我從這周開始每周有至少兩個報告截稿,但是看在學費都已經花了這麼多的份上,咬牙,也是要過啊!

如果你又好奇我是否還有再參加甚麼其他的大型會議,感謝西北大學Kellogg商學院的豐沛資源,我這周末剛剛參加完大中華區商業會議,讓自己雖然人在美國,也能了解世界另一端大熱點中國市場的動態,划算!

接著,玩樂。
我的春假很悠閒的在芝加哥度過。三月底的芝加哥還下過兩場大雪,我於是在那樣的時候乖乖待在家裡看日劇、煮好吃的、上上網寫寫生活心得純放鬆。中間當然也有朋友來訪的時候,也趁春假的尾巴跟朋友開車去芝加哥南邊一點健行。那個假期裡我更體會、更珍重生活中平靜、安穩的價值。
就算只有我與一兩個朋友待在Evanston,生活也還是很美麗。

最後,大家最關心的實習。
我的暑假計畫已經大勢底定了,我參與系上新規劃的Global Residency(國際實習)計劃,將在6/16-8/29期間用部分的時間在美國上課、準備,部分的時間前往上海某家公司與當地員工一同工作。
6/16-7/06 我在芝加哥上課、準備文件、透過視訊等與上海端通聯
7/07-7/18 我在上海Yum! Brand 負責KFC肯德基的夏日飲品推廣案
7/19-8/29 返回芝加哥,持續與上海端互動,準備期末提案報告
我們整班80人中有20人參與Global Residency計畫,共分四組人馬(四個專案)為三家美商企業工作。
我的team裡面有兩個台灣人(含我)、一個俄羅斯人、一個美國人,未來可能還會再多一位夥伴。
這樣的機會聽起來很有趣吧?
這會是我第一次前往上海,第二度踏上中國的土地(前一次去北京),
歡迎各位經驗豐富的前輩不吝賜教分享您的心得與指點,我一定虛心受教。

講到暑假,想必大家同樣會關心「那你會不會回來台灣過暑假?」
我預計在8/29實習結束過後返台,將會停留約三周到西北再度開學前。
雖然時間不長,我在台灣的時候會十分期待能有機會與各位親朋好友碰上一面,
日期更加確定以後再向各位補充報告囉!

芝加哥的春天還在攝氏6-15度間徘徊,不過晴朗的天空已經讓每個人的心情都愉悅起來了。
希望在你那一端,也是春光明媚,讓你心情保持輕鬆愉快 :)

大家保重!

Wendy

2008/04/20

Greetings from NTUMUN in Puebla, Mexico!

今天媽媽在線上除了告訴我愛爾蘭人Robin今晚抵台要來我們家拜訪的消息,還興高采烈的告訴我:
你又收到一張明信片了耶!墨西哥來的!我打內容給你看:

親愛的學姊:
不知現在身在國外的您收到我們來自Puebla的祝福時 已經相隔多久了
謝謝學姐您長久以來對我們的幫助與照顧呢
也希望您在世界各地都能平安順利

Puebla實在是一個很美麗的城市
永遠具有她美麗多變獨特的風情
希望透這一張卡片能將這份感動與歡喜同你分享

全體代表模聯學弟妹敬上
還記得出國開會要寄明信片回國給學長姐這個習慣,就是我們這屆創下的。

前往巴西的那年,我們大家都親眼見證了名信片狂Thomas寫到天荒地老寫到手斷掉眼睛茫掉仍不善罷甘休的狠勁,我在去德國的那年出國前於是就蒐集了好幾個學長姐與同學的地址,在德國各地一張張挑,一張張寫上地址,一張張傳給每個成員簽名,然後千里郵遞回家鄉問候沒能與我們同行的模聯人。

在幹部交棒前,我們於是也傳遞了這個不成文的習俗給下一屆、再下一屆。我們當時的期望並不高:「如果能夠寄給上一屆,或頂多上兩屆你們還認識的學長姐就好了;或者你們要以『仍在校學長姐』做為範圍標準也行。」然而幸運如我,幸福如我,除了巴西、德國、埃及自己寄出的明信片以外,2005的英國愛丁堡2007的瑞士日內瓦、2008的墨西哥Puebla(我還沒看到本尊~),我原來又已經跟著大家征戰了那麼多地方啦~

Thank you all.
Puebla Rocks, so does NTUMUN, always!

意外

一點也不意外,你在
稍微有點意外,你向我走來

世界很小,小到居然會把意外的人調來轉去的都一起擠去了上海
而我們溝通的語言,依舊,反映了我們向來奇特的溝通模式
使用那與我們的相似背景如此斷裂的形態

如果有些前提與現狀不同
或許這些偶然,這些意外在我的詮釋中會是 神奇妙的安排
祂果然奇妙,可惜我橫豎無法欣然承擔那潛在的多方傷害
所以我對於你的友善你的慷慨
除了沒真的說出口的婉拒,還有....
我相信你懂、你也明白


上海,機會之都上海
唉...

2008/04/19

murmuring....

1. Dance of Alvin Ailey made me happy and made me down. I love their dance, and feel so lost that I can only enjoy it myself but not share the emotion with someone important...

Seriously, I have so much to tell about the show, if someone's there with me.

From 080418-Alvin ...

2. It's hilarious to know that C thought I had a BF in the beginning of the fall quarter, and that person she described was.... :)

Oh, the beautiful old day. The sweet and bitter memory.

3. I could feel the "pink" in C & A's talk, and honestly, my reaction was jealousy.
Of course you deserved the happiness! I would be happy for you if it's real pink.
I just felt lonely about..... something I was once so close to, but soon was so away from.....


Stay strong. Move on.

2008/04/17

為妳,天天迫切禱告

不誇張,我對妳的處境帶有非常的負擔。睡前或者在路上行走的時候,我都會跟天父把拔熱切的禱告懇求,因為我相信祂聽禱告,祂聽禱告!

連我對其他事情的禱告,都因此而更加得力了起來。 :)
奇妙!奇妙!

Girl, go for it! Best wishes and blessings are always on your side!

2008/04/16

Semana Santa 2008 西班牙的復活節

在巴塞隆納的琬梅又有最新文化觀察力作啦~請看他的西班牙復活節筆記!

Monas de Pascua 復活節巧克力公仔(我亂翻的),El Lunes de Mona 復活節巧克力玩偶之星期一(還是我亂翻的), 據說只在加太隆尼亞地區才有喔。傳統上每個"教父"在這天星期一,今年2008年是3月24日...都要買一個巧克力公仔送給"教子"喔。在西班牙這個天主教的國家,雖說年輕一輩虔誠的教徒已經不多,但是教父教子的傳統還是普 遍存在低~這是一個小朋友們,也就是所謂的教子們最開心的節日,有可愛的巧克力小人偶可以收藏可以品嘗耶!當然,已經長大成人的教子還是可能會收到老老教 父的巧克力玩偶禮物,可能有點丟臉,但總是一份的心意~
.....
除了巧克力,還有一種復活節一定要吃的傳統點心叫做Buñuelos,口感很像泡芙,長得也像泡芙,有無內餡的單純口味,也有甜鹹口味,甜的有奶油阿巧克力阿,鹹的我吃過鱈魚口味。另外還有一種傳統的復活節蛋蛋糕,就是簡單的蛋糕中間放上一顆白煮蛋,口味很樸實吧。
.....
詳情在這裡:MAISIE: Semana Santa 2008 西班牙的復活節

琬梅的其他西班牙節日慶典故事在這裡,保證精彩、圖文並茂值得一看喔!

2008/04/14

生命,就該花費在美好的事物上-P.F. Chang's & Prairie Moon

禮拜五的傍晚,我漂漂亮亮的出門到downtown Chicago參加系上的Happy Hour,在大好人Aping車上聽了很多有趣的故事一路塞車塞到城裡的結果就是其實Happy Hour都要結束了我們幾個傢伙才剛剛到:P不過High 咖總是有地方可以去,於是跟著ChienYi、Aping、Evan、Andrea一行人跑到附近不遠的P.F. Chang's餐廳大吃九點鐘的周五晚餐。

跟這群人一起的行動真的很歡樂耶!不但是吃了很棒很豐盛的一餐:

CHANG'S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS==>
BEEF WITH BROCCOLI

SPINACH STIR-FRIED WITH GARLIC
CRISPY HONEY SHRIMP
CHOW MEIN BEEF

還有很多Paul Wang與班上一群每上課每笑倒人的東倒西歪故事。而且沒想到我自己也在席間成了大家努力「教育」的下個焦點:「妳!現在開始不准說 完整句!年輕人要跳tone、每句話不可以超過十個字,現在開始練習!」CheinYi非常認真的宣示我的訓練計畫 :P

讓我們來猜猜這個計畫能不能成功吧,各位看倌~


禮拜六的故事則是與完全不一樣的一掛人一起譜寫的。因緣際會下我接受了Martin(DE)的通知與Briana的邀請在晚上十點跟他們及朋友們一同出門到Evanston南端的Prairie Moon參加G-Salsa Party。我那年久失修的舞藝啊.... 在跟Martin跳一支舞以後瞬間漏餡,果真跳舞這種事情是需要持續練習的!不過這個微醺的夜最好玩的部分其實是跟新朋友舊朋友的交談。上次一起去hiking的Soren和Rishi這晚都有出現,我另外又多熟悉了來自加拿大東邊的Derm和來自巴西里約的Eduardo。跟Derm不是第一次打照面了,卻到半年後的這天晚上才真的熟悉起來真是可惜(早一點熟就可以強迫他教我Finance XD),他是一個很健談很友善的大男生,在我第一次倒啤酒出糗後非常大方的教我「課本裡面不會教的正確倒酒方式」而且幫我續杯,同時堅持要我練習倒一次給他看;Eduardo更是不用說了,光是因為他從里約來我對他整個人的形象就「登登登登登」加爆炸多分!沒辦法,誰叫我骨子裡就熱愛巴西、熱愛巴西人!

於是這時候可能又有人要問啦~到底聊甚麼東西可以聊這麼久,從晚上十點多聊到一點多啊?簡單評估一下,我就得到本人的屢試不爽聊天鐵則了:聊我的旅行故事 :) 從我去過巴西這件事==>必聊模聯==>必聊德國、埃及行==>還去過甚麼歐洲國家?==>在瑞士的三個月==>倒推回突尼西亞行==>童軍活動==>日、韓、馬來西亞......你應該感覺得到坐在我旁邊找我聊天閒不下來的狀況了吧?呵呵

兩杯Blue Moon下肚,時間不知不覺「踢答」到了一點半,跟大家一同步出Prairie Moon的時候Derm把左手拱成了圈要我搭著他走,我於是大方的配合,就這麼嘻嘻哈哈的和Derm、和Rishi一路走一路繼續聊,直到除了Martin以外的幾個男生經過1800 Club禁不住誘惑又進去續攤為止 :P

媽媽,你女兒到底是哪根筋不對勁,反而是在這種奇妙的場合奇妙的設定下才覺得放鬆、自在?
You know what I mean.


P.F. Chang's China Bistro(Chicago)
530 N. Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 828-9977
CTA Red Line Grand St.
這個連鎖中式餐廳在很多城市都有分店,我們五個人平攤當晚費用每人$13吃很飽又很滿足!大推!

Prairie Moon
1502 Sherman Ave.
Evanston IL 60201
(847) 864-8328

2008/04/11

很久以前,冷板凳的故事

是我國中同學葉琛告訴我的故事。不過說故事之前,得先聊聊葉琛這個人。

他是一個所謂的問題少年--抽菸、翹課、打架,我也不知道當時的自己到底怎麼跟他變熟的,只能這麼揣測:世界上很多事情自有他奇妙的安排,真的沒甚麼道裡。他是個轉學生(吧?!),從看到他的第一天就知道他從頭到腳沒有甚麼地方告訴人「我是個好孩子。」跟他聊過幾次之後我知道他以前念森林小學,在山野裡長大,他爸爸給他很大的自由,而他也很大方的坦承他濫用他的自由。他在班上沒有多久也就變成壞胚子中心的大哥,用各種大的小的把戲捉弄同學,尤其捉弄女生;他們的把戲有時候也會招呼到我身上來,可是我從小就有的莫名抵抗力讓他們玩沒幾次就知道不好玩,自討沒趣的把力氣放到別人身上去了。對我而言這當然是好事,我樂得輕鬆,而也就在我被這群壞傢伙冷落的同時,葉琛本人反倒是在其他狀況下跟我建立起了良好的交情,他知道我也被一般好人幫冷落的狀態,有時候還會用他特殊的方式問候我好不好。說也奇怪,他反而是在我慘澹的國中生活中,與我交情穩定而持久的一人。

不過如果沒有記錯,葉琛並沒有從我們班上畢業,而又中途轉校了,可是我們奇妙的還持續有聯繫。高中的期間當我還非常固執的堅持甚麼鬼國中同學會都絕對不會去參加的時候,我反而還見過葉琛本人兩次,知道了他離開我們之後的動向,知道了他更多的故事。而從他各種壯烈故事之中,我更認識了這個社會的另外一個層面,很深刻的。冷板凳的故事應該也就是這時候他跟我提起的:他曾經因為家庭因素常常搬家、常常換朋友,愛打籃球的他每到一個新環境就想要快快找到新的球友陪他打球,可是搬家次數太多讓他連找球友的動力都幾乎消失殆盡了。所以他不那麼積極的找了,他等,他到球場邊坐冷板凳。等他有機會上場的時候他就盡情的揮灑,然後他的球技、他的球品自然而然的會幫他找到球友,自然而然的會讓他待在冷板凳上面的日子越來越少。

「妳知道嗎?我於是弄懂了一件事:當你有點斤兩但是沒有運氣(沒有被發掘)的時候,不要怕坐冷板凳。如果你真的是一個重要的角色,只要給妳一次揮灑的機會,冷板凳就會讓給別人坐了。
要有耐心,要相信自己。如果真的都沒人來發掘妳,那是他們的損失啊~」

葉琛很認真、很認真的這麼告訴我。然後繼續抽他的煙,讓我跟他都再次陷入沉思裡。

最近的生活依舊忙碌,依舊有看不完的書,我也依舊會偷懶會分心會不務正業。可是我也還是掌握機會來分享我所知道的、所學到的、所想到的,然後在一個又一個的小小事件中,我發現了三不五時的有人會主動來把我拉離冷板凳,而他們對我說的話、對我做的事,都讓我感恩得想大喊哈利路亞:)

而且真的,親愛的已經不知道漂流到哪一國去的葉琛,這每一件每一件的小小事都讓我想到你,和你對我說的那番話。你,好嗎?

2008/04/09

Integrated Marketing Top Issue on Sr. Marketers’ Minds

Integrated marketing communications was ranked as senior marketers’ top priority - for the second year in a row - according to an annual survey by the Association of National Advertisers conducted to help shape its Annual Conference in October, reports MarketingCharts.

The survey asked senior marketers to choose their top three issues from a comprehensive list and then rank them in order of importance, from one to three. Of the 157 respondents, more marketers indicated a greater concern about integrated marketing communications than any other issue.

Marketing accountability and the importance of aligning the marketing organization with innovation followed closely in the second and third positions.

The following is the list of the top 10 issues, ranked in order of importance:

  1. Integrated marketing communications
  2. Marketing accountability
  3. Aligning marketing organization with innovation
  4. Brand building
  5. Media proliferation
  6. Advertising creative that achieves business results
  7. Consumer control over what and how they view advertising
  8. Attracting and retaining top talent
  9. Globalization of marketing efforts
  10. Multicultural marketing

The results were tabulated by adding up all responses (three for each respondent) and determining which issue was named in the top three by the most marketers.

“The rapidly evolving marketing landscape demands an integrated approach,” said Bob Liodice, president and CEO of the ANA. “The survey findings confirm that integrated marketing is one of the foundational pillars the ANA believes are critical to create a transformed marketing environment.”

The ANA Integrated Marketing Conference, scheduled for May 29 in New York City, will address the issue ranked the top priority by marketers.

----------------------------------------

This is an article forwarded by Professor Tom Collinger, and YES! It did make me feel good and feel proud of what I'm learning here right now. See! IMC is soooo practical and useful :D

2008/04/08

安靜

念書念書念書,永遠無休無止念不完的書。
四周除了我的呼吸聲,仍然只有室友房間的電視聲和偶而一陣的火車行駛聲相伴。

沒有了,沒有了曾經會突然叮叮響起的簡訊音

懷念嗎?多少還是有一點吧....
清晨打開手機曾會偶然出現的那串聲響現在也消失了,
那股傻傻的對著簡訊內容或歎息、或搖頭、或咧開嘴笑的時光也一去不回了

這樣比較好。
真的,對大家都好......

2008/04/07

Tell Gucci to Stop Selling All Fur/請GUCCI停止販賣動物皮毛製品

Please refer to PETA(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals : The animal rights organization) for the original cause: http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/gucci_fur

After hearing from thousands of PETA supporters, Gucci has assured PETA that it will not sell any more seal fur, a product of the vicious Canadian seal hunt—an annual massacre in which hundreds of thousands of terrified baby seals are clubbed to death and many are skinned alive. This is a step in the right direction, but PETA now wants Gucci to stop peddling pelts from all animals. By selling real fur, Gucci is responsible for promoting fur as well as promoting the horrors of the entire fur industry, which have been documented on video.

The fur industry is violent and bloody, and the simple fact is that the terror and pain experienced by a seal clubbed to death on the ice floes of Canada is akin to the suffering of a mink who is genitally or anally electrocuted on a fur farm, a desperate wolf who is trapped for days in a bone-shattering steel-jaw trap, or a cat or a dog who is skinned alive for fur on a Chinese fur farm.

Please let Gucci know that the time has come to switch to fabulous synthetics and natural fibers. Tell Gucci that no matter where the fur came from, every fur item that Gucci sells represents unimaginable suffering.

Personalized letters always work best. Feel free to use the following text, but your message will carry more weight if you write your own customized message and subject line.
_____________________________________________________________

Thank you for not selling seal fur. While I was pleased to see that you've decided not to support the barbaric slaughter of marine mammals, please know that as long as you continue selling any fur, you are supporting horrific cruelty to animals. Gucci can do better!

Please make the compassionate, ethical decision to stop selling all fur.
Whether it comes from clubbing baby seals, electrocuting minks on fur farms, or crushing lynxes' legs in steel-jawed traps, every fur item that Gucci sells represents unimaginable suffering.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

______________________________________________________________

Please use the form below to send an e-mail to Robert Polet, the chair,
president, and CEO of Gucci.

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/gucci_fur


以下內容來自 PETA http://www.peta.org/
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals : The animal rights organization
人道對待動物協會 : 動物權組織
==============================================================

一人一信 請GUCCI停止販賣任何動物毛皮製品   


在聽見數千PETA支持者的聲音後,GUCCI向PETA保證不會再賣海豹毛皮,這些毛皮來自惡毒的加拿大海豹獵捕行動---一場數百數千隻驚恐的海豹寶寶被用棍棒打死,甚至很多被活活剝皮的年度大屠殺!!!這是對的方向,但現在PETA要求GUCCI停止販賣來自任何動物的毛皮。藉由販賣真皮,GICCI必須為促銷真皮及促進整個恐怖毛皮工業而負責,上述事情已由以下影片證實: http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=furfarm

毛皮工業既殘暴又血腥,很簡單的事實真相,一隻被棍棒打死於加拿大浮冰上的海豹所經歷的恐慌與痛苦,與在毛皮農場被從生殖器或肛門電擊致死的貂、被捕獸夾壓碎骨頭困住數天的絕望狼兒、或在中國毛皮農場被活活剝皮狗貓所遭受的痛苦,是不相上下的!

要讓GUCCI知道,現在已是必須轉換至使用技術驚人之合成材料與天然纖維的時代。告訴GUCCI,不管毛皮來自何種動物,GUCCI販賣的每件毛皮製品都訴說著難以想像的痛楚與苦難。

私人信件總是效果最佳。請隨意使用下列文字,但若您能自行編纂信件內容及標題,這封訊息將會更備受重視。

_____________________________________________________________

親愛的決策者:

感謝您們不再販賣海豹毛皮。當我很高興看到您已決定不再支持野蠻的海洋哺乳動物屠殺時,也請您了解,只要繼續販賣任何毛皮,您仍在支持殘殺動物的殘酷行為。相信Gucci可以做得更好!

請做出停止販賣任何毛皮此等富同情與人道的決定。不管是來自被棒打的海豹寶寶,在毛皮農場被電擊的貂,或被捕獸夾壓碎四肢的山貓,Gucci所販賣的每件毛皮製品都訴說著動物們難以想像的痛苦。

誠摯的 ______ 敬上
__________________________________________________________

請使用以下表格以寄送電子信件給Gucci總裁及執行長Robert Polet。
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/gucci_fur

===========================================================

只要填右邊框框的EMAIL和姓名 再按左下角的 SEND THE MESSAGE 即可!!!
請大家幫忙轉錄!! 救救這些可憐又無助的動物們!!!! 只需要不到一分鐘!!!!
謝謝大家!!!!!!!!!

2008/04/06

Friday Night & Saturday Wonder

"Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day," was a featureless movie that described a dramatic day for a middle age lady in London. Her story was not so special, but everything she encountered was so touching and close to my heart. I felt her surprise, her sadness, her affection, and her disappointment throughout the time. And, the ordinary yet poetic ending made me smile. It also strengthened my positive belief about relationship. :)

This, on my original plan, would be the happy ending of my Friday night with Serena. We two girls cooked and ate dinner together before the movie. FYI, our dinner was so nutritious with diverse veggies, orange juice and pear as fruit!

Thanks to Ann's surprising invitation, I took the 10:38 SafeRide and went to her place for another tiny, entertaining party!

I know, I know, we're crazy.

Ann, Ivan, Matt and I were there together drinking wine, eating egg rolls and other yummy snacks while playing games, listening to music and chatting. We played Jinga and Scrabble. Girls team was beaten by the boys horribly when playing Scrabble. Matt, an English undergrad major and an always talented guy, was overwhelmingly professional, and Ivan was surprisingly powerful, too!

Hmmm, maybe we should drink a little bit more next time, Ann?

When I became sober in Saturday afternoon, Kelly and Nina invited me to join them for some workout in the gym. So we went, sweat on the equipments and saunaed, happily and healthily return to Rui Wang's place to pick up some software Nina needed. This not-on-schedule visit brought me to know another great person with her great story. Be positive, be thoughtful, be curious, believe in yourself, be grateful for what you own, be patient, be confident. Don't complain, don't doubt on your own, don't panic. And this last part was from myself: BELIEVE IN GOD!

It is true that she's lucky, but what makes her lucky- I believe- results from her correct, positive attitude. I reflected myself when she was making her points, and pleasantly, I felt the deep relief after the visit.

I shall believe in myself as well.
I shall believe in my choice and embrace whatever (hardship) comes to me.
She can make it, so can I!

SO CAN I :)

2008/04/04

留美國際學生保險-Study USA-HealthCare

大家都知道出國唸書學生保險這件事情基本上是一個頭痛的問題,西北的insurance plan申請表格所有新生都看得到,高貴的價格大家也都看得到...... sad

在此我提供一個其他選擇給各位參考,非廣告。任何人加入了我個人都沒有特別好處,放心放心我沒有要拉保險~

廢話不多說,它是Study USA-HealthCare
http://www.travelinsure.com/what/susahigh.asp
好處簡列:
1. 便宜(請自己比價你就知道差多少....)
2. 申請手續簡便:網路上訂購就好
3. 保費月繳月保 (對我這種15個月program的人來說是福音,真的!)

壞處:
1. 太便宜。美國這邊的保險畢竟一分錢一分貨,便宜的相對就是保障沒有像貴的那種那麼周全。個人請自行衡量利弊。

方向/Direction

經過短而密集的討論,參考了美國的、台灣的、家人的、前輩的、朋友的多方意見,方向終於大致底定。

2008年夏,上海我來了!
我已經決定參與系上的Global Residency計畫

分析過了pros & cons,研究過了SWOT。有捨,但是我更積極的期待即將來臨的得。
家人的支持、前輩的鼓勵都告訴我經濟上的短痛就把它當投資吧~尤其這樣的投資是投資在自己身上的。
三叔也評論得中懇:「抓住確信的、有把握的,為甚麼要冒兩頭空的風險?」
立華說得好:「錢的事情都是過去,更需要考量的是長遠的未來。」

很好。心中一顆大石落下,接下來的日子全力衝刺別的事情吧^^

After some short yet intense discussion, and consulting with people from America, from Taiwan, from my family, from other resources, I finally found my direction.

Summer 2008, here I come! Shanghai!
I have made up my mind to involve in the IMC Global Residency

I've analyze pros & cons and done some SWOT. I knew there will be some lose, but I would rather focus on its positive side- the gain. Support from my family and encouragement from seniors all advised me to view the financial issue as an investment- especially when "there is no better investment than investing on yourself!"
Comment from my uncle was quite to the point: "Grab the firm opportunity. Why risk losing both?"
Thomas also inspired me by saying "Money issue belongs to the past. What worth more concern is your long-term plan."

Wonderful! I can start to focus on some other valuable stuff from now on!

Mohwak Flooring, An Interactive Web site to Play With

http://www.mohawk-flooring.com/
Mohawk Flooring, a company that has interior design materials and services, owns the interactive session that engages their (potential) consumers-
My Mohawk "romMMate"
==>direct linke for romMMate:
http://www.mohawk-flooring.com/my-mohawk/my-mohawk-room-mate.aspx

Have fun!

2008/04/02

時間晚了

事情還是沒有做完,又想找個人發發牢騷。
恐怕自己一下子還是習慣不了這樣的歸零,尤其在這不規律而時常得一個人四處飄盪的行程裡。

「要耐得住!」我不斷提醒自己。
而且,時光飛逝,春天的腳步近了呢~

An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

but, Nishant got a better footnote:

If the doctor is good looking,

KEEP THE APPLE AWAY!
To companies who possess, or are passionate about obtaining and maintaining global reputation, Wendy is the diligent and professional digital marketer who is experienced in digital marketing, is always energetic about solving challenges in the new media field to help the business grow, and can optimize her contributions by utilizing her multilingual and multicultural background.