First Present- Bruce Springsteen

Just got it today, after the Super Bowl game. The poster and the "Rolling Stone" magazine was handed quietly, but the silence said it all. I was moved, because I did not expect anything. At the same time, though, I kind of knew that you probably won't show up on Tuesday.

Bruce's performance at Super Bowl wouldn't mean anything to me if you did not introduce him and his music to me some time ago. Super Bowl, as well, might not be so attractive to me if there were not you and the lovely group of friends. Frankly I would say, you opened up some windows for me to explore- about music, about sports, about people, and about life. I sincerely appreciated those, and deeply I knew that the best gift you've given me was far more priceless than just a poster and a magazine.

Yes, we were born to run. We were, we are and we will be working on a dream. How lucky I am to have you on my way to pursue my dream! Cheers!

Born To Run

In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway american dream
At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages out on highway 9,
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
Its a death trap, its a suicide rap
We gotta get out while were young
`cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

Wendy let me in I wanna be your friend
I want to guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs round these velvet rims
And strap your hands across my engines
Together we could break this trap
Well run till we drop, baby well never go back
Will you walk with me out on the wire
`cause baby Im just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta find out how it feels
I want to know if love is wild, girl I want to know if love is real

Beyond the palace hemi-powered drones scream down the boulevard
The girls comb their hair in rearview mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist
I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight
In an everlasting kiss

The highways jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive
Everybodys out on the run tonight but theres no place left to hide
Together Wendy we'll live with the sadness
I'll love you with all the madness in my soul
Someday girl I dont know when were gonna get to that place
Where we really want to go and well walk in the sun
But till then tramps like us baby we were born to run

Wendy's Current Home

Yes, this is the 4th home I have after I came to the US for study.

This is quite a temporary place to stay, so you may find that I do not have too much furniture with me. But it's cozy, it's quite enough for me. Really :)

Only Hope- Mandy Moore

Phone Calls

One hour phone interview with potential employers. I enjoyed the time talking to them, expressing my interest and my understanding about my capability and potential for their business. To my surprise, I did not have to demonstrate my Japanese language skill during the interview time. I was still delighted about having this opportunity (and excuse) to try catch up a little bit by reading a textbook and watching a movie. And guess what? I prepared my self introductions in Japanese this time. (Should get some formal revise though.... That's the "next step!") Additionally, I was quite delighted and confident to provide the answer about travel and relocation preference: "Are you willing to travel and/or relocate to Singapore or to Tokyo when requested?" "Yes I do."

Thirty minutes phone call with a friend, unexpectedly. Well, not really..... I thought I knew this contact would happen tonight, this way or that. And I was right. My instinct did not lie. Randomly we talked about my interview today, the school work on the other side, Japanese language and a little bit Japanese culture (why?!), and some more random teenage time stuff. Just realized one thing- sometimes it's harder to have this kind of unscripted talk....

Two more phone calls to come. One to a kind alum in East Bay area (resource: LinkedIn), the other to a very talented guy working in a marketing agency(resource: 2009 Kellogg Marketing Conference). I guess I have a lot talkings to do recently, which is wonderful! ^^




Can I admit that I prefer the second kind of talking more.....?

Work Can Be Colorful With Post-It!

EepyBird's Sticky Note experiment from Eepybird on Vimeo.
I found this on 外星人看廣告, hope this entertained you as well! Hey! Don't have too much fun in the office after you see this clip!

Snowing Again

傍晚踱步出門參加活動，獨自，走在大雪紛飛的夜裡。
雪落在我的大衣、毛帽、臉頰上，真正寒的，卻依舊是心。

我想我還是逞強了，說了那些漫不在乎的話；
明明轉過的好幾個角落、踱過的好些個店家充滿的盡是那些杯桄交錯的記憶；
那些並不代表甚麼，卻又代表著些甚麼的生命剪影。
一個人踽踽獨行，在街燈下、大雪中被拉長的身影，耳機裡傳來的音響，誤打誤撞廣島之戀.....

因為珍惜，因為重視，所以放手；
因為目睹著你的苦，因為聽聞著他的漫不在乎，因為感嘆於世界上可笑的無止盡折磨迴圈，我更感覺淒涼。
不懂為甚麼人總是企求自己拿不到的東西，把那些唾手可得的寶貝束之高閣；
不懂自己甚麼時候變這麼堅強，居然默默的希望你得到你想要的，或者希望你也能快快優雅的放手，脫離那種痛苦。

像我一樣：脫離，還原，自在。





還記得第一場雪，有你、有我的那一場；
掌心有杯熱咖啡，拌著奶香、一點點晨光、一點點可頌飄香的那一場。
我也會記得這一場，雖然眼角有點濕潤，可是確信已經豁然開朗的這一場。

愛せなくていいから、ここから見守ってる、あなたが　まだ...

你的名字所代表的童話人物?

你是誰ㄌㄟ？？測測你的名字所代表的童話人物
陳幸妤在此測試中代表的是白雪公主的後母。
http://www.ifate.com.tw/GoodArea/NamStory/input.asp

我是.......

童話人物	俏皮的月光仙子
人物性格	喜歡代替月亮逞罰壞人的月光仙子和滿腔正義氣血的妳很像，都愛打抱不平，為朋友兩肋插刀在所不惜，是朋友們敬愛的對象！ 「心眼小、臉皮薄」並不是妳的特性，相反的妳天生具有源源不絕的熱情及活力，不設防的心容易與人親近，又喜歡幫助別人，因此可以結交到很多朋友。 但你要釐清幫忙與多事之間的分際，不然不如意的結果對你是一個不小的打擊！
法寶	假面的愛
給你的建議	在月光仙子為難或喪失勇氣奮鬥時，晚禮服假面都會適時出現給予幫助或成為月光仙子勇氣的來源，讓她有繼續奮鬥的能力及堅持！ 而妳，在失望時千萬不能忘記妳有比月光仙子更多的勇氣，因為你有很多的朋友在為你打氣加油！ 因為妳的熱情及體貼得到了許多的朋友關心，但要小心時日一久妳可能會以為他們對妳的關心是理所當然的，進而失去了妳原有的可愛，失去了他們妳就形同缺了羽翼的鳥，再也無法翱翔天際！ 所以妳凡事要量力而為，堅持到底，隨時修護勇氣的氣囊！

Happy Chinese "Moo" Year~

From Post-NU Life- from the 3rd party at the evening....

This year, my Chinese New Year celebration came with series of events. I went for a dinner with Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce senior fellows at Friday night, which was also the send off party for Ambassador Thomas Cheng. Great wine and cousin, valuable advices and warm encouragement, I seemed to see some light ahead gradually.

Saturday evening, the night before Chinese New Year's Eve, ROCSAs of Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Chicago jointly hosted a get-together dinner with 140 participants in Chinatown. Most of us, upon request, dressed something red and/or gold to highlight the feeling of celebration. That's why you can see such a bright photo above.

Stories continued. At the same night, I went to two Karaoke parties also in Chinatown- one with mostly Chinese IMC students/alums, the other with mostly Taiwanese IMC + tech students. Many songs mingled to form a colorful night of fun. Similarly, many emotions mixed to form a bizzard night.

Officially, it's Chinese New Year's Eve here in Evanston. I joined Leo, Daphne G., Daniel and Andrew for a dinner at a Japanese restaurant KUNI, and moved for some drinks at Andrew's. We also saw one Nip/Tuck, played Wii tennis and Wii bowling, and watched some Australia Open with Cindy's attendance. On the ride back to my place, Leo, Andrew and I passed the moment when the clock hit 12.

"Happy New Year, guys! It's official now," I said when I opened the door.
The second one without my family, down.

Someone Plz Sing This for Me?

寵壞了

我又想彈鋼琴了。尤其當我如此微醺的時候。

參加了一個event，又認識了一些新朋友，不過本來期待的會面無預警的消失，還是讓我瞬間低盪了。
或許人 真的應該要活得沒有期待，才不會失落，才會更加珍惜突如其來的恩典。

或許我，就是應該永遠維持清心寡慾，才不用在起起伏伏中很容易的迷失自己。

認真的說，這個時候給我彈幾曲隨意流瀉的旋律，我或許就能平復。
可惜，可惜......

[感謝分享]當藝術遇上Gmail

From "當藝術遇上Gmail" at 外星人看廣告

Art + Creativity + Technology!

想到Google第一個直覺總是想到免費功能，但是只是免費個功能不足以吸引消費者前去使用，那麼是什麼吸引你去使用Google推出的各項服務?我想答案應該是簡單及方便操作

上奇廣告(Saatchi & Saatchi)製作團隊正是想要表達出Gmail簡單且方便操作的特性。因此影片中撇除一般華麗炫目的效果而改以「人」的動作去描述網頁操作方式及相關技術，表達的意念就是要告訴俄羅斯的使用者:」Gmail是以人的角度為考量，專門設計給大家使用」。

在嘰哩咕嚕我聽不懂的語言以外傳達的，我覺得還有Gmail的"precision"，這雖然也跟影片中的工作人員動作精準確實有關，不過正如轉錄文章其中一篇回應文所提及的，Gmail擋垃圾信的強大過濾功能，那種precision還有不斷改進服務的dedication也是讓許多Gmail用戶深愛他的原因之一，尤其相較於hxtmail和Yaxoo的垃圾信箱performance而言.....

Enjoy the video~

Power of Piano

People who know me all understand what does this title imply: Yes I was down. Yes I was depressed. So yes, I tried my best to find a piano to play, and I made it! Luckily.

The angel tonight who helped open the door for me to McManus lobby was Jiunwen. She also brought me some hot tea and chocolate. I did not hesitate too long before I started to let the music flow, because I seriously needed to release the fire inside....

Mixed with all the emotions about home, childhood, God, mom, friends and future, my music cried and yelled for me. Jiunwen's company and song order also inspired me to try new songs and to play some long lost rhyms, sometimes long lost movement.

I was recharged, though my problem was not solved yet. It is still dim ahead, but I will find my solution.




Stay, or Go.

About Obama's Inauguration Ceremony

Limelight Networks Reports Record-Breaking Internet Traffic for Today's Inaugural Address:

''Today's inauguration is an example of the global power of the Internet as a platform to unite. Like never before, people from around the world joined together to experience this historic moment,' said Nathan Raciborski, chief technical officer and co-founder, Limelight Networks, Inc. 'Such a powerful, unifying event was exactly what we envisioned eight years ago when we launched our innovative, network-based CDN, and we are pleased that our platform played such a major role in delivering today's ceremony to the world.'"

I was one of the online participants, and I can use my own example to demonstrate the power of this international event: I almost forgot to watch it but luckily was reminded by my TwitterFox messages from Darran in Ireland. Then I logged on to Facebook to view my saved event participation information, figuring out that I should actually go to CNN.com to view the video stream. I did it, and my popped-up screen had a sidebar from Facebook, which allowed me to change my "status" line to share with the world what I am watching. Oh by the way, since I forgot to log off my Facebook page, the new popped-up window automatically recorded my entry and did not ask me to log in again.

I actually saw two sidebars: one from my friends and the other from "everyone who is viewing this from Facebook." The latter one didn't get too much attention from me, but my Swedish friend Lena commented on my status and told me she was watching from Europe, too. My NTU friend Nicole Wu viewed it in Belgium, while another NTU friend Egbert Cheng constently updated his thoughts from Taiwan. I saw many "wows" from my IMC '09 Taiwanese friends in MTC Forum, Evanston when the anchor announced that YO YO MA was one of the performer; same thing happened to my elementary school friend Steven Hsu in New York. Please remember, my TwitterFox is still on, which allowed me to see the comments from Robin in Ireland and David in Los Angeles.

Do you still think I am alone watching the historical moment?

Random Meetup, Unexpected Happiness

I met a new friend last night at a dinner, and we gathered for a Swedish brunch at Ann Sather around Belmont station today. This was totally unplanned, but it ended up as a very pleasant meeting.

After hopped on the L, I bumped into another surprise: Joseph in the ecom PhD program. We chit chatted about my current status and about some friends. As a Belmont resident, he also suggested me what to try in Ann Sather (although I still followed my heart to pick a Swedish Bagel Breakfast instead :P) Anyways, I was so grateful of talking to him and of being cared and valued. Also thanks to him, the journey to Belmont was shortened.

I was quite on time, so was my new friend. The interior design of Ann Sather was quite Scandinavian style (please forgive me of not brining my camera....) and quite cozy. According to Almond, it was frequently crowded, especially on weekends. "Waiting in the long line outside in this kind of winter could be quite killing, you know?" Fully understandable. My Bagel Breakfast was quite different from those I've tried before- it was stuffed with egg, bacon and other ingredients. Additionally, it came with a fresh fruit bowl (healthy!). I liked this new discovery, and felt bad about failing to finish the entire serving. Well, I will be back! (with camera!!)

Unplanned again, we headed downtown for a movie: Slumdog Millionaire. Frankly, I got little clue about what that movie was about before I went. I just followed my guts and instinct. Some little more: his taste. The storyline of this Indian movie was mostly sad and pathetic, however, luckily, the ending was warm. For so many times I asked myself: "So, where's your right to complain? There are SO MANY PEOPLE living in such bad condition and they are not complaining..." I was so glad that I followed my intuition and took some risk. Otherwise I might never see Slumdog Millionaire in my whole life. Moreover, if I chose to stay home instead, none of these feelings and pleasure would come enrich my day.

From Post-NU Life

Thanks for the kind invitation. Thanks for the unexpected happiness. Thank you Lord, for reminding me of your greatness and your gifts along the way.

Ann Sather
909 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-2378
(Very close to CTA Red/Brown line Belmont station, 3 min. walk)

These Keep Me Busy

1. Job hunting: checking resources from:

• Monster.com
• CareerBuilder.com
• AsianJobs.com
• LinkedIn.com
• Medillink (school career services)
• Craiglist.org
• JobsDB.com
  
• Forwarded info from kind Serena, Tina and other alum
• Targeted company Web site
• Recruiters/recruiting agents: Pasona, Aerotek, Aquent, MRINetwork, Brill Street+ Company
  

2. Trying to meet people and to build up connections:

• IMC alum
• Meetup.com
• Friend's friends
• Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce
• Japan America Society of Chicago
• Kellogg & IMC presentations/events/conferences: 2009 Kellogg Marketing Conference
  

3. Get-together with old friends and meet new friends:

• Dinner with Rie, Jiunwen, 2 Z.F.s and more
• Ski trip to Alpine Valley Resort with Chia-lin
  
• Briana's birthday party
• Wii party at Andrew's
  
• Dinner with IMCers & Draftfcbers

4. Try to learn a lot from news, blogs, articles about branding, about social media, about various industry and about the world.

5. Try to be tough, to be independent, to get used to loneliness......

渴望「每天第一件事」的甜～

偶然戴起耳機聽音樂，深夜的吉他前奏很快的擄獲了我，想要關燈、點起蠟燭、享受靜茹甜甜的聲音甜甜的唱著她最愛的「每天第一件事」。很喜歡「每天分手回家第一件事就是複習，快樂和感動幾比幾；每天都是因為你而看見風和日麗，你為我發明最美的天氣」這一段，彷彿在那個當下我也看見、也感受到了你曾帶來的風和日麗。而我現在，會繼續聽著靜茹，期待下一次風和　日麗。

每天第一件事
梁靜茹　（作詞：姚若龍 作曲：伍仲衡）

你送的燈像在床頭放了星星
讓我每一個夢都閃耀著暖意
在捷運裡 一通貼心的簡訊
趕走了我的藍色星期一

你翻雜誌費心挑選的餐廳
不管它好不好吃 我都笑得滿意
我打了一年還沒送你的毛衣
你介不介意我改打圍巾

每天張開眼睛第一件事就是想你
空氣有草莓的香氣
每天幻想柳橙色的未來蓋在草地
讓我們發明最美的約定

你的周圍太多事要你煩心
就算我幫不了忙 至少讓你放心
我努力克服容易害羞的毛病
敢和你搶著先說我愛你

每天張開眼睛第一件事就是想你
空氣有草莓的香氣
每天幻想柳橙色的未來蓋在草地
讓我們發明最美的約定

每天分手回家第一件事就是複習
快樂和感動幾比幾
每天都是因為你而看見風和日麗
你為我發明最美的天氣

好像新鮮果汁純粹的透明
你在我瑪奇朵上 畫上了一顆心
你是我今天醒來第一個原因
這一次先聽我說我愛你

這一次先聽我說我愛你

Core Values: Family, Hope, Loved

Thanks to Meetup.com, I attended a gathering hosted by Powerful You! Women Network- Evanston branch and talked to some generous women in this area. We played a game to sort out the values those are Very Important/Important/Not Important to me. Then focused on the Very Important pile to find the best 15, later top 10, top 5 and finally the top THREE. There were some hard decisions that I had to make, but my list couldn't be clearer:

From Post-NU Life: Chrystal clear snow flakes on my window

• FAMILY: Will NEVER sacrifice ANYTHING related to my beloved family
  
• HOPE: No hope, no life.
  
• LOVED: I sacrificed "friendship" to be number 4 value but deeply believed that to be LOVED included the desire for friendship and beyond.

Truly, these are the things I live up to. I won't go anywhere without having these "weapons" with me. Almost bursted into tears, I shared with those ladies my final gratitude statement: "I am thankful for my family to support my decision of staying here now. Thankful for their love, and thankful for the hope they gave me."

*Top 4-10: Friendship, Pleasure, Advanture, Health, Romance, Passion, Intimacy

Rip-off Company/position- The Latitude Group

Unfortunately I bumped into another one... AHHHHHHH I HATE THIS! I almost fly over....

The Latitude Group (1 star rating, based on 13 reviews)

5901 Christie Ave. Suite 500
Emeryville, CA 94608

(510) 601-1073

thelatitudegroup.com

ilnana i. (Pleasant Hill, CA) 1 star rating, 1/11/2009

scam...umprofessional..dont waste your time..I walk in and they are watching transformers..Yikes. If you have real job experience and a college education don't waste your gas and time!!

Kelly K. (San Francisco, CA) 1 star rating, 1/2/2009

I gave this company one star because it will not let me put zero.

BIG WARNING to anyone who receives a phone call from this company!!

When I received a phone call from someone at The Latitude Group regarding an interview, I was unfortunately unable to do any research because of my location at the time. I drove out to the site, which was in a very old building that looked more like an industrial warehouse. When I entered the lobby of the office, it was full of other candidates also interviewing for the position. The type of people in there vaired considerably. There were people dressed in jeans, and people in their 40's sitting in the lobby, not people you would typically see interviewing for an "Entry Level Marketing position".

......TONS of bad review from yelp!.....

Wanted

Someone came to the party for you.
Someone brought you what you asked for as a pure gift but not as a compensation.
Someone drove all the way to meet you and to assist you to learn a new skill.
Someone fell lying on your side just because you fell.

Someone, who cares.

[Share]$20 Billion Company CEO... Takes the Bus

Thanks to a friend's kind sharing, I had the chance to read this article and to know more about the different way of demonstrating "leadership" in the East and in the West. To be specific, to learn from the Japanese example of the CEO of JAL(Japan Air Lines): Haruka NIshimatsu. I especially love a comment made by the blogger: "True leadership is humble." I can recall the time when I worked with Jonathan Blum and his team from YUM! Brands for the World Hunger Relief Week. He always respected our ideas and valued our comments; his sincerity touched everyone of us in the classroom when he presented his discoveries in the country in need. As one of the top leaders in the Brands, Jonathan acted just like one of our friends. Never bossy. Read the article below. Watch the clips. Enjoy!

$20 Billion Company CEO... Takes the Bus

With all the talk of corporate jets and massive bonuses for the CEO's of failing companies, here's a jolt of true leadership inspiration. Haruka NIshimatsu, CEO of JAL (Japan Air Lines), is featured in this YouTube clip, and there are many lessons. Perhaps this clip should be forwarded to the likes of Wagoner, Mulally, and Nardelli. Take two minutes to watch this, then we'll return to discuss a bit.



...if interested, continue reading...

KOH＋ 「最愛」 柴咲コウ+福山雅治

最愛
柴咲コウ+福山雅治

夢のような人だから
夢のように消えるのです
その定めを知りながら
捲られてきた季節のページ
落ちては溶ける粉雪みたい
止まらない想い
愛さなくていいから
遠くで見守ってて
強がってるんだよ
でも繋がってたいんだよ
あなたが まだ好きだから
もっと泣けばよかった
もっと笑えばよかった
バカだなって言ってよ
気にするなって言ってよ
あなたに　ただ逢いたくて

初めてでした　これまでの日
間違ってないと思えたこと
陽だまりみたいな　その笑顔
生きる道を照らしてくれました
心の雨に傘をくれたのは
あなたひとりだった…
愛せなくていいから
ここから見守ってる
強がってるんだよ
でも繋がってたいんだよ
あなたが　まだ好きだから
おなじ月の下で
おなじ涙流した
ダメなんだよって
離れたくないって
ただひとこと　ただ言えなくて

いつか生命の旅
終わるその時も
祈るでしょう
あなたが憧れた
「あなた」であることを
その笑顔を　幸せを
愛さなくていいから
遠くで見守ってて
強がってるんだよ
でも繋がってたいんだよ
あなたが まだ好きだから
もっと泣けばよかった
もっと笑えばよかったのかな
バカだなって言ってよ
気にするなって言ってよ
あなたに　ただ逢いたくて
あなたに　ただ逢いたくて

私もその気持ちがあるの...「愛せなくていいから、ここから見守ってる、強がってるんだよ、でも繋がってたいんだよ、あなたが　まだ好きだから...」本當の幸せは二人と一緒に作る物だよ。そんなに好きでも、彼は自分の人生が行きたいたら...

私、遠くて、ここから見守ってる。




まだ好きだから。

Rip-off Company/position- US Marketing Alliance

Why I've always run into this kind of opportunity and got contacted by these people.. :( All I ask for is a good job.....

Report: US Marketing Alliance (USMA), Rancho Cucamonga, Wanis Naguib, Cydor

Category: Sales People

US Marketing Alliance, Rancho Cucamonga, Wanis NaguibUS Marketing Alliance (USMA), Rancho Cucamonga, Wanis Naguib The Real Truth About US Marketing Alliance, Cydcor: Everything is all a lie, You Assume All the Risk Rancho Cucamonga California

*REBUTTAL Individual responds ..Another Scanno complaint

Phone: 909-483-3000/ Fax: 909-483-3019

9227 Haven Ave. Suite 220, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. 91730
Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730
U.S.A.

Submitted: 4/7/2007 2:06:45 AM//Modified: 11/26/2008 2:07:17 PM

Ripoff Report Verified Safe

So lets start from the beginning, First I applied like everyone via the internet. I immediately received a call, was scheduled for a first round interview. I met with a guy named Wanis Naguib. The first round interview last for all of 5 minutes and nothing was really discussed more than the mission of US Marketing Alliance. Which made sense but nothing was discussed of the position being offered. I said all of 5 sentences in my interview, so I was shocked to hear back from them that same day. The admin called me back and said 'Wanis was impressed by you and would like you back for round two...' Meanwhile in my head I'm thinking 'HOW!?' I didn't say anything in the interview. So I agreed to come back. Again not knowing what to expect.

2nd Interview: I had went out on a 2nd interview with a guy that was HIS TOP REP! That was B.S. But he was nice. We spent all day going door to door or aka Business to Business to 'acquire new customers.' Truthfully we walked in unannounced and most of the time we were annoying to most people. One of the most common arguments was we the 1 million'th person to solicit them on merchant processing. Which at the end of the day I determined was a shady industry. To many people loose money while people like IMS and Intuit company and Cydcor, US Marketing Alliance make their money.
Lets talk about the people who loose money, First, the companies that we saw. I could tell that IMS is a broker like everyone else screwing people out of money for Visa and Mastercard. Next, the field rep-the very same job I was on an interview for. This JOB IS 100% Commission. Which isn't that bad but we only make a one time commission, and all gas, cell, every other expense is all on me. So I ASSUME ALL THE RISK!.... continue

Thoughts on "Hey Google, Facebook: I've Got Some Resolutions For You"

The following article is posted on Advertising Age. The writer pointed out several important trend about blogging, twitter, facebook, online search and e-commerce. Protection of privacy is vital. Integrating services/products with other platform and finding the innovative way to serve the unmet needs are also worth working on for the new year. Follow his words and check it in detail, you will enjoy it.
--
Hey Google, Facebook: I've Got Some Resolutions For You
My Top 20 New Year's Wishes for Digital Media
Posted by David Berkowitz on 01.05.09 @ 08:00 AM

I've got a few New Year's resolutions for 2009, like sticking with more edamame and fewer shrimp tempura rolls topped with spicy tuna (which Ichiro on New York's Upper East Side mysteriously calls a Manhattan roll). I've got even more resolutions for digital media -- including those for me, for the industry at large and for certain key players.

For Me:
1. More Twitter listening, especially with frequent usage of tools like Twitturly that aggregate Twitter buzz.
2. Blog more. Twitter hurt some of the blogging for awhile but it's meant to complement blogging, not replace it (for most).
3. Get my blog off a TypePad template and start diving into the advanced features. Facebook Connect, here we come.
4. Peruse less e-mail and unsubscribe from anything that doesn't make a difference in my day.
5. Pick up the phone more. It's still one of the best social-networking tools.

For the Industry:
6. End the term "viral" for once and for all, until after something has really spread through viral growth.
7. On that note, don't call something a viral or word-of-mouth marketing success when its uptake is directly the result of a multimillion-dollar media blitz.
8. Accept that engagement means something different in every medium and channel. Stop using it as a catch-all term.
9. Plan holistically. Even if you can't integrate a tactic with everything else, plan it in conjunction with something. That's often a step up.
10. Figure out how and when the social graph affects advertising. Let's see if it's really any better than other forms of demographic, behavioral and psychographic targeting.
11. In the process of understanding that, respect consumer privacy to the fullest. Don't just dismiss it or say consumers are fine with it because it's covered by Facebook's terms of service (something I heard a vendor say recently).

For Google:
12. Add Trends-style charts to Google Blog Search already. Really, you're on the verge of making other blog search services irrelevant. Just finish the job.
13. Add Google Gears support for Gmail.
14. Don't be evil. Please. Don't compromise for short-term gains just because the economy's hurting.

For Yahoo:
15. Survive. A lot of us are still rooting for you.

For Microsoft:
16. Come up with new products integrating the internet with furniture. The Surface put the internet on a table. Imagine what you could do with a chaise lounge or a credenza.

For Amazon:
17. Come up with a really good gift recommendation engine already. You're so good at recommending things for me, and yet for gifts, year after year I wind up shopping elsewhere.

For Facebook:
18. Give Lexicon a much-needed upgrade. Providing agencies and advertisers with self-service tools to show what people are talking about on your site can encourage them to do more to reach those users. We in the ad world love pretty graphs.
19. Add a real search engine. This is ridiculous already. And that goes to just about all you social networks. Maybe the reason comScore's saying you and MySpace are such large search engines is that it takes 20 searches to find anything or anyone on your site.

For Barack Obama:
20. Whether or not social media played a material role in your election, you showed that you know how to use the various channels to galvanize your target audience and you effectively adapt your strategy to each channel. Change.gov promises more of the same (in a good way). Now let's see how you can use social media to unite one of the most diverse real-world social networks there is: the United States of America.

~ ~ ~
David Berkowitz is director of emerging media for 360i. He has written dozens of articles covering media, marketing and technology for several trade publications over the past decade and has spoken at Digital Hollywood, Ad:Tech, SMX, OMMA and dozens of industry events. He blogs regularly at Inside the Marketer's Studio.

Rock Climbing in Naperville. How Familiar

From 090103-Rock Climbing

Purely by accident, I knew about the opportunity to go for an indoor rock climbing in Naperville from friends. Since I've not been on the rock for some time since September '08, I joined them for the first rock in the US. "Vertical Endeavors" located in Warrenville inside the Lifetime Fitness. It has various routes for all age groups and levels, which is quite impressive. This is my first time to try the way with automatic rope to hold me on the rock. I didn't really like it because it limited my control over the pace and did not allow me to rest on the go. Up, or down. I believed I could finish most of the routes I tried yesterday if I could stop in the middle for a while to rest, and to continue. Anyways, I like the experience to climb again.

Interestingly, the entire experience kept reminding me of the quote in Y17: "It is a belief to climb up(向上爬，是一種信仰)" It also made me think about my lovely climbing friends in Taiwan- Chi-yu, Johnny and Howard.

Where is the next rock?

Vertical Endeavor (Inside the Lifetime Fitness building)
28241 Diehl Rd.
Warrenville, IL 60555
(630)836-0122
Entrance fee $15.
Full package rental (harness, climbing shoes and the powder) + $10; harness rental only +$4

[品牌經營我見我思]20年前催生台灣燈會 毛治國擬吹熄燈號

在中國時報上面偶然看到的報導。下面段落粗體的部分，尤其橘字的部分實在太重要了！在IMC的學習裡我已經不斷經歷到關於商品/服務名稱、形容用詞、品牌定位等等字字斟酌句句衡量的情形，尤其當我們做得多數顧客委託案都是以全球級的規模作為發想，實在不得不謹慎於定名這種事情的時候。「台北燈會」因為地點的更改改為「台灣燈會」首先在活動名稱上面就做了並非不得不改的犧牲；活動舉辦形態又因著每年地點的更動而需要多所調整，並且導致了更多因為重頭開始策劃的而浪費的人力物力及時間成本，不僅對本地人來說品牌形象模糊化，對於需要提早規劃行程的外國觀光客而言更讓此一不定性成為遏殺參與機會的大殺手，實在非常可惜.....

如果台灣燈會還要續辦，而且還是要全國各縣市輪轉辦，從品牌經營的角度上來說，不妨考慮類奧林匹克模式：在今年(2009)的燈會舉辦前完成下下一年(2011)的主辦縣市遴選，並在今年的燈會末尾接棒給下一年(2010)的主辦縣市，這樣一來不僅幫後一年的活動暖身，有利於海外遊客/旅行團的行程規劃，更可以收各縣市間彼此經驗傳承之效。
個人淺見，還請大家不吝指教。
--
20年前催生台灣燈會 毛治國擬吹熄燈號
中時電子報 2009-01-03【黃如萍／台北報導】
台灣燈會今年堂堂跨入第二十年，一手催生台灣燈會的交通部長毛治國表示，台灣燈會的國際宣傳及文化資產傳承效果已達成，交通部將全面檢討是否繼續舉辦台灣燈會，評估後不排除停辦。

毛治國指出，台灣燈會原本稱為台北燈會，當初倣傚日本北海道雪祭，想在國際觀光市場上建立屬於台灣的品牌形象，讓國外旅行團規畫安排台北賞花燈的行程。

但燈會在台北舉辦十一年後，因為政黨輪替，舉辦地點移出北市，同時改名為台灣燈會，對於這樣的安排，毛治國首度公開表示，他個人很有意見，因為國際品牌不能亂換名稱，否則品牌效益就沒有了。

毛治國強調，燈會移師全省各地後，台北燈會的「標籤」不再，十年多的經營成果未能延續。

他透露，日本觀光團曾抱怨，台灣燈會的舉辦地點換來換去，而且燈會地點決定太晚，對於至少半年前就已包裝及行銷國外行程的日本旅行社來說，來不及納入行程。

交通部觀光局統計，去年台灣燈會約吸引六百七十萬人次，但來台觀看台灣燈會的外國旅客僅約兩千人次；今年因在宜蘭舉辦，距離台北都會區較近，方便外國旅行社安排一日遊行程，預估可吸引超過五千人次的外國旅客看燈會。

毛治國指出，二十年前台灣觀光資源有限，觀光局創造了燈會活動，希望能立即包裝成旅遊產品，吸引國外觀光客來台；現在台灣軟硬體設施都已大幅增加及提升，政府及民間可以包裝及行銷的資源很多，且觀光的最高境界就是無處不可觀光，燈會是否舉辦有了重新定位的空間。

主燈原始發想 方便長官開燈【黃如萍／台北報導】

「擔心民眾四處趕場，所以辦了台北燈會」、「想到燈會應該有儀式，長官要開燈，而有了主燈的構想」，台灣燈會創始者交通部長毛治國表示，第一屆燈會從發想到展覽，不到四個月，抱著且戰且走的心態，竟也創造出另一種代表台灣主要節慶的風格。

一九八九年九月擔任交通部觀光局長的毛治國，因當時交通部長張建邦一句「不要讓北市民眾奔波於萬華龍山寺、松山慈祐宮及北投關渡宮賞燈」，因此開始籌畫台北燈會。

毛治國說，燈會第一個碰到的問題就是在哪裡舉辦？當時台北市國父紀念館正在進行場地整修，只好改以中正紀念堂為目標，然而實地走了一趟國家音樂廳及國家戲劇院後，他整個人都傻了，空間大到不知要擺多少花燈才能填滿，最後決定以紀念堂四邊道路為展示空間。

「張羅好後才想到，燈會應該有儀式，長官要開燈，展區燈都在外圍，只好擺一個主燈在紀念堂的園區中央。」毛治國指出，觀光局找來雕塑、民俗、歷史、易經等專家組成顧問團，開始構思主燈概念。

當時想到燈會要年年辦，因而提議以生肖為主題，那年雖是馬年，但考量中國人喜歡龍，故以龍馬精神為主題，決定主燈造型是龍，併力邀國內雕塑大師楊英風製作主燈；有了主燈，當然也要搭配燈光及音樂，才能熱鬧，為了展現燈光效果，開燈選擇在日落之後。

Last Night of 2008, First Morning of 2009

Chinese style dinner with a group of friends in Chinatown of Chicago; Karaoke for 3.5 hours before we moved on for the Navy Pier fireworks; Fireworks from distance with the car illegally parked on the street.

I got company, a bunch of old friends and some new ones, but I greedily desired for some other excitements: Something that make the fireworks look more charming, something I could sing for with my beautiful voice, something I would arrange voluntarily for.

"Any wishes for the new year?" A friend asked me when appreciating the fireworks. I have prepared some answers already, besides GET A JOB.

May dream come true.

Wendy E-News- [Wendy, happily with my master's in IMC, wishes you a Happy New Year 2009!]

Dear my friends,

Long time no see~ Time flies, it's almost the end of the year 2008, and the new year is around the corner! Also, I would love to happily announce that I have received my master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. Congratulations to myself :D

What's next? Everyone's curious about this. After consulting with some alumni and senior friends, I decided to stay in Chicago looking for job openings within the U.S. I have applied for the OPT(Optional Practical Training) and will be able to stay in the U.S. for at least 3 months after graduation to look for a job. If I am lucky enough to get an offer by April 1 and to get my H1B working visa sponsored, I cannot leave the country till around October, due to regulation limitations. Otherwise, I will return to Taiwan after April and end my journey in the U.S.

Dad flew to Chicago for my graduation on December 13 and made me one of the happiest international students who was accompanied by family. He brought so many gifts prepared by Mom to share with those who have been a blessing to me during my stay. Dad didn't spend too many days in town, but I made it to take him visit the Millennium Park and the Bean、to appreciate night views from John Hancock Observatory、to visit the submarine and coal mine in Science and Industry Museum、to taste the famous Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. Popular Dad was also invited by my host family mom- Joan to try the famous pancake at Walker Bros. in Wilmette, and he enjoyed great coffee talk with Kerry as well as happily joined my graduation ceremony. I was also blessed to receive graduation gifts from my uncle's family. Two little girls spent two hours to make a card for me! How sweet!

Thank you for loving me! Thank you!

My busy life continued after graduation, because I moved again. One of my original roommates and I left the apartment we subleased for fall and moved into another one bedroom apartment. This new place is spacious. She will use the main bedroom while I use the living room temporarily. We are short of some furniture, but I think I am fine with it- This space will accompany me to fight for the great job hunting battle!

And here's the new address- postcards welcomed :D
Wendy Chen
1121 Church St. Apt 312,
Evanston, IL 60201, US

The next day of my moving, I rolled on to the sunny trip in southern California. I just got back to Evanston and did not finish my stories during the trip yet, but I could not help thinking of the unexpected elementary school friends reunion, the sunshine in Santa Monica, the ski trip in Big Bear Lake area, the reunion with university friends Lien and Cynthia, the pleasant trip to San Diego Sea World for dolphin and Shamu shows with IMC classmate Ann, window shopping with Serena in Fashion Island, the breathtaking beach view at Dana Point, and the warm, cozy Christmas afternoon with Serena's relatives: watching Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers and eating tons of great food......

Danny Sun, Serena Sah, Li-Chih Hu, Lien Chen, Cynthia Hsu and Annie Kuo- THANK YOU ALL! You made my journey complete and colorful. I could not imagine this trip without you!

This rest recharged me. So, get back to reality, I will keep an eye on job opportunities in mainly big cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Marketing communications positions that utilizes social media, digital marketing and online marketing in high-tech, consulting, travel and restaurant industries are my main target. I am open to both corporate and agency side of opportunities. My longer term plan is still to work in Asian countries, especially greater China area. Some working experiences in the U.S., I believe, will still be very valuable to me. Let me fight for it now~ Wish me luck!

Hope you have a wonderful New Year 2009! Be Happy!

Love Always,
Wendy

W報報之【取得碩士學位的Wendy祝大家新年行大運！】

敬愛的前輩、親愛的朋友們：
好久不見！一不留神2008年火速就來到了末尾，嶄新的一年即將降臨，而我在西北大學整合行銷傳播所已經悄悄取得IMC的碩士學位了。恭喜我自己　:)

下一步呢？大家都很關心。我幾經轉折問過好多學長姐及前輩的意見，決定暫時要繼續留在芝加哥尋找在美國各地可能的工作機會。目前我已經申請了OPT(Optional Practical Training)的身份將得以在畢業後待在美國至少三個月尋找工作，如果有幸在4/1前爭取到工作offer，約到10月前我都將因法規限制不便離境美國；如果在4/1前沒有找到機會，與在台灣的各位會面之期就近多囉～

我於今年12/13畢業，而且非常幸福的讓爸爸為我的畢業典禮飛到芝加哥一趟，並不多國際學生在畢業典禮的這時候有家人親自到場參與喔！我是最幸福的那幾個之一。爸爸帶了媽媽精心準備的好多禮物來讓我分送給這段時間以來照顧我的師長同學，讓他們都感受到台灣人的熱情與貼心。爸爸來的期間雖然短暫，我還是趁機帶他逛了芝加哥的千禧公園看大豆豆、上John Hancock賞夜景、到自然與工業博物館看潛艇探礦坑、吃芝加哥最有名的Deep Dish Pizza，大紅人爸爸還在我接待家庭媽媽Joan的邀約下到Walker Bros.吃了遠近馳名的鬆餅、芝加哥熱心爺爺Kerry的陪伴下一同參加了我的畢業典禮。更幸福的是，我還收到了三叔一家人託爸爸帶來美國給我的畢業禮物，包含一張小朋友們花了兩小時親手製作的卡片，讓我看到感動得都要哭出來了～

真的，謝謝你們那麼愛我！

我的忙碌在畢業典禮後繼續，因為我又搬家了。原來住的地方因為是sublease需要還給原租者，於是我跟其中一個還留在美國的室友火速打包搬到了鎮上另外一個寬敞的one bedroom，我住在客廳的空間讓她住在主臥室，這個臨時的家將成為我找工作的戰備基地，雖然缺少了很多家具，可是湊和湊和總是過得去的。

新家的地址即刻啟用，歡迎你們寄明信片來喔～：
Wendy Chen
1121 Church St. Apt 312,
Evanston, IL 60201, US

搬完家的隔天我立即踏上了加州陽光之旅。
剛從加州回到芝加哥的我還沒有機會把我所有的奇遇寫完，可是我現在滿腦子裡的還是那意外促成的小學同學會，Santa Monica的陽光，Big Bear Lake的滑雪之旅，好不容易約到的兩個大學同學廉方和昕昀，跟碩士班同學Ann一起開車前往聖地牙哥海洋世界看海豚的興奮，和百玟在Fashion Island的閒逛、在Dana Point雲破日出的美景、在百玟親戚家吃大餐看NBA湖人隊比賽度過的那個平靜溫暖的下午......

謝謝Danny Sun、Serena Sah、Li-Chih Hu、Lien Chen、Cynthia Hsu、Ann Kuo。是你們讓我的旅程完整，是你們讓我收穫滿行囊。

休息，是為了走更長遠的路。我回到現實了，鎖定芝加哥、洛杉磯、舊金山、紐約等大城的工作機會，我要在這個短暫的放鬆過後開始尋求與社交媒體social media, 數位行銷digital marketing, 線上行銷online marketing有關的職位，至於產業方面則有傾向尋找科技、顧問、旅遊、餐飲業的傾向，而且不排除到公關、廣告、媒體購買公司磨練的機會。中長程說來，我依舊是期望回亞洲、大中華地區發展的，不過在美國如果能夠有些歷練，相信對我來說會是一大加分，且讓我努力試看看囉！祝我好運 :)

且讓我借用三叔最愛的三個字為這封報報作結：幸福了！

最愛你的
Wendy

誰還需要上電影院看電影?強大的Tom365

Tom365免費電影，我中國同學告訴我的站，真的不是普通強大.....
如果你早就知道了那就.....算我孤陋寡聞；如果你還不知道，enjoy!
(新電影老電影怪電影到底是不是電影都在上面啊.....)

http://www.tom365.com/

加州滿溢陽光，芝加哥大雨

喔喔那我為甚麼非回去不可.........

All I Want For Christmas Is..... You

All I Want For Christmas Is You
~Maria Carey~

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is...
You

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby

I won't ask for much this Christmas
I don't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeers click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
Ooh baby
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me...

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is...
You

All I want for Christmas is you... baby

Got it? Maybe not.....

【轉錄】瑪法達2009年12星座運勢大預言

來源：塔羅貓占卜網站：http://www.wretch.cc/blog/catiggy/16880507
我只截錄幾段我關心的星座喔～有興趣的人請自行點擊上面連結前往瞭解　：）

送走了令人失望的「魔羯座之年」，2009年歲星將步入下一個更瘋狂的「水瓶座之年」。水瓶座星座調性的革新改造、打破傳統、挑戰權威、社會關懷、發明創新和突破疆界等特質將成為年度的主流價值和思維。它將不會是一段太平盛世，更不可能重返古老美好。

水瓶座之年

轉型變革 總結過去的非常年
令西方玄學家充滿敬畏的﹔是2009年是數字學上稀有至聖、神祕商數為「11」的年份，即「2 + 0 + 0 + 9」= 11。數字「11」象徵機會與結束，一種接近臨界點的轉型重生。意味著對「魔羯座之年」的功利、物慾、腐敗、濫權的徹底決斷，「水瓶座之年」將在大規模社會改革、科技革命氛圍下，悄悄進行另一項宗教信仰、人道和理想主義的安靜革命。今年「日蝕月蝕」出現頻率較往年為高（6次），且都落在主要的節日。如1月大年初一的「水瓶座日蝕」、2月元宵節的「獅子座月蝕」，甚至在7月22日還將出現對亞太地區（包括台灣、中、印、日）效應最強的本世紀最長日全蝕（6分39秒）。受「日蝕月蝕效應」震盪影響較明顯的個別星座則屬：水瓶座、巨蟹座和獅子座。

「水瓶座之年」是友誼年，也是人脈建立與調整的總結算時刻。全球經濟在復甦前仍得持續一段向下墜落。建議簡化生活、還清負債、寬厚積福，投資自己和實體資產，降低股債比重。保守理財，保值保本、穩健成長為上。


土火旺 風混亂

今年土象星座（金牛座、魔羯座、處女座）在亂局中以核心價值最優和受挫最少勝出，是最大贏家﹔
火象的牡羊座、獅子座和射手座掌握危機和轉機的動力，搶先為下階段卡位，運勢居次﹔
水象的雙魚座、巨蟹座和天蠍座，各自面對不同的人生轉型壓力，排名第三。

相較下，風象部份，今年的「水星退行」（星座所謂烏龍、混亂週期）高達四次，分別落在同屬風象星的水瓶座、雙子座和天秤座，這三個星座今年的運勢，恐將變得狀況超多、變數大增，痛苦指數排名第一。


2009年 星座排行榜
事業︰1 金牛座 2 雙子座 3 牡羊座
財運︰1 魔羯座 2 巨蟹座 3 射手座
情事︰1 巨蟹座 2 獅子座 3 處女座
考驗：1 雙魚座 2 水瓶座 3 天秤座


水瓶座 Aquarius 01/20~02/18　　(me, Andrew, Serena, Sunny, Patricia, Shehand....)
石破天驚 盛大登場 插柳成蔭 事業稱霸一方

2009年對水瓶座而言，將是告別灰暗、一飛衝天的發跡年。運勢與去年反差很大，頗有從後段班狂飆到明星班的嶄新氣象。
突破自我極限的人生出現驚喜轉向，生涯目標的優先順位也將全然不同。元月的「水瓶座」日蝕伴隨事業良機上門，一路波折，卻也安然無恙，第四季達到高點。

事業學業
水瓶座今年事業獨創一格，能拋下包袱、另闢蹊徑，堅強抵抗不時傳來的人事、財務意外，孤單地堅持抉擇。抗壓性和獨創性十足，彷彿不倒翁，擊不垮，壓不倒。雖然若干長久的合作關係有可能出現變化，但卻也是揚眉吐氣的全新佈局。

財富健康
今年財運不算理想。除了專心投入工作，無暇理財投資、賺錢動機不強，額外獎金、酬金、津貼變少，還時有花錢消災狀況。倒是合夥人財務不錯，貸款負擔減輕。健康得密切把關，充沛活力的外表下，也難免脆弱，尤其在6、7月。

愛情婚姻
情感轉入調整、修正期。最初的感動隨著彼此在某岔路上的偏離，漸行漸遠。不是幸福暫時冬眠，就是讓遠距或幻象維持形式。戀情男女則是在彼此極端放任或佔有的矛盾中，維持某種曖昧，有閃電分手、結婚傾向。婚姻露警訊。

美麗人生：1月下旬到2月中旬、5月下旬到6月下旬、9月下旬到10月下旬

年度叮嚀：學會適時放手，然後再開始。

開運小物
開運飾品：海藍寶、紫水晶手環或尾戒
招財幸運色：金屬銀、靛藍、淺紫
闢邪吉祥物：粗鹽、水晶
愛情靈藥：紅玻璃瓶內裝迷迭香、薰衣草和粉水晶
幸運日：星期六
幸運數：8


牡羊座 Aries 03/21~04/19　　(Craig, Pedro)

夢想起飛 英才得展 富貴藏鋒 事業舉足輕重

2009年對牡羊座而言，將是顛覆想像、挑戰禁忌的事業年。運勢較去年得意，溫馨的友誼更添滿意。事業持續位居要津或掌握實權，長期的生涯嘗試終於找對路線和理想落點，有躍居檯面、進軍公職或公領域的企圖。除了4月底到8月中較頭痛，其餘都在原則、方向確定後，相對順遂。

事業學業
牡羊座今年事業重新定位，大膽創新、引爆話題，有鼓動前衛概念或尖端技術的壯舉。以交遊廣闊，人脈遍及各層級、文化或專業取勝。不少人更藉敏捷才思和犀利筆鋒創作發聲，快速累積票房。可惜長期得志，過度自信恐招來權力反噬。

財富健康
今年財運吉，資產規模也遠較外表顯示還多。雖對賺錢、存錢花費的心力有限，僥倖之財更少，但和事業、學業、專業有關的潛藏（或未開發）資源卻是極為雄厚。今年健康大幅改善。飲食、運動、保健缺失或病痛可獲對症良藥舒解。

愛情婚姻
今年情感充滿各式情意糾結與翻轉起落。愛情之路多意外地雷，突發事件可能導致某連結嘎然而止，或從冰溫瞬間解凍。要克制霸道、佔有衝動或挑戰禁忌的不倫之戀。戀情男女友誼升級，有想婚衝動。婚姻則是品質改善，享受親情。

美麗人生：3月下旬到4月中旬、7月下旬到8月中旬、11月下旬到12月中旬

年度叮嚀：水能載舟，亦能覆舟。

開運小物
開運飾品：鑽飾、紅瑪瑙、紅寶石戒指（戴拇指）
招財幸運色：紅、白
闢邪吉祥物：松、杉、柏精油香囊
愛情靈藥：抹上玫瑰精油的12枚「愛神」銅板
幸運日：星期二
幸運數：3


金牛座 Taurus 04/20~05/20　　(mom)

雄才大略 出類拔萃 眼光精準 事業扶搖直上

2009年對金牛座而言，將是叱吒風雲、境界提升的輝煌年，運勢較去年精彩數倍。工作與情感大都朝理想方向加速邁進，社會地位、專業形象和績效成就頗獲外界肯定，可望跳槽轉業、高薪應聘、喜獲殊榮或轉進更優人生舞台。下半年開始由巔峰下滑，7月是危險月。第四季投資運佳。

事業學業
金牛座今年事業雄心萬丈，更上層樓，以專業實力、堅強靠山、創意表現和強勢行銷取勝，官運、考運看好。在外語考試、跨國企業或國際業務享有佳績，生涯前景也漸從轉型找到樂觀契機。9月上旬有重大交涉、談判，易被對手低估輕放。

財富健康
今年財運看好。努力工作、減少浪費，加上對金錢數字有概念、勇於接受合理投資風險，銀行存款節節上升。正業所得佔主要比例，有陞官加薪機會，第四季有一波投資好運。今年健康大致良好，11月中以後活力下滑，要注意保養。

愛情婚姻
今年情感矛盾起伏。雖然事業輝煌，情感卻幾乎不及格。因為自尊，常常故做大方，淪為愛情配角。要誠實溝通才能突破幸福障礙。戀情男女則是把工作擺在愛情之前，盲點有待化解，年底有幸福火花。婚姻變成一種責任與信仰。

美麗人生：4月下旬到5月中旬、8月下旬到10月中旬、12月下旬到1月中旬

年度叮嚀：眼望繁星，腳踏實地。

開運小物
開運飾品：鑽石、綠寶石、粉水晶項鍊
招財幸運色：綠
闢邪吉祥物：水晶
愛情靈藥：繫上粉紅、鵝黃和粉白三色緞帶的6朵紫蘿蘭
幸運日：星期五
幸運數：6


雙子座 Gemini 05/21~06/20　　(Nina)

積極開創 有為有守 生財有道 事業發現新大陸

2009年對雙子座而言，將是走出井底、自在翱翔的躍升年，運勢較去年繽紛。闔上晦暗的人生章篇，不再為別人期待而活，也不再不坐以待斃。事業在變動中搶先尋得機會點，肩負各式沈重責任、義務和權力光環時，更不忘投資自己，是生活的哲學家。年初較多麻煩，7月中以後漸入佳境。

事業學業
雙子座今年事業蒸蒸日上，籌碼雄厚，儘管年初即可能有突發人事調整、組織重編或其他震撼，卻能安然無恙。以長跑耐久、策劃精準和眼界過人取勝。深造、出國運強。工作和理財都有得力拍檔，合夥人發達、還有繼承家業、祖產之兆。

財富健康
今年財運看好，用度不缺。偏財進帳較多，特別是來自貸款、獎金、保險、或其他補助款項、合夥利潤。理財量入為出、謹慎保守，無謂浪費耗損大幅減少、損失扳回，財富明顯累積。今年健康狀況中上。除了偶感小病痛，隱憂已消除。

愛情婚姻
今年情感嗆辣有味，親密、浪漫指數大增。向來是行囊輕簡、來去瀟灑的情感遊牧族，這回似乎已準備好接受承諾的重量。要克制沈淪與著魔。戀情男女難以抗拒危險誘惑，幸福密度轉強。婚姻回歸家庭價值，沒有背叛。

美麗人生：1月下旬到2月中旬、5月下旬到6月中旬、8月下旬到10月中旬

年度叮嚀：意志決定勝負。

開運小物
開運飾品：黃水晶、紫水晶、瑪瑙、祖母綠手環或尾戒
招財幸運色：紫紅、黃、炫彩色、格子條紋
闢邪吉祥物：紫水晶
愛情靈藥：連體狀的「愛情魔法蔬果」
幸運日：星期三
幸運數：4


巨蟹座 Cancer 06/21~07/22　　(Howard)

忍辱負重 逆勢崛起 財運起伏 事業處變不驚

2009年對巨蟹座而言，將是百感交集、憂喜參半的非常年，運勢較去年嚴峻。情感或事業夥伴關係遭檢驗，反激發無比潛能和驚人意志，拒絕示弱。事業隱身幕後或扮演智囊、顧問角色，與各方勢力維持等距。年底為親友紓困，2月、7月、8月震盪。下半年是較有建設性的時段。

事業學業
巨蟹座今年事業深度耕耘，議題專注、團隊發威且抗壓耐震，工作量和責任如潮水般湧進。原本暗中較勁、虛耗內力的關係已搬開石頭，以集體智慧、謀略佈局和靈活機動取勝，利合資創業、商場交涉和臨時任務。某塵封往事再度成為話題。

財富健康
今年走偏財運。正業所得儘管變動不大，業外收入如贈與、退稅、津貼、佣金或投資盈餘卻滿常有，財力較外表為佳。不過恐遇合夥人財務吃緊、失竊、公費不足或意外破費等財務損失。今年健康大致良好。提防用腦過多、水土不服。

愛情婚姻
今年情感壓迫得令人窒息。彷彿要用加倍的幸福劑量，把自己灌醉。要克制沈淪、迷戀、緊逼盯人或情緒角力。戀情男女互許承諾，關係正式公開。可惜從最糟到最佳配對都有，幽怨、抱怨、不滿、困惑交織。婚姻默契反而相對提高。

美麗人生：2月下旬到3月中旬、6月下旬到7月中旬、10月下旬到11月中旬

年度叮嚀：設身易地而處。

開運小物
開運飾品：月石、橄欖石、珍珠長胸鍊、腰鍊
招財幸運色：珍珠白、銀白
闢邪吉祥物：粗鹽、水晶
愛情靈藥：蘋果、檸檬、杏等愛情魔力果
幸運日：星期一
幸運數：2



獅子座 Leo 07/23~08/22　　(Isabel)

卓越幹練 共濟群力 事業穩紮穩打 財力止跌回升

2009年對獅子座而言，將是達成共識、幸福來訪的溫馨年，運勢較去年順心。事業自助人助、良機大增，尤其誤會冰釋、擺平陳年恩怨，甚至結盟合作更具深意。年初事業一舉登上新高，不過隨即在2月「獅子座月蝕」效應下，恐將遭逢突發事故衝擊。11月中以後撥雲見日。

事業學業
獅子座今年事業阻力消失，表現持平，以合作雙贏、周延規劃、高效執行和團結互助取勝，利簽約、和解和交涉。工作細心稱職，為避免過氣落伍，勇於引進新觀念和新元素。可惜主觀強烈，難以接納善意建言，而陷入見樹不見林的盲點。

財富健康
今年財運中上，財運高點落在最後兩個月份。雖然沒有太多所得成長和天外飛來的禮物，所幸財務損失解套，理財樽節開銷，省錢作戰奏功，有餘錢奢侈或善待自己。今年健康是運勢主軸之一，可望大大改善。不過得提防身材走樣。

愛情婚姻
今年情感開花結果，願為幸福賭上青春。寧缺毋濫的高標準在年初達到臨界點，不婚族、待婚族、暗戀族、單戀族全可能改變心意，扭轉幸福。2月「獅子座月蝕」是個幸福契機。要克制眼界過高。未婚男女可望締結良緣。婚姻和諧。

美麗人生：3月下旬到4月中旬、7月下旬到8月中旬、11月下旬到12月中旬

年度叮嚀：百密仍有一疏。

開運小物
開運飾品：金戒、黃寶石、紅瑪瑙、琥珀戒（戴無名指）
招財幸運色：金色、深紅
闢邪吉祥物：萊姆、薄荷、杜松、松香精油香囊
愛情靈藥：九滴薰衣草精油SPA
幸運日：星期日
幸運數：1

天蠍座 Scorpio 10/23~11/21　　(dad, Curt)

守護現狀 落地生根 理財保守 事業排序後退

2009年對天蠍座而言，將是目標清晰、深耕經營的安定年，運勢平平。人生座標篤定，懂得取捨的智慧和珍惜生命中貴重的，不輕易動搖。居家和情感所託的歸屬基地是得意議題。失聯親友重逢，生活圈去蕪存菁，學習實用新知為專業加值。年初有喜，第一季事業震撼，第四季情運最佳。

事業學業
天蠍座今年事業堅守版圖，不積極擴張，也不易被攻陷或取代。以專精深入、品質穩定、經驗資歷取勝，可惜身價被低估。有社會責任和維持所屬團體向心力的使命。2月初事業難關伴隨獲獎、應徵機會。交友圈重組，近賢遠惡，志業加分。

財富健康
今年財運相對穩定。相較去年財運年的積極，今年反向思考以保本、保值為重。回歸現金記帳、節制刷卡、簡化生活，收入不增，還能存錢、捐輸。家是旺運中心，可望繼承家業、家產。今年健康問題不大，注意家人（母親）健康。

愛情婚姻
今年情感是一種返航靠岸。沒有華麗的對話、偉大的理由，只是單純、自在的莫名牽引。易在朝夕相對中，不自覺地習慣。要克制辦公室戀情之類的不倫戀。戀情男女關係新鮮感消失，彼此依賴、分手不易。婚姻持平，享受家居樂趣。

美麗人生：2月下旬到4月中旬、6月下旬到7月中旬、10月下旬到11月中旬

年度叮嚀：保持心胸開闊，意外或奇蹟有時很難分辨。

開運小物
開運飾品：紅榴石、黃寶石、琥珀戒指（戴拇指）
招財幸運色：酒紅、黑
闢邪吉祥物：黃、橙色「光能寶石」
愛情靈藥：黃、藍、紅三色辮子綵帶（編入戒指）手鍊
幸運日：星期二
幸運數：3

魔羯座 Capricorn 12/22~01/19　　(Danny)

脫胎換骨 苦後回甘 財運稱冠 事業打拚有成

2009年對魔羯座而言，將是翻天覆地、徹底轉型的挑戰年，運勢不如去年。尤其將數度與天外飛來的人生變局正面交手，過程歷經痛苦煎熬與試煉，才出現終極蛻變。事業置之死地而後生，掌權、稱霸、顯赫、尊榮可期。第一季、第三季和年底運勢震盪，全年財運看俏，存款節節上升。

事業學業
魔羯座今年事業硬仗連連，沒有僥倖空間。以誠意勤快、任勞任怨、物超所值、忠實牢靠和精簡成本、提高效益取勝，是較不易名列裁員清單的中流砥柱。可惜人算不如天算，有時難免受外部不利因素拖累，生涯規劃要有危機感和權宜之計。

財富健康
今年聚寶盆發威，吸金指數排名第一，是經濟上較為寬裕的好年。財富所得多半來自正業，收入待遇反映身價，也和付出的心血與貢獻成比例，不適合投機冒險、一夕致富。今年身體要注意舒壓、情緒管理和適度休息，小心肝腎過勞。

愛情婚姻
今年情感如溫火慢熱，但後勁超強。外表看似雲淡風清，內在卻刻骨銘心。要克制善嫉、專斷或沈溺。戀情男女儘管對幸福演繹充滿霸道的佔有慾念，卻不失誠懇負責。婚姻守信、淡而有味，物質、心靈和生活相互依賴，關係相對穩定。

美麗人生：12月下旬到1月中旬、4月下旬到5月中旬、8月下旬到9月中旬

年度叮嚀：投資自己。

開運小物
開運飾品：紅榴石、水晶、黑瑪瑙戒指（戴中指）
招財幸運色：黑、墨綠 闢邪吉祥物：黑曜石
愛情靈藥：Hung Vajra Peh（西藏愛情咒語：我將誠心熱烈去愛）
幸運日：星期六
幸運數：7

Friends, Surprises, California

Elementary school friends' reunion in Irvine, CA; NTU friends' reunion in Pasadena, CA; sunny beach at Santa Monica; revisit of Hollywood; great view at Getty Center; LA Paranoma at Griffith Observatory; voluntary service for homeless and families in need with Serena's church; ski trip at Snow Summit, Big Bear Lake area; San Diego Sea World trip with Ann Kuo......

My trip is SOOOOO packed with happy surprises, and it's continuing..... California ROCKS! I LOVE ALL MY LOVELY FRIENDS!!!!!!

LA二部曲-熱血社會服務、Getty Center、仁愛國小南加同學會！

社會服務？你沒有看錯，熱血的Wendy連放假都不忘抽空回饋社會....我這個早上跟Serena一起出門前往LA downtown一個社區參與他們教會發起的聖誕分享資源分享愛活動，基本上活動已經不是第一次舉辦，他們的教會在感恩節也募集過一次資源，把一些食物、衣服、玩具、鞋子等等分門別類的簡單包裝之後再分送給附近社區的遊民、老人、窮困的家庭。而在這個社區會現身來領取物資的多半是黑人或西班牙裔，雖然我的確頗享受我自己一點點微不足道付出的成就感，不過更多一些的，恐怕是心裡面的那種沉重：為什麼在美國這樣富裕的國度，還是有這群在社會底層拼了命掙扎，卻經常還看不到生命的亮光的人們呢？

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

中午跟著Serena的教友們一起又到了小東京用餐，一不小心發現我在到LA的三天中被完全不同的兩批人帶到了同一家的餐廳：大黑家Daikokuya。他們聽說我已經在這間餐廳吃過後滿臉斜線，本來異常緊張的問我要不要換間餐廳，我當然不好意思麻煩一大批人為了我大軍遷徙，而且反正我可以吃吃看別道菜檢驗一下是否大黑家真配得他那遠近馳名的名氣。依據我嘗過他的招牌拉麵與ＸＸ井（、）飯的經驗呢各位親愛的朋友，中上啦中上，我並沒有真的被「驚艷」到的感覺，不過也沒失望囉　^^

在回Irvine開小學同學會之前，Serena決定帶我再往北走一點點去遠近馳名的Getty Center轉一轉。這個決定也真是下得太好了！我個人大推Getty！跟Griffith同樣在小丘上的Getty由一個有錢的Getty家族擁有，整個美術館由好幾座建物構成，所有的車輛都必須要停在山丘下的停車場，而所有的參觀者都必須要搭乘美術館自營的捷運緩緩爬升前往丘上的綠建築群參觀。在加州的閃閃陽光下，Getty Center是這樣的面目迎接我的：

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

略讀過導覽手冊後發現Getty是具領先地位的模範綠建築之一，除了建材大量了啟用環保素材以外，建築的過程他們也儘量的減少不必要的資源消耗，美術館的採光也儘量的運用加州得天獨厚的自然光來為展品聰明的照明而減少人工照明的消耗，發電方式上他們也另外以太陽能等輔助，前往展場的輕軌電車自然也是環保綠建築規劃的展現之一。不過除了Getty建物本身、花園綠地、週邊讓人驚豔的美景以外，我愛Getty的另外一個原因是這個：

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

梵谷的鳶尾花！！！！！！（我當天穿的衣服真是非常的配合這張照片的構圖....）

在我和Serena快速瀏覽過展示品簡介以後我非常快速的就被可以親眼見到梵谷的「鳶尾花」、莫內的「日本橋」和曾經極具爭議的「日出‧印象」鼓舞，我們兩個小學資優班的同窗也就不約而同的回憶起了以前老師要我們做的專題：莫內（人文）、紅樹林（自然）、人體器官圖（自然）。「小　時　候」我們真的都有或多或少的哀怨：「為甚麼別的小朋友可以寫好功課就好、可以在教室睡午覺、可以不用一大早就上課、可以不要沒事就在趕功課，為什麼我有那麼多正常的和不正常的功課要寫、報告要做、演講要聽，我怎麼這麼苦命！」說是這麼說，我們卻又都在後來發現了當時這些受「逼迫」的價值：我們很早就熟悉了「怎麼做報告、怎麼解決問題、怎麼找資料、怎麼做訪談」還有第一名的學習「怎麼處理壓力」。而且說起來也奇妙，「凡做過必留下印象」，這麼多年後的我們或多或少都記得以前自己忙過了甚麼專題有了甚麼啟發呢！而且當時一起受苦受難過的同胞，在離校那麼多年以後都還三不五時的保持聯繫，在世界各個角落發光發亮，還互相關心，互相鼓舞，互相為各自的成就喝采。值得啊值得～小時候的那些命苦歲月　:P

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

逛著逛著我們又在LA夕陽的催促下準備打道回府，參加在Irvine最誤打誤撞的驚喜小學同學會！我還記得在搭捷運一路蜿蜒回停車場的當時自己的心很滿很滿，腦中滿滿的都是「一切都是最好的安排」這句話。雖然要到加州來過節的這件事情前前後後也有不少波折，也槌過胸也頓過足，在更之前的最後quarter掙扎更不用說了，怎麼能用「慘淡」兩個字形容得完。可是　神從來沒有虧待我，從來沒有忘了給我百轉千迴之後依然賜與的滿溢祝福。跟Serena一路聊，一路心情越來越高昂，耶！小學同學會！！！

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

加州人對我這個伊利諾州的奧客百般款待，立志打開了他家大門讓我們去用餐、唱歌、玩耍，自己還採買好了自告奮勇負責煎牛排給大家吃；Serena帶了Salad過來，也熟練的開始弄沾醬；Danny在立志大廚一聲令下負責處理洋蔥，酒足飯飽後還負責洗碗。我呢我呢？負責在旁邊出一張嘴啦 XD （這個爛個性.....）

吃飽喝足聊了好一陣子以後我們從餐廳轉戰客廳，開了立志的強大卡拉OK機開唱！我從九月份回台灣唱過一次歌以來已經沉寂好一段時間了，這天可以在別人家裡免費開唱整個是High得心花朵朵開。立志和Danny這兩個五六年級的同學還合唱了千里之外，想當然爾是立志擔當扮演費玉清的重責大任！國中就移居海外的Serena在尋覓她知道的歌曲所費時間較長，於是我們有段時間就故意專找「懷舊歌曲」系列以取得大家兒時記憶的共鳴。（例：我們很努力想找到SOS的「十分鍾的戀愛」或者小虎隊的「紅蜻蜓」、「青蘋果樂園」）拚命說自己音痴的Danny其實非常能唱，而且可以輕鬆解決周董含滷蛋Rap橋段。我好像是在唱燕姿的「雨天」時收到了立志認真的由衷讚美：「你一直很能唱，但是這首歌你的感情完全有唱進去，非常好。」

差點忘了交代在場來賓的錯綜複雜關係圖：
1/2年20班代表：Danny, Wendy
3/4年16班代表：Serena, Wendy
5/6年22班代表：立志, Danny
資優資源班代表：立志, Serena, Wendy
我們幾個人間的關係高度重疊，卻也十分分散；聊天聊起來時有很多共同的朋友很多資訊在交流在穿插，也會在某段對話中意外的又撿到一個「我知道他我知道他！」的朋友。

我們都來自台灣。
Serena國中移民到加拿大，大學到美國求學現在從UC Irvine畢業；
Danny高中移民到美國，待過紐約後來長居加州Arcadia；
立志因為攻讀博士學位所以來到UC Irvine；
我從Northwestern畢業從芝加哥跑到加州渡假，無意的負責把這串串原本斷線的友誼接起來。我們繞了地球那麼大一圈，還可以在這個地方神奇的聚首，我真是功德一件啊 ：）

這天要跟Danny揮別的時候我其實很難過很失落，他兩天後要飛到日本去玩耍，而我會在他回美國以前返回芝加哥，就又碰不到了。我非常捨不得放手這份無心插柳而拾回的寶貴友情，尤其對於人與人間的「看不見，但是依舊存在」的情感聯繫讚嘆不已。好喜歡這個成熟懂事的哥兒們啊～不過有一件事情倒也讓我十分確信：如果我們的交情在這一天以前斷過了18年，而我們可以這樣拾回彼此，要在未來的好幾個18年繼續保持聯繫有甚麼難的？你說是吧？不管你在哪個天涯我在哪個海角，嘿，我認定你這個朋友啦！

From 081220-Voluntary Service, Getty Center, JenAi Reunion

大黑家 Daikokuya
327 E. 1st Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-1680
招牌是豚骨拉麵(也只有一種拉麵可以選)，飲料可以叫日式的煎茶不用另外付錢

J. Paul Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1687
前往Getty基本上開車最方便，到山腳下parking後上山的纜車、Musuem都免費，停車費計次，也不貴

LA序曲-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Big Bear Lake滑雪之旅

說這趟是「加州驚奇之旅」一點也不為過。我在離開芝加哥前幾天意外的回想起一個18年未見的小學同學Danny好像也在加州某處，於是透過facebook試圖與他取得聯繫，current town欄的Arcadia讓我幾進失笑，也於是誤打誤撞的真的促成了貨真價實long time no see的相見歡。

降落LAX之前，加州陽光已經讓我綻開了笑顏，尤其想到前三天他們其實被討厭的大雨所困，而我卻幸運的有神眷顧享有大晴天的當時。Danny的車接到我不久後就抵達了Santa Monica海邊，笑稱自己是芝加哥人的我真的很快就開始脫外套大呼「這地方真是太溫暖了」。堅稱我真的都沒變的Danny其威── 我印象中小學一二年級很要好的好朋友在那麼多年以後變成非常健談，我們一見如故話匣子一開停不了的程度接近不可思議，也讓我真實體會「一拍即合」的真意。陽光、沙灘、棕櫚樹、波光閃爍到有時讓人睜不開眼的太平洋讓我遠遠的把幾小時前還讓雪靴濕淋淋的芝加哥大雪拋在腦後。Hello California! Hello my lovely break :)

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

中午豆腐鍋吃一吃，一路跟Danny嘰哩瓜拉聊也聊不完的新發展就是：我決定隔天加入他與表弟一行人的Big Bear Lake滑雪攤，瘋狂的為我的滑雪經驗意外添加一筆「加州」記錄(註)。地頭蛇Danny很神準的猜中我愛俯瞰城市景色的期待，開車一路上行到了可以遠望HOLLYWOOD著名地標，又可以把LA大市區景色盡收眼底的Griffith Observatory(天文台)。門外的日晷神準的秀出了當下的確切時間，館內迎賓的大球則規律的用地球偏轉的力量每隔約七分鍾撞倒一根小木塊，長久不變。

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

我們在館內上上下下轉了一圈長天文知識，沒多久又跑到外面看風景。我一邊走著一邊想： 神真是寵我，用三天的大雨洗掉了LA的空氣汙染，又給了我這麼一個貼心又熱心的故友伴遊。脫節了十八年的他的我的故事就這麼交織著敘述著，有同學近況的update，有他初來乍到美國在紐約、在加州的蛻變，有我各地走闖漂流的故事，有她、有他和我們的掙扎。誰也沒有特別留心注意，悄悄的，夕陽在Santa Monica的那一端，在我們的注視下火速的西下。引擎發動，下一站：Hollywood

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

因為國中畢業時就跟著全家人一起有過美西X日遊，所以Hollywood其實並不陌生。不過我200%肯定我15歲的時候絕對沒有機會在中國戲院前面看到這些手腳印：

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

那個夏天，我也肯定沒有機會看到這種獨屬於聖誕節的裝飾：

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

就在大棵聖誕樹旁，Danny和我都對一句話深有所感："On the day when we can fully trust each other, there will be peace on earth.~ L. Ron Hubbard" It really sounds like mission impossible..... We wish it will come true some day.

隔天一早五點半，我從慷慨收留我的Danny家跟他一起出發陸續載滿了一車七人、六個雪板、滿溢幸福，朝Big Bear Lake前進。這是我第一次坐在要裝上雪鏈的車上，第一次在加州的滑雪之旅，第一次看別人組裝snow board，第一次自己不斷跌倒又爬起來試著滑下Snow Summit那樣長那樣陡的坡；也在這天，我跟Danny終於記得了要合照。

From 081218-1219-Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Big Bear Lake Ski

半天的滑雪歷程真的沒有甚麼好說的，我只記得自己很多次都在跟自己的勇氣和意志力戰鬥：坡這麼陡還是要勇敢滑下去；速度變太快了要不然就要用力煞住要不然就要勇於跌倒止住衝勁；終點還在那看不見的彼端，可是慢慢來慢慢前進我終究會到得了；上了纜車就會一路到達山頂，就是沒有退路的意思，既然我已經選擇了上纜車，就要「愛我所選」的把挑戰完成，不可以半途而廢。

是啊，要愛我所選的，不可以半途而廢。

晚上我們跟百玟約了在Cerritos吃韓式銅盤烤肉，然後由百玟接我回UC Irvine的宿舍，中止了這兩個極度麻煩Danny的日子。不過話說隔天週六晚上仁愛國小Irvine同學會才要上場，我們還後會有期呢！


Griffith Park Observatory
2800 E Observatory Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
免票入場參觀，根據地頭蛇2號Andrew說法這是看夜景熱門景點，害我很想找機會晚上去....

Snow Summit
Big Bear Mountain Resorts
880 Summit Blvd / P.O. Box 77
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909)866-5766
成人一日票53；成人半日票43
從Arcadia開車入山約耗時2.5~3小時(加掛雪鏈狀況下)，上山會有檢查哨檢查雪鏈是否加掛，必須要在抵達檢查哨前將雪鍊掛好，否則重新排隊會浪費不必要的時間

Kb Korean Restaurant
12545 Carson St.
Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
(562) 924-9230
晚餐吃到飽每人$9.99，到10:00pm

註：身為一個初學者，包含這次我一共滑過四次雪：Zermatt (Switzerland), Shawnee Mountain (Pennsylvania, US), Alpine Valley (Wisconsin, US), Snow Summit (California, US)

[轉錄]一談戀愛就萬事皆可拋的星座TOP5(參考太陽跟金星)

金星是人在談戀愛時的性格，也是人比較任性的地方。雖然標題是男女通論，但聽起來似乎是單指女生。有上榜的人會比較痴情，但要記得留籌碼給自己。

第5名 天蠍座
如果天蠍座真的動心的話，她就沒有辦法不愛。就算旁邊的人跟她講你有多差，她也一定要親身試一次，才會認了。

第4名 水瓶座
水瓶座膽子很大，雖然她看起來很淡淡然，但是談起起戀愛卻是天雷勾動地火。所以如果她看錯人的話，那就會很慘，她會傷亡慘重。

(按：所謂的智商會少一半是假不了的。）

第3名 射手座
射手座走豁出去路線，她是很有Guts的女人，只看你當下怎麼對她，別人看她會覺得她很冒險。

第2名 金牛座
金牛座還蠻有責任感的，她的皆可拋是一旦結婚了，她就會以夫家為主。

第1名 獅子座
獅子座很傻，雖然有些獅子座比較會自我保護，她不輕易放自己的心。可是獅子座有個罩門，只要你非常關心她，她的心就融化了，於是就相信你會對她好。她要知道你可能只是一開始對她好而已，之後不一定。

忙碌的12月

12/8期末考。12/9期末報告。12/13畢業。12/17搬家。12/18-27到LA&Irvine躲開芝加哥大雪找朋友享受加州陽光。其餘的時間：整理一身的徬徨。

我狂喜過。
因為爸爸的造訪，因為同學的肯定，因為無意間促成的小學同學會，因為加州慷慨人們的言語、精神、實質協助，因為意外的演唱會，因為難得的雪中陽光，因為朋友的拔刀相助。

我鬱悶過。
因為前途茫茫，因為自己要處理的雜七雜八畢業搬家搞家具等瑣事，因為一些人際關係的事，因為庸人自擾。

Somehow我還在鬱悶裡，還很努力的在尋找讓自己興奮到跳起來尖叫的那種持久性開心。There's a long way ahead I guess..

Dad's Visit- Graduation + Science & Industry Museum

It has been confirmed- I got my master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. Everything felt like a dream.

From 081211-1214-Daddy@Evanston for NU graduation

Our morning started with a coffee meeting with Kerry, and I left Dad with Kerry to go for the ceremony rehearsal. Everything about the ceremony went fine, though a little bit chaotic in the end, but I was truly delighted to shoot many pictures with classmates. And you know: hugs, kisses, goodbye.... It is really hard to imagine that we will soon scattered around the country and even around the world again. The panic, seriously, stroke me hard silently yet fiercely every single moment...

And, if you were there.....

我還是貪心的。我有爸爸我有朋友我有好多愛我的人的祝福了。
任性如我，依舊奢求那多一點點的甚麼。

We headed south to Science & Industry Museum with Kerry around 2 p.m. With Dad's company, U-505 submarine got a richer story to tell, so did the old style gas train. Dad used to be a navy so he knew a lot about ships. Grandpa used to be a driver for trains, so Dad also knew well about gas trains as well as electricity trains. "This visit is indeed a good pick!" I told myself. It kept Dad in high spirit, and accidentally linked several parts of the memories in my extended family (Dad, grandpa, and uncle's family). That again proved my earlier feeling about life: What I desire most is a simple "home." Better than gold, better than anything else. It provides the pure joy for life, indeed.

From 081211-1214-Daddy@Evanston for NU graduation

Due to the jet lag, Dad was exhausted after we visited the coal mine inside the Museum, so I decided to take him home and prepared food myself for him. It was hard to describe the feeling of preparing dish for Dad here in the U.S. Guaranteed, it was a delicious meal. What made it so tasty was the feeling of sharing, the love between families, and the happiness of making some real contribution to my beloved one.

Dad went to bed shortly after the meal for a nap, and I worked on something else when I waited him to wake up again to help him packing. Unbelievably, yes, Dad was going back the next day.....

I don't wonna you leave, Daddy...... Stay with me.......

Truth

他喜歡你是事實
你不需要再用任何事情去證明這一點。

so what?

Daddy + Wendy in Chicago. Happy Graduation!

Please share with me the great joy of graduation from the Northwestern University, and the great joy to host my dad in this amazing city of Chicago and Evanston!

Dad's Visit- Walker Bros, NU & Downtown Chicago

We started out morning with breakfast at Walker Bros with Joan. It's dad's first official day in Chicago, and he excitedly went downstairs to "try the outside temperature" first. He rushed back within 5 minutes with a pale and speechless face- oh ya, he was freezing XD

"I told you! Don't under-estimate the cold in Chicago, and don't believe in the sunshine!" I knew I should not tease Dad, but I couldn't help it while he finally listened to my advice to put his snow coats on.

Generous Joan followed Dad to my apartment within 30 seconds, and then we went to Walkers Bros together. Adventurous Dad ordered one of the most famous pancake- Apple Pancake- and was totally impressed by its real size! Well, I should have warmed him about the servings in the U.S.....

From 081211-1214-Daddy@Evanston for NU graduation

We had great talks about my plan, dad's naval experiences and more about my family at Walker Bros, and Joan loved the gifts Mom and Dad prepared: tie, scarf, VCD and bookmark from National Palace Museum and an aboriginal magnet for Alexie. I also got a pretty purple necklace from Joan as a graduation gift, which I chose to wear on my graduation day. (It looks nice!)

Then, Dad and I started out Northwestern campus tour from the North. Joan dropped us at the Gym and so Dad got the chance to see the welfare to be a wildcat. Not to my surprise, Dad desire to take a look at the "academic" side of NU life, so I decided to bring him to one of the lab inside Tech Building- where Andrew was probably pretend-to-be working hard at :P Guess what? I thought Dad was quite satisfied at what he saw and felt at Tech.

Following along the Sheridan Rd., I took Dad to visit Kellogg building, the NU Library (Mom's great guess! Dad loved to see the library) and of course my department building- where I was pretend-to-be studying hard at. :P We were lucky enough that Prof. Tom Collinger was in his office, so we could talk to him in person for a quick moment and presented him the hard-copy Cheers magazine. I could see Tom's delight upon seeing the real pages. For that short moment, yes, I felt proud of myself!

From 081211-1214-Daddy@Evanston for NU graduation

Also for the first time, Dad hopped on eL and went downtown Chicago with me. We first went to Macy's inside the Marshall Field & Company building to buy Frango- the famous mint chocolate of Chicago- to treat people in Taiwan. Then we walked against typical Chicago wind to visit the Bean, the Pavilion and the Crown Fountain in the Millennium Park. I later took Dad to appreciate the best view in the world at John Hancock Observatory.

From 081211-1214-Daddy@Evanston for NU graduation

"Are those real view?" Mom questioned me upon viewing those photos.
"Indeed! You can see dad in some of the photos, and that proves everything." I replied.
"(speechless and astonished)"
We were really lucky that it was a very clear and sunny day when we headed for the visit. God knew our needs!

This day ended at Giordano's when Dad tried another kind of famous Chicago food- Deep Dish Pizza. I was delighted to find Dad with great appetite and talked a lot about everything. I knew I have to cherish every single moment like this and to pay attention to all those murmurs, because this might not happen too often in the months to come. Seriously, I valued all those moments with Daddy....


Walker Bros Original Pancake House- Wilmette
153 Green Bay Rd.
Wilmette, IL
(847)251-6000

Giordano's
730 N Rush St.
Chicago, IL
(312) 951-0747