Oliver's English

In the morning, I have to clean my house and in the afternoon, I will bring Alan to Tainan city for his English classes. He has everyday English class from 2:30 to 3:30 P.M. This is the first week for Alan to be at Oliver's English school. I am hopping he can adapt to this environment and find his friends, soon. I want my son improve in his reading and spelling. I am hopping that this school will help him to improve what he needs to improve. Every time I teach him, he is not even paying attention to me. He listens very well to his teachers hopefully, he will do OK here. We will see how things goes here.

Clean House

Chinese New Year is coming, so it is time for me to have complete make over for my house. The week of January 29th to Feb3rd I clean and rearrange my house. I clean the floors, I vacum it and I throw away unwanted things. All the blankets are washed and clean to welcome new year. this year will be the pig's year. I do not have pig's picture on my house, but I know it is pig's year for us. unfortunately, we do not have any pig member in our family. We have dog, rabbit, tiger, lamb, or dragon. The kitchen is very shinny and clean. Inside of my car, it is also clean. Now everywhere in my house is clean, it feels good.

My Vacation

From January 28th to Feb 25th will be my vacation. I have one month vacation without working and at the same time I can get paid, what a wonderful situation. Today, Sunday, we are going cycling. David and Alan love cycling. Alan was so excited to be able to go cycling with his dad and mom.

During cycling, we passed Madou, Alan got hungry and we stopped at the store were selling Alan's favorite squid ball. The guy was preparing it, took a while to cook it. We were waiting for a long time. Alan was looking at him and what things he was putting inside. I think Alan enjoyed watching him doing his favorite snack.

After buying squid ball, we went to Seven-Eleven to buy drinks. Alan chose the biggest drink that I never seen before. I chose $15 dollars drink and same as David. After drinking and eating, we rode our bicycles home.

We all enjoyed today but we are all tired, too.

Fun Saturday Class

On Feb. 23rd we supposed to go back to school on Friday and Saturday, but our school's principal and vice-principal will give us that two days off by working on January 27th. I think this is a reasonable day for all of us. We could have longer vacation after Chinese New year.

Yesterday, I saw my Friday group, today Saturday I will see them again. I will teach them songs, but at this time, I do not know if they will like it or not. Mark chose old songs which are very relaxing and easy to sing. However, younger generation like pop music, romantic music or rock music.

Anyways, I was introducing them the song of Beatles, it seems they do not like it. Even I show them the video clips and they still do no like it. Anyways, I tried my best doing power point and downloading songs for students.

First Week Of Second Semmester

The week of Feb. 22nd to 27th is the start of first week of the second semmester. After this week, all the English Conversation Teachers at Shen-Kung will have a month vacation, including Chinese New Year. I am planning to have more relaxing and fun lesson for my junior ones and twos. I am going to teach them two differnt songs for two different levels.

For my junior ones because they are younger, I will teach the song of Gareth Gates with his very popular album/song "Stupid Mistake." Junior ones like handsome boy with fast music. Junior twos, on the other hand, I will teach the song of Bee Gees with their very popular song in the old days "How Deep is Your Love." Junior twos are bigger and older, so this song will be good for them. Also, this song is more relaxing song for everyone.

In the following are the lyrics of both songs:

Gareth Gates, Stupid Mistake

I´ve been letting you down, down
Girl I know I've been such a fool
Giving in to temptation
When I should´ve played it cool
The situation got out of hand
I hope you understand

Chorus
It can happen to..
Anyone of us, anyone you think of
Anyone can fall
Anyone can hurt someone they love
Hearts will break
´Cause I made a stupid mistake

It can happen to..
Anyone of us, say you will forgive me
Anyone can fail
Say you will believe me
I can´t take my heart will break
´Cause I made a stupid mistake
A stupid mistake

She was kind of exciting
A little crazy I should´ve known
She must have altered my senses
´Cause I offered to walk her home
The situation got out of hand
I hope you understand

Chorus
A stupid mistake
she means nothing to me
(nothing to me)
I swear every word is true
don´t wanna lose you

Bee Gees, How Deep is Your Love


I know your eyes in the morning sun
I feel you touch me in the pouring rain
And the moment that you wander far from me
I wanna feel you in my arms again
And you come to me on a summer breeze
Keep me warm in your love and then softly leave
And its me you need to show

Chorus:
How deep is your love
I really need to learn
cause were living in a world of fools
Breaking us down
When they all should let us be
We belong to you and me

I believe in you
You know the door to my very soul
You’re the light in my deepest darkest hour
You’re my saviour when I fall
And you may not think
I care for youWhen you know down inside
That I really do
And its me you need to show

Chorus
Repeat and fade

Both groups really enjoyed the songs.

Abacus Test

Sunday morning, we woke up earlier because today is a big day for Alan. Alan has to go to the abacus test. David, my husband drop us over there. Alan was very excited to have this kind of test.

When we arrived, a lot of children with abacus uniform were waiting to have their tests. Alan was more than ready to have his test. All the children had to line up outside and the teacher will take their names and check their numbers, so they could get inside to the test room.

After hecking it was time for all children to go inside. Alan was smiling and happy. Inside of test room, everychildren will have their test exam. They have three minutes to finish 10 math problems. Some parents went with their children, a few of them were nervous. I am ok, I was not too nervous, I know that Alan could do well, because he was doing very well at home.

After two abacus' test, I asked Alan how was his tests, he said it was really easy. I am glad that he took this kind of exam easily not having a lot of stress. The test scores wil come out next week. Hopefully, Alan did great and he could pass level 12 for mental math and level 10 for abacus.

Having Lunch With My Cultivating Talents

Months and months of hard work and researching, my cultivating talents came to the end of my project at end of December. Today, I decided to invite my four cultivating talents for lunch. We went to the 3R3H restaurant. Each of us ordered a complete meal with drinks and cakes. Alan had his little kid's meal, spaghetti. I had a hot pot, it was really good.

After lunch everyone was stuffed, it seems, they enjoyed their food. I am glad that enjoyed their food. We all worked really hard for this project. Since the project was done, the vice-principal wants me to put our project into the English Department's home page. I am glad that somebody would like to read it.

Next year's cultivating talents will me myself again. I do not know how many students I will have and I do not know how good they will be. If the school do not fired me, I will continue doing this project without any price. Right now, I have to do my best at school. I will always work hard to let everyone knows that I am a hard worker. Hopefully, they will see it.

Final English Exam

Finally, we are getting to the end of Alan's tests. Poor baby, he was studying so hard in these days and he is so tired. English will be easier for him. Alan understands the concept of verb, and when the verb has to add "s" at the end. he knows what is verb and the action of it. He understand easily grammar rules of English but when spelling comes, he just gives up. Last night of studying and the last effort of the week. Hopefully, everything will turn okay for Alan.

Abacus Cram School

After the 6 subjects test at Alan's school. We finally can relax. Alan will have his mental-arithmetic classes tonight. He is going to have a mental-arithmetic math competition on Sunday January 21st, 2007. I want to go with him. I will see if I can go with him. If I cannot go , I will do everything possible to be able to go with him.

This is the first time that Alan wore his abacus' uniform. He is very handsome in that kind of clothing. Alan is learning at 黃昏心算 cram school. This place is better than he was before. Alan loves his abacus teacher. He decided to take a picture with her. She is a nice teacher because she teaches him with all of her efforts. Thanks for her patients and love to Alan.

Final Chinese and Science Exam

Alan will have his Chinese and science test. I reviewed with him until very late at night. He is tired, I know. But he needs to study still for his tests. How come he has to quit. Grades are so important for me at this point, but for my husband, David, grades are not so important.

He doesn't have any problems with his Chinese but the problem is science because is more spelling words. I am really eager for Alan to do better in his science tests tomorrow.

搶生意！台塑晚10點起先降油價 汽、柴油各降0.6、0.7元

記者:記者曹逸雯／台北報導
急著加油的消費者不用硬撐到明天了！中油公司16日下午5點才宣布將自明(17)日零時起調降國內油品批售價格，台塑石化立即宣布，將自今日晚間10點起先降價，降價幅度與中油相同，都是汽、柴油每公升分別調降0.6元、0.7元。

受到暖冬影響，原油需求減少，造成前一陣子的國際原油價格走跌，中油依據浮動油價調整機制作業原則，宣布自明天起汽、柴油每公升分別調降0.6元、0.7元，為反應市場行情，台塑石化不僅立即跟進調降油價，同時也和上週一樣，率先在今天晚間起調降，和中油搶生意的意味十分明顯。

台塑自今晚調降後的油品價格，除98無鉛汽油每公升26.8元，較中油便宜0.2元之外，其餘油品價格均與中油相同，分別為92無鉛汽油每公升24.8元、95無鉛汽油每公升25.5元、超級柴油每公升21.6元、普通柴油每公升21.7元。

Monitoring The Exam

Tuesday morning and I have to monitoring the exam. I have three exams to monitor today. I am really busy. I am always wondering that why my coworkers do not have to do it. They just seat there and relax or they do not need to come to school. It is not fair for me. But anyways, that is school rules, I cannot change anything.

Final Math and Reading Exam

Alan will have his math and reading tests. He did not have problems with his math but I am very afraid that he will have problems with his reading. Some words he won't know. If he doesn't know, how he can read the sentence and answer the questions. I am training my baby to be a better reader but every time when I train him, he seems not very enthusiastic in English. He likes more math. he can get 100 out of 100 in his math. I will see the results of his reading test. He knows when he gets lower grades in his reading test, I will be very angry. Hopefully, he will get better.

Monday Normal Class

The day before the test, it is Monday morning with all the busiest classes. I gave my present to Jojoh and she was really happy. Now, it is the time for us to start class this morning. I have the usual classes that all Monday morning I will have. I enjoyed today my classes but at the same time it is so sad to be separate from my students. i will have new group of students next semester. I am so excited to meet my new students.

Having Breakfast

Everyone woke up earlier in the morning to have breakfast. My mom went to buy things for my in-laws to eat. They feel eating great things. Alan also enjoyed eating his sandwich and his milk. We all had a great morning time. It is time to go to church.

Guoguang Church (國光教會)

In the morning, everyone woke up earlier in the morning to go to the church. we ate breakfast that my mom bought it for all of us. Alan had his sandwich and milk. I had a fruit sandwich and milk. It was great. After having breakfast, we went right away to the church. The church is getting poor and poor, there's no more people going to the church. The priest should do something quickly but he is not. I do not know what will happen in the future with my grandmother's church.

Before Alan went to a Sunday school, he asked me to give him some money so he can give to God. y boys knows what is what. He is feeling more comfortable to go to the Sunday school by himself. At this time, he is not feeling shine.

我的大姊 (My Sister) at Guoguang Church (國光教會)

我的大姊 by 洪叡郎

我的大姊一歲多時生了一場大熱病，導致雙腳癱瘓，無法站立也無法行走。六十多年前尚不知有「小兒麻痺」，大家都以為是高燒傷害了部分神經所致。當時，我的父母費盡心血，遍尋南北名醫、民間偏方，甚至只要聽說有從德國、日本留學歸國的醫生，家父就背著大姊，不惜金錢搭飛機去給醫生看病。然而，大姊的病情依然沒有好轉。

我的父母是敬虔的基督徒，他們憑著信心與無比的愛心，扶養、照顧我的大姊。父母親的態度影響了我們這些兄弟姊妹，也都很疼惜、尊敬我們的大姊，就連我的孩子也很敬愛這位「阿姑」，我的牽手亦對她十分尊重。

許多人接觸大姊之後，都覺得她是一位十分難得的女性，因為大姊不但沒有因為行動不便而自怨自艾，或有某些「怪癖」，反而比一般人更樂觀、爽朗。十多年前，台灣還沒有輪椅，大姊得靠自己雙手支撐爬行。因為地心引力的作用，加上缺乏復健，長期下來，大姊體內的五臟器官受到擠壓，循環系統功能變得很差。如果不是她有信心，能以樂觀的心情盡力維護自己的身體，恐怕無法支撐到今天。

大姊的個性獨立，當年我志願到偏遠教會當「巡迴牧師」，四個孩子多虧有大姊幫忙照顧，方能全心投入深山宣教的工作，實在感謝大姊的辛苦與愛心。我因為牧會工作到南投，教會的牧師宿舍在二樓，對大姊的起居實在不便，因此她選擇自己一人住在台中。因為科技的進步，大姊有了電動代步車，可以四處走動，甚至遠征至台中柳原教會上松年大學，實踐終身學習的夢想。看到社會上許多身心障礙者，需要有人隨時陪伴照料，我深深地感謝上帝，讓我的大姊不僅能夠照顧自己，還能幫助別人。

身體的障礙也不影響大姊在教會的服事與敬拜。大姊自幼學習鋼琴，多年來均參與國光教會司琴的事奉。因為禮拜堂在二樓，國光教會的姬文宗牧師每個禮拜天都不辭辛苦，從一樓背著大姊上二樓參加禮拜，十分令人感動。

如今大姊已經六十多歲，我經常祈求上主繼續祝福保守她，讓她的身體狀況保持平順，有喜樂的心情。對大姊來說，靠著信心勇敢快樂地活下去，雖是無聲，卻也是最美好的見證了。

Taichung's Meat Ball (台中肉圓)

Alan and I went to the market this morning, I bought a cold meat ball to eat during lunch time. Alan saw me eating the ball that I bought at the market, he really wants it, too. He was crying because there's nothing left. I decided to buy more chinese meat ball for lunch.

We went to the 台中肉圓, the store is 60 years old already. The business is really good. We had to wait for a while to be able to buy the Chinese meat balls. The size is really good and tasty but it really expensive, each of them is 30 dollars a piece. In other places it is only half price. My father-in-law really like to eat it. He said it is really good. He really wants to eat more and more. My mother-in-law did not want him to eat more.

Sun Cake (太陽堂)

After buying Chinese meat ball, we went to buy cakes for Jojoh to bring to her country. I went to the Sun cake store (太陽堂). I bought the very typical Chinese sun cake and the lemon cake. This store is about 100 years old, and it has a very traditional flavor. I like the lemon cake the most. I am hopping that Jojoh and her family will like it.

Lukang (鹿港 )

After Taichun, I say bye to my mom and my sister. We went right away to Lukang (鹿港 ) to eat traditional food. My father-in-law, Keven is from Lukang, he grew up over there and he really misses everything that city offers. Every time we went to Taichun, he really wants to go back to his city and eat what he likes to eat. For me every city has its own traditional dish here in Taiwan, so that's why make our city very different. A lot of people would like to go there and try things that they never tried before. It is another way of telling tourists to come.

We had wanton soup and I bought strawberry for Alan. He really like strawberries. Alan used to like guavas, since strawberries came out, he really like strawberries. I do not know why. There's one time where raxapples came out, he really wanted, he really liked, but now he is changing his fruits which is very good because he could taste everything that he never did before.

After eating, we are really to go back to Tainan but eating and shopping will take a while.

Costco (好市多)

We just arrived to Tainan, my husband, David was waiting for us. He says we will go to Costco. I said ok but Alan has to study in the car. Alan was really happy, so he did not feel studying his reading. I was so tired because I drove from Taichung to Lukan and from Lukang to Tainan. What a trip that I had over the weekend. We went to Costco, David applied another car for his mom. The application took very fast.

Alan and I went t oorder pizza. I bought toital $600 Nt in food for my in-laws. I ordered 4 pizzas, one chicken roll, one chicken salad, one hot dog and one drink. The salad was great, but it was kind of expensive.

Before going to Costco, I just wanted three things, but after walking around, David showed me the ice cream maker, so I wanted that too. I wanted to buy the liqued machine for my juices, and some food and diapers for Rich's second princess. Without knowing anything, Ispend $13,000 NT dollars. It was a lot of money. Anyways, everyone enjoyed shopping and eating pizza at Costco.

Alan's Math Cram School

This morning I woke up very early to wash cloth and be ready to bring Alan to his math cram school. First, we stop at McDonald's for breakfast. Alan and I shared pancakes. I really like the pancake meal at McDonald's. It was really tasty. After eating, Alan was ready to go to his cram school. He was ready to learn more, and he was really happy.

I came back home to finish house work. Each room in my house is very clean. In case of my in-laws decided to come, I have my clean house for them.

Last Minute Shopping

After Alan's cram school, we went to Tainan city to wash my hair, going to the doctor and buying some fruits. It took us a while to get to the Tainan city, I out my car in my school. The security guard was wondering what I am doing over there on Saturday. He was very surprised.

We went to the doctor first and buy fruits. At that time it was almost 1 P.M. I came back to the salon which is closer to my school to fix my hair. After washing and fixing to be prettier, we went to eat lunch at 3R3H (3皇3家) restaurant. 3R3H stands for Three Royalty, Three House. Alan had kid's meal and I had spaghetti. It was really good. this is also a test where I can bring my students or not. It was really fun eating and enjoying with Alan.

Finally, we went back to school and be ready to go to to Taichun.

Trip to Taichun

After eating lunch at 3H3R we went right away to Taichun. My parents- in - law, are meeting me in Taichun. I asked my sister to call them and pick them up at the train station. My - in- law parents arrived at 4 P.M. At that time, I was still on the freeway driving to Taichun.

It was tiring job, it is not too much fun driving on the freeway. A lot of police officer were taking pictures of speeding. A lot of people still driving very fast and speeding. They are not even afraid of getting tickets. Now the government is making a lot of money. They will send one million NT dollars in ticket daily. It seems they are making a lot of money, but the question is where the money goes? We do not know.

Arriving at Taichun, my Grandma, mom, aunt, and my sister were waiting for us. They are ready to go to a restaurant to eat dinner. They order a table at the good restaurant. that restaurant is the member of my grandmother's church. I did not know her before, she is new member in her church.

The food was very good, it was plenty of things on the table for us to eat. Unfortunately, I forget my digital camera to take pictures of food.

After eating dinner, we went home to take a rest. Alan did his homework, but he needs to study for his tests on Tuesday.

I had a lot of fun to see my mother, father and my sister. I gave each of them a red envelop. I gave to my grandma, mom and dad the same amount of money, $6,000 NT dollars. I gave to my sister and my aunt are the same $2,000 Nt dollars. My brothers, I gave them $50.00 American Dollars. They must be very happy, Hopping they will say thanks to me.

The night was long and tiring, I decided to take shower and go to sleep. Alan was very happy he did not want to sleep right away.

I do not know when I can see my mom. They are going back to Costa Rica on January 21st, 2007. Good luck to them and I will miss them.

Phonics, Oral Test

We review and review words for Alan's phonics. He will have oral test on Monday. I am hopping he will do better on that because his speaking is ok. I reviewed with him vocabulary words, so he will know which word or consonant is that word. I really want my baby to get a good score to look better on me and on him.

Score for Science

Alan had his science test today, the results of the test is quiet good. Alan could do much better but he was nervous at the test.

Science, Science

Science test is always difficult for little children because there's a lot of words that they need to remember. Alan has a lot of new vocabulary for his science test. He must know how to spell germs, food pyramids, vegetables, cereal, meat, milk and more. Also, he needs to know what kind of food is healthy and what kind of food is not healthy. I think we will need a long time to review this tonight.

Good Scores!

Today, Alan came back home and he showed me how well he did in his Chinese test. He got 95.5 out of 100 points. I am very proud of my son. Keep your hard work, Alan.

English Test

After reading and Chinese test, he is having his English test. He needs to know what is the verb, past and present. Also, he needs to know what is the role for "ed" like played. During the review, Alan pick up very quick his English grammar rules. He understands, he is ready for the test. Good luck my little baby.

Chinese Test

After reading test, Alan has his Chinese test on Tuesday. This subject is a little bit easier because the child can study by himself. He seems to understand much better. Today, after his study, I asked him to write some Chinese words and he knows all of them. He is ready for the test.

Reading Test

This morning, Alan is having reading test. His teacher gave him a lot of vocabulary to remember. I am afraid that Alan won't remember or spell the word. Also, I reviewed with him the reading comprehension, he seems to know all the voca and the content of the reading but I do not know how the test will turn out. We will see.

Alan Will Have His Final Exam Weeks

Alan and I have to work really hard for his final grades. Even though he is in his second grade at private school in Taiwan, the pressure is very deep. Whenever Alan has exam, he and me will stay up late. As a result, I will have a lot of pimples on my face. Why on my face? I really do not understand. It should come out in my body or some where in the body but not on my face. I am very struggling about this situation.

Next week, Alan will be in his second week of his final test. Next week will be harder because it is all English subjects. He will have reading on Monday, English on Tuesday, Science on Wednesday, Phonics on Thursday and Chinese on Friday. We have to study really hard from now on to be prepared for next week. I am hopping that he will have good grades.

Cultivating Talents 2007 (培育高中研發人才)

I thought my cultivating Talents' job (培育高中研發人才) will come to the end, but today's meeting, the vice-principal asked me again to do this job. I did not want, but how can I say no to him. I just said yes. I just know that another presure will come and more time consuming for the year 2007. I was so lucky this year with my cultivating talents because everybody are so engaged. I do not know this comming group. I will see when time comes.

Rich's Second Daughter

Alan and I went to see Rich's second daughter. The baby's name is Kimberly. She is just two weeks old, she looks like her dad with chinese eyes. I chat with Rich's wife a little bit, it was a good chat with her and see Rich after a long time.

New Spirit to work!

Today is the second year of the year 2007. I still cannot believe that 2007 is already here. I am getting very old. and ugly and my husband is getting fater and fater. When I came to work this morning, everything is the same for me. The students did not change better or working harder. The school in general is all the same. Also, Christmas decoration is still there, school still pretty and elegant. Hopping that this year 2007 will be good for me, my family and my friends.

Happy Chinese New Year

在新的一年裡誠心的祝福我的朋友 ： 開開心心 ！ 工作順利 ！！ 身體健康 !!!

My Best friend, happy New Year!

恭祝：新年快樂！事業高升！身体健康！萬事如意！豬年行大運!
Happy Chinese New Year!^0^

新年將至，祝你在新的一年，一帆風順，二龍騰飛，三羊開泰，四季平安，五福臨門， 六六大順，七星高照，八方來財，九九同心，十全十美，百事亨通，千事吉祥，萬事如意！！！

New 2007

Today is January 1st, 2007. 2007 already? time goes so fast. I cannot believe that time goes really fast for me. I am getting each year older and older. I have a lot of dreams and thing to do in the year 2007. I want to have my stable job at Shen-Kung. Also, I want to buy my own house and 4 by 4 car. By the year 2008, I am hopping that I can go for a PhD program no matter where they will accept me, I will go.

I want to be a professor one day, I do not want to be a high school teacher forever in my life. I want to earn more money and give to my son, Alan for his future. Also, I want my son, Alan see me as an example as a hard working person. A lot of things and dreams to do in this year 2007. Firstable, I want to fix my face. I want to have pretty face without beans (acne). I also want my son grow taller and healthier. Wishing him can get higher grades in his school.

Cooking Dinner for Everyone

Today is the last day that Alan can play with cousins. he likes to play with the little one, because is it closer to their ages. In the morning, we went to the market, we went to eat and we bought a lot of things for dinner. I spent $500 dollars buying things for everyone.

After arriving home, I was tired, I went to take 20 minutes nap. I prepared our luggage and I went downstairs to cook dinner. I cook a lot of things for them. Alan and his tow cousins were playing. Sometimes, they were arguing.

My sister-in-law was preparing her luggage back to Hon Kong. They were bringing a lot of stuffs like clothing, cookies, candies, meat, and more to Hon Kong. I wish I can go to Hon Kong one day. I never been there. After eating dinner, we had to go to the airport right away. their flight is at 8:05 P.M.

Ariel's Proposal

Alan my master program at St. Cloud State University, accepted her boyfriend's marriage proposal. In American culture, the boy should propose to the girl, if the accept, they will plan to get married soon. However, in Taiwanese culture, the boy's parents should propose to the girl's parents about their children in marriage. My friend Ariel is Taiwanese and she accepted her boyfriend's proposal by not saying anything to her parents. Now, the professor from St. Cloud State University cam back home and try to talk to Ariel's parents about Daniel, Ariel's fiancee.

Ariel's father was really angry during the conversation. I think Daniel should come to Taiwan with his parents and proposal Ariel in-front of her parents to avoid some problems. Now they are engaged and living together but until when she has to wait to get married to this man? Another problem is that this young man is younger than her for 2 years. That can be her brother. Ariel's bother in younger than her for one year. I think this situation can be solved but it needs time.