Guess what, guess what??!?!?!?!? Guess who is done with finals, done with 1st year of nursing school, and who is on winter break? Yes yes yes! This girl!!!!! I am too excited to express myself about being on break!!! It's such a relief from nursing school.
Saying that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy nursing school. As a matter of fact, I love what I study, what I learn, and what I am looking forward to in the future.
December month has been crazy busy so far. The last week of school, we finished all the clinicals and classes. I had a wedding weekend. My host sister Tess and Brandon got married!!! Oh my goodness! It was an overjoy weekend. I was so blessed to witness everything that happened. It was the first wedding ever in my whole life that I was in it! When Tess and Brandon surprised me first that they were engaged and they told me that I was in the wedding, how excited I was!! Totally, I felt special and honored. I know she has so many so many good friends, but I was invited to the bridal party. How honored! She has been an awesome sister to me. I really feel that I am more blessed than anybody else.
Looking back to last 3 years, I am really thankful for friendship and sister love between Tess and me. I really wish that I didn't burst into tears at the rehearsal dinner so that I could have finished a mini speech nicely and cool. Instead, my tears burst out immediately after I started to talk. Seriously, I really need to work on controlling tears. I really wanted to tell the stories between Tess and me to everybody that night. Thanks to my dears, I didn't even know what I said and I only know that I was such a drama queen. @.@
Tess was the first American girl that I really really wanted to make friend with. 3.5 years ago, I tried so hard to speak up (according to her), with my very broken English. I remember that I borrowed Harry Potter 1 from her. She's always very nice to others at the International student night. She knows how to make the situation not that awkward by asking so many meaningful questions. Seriously, I've learned so much from her.
Tess loves God so so much. Through her words and acts, I always feel encouraged and strengthened. All the time, when I feel down and far away from God, Tess can always bring me closer, stronger, thus, happier.
There are so many so many wonderful memories between us.Thanks to the Lord who actually the one brings everything together and plans everything. I love His plans.
OK...story short..the wedding was the big hit of this month. Then I had a final week this week. It was over!! Yaaay! To this point, I really don't care about the grades any more as long as I pass. I was very stressed out, but you know what God told me? Psalm 55:22 Cast your burdens on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. That day I opened my new Bible before I did actual school work, Psalm 55 was in front of me. I read through it and felt God was talking to me. Later that day, I looked up my wall at my dorm, God represented Psalm 55:22 to me again. Apparently, He really wanted me to lay down the burden and let Him to take it all. I felt so much relieved after that. What's inner peace? That's what I felt at that moment. Rather struggling with grades, I should just focus on doing my best. Everything is in God's hand. I truly believe that God brought me to this country, planning for me to study this major, to live with this family, to have so many awesome friends,and to have this entirely new experience in this country. If it wasn't God, who would that be? Believing in God is truly an amazing thing. I am glad that I got saved instead of struggling with every single thing.
1st year of nursing school is down. Can't believe how fast it went by. Feel weird to be a senior after the break.
Today was my first day of my winter break. It was very very fun. I went to Panera to meet up with my neighbor, Anna, from school. She's very cool. I love her a lot! She always encourages me and also strengthens my faith. She's also a very fun person. We hung out more than last semester and we got to know each other more. This girl is a blessing from God. We studied together at different coffee shops and we had sleep-overs. Heart her!
Then! Many many fluffy snowflakes came down from the sky! Sooooooo pretty!!!! It's still snowing out. Hopefully tomorrow we will go sledding and make a snowman!! Can't wait!
Tonight I hung out with my host family. Actually I didn't hang out with Trisha and Kyle much. I always always know that they are fun people and awesome couple. We made cookies tonight. It was so fun to talk with them. Love them so much! We also watch Polar Express and had popcorn! YUMMMMMMMM! Also made snowflakes. Trisha is awesome! She's a very very considerate and sweet sister. I wish I grew up with her in this country.
First day of my break was very very relaxing and wonderful.
There are so many awesome people in my life I really want to write about with better English. OKK...maybe when my English gets better...
Having road trip to Florida next Wednesday. Feeling all kinds of excitement and awesomeness!!!
Can't wait for more adventures!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Questions people usually ask me
a few top questions that I have been asked frequently in this country:
1. when did you come to US?/how long have you been here?--since 8/21/2010
2. Which area of China are you from? How big is it?--Shenzhen, close to HongKong. Population 10,357,938 (2012)
3. What are you studying now? why?--nursing. I always want to.
4. will you go back to China after you graduate?--God has His plans for me.
5. Does Chinese food here taste like home? --definitely.NOT.
6. how long have you been learning English? --since grade school but only focused on grammars, writing, and reading. taught by Chinese teachers.
7. how many language do you speak?--Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, English
8. how did you end up here in Peoria? --through exchange student program between the college I went to in China and ICC. I was major in Business English before, which is Business & English.
9. Were you a Christian before you came here? --yes, since 2008.
10. Do you have any family here? --no. but I have many American families here.
11.
12.
13.
14.
.....
my brain is fried by reviewing OB exam so I kinda forget what else people usually ask me.
1. when did you come to US?/how long have you been here?--since 8/21/2010
2. Which area of China are you from? How big is it?--Shenzhen, close to HongKong. Population 10,357,938 (2012)
3. What are you studying now? why?--nursing. I always want to.
4. will you go back to China after you graduate?--God has His plans for me.
5. Does Chinese food here taste like home? --definitely.NOT.
6. how long have you been learning English? --since grade school but only focused on grammars, writing, and reading. taught by Chinese teachers.
7. how many language do you speak?--Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, English
8. how did you end up here in Peoria? --through exchange student program between the college I went to in China and ICC. I was major in Business English before, which is Business & English.
9. Were you a Christian before you came here? --yes, since 2008.
10. Do you have any family here? --no. but I have many American families here.
11.
12.
13.
14.
.....
my brain is fried by reviewing OB exam so I kinda forget what else people usually ask me.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Red Envelopes
Thanksgiving is coming up. So fast. Holidays always remind me of home. I love holidays when people don't need to go to school or work and families get together. Just love it.
Soon enough, it will be Chinese New Year again. Since I came to this country, I haven't paid attention to the lunar calendar which we use back home. We also use the calendar you use here, but a lot of festivals are based on lunar calendar. I don't know which dates Chinese New Year and Mid-autumn Day are. It's kinda sad, but probably it would be even worse if I did pay attention to that because I won't be able to celebrate with my friends and family. However, I have been doing fine so far.Too bad I have to miss all my red envelope, which we get it on Chinese New Year. Not-married kids and the elderly usually get lucky money on this festival. :)
Speaking of lucky money, I think I should talk about this more.
Lucky money is also called red envelope=we put money in a red envelope. Color red symbolizes good luck and also against evil spirit. It's given out by married couple to single people or the elderly. When I was a kid, I always always looked forward to Chinese New Year.
1st of all, we usually start to clean every corner at the house two weeks before the New Year. We wash everything, curtains, blankets, sheets, etc, just like everything gets dirty and is washable. On the New Year Eve, my dad usually purchases little orange tree for hanging red envelop and some other flowers. Orange in Chinese is ji zi. Ji means "great", "luck". Basically every family has two little orange tree by both sides of the door. Then we will put couplet (Dui lian) on both sides of the door as well. Couplet is Chiense poetry. Usually we buy something saying nice because this couplet usually stays there throughout the year. One time my uncle wrote the couplet. He has a very good handwriting of cursive Chinese characters. Couplet usually is written with calligraphy brush pen. It is one kind of art and it is very hard. I tried to learn that from my grandpa when I was at third grade.Apparently, I didn't get that gene. :P Maybe I did, but I didn't practice long enough. My grandpa, my dad, and my uncle are all good at calligraphy writing.
Then! After putting all the decorations up, just like what you do for Christmas except we put stuff everywhere. There's always Chinese gala show on New Year Eve. After a huge dinner with family, we all sit around and watch the gala show and talk. By midnight, the whole village will be filled up exploding fire works because every single family has somebody stays up and light up the fire works to celebrate the 1st second of the New Year. Well, basically whoever already sleeps will be up anyway because it is too loud and smoky. lol
On the 1st day of New Year, we get up with all kinds of fire work sounds from different directions. We usually went to grandparents room to say best wishes to them and ask for lucky money. but...it's changed since both my grandparents passed away. No more excitements of getting up and rushing to their room and saying wishes loudly. I haven't been home for New Year for three years.
So after that, we usually ask for lucky money from parents, uncles and aunts. We will say some New Year wishes before we ask for red envelope. :P Then the following 15 days, we have chance to visit relatives and friends and have more lucky money. :P
But red envelops are not only for the New Year, but also for the wedding and some other festivals or birthdays.
Instead of giving the couple actual gifts that they register for, we bring red envelopes to the wedding in China. Everybody who attends the wedding give red envelope except the kids. It is nice to have cash in hand and buy stuff for the new home. But I think getting actual gifts is kinda cool. Feels like you unwrap gifts on Christmas day.
So this is brief about Chinese New Year in my family and Red envelope.
Soon enough, it will be Chinese New Year again. Since I came to this country, I haven't paid attention to the lunar calendar which we use back home. We also use the calendar you use here, but a lot of festivals are based on lunar calendar. I don't know which dates Chinese New Year and Mid-autumn Day are. It's kinda sad, but probably it would be even worse if I did pay attention to that because I won't be able to celebrate with my friends and family. However, I have been doing fine so far.Too bad I have to miss all my red envelope, which we get it on Chinese New Year. Not-married kids and the elderly usually get lucky money on this festival. :)
Speaking of lucky money, I think I should talk about this more.
Lucky money is also called red envelope=we put money in a red envelope. Color red symbolizes good luck and also against evil spirit. It's given out by married couple to single people or the elderly. When I was a kid, I always always looked forward to Chinese New Year.
1st of all, we usually start to clean every corner at the house two weeks before the New Year. We wash everything, curtains, blankets, sheets, etc, just like everything gets dirty and is washable. On the New Year Eve, my dad usually purchases little orange tree for hanging red envelop and some other flowers. Orange in Chinese is ji zi. Ji means "great", "luck". Basically every family has two little orange tree by both sides of the door. Then we will put couplet (Dui lian) on both sides of the door as well. Couplet is Chiense poetry. Usually we buy something saying nice because this couplet usually stays there throughout the year. One time my uncle wrote the couplet. He has a very good handwriting of cursive Chinese characters. Couplet usually is written with calligraphy brush pen. It is one kind of art and it is very hard. I tried to learn that from my grandpa when I was at third grade.Apparently, I didn't get that gene. :P Maybe I did, but I didn't practice long enough. My grandpa, my dad, and my uncle are all good at calligraphy writing.
Then! After putting all the decorations up, just like what you do for Christmas except we put stuff everywhere. There's always Chinese gala show on New Year Eve. After a huge dinner with family, we all sit around and watch the gala show and talk. By midnight, the whole village will be filled up exploding fire works because every single family has somebody stays up and light up the fire works to celebrate the 1st second of the New Year. Well, basically whoever already sleeps will be up anyway because it is too loud and smoky. lol
On the 1st day of New Year, we get up with all kinds of fire work sounds from different directions. We usually went to grandparents room to say best wishes to them and ask for lucky money. but...it's changed since both my grandparents passed away. No more excitements of getting up and rushing to their room and saying wishes loudly. I haven't been home for New Year for three years.
So after that, we usually ask for lucky money from parents, uncles and aunts. We will say some New Year wishes before we ask for red envelope. :P Then the following 15 days, we have chance to visit relatives and friends and have more lucky money. :P
But red envelops are not only for the New Year, but also for the wedding and some other festivals or birthdays.
Instead of giving the couple actual gifts that they register for, we bring red envelopes to the wedding in China. Everybody who attends the wedding give red envelope except the kids. It is nice to have cash in hand and buy stuff for the new home. But I think getting actual gifts is kinda cool. Feels like you unwrap gifts on Christmas day.
So this is brief about Chinese New Year in my family and Red envelope.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
another random post :)
"It's week 10!"
What?!?!?! REALLY?!?! Somebody from the class said it was week 10 of school last week. My reaction was like "man...that's way too fast." BUT! It's so good. At least it means I am still making a progress in the nursing school.Now it's week 11. Only 6 more weeks, then i will be done with my junior year! Gosh. Can't believe that how time can actually fly like a lightning!
It has been drizzling all day here. Nice weather to sleep in and to take a nap. I did neither of them, surprisingly. I went to Panera and studied since 8am. Sometimes, I really don't think long period of studying means better study.Not sure how efficient it was. But hey, at least I read a lot and took tons of notes. I had three cups of coffee. Hey! IT'S REAL COFFEE! Not the expensive flavored coffee. Can you believe that I didn't even drink any coffee 1.5 years ago. See! How habit can be formed without any consciousness. Last night somehow I couldn't fall asleep and I had to drive my car away from the metered parking in front of school before 8am in case I got a ticket.That's why I didn't sleep in in this wonderful and perfect sleeping-in day. But I am so thankful that I got up,got more than enough caffeine,and got a lot done (I think).
Last weekend was so nice. The weather was nice and I relaxed. :P My friends and I went to an apple orchard to pick apples. It's fun.I ate too many apples though:P We didn't go to the corn maze.We had international student night at the same day. It was really nice of my host parents to host dinner for international students once a month. There were almost 40 people from different countries at the dinner. Doesn't sound so cool? :)
Tuesday night usually is the movie night for my friend Meredith and me. Last night we watched The Bucket List. It was touching. Of course I cried so bad, again. I can just cry for nothing. Meredith said,"Are you really crying? I can imagine how you will be when you are a nurse seeing people dying." Seriously, my lacrimal gland is probably bigger than normal people.. @.@ jk jk jk I hope not :P
OOHHHH..The Bucket List. man. What I was talking about?..That movie just motivated me to have my own bucket list. Skydiving is one for sure. Going to Turkey is for sure for sure. There's tons of adventures!! :) Already so excited even if just thinking about it now.
Our RAs are hosting pumpkin carving and walking tacos. TIME TO GO!! ^^
What?!?!?! REALLY?!?! Somebody from the class said it was week 10 of school last week. My reaction was like "man...that's way too fast." BUT! It's so good. At least it means I am still making a progress in the nursing school.Now it's week 11. Only 6 more weeks, then i will be done with my junior year! Gosh. Can't believe that how time can actually fly like a lightning!
It has been drizzling all day here. Nice weather to sleep in and to take a nap. I did neither of them, surprisingly. I went to Panera and studied since 8am. Sometimes, I really don't think long period of studying means better study.Not sure how efficient it was. But hey, at least I read a lot and took tons of notes. I had three cups of coffee. Hey! IT'S REAL COFFEE! Not the expensive flavored coffee. Can you believe that I didn't even drink any coffee 1.5 years ago. See! How habit can be formed without any consciousness. Last night somehow I couldn't fall asleep and I had to drive my car away from the metered parking in front of school before 8am in case I got a ticket.That's why I didn't sleep in in this wonderful and perfect sleeping-in day. But I am so thankful that I got up,got more than enough caffeine,and got a lot done (I think).
Last weekend was so nice. The weather was nice and I relaxed. :P My friends and I went to an apple orchard to pick apples. It's fun.I ate too many apples though:P We didn't go to the corn maze.We had international student night at the same day. It was really nice of my host parents to host dinner for international students once a month. There were almost 40 people from different countries at the dinner. Doesn't sound so cool? :)
Tuesday night usually is the movie night for my friend Meredith and me. Last night we watched The Bucket List. It was touching. Of course I cried so bad, again. I can just cry for nothing. Meredith said,"Are you really crying? I can imagine how you will be when you are a nurse seeing people dying." Seriously, my lacrimal gland is probably bigger than normal people.. @.@ jk jk jk I hope not :P
OOHHHH..The Bucket List. man. What I was talking about?..That movie just motivated me to have my own bucket list. Skydiving is one for sure. Going to Turkey is for sure for sure. There's tons of adventures!! :) Already so excited even if just thinking about it now.
Our RAs are hosting pumpkin carving and walking tacos. TIME TO GO!! ^^
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Thoughts in This Delightful Fall
My favorite season is here. Fall is such a delightful season. It is pretty, enjoyable, and joyful. Love seeing how leaves change colors and start to fall. I would love to sit in the forest, listening to the fallen leaves and tweeting birds. Fall definitely makes studying less stressful. :) because it already distracts me away from study by its beauty!!
Last weekend surprisingly I didn't study at all on Saturday and Sunday. It was such a relaxing time. That was the weekend that we didn't need to worry about anything. So I took my time off to have an international student night at my host parents house, volunteer, have a girls' night, church, antique shopping with friends, coffee, and then went to picnic in another school. Sounded like a lot of things happened last weekend. :)
This couple weeks, I am back to life again. It has been busy and good. :) I got up 5am to volunteer of giving flu shots at the hospital. To be honest, it is my first time to do the IM injection to real patients, although I already practiced millions of times on a fat pad. :P I worried a little bit last night. Apparently I wasted time on worrying. I did well today. It didn't look like my first time to give IM injections. Nobody got injured by me!!! That's a relief. haha
Sometimes we just don't know how much we've already known until we try it under the pressure. :) It's not miracle, but a thing that we should try. If we fail, we learn a lesson.
Also, I have decided to go to Florida for part of my winter break!!! That's such a big motivation of this semester. I will have a road trip with three other Chinese girls. We are too busy to have a detailed plan so far. But that's definitely a thing to look forward to. Going to Florida in winter is one of things I really want to do in this country. Washington State and Maine are the other two states on my list. Oh, Oregon as well. Man! So many places that I wanna go. :)
OK. back to study, which is good for my soul. It is the fist step of all my trips. Finish school, get a job, then dreams come true.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
hummm..
I posted this on my Chinese blog...too lazy to translate..but maybe somebody can understand.. :P
仅仅两周在两家医院上课，接触的，见到的，聊天过的病人都让我有着无数的感触。
周二的医院类似戒瘾中心，毒瘾，酒瘾，偷东西上瘾，赌瘾，还有其他不知道的瘾，有些病人很想戒掉，有些却是被迫。大多病人都有家庭，有些很无奈为什么自己不可以控制自己的大脑，有些很想为家庭着想，有些想保护身体却濒临死亡，却偏偏抵挡不住诱惑，控制不了自己。大多数都几乎到过死亡的边界。 就算是他们都有着这些过去，我们不能戴有色眼镜看待他们。也许也就是因为社会的如此，让他们无法自拔，让他们越陷越深。心理，是个很有学问的东西。不同的沟通方式，不同的肢体语言，不同的表情，很容易被误解或者传达错的信息。所以，如果你遇到一些有着这样经历的人，请尊重他们，善待他们，平等对待。
周四的医院是儿童医院。昨天还和四个同学一起帮一个19岁的男生换尿片。很尴尬吗？在医学界里，这些是不存在的。病人从一出生到现在整整19年时间，他说不到话，经常有脑抽筋，经常肌肉抽挛。19年里，没有语言的沟通，没有朋友，进进出出医院，家人没有抛弃他。有位甚至更小的孩子，才2岁，出生开始就有癌症，整整两年的化学治疗。可以想象一个孩子一出生就不能体会到他们本来就该享受的成长过程吗？我们还抱怨什么？就算成长的过程有着彼此不懂得困难与辛苦，这又算得了什么？有些人从来就没有机会去体验这些所谓的困难。他们都还活着，为什么活着的有些人就像死去了？有些人大脑不能正常转动并且有着患病的身体，有些人有着健康的身体却有着严重创伤的灵魂。
感恩生命，感恩现在的生活，感恩家人，感恩朋友，以及珍惜一切。
仅仅两周在两家医院上课，接触的，见到的，聊天过的病人都让我有着无数的感触。
周二的医院类似戒瘾中心，毒瘾，酒瘾，偷东西上瘾，赌瘾，还有其他不知道的瘾，有些病人很想戒掉，有些却是被迫。大多病人都有家庭，有些很无奈为什么自己不可以控制自己的大脑，有些很想为家庭着想，有些想保护身体却濒临死亡，却偏偏抵挡不住诱惑，控制不了自己。大多数都几乎到过死亡的边界。 就算是他们都有着这些过去，我们不能戴有色眼镜看待他们。也许也就是因为社会的如此，让他们无法自拔，让他们越陷越深。心理，是个很有学问的东西。不同的沟通方式，不同的肢体语言，不同的表情，很容易被误解或者传达错的信息。所以，如果你遇到一些有着这样经历的人，请尊重他们，善待他们，平等对待。
周四的医院是儿童医院。昨天还和四个同学一起帮一个19岁的男生换尿片。很尴尬吗？在医学界里，这些是不存在的。病人从一出生到现在整整19年时间，他说不到话，经常有脑抽筋，经常肌肉抽挛。19年里，没有语言的沟通，没有朋友，进进出出医院，家人没有抛弃他。有位甚至更小的孩子，才2岁，出生开始就有癌症，整整两年的化学治疗。可以想象一个孩子一出生就不能体会到他们本来就该享受的成长过程吗？我们还抱怨什么？就算成长的过程有着彼此不懂得困难与辛苦，这又算得了什么？有些人从来就没有机会去体验这些所谓的困难。他们都还活着，为什么活着的有些人就像死去了？有些人大脑不能正常转动并且有着患病的身体，有些人有着健康的身体却有着严重创伤的灵魂。
感恩生命，感恩现在的生活，感恩家人，感恩朋友，以及珍惜一切。
Thursday, September 5, 2013
a little summary of this week
It has been a busy week, and also a good one.
Sometimes, I feel confused at the clinical. I don't know what I should do sometimes.And sometimes, I embarrass myself. Well, that's why I am still a nursing student. We learn from practice, experiences, and mistakes.
Today my patient asked me for email. I've always heard that this happens to somebody, but I never knew it actually happened to me. But, of course I can't do that.But hey, it is a pretty good feeling. The patient's mom gave me a hug before I left and said, "I have been in and out of the hospital. You are the best nurse I met." Isn't that encouraging and thrilling? I was totally pumped.
This definitely encouraged me a lot, especially I have been doubting about myself. Thank you for those who walked into my life and made my day.
Last Saturday I volunteered at the ER. It was a nice experience. But, I still need to work on communication skills. Sometimes,it is awkward when everybody stops talking and looks at his/hers shoes. It was a slow day, which was good. At least, there were not too many people getting hurt or hurting themselves out there. However, I got to met different kind of people. It was a complicated feeling. Still don't know how to describe.
I have been nervous about my 1st exam in two weeks. Yes, you probably would say,"Two weeks? Why do you worry?!" I wish I could read faster and maintain all those information.
But, so far so good. Hang in there. Do your best, and leave the rest to God.
Sometimes, I feel confused at the clinical. I don't know what I should do sometimes.And sometimes, I embarrass myself. Well, that's why I am still a nursing student. We learn from practice, experiences, and mistakes.
Today my patient asked me for email. I've always heard that this happens to somebody, but I never knew it actually happened to me. But, of course I can't do that.But hey, it is a pretty good feeling. The patient's mom gave me a hug before I left and said, "I have been in and out of the hospital. You are the best nurse I met." Isn't that encouraging and thrilling? I was totally pumped.
This definitely encouraged me a lot, especially I have been doubting about myself. Thank you for those who walked into my life and made my day.
Last Saturday I volunteered at the ER. It was a nice experience. But, I still need to work on communication skills. Sometimes,it is awkward when everybody stops talking and looks at his/hers shoes. It was a slow day, which was good. At least, there were not too many people getting hurt or hurting themselves out there. However, I got to met different kind of people. It was a complicated feeling. Still don't know how to describe.
I have been nervous about my 1st exam in two weeks. Yes, you probably would say,"Two weeks? Why do you worry?!" I wish I could read faster and maintain all those information.
But, so far so good. Hang in there. Do your best, and leave the rest to God.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Second week of those many weeks at school
Finally my mind came back from the Southwest to piles of school stuff. WOOHOO!! Thanks to my peers at school who have been studying since school started. Man. Nursing school is definitely stressful, but the peer pressure is worse than that. I actually have gotten more pressure from my peers. Sometimes, pressure is good. It may help motivate us to go forward. But too much pressure will probably will take me to one of the psy sites for nursing students to observe and study.
Anyway,I am still glad that I finally get my head down to the piles of schoolwork. I immediately fell behind since school started. Tons of readings are waiting for me. Wish I could read faster and remember at least half of them. It seems like a game. I am always catching up with all kinds of the assignments. It is not the best feeling I am telling ya...
Putting away those readings, I really love nursing school. Yesterday I was at one of the psy site. It was 8 hours long but I did not want to leave by the dismissed time. I really enjoyed listening and talking to the patients there. Before I had this clinical, many students told me how scary people can be at the psy sites. I got scared, to be honest. HOWEVER! Patients at this site didn't scare me at all. Being a nurse should not judge anybody by appearance or by disease. Anyway, I really like what I am doing except school works. haha. Is there any way to become a nurse without taking all these classes? No way maybe. :P
I have been back to study at different coffee shops since school started. It is a good feeling. My coffee needs gradually is becoming bigger and bigger. I don't actually think it helps me stay awake BECAUSE!!!!! I always fall asleep in classes...LAME! I really can't help it though. It is not because it is boring. It is useful and fun. But why I still fall asleep? Anybody want to open my brain to find out the reasons?
Several people are telling me that I have too much social life compared to normal students. So probably I really need to isolate myself from the real world before I catch up with reading, which probably won't end till this semester..OR! Don't listen to them..hahaha..Maybe I should.
Going back to hospital to pick up a patient and have a nice long night for prepaperwork.
Blog written at Starbucks.
Anyway,I am still glad that I finally get my head down to the piles of schoolwork. I immediately fell behind since school started. Tons of readings are waiting for me. Wish I could read faster and remember at least half of them. It seems like a game. I am always catching up with all kinds of the assignments. It is not the best feeling I am telling ya...
Putting away those readings, I really love nursing school. Yesterday I was at one of the psy site. It was 8 hours long but I did not want to leave by the dismissed time. I really enjoyed listening and talking to the patients there. Before I had this clinical, many students told me how scary people can be at the psy sites. I got scared, to be honest. HOWEVER! Patients at this site didn't scare me at all. Being a nurse should not judge anybody by appearance or by disease. Anyway, I really like what I am doing except school works. haha. Is there any way to become a nurse without taking all these classes? No way maybe. :P
I have been back to study at different coffee shops since school started. It is a good feeling. My coffee needs gradually is becoming bigger and bigger. I don't actually think it helps me stay awake BECAUSE!!!!! I always fall asleep in classes...LAME! I really can't help it though. It is not because it is boring. It is useful and fun. But why I still fall asleep? Anybody want to open my brain to find out the reasons?
Several people are telling me that I have too much social life compared to normal students. So probably I really need to isolate myself from the real world before I catch up with reading, which probably won't end till this semester..OR! Don't listen to them..hahaha..Maybe I should.
Going back to hospital to pick up a patient and have a nice long night for prepaperwork.
Blog written at Starbucks.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
This is the time of the year...
Summer is gone...School is here...
Not sure why I had such a hard time to start this semester..probably because my summer was too good! OR...my heart, my mind, and my body are just not ready. @.@
Ready or not, this is second day of school. Yesterday, I had six hours lecture for two classes. Apparently, lectures are longer than last semester. So are the clinicals. I had psy clinical today. It was only orientation, for 6 hours. I didn't meet any patient yet. Somehow, meeting patient is my favorite part of school, even though I do not always know what I am doing. Well, that's why I am still a student. So don't freak out. I will be very professional one day.
The good part of going back to school is seeing all the friends I made last semester. It is so good to see all of us made it through to the higher level class. Also, I already feel the stress from my peers. I am a good student, but a procrastinated one. Sometimes, I really really want to know why I feel sleepy in any class. I try to keep awake by pinching myself..(sounds like very torturing.) Usually it doesn't work. Any caffeine stuff doesn't work for me either..Man. am I human?
Illinois has been nice weather also. Nice and cool. My dear friend Hannah helped me move all my junk into my little nest at school. It was so nice of her. She is always very sweet :) She is a few of my good friends in this country. I am really thankful for our friendship and everything. Her family is moving to another state soon. I will miss her tons.
One thing for expecting in this year is fall season. That's my favorite season when all the trees are colorful, falling leaves everywhere, harvest time, and pumpkin festival. :)
Life is so good.
Not sure why I had such a hard time to start this semester..probably because my summer was too good! OR...my heart, my mind, and my body are just not ready. @.@
Ready or not, this is second day of school. Yesterday, I had six hours lecture for two classes. Apparently, lectures are longer than last semester. So are the clinicals. I had psy clinical today. It was only orientation, for 6 hours. I didn't meet any patient yet. Somehow, meeting patient is my favorite part of school, even though I do not always know what I am doing. Well, that's why I am still a student. So don't freak out. I will be very professional one day.
The good part of going back to school is seeing all the friends I made last semester. It is so good to see all of us made it through to the higher level class. Also, I already feel the stress from my peers. I am a good student, but a procrastinated one. Sometimes, I really really want to know why I feel sleepy in any class. I try to keep awake by pinching myself..(sounds like very torturing.) Usually it doesn't work. Any caffeine stuff doesn't work for me either..Man. am I human?
Illinois has been nice weather also. Nice and cool. My dear friend Hannah helped me move all my junk into my little nest at school. It was so nice of her. She is always very sweet :) She is a few of my good friends in this country. I am really thankful for our friendship and everything. Her family is moving to another state soon. I will miss her tons.
One thing for expecting in this year is fall season. That's my favorite season when all the trees are colorful, falling leaves everywhere, harvest time, and pumpkin festival. :)
Life is so good.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Summer over
There are so many things probably we do not like, but we have to face them, such as saying goodbye. Time to say goodbye to these lovely couple, this friendly town, and everything.
Today was my last time to walk around downtown. Actually this was my...third time wandering around downtown, maybe? On this trip, I mean..
Was sick for a couple of days. Seriously? Got sick on the lovely trip?!?! That really sucks. Missed out so much. And also caused so much inconveniences. Jo took care of me very well during these days. It was very touching. All I can say is thank you, thank you, and thank you...
Tomorrow I will go back to the heat first (Phoenix), then day after I will go back to the humidity (IL). Who will miss the humid weather? But I'd better keep going.
Going back to reality. Need to move back to the dorm. Need to buy some school errands.
Study hard. Play hard if it is possible.
Friday, August 9, 2013
24
SO! I successfully aged to 24, almost a quarter of a century. It was a blessed day by all my friends. I feel loved :)
It was a wonderful morning at the courtyard. Breeze, sunlight, birds, and friends. Eric and Jo took me out for lunch. There's a place called Diane's where Jo wanted to take me to, but it was closed. BUT! I was not upset at all because there are tons of good restaurants in this town. So we went to the restaurant where we had new year's dinner last time. It is Curious Kumquat. It is a very neat restaurant. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze. I met our waitress Shannon who I was impressed by last year at the Square Dance in downtown. She is a very delightful person. So I had beef and fish tacos. They were very tasty. AND! I had a chocolate cake with moose as dessert. The chef is specially good at chocolate dessert. Eric is going to supervise me of making moose someday while I am here. We will see how it turns out. Oh well, it can't be bad because I have a supervisor. :P
After lunch, Jo and I went to grocery and had some girl's talks. :P And met a very cute and friendly local nursing student. People here are just friendly and nice. Wherever you go, you always have people to talk to. I wandered around the downtown in the afternoon. There's no reason to be shy here. Walked into a shop and spoke up. I enjoy knowing random people here. Plus, artists at the shops always have interesting stories. I bought a hat at the Old Post Office. Lots of people here walk around with hats on. Sunlights are very strong. In China, many people carry umbrella with them.
We had a yummy steak, grilled fresh mushrooms, bak choy, fruits, and red wine for dinner. Have to say that Eric and Jo are great cooks! I enjoy every meal they make. So during the coming semester, I will bake the mushroom with cheese and some jalapeno. I've learned so much new stuff here. My goal of next semester is to make healthy food instead of eating fat food all the time. Need to keep myself energetic and healthy. So eating is very important part! Today I learned to drink something new. Sparkling water with strawberries, lemon, cucumber, and some vinegar. It is very easy and healthy. I need to cut down the number of soda I usually drink.
Overall, it was a fabulous birthday. I enjoyed it. ^^
Today we went to Deming Museum, Pony Hills for Indian carvings, and Hatch. The museum has many good and old stuff donated by people. They even have a medical room, which is interesting to see what the gears look like back to years ago. Have to say that the chile in Hatch is sooooooo good! Had green chile cheese burger. It filled me up for a whole day. :P
It was a wonderful morning at the courtyard. Breeze, sunlight, birds, and friends. Eric and Jo took me out for lunch. There's a place called Diane's where Jo wanted to take me to, but it was closed. BUT! I was not upset at all because there are tons of good restaurants in this town. So we went to the restaurant where we had new year's dinner last time. It is Curious Kumquat. It is a very neat restaurant. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze. I met our waitress Shannon who I was impressed by last year at the Square Dance in downtown. She is a very delightful person. So I had beef and fish tacos. They were very tasty. AND! I had a chocolate cake with moose as dessert. The chef is specially good at chocolate dessert. Eric is going to supervise me of making moose someday while I am here. We will see how it turns out. Oh well, it can't be bad because I have a supervisor. :P
After lunch, Jo and I went to grocery and had some girl's talks. :P And met a very cute and friendly local nursing student. People here are just friendly and nice. Wherever you go, you always have people to talk to. I wandered around the downtown in the afternoon. There's no reason to be shy here. Walked into a shop and spoke up. I enjoy knowing random people here. Plus, artists at the shops always have interesting stories. I bought a hat at the Old Post Office. Lots of people here walk around with hats on. Sunlights are very strong. In China, many people carry umbrella with them.
We had a yummy steak, grilled fresh mushrooms, bak choy, fruits, and red wine for dinner. Have to say that Eric and Jo are great cooks! I enjoy every meal they make. So during the coming semester, I will bake the mushroom with cheese and some jalapeno. I've learned so much new stuff here. My goal of next semester is to make healthy food instead of eating fat food all the time. Need to keep myself energetic and healthy. So eating is very important part! Today I learned to drink something new. Sparkling water with strawberries, lemon, cucumber, and some vinegar. It is very easy and healthy. I need to cut down the number of soda I usually drink.
Overall, it was a fabulous birthday. I enjoyed it. ^^
Having such a great time here makes me not want to go back to school. Maybe because I am kind of nervous about new semester? I am actually missing studying at the coffee shops and on my routines, even though it sounds very boring. haha.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
while the days are off...
While the days are off, I headed out to the southwest and now I am visiting Silver City, NM. People always ask, "what's there?"
--"my wonderful friends." This is always the answer. It is a nice place to visit, but my friends Eric and Jo make the place more wonderful.
I was here last winter for a whole month. It was such a relaxing and lovely trip. It made me want to come back here while it is summer. And, the decision was right. Summer here is very very pretty. Silver City is about 6,000 feet so it is not too hot while Phoenix or Tucson is like being cooked. The sunlight is strong, but there is still nice breeze, which makes it enjoyable.
No kidding, these pictures are all from my phone. The weather is absolutely perfect. The blue sky seriously takes my breath away. The clouds are purely white and always seem very close for us to catch! Can't help taking pictures again and again, even though there are tons of pictures in my phone are the quite similar. BUT!! it is never enough. The sunset is so gorgeous! It covers the land from the east to the west with its golden color. Seems like the land was painted to a shiny layer.
--"my wonderful friends." This is always the answer. It is a nice place to visit, but my friends Eric and Jo make the place more wonderful.
I was here last winter for a whole month. It was such a relaxing and lovely trip. It made me want to come back here while it is summer. And, the decision was right. Summer here is very very pretty. Silver City is about 6,000 feet so it is not too hot while Phoenix or Tucson is like being cooked. The sunlight is strong, but there is still nice breeze, which makes it enjoyable.
No kidding, these pictures are all from my phone. The weather is absolutely perfect. The blue sky seriously takes my breath away. The clouds are purely white and always seem very close for us to catch! Can't help taking pictures again and again, even though there are tons of pictures in my phone are the quite similar. BUT!! it is never enough. The sunset is so gorgeous! It covers the land from the east to the west with its golden color. Seems like the land was painted to a shiny layer.
We went to the Cliff to have quite authentic Mexican food for brunch today. They were so good! I love those fresh beans, tamales, grilled chilly pepper, rice, and horchata. I didn't finish all my lunch probably because my stomach is being on and off during these traveling days. (had a long time of Chinese buffet, suddenly switched to American food, now Mexican food.) I like Mexican salsa. I think Mexican food is pretty healthy and yummy.
Eric, Jo, and I had coffee at the porch today. It was a a very lovely morning for sure. Their house has been done so much. There are so many cute details in this house. I like the southwest style houses. This little town, it is filled with all kinds of pretty colors. There are many artists here. Jo is one right here. :) I got to see her studio this time. So awesome to see how the arts are formed. It is such a privilege to hear how an artist thinks and how the ideas come from. Two kinds of people in this world make me admire: artist and photographer.
When I was younger, I always loved to draw. I drew a lot until I went to middle school. I don't really think I was creative enough (I am still not.). I could copy something similar, but not from my own mind. Anyway, no more drawing after middle school. Probably I could pick that up after I retired from being a nurse. Who knows. :P I had a couple of dreams when I was younger, as far as I remember. I wanted to be a chef, a barber, an artist, a doctor, and this is it. Although my teacher encouraged us to be a scientist or whatever big...probably I knew I wasn't smart enough for that.. :P
Anyway, this is just a little bit about childhood. OFF the topic again..........as always. :P
OK...back to Silver City.
Silver City is a great place for artists and those who love arts. There are many galleries, unique architecture, AND! good foods! Love a lot of restaurants here. Lots of them have their own themes and characteristics. I love the coffee shops here. They are all different from each other, but one thing that they are in common is--they are all very cute!! I like starbucks, but I like local coffee shops waayyyy more. This town is really a great place to wander around. You can always go into a shop, or window shop, or just literally walk around and enjoy the architectures.
Today we also were home watched Grey's Anatomy. I guess I am addicted to it now. There are TV shows I like: Psych, Heartland, and now Grey's Anatomy. Heartland is a TV show about people and the horses, which makes me love horse now!
It is just sooooo good to see Jo and Eric here. They are always blessings in my life. Thankful to meet them in my life. Really.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Grampa.
Life has been busy, good, and challenging since I got back from China.
Although it is a little bit tough, I am still glad that I made my decision right, I think.
EXCEPT......
My dearest grampa passed away.
Can't believe that I saw him last month and I will never see him again next time I go back home. My grampa is already 95-year-old. He was almost a century old. For sure, he went through a lot and a lot in his life. I am still not used to use the past tense for him.
When I was born, my grampa was in jail because of his family's status. He was from a landlord family at that time when people hated landlords a lot. Not sure how it worked, but the government and the people tried to punish the landlord, I guess. Not sure. Now I truly regret that I didn't hear all the stories from my grampa. :( Isn't that awful?
I love my grampa. He was so nice and smart. He knew a lot of traditional Chinese medicine stuff and he read tons. He always always encouraged the kids to travel around and to learn. When my older sister went to South Korea as an exchange student, he was very proud. He was even more proud when I came to U.S. to study. He told many people that he would come to visit U.S. last year. But now...He's gone already.
Every time I think of him, tears come up with my eyes. I can't help thinking how wonderful and encouraging he was.
I remember that he was willing to sit on a chair for a whole afternoon for me to draw when I was second grade. He punished me once in my life...because of my ugly handwriting. Now, every time I write the characters, I really appreciate he did that.
I really love my grampa. There was a little story from my family. Not sure how real this story is, but almost every relative told me about this.
As the third girl in our family, nobody like me when I was born, only because they found out I was a girl. As you heard maybe, many people in China prefer boys than girls, especially in the traditional and rural areas. So did my family. They really wanted a boy, but somehow I came to this earth. So they thought of giving me away by putting me in a basket on the street. My grandfather, the only one who said we should keep the girl. So I am here. So I have a chance to type these words. I guess there are more details, but I am not very certain for it due to I was not born at that time or I was just a baby at that time. Wish I knew that also....sounds like a dramatic story. :P
Life is filled up with all kinds of uncertainness. We will never know what will happen next second. I am very glad that I went back to China this summer before my grampa left. It was such a good time to hang out with him and see him even though he was sick and weak.
I miss him.
And I am so thankful for many many good friends I have. Many of them messaged me with sympathy words. Really appreciate it.
Although it is a little bit tough, I am still glad that I made my decision right, I think.
EXCEPT......
My dearest grampa passed away.
Can't believe that I saw him last month and I will never see him again next time I go back home. My grampa is already 95-year-old. He was almost a century old. For sure, he went through a lot and a lot in his life. I am still not used to use the past tense for him.
When I was born, my grampa was in jail because of his family's status. He was from a landlord family at that time when people hated landlords a lot. Not sure how it worked, but the government and the people tried to punish the landlord, I guess. Not sure. Now I truly regret that I didn't hear all the stories from my grampa. :( Isn't that awful?
I love my grampa. He was so nice and smart. He knew a lot of traditional Chinese medicine stuff and he read tons. He always always encouraged the kids to travel around and to learn. When my older sister went to South Korea as an exchange student, he was very proud. He was even more proud when I came to U.S. to study. He told many people that he would come to visit U.S. last year. But now...He's gone already.
Every time I think of him, tears come up with my eyes. I can't help thinking how wonderful and encouraging he was.
I remember that he was willing to sit on a chair for a whole afternoon for me to draw when I was second grade. He punished me once in my life...because of my ugly handwriting. Now, every time I write the characters, I really appreciate he did that.
I really love my grampa. There was a little story from my family. Not sure how real this story is, but almost every relative told me about this.
As the third girl in our family, nobody like me when I was born, only because they found out I was a girl. As you heard maybe, many people in China prefer boys than girls, especially in the traditional and rural areas. So did my family. They really wanted a boy, but somehow I came to this earth. So they thought of giving me away by putting me in a basket on the street. My grandfather, the only one who said we should keep the girl. So I am here. So I have a chance to type these words. I guess there are more details, but I am not very certain for it due to I was not born at that time or I was just a baby at that time. Wish I knew that also....sounds like a dramatic story. :P
Life is filled up with all kinds of uncertainness. We will never know what will happen next second. I am very glad that I went back to China this summer before my grampa left. It was such a good time to hang out with him and see him even though he was sick and weak.
I miss him.
And I am so thankful for many many good friends I have. Many of them messaged me with sympathy words. Really appreciate it.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Home here and there
Hello from HongKong!
I am visiting my aunt in HongKong now. I came here from Shenzhen today. The time length is like going to Chicago from Peoria, except I changed multiple buses. :P
It is SOOOO good to be home. Really, nothing and nowhere is like home.
I have been back to Shenzhen for half month already. So many things has been changed. Subway, buildings, and so on...Most of my friends already have their jobs. I can't hang out with them unil they get off work. But it is so nice to get together! I thought there must be barriers between my friends and me because I haven't been home for so long. However, that's true friendship! Friendship will never change because of time and distance. Even though we didn't keep in touch when I was in school, they contacted me right away when they knew that I came back. They took me out for lunch, dinner, or tea. They are SOO sweet! We talked so much...So my voice got destroyed. :P
OK..never mind. the above paragraph was typed when I was in HongKong, probably three weeks ago. For some reasons, I didn't finish it and didn't post it. Guess what? I already came back to the states before I posted that. @.@
So I have been back here for a week. Have been busy since then. My flight back to here wasn't bad. 4 hours from HongKong to Japan. 12 hours from Japan to Chicago. 6 hours lay over. Then half hour from Chicago to Peoria. It sounds complicated and awful maybe. But actually it is way better than flying for straight 16 hours.
Being here is not weird anymore. I automatically ordered coffee when I was at the airport. Sipping that starbucks, I thought of the starbucks in China. It is less sweeter and more flavors. Sometimes, people just don't believe me that how cool China is. Even some of my American friends, who went to China and tried Chinese or American foods over there, love the foods and culture. Oh well, I can't force everybody like my own culture. Just like one of my Chinese friends couldn't understand the American culture and left here before school was over. There are always exceptions. But I do think people should be open-minded and get to know others more than they take assumptions.
I moved into another family yesterday. Everything went well. My host parents for a month are so awesome and sweet. They make me laugh everyday.
My goals of the rest of summer:
1. read Bible everyday and pray
2. work
3. study for next semester
4. learn how to swim. (yes, I do not know how to swim and I did live by the coast when I was in China.)
5. hang out with friends
6. learn how to make easy meals so that I won't eat microwave food or fast food next semester when I live at the dorms
OK. Next goal for this blog is to make a theme for every post...hopefully
I am visiting my aunt in HongKong now. I came here from Shenzhen today. The time length is like going to Chicago from Peoria, except I changed multiple buses. :P
It is SOOOO good to be home. Really, nothing and nowhere is like home.
I have been back to Shenzhen for half month already. So many things has been changed. Subway, buildings, and so on...Most of my friends already have their jobs. I can't hang out with them unil they get off work. But it is so nice to get together! I thought there must be barriers between my friends and me because I haven't been home for so long. However, that's true friendship! Friendship will never change because of time and distance. Even though we didn't keep in touch when I was in school, they contacted me right away when they knew that I came back. They took me out for lunch, dinner, or tea. They are SOO sweet! We talked so much...So my voice got destroyed. :P
OK..never mind. the above paragraph was typed when I was in HongKong, probably three weeks ago. For some reasons, I didn't finish it and didn't post it. Guess what? I already came back to the states before I posted that. @.@
So I have been back here for a week. Have been busy since then. My flight back to here wasn't bad. 4 hours from HongKong to Japan. 12 hours from Japan to Chicago. 6 hours lay over. Then half hour from Chicago to Peoria. It sounds complicated and awful maybe. But actually it is way better than flying for straight 16 hours.
Being here is not weird anymore. I automatically ordered coffee when I was at the airport. Sipping that starbucks, I thought of the starbucks in China. It is less sweeter and more flavors. Sometimes, people just don't believe me that how cool China is. Even some of my American friends, who went to China and tried Chinese or American foods over there, love the foods and culture. Oh well, I can't force everybody like my own culture. Just like one of my Chinese friends couldn't understand the American culture and left here before school was over. There are always exceptions. But I do think people should be open-minded and get to know others more than they take assumptions.
I moved into another family yesterday. Everything went well. My host parents for a month are so awesome and sweet. They make me laugh everyday.
My goals of the rest of summer:
1. read Bible everyday and pray
2. work
3. study for next semester
4. learn how to swim. (yes, I do not know how to swim and I did live by the coast when I was in China.)
5. hang out with friends
6. learn how to make easy meals so that I won't eat microwave food or fast food next semester when I live at the dorms
OK. Next goal for this blog is to make a theme for every post...hopefully
Friday, May 24, 2013
Arrived in China
I arrived in HongKong last night after travelling for about 23 hours. Tess gave me a ride to Peoria around 6:45am, 22nd May. I landed at 6:30pm 23rd. It was actually not a bad for a long trip at all, even though we sat at the same spot for 16 hours. A couple from HongKong who sat by me talked to me a lot when I was on the plane. I watched Mulan, Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, Hobbit, Les mis, and read the letter my host mom wrote me. She is the sweetest lady in this world. When I read the letter, all the memories of last two years were thrown back to me. It was such a precious and unforgettable experience in my life.
Besides these many things, I took a couple of naps. Then I arrived!! humidified air came to me first. I felt a little bit overwhelmed right away when I saw people all over the places. Being in Midwest for a couple of years, I think I have been spoiled by the relaxing,laid-back, and free style.
I found bus station and took the bus for 1 hour then got a cab. I had my first dinner at my aunt's house. She made stuffing tofu, stuffing egg plant, chicken (with bones), pork, fresh vegetables, and SOUP! That was so awesome to have real food.
Then I talked with my aunt, cousins, and my sister for a bit last night. Jet lag made me get up at 4a.m...Didn't do much things because the house is very small in HongKong. If I did somethings at that time, everybody could be awaken.
So what happened today? My aunt and I took my younger cousin, Kitty, to the bus station where the driver from her school gave students rides.
My aunt took me to dim-sum with her mommy's group from school. It was sooo good!! They were the pics on the low right extremities.
I thought I couldn't finish this post tonight but appearntly my brain is crushing.
Good night from HongKong
Saturday, May 18, 2013
done with finals and began summer!
The most sneaky thing in this world is time. It flew away when I was busy with school. Now looking back this semester, it was very fast and crazy. I am so glad it is done though.
I survived my first semester of nursing school and I am still in a whole piece (this sounds scary. :P)
Tomorrow I don't have to get up early and go to school (oh, wait! it is Saturday..Humm...so not getting up early to study then.) It is kind of weird.
According to my friend, we had 24 exams and 8 proficiency this semester. Actually I think we had more than 8 proficiency. I think I talked about what proficiency is in last post or last two posts. Anyway, basically we had exams every single week except the first week of school. Sometimes, I wonder why people make nursing school so hard here.Sometimes I feel like I am a med student. But it does make sense because this is about human's life.
Good thing is I do love this major. It is tough, but it is totally worthy and enjoyable.
I am SO SO thankful that I have Christ. Without Him, I don't even know how I survived this semester. It is not an empty and big word. Through Him, I feel the power to stand up instead of giving up.
I am so thankful I have my host parents who support me all the time. They always listen to my little things. They always keep their door opening for me. I almost always went to their house for weekends. They are very very sweet. I feel it is like a relaxing and beautiful harbor.
I am so thankful that I have met so many new friends at school. It is so awesome to live at school. We basically see each other 24/7 so it was hard to say goodbye. But we will see each other after a couple of months. :P We studied, ate, had fun, reviewed exams, and had classes together. They made my life so much more colorful during the semester.
I am so thankful that I went to this little school which provides unlimited printing, resources, and free food!!! I love how the school and the faculties support us. They want us to succeed.
Also I am so thankful all my old friends who support me and concern about me. Although I was awfully bad at connecting with friends this semester, I still feel their concerns, which really warms my heart.
My family in China frequently facetimes with me and tells me they support me. Even though my family barely says the words "I love you", I feel their love and encouragement. You might think it is weird, but this is just how we are...I have never hugged my dad (i guess?), it probably will be weird if I did at home. Probably because of the older generations don't really like hugs or expressing loves in words.
However, if I have husband and kids in the future, I will tell them "I love you" every day. After being in this country for this long, I do prefer expressing love in words to silence. Some people probably are not good at saying that. But personally I really like saying that. Maybe I am just too expressive? :P
Five months ago, I bought the ticket to go back to China and sort of counting down. But now?! It is only 4 more days! I am so excited and a little bit nervous. I haven't seen my friends back home for so long. We will see how it goes.
OOOHHHH!! How I spent my first day of summer break? I finished my last final, had seafood with my friend who I haven't seen for ages, packed stuff at the dorm, moved, cleaned the dorm, movie with two pepsis and popcorn, and night with my friend. Life can't be better than this!
Have a good summer!! .....night..zzzzZZZZZZZZZZ
I survived my first semester of nursing school and I am still in a whole piece (this sounds scary. :P)
Tomorrow I don't have to get up early and go to school (oh, wait! it is Saturday..Humm...so not getting up early to study then.) It is kind of weird.
According to my friend, we had 24 exams and 8 proficiency this semester. Actually I think we had more than 8 proficiency. I think I talked about what proficiency is in last post or last two posts. Anyway, basically we had exams every single week except the first week of school. Sometimes, I wonder why people make nursing school so hard here.Sometimes I feel like I am a med student. But it does make sense because this is about human's life.
Good thing is I do love this major. It is tough, but it is totally worthy and enjoyable.
I am SO SO thankful that I have Christ. Without Him, I don't even know how I survived this semester. It is not an empty and big word. Through Him, I feel the power to stand up instead of giving up.
I am so thankful I have my host parents who support me all the time. They always listen to my little things. They always keep their door opening for me. I almost always went to their house for weekends. They are very very sweet. I feel it is like a relaxing and beautiful harbor.
I am so thankful that I have met so many new friends at school. It is so awesome to live at school. We basically see each other 24/7 so it was hard to say goodbye. But we will see each other after a couple of months. :P We studied, ate, had fun, reviewed exams, and had classes together. They made my life so much more colorful during the semester.
I am so thankful that I went to this little school which provides unlimited printing, resources, and free food!!! I love how the school and the faculties support us. They want us to succeed.
Also I am so thankful all my old friends who support me and concern about me. Although I was awfully bad at connecting with friends this semester, I still feel their concerns, which really warms my heart.
My family in China frequently facetimes with me and tells me they support me. Even though my family barely says the words "I love you", I feel their love and encouragement. You might think it is weird, but this is just how we are...I have never hugged my dad (i guess?), it probably will be weird if I did at home. Probably because of the older generations don't really like hugs or expressing loves in words.
However, if I have husband and kids in the future, I will tell them "I love you" every day. After being in this country for this long, I do prefer expressing love in words to silence. Some people probably are not good at saying that. But personally I really like saying that. Maybe I am just too expressive? :P
Five months ago, I bought the ticket to go back to China and sort of counting down. But now?! It is only 4 more days! I am so excited and a little bit nervous. I haven't seen my friends back home for so long. We will see how it goes.
OOOHHHH!! How I spent my first day of summer break? I finished my last final, had seafood with my friend who I haven't seen for ages, packed stuff at the dorm, moved, cleaned the dorm, movie with two pepsis and popcorn, and night with my friend. Life can't be better than this!
Have a good summer!! .....night..zzzzZZZZZZZZZZ
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Family at home
I am not very sure if I have introduced my family to you here or not. I am too lazy to look it up now..I would rather write again. :P
Tomorrow we have Bible study at 8:30, which means I should be sleeping right now. Well, I am technically in bed, but not sleeping yet. Yesterday I facetimed my family in China.It is always good to see them through the timezone.
There is grandpa from dad's side, dad and mom, two older sisters, me, and a younger brother in my family. My grandma passed away 3 years ago. She had a brain stroke. Whenever thinking of grandma, I always miss her. She lived with us since very beginning. Grandpa still lives with us. He is 94 years old now. I miss him.
This is part of the reason that when I see the older people live by themselves or in nursing homes, it is always hard for me. I remember the first time I saw them, I couldn't speak and I wanted to cry. It is too different here, at least this part.However, there is increasing number of elderly ending up living in nursing home in China as well. In another word, the society is aging, thanks to the One Child Policy. But if they didn't have this policy, China probably would have way more than 1.3 billion of people...But the policy has changed so many things since it was carried out..
oops..off topic! let's not talk about this..back to my family.
So I was talking about missing my grandparents...I also miss my parents and siblings. My mom mainly takes care of the family, chores, and helps my dad. My dad has a retail shop. He used to have a huge orchard where he grew lychee, mango, and other tropical fruits. Spending time at the orchard is one of my best memories. I had fresh fruits from the tree. I caught shrimp, crabs, or little ship in the streams. I watched lightning-bugs. I did so many things that city kids would never do in my city. I am so glad that my dad is a farmer. P.S. The farmer in China is completely different from those are here. They do not have the machines people use here. That's why it is not very efficient and costs so many labors. But my dad loved working at the orchard. He loves those trees and new knowledge of growing fruits. I am very proud of him. He didn't get a chance to go back to school when he was dropped out of middle school, which is sad. He is very intelligent. Well, that's why I am here. :P just kidding.
I love my parents. Usually a lot of parents force their kids to get very good grades at school and give their kids so much pressure since grade school.I guess this is where Tiger Mom came from. My parents are opposite. Probably they have so many kids and they don't care...Haha. kidding. They care, but they don't want to push us. Luckily, all my sisters and I love schools. My brother doesn't. But we respect what he does.
So my big big sister has influenced me most among my siblings. She studies hard, works hard, and takes care of family. She loves books. When I was in grade school, she was already in high school and buying all kinds of Chinese lit and British lit. Then the little library in my family was formed. I started to read and read and read. There was a time that I couldn't stop reading all those books. But apparently I stopped reading after I went to high school, which is sad. However, my big sister has kept reading and pursuing her education all the time, which I admire. I really hope that she will get a chance to start her phd in the near future, if she still wants to.
My second sister and I fought a lot. Nice fights though. She always always wanted to be a teacher since I remembered things. She loves animals, kids, and the elderly. Recently she found a job in HongKong working as a kindergarten teacher. I am so happy for her. But working in HongKong is very competitive and stressful..Studying there is also significantly overwhelming. Maybe that's why so many teens tempt to suicide or become depressed. Well...I guess increasing number of people around the whole world is becoming depressed, school? work? or life? I don't know.
Hummmmm. that's probably about my family..my brother? oh! he dropped out of high school because he didn't like school, still doesn't like it. He works online now. If you play games, probably you might already bought something from him.
So it is bedtime now...
17 more days, then China.
Actually I was going to write my testimony instead of writing about my family, but it ended up this way. It works.
Good night.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Friday Night thoughts
Tonight was the last international student night at my host parents' house. It was packed :) many international people came. We never know how many people are going to show up every time. Isn't that fun? Just like what Forrest Gump said," Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Then this is always unexpectation and surprises. :)
I had never known that people would do the things my host parents are doing now. They meet international people, invite them, and feed them. How nice and kind! Some people might do it once a while, but they have been doing this for years. How blessed am I to meet them! Love them so much!
Can't believe that I have been to this country for almost 2.5 years without my family. However, at the same time, I am having an American family that I always can contact with and live with. How amazing God is! He always has plan for us. 2 years ago, I didn't know where I could live in this country, but my host sister just said "you can live with us" immediately. How sweet she is!
I am so emotional that I might wanna cry while I am still writing this blog so far.Meeting such nice people in a foreign country, having such a wonderful memory, doing such unplanned things in my life. It is all because of God. God is so good, SO GOOD!! Everything is under His control.
So today I finished all my proficiency of this semester! SOOOO happy! It is about passing or not passing, having or not having the skills like bedbath, vital signs, wound care, catheter,medication, and bablablabla...Kind of already forgot what I did way earlier this semester. I failed catheter once, and this is the only one I failed. But who cares? As long as I master the skill before I really do it to a patient, I will be fine. AAAAAand! We learn from mistakes. Plus, practice makes perfect. So I learned from the old mistakes and got enough practice, I passed!! Since I am on renal floor, I hope that I can have a chance to do the catheter to a real patient before this semester ends.
So a thought (or a piece of thought?? whatever it is.) just flashed across my mind. I have been thinking about this a lot since I started my clinical.
I talked to a patient this week when I was at the hemodialysis room. What's hemodialysis? Just in case whoever don't know what this is (I didn't know that either until this week). Here is a definition from MayoClinic: a machine filters wastes, salts and fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer healthy enough to do this work. Hemodialysis is the most common way to treat advanced, permanent kidney failure. The procedure can help you carry on an active life despite failing kidneys.
Whatever it is, it is just sad. I saw the blood going through the machine and into the body. I am so glad that we live in this 21st century. If people had end stage kidney failure, they must die because the waste in the body can't get out. So with hemodialysis, people with kidney failure can live longer, but with completely damaged kidneys. When I saw the girl about 15 having hemodialysis, I was sad. Most people who have diabetes have kidney failure.
So many people in this country have diabetes. That really makes me want to quit junk food and sweets. If people don't pay attention to what they are actually doing to their body, they will regret when they are hospitalized. But it is hard, right? I agree...BECAUSE...even for myself I have gained 7 pounds since thanksgiving. FOOD FOOD FOOD! Especially after I started to live at the dorm, I ate more microwave food, which is really really bad based on my weight!!!! Obese is the leading cause of diabetes!! I do not want to become obese! Don't think it is impossible. There are so many young kids in China are actually becoming obese, thanks to all the junk food (McDonald's, KFC, Pizzahut, burger king, subway, etc.) I don't even know what's new junk food over there because I haven't been home for so long. However the sad thing is they don't even care when they eat the "junks". They think it is a treat.
Last time I went back to China, I had twice KFC with different friends in a week!! I thought I wouldn't do that because I already had so much here. But my friends love it. I do too! :( When people say living in present, eat whatever you like. It is really not right...I mean living in present with eating whatever.
I don't know why I started to write this serious topic..Probably I was so sad to see people with kidney failure can't do a lot of things...
Back to China counting down. First semester of nursing definitely will make this trip more special and has already made me want to go home any minute.
I have been thinking of my 94-year-old grandpa lately. My plan is to share Jesus with him when I go back. I want him to know about Jesus and I also want to share all my stories happened here. Another piece of good news is that I am becoming an aunt!!! WOOHOO! My sister-in-law will have a baby coming out any day in June while I am there. It will be the first baby in my family and the first greatgrandkid for my grandpa. Can't wait!
25 more days till home in China^^
Thursday, April 18, 2013
I am with you.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
God is SO SO good! Can't believe that how I survive without God's power this semester in the nursing school. We are such tiny human. Only depending on Him and trust Him, we shall be saved.
Have been busy for a couple of weeks. Crazy busy and stressful. But I still enjoy the school.
Sometimes I wonder why nursing school here is so stressful and drives so many people crazy. One of my friends was too stressed to focus in class. She went to doctor because of the anxiety. I sent her some Bible verses trying to help. Sometimes I am stressed out as well. I cry also.
But God is here, He never leaves. We just need to calm down, pray, and listen. Sometimes there is too much noise around us so we can't focus on what God says. But He is always here.
4 weeks from now, then I will be in China. Happy dance! Haven't been home for about 1.5 years. It is the longest time I am away from my family. I am not homesick a lot because I lived at boarding school since 8th grade. But still, living in another country across the Pacific ocean without family is the first time in my life.
However, I am really thankful for what God has prepared for me. I have met so many, so many sweet people here, even the patients I met on the floor. How sweet, how nice! How amazing God is!
Have been to the clinical 4 times now. Every week I met different people with different reasons at the hospital. They were sick, but they were so nice to me. I really love my patients. Sometimes people tell me not to involve too much with my feelings because it will be too tiring. But how Jesus did for us? He never got tired of healing people and loving people.
Sometimes, I probably will get scared by patients in the future. But please pray. With Jesus' help and power, I believe that everything is under control.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Tonight is the first night I get to bed like this early since I don't know when! YAAAAYYYYY! So happy. And I also have time to write this and share with you. Good night. May God bless you.
God is SO SO good! Can't believe that how I survive without God's power this semester in the nursing school. We are such tiny human. Only depending on Him and trust Him, we shall be saved.
Have been busy for a couple of weeks. Crazy busy and stressful. But I still enjoy the school.
Sometimes I wonder why nursing school here is so stressful and drives so many people crazy. One of my friends was too stressed to focus in class. She went to doctor because of the anxiety. I sent her some Bible verses trying to help. Sometimes I am stressed out as well. I cry also.
But God is here, He never leaves. We just need to calm down, pray, and listen. Sometimes there is too much noise around us so we can't focus on what God says. But He is always here.
4 weeks from now, then I will be in China. Happy dance! Haven't been home for about 1.5 years. It is the longest time I am away from my family. I am not homesick a lot because I lived at boarding school since 8th grade. But still, living in another country across the Pacific ocean without family is the first time in my life.
However, I am really thankful for what God has prepared for me. I have met so many, so many sweet people here, even the patients I met on the floor. How sweet, how nice! How amazing God is!
Have been to the clinical 4 times now. Every week I met different people with different reasons at the hospital. They were sick, but they were so nice to me. I really love my patients. Sometimes people tell me not to involve too much with my feelings because it will be too tiring. But how Jesus did for us? He never got tired of healing people and loving people.
Sometimes, I probably will get scared by patients in the future. But please pray. With Jesus' help and power, I believe that everything is under control.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Tonight is the first night I get to bed like this early since I don't know when! YAAAAYYYYY! So happy. And I also have time to write this and share with you. Good night. May God bless you.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
1st clinical
There are millions of first times in our life, no matter where you are and what you do. Hard to think there is no new things happening around us.
I had my first clinical today. Yesterday I was too nervous to start my paperwork. I talked to different people to get ideas to conquer my fear and get started. However, the more I talked to people, the more nervous I felt. So I didn't get started my pathomap until midnight. Pathomap is crazy, at least for the first time. I had no clue where I should start, where I could get ideas, and what I should do. Overall, I was so lost.
When almost all my peers went to sleep, like 2 hours before I got started...I guess by the time I got done with my pathomap, it was already almost time for them to get up..I felt a little bit dumb because everybody already finished. I know I should have been negative like that. I almost cried though. Then I went downstairs to the computer lab to get resource and I saw one of my classmates were pouring tears..Finally I felt I was not alone.
So with all kinds of help, I finally got started my pathomap and had a big picture of disease. Then I used my every single brain cell to think about the disease, hydronephrosis, which I never heard about before, which I will have billions of things that I never know before. How exciting! So many things to expect or unexpect!
Acutally I talked to my patient, who is 88 yrs old, a lot this morning besides doing my clinical assignment.
He was very nice and encouraging. I like it when he was surprised that it was my first time, which made me feel like I am professional. :P Well...I should be..Just feel the roles in my life changed, from a student to a professional.
Before we said goodbye to each other, he said, "come here, let me give you a hug." My eyes turned red and tears rolling in my eyes. He said that he would never forget me. Neither do I. How blessed I am to have a such nice patient!
Although almost 5 hours standing and walking was not very delightful, everything went well. Everything was new to me. Sometimes, maybe a lot of times, I didn't understand what the RN talked about and what was going on. I really need to improve my English skills, especially listening skills, to undertand future different patients and professionals. BUT....how? what should I do specifically?
After today, I wonder what student nurses learn and what nurses do in mainland of China and HongKong. Apparently it is very different in mainland of China, but not sure what exactly it is.
Life is terrific, so much new things for us to learn. ^.^
I had my first clinical today. Yesterday I was too nervous to start my paperwork. I talked to different people to get ideas to conquer my fear and get started. However, the more I talked to people, the more nervous I felt. So I didn't get started my pathomap until midnight. Pathomap is crazy, at least for the first time. I had no clue where I should start, where I could get ideas, and what I should do. Overall, I was so lost.
When almost all my peers went to sleep, like 2 hours before I got started...I guess by the time I got done with my pathomap, it was already almost time for them to get up..I felt a little bit dumb because everybody already finished. I know I should have been negative like that. I almost cried though. Then I went downstairs to the computer lab to get resource and I saw one of my classmates were pouring tears..Finally I felt I was not alone.
So with all kinds of help, I finally got started my pathomap and had a big picture of disease. Then I used my every single brain cell to think about the disease, hydronephrosis, which I never heard about before, which I will have billions of things that I never know before. How exciting! So many things to expect or unexpect!
Acutally I talked to my patient, who is 88 yrs old, a lot this morning besides doing my clinical assignment.
He was very nice and encouraging. I like it when he was surprised that it was my first time, which made me feel like I am professional. :P Well...I should be..Just feel the roles in my life changed, from a student to a professional.
Before we said goodbye to each other, he said, "come here, let me give you a hug." My eyes turned red and tears rolling in my eyes. He said that he would never forget me. Neither do I. How blessed I am to have a such nice patient!
Although almost 5 hours standing and walking was not very delightful, everything went well. Everything was new to me. Sometimes, maybe a lot of times, I didn't understand what the RN talked about and what was going on. I really need to improve my English skills, especially listening skills, to undertand future different patients and professionals. BUT....how? what should I do specifically?
After today, I wonder what student nurses learn and what nurses do in mainland of China and HongKong. Apparently it is very different in mainland of China, but not sure what exactly it is.
Life is terrific, so much new things for us to learn. ^.^
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
shooting.
You can totally call me farm girl, which I would love to be. I can't be more sure than this, especially after 2 shooting accidents in two weeks around where I live. Living on the farm in this country is way more safer than in downtown, at least from my own experience.
Before I came to U.S. people around me were excited for me but also worried about me. They heard the crime rate was high via the news. I didn't even realized how scary this country is until the shootings happened around us.
Although I know how free people are in this country, it sometimes scares me. Just think of getting killed on the street any second.
Can't believe that it did happened. How crazy it is? Last night a guy got shot and begging to come to our school, but students were not sure the guy was a gunman or a victim. Cops were around the place again.
So this is what happens in this country? Shooting, somebody innocent gets hurt, and cops. I feel like life is so unimportant here because nobody even knows when and where he/she is gonna get shot.
After the accident, I couldn't sleep because everything about criminals come into my mind. We might get murdered while we were sleeping. We might...Who knows..
God, please help us.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Spring! Break!
March is here, so is the SPRING!! What makes spring better? BREAK!!! Yes, I am on my spring break. :) Winter on this lovely land is way too long. Good thing is we have heaters inside. ^^ There are always good things among bad things. Humm. I don't mean winter is bad, but being so long is not quite nice..:P
Technically, it is almost the end of my break. :( Don't wanna go back to school and finish up the second half of the semester. But all kinds of good things are having my attention and motivation, such as going back to China. YES, I AM GOING BACK TO CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for six weeks or so.
Actually, ukulele brought me in today....
After I bought my first ukulele, I really think there is nothing easy on this planet, not even sleeping. Or we human beings make things harder? I didn't make ukulele hard though...I always think I am not good at music at all...and I am really not.....However, I still bought myself a ukulele...One night when I was studying and very stressed out, ukulele popped up in my head. It would be nice to have something to play with while study was not very fun. So I made up my mind. It doesn't matter if I know anything about music or not.
I am very excited to have my ukulele, should I name it? It seems like people here love naming everything...So should it have a Chinese name or English name? Just kidding.
Today I learned the typical ringtone of Nokia...:P still not very fluent..Well..I really don't know anything about music, not even the chords. I tried to learn when I was in grade school. My sister is crazy about music, but she didn't get a chance to learn until she got out of school. Literally, totally after she was done with everything about school. She is practicing piano which she dream about playing for her whole childhood. We actually put most of our time studying..Remember? We are study-machines. :P
I really think I will be sorta good at my ukulele...maybe when I turn 80 yr old or something..We shall see if I still keep this blog going. Maybe a little bit earlier than 80...
I didn't do so much things over this break. Mostly thinking about homework or something. Yes, just thinking. not doing. :P
Ukulele probably is the highlight for my break. ^^
Other than that, days are getting closer ad closer to go back to China. By that time, I will have been away from home for 1.5 years. Don't forget the "period." 15 years would be too long. 1.5 years is fine, although teachers at school all show a look like "awww...you poor thing.."
My oldest sister invited me to travel with her to Xishuangbanna in June. CAN'T WAIT!!
Here is a link to bring you to Xishuangbanna: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g528741-d486985-Reviews-Xishuangbanna-Jinghong_Yunnan.html
I have been dreaming about that place since I was about 7 yr old. It is an ethnic group area, Dai. It is 70F year round. Totally different language (even for me), food, and environment.
Another place I want to visit when I go back is Gulangyu Island, Xiamen. Basically it is because most of my friends have been there, I think I shouldn't miss out. :)
Now I am motivated. School? no biggie! ^^
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
2/27/13
Don't remember when was the last post and I am too lazy to close this window and go back to see...
Because there is no much going on other than studying studying and studying, I don't want to depress anybody reading this blog.. ^.^
As this semester rapidly goes on, we finally went to the clinical unit. I am at the renal unit. Actually we just had the tour at the unit for less than one hour. We met our another clinical instructor..then...I can imagine how my life will go in the very near future..LESS SLEEP...
Good thing is we saw real patients today...instead of ourselp playing as patients..
Can't believe that I have been through to the week 7 at the nursing school. Seems like I am still surviving.
Nurses here are COMPLETLY different from who are in China. At least...people here get paid more..this is not the main point..
Nurses in China don't need to work their head off. They can get their degree easily. They don't need to do care plans. I am very curious that what they do in the hospital now.
OK...need to have deeper understanding of both sides. and don't have enough time to write about this..
Two exams tomorrow. Dinner break over.
P.S. it is still very weird that February doesn't have 30th. :P
Because there is no much going on other than studying studying and studying, I don't want to depress anybody reading this blog.. ^.^
As this semester rapidly goes on, we finally went to the clinical unit. I am at the renal unit. Actually we just had the tour at the unit for less than one hour. We met our another clinical instructor..then...I can imagine how my life will go in the very near future..LESS SLEEP...
Good thing is we saw real patients today...instead of ourselp playing as patients..
Can't believe that I have been through to the week 7 at the nursing school. Seems like I am still surviving.
Nurses here are COMPLETLY different from who are in China. At least...people here get paid more..this is not the main point..
Nurses in China don't need to work their head off. They can get their degree easily. They don't need to do care plans. I am very curious that what they do in the hospital now.
OK...need to have deeper understanding of both sides. and don't have enough time to write about this..
Two exams tomorrow. Dinner break over.
P.S. it is still very weird that February doesn't have 30th. :P
Friday, February 1, 2013
Chinese New Year!
February 1?!!??? You must be kidding me, Mr.Time.
Week 3 of nursing school was done. Had one exam, not too bad. Had vital signs practice, fun. Had couple of naps, awesome. Had coffee all the time, sweet. Had work out once, good.
What's happening in week 4? No detail, but just two exams+homework. It won't be a big deal any more after week 3 because there is at least two exams+whatever other things going on every week except one week. After this semester, I will be a superwoman, for real. :) Thanks for training.
I still think living at the dorm is the best choice. Sorry I might say this before, but every time I find out one more benefit of living at the dorm, I just can't help saying it again, again, and again. Recently people walked in wet, cold, and frozen faces..which made me really appreciate dorm life. I am really looking forward to working as a nurse, even though I have to climb over the mountain of homework, exams, and the board. Trust Him, walk with Him, then I will be there where He wants me to.
So...
IT IS ALMOST CHINESE YEAR!! It is year of snake. Chinese New Year this year is on February 10th. This is also the third one I won't be with my family.
In China, before the new year, every family cleans the houses thoroughly, buys tons of food and fruit, prepare huge dinner, prepare red envelope, sticks the couplets (written on the red paper and posted on each side of the front door), and prepare gifts. When I was younger, I really loved New Year because everything is new and everybody is going home to reunion. Plus, we get free money. Haha..instead of getting Christmas gifts, we get red envelope with money in it. My dad always buys flowers in the pots and little orange trees and put them in the front door. I am not sure why he does it. Actually everybody does. We sometimes also put some red envelope on the tree.
Since China is so big, I will just talk about what my own family eats on the Chinese New Year. On the New Year Eve, my mom usually cooks so much food and we all help clean or set the table. She cooks fish (most important one), chicken, duck, goose, muschroom stuffed with meat, various vegetables, and something else traditional. I don't know how to say it. It doesn't sound like very special, but the way people cook them are different. I love my mom's cooking. If you want to go to try her dishes, don't forget to bring me with you. After the dinner, we clearn dishes........because we don't have dish washer. It doesn't usually exist in most of people's house. Then we clean the house again and prepare snacks on the tea table, wait for the annual Chinese gala show on TV. By 12am, the whole village will be in smoke because every single house set fireworks. So you might not be able to sleep....Then you can literally smell the smoke....but it is great. YAAAYY, NEW YEAR...ya, like this feeling.
So the first day of the New Year, OK, we actually celebrate the first three days of New Year, which is 15 days long, more. The frist day we usually don't visit other people but spending time with family chilling out. For breakfast, we will have tea, veggie, homemade pickled white carrot, red dates, and so on. It is simple. Lunch and dinner will be similar to the New Year Eve dinner. But the second day of the New Year, my mom gets very busy since morning because relatives are coming for lunch. People usually will bring alive chicken or duck or goose and some fruit and cookies when they come. Oh, of course they also will bring red envelopes! Usually people who are the elderly, singles, and kids get red envelopes. Like my parents will not get any. I will give them when I start to work even if I am not married. So the third day is kind of the same...
It is fun to celebrating and welcoming the New Year. Everything is new. People get new clothes and new shoes. For the kids, mostly are red. Then when they can choose their own outfit, it becomes different. :) What else did I forget to write about?....Well, haven't celebrated this for too long.
So...basically this is about it. But this is just from my own family. Every family does different things. Like people from the north, they make buns, dumplings, and noodles. I haven't been one yet so I don't really know either. ：:P
Another 1:33am again. aha! I am really adjusting myself to China time zone. I AM GOING HOME ON MAY 22! Very pumped!
Week 3 of nursing school was done. Had one exam, not too bad. Had vital signs practice, fun. Had couple of naps, awesome. Had coffee all the time, sweet. Had work out once, good.
What's happening in week 4? No detail, but just two exams+homework. It won't be a big deal any more after week 3 because there is at least two exams+whatever other things going on every week except one week. After this semester, I will be a superwoman, for real. :) Thanks for training.
I still think living at the dorm is the best choice. Sorry I might say this before, but every time I find out one more benefit of living at the dorm, I just can't help saying it again, again, and again. Recently people walked in wet, cold, and frozen faces..which made me really appreciate dorm life. I am really looking forward to working as a nurse, even though I have to climb over the mountain of homework, exams, and the board. Trust Him, walk with Him, then I will be there where He wants me to.
So...
IT IS ALMOST CHINESE YEAR!! It is year of snake. Chinese New Year this year is on February 10th. This is also the third one I won't be with my family.
In China, before the new year, every family cleans the houses thoroughly, buys tons of food and fruit, prepare huge dinner, prepare red envelope, sticks the couplets (written on the red paper and posted on each side of the front door), and prepare gifts. When I was younger, I really loved New Year because everything is new and everybody is going home to reunion. Plus, we get free money. Haha..instead of getting Christmas gifts, we get red envelope with money in it. My dad always buys flowers in the pots and little orange trees and put them in the front door. I am not sure why he does it. Actually everybody does. We sometimes also put some red envelope on the tree.
Since China is so big, I will just talk about what my own family eats on the Chinese New Year. On the New Year Eve, my mom usually cooks so much food and we all help clean or set the table. She cooks fish (most important one), chicken, duck, goose, muschroom stuffed with meat, various vegetables, and something else traditional. I don't know how to say it. It doesn't sound like very special, but the way people cook them are different. I love my mom's cooking. If you want to go to try her dishes, don't forget to bring me with you. After the dinner, we clearn dishes........because we don't have dish washer. It doesn't usually exist in most of people's house. Then we clean the house again and prepare snacks on the tea table, wait for the annual Chinese gala show on TV. By 12am, the whole village will be in smoke because every single house set fireworks. So you might not be able to sleep....Then you can literally smell the smoke....but it is great. YAAAYY, NEW YEAR...ya, like this feeling.
So the first day of the New Year, OK, we actually celebrate the first three days of New Year, which is 15 days long, more. The frist day we usually don't visit other people but spending time with family chilling out. For breakfast, we will have tea, veggie, homemade pickled white carrot, red dates, and so on. It is simple. Lunch and dinner will be similar to the New Year Eve dinner. But the second day of the New Year, my mom gets very busy since morning because relatives are coming for lunch. People usually will bring alive chicken or duck or goose and some fruit and cookies when they come. Oh, of course they also will bring red envelopes! Usually people who are the elderly, singles, and kids get red envelopes. Like my parents will not get any. I will give them when I start to work even if I am not married. So the third day is kind of the same...
It is fun to celebrating and welcoming the New Year. Everything is new. People get new clothes and new shoes. For the kids, mostly are red. Then when they can choose their own outfit, it becomes different. :) What else did I forget to write about?....Well, haven't celebrated this for too long.
So...basically this is about it. But this is just from my own family. Every family does different things. Like people from the north, they make buns, dumplings, and noodles. I haven't been one yet so I don't really know either. ：:P
Another 1:33am again. aha! I am really adjusting myself to China time zone. I AM GOING HOME ON MAY 22! Very pumped!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Week 1 of nursing school
First week of nursing school, DONE!
Well, not really, because my brain is buzzing. I think everybody is like this except the high IQ ones.
Information overloaded. I need a long train but not a truck in my mind, really.
Until now, haven't figure out what is what. But I am sure it will get better soon.
The new school is so much smaller than before. But I love it. I live at the dorm now. What did I do most this week? Other than long-time classes, I always went upstairs to my dorm and took a nap. And then I came back downstairs to have another class. How convenient and awesome it is!
What's nursing school?
Nursing school is__
at least 2-hour lecture, 3-hour lab
weird words
thick books
full schedule
exams
no fun things on calendar
These are the answers from my week 1. Sounds dramatic? Maybe so.
But I do like the pathophysiology and my labs. My health assessment lab just has five students, which is awesome! I get more attention then. :P Just kidding. But it IS better way for me to learn. Actually I just found out today after class. I realized that I asked questions, in ENGLISH!!! which I have never done in a large group of people. Thanks to Chinese education system, we are not used to question everything and teachers. Under the same system for over 20 years, my brain probably has already become a robot.
Trying to figure out what I should do and how I should do. :) It will get better. ^^
Well, not really, because my brain is buzzing. I think everybody is like this except the high IQ ones.
Information overloaded. I need a long train but not a truck in my mind, really.
Until now, haven't figure out what is what. But I am sure it will get better soon.
The new school is so much smaller than before. But I love it. I live at the dorm now. What did I do most this week? Other than long-time classes, I always went upstairs to my dorm and took a nap. And then I came back downstairs to have another class. How convenient and awesome it is!
What's nursing school?
Nursing school is__
at least 2-hour lecture, 3-hour lab
weird words
thick books
full schedule
exams
no fun things on calendar
These are the answers from my week 1. Sounds dramatic? Maybe so.
But I do like the pathophysiology and my labs. My health assessment lab just has five students, which is awesome! I get more attention then. :P Just kidding. But it IS better way for me to learn. Actually I just found out today after class. I realized that I asked questions, in ENGLISH!!! which I have never done in a large group of people. Thanks to Chinese education system, we are not used to question everything and teachers. Under the same system for over 20 years, my brain probably has already become a robot.
Trying to figure out what I should do and how I should do. :) It will get better. ^^
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Last day in Silver City
Today was absolutely fabulous!
The dinner at 1zero6 of Silver City filled me up soooooooo much and my stomach extraordinary happy. It really doesn't matter that my buttons of my T-shirt were gonna pop out. Can't resist the yummy, delicious, awesome, and mouthwatering food!!!!! Rempa Ayam as mince of chicken opened our stomach. :P Jo ordered three different entrees: peces de jengibre (salmon), khmer krom pork, and jungle curry (chicken). I ate all my stuff and plus dessert!!! I don't usually have dessert after the entree, but this time, couldn't miss out the oaxacan chocolate torte with bailey's irish creme!!!! It just melted in my mouth and I have no other words to express how good it was! My eyes might pop out, my mouth kept watering, and my hands couldn't stop sending that dessert to my mouth! It sounds very exaggerating, doesn't it? BUT IT IS TRUE! Come and have a try. You might be more exaggerate than me. :P The chef travels different places and learns something new and comes back to cook from Friday to Sunday. Such an unique restaurant.
My last dinner at Silver City, my friends Jo and Eric treated me so well!! Well, they have been treating me SUPER SUPER well all the time. I alway get spoiled by them.
Eric took me to have trail ride today. It is an unforgettable experience. Before riding the horse, I was worried that I wouldn't have a whole piece of body to go back to Illinois tomorrow. I always imagine that horses go crazy and kick me back to China (teehee, maybe I could save one-way ticket), or horses won't listen to you. You know, they are thousands of pounds.
HOWEVER!
The horse I rode was such a sweetheart. Her name is Dancer, from Canada. Maybe I am from another country also. Dancer knew how I feel and could understand me...Oh, wait. Canadians speak English too...Well, both of us are away from home then. Haha. So we had three-hour trail ride. It was such a good experience. At the very beginning, I was still too chicken to control the horse. I guess I looked very frozen with the bridle at the same spot with sleepy Dancer. Finally, I figured everybody was ready to take off and I couldn't be awkwardly staying there anymore. Well, Dancer started to follow other horses anyway. :P I think that might be a good idea. Haha..She knows more than me..SO...gradually, I fell in love with Dancer who didn't go crazy or whatever she was not supposed to do. Riding horse is pretty fun except horses are still huge..Life is like riding a horse. If you don't even try to use the bridle, how are you supposed to know which direction you are going? You are the one control the horse. hmmm..trying to sound very smart, but I feel like it doesn't make sense..at least in English.. it probably makes more sense than that in Chinese..:P
Last night, Jo and I talked for a while. This is one of my favorite parts of this trip. Talking to her makes me feel like I am more artistic and smart. :P Actually, it is the time to get to know each other more. I am so happy.
Tomorrow will be Eric's 4th time to go to Tucson airport in one month...It is just super nice and sweet of them! Can't say any other words. because I am running out of vocabularies to express my thankfulness and heartwarming moments.
Goodbye Silver City. I will be back, for sure. ^.^
The dinner at 1zero6 of Silver City filled me up soooooooo much and my stomach extraordinary happy. It really doesn't matter that my buttons of my T-shirt were gonna pop out. Can't resist the yummy, delicious, awesome, and mouthwatering food!!!!! Rempa Ayam as mince of chicken opened our stomach. :P Jo ordered three different entrees: peces de jengibre (salmon), khmer krom pork, and jungle curry (chicken). I ate all my stuff and plus dessert!!! I don't usually have dessert after the entree, but this time, couldn't miss out the oaxacan chocolate torte with bailey's irish creme!!!! It just melted in my mouth and I have no other words to express how good it was! My eyes might pop out, my mouth kept watering, and my hands couldn't stop sending that dessert to my mouth! It sounds very exaggerating, doesn't it? BUT IT IS TRUE! Come and have a try. You might be more exaggerate than me. :P The chef travels different places and learns something new and comes back to cook from Friday to Sunday. Such an unique restaurant.
My last dinner at Silver City, my friends Jo and Eric treated me so well!! Well, they have been treating me SUPER SUPER well all the time. I alway get spoiled by them.
Eric took me to have trail ride today. It is an unforgettable experience. Before riding the horse, I was worried that I wouldn't have a whole piece of body to go back to Illinois tomorrow. I always imagine that horses go crazy and kick me back to China (teehee, maybe I could save one-way ticket), or horses won't listen to you. You know, they are thousands of pounds.
HOWEVER!
The horse I rode was such a sweetheart. Her name is Dancer, from Canada. Maybe I am from another country also. Dancer knew how I feel and could understand me...Oh, wait. Canadians speak English too...Well, both of us are away from home then. Haha. So we had three-hour trail ride. It was such a good experience. At the very beginning, I was still too chicken to control the horse. I guess I looked very frozen with the bridle at the same spot with sleepy Dancer. Finally, I figured everybody was ready to take off and I couldn't be awkwardly staying there anymore. Well, Dancer started to follow other horses anyway. :P I think that might be a good idea. Haha..She knows more than me..SO...gradually, I fell in love with Dancer who didn't go crazy or whatever she was not supposed to do. Riding horse is pretty fun except horses are still huge..Life is like riding a horse. If you don't even try to use the bridle, how are you supposed to know which direction you are going? You are the one control the horse. hmmm..trying to sound very smart, but I feel like it doesn't make sense..at least in English.. it probably makes more sense than that in Chinese..:P
Tomorrow will be Eric's 4th time to go to Tucson airport in one month...It is just super nice and sweet of them! Can't say any other words. because I am running out of vocabularies to express my thankfulness and heartwarming moments.
Goodbye Silver City. I will be back, for sure. ^.^
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
First day of 2013!!! HAAAAAPPPY NEEEEEW YEEEEEAAAAR PEOPLE!!
So I had my first Christmas in this country, with my wonderful friends. Now, I had my first new year with same wonderful friends. It was simple, but enjoyable.
When I got up yesterday, China already entered 2013. I got to know that most of my friends back home went to count down in Shenzhen from weibo. Weibo is a popular social network, kind of like facebook. They left me message and told me they were going to have fun or some sort of the stuff. Then I thought,"what am I gonna do today to end my 2012?"
Eric was making waffle, however, the machine didn't work out well. Everybody was confused by the waffle machine, which didn't have any problems before when it was in Illinois. Maybe the machine is not used to the high elevation weather. So we went out for brunch. It was snowing off and on yesterday. I absolutely LOOOOOOOOVE the snow! Forgive me, I am not from a cave, but I am from a city where never snows. Even though I have been here for two years and five months, every snow is new snow to me. So I wandered around the cute little downtown again. The beautiful snow stopped me on the road. I might look like a girl insane of taking pictures on the street, laughing by herself, catching the snow, and completely lost in the snow. The picture below was from yesterday. It is the Silver City Museum. I couldn't really take a good picture of the snow by my phone, but my memories were there.
So I had my first Christmas in this country, with my wonderful friends. Now, I had my first new year with same wonderful friends. It was simple, but enjoyable.
When I got up yesterday, China already entered 2013. I got to know that most of my friends back home went to count down in Shenzhen from weibo. Weibo is a popular social network, kind of like facebook. They left me message and told me they were going to have fun or some sort of the stuff. Then I thought,"what am I gonna do today to end my 2012?"
Eric was making waffle, however, the machine didn't work out well. Everybody was confused by the waffle machine, which didn't have any problems before when it was in Illinois. Maybe the machine is not used to the high elevation weather. So we went out for brunch. It was snowing off and on yesterday. I absolutely LOOOOOOOOVE the snow! Forgive me, I am not from a cave, but I am from a city where never snows. Even though I have been here for two years and five months, every snow is new snow to me. So I wandered around the cute little downtown again. The beautiful snow stopped me on the road. I might look like a girl insane of taking pictures on the street, laughing by herself, catching the snow, and completely lost in the snow. The picture below was from yesterday. It is the Silver City Museum. I couldn't really take a good picture of the snow by my phone, but my memories were there.
AND!!! I made my first little snowman yesterday!! I made it on the top of Eric's van. Well, it kinda looked ugly...BUT how excited! I had never made a snowman before. It was really...cold.....:P BUT FUN!!! This really makes me think that I should let me future kids (if any) live the places where snow. That's so much fun with seasons. Colorful fall, white winter, green spring, and hot summer...just kidding, maybe...humm.icecream summer. Anyway, after walked in the snow and touched the snow, I went to Javalina coffee shop to look for Eric and Dr. Murphy. So camarel latte after the snow, actually, it should be having hot latte and watching the snow dancing outside of the coffee shop. Such a lovely time!!
Later evening, we went to a cute restaurant to have New Year Eve dinner. It was so delicious!!! The chocolate mousse was the highlight for me. It was SO SO GOOD!!!! You can tell how much I like chocolate... :P
After we got home, we watched the Doctor Who Christmas special episode and Christmas story. It was fun. :)
It was superduper sunny today! 1/1/2013!! I didn't step outside at all. I read a little bit before the brunch..and then chose to take a nap on the New Year Day! Shame on me...but it was so cozy...so that's why I am still up now and typing this blog while others are all sleeping now. @.@
Other than my lazy first day, something happened.It was superduper sunny today! 1/1/2013!! I didn't step outside at all. I read a little bit before the brunch..and then chose to take a nap on the New Year Day! Shame on me...but it was so cozy...so that's why I am still up now and typing this blog while others are all sleeping now. @.@
Look at the beautiful bright Christmas tree. It was our first time to cut our own Christmas tree. It did look barren than the perfect trees at the store, but it was still nice. It was fun to cut out own tree actually, but more work for sure. It was Eric and Jo's first time to do this also. They were so nice to wait for me to come from Illinois and cut and decorate the tree together. They always make my heart warm and melt.
We put up the tree on the Christmas Eve, but it fell by itself on the New Year Day...So tree, you just couldn't wait to come down??!! Everything went strange..waffle machine didn't do its job and neither did the Christmas tree. The tree came down while we were all watching TV and talking. It came down without any thinking, straight on the new hardwood floor. Water and ornaments were all over...Many ornaments broke, so did our hearts. They are JoAnne's 41-year collection. :(( Sorry. Other than this, I really can't think of anything.
Good thing was that we were not having dinner at that time. If not, it could be worse.
So this was what happened on our first day of 2013. BUT, I think 2013 will be like the broken glasses, blinking every piece at every corner. It will be a good year. It will be unforgettable year, at least, our first day is, but in a special way.
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