Summer!

     Time passed so quickly. I can’t believe my once-in-a-lifetime Grade 8 is over. I just finished my last final exam this morning, which is French. Now I can’t believe I don’t need to study anymore. I still can’t exit my “study mode” quiet yet. I guess it’s gonna take a while for me to adjust to my new, lazy, and free summer life. It’s kind of annoying that I got sick as soon as school ended. Actually, a little before that. Yesterday, during my Math exam, my head was killing me. I felt like I was going to explode. My breaths burnt my nostrils as I exhaled. You know, it feels wrong to even breathe while someone’s sick. While I am writing this blog now, I can’t stop myself from forcing air to come through my plugged nose. I guess the first week of summer, which is the best time, would be used to stay home and deal with pathogens in my body. (Haha, sorry, I’m still thinking through my scientific brain from the Science exam last Friday.) Anyways, I’m really happy school ended, though a little sacrifice has to be made. It’s totally understandable that my body needs to release the stress it got over the past two weeks. I’m so excited for summer! I’m going shopping next Friday with my mom at Metrotown in Burnaby, before going to church. I haven’t been to Metrotown in such a long time that I don’t even remember. Then, I’m going to PNE Playland, Water Park, and horseback riding at least once. Plus I’m ready to grow ten centimeters over the summer. I’m a little excited for summer school for Math 10 (not -.-‘). I’m going to this really expensive program in the summer. It’s for learning architecture stuff. I kind of want to become an architect when I grow up. I might go to Yellowstone National Park in the states in August. I’m going to tell my crush that I like him. Since he’s leaving for Saint George’s next year, there’s no point in hiding anymore (except that I will see him on a Christian Camp I’m going to). Oh yes, as I said, I’m going to a Christian Camp for 5 days or so at the beginning of August. And, I might have to get a French tutor, because I’m probably almost failing my French course. Well, I guess my summer is all planned out, full of courses I either hate or love; so it’s really not that bad.
     By the way, I’m starting to listen to Chinese songs! Vision (魏晨) is a really good singer. Some of his songs are really poetic and gives an ancient feeling, while some are so soft and sometimes sad, and the rest are so swaggy and energetic. He is the best Chinese singer I know, though I don’t really know any. He really can sing, I think, though I don’t really know how to judge an artist’s actual singing ability and skills. But Vision’s voice comforts me, and it’s smooth and convincing. I honestly have no idea how to describe music and stuff, but there’s just a strange but familiar feeling about his songs. Another exciting thing is I’m back to movies! I kind of stopped watching movies because of exams. Now I’m free again, movies here I come!

     I can totally imagine myself going back to school, complaining why summer passed so quickly. So this summer, I should just relax and enjoy time while it is not too late. Time always passes before we’re ready. So why not be ready and let life pass with it happily?

Meteor Shower Reflection

I love watching movies of any kind but I have never finished any TV shows. Actually, I just finished Meteor Show Season I yesterday. Shockingly, it took my only five days in total to finish 36 episodes each with the length of 45 minutes. Anyways, as an introduction, it is a romantic Chinese TV show about four rebellious and rich University boys (who want to be kicked out of school) from families with high social hierarchy and one diligent and poor freshman girl who was looked down at. It is pretty good overall, except for the fact that it is a TV show, which I rarely watch. The reason I watched it is simple – because I never get to finish it four years ago, but I remembered it to be special and moving. I was right actually. Though it was great to me because I was only in around Grade 4 or 5 when I first watched it, it actually did not disappoint me at all. Memories of me using my mom’s computer secretly made me want to watch it all over again, just to finish my childhood dream. Well, anyway, I’d like to write a report or discussion with some criticism for this only TV show I finished in my whole life.

The beginning was attracting. It started with YuXun Chu getting the letter of acceptance excitedly and YunHai MuRong (with a broken leg in the hospital) getting the same thing angrily. It is completely funny, which made me laugh.

Later, when YuXun and the most respected boys met, problems started. YunHai then joined the rebellious boys and they become the ‘H4’. YuXun is a just and righteous freshman, unknowing the powerful authority of H4 and admiration they get from every student in the University. YuXun therefore got herself into trouble, because pissing off the H4 is no good. Eventually, YuXun becomes the only enemy of the whole school. This part made me cry a little, when silly YuXun gets herself into such big troubles. I actually liked the part that made me cry because it contained memories I had years ago. I remember the part that makes me cry now, made me depressed for days years ago when I first watched it. I guess crying over a TV show or movies can be silly, but it is an excuse for me to finally release the pressure and stress I get in my daily life. Anyway, the part YuXun getting bullied made me sad, which usually shows me how much I am enjoying a certain book, movie or TV show. However, it also made me angry. I am mad at YuXun herself for being so stupid and immature and also a little angry at the writer. This is something the writer and director could have avoided. I think causing audiences to hate a character for his/her mistakes and problems that could have been easily avoided is not a good sign of a successful movie/TV show. Problems that rarely happen in real life because of their stupidity would never appear in a fluent and perfect movie/TV show.

DuanMu is a member of the H4 and also the first one of them who started being nice to YuXun. He is a little gloomy and somber and amazing at piano, which makes him seem like such a gentleman with the most love from all the girls. I think this is a good plan of the writer. Personally, I love this character and the actor himself actually. So I am glad he is who he is now. Sadly, he falls in love with their graceful music teacher, Xin, while YuXun starts to fall for him. Xin and DuanMu go to London, England together, but he realized they would never work out, so he comes back and becomes a little mental. Meanwhile, YuXun and YunHai become good friends and YunHai discovers his love for YuXun. When YuXun almost accepts to be his girlfriend, DuanMu comes back as single and takes away YuXun’s heart once again. However, this time, YuXun and DuanMu are in a serious relationship, leaving YunHai hating DuanMu. Friendship between DuanMu and YunHai was torn apart for a girl who they were once enemies with. I think there is a little imperfection here. DuanMu changes way too fast that I never adapted even until the end of the show. He was once a quiet and gentle pacifist, but now, he is the cause of the broken friendship between YunHai and himself, and also the lead of the torn relationship between YuXun and YunHai. This is a huge change but why did it only take like only one or two episode? At first, I thought DuanMu was only using YuXun to heal his wound from his break-up, but then he was shown to be actually in love with YuXun, a lot. This is not only too fast; it is also too confusing.

The other conflict is between YunHai and his mother, who disapproves YuXun. This is irritating but well organized and put in. However, after all, YunHai and YuXun got together, in love deeply. Meanwhile, friends of YunHai (H4 members) fall in love with some other minor characters.

At the end as soon as YunHai and YuXun are together, YunHai loses his memory. I think it is way too quickly. This is supposed to be a love story, but the conflicts are popping up one after one, leaving no time for actual romance. First time when it was torn apart by his mother, I had pity for them. But this second time, I am just angry at the director for doing this. I think there should be at least two to three episodes after everything they went through. To, at least, give time for the audiences to heal their own wounds from the characters’ frail relationship.

YunHai finally remembers everything with the help of DuanMu, who loves YuXun silently and chooses to bless and support the assembly of YuXun and YunHai.

This ending is satisfying and the whole plot makes much sense. This is a good show after all. It might not be so good in others’ views, but since it is the only TV show I have ever finished in my whole life, I think it is very good for a romantic TV show.

Now, I would like to talk about the themes of this TV Show, Meteor Shower. There are plenty (since it is very long), such as friendship, finding true love, dignity, proving oneself, determination, disbelief in destiny, forgiveness, motherhood, use of lies etc.

First of all, I would like to talk about finding true love. YunHai admits that he likes YuXun pretty early in the show and he is not afraid to show it. He pursues after YuXun for a long time until finally, she accepts him. Though his mother opposes his decision, he still chases after her. However, as a contrary, YuXun does not realize her true love is YunHai, even when she is in a relationship with DuanMu. YuXun does not want to admit that she likes YunHai, or it is simply just that she does not believe she likes YunHai. DuanMu, on the other hand, already sees that YuXun is crazy about YunHai, even when she is together with DuanMu. She does not know it at all. However, when she almost loses him, she finally realized how much she loves him. Not knowing to cherish until it/he/she is lost is one of the messages in Meteor Shower.

Secondly, disbelief in fate is important throughout Meteor Shower. Topic relating to fate and destiny is talked among many of the characters. YuXun thinks it is destiny after so many failures to try to be together with YunHai. However, whenever DuanMu encourages her to keep going, he claims fate can be changed if she tries.

Last but not least, motherhood was shown many times. YunHai’s mother tries to prevent YunHai from loving YuXun, especially after YunHai loses his memory. She says it is because YuXun has hurt YunHai so many times, she does not want her to be with him. She says it is to protect YunHai. Maybe some people would think it is just an excuse, but I honestly believe her. If I were her, I may not be as contemptible as her, but I would separate my son from someone who would hurt him. I know she may be the cause of some mental break-down of YunHai, but her care and love and expectation to YunHai is genuine. However, I think she pampers YunHai too much. She makes too many decisions for him that it is starting to have a negative effect. This is also one of the messages in Meteor Shower: we should never spoil people too much because it can ruin them.

This is the end of my report or discussion. It is overall a great TV show. It was definitely worth my time. 

Individualism and Humanism's Impact on the Modern World

Individualism is the theory that everyone has freedom to develop and pursue after one’s goal. Humanism is the belief that most of the people have worth and dignity, instead of sins.

Imagine people today still being like peasants who do whatever their masters (nobles) tell them to do. Individualism is important because it makes people understand their own values and worth which causes they to believe in themselves. Everyone has a talent, or something s/he is good at. Having to do something s/he is bad at every day is irritating. If individualism was not practiced hundreds of years ago, then people today would not be as free and happy. For example, if individualism was not practiced, Leonardo da Vinci, a historical and inspiring figure, would not have had any reputation. He would have just been a humble peasant who works in the field all day long. He would not be allowed to paint, design, draw or write. A talented man like him would have never been discovered. Therefore, individualism allows people to discover and use their talent and ability, which confidents them.

Humanism is the idea that all people are basically good. The three ideas are individual worth – improving through study and reflections, commitment to public service – donations and foundations, and development of skills and talents – faith in human’s limitless abilities. The most important idea is commitment to public service. In this generation, people distribute and also receive things to and from the others. If this idea of committing to public service was never practiced, people today would be living in their own small worlds, worrying about their own problems. They would not have such a harmonious and peaceful society right now, without buildings for public uses. Practicing this idea also helps people build a caring heart and a thoughtful mind. People learn to give away their properties for building a better and happier place for everyone. This is only one idea of humanism. Humanism is, overall, an important idea.

Both individualism and humanism help build a more joyful place today because it causes a person to believe in himself/herself with his/her talents and build up a more amicable personality. 

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: Final Essay

The Relationship between Miss Brodie and the Brodie Set

The novel, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, written by Muriel Spark, talks about a group of six girls growing up with a debased teacher. Miss Brodie is a teacher who desires for attention and agreement with a bad influence on her students, who Sandy eventually betrays.

      Sandy betrays Miss Brodie. Sandy does this because she thinks Miss Brodie considers herself almost as a holy God. Sandy thinks “[Miss Brodie] thinks she is Providence” and “she is the God of Calvin” (129). Because Sandy already studies psychology – the study of human emotions and thoughts and always looks through her small eyes -- showing her deep deliberation, she must be accurate on her accusation on Miss Brodie. Therefore, she reports to Miss Mackay that Miss Brodie practices Fascism, which is illegal, which eventually caused Miss Brodie’s retirement (133-134).

      Miss Brodie needs attention and agreement from her Brodie Set to ensure her control over the Brodie Set. She teaches them the information of Mussolini and Fascism (45). When she talks about it, she looks proud and supportive (45). Clearly, she talks in an almost exaggerated way for the agreement from her students. When Mary is reading a comic book in Miss Brodie’s class when Miss Brodie is talking, Miss Brodie becomes angry and makes fun of her (8). Miss Brodie desperately needs, not only agreement, but also attention from her Brodie Set to confirm her Brodie Set’s loyalty towards her.

      Miss Brodie has a bad influence on the Brodie Set. Miss Brodie herself is an improper person. Miss Brodie is bossy because she once tells her favorite girls to go to supper no matter what events that they already planned (6). She never discusses her plans or affairs with any other teachers (7). This indicates that Miss Brodie is an independent and haughty woman. The Brodie Set, who are still changing and adapting to the society around them easily because of their age, bewilderedly copy the behaviors of Miss Brodie. However, she is a horrible leader the Brodie Set follows. Therefore, she has a bad influence on the Brodie Set. Miss Brodie also directly makes her Brodie Set girls do different corrupted things according to their hobbies and advantages. For example, Miss Brodie tells Rose to seduce Mr. Lloyd, who is already married (112) because Miss Brodie herself is no longer able or attractive enough to make Mr. Lloyd fall in love. Miss Brodie supports Sandy to sleep with Mr. Lloyd (118) which leads to the beginning of an affair. Miss Brodie is a bad influence because she has a perverted personality and she teaches her students to do evil things.

Miss Brodie is a pernicious and immersion-and-concurrence-thirsty woman who Sandy betrays. A person should not be corrupting and greedy, because if there are too many people like Miss Brodie, the world would become an unpleasant and lawless place. 

Obasan: Final Essay

Why is “Obasan” chosen for the title for this novel, written by Joy Kogawa, instead of “Mother” when the book focuses on the search for the truth about Naomi’s mother? Because Naomi’s mother leaves Naomi when she was young, and since then, she was raised by Obasan, who played the role of mother. The love between Naomi and her mother is feeble, as Obasan and Naomi’s relationship is more powerful because of their eons as a family and the impact Obasan had on Naomi.

      Naomi’s relationship with her mother is weak and simple. Naomi’s mother goes back to Japan, and never comes back (71). Naomi no longer feels any connections with her mother since the first time she was harassed by Old Man Gower, a pedophile (67). She cannot even bring herself to report to her own mother, because her fear is stronger than her love towards her mother. She finds her relationship with her mother breaking down even before her mother leaves Canada (69). Though at the end of the novel, Naomi’s mother is revealed as a strong woman who keeps her silence for the sake of her children, she can never be considered as a real mother, because she has never really been there for Naomi. Naomi’s love towards her mother is not vigorous.

      On the contrary, Obasan’s relationship with Naomi is much stronger than her mother’s, because Naomi has spent almost her whole life with Obasan. Obasan does everything a mother does. She cooks for Naomi, takes Naomi and Stephen to school, and even brings Naomi to public baths (176). She takes care of Naomi since the time her mother left. Even now, when Naomi is already thirty six years old, Obasan and Naomi still live together as a family. Obasan is more like a real mother, though she is only an aunt.

      Obasan is a proper model for Naomi to learn from. Naomi remembers that Obasan once told Naomi to put others’ desires before her own. “We must always honor the wishes of others before our own. We will make the way smooth by restraining emotion.” (137-138). Without trying, Obasan easily imprinted a life lesson into Naomi’s head. Also, Naomi admires Obasan as a decorous and different woman. Naomi learns Obasan’s silent defense against racism, as Obasan “remains in a silent territory, defined by her serving hands.” (248). Obasan, as a distinct woman, fights racism with silence, which was learned by Naomi later on.

Naomi’s mother’s relationship with Naomi does not exceed Obasan’s love towards Naomi, for Obasan has a huge influence on Naomi in the decades they spend together. The title of this book is “Obasan”, because Naomi’s relationship with Obasan is stronger than with “Mother”. Mother does not necessarily have to be the closest friend a person can have, because there might be someone else replacing “mom” for she may does a better job than the real mother. 

Descriptive Writing

It was a cloudy day. I walked to school nervously. Whenever I thought of the promise I made to my friend, the butterflies in my stomach started to try to break through. “Today is the day,” I said to myself.

It was lunch time, and I went to the library as usual. After positioning myself in a chair and catching enough sneaky glances from my three friends who stood by the library door, I stood up and started roaming in the library. My best friend points toward the silent guy in the corner who was reading intently. “Okay…” I took a deep breath, scared, “as I practiced.” I stared at him with admiration. He rested his head o、n his left hand, with his right hand holding the book. He seemed so calm and relaxed. I knew I would hate myself for disturbing him. “But, a deal is a deal. I never break a promise.” I whispered to myself. I looked down at my feet and laughed at myself for being such a coward all the time. Today is the day to change; today is the day to talk to him for the first time, I thought. I glanced at my friends who were already spread out, waiting for the show to begin. It was not going to be long conversation, I knew. However, I also knew, the first impression is the most important. I walked towards him. I stopped. I looked at one of my friend and wished to receive encouragement. Instead, she smiled evilly and pointed at him a few times with her chin. I shook my head a little and looked around to make sure none of the people I know are looking. I kept on walking slowly with my head low. There’s still a chance to turn back, I thought, breaking a promise is better than embarrassing myself in front of the guy I like. But, I kept going, because sooner or later, I’d have to do it. I glanced up and saw his innocent face focused on his book. I felt a little encouraged.

“Hi.” I said awkwardly.

He looked up slowly. Obviously, he liked his book more than me. “Hey.”

I hesitated. My head went blank. What was the line again? I thought nervously. All I practiced was forgotten. “I’m Tracey.”

He looked at me, a little confused, and looked down at his book for a second. “Oh, I’m *****.” He held out his hand. It took me eternity to realize or believe that he was offering me a handshake. I just stood there and stared at his hand, unable to believe my eyes. Then I finally remembered to take it and gave it a little squeeze. I tried to smile, but my burning and numb face was only allowing me to make a grimace.

Crap, what am I doing? I wasn’t supposed to say my name until I was ready to leave. Understanding his tiny hint on how much he wanted to continue his book, I felt pressured. I felt like he had been waiting for me to talk for five minutes. But after feeling the gentle but strong touch of his hand and having his beautiful eyes set on me alone was so relieving and comforting, that I literally forgot how to breathe. I choked and heard some loud laughter and giggles coming from my friends.

He smiled, at me.

While still choking from the shortage of breath, I said awkwardly, “Well, I got to go. It seems like my friends are waiting.”

He laughed out loud softly. It was the most attractive sound I have ever heard. Well, I just ran outside and punched one of my friends in the stomach. It was so screwed up. It went not at all according to the plan.

(This is based on a true plan which is about to happen sometime this week.) 

The Blood Stone: Final Essay

Greed and Desire

Erich Fromm, a philosopher, once said, “Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” The Blood Stone, by Jamila Gavin, reflects the negative aspect of greed through characters like Geronimo, Noor and Bernardo. Greed may not lead to consummation; instead, it causes serious corollary, such as death and stress.

Greed is not the absolute solution to success. Noor, a dancer, craves to dance for the emperor of Moghul (304). She refuses to marry Filippo, because she chooses to stay in India and to dance for the rest of her life (351). She is excessively eager to dance that she would rather die (304). However, just because of her greed does not guarantee she will. When Noor visits Filippo in Venice, she tells him that she “[is] given in marriage within a year of [Filippo’s] departure”, and “only ever danced for children” (399). She never achieved her goal though she has a determined goal and strong desire.

      Greed causes consequences, like death. Bernardo longs for the precious pendant (53) that Geronimo’s father received from the Moghul Prince who he saved (55). Bernardo even tries to get the diamond through Elizabetta, who Teodora trusts drastically (75). Bernardo even “[strikes] Elisabetta a blow which [pitches] her to the ground” (91). He is so greedy and enraged that he no longer cares if Elisabetta realizes he is only taking advantage of her. The result of his avidity was death. Bernardo goes to the Veroneo family to get the diamond himself (315). He becomes angry at Teodora, which provokes Carlo who stabs Bernardo in self defense (307). Bernardo dies because he is covetous; death is the price he must pay for his acquisitiveness.

      Avarice can also generate stress to the family of the person. Geronimo is adventurous which makes him a selfish husband and an irresponsible father. He longs for traveling and finding diamonds (12). He leaves his family behind for his own desire. Teodora always believes that Geronimo is still alive though the society gives her much pressure (5-27). The children do not understand where their father is. Filippo has never even seen his father until the rescue was successful. Geronimo causes sorrow and grief to his family because of his own greed.

      Rapacity does not guarantee prosperity, but on the contrary, it evokes consequences. People from this generation are becoming greedier and more longing. They want more than they need. This leads to damage to relationship and friendship, broken down of countries, harm to the Earth, which would eventually cause war. They all should try to become more abstemious and liberal, so the world will gradually become a more peaceful and joyful place for every one of them.