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StruggleAugust 03 看绿光森林有感 好久没来了，不是不想来，是太懒的来了
每次来都要冒着电脑死机的危险，而且速度剧慢。
我看以后来的会更少。
这两天晚上看了看湖南卫视绿光森林,觉得很郁闷，很气愤，
心理很不爽。
以前跟老娘聊起人性的时候，老娘老说人喜欢悲剧是见不得别人比自己过得好。
我不以为然，觉得自己挺高尚的，就不喜欢悲剧，喜欢喜剧。
tmd幼稚
昨天晚上实在无聊看绿光森林突然就看得怒火中烧阿。
觉得这种好不着边际，纯属瞎编乱造，一点不贴近生活与现实的东西
实在垃圾。
一直就挺鄙视台湾偶像剧的。觉得这些个片子纯属放屁。
然而人就是火，火得没办法
然后突然就知道为什么能这么火了，
于是更加气愤。
不仅因为里面俊男美女多，毕竟能养眼，
而且里面缠绵曲折的爱情故事明知是假也欲罢不能。
现实中无论如何都不可能发生的事情看看让自己感动感动，
从而更觉得生活苦闷无趣，然后又用这种虚无缥缈的东西作精神麻痹。
最后的火气来源于妒忌，
更觉得是对现实生活仍然有一种期望值，
期望能发生这种王子公主的游戏，又觉得实在不现实，
可是又不甘心，
总而言之言而总之，老娘是对的，
人就这么贱。
您要是自命不凡，愿以天下为己任
您老忙去吧
作为一小女子，身尚未修，家尚无齐，如何治国平天下
有一丝恐惧，觉得自己对爱情，家庭，现实还是有期望的。
这就恐怖了，明知是坑也会跳。
罢了罢了。
吃一堑长一智，能学上少许也知足了。
今日说的都是气话
来日方长，谁知哪日是何心啊 June 03 good luck my dear friends!!!!!!Dear Friends,
I know you are excited, scared, and nervous for the coming National College Entrance Exam. I just want to say good luck and I really believe you will do well.
I can’t say anymore than that. Please trust yourselves and do whatever you can.
We can do this, people!!!!!!
I love you guys and I see you after Exam!!!!!!! Jia school THE ENDDear Ms. High-it,
I’m sorry for this super late reply. WE GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!! WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
How’s your graduation? Is it fun or long and boring? Mine was really long and boring. We didn’t really do anything but sat there and wait. And it was freaking hot!!!!!!!! We were about to melt. However, after graduation, we had great fun. I didn’t go to the senior party. Instead, my host family took me to dinner and I went to see Pirates of Caribbean 3 with my friends. Yesterday, I went to shopping with a Chinese girl. She’s moving to Seattle soon.
Yeah, Seattle is a good place, FOR THERE ARE SOOOOOOOO MANY ASIANS!!!! And it is a very exciting place. We went on the Space Needle, a famous market which the name escaped me, a fury. Too bad we could only stay there for A day. There was a festival thing going on in a park near the Space Needle. I wish we could stay longer. There were dances, food, performances, people, and animals. It was crowded but fun!!!!!! All the kids in my host family were like I want to live in SEATTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luke was so jealous when I told him my friend is moving to Seattle.
I’m sure you have a lot of senior parties to go. Enjoy yourself!!!!! Be happy!!!!
On my last school day, I went to say goodbye and show my appreciation to staff, to friends, to teachers. I was overwhelmed. Even Mr. Miller, a super mean teacher who almost nobody likes, said I don’t need to take the final and he knows my hard work. He didn’t even check my notebook. Holy cow, I had no idea it would be that hard to leave. I just hate this kind of moments. Suddenly, everyone becomes your friend and they become angels. They smile to you, they say goodbye to you. They wave to you, they hug you, they say you have to come back some time, they ask your contact. They just become so lovable that you forget every unhappy moment and don’t want to leave anymore. Some people are not even your friends. You look at them and regret why you didn’t ever come up and talk to them. Leaving is hard. However, life goes on, which is even harder.
I still remember the first Teachers’ Day after I graduated from my middle school. We went to our middle school and did a performance to all our teachers. We lighted up the candles and gave speech one by one. We can’t really hear anything because everyone’s crying. And the more deadly part is our teachers’ speeches. They talked like our friends, parents, people who truly care about us. They taught you tips to pass tests. They asked you to keep a good notebook for your own good. They told you how important to have a healthy body, to do exercise everyday. And, for the first time, they asked you to have great fun, not just studying. At that moment, I know we are close, very close and we’ve been close since we know each other. I know they are the ones I can trust, they are the ones we can rely on.
Oh, man. Graduation is the time for us to show our appreciation, to think back and learn more. Nothing lasts longer than love.
So, anyways, we are out of school. Any plan for summer? My friends are all going to work full-time. I am so free. If you have to time and want to see me, just drive up. I’m wide open for ya.
I wish you have a great time!!!!!
I talk to you later. Miss ya Mary May 15 long time no seeOkay, guys, I'm really sorry but I'm really busy... So, I love you but see ya later. I wish you all the best and may happiness always be with you. MAry May 03 the 29-30 weekDear Mom, Sorry
for this late email. I am busy. And I don’t really have anything
exciting or weird or interesting that worth telling you. The AP exams
are coming. My graduation is coming. Dances, parties are coming. In the 29th
week, Tuesday was really busy. I came home at 2:45, then have hand bell
class from 3:00 to 4:00. Then go to AP Bio study group from 5:00 to
6:00. After that, I go to church for a relief society meeting from 7:00
to 8:00. I was physically exhausted. I didn’t have dinner until like 9.
In my AP Bio study group, our teacher didn’t show up. Another way
smarter guy was there for him. He taught us so many new stuff. We were
all like, “Wow, that’s interesting. We’ve never heard before.” He said,
there are 500-1000 words in AP biology we need to remember. Well, we
were pretty shocked, you know, the exam is on May 14th. Schools
kept on sending admission letters to me. I am happy, but at the same
time, I have to send them back those I-20 forms. It’s pretty annoying.
I am lazy, you know. Oh,
there are so many good movies in the theater I want to see. However, I
can hardly find any time. I guess the only way is to wait until they
come out in DVD. Night at the museum is a very good movie. You have
time, get it in DVD. Today, I change the page of my Calendar to May. I was amazed by how busy I would be. It is full of my handwriting note. May 2nd, Honor Foreign Exchange Student lunch. May 5th, Pool Cleaning, Prom dress shopping. May 8th, AP Chemistry Final. May 9th, AP Calculus exam. May 10th and 11th, AP Biology Final. May 12th, PROM. May 14th, AP Biology Exam. May 15th, AP Chemistry exam. May 19th,
Camping. May 22nd, History Paper Due. May 24th, Richland High School Band Concert. May 25th, Seattle trip. May 26th, Richland Building Stake Dance. May 30th and 31st,
all senior finals. And I know for sure, I didn’t write down my Senior
Party at school, another Senior Party for church and Graduation
Preparation. June 1st is my graduation here. Then, I am done
with High School. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
happy. I hate high school and I can’t wait until college. I am so done
with high school.
My
host family even ask me if you are coming to my graduation. I don’t
think so. You are busy. If you can, that will be great. We can go back
to China together. I don’t think it is going to happen though. Just forget it. I
was sick this Friday and I am still sick. I hope I can go to school on
Monday. I have to do so many make-ups. I missed two quizzes. Luke took
good care of me. He is really nice. He is so helpful. I like him a lot. I finally decide to go to Prom with Luke. He is pretty excited. I am too. I am very happy everyday. I hope you are the same. I love you and talk to you later. Mary April 16 the 28th weekI had a busy week this week. AP exams are coming soon, less than 20 days. We have study groups almost every night and we have a lot of review sheet to do. It’s fine for me though. I can handle it.
On Friday, one of my friends came to stay over for weekend. We had great fun. We went to watch movies, ride bikes and walk to the river. There is a place called Woo’s Tariyaki. It has great food. Too expensive though. Anyways, we love there.
There are less than 60 days left before I go back to China. Sometimes, I am really excited for that. Think about it, I won’t have any homework for three months. All my friends in China are free in summer. We will go traveling, playing, hanging out like crazy. However, I feel a little bit sad too. ‘Cause you know I probably won’t see my American friends for a long long time. I may never see them again.
I’m so excited for college. Last night, we had our home teacher come over. He’s graduated from BYU(Provo). He said he had great time there. There’s always something going on. A lot of students have so much fun and forget to study. He said I will definitely have a wonderful experience there. Right now, I am waiting for the housing placement.
I have a lot of things to tell you, but whenever I start to type my mind is blank. I don’t know why, but I didn’t have good sleep last week. I woke up at 5:50 everyday. You know how it sucks?! Sleeping and eating are my favorite things in the whole wide world. I think I’ve gained a lot of weights here. Anyways, I am busy and happy. A little bit excited for my life.
Everything’s all right. So far, so good. Yeah, life’s good.
Yesterday, I received an email from Ou yang. She said Sun Xiwei, one of my very best guy friends in China, got accepted to Zao Dao Tian University, the very best one in Japan. I am so happy for him. He’s great! He’s the best.
The National College Entrance Exam is coming soon. I really hope my friends can do well in that test. I’ll pray for them.
Every time I receive their emails, I feel so loved and cared. You know how busy they must be and they still keep in touch with you no matter what. I’ve given their emails say they don’t need to contact me if they are really busy. I know they love me and I love them too. I hope they can do their best. May luck be with them all the time.
I should keep myself busy too. Learning for my future. I am amazed by my life. You know how unbelievable when you are 10 think about the life when you are 18. Now, think about it, I am going to be 20 in 2 years. That’s crazy. And years later, my best friends probably will get married and have kids. That’s really crazy.
Anyways, life goes on and may us be happy always!
Good luck. Mary
April 14 the 27th weekHi, Mom I’m back from the Redmond trip, and I’m sick. I think Luke infected his disease to me. So, my Idaho and Salt Lake City trip canceled. Bad Bad Bad~~~~~~~~~~~ Now, I’m lying on my bed and typing the email to you since I couldn’t fall asleep. I’m
very tired. My eyes can hardly open. But I just couldn’t go to sleep. I
hate it. You know how annoying that is?! My Goodness. So, basically, I
will stay at home with Sarah until Friday she goes to college and then
I’m all by myself until Saturday night Luke come back from his one week
mission. Then, all the family will be back on Sunday night. I’ll
probably sleep all day tomorrow if it is possible. Thursday and Friday
I probably will hang out with some friends. Anyways, I will buy a lot
of food and rent a lot of movies to make my days wonderful. You know I
am never bored by myself. I can entertain myself pretty well. I will
take super good care of myself. Don’t worry. Darrel is here too. So,
you can call me whenever you have time and it’s convenient to you. I’m
wide open. Oh, yeah, I have something about college to discuss with you. How is your life in China ? How do you spend your day? Is there any good show on TV? Okay,
since I don’t have a lot of stuff to tell u. I want to plan what I want
to do after I go back. I’m going to hang out with my friends for a
while and then probably go to a trip with them in June. I want to go to
Tibet or Xin Jiang. I really want to go horse riding in Xin Jiang. And
then, I want to do something exciting like rock climbing or rafting or
bengji. I want to rent a lot of good TV shows and movies. I want to
download a lot of nice mange which I missed. I want to visit my
grandparents for sure. Anyways, I want to have great fun. And if you
have to work, I will just go by myself or a friend like Deng Decheng or
a boy hahaha~~~~ I
also need to register my fist year class. After I go back, we can
discuss the classes I should take and then I need to apply the new
visa. I am not very worried about that. If by 0.000000000000000000001%
I am refused, I will just simply send school an email, ask them to send
me another I-20 form and then apply again. It shouldn’t be a problem. And
what else I want to tell you. Oh, right, I have too many things that I
am sure I can’t put them all in the two suitcases I took here. So, I am
going to mail something to you in April or May. Which address do you
want me to use? Caopu or Tianbei or else? Okay, what else? Or, right, I’m going to be super busy when the school starts again. Hey,
Mom, what do you want to know about my life here? I don’t know what
else I should say. I realize that basically, wherever in this whole
wide world is the same. I mean life. America just has more convenient
technology or good policies. That doesn’t make a lot of differences in
individual life. Don’t know how to explain in English. Anyways, I just
want to say, I really enjoyed my life with you in China . I love you
very much although sometimes you drive me crazy. I
am more mature now. I think you have already noticed. I’m really proud of myself. This is the 27th week I’ve been in America and I kept my promise to send you a report every week. It is not a easy project if you realized. I’m
very confident now. No matter what you said or will say won’t hurt my
confidence anymore. I’m an excellent girl. I have faith in myself and I
don’t care what the others think about me anymore. I hope you can also
think that way. Don’t be petulant or callous. Don’t care about the
others that much. I don’t want you to tell everyone how great or
wonderful I am. I just want you to think that way and act like you
really think that way. I won’t fell stressed by my family. It’s my
future I care about. Not my family’s. Neither you nor I am the savior
for our family. They can still live without us. Mom, no one is really
relying on you or totally depending on you. Don’t give yourself too
much pressure about anything. If you think you are the support of all
our family, first, you give too much pressure on yourself, then, you
feel like you are the governor of everything, everyone should be
careful of and do what you said and what you expected, unfortunately,
that’s not going to happen, then, you will have a bad temper and make
everyone’s life hard, then, pressure comes to everyone. That’s the bad
circle you were in. Be selfish. No one is going to blame you for that.
Or if someone does, ignore him. Yes, there IS something you should care
about. It’s yourself. You have your own life. And enjoy it! One thing I learned in USA
is to be selfish. Americans don’t care what you think about them. They
live the way they want to and they enjoy it. You are mad or sad or
upset about what they have done, as they said, “It’s your problem.” Everytime
I wrote a long email and expected a long reply you just sent me five
sentences: I’m happy to read your email. I’m doing great. I wish you
all the best. Welcome to come back. I’m so proud of you. Love/Mom. Good job ignoring me, Mom. Just kidding. I know you are busy. About
my teenager-love-problem, I am not worried at all now. Let it go! I
can’t avoid what is going to happen and I can’t make things that won’t
happen for sure happen anyways. I think I like him a lot. But not like
love him or can’t live without him anything. Want to hear some other
funny stories? One
day, I was hanging out with Sarah, Holy and Jesongsoo. Holy is Sarah’s
best friend and Luke’s classmate. For some reason, Luke is always mean
to Holy. Then, we were playing around near the river. We were talking
about something about Luke. Suddenly, Holy was like “He likes you.” I
was frozen for a second. Then, I turned around and saw Sarah staring at
Holy. Then, Holy immediately said “Oh, never mind, just kidding”. You
know, sometimes, I am really confused, I can never tell if they really
are joking or they are serious. There
is another time, Sarah, Luke and I were in a car on the way home. Luke
became really weird. You know how the car has a reflect mirror on the
front seat, he was sitting there and I was sitting in the back. He used
the mirror and stared at me straight in the eye. I was like What’s your
problem Luke!!!!!! He just did that anyways all the way home. Sarah’s
like Oh, you are so beautiful, Mary. Then, the day after, I almost
forgot about it and he suddenly said, I was just trying to be annoying
yesterday Mary. I said I know it. There
is one day, Luke and I were talking something about me living in
America forever. I said I couldn’t live in America forever and I don’t
want to. My Mom is in China and I will miss her so bad. Then, he said,
well, she can share room with me. “Well`` It’s very nice of you. I’ll
tell her that.” I said. Oh, my goodness, I still can’t fall asleep. Okay,
on last Friday. My hyper day, there is a girl, who was in my PE last
semester. I don’t even remember her name. We haven’t seen each other
for a long time. Then, she was all excited when she saw me. She was
like “OH!!!!!!!! MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where have you been!!!!!!!! I
haven’t seen you FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was like where is my girl MARY
all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Er``````` you know what I feel like? WOW~~~
I don’t even remember your name, girl~~~ I appreciate your friendship
though. Then, we hugged each other and exchanged the phone number.
Actually, I didn’t even talk to her a lot in PE. We just played
basketball together for 2 times. See, Americans are friendly. Anyways, last Friday is my favorite day last month. I felt like I made so many new friends!!
There
is one day, I skipped Language Arts for some reason. Then, I met a guy
who sat in front of me. He is very friendly at least to me. I don’t
talk a lot to him though. When he saw me that day, he was so excited,
stopped me, and said “Where have you been, Mary?!” “Skipping…” Then,
the day later, I came into the class, he shouted “MARY!!!! How is it
going??” “Pretty well~~” “It’s okay skipping! High five!!!” Oh, gosh~~
He is so funny. Have I ever told you the story about I being quiet? One
day, we were having a free time in Language Arts. I was doing my
homework or resting. Suddenly, he just yelled at me, “Mary!” “What?”
“Why are you so quiet?” “`````I don’t know.” Anyways
he is funny. There are a lot of funny guys at school. They say hi to
everyone. He is not even a friend of mine. We don’t even talk a lot.
So, I think Americans are friendly. I can tell you more stories after I
go back. If you have time, send a message to my wife to cheer her up. Gao Kao is coming soon!! I love America . Life is good. En!! Is there anything I want to tell you?????? I don’t think so. I might be able to sleep now. You really need to pay attention to my emails. Don’t just scan it. Love Mary the 26th weekDear Mom, I am in Redmond (a city in Oregon
) now. We are living in a wood house with everything. It is so cool. It
has two floors. There are a lot of fun stuff here. I wish I can go
river rafting but I couldn’t because of the season. I also want to go
rock climbing, sounds so cool hah, but we don’t have enough time and I
can’t find the company’s phone number. Well`` I sure want to come back
some time in summer go rock climbing or rafting. Oh, our spring break is from April 1st to 9th. We are going to stay here 3 nights and then go to Salt Lake City for 4 days. I am busy too. As busy as you are, Mom! We
met Christy’s best Chinese friend who was also adapted to America . Her
name is Jenny. She looks really little. She’s so skinny. She is also
spoiled I think. She is very commanded. Her English is very good now.
She forgot most Chinese. So, we just talk in English. Sarah is leaving for college on April 5th. I will miss her so much. Monday
and Tuesday I had study group thing till 7 o’clock. Wednesday I stayed
home. Thursday I hanged out with Christy and Mark. We went to rent some
movies. I don’t think we should do that on Thursday because that night,
I stayed up late until 2 o’clock to finish my stupid homework.
Recently, Mark and I are really close. Would you please think about
adopting a child? I really want a sister or a brother. I am serious. Friday
was my favorite day last week. I was soooooooo excited for spring
break. I was insanely happy. I said hi to everyone I know even to those
I don’t really know. I made myself crazy. I guess I made a lot of
friends that day. There is a girl in my L.A. class named Sheila. She is
amazingly pretty. She is half Egyptian, half mixture of British,
Italian and another European country. So, she can speak four languages
natively. I am so jealous her!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, she’s also one of my
friends I guess, although we don’t hang out on weekend. She is very
nice to me. But I don’t think she is a good girl in society. On Friday
in my LA class, we had a poetry party. Oh, man, my classmates are so
generous. They brought so much food that I was dying because of
fullness. School
is not that boring now. Maybe it is because I have more friends and I
am also more busy now. Last week, I just signed up for 3 AP tests.
249USD flew away~~~~~~~~ Anyways, I enjoyed my life and I am enjoying. I will too. Okay, I know you are busy. So, I guess
that’s it. See ya Love Mary March 17 the 25th weekDear Mom, This Tuesday I went to a store to try on a lot of formal dance dresses and two wedding dresses for mutual. They were so pretty on me. Really pretty, I love them. Make me feel like I am a princess. Every girl is a princess of God. Alaire(Luke’s best girl friend) looks very pretty in two dresses. She said I made her feel ugly because I am pretty in every dress I tried on. Well`` that’s not true. I look pretty awkward in two church dresses. This Friday, we had no school. It was a Teacher State Day. Anyways, there were so many holidays here. You won’t believe how much homework I have this weekend. Holy cow, let me tell u. 1. About 30 book problems and two work sheets for AP Calculus. 2. About 30 book problems and a 5-page-take-home-quiz for AP Chemistry. 3. Two work sheets and a paper to read for AP Biology. 4. Two book projects for Language Arts. 5. A minimum one and half page story and a 5-page paper and prepare for a presentation for 20th Century History. The teachers are insane. I rather they just shoot me. That will make my life much easier. Oh, yeah, I have no idea why, but people just insanely recommend books for me to read. Now, there are 5 books in line, not including Bible and The Book of Mormon. And another thing, my weekend schedule is crazy. Today, I received an email from a friend. He wants to hang out with me some time. I check my schedule. Guess what? He has to wait until the third weekend of April. This weekend, I am going to have a walk with Carrie to the river and library. And then go to a movie with a friend and go shopping. Next weekend, Sarah and I are going to ice-skating. Then, March 31 hang out with international club members I think. Then, Spring break (from April 1st to 8th) is busy. My host family is going to take me out town. Sarah is leaving for college too. The second weekend, all foreign exchange students have to participate a stupid activity. We are going to Olympia (Washington State Capital). I don’t even want to go because we have to pay for it. It will cost at least 100 dollars. And hanging out with those foreign exchange students is boring. I will ask a friend to come with me. If that can work out, it wouldn’t be too bad. Weekends don’t include Sundays. I only mean Saturdays. Because they do nothing on Sunday but rest. I am so excited for college. I will have great fun there. I am so sure. I am not even close to popular here (I am a loser. I don’t have many friends. But, it is okay. I don’t care. I’m satisfied with the friends I have now.), but I can still find a lot of stuff to do and have fun. College will be a new start and I will have more friends than I am now in this high school. I’m happy. I feel so blessed even sometimes I am really bored. I don’t have a lot of time feeling bored. I can always read. Yeah, I finished my AP Chem., AP Cal. and Language Arts homework. I still have AP Bio and history homework. I have no idea how long it would take me to write the stupid paper. Come on, Mary. You can do this. Sarah is such a funny girl. She always has conversations with herself. I tried a lot of times. It really works. You can cheer yourself up. You have to say it out loud. Sometimes you will feel much better after you talk to yourself. Recently, I feel very sorry for Luke. He has so problems falling asleep. He said he always had a hard time sleeping. It’s a family illness. I will be really sad if I can’t fall asleep easily. However, I can. I can fall asleep whenever, wherever I want. Thanks to my dear Mom. Luke is busy now. He has work almost everyday except Sunday. On Saturday s, he has to work all day from like 7 or 8 am to 7 or 9 pm. He is happy about it because he can get paid more. Oh, right. Recently, 10th graders are taking WASL tests. Poor kids.. That is a Washington State high school test. You have to pass it to be able to graduate from high schools. It’s really easy though. It’s extremely boring. Thanks to that lame test, we don’t have to go to school until 10 o’clock. Okay~ This is another long email. Have fun reading it? Don’t worry. I wish you all the best. Mary P.S. Could you call me on your 23rd in the morning next week? March 22 is your birthday. I want to say happy birthday to you. March 09 the 24th weekThe 24th week Dear Mom, I had a half day today. Sweet!!!! Then, I went to Christy’s elementary school to help preparing a party. Americans love kids. I fully understand that now. They love kids by heart. I had a busy week. Wednesday night, I went to seek a ice-hockey game with Sarah and Soo(the girl from South Korean). It was pretty awesome, but it’s also a little bit violent. People smashed each other and “there is always a fight”. It’s an ice-hockey game~!! Cool~ Those boys have very good skills ice-skating. They are really fast and good. Not like national ones. Still~ Good!! But a little bit too long. From 7:00 to 9:40. Tuesday night was really busy. I went home after school at 2:40, and then had my hand bell lesson from 3:00 to 4:00. And then twenty minutes later, I went to school for an AP Biology study group till 6:30. Then, Luke, I and Dalen (a guy, Luke’s friend) went to a dinner. Remember, Luke owed me a dinner. Then, after we arrived home, it was nine o’clock. And, unfortunately, I had tons of homework that night. Thursday, I was all exhausted. And I had a bad mood for some reasons. Good news! I got like 101 points (top score) in AP chemistry chapter test. Bad news! I felt very tough to get an ‘A’ in History class. I probably will get a B or C. I hate that teacher. Well, almost everyone hates him. He is so strict and boring teacher. AP Biology is getting tough too. So is AP Calculus. However, I think I can handle this. Maybe I just became too lazy, just like those American kids, since I’ve already got into college. HaHa~` ^_^ Okay~ I am just kidding. I promise I will work harder. Luke now is my homework supervisor. He is always like, “Mary! Do your homework before playing around.” I think he is just jealous me too smart. I think I am a little bit sad about my ‘old friends’. Courtney, Cali, Marie, Emily, Amanda and so on. We don’t hang out any more. I probably should say, they are only Courtney’s friends, not mine. We still say ‘hello, how are you today’ when we meet each other. However, I feel like I’ve never been one of their group members. That makes me feel like a loser. Well… You know, one day, I was talking about I would leave for China right after I get out of the stupid school. Luke asked me whether I am going to have a party or not. I said no. Nobody really cares. He’s eyes were widely opened and said what are you talking about. I care. And I am sure Amanda and Courtney do too. I was so touched to hear that. From the optimistic thinking, I should be very happy and proud of myself. I’ve been here for only 7 or 8 months. I’ve known and been known by a lot of people. Few consider I am one of their very best friends, most don’t care. And these American kids know each other for at least 3 or 4 years. Like in China, my best friend Deng Decheng, I’ve known her for 5 years. How can a foreigner be my best friend in China? Okay~~ I am happy now. I am a winner!!!! Yeah~~~~ I’ve been a crazy kid. Being my friend is his/her fortune. He/She doesn’t care, great, it’s your lost, baby. I’m so appreciate that I can live with Damstedt family. Honestly, they changed my American life. They saved me from feeling depressed and sorrow. You know, I was a little bit beat up by moving out from Jones family. They brought me so much fun and gave me so much love. The first week I lived here, I felt like they are truly my family and seems like I lived here for a long time. They made me feel like I really have a home in America. Carrie, Luke, Sarah, Mark, Cristy, they are just like my own sisters and brothers. We make fun of each other; we tease each other; we beat each other up; we share; we laugh together. I am especially appreciated Carrie, Luke and Sarah. They made me feel like I have chance to survive and have great fun in America, in a place I know nobody and I am nobody and they changed my attitude about my American life. I love them so much. I am going to miss them like crazy after I go back. Sometimes, I still feel like everything is a dream. How can I have already been in United States of America for 7 months? It must be magic. You know, be surrounded by all those white people and hear English all the time, that’s, holy cow, so amazing. I understand English much more now. I am not saying the vocabulary. I am saying the feeling, you know, truly understanding and, well, don’t know how to explain. I think English sometimes can have some meaning that Chinese cannot express very well. Like in a movie, a guy said, I love u but you don’t have to love me back. Someone asked me to translate it in Chinese. I said “wo ai ni, dan shi ni bu yong ai hui wo.” That sounds so weird. Well, anyways, I began loving English, which is good. I still had a lot of weird dreams everyday. Don’t know why. Like one day, I dreamed about Sarah and I fell in love with a same random guy. And the guy one day came into our little cabin and hugged me so tight… Seriously, I felt it. Well, I guess that is it. I wish I can write my history paper like this, no stop at all. Things just come out. Cool~ I think there is a God, Mom. I love u so much that I want to kiss u a million times. Mary P.S. Seriously, do you really read my email? Is it too long and becoming hard to understand? Or you just kind of scan it? to my dearest friendTo All My Dearest Friends, I, personally, love to hear from you, to read your emails, to reply your emails. However, as I know, the stupid National College Entrance Exam is coming soon, less than 100 days. I wish you guys can do all you can and prepare extremly well for the test. I will be back right after the exam. So, we will have great fun. These coming there months, as your very best friend, I command you to do your best. Then, there is nothing to regret. Please don't waste anytime on any other thing, including emailing me. Well`` I will also work as hard as I can, make myself as busy as you guys. So that I can at least feel like I am still with you. Exam nightmare is getting over soon. Just like a blink. Please, please, please don't give up at the last moment. And please, please, please work as hard as you can. I have faith in all of you. You will do just as great as you imagine. Trust yourself is the first step to success. One day, I saw a picture about Jesus Christ, he said "I never say life is easy. I only say it worth it." Think about your life, your family, your friends. Ask God for help, for strength. Your family and your friends are not giving you pressure, but support. No matter what is the result, they/we will never laugh at you or be disappointed. We will be as proud of you as we are now. We know, you did your best and will continue on for the rest of your life. Even you didn't do your best, you will and will be successful. I believe, one day, all of us will meet at the place we want to be. And never, never, never give up your hope. At the very last, I have to say "thank you" to all of you. Without you, my life would be miserable. Without you, my life would be really pointless and hopeless. Without you, I would lost so much fun. Without you, I can't be what I am. Without you, I will lost in the darkness. These days when I am in USA, I think about you every single day. You stuck in my dreams, my thoughts and my life. See, you are THAT IMPORTANT. For the people like me, who really cares, loves you, Please Don't ever give up yourself. That stupid Jia can do well, so can you. I wish this letter can at least give u some strength. I wish you all the best. Jia P.S. I would love to see your emails if you really have time. February 25 the 23rd weekDear Mom, I had a quite busy week. I wish you guys have had an unforgettable and fabulous Spring Festival. Did you play Majiang a lot? I tried to teach my friends Majiang, but it turned out bad and I just gave up. I also tried to teach them Shengji. You know, it’s hard to explain even in Chinese. Well~ I have to be a follower in American games. I bought a 3D puzzle for my cousins. They will like it. It is so cool. I’ve never seen those before. I’ve never seen a lot of things before. Applies to applies is a very popular game here. I will take it with me to China. This Monday was a national holiday---Presidents’ Day. You won’t believe how many holidays Americans have! Tons~ Really. I went to a friend’s house and ate home-make dumplings. That made me homesick. I wanted to go back so bad. Yeah, how is the CCTV Spring Festival Ceremony? Is it good? How’s Zhao Benshan’s Xiaopin? Tuesday was just a normal school day. It was warm though. I was very happy to see the sunshine again. In my Language Arts class, our teacher asked us to walk around the campus, enjoy the sunshine and think about a question. We just finished a book named Fahrenheit 451. It was written in 1900s, about future. In that society, nobody read books. Everyone just watches TVs everyday and listen to “seashore” (just like our radio, mp3). No one cares about the others. TV shows are their “families”. The teacher’s question was is the things in the book actually happening in our lives and if one day we die, will anyone remember us by what we did to change their lives and their opinions, did we do anything to influence the others. I am sure you guys will remember me forever. However, did I really do something for the others, I mean except my family and friends. Like in America, I don’t think anyone will remember me ten years after I leave. Everyone maybe will feel sorry for my leave for a while, maybe a month the most. I’ve no idea what I am talking about. Anyways, I just want to become a person who really does a lot for the people and the whole society. I love my Language Arts class. We always have some interesting discussion in class. And the books we read are all very best and deep thinking. My teacher is doing her best to teach us how to think right and wisely, about life, justice, human nature and how to think. The sad part is not many kids are actually trying hard to listen, to learn, to think and to change. Yesterday, we were discussing human nature. Most American kids think human nature is good. Pretty optimistic, hah~ However, my teacher were persuading them to think in another way. She said, no matter teachers or parents, we are always teaching the children Not to do the bad things. If human nature is good, why should we worry about they will do bad things. Well, personally, I think human nature is evil. I believe as a person growing up, the evil part can be buried. I love my teachers, at least most of them. One of my favorite teachers is Mr. Spencer, my AP Chem. teacher. He always says learning chemistry is like wandering in a dangerous forest, only western men can survive. He loves talking random stuffs. Last week, we had a test. There was a ‘Western men problem’. Only three people solved that problem and I am one of them. Last year, he said, there were only three students survived in all his classes. This year is much better. Our award is a little tiger sticker. We are like tigers, can survive everywhere. Haha~ He made a name list every year to remember the kids who solve the ‘western men problem’. I am so proud of myself. I am going to be on there for a whole year. Americans don’t like seaweed. Last week, I took some seaweed to school and gave them to some boys (because girls were too scared to eat them) and Mr. Spencer. They were like “Mary!!!!! You tricked us!!! That’s grouse. Is it Asian’s fool day or what?” I laughed so hard. Yeah, imagine those guys’ faces. Ha ^O^ AP testes will be in May. Can’t believe each one cost 85 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were all mad when teachers tell us. That’s like robbing. Well, at least cheaper than take a class in college. And we save lot of time too. Good luck to me~! On Wednesday, wow, such a busy day, Luke and I walked to Columbia River. The whole walk took us almost 3 hours. Usually it won’t take too long. We just forgot time when we were by the river. He is such a funny guy. Oh~~~ Gosh~~~~ He is so money-crazy, video-game-crazy, random-imagination-crazy, and early-marriage-crazy. You know, Americans are pretty crazy for some holidays like Valentine’s Day. Sarah and I hate that stupid holiday. On that day, you won’t believe it, everyone’s wearing red clothes; flowers were everywhere; people were holding hands, kissing each other, sending candies, chocolates and teddy bears to others. Luke likes a girl. Sarah and I were persuading him to buy chocolate or a crush can for her. He said, “Oh, no, it will cost me a Whole dollar!” We just burst out laughing, although we all knew he’s just kidding. He wants to get married right after he finishes his mission, which is 21. He likes Japan and wants to live there just because he can have a lot of cheap and new video-games. Anyways, he is just a brad. On Thursday night, Su and I went to see our school’s Talent show. It was awesome. The dance team impressed me a lot. I love seeing the school performance show. You won’t believe how good they are, just like professional. Sarah’s leaving for college in early April. I am very sad about that. I won’t see her for a really long time, maybe the whole life. Well, if I go back to China after I graduate, I won’t see a lot of people for the rest of my life, which is really sad. Today, Holy, Sarah and I had a small dance party in Sarah’s room. We were absolutely crazy, all swearing. Sarah is a funny girl. She’s so excited for college, for the guys in college. She and Luke always have very interesting conversations. Once, she was talking about a lecture she heard. It was about personal value. She said the teacher wrapped a dollar and told them a dollar is a dollar, the value won’t loss. She’s like “Luke, you know what, no matter what you said, my value won’t loss. I am a leader and I am not a follower anymore.” Luke insulted her, said “Yea, right, you only worth a dollar.” I was laughing to death. Oh~~~ Living with them is such a great thing. I feel so blessed. Sometimes, I can’t believe our heaven father gives me such a wonderful blessing. Thanks so much! Dear heavenly father, thanks for all the blessings in our lives and please bless my family, friends, all the missionaries. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Love u Mary February 20 the 20th weekDear Mom, I had a busy weekend. We went to Leavenworth
(an old town 2 hours drive from Richland) to celebrate Carrie's
birthdya. It was very pretty and cold. We slide on the icy and I hurt
my bottom really bad. It was very fun. I am
so happy recently. I've been accepted to universities~!! Wow~~~` I am
also accepted to Drexel University (Ada's university). I still think
that school is too expensive to me. I begin to work on my visa. It is
pretty hard to transfer to F-1 visa. I don't know what will happen. I
am doing my best anyway. I am learning Guitar
and hand bells. I've never thought guitar is so hard to learn. My
fingers hurt really bad. I kept on hurting myself in PE. Last week, I
twisted my ankle and it was swollen like an apple. And this week, I
fell down and hurt my knees. There were two huge bruise. Yesterday in Leavenworth, we were racing to the car. I slided down and
hurt my back. My hurting body needs relax badly. Haha~ Since it is a family computer, I cannot spend too much time on it. I am sorry to shorten my emails. I have so many funny things want to tell u. Wish you all the best. Love u Mary
Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes The 21st and 22nd weeks’ reportDear Mom, The past two weeks were great. I was happy everyday. It seemed time passed so fast. I’ve totally get used to American life as a student. Well, except I don’t have a car or a job as most seniors do. I was busy for nothing. Everyday I just go to school, have classes, go to library during lunch, go to classes and come home. And then, every Tuesday, I have hand bell class for an hour after school; every Wednesday I have church mutual activity; every Thursday I have missionaries coming over to teach me lessons or I have basketball games at church; every Friday, Saturday I just have fun with friends or family or internet. Haha~ I love this family. Two weeks ago, they took me to Leavenworth. Last weekend, they took me all the way down to Idaho to ice fishing. This coming weekend or next weekend, we are going camping. I love them. You know, it took us 8 hours to drive to Idaho. We had so much fun. I am not even kidding. I was all exhausted. We lived in their friends’ house. They had a huge house and a farm. Yea, I rode the horse too. The horse’s name is Princess. I love her. You won’t believe it, I saw a lot of cow boys. You know, those cow boys!!!!! That town’s exactly like the ones in those old fashion movies. I was all excited. Wow~~~~~ That was so cool. I love it. I caught three fish. It was very funny. You can see how the fish is struggling through the hole you made on ice. I should show you pictures some time. How is your Spring Festival? Did you have fun? I celebrated it with one of my Chinese friends at her house on Monday. Her Mom made a lot of dumplings and Zongzi. I was pretty homesick. I want to go back so bad. I have a lot of things to tell u, but every time I begin to type, I forget half of things I want to say. Anyways, I am doing great and I wish you can be as happy as I am~ Ha~ Happy Chinese Spring Festival! Xin Chun Da Ji! Wan Shi Ru Yi!! Gei quan jia bai nian le! Love u Mary January 27 the 19th weekDear Mom,
This is the first week I live with Damstedt family. I had a very great time. They are very nice and funny. Although they are not as rich as Jones family, it seems they enjoy the life better. I love them a lot.
This semester begins. I had only one class different from last semester, 20th Century US history. I hate that stupid class. Oh, my gosh~ The teacher is soooooo boring. He has so many rules and so many requirements. I'm ready to fail that class. You know, my history is pretty bad. Now, it is US history. He asked us to write a 5-page-report. How could I do that? Five pages~~~~~~!!!!!!!!
My life is full of fun now. It's not only about school anymore. Carrie and I played puzzles. I bought an amazing puzzle. I will show u after I go back. I read books. I play basketball in church. I go shopping and hang out with my friends. I am so busy. I can never find enough time to do everything I want to do. I enjoy my life very much. Damstedt family are awesome. They make me feel like I've lived with them for a long time.
Last night, Luke and I went to a school dance named TOLO. It was pretty fun. However, a lot of people dance dirtily. They danced really close to each other. It's kind of sexy dance. I hate it. We just hanged out with friends most of time. There were only 4 slow songs we could dance with each other. I am exhausted now. I don't like school dance very much. It is a lot of different from my imagination. Sarah did my hair and my make-up. It took her 2 hours. She's amazing. Luke and I had dinner at 7:30, then we went to the dance with our friends till 11:10. And then we went to a movie. It was really late when we got home. I met a lot of friends. That was surprising and embarassing, 'cause I didn't tell anyone I was going to the dance. Well.. That's because we decided to go on Thursday and the dance was on Friday. I don't have time to announce.
Today, a cool missinary is coming to teach me about their church. There is also a church dance. I don't think I will go. Right now, I just want to sleep for 4 hours.
I am sure this semester will be very different from the last one.
I will absotuly have more fun with Sarah, Carrie, Cristy, Mark and Luke.
I love u.
Wish u all the best.
Mary
January 20 the 18th weekDear Mom,
I’m moving to the new family tomorrow. They have a lot of kids, a 13 years old girl, a 12 years old boy, a 18 years old girl and a 16 years old boy. And a 9 years old adopt Chinese girl. I’ve met them and I like them a lot for real. They are very funny and nice. My computer won’t connect to the internet after I move. So, I have to use the only family computer. I may not check email-box everyday but at least once a week. Their house is pretty near to school and the bus stop. I’m very happy about that. That means the traffic won’t be a problem any more. I can take the bus to hang out with friends. Luke, the 16 years old guy is very cute. He likes Asians. I like him a lot. He’s very funny. I will tell you more after I get along with them. I’m actually very excited to live with them. Well, except I cannot use my computer any more.
I wish I could go back for Spring Festival, but I can’t. The program doesn’t allow me to go back during the year. So, I probably will spend with some of my Chinese friends.
I am so happy this semester is over. That means I am really half way through the program. We have a three day weekend and no homework. I did pretty well on the final tests. I am a little bit sad the government class is over. That’s a senior class and I love that class. First, we have only one assignment every week. Second, the teacher is really nice. I love him. He always gives me extra credits for homework. I am not sure if my homework really worth it or he just likes me. Haha~ ^_^ And the guys in that class are just so damn funny. Jake, Alec, Chris, etc. They are hilarious. I am glad Chong su, the south Korean girl is going to have the same PE lesson with me next semester. We will have a great time.
Everyday is another day and next semester is a new start.
Today, Courtney, Amanda, Cali and I went to see the High School Musical, which acted by high school students according to a movie. It’s pretty dumb. The main roles cannot even sing very well. I like the support roles though. Well, after seeing the Broadway show, every other show is like nothing good. I wish I can see another Broadway show some time. That was so amazing.
We didn’t do anything this week. I mean Tuesday and Wednesday we study for the finals, Thursday and Friday we have the finals. It’s boring. It snowed though. Well, snow looks really good. I love the pure, white snow. But I hate it when I sit in the car, because it becomes dangerous while driving. It slides all the time! That’s horrible. I also hate the snow melt. The roads become muddy and icy. I just found out I love summer. Probably I am used to Shenzhen’s warm weather.
Chong su’s going to New York this weekend. Her parents come to visit her uncle in New York for a week. That’s sweet. I am sure she is mighty excited. She is a nice girl, typical Korean girl. She loves shopping, especially for ear-rings. She bought 15 pairs already.
Freshmen(first year of high school students) are stupid. Alec showed us some video he took in government class today. They were sliding on the icy road and trying to sit on a chair which is on the most icy place. It seems they were just trying to hurt themselves to us. And months ago, some freshmen trashed library with excrement. That was so disgusting. Courtney said last year, some freshmen reported there was bomb in the school and caused a serious problem. Anyways, freshmen are dumb. Well, Alec is dumb too. He drunk a lot. His parents are both cops and he was caught for drunk driving. If I were his mom, I would totally be beat up by him. He, Jake and another boy are going to join the military after graduating. The first day I went to class, Jake and he were advertising marine (a type of navy they are going to service) to me, which made Courtney mad. I like them very much anyways. They can always make me laugh and they usually make my day.
How are you doing? I wish everything goes smooth.
Best wishes,
Love u
Mary January 14 the 17th weekDear Mom,
This week is a very usual week. I will finish all the applications by next Tuesday. Next week is the last week I live with Jones family. My new host family’s father is a bishop of Mormon church in their area, which is very cool. I won’t change school. Their house is nearer to school, actually. They adopt a Chinese baby. They are very nice people. I will move next Sunday I guess.
Talmadge likes me very much now. Well``` I just play card games, chess and watch TV, movies with him everyday. That spends me a lot of time. It’s okay. I want him to feel better. Aubrey and I talk very often. She is in a school musical and we usually talk about a boy named Alex that she likes very much. She has a weird taste. Next weekend, we are going to see a High School Musical together. They are such a good family. We will still hang out.
About Canada and Hong Kong universities, I won’t apply until I’m sure I cannot change my visa type in America. I am not sure yet. I am not worried about being accepted to the universities at all. I am worried about my visa. I found out there is a 2 year rule for J-1 visa student, which means once I go back, I have to stay in China for 2 years. I just heard about that from a friend. I’ve already sent an email to a local immigrant lawyer. I’ll send an email to Ada too. There is always a way to solve the problem. I guess I have to change the visa type in America. I will tell you the result after the lawyer reply me. I hate American stupid law system. Fortunately, it seems easier to change the visa in this state, someone told me.
One day, I was very anxious about something and I felt very lonely. I thought about you. I have a question, Mom. It must be extremely hard for you to work in Shenzhen alone those years. How could you do it? You know what I mean? You have a baby in hometown; your husband is a bastard; you are in such bad situation. How could you possibly keep on? You are that brave and determined! I felt like I can never be as excellent as you are. You extremely well done! It’s you who make money for the whole family. It’s you who fought without hesitate. It’s you who put the sky over head. It’s you who the whole family cannot lose. I guess it’s you who smile while stressed out in the heart. How can you be so strong? Is it because of me? Then, I cried. Why can’t I be as strong as you are for you like you for me? Moms can do everything for their children. You can overcome every difficulty for us. But we can never do the same thing for you. You can say us is the center of your life. We can only say you are our refuge and we cannot live without your protection. It’s not fair. I am so sad because of my selfish. I always said I can die for you. I can still say it. However, be strong, be determined for you is harder than die for you. Die is easy because it just take a second. Be determined is something take forever. Can you understand what I am talking about? I feel like I am a person who always gives up easily. Tiger head snake tail. Well. I really want to change.
American teachers and counselors are so nice. I asked them to write me some recommendation letters and they did it without any hesitate. They all spoke quite highly of me. I was so happy about that. They let me read before they sent them out. It is kind of cheating actually. BYU Hawaii said they will give me a reply if they are going to take me next week. They said my academic is strong enough. I contacted with the counselor of admission center and he liked me a lot. He said he will review my application after he went back to Hawaii next week. That’s a good school too and it is cheap.
Courtney’s license is going to be taken away because some stupid reason. She fell asleep on the back seat without wearing the seat-belt on and Parker was driving too fast. They were stopped by the policemen and they both got a ticket. Then, Courtney drove 30 miles/hour in a school area whose limit speed is 20 miles/hour by accident. She got two tickets and then her license’s taken away… That’s pretty sad and stupid. She is such a good driver. The first time is not her fault. She shouldn’t get a ticket for that. See, told you, stupid law.
American students are really spoiled. A boy in my Government class told me he had a BMW. And I found a lot of Benz (like 5 or 6 ) in the school campus. Come on, they are only high school students.
Next week is the last week of this semester. Next Monday is Martin Luther King Day ( Madingludejing ). We have one day off, which makes me very happy.
I wish you all the best. Love u forever, Mary January 07 the 16th weekDear Mom,
I had something really cool to tell you. Today, with Jones family, I went to watch a Broadway show named Hair Spray in a city 2 and half hours’ drive away from Richland!! It is totally wicked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so good and I love it.
The story happened in 1970s. It was an old fashion musical. The story itself was not very attracting at all. It’s about a fat girl become popular. The music and the dance were amazing. I’ve never thought I would love a musical before. You know I don’t have many musical genes. We were so excited about that show. Broadway Show~~~ Best shows in the nation!
Two months earlier, Jones family went to Seattle to watch another Broadway show named Wicked. They booked the tickets one year earlier. So, I didn’t go with them that time. That show is the most popular Broadway show I guess. The tickets would be sold out two months earlier than the show. ~~~ I thought Americans wouldn’t like musical very much like most Chinese don’t like Jingju. However, I was wrong. Jones family and most Mormon families love musicals.
This semester is ending in 10 days. How fast it is! We are going to have final tests on 18th and 19th I guess. I am almost half way through this exchange program. Sometimes, I still feel unbelievable I am in America. Incredible! When is the Spring Festival? Is it Feb. 18th? I have to spend another Spring Festival alone. How is it going? Is everything all right? Love u more than I can tell. Mary January 02 the 15th weekDear Mom,
How is it going? Did you have fun on Christmas and New Year’s Eve? How’s your trip?
I am so sad that school begins tomorrow. I want to stay at home and sleep 12 hours everyday. -_-111 Kidding, kidding~~
I had a great holiday break. The whole family sleep from 12pm to 9 or 10am everyday. Courtney, Parker sleep till 11am sometimes. It’s such a great chance to make up our sleep hour. We made gingerbread house and going to shoot them with bb guns. Hahah~~~~~ That will be so fun. My gingerbread house is the funniest. I should take a picture. I use two candy papers to make its eyes and mouth. Three marshmallows became a snow man. My house is the typical Sunwukong’s house.
We were so crazy wrapping the presents on Christmas Eve. Ashton is the only one who still believes in Santa Clause. We were shopping like crazy. The shops were so crowded that we spent 40 minutes to find a parking spot. I’ve never seen somewhere that crowded in America before. The shops smelt really bad. We were all exhausted after shopping. I got two warm coats and two pretty pictures of Jesus Christ for Christmas. The pictures are so wonderful that whenever I see them, I feel peace and warm in my heart. Jones family has a lot of traditions for Christmas. Like on the Christmas morning, no one can be down stairs. Everyone must wait up stairs until everyone gets up. Then, the youngest child goes down first to find her present. Others follow her. Ashton wakes everybody up at 6am. `````` We also open the presents in order. We bought so many things (a lot for the whole family, like games, videos, music discs.) that we spent the whole morning opening the presents and screaming. After that, we made Christmas dinner, which was really good.
For Jones family, Christmas is a holiday to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday, not all for fun or expensive presents. They do not concentrate on Santa Clause, instead, they teach their kids’ to remember Christmas is a time for giving, not for asking. They donated a lot of stuff for poor people. Compare to them, a lot of rich Chinese should be ashamed.
During the holiday, we saw a series show named Horatio Homblower. It’s a story happened in 1800s. It’s about how a brave young man became a most promising King’s officer. It’s a war story and Horatio is in the British Navy. That’s one of the best show I’ve ever seen. We were so addicted to it that the whole family kept on talking Horatio for three days.
Oh~ Excited ~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!! Courtney’s boyfriend kissed her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So did Amanda’s date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^ First time in their lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahahaha~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We watched a lot of movies. Twice a day I think. Pretty much we spent 4 or 5 hours watching movies and 3 or 4 hours play games. Crazy~~~~~~~ I spent a lot of time finishing my applications. Now, I just need to think about whether I am going to send these applications out or not. Because I finished ten schools’ application forms, but I don’t want to apply them all, that will cost tons of money. I will wait for a while I think, maybe wait until BYU give me reply. I also read a lot of books during the holiday. Yea~ I had good rest, great fun and learned a lot. So, that’s great holiday.
On New Year’s Eve, we went to church to celebrate with other sisters and brothers. I was so impressed by a lady’s speech. Her speech was very powerful and touching that made me think a lot. Her speech was about working hard, looking forward, preparing for the future and never give up. It’s mainly for youth. She talked about her stories that how she stood up where she failed. I wish I could record it, and then I can listen to it again and again when I feel depressed. “In Lord’s name,” she said, “You can.” That’s the most impressed sentence for that night.
After that, we went to Van Luween’s to watch New Year’s fireside and count backwards for 2007. That was excited. How time flies!!! A new year comes!!!!!!! It’s never too late to change your life. Everyday is another day. Come on~~~~~~ Cheer up!
Today, we hanged out with Van Luween’s family all day long. We talked and played games. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful people around me. Life is wonderful.
My dear Mom, I wish you had had a great holiday. Don’t worry. Be happy~
I wish you all the best. Love you forever, Mary December 21 the 14th weekDear Mom,
Yesterday was the last school day of this year! We have a Christmas break until Jan. 2nd. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I have a good and short week, although there are a lot of things I have to do. Wednesday is my favorite day. I played basketball with a lot of girls and made more friends. A boy asked for my email address. Don’t know what he is going to do. He is a nice boy but not funny. He always stands in a corner and if I pass by, he will wave his hand shyly and say ‘hey’. He is weird. I have no idea what he is thinking about. My girl friends don’t like him at all. Once, he came to me and said ‘hey’ when I was sitting with a bunch of girls. I was so embarrassing and didn’t know what to do. I picked up some green grapes we were eating and asked him if he wanted some. He shook his head and walked away. I was like an idiot. One of my friends teased me, “You like that guy?” “NO! We never talk more than ‘hey’.” “You did just now.” “…” Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t like him at all. I just think he is weird. Well``` Forget about that anyways.
The Pig Test went very bad. I am thinking about the retest. It seems none of us knows half of the questions. We were pale after the test and everyone was shouting “Mr. Davis, thanks for your Christmas gift! I’ll never forget. Ur so nice.”, or “Mr. Davis, you got be kidding me!”
I will probably fail the pig test while I got ‘99’ on the AP Calculus test, ‘94’ on AP Chemistry and ‘95’ on Language Arts. Did I ever tell u about the “Exit Exam”? It’s an essay exam on my Language Arts. I got the highest in my class. The teacher even made a copy of that. I was talking about reasons I came to America.
I am very tired and I want to have a nap now. Best wishes, Mary December 17 the 13th weekDear Pelly,
I am so happy to read your email. How are you?
I had a wonderful week. Schools became very regular and nothing special. Lessons, homework, tests, quiz and posters. Next Wednesday is our last school day in this year. I am so happy and excited for Christmas. Tomorrow, I am going to have a representation for a Supreme Court Case in Government. I am a little nervous about that. It’s a 3-minute oral representation, which worth 200 points. Personally, I think it is ridiculous. And I will also have a test on Language Arts about a book named To Kill A Mockingbird. That’s a great book. I love it. I hope I can have a husband like Atticus. Next Tuesday, I am going to have a test on AP Calculus. I am not worried about that. The Big Pig test is on Wednesday. It’s a hard test. Our ‘dear’ Mr. Davis told us. I am so sick of the stupid pig. Last Tuesday we opened the mouth cavity of Alex. It was so gross. The inside was full of disgusting things like vomit. Actually, I don’t like the last week before holiday. There are bunch of things to do. Every teacher arranges their tests in the last two days. We were in such a hurry. No one is ready for nothing.
Well, at least this week was pretty good. I got my computer back, although I spent tons of US$. Can I ask you 500 US$ as my Christmas and Birthday present? Just kidding. I am like an elf sometimes.
My Birthday is on Dec. 15th. My Birthday party was great. First, I talked to my Mom on the phone. That pretty much made my day. I was so happy and I miss her so much! Second, Li hongjing and Ouyang Fangjia called me. I am so glad to hear from them. How generous are they! It is very expensive. Sometimes, I am really rejoiced I do not have a cell phone. Otherwise, I am going to call them everyday and waste so much time and money. Third, 16 people came to my party and I received a lot of presents. Chris bought me two very American and cute shirts. Courtney, the sleepy head, didn’t prepare and said her Mom’s present’s from all the family. Seems everyone knows I love gums and sun-chips. I received tons of them. Emily and Amanda gave me 45 dollars shopping card, which made me soooooooooooo happy. My favorite present is a pillow--a small, green, round pillow. We played a lot of games and laughed like crazy. We saw a movie called Elf. It is a Christmas movie about a baby was taken away from normal world to Christmas world by Santa Clause by accident. He was raised up by elves. After he realizes he is a human being, he goes back to the normal world and finds his Dad. It’s hilarious. I like it. And we had a huge cake which can feed 45 people.
Parker is coming back on Dec. 22nd, which makes Chris very happy. I hope some adorable kids will come to our house like Ryan and Ion. They are so cute.
Oh, yea~ Last Thursday outside my Government class, two cats are fighting crazily. I mean two girls. One punch another’s face into the ground and scratch her like a mad dog. I really think girls fighting are way more violently than boys.
Have I ever told you about the lock down and the fire alarm? It was crazy that the fire alarm belled when I was in PE lesson and we all dressed in PE shirts and pants, which are very thin and shirt. It was freezing cold. I was about numb all over when I went back. That was sick. There is never a fire and the stupid fire alarms keep on shouting. We pretty much want to destroy it. The lock down is an accident that a man had a gun in the school and we all had to stay inside the classrooms and every building was locked. I was so afraid when I first heard about the lock down alarm. I was worried about people’s lives. Then, I found out nobody cared about the lock down like we didn’t really scared by the fire alarm. Courtney said it happened like 10 times in a month last year because a stupid student and nothing happened. Teachers were also trying to ignore that. They thought the lock down was pretty cool and fun for playing inside. Crazy Americans.
See u next week.
I wish u all the best. Mary December 10 the 12th weekDear Mary,
I have had a great week. I had a lot of fun.
Yesterday, I finished ACT test and I believe that I did well. My computer is still in the repairing shop and I will get it back after my birthday. It cost me 400 dollars. But I have to repair it because I need it in college anyways. Chris said this company is the best repairing company. Hopefully, my computer will be safe in next 5 years. So, I think it worth it.
I will have a big birthday party, only girls. We will watch a movie, play games, eat food, etc. We will have great fun. Courtney and Amanda helped me make the invitations. We made a lot of funny invitations. My favorite one has a short story on the cover. ’18 years ago, Santa brought an awesome gift to Mary’s Mom ten days earlier than Christmas Day. Guess What?’ Then, you open the card, a large sentence come up, ‘The awesome gift is inviting you to her birthday party!’ It is so funny. That’s my idea. I am a genius, they said. ^_^
I just got my senior pictures back. In American high schools, we have a year book, which contains every student’s picture and basic information. Seniors have more space. I was pretty much awesome on the picture. I will mail some to you as Spring Festival’s gift.
Guess what? Two random guys asked me to go to the Winter Ball with another random guy named Alex on Tuesday. I am not going with him. It’s dumb. I know the two guys were just making fun of Alex. Here is the conversation. “Excuse me.” “Yes?” “Would you like to go to Winter Ball with.. Him?” “U’r serious????” “Yes.” “But I don’t even know you guys.” “Well.. Come on, that’s Winter Ball.” “Well, bye~~~~~~” I just walked away. It was so funny. It’s America. It’s American spirit. Cool… Random… Crazy… Do whatever you want!!!!!!!!!!!
Then, I named my pig Alex. In my AP Biology class, we are dissecting a tiny pig. It was super gross. The pig is only about 20cm long. We have to learn the inside structure of the pig. I feel so sorry and evil to cut the poor pig. My partner is Jessica, who almost faint to ground when she saw the dead pig.
We have finished decorating our house. We put two Christmas trees in the house and decorated them with a lot of stuff. I love doing it! It was so fun. Ashton and I kept on fighting which part should put my little Christmas ball.
Well. There are a lot of things going on. I had a wonderful week. I love my classmates and friends.
Let me think of something else very funny and tell you next week.
I wish you all the best. Love Mary December 03 the eleventh weekDear Mom,
My computer has some serious problems this weekend. I am using the family computer, so I don't have a lot of time to write this email. I will fix mine next week, maybe.
I don’t want you to be worried. But I have to tell you the truth that I am not happy now. Actually nothing happened, I just feel a little bit tired and I feel like I do not belong to here. People are kind, but too kind. I am always the guest. This weekend, I took the SAT subject test. I was totally beat up by that stupid test. It was extremely hard, especially the biology part. I didn’t understand a lot of words. But I did my best anyways. Next weekend, I will have the ACT test, which is the most important test for me. I am confident with that. Hopefully, I will do well.
I am a little bit angry about the stupid Aubrey. She is just so selfish and spoiled. My computer stopped working and she complained about my using the family computer, which shortened her computer time. Well, Courtney said she is always angry about everyone around her. There are a lot of stories about the stupid Aubrey. She argued with everyone everyday. Chris, her Mom, apparently loves her too much.
Courtney, Amanda and Cali are preparing for the Winter Ball, which is a school dance party for Christmas break. It’s a dance which girls invite boys to go with them. I am tired of staying with them, listening to their plans and feeling frustrated because I am not going. I don’t have anyone to ask. I don't want to ask someone I've only known three months. It is apparently a date. I am not angry about them. I am just angry about myself. Sometimes, I feel I will never be able to merge into this world. I understand their conversation. I mean the words, the sentences. But I don’t know what the hell is going on and I don’t know what to say.
School stuff goes better than the church. I enjoy the school life more.
Maybe, I just didn’t calm down from the stupid Aubrey’s complain. I should be satisfied about my life.
Well, I am only a teenager girl. I cannot be happy all the time, although I am trying very very hard.
See you next weekend.
I wish you all the best. Love Mary November 24 the tenth weekDear Mom,
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I had a great thanksgiving holiday. (Mrs. Jones)Chris’s Mom and her brother-Steve’s family came to spend the holiday with us. Steve has a good sense of polity. He talks a lot about the government and he has some special ideas, er, maybe weird ideas. But he is funny anyways. Steve’s wife is a very beautiful woman. They have 3 children. Ryan is a 14 years old boy with charming eyes and lovely smile. Kady is a very good girl friend of Ashton. Ian is hilarious. He is only 2 years old. He is great. He cannot call Parker’s name clearly, so he always say “Parka, Parka”. Last night, when we were watching a movie, he entered the room and shouted loudly “Hi~Hi~Hi~” with different tones. It’s so funny. I like Ryan a lot. He always asks me stupid questions like “Do you have gums in China?”, or “What do you eat for thanksgiving in China?”, or “How do you become an exchange student? Have you been an exchange student for any other country?” He loves Chinese food, Chinese Kungfo and soccer. He said he wish he could be an exchange student to England, because everyone play soccer there. That makes me so happy. Cause he is a handsome boy, and if he can be a super soccer star some day, I will be super proud and tell everybody we are good friends. And then I will have chance to meet my favorite soccer player and LAHM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahaha~~~~~~~ ^_^ We had a lot of fun together. Parker, Jacob, Talmadge, Ryan and I played football for a while. Then, Courtney and I flew kite. We had strong wings that the kite flew crazily and it was out of control twice. We chased the kite like 200 meters. That’s amazing. Last night, we played cards and watched movies all together. Ryan was the winner. Chris always lost. I doubted whether she was really bad luck or not. Cause she always had like 20 cards left and we began with 7 cards. Anyway, that was awesome!
We’ve just saw off Steve’s family. I will miss them for sure, especially Ryan. I wish I could have a little brother like him. He calls me “Marie a” all the time and he refuses to change, which drive me nuts. He always tries to beat me with his poorly Chinese boxing. Today, we went to Chinese buffer. He ate like a pig. I mean he ate so much that I can hardly imagine any human being can eat that much. “See you, Mary, no, Marie a.” That’s the last sentence he spoke to me.
Chris’ Mom is a merciful old woman. She is great. She and Chris are very funny together. They tease each other all the time.
Thanksgiving is all about eating. Yesterday, we made a big dinner. I helped them to make pumpkin pie and apple pie. We cooked a huge turkey. Before we put it into the cooker, we made it chasing after Ian. Ian was screaming like crazy. Courtney made a yummy mint-chocolate pie. My favorite food is stuffing. It is a mixture of ham and some bread. It is alike our Chaofan. They look different but taste similar. My least favorite is the apple pie. -_-!!!
I love this family. They are awesome.
Amanda’s family are out of town and we are baby sitting their dog—Otis. Chris tries to make our kitten and Otis become good friends but she fails. The kitten is very angry about Otis to live with her. She tries to scratch him any time she has a chance. Poor Otis.
Americans spend their big holidays with families all the time. Usually, the day after thanksgiving, families go shopping. It is a tradition. So, it is very crowded in malls. But Jones family hate shopping and crowded, like me. We don’t need to suffer the swearing and squeezing.
I think we will eat the rest of the huge turkey for a couple weeks````
I am so excited about the Christmas. It must be even better than this awesome Thanksgiving.
How is it going?
I wish you all the best.
Love Mary November 22 the ninth weekSorry for my late
Dear Mom,
How lucky I am!! I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world. How are you doing?
This week is a long week. Now, I can totally handle the study. I am doing very well. Thanksgiving is on next Thursday. I am very excited about that. All the relevant will come. We will have great fun.
Amanda, one of Courtney’s best friends, who moved here one year ago, has some issues in her life. She doesn’t feel happy at all. She doesn’t like school. She feels like nobody likes her and she is very lonely. She misses her friends in Michigan so much. She doesn’t get used to live here, although one year has passed. She didn’t even go to school one day. She is a nice girl and I like her. I understand her pains and everyone around her is trying to help her feel better. But, you know, I am so surprised by what people do when they feel bad. If I were her, I would never tell others. It is such an embarrassing thing to do. Imagine, people around you all know you are not happy because you have no friends. People talk to you because they want you to feel you have a few friends. People are kind and helpful because they want you to feel like they like you. You are a program for everybody. Everyone is sympathizing with you. You are pitiable! I will consider this feeling even worse than the loneliness. Anyway, Americans are very kind. They never laugh at you because of your issues. They always try to help others, although sometimes it doesn’t work. Now, Amanda is better. Or, maybe. Because she doesn’t want anyone to talk about her anymore.
Through this Amanda affair, I figured out how different American families and Chinese families solve the teenagers’ problem. In Jones family, they discuss how to help Amanda all day long. The parents from this community even discuss together. They are so patient. Sometimes, too patient. Most Chinese families will just comfort their children with pale words and do nothing, like “Trust me, everything will be okay”. How could everything be okay if they do nothing?! I am not saying you, Mom. ‘Cause I seldom tell you my problems in my life. That’s my fault. But, I believe if one day I tell you I don’t want to go to school because I feel so bad about school; I don’t like having classes; I don’t have fun; I don’t have friends; I feel stressed out; I am exhausted, you won’t let me do it, will you? Haha~ I won’t let my children do it, either. I think Amanda is too sensitive and fragile. It’s something should be faced bravely. I will tell my children “We understand what you are struggling with. Life is hard sometimes. We can help you, but we can’t help you forever. You should try your best to face it. And then, you fail, you come to us. You are not lonely. We are always here. We can provide you some ideas and let you try, but you cannot just stay away from your issues like a baby.” And I believe that’s exactly what you will do to me.
“Mary is my favorite person in the whole wide world!” That’s what Ashton said when we had dinner on Monday. I was so happy. Even Mrs. Jones felt jealous and said “What? Not me?” Haha~ That’s my best part in this week. Lovely Ashton~ Sweet Ashton~ Wonderful Ashton~~
“Mary: You are the coolest, funniest, cutest foreign exchange student! I’m so glad you’re here and go to our school and church. You can always make me laugh and you’re so nice! –Love, Marie”---on the back of her picture she gave me.
And I received a friendship basket, did I mention this before? It’s on last Sunday. The church has a program about sending friendship baskets to each other. Mine is from Cali. A large bag of SUN CHIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --My favorite American food. She just loves me. Hah~ ^_^
I choose to be happy and I am happy. I believe my life will be better and it must be.
I am the king of my life! Thanks our heavenly father for giving me the chance to be able to come, be able to live, be able to be happy.
I am going to a local Chinese church this Sunday. A ABC(American Born Chinese) girl, who is in my AP. Biology class invited me. That will be fun.
I wish you all the best. Love you, Mary |
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