Recall 2: July 16th

My Lecture

Chan and I decided to have a lecture together. Since we are both interested in political science, we chose the lecture named "Introduce to Politics: Exploring the Democratic Experience." It began at 19:00, six hours after class finishing time. Usually, I take workshops at 13:30 on Wednesdays. Therefore, we agreed on studying on the third floor of the Scott library.

After the workshop, I went to the library. Chan was absorbed in his research paper. I was so moved that I joined him quickly. Two hours later, my stomachs called loudly. I felt really embarrassed, but Chan comforted me that it was high time for dinner.

On our way to the student centre, he smoked a lot. It reminded me of my another Korean friend, who had told me his hobby was smoking, drinking, sports and reading. ^0^ Chan has a good command of smoking, I mean, he can smoke in various ways. I appreciated his performance. With the help of smoking, we chatted a lot. He is a man of stories, although he had claimed that his life was nothing to say on his first presentation.

On finishing dinner happily and slowly, we wandered to the lecture hall. I wasn't sure whether he was making fun of me or not inasmuch as he didn't record the time and the place of the lecture. : ) However, Chan has a good sense of direction, which helped us a lot.

In spite of the fact that it took us some time to arrive at the lecture hall, we weren't late in that the professor came later than us. At first, I listened to him seriously. "Globalization = widening + deepening + accelerating." I took this notes on my book, while Chan opened his computer and camera. He substituted the high-technology tools for the pen and the paper because we sat at the last three chairs, which were so far from the platform that we couldn't see the notes clearly but were chosen by Chan. Later, he told me the underlying reason was that they were convenient to leave. His words broke my first impression on him, in effect, a quiet and driven student. ^_^

Chan took pictures of the slides as the "evidence" to write his blog and magnified them so that I could write them down easily. We cooperated harmoniously. All of a sudden, I noticed something strange. "Chan, look at the title! Globalization!! Did we choose this one?" We checked the time and the place. We weren't wrong.

Owing to this joke, we began to play and chat with pens and whispers. He showed me a lot of pictures in his computer. Oh, he has been to many places, and his girlfriend is really beautiful, to whom he called "cute". I felt unfair for his girl friend. "Who is he?" A handsome boy caught my eye."He? Me!" My glasses nearly fall to the ground. "You were so handsome! What happened?" : )
"En... I have kept my hair long". He smiled shyly.

After browsing around all his pictures, he looked up his dictionary to translate my name into Korean. According to Korean, "Ma Ling" is read as "Ma Neung" in that they don't have the syllable "l". Besides, he showed me the Chinese characters of his Korean name.

At that time, the professor said, "It's time for break." We cleared up our things and went out swiftly. Then, I found the last bus which can take me home had left at 19:00. How can I go back? I told Chan and showed him the "map" where my home is, which was drew by my homestay mother. It was really simple. To my surprise, Chan could understand is at once.

According to his judgement, I should took a northbound bus on Keele Street. Chan didn't just guide me verbally, but practiced it by action. Chan accompanied me straight to the bus stop, which is far from York University and his bus station. Actually, he walked past several stops on his way home.

After few minutes, my bus came. We waved to each other until we couldn't see each other's faces clearly. For sake of his kindness, I came home safe.

The next day, he came to school late. "When did you arrive at home yesterday?" I wrote it on a piece of paper."10." He used the gesture. "I'm sorry", I felt upset,"That's why you came late". "It doesn't matter". He interrupted my words. "Anyway, thank you!"



Chan's Experts ^&^

1. This is the first time I came earlier than he (referring to the professor).
2. - Chan, why don't you take the course serious?
- After one month, I'll go back to Korea. Hence, I lack passion.
- ...
3. - Chan, did you read the professor's comments on your blog?
- (He nodded, showed it to me on his computer.)
- If you don't keep silence, you are good.
- You mean, if I change my mind?
- ...
4. - Chan, why do Korean boys like smoking?
- En, cigarettes are too cheap to get in Korea.
- ...

Hoho, my crazy debut in Canada ^0^

Yesterday, I attended a workshop focusing on presentation skills. In the end, the teacher assigned us a task and demanded us to accomplish it in class.

The background of the task was that you owned a company in Africa and it involved catching, killing and selling crocodiles. At long last, the teacher possessed a contract worthy of ＄10,000. Thus, our task referred to craft our company to her so as to gain the contract. We were divided into two groups at random, and each had four members. The teacher gave us ten minutes to conceive.

If you had been me, what would you have thought of your sales strategy? Will you feel worried and nervous?

However, I enjoy improvisation!! After several seconds, a good idea came out to my mind. Can I act as a crocodile? In other words, what about performing the whole process, that is, catching, killing and selling, to the consumer?

I introduced my idea to my group members. They liked it! Now that we had consensus, we divided roles of crocodile, catcher, killer and seller quickly.

After the above steps, we started to discuss about lines of each role. As far as we were concerned, a catcher needed to prove that the crocodile was in a good condition, in short, very fresh. Thereby, we designed a plot to swing my arms and kick me legs.

As to a killer, he’d better prove our company had advanced technology to kill the crocodile. “You can take off my coat. This action symbolizes the process of paring the scale of the crocodile!” I blurted out. “Nice! And I will open your mouth so as to pretend to pull out your teeth!” The actor of killer became excited.

With regard to a seller, we gave him two tactics. First, he should testify our company was legal and had a good reputation according the record of the past. Second, he might as well give the consumer a discount.

After such a heated discussion, we rehearsed simply.

Now, the act began!

Our group was No.2. To our disappointment, the first group was deadly boring. Nevertheless, I noticed they asked the teacher about her usage of the crocodiles. The teacher said she needed them to make cosmetics. This answer brought me an inspiration. I decided to create a prelude catering to this piece of information. Moreover, given that our display should be complete, I wanted to add an ending with a slogan of our company.

I looked around, and my glasses box caught my eye. Good! Then, I asked my group members for advice about the slogan. All of a sudden, I thought maybe I could imitate the sound of a crocodile! They all laughed.

“Next group!” The teacher said. We came to the stage.

“Nice to meet you!” I went into the auditorium and shook hands with the teacher. “Here is our latest type of fragment made by the best crocodiles!” I opened my glasses box. “Can you smell the sentiment?” The teacher and the audience burst into laughter. I went back to the centre of the stage, “Ok! We four are the represents of the Crocodile Slayers Company! We will demonstrate our whole process of catching, killing and selling. We guarantee you will go back satisfied!"

Next, I lay down as a crocodile and we acted as we had planned. It was beyond others’ expectations. In the end, I shouted “Waaoo!! Any crocodile? Come to us!”

At that time, I couldn’t keep laughing. The audience applauded. The teacher signed the contract with my group immediately. “You sacrificed a lot!!” She said. Oh, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing was that we won with fun!!!

This morning, two members of the other group bumped into me. “Crocodile!” They greeted me and dragged my coat. Hahaha! We burst out laughing. Since now, I have a new nick name! ^0^

Deductive 1: DIY a console table

My dear homestay mother bought a console table for my basement. How nice she is!! However, until now, it is still on the paper. : ( How to make it reality? I feel very excited!!

First, I checked every part and hardware of the table according to the illustration. In this case, there are six parts and five hardware in all. Try to be familiar with them! They are essential elements.


① Parts list:
A = top
B = leg
C = glider
D = drawer front
E = drawer back
F = drawer 2 side
G = drawer bottom


② Hardware list
1 = knob
2 = bolt for knob
3 = screw
4 = bolt and washer
5 = wrench



Second, it was high time to turn over the illustration pamphlet to obey the assembly steps.

① I assembled the bolt and washer and used the wrench to make four legs tight. Although this procedure needed strength, it was easy. I repeated such a process four times.


② I found the part C, in effect, a glider and manipulated two of screws to tighten it in the middle of the table top. At that time, I finished step1.


③ Now, I was caught with the most difficult task – setting up the drawer. This work needed four screws; however, it is hard to screw them correspond to the holes! They are easy to twist. Aside from this difficulty, I lacked helpers to hold the draw side. Thus, I had to try many times until two bubbles came out to my thumb and fist finger.

④ I inserted the bottom into the half-finished drawer and closed its back. All of the above work was step 2. Step 3 demanded me to screw the knob compatible to its bolt. It was another test for my acuteness. After trial and error, I made it!

Last but not least, I needed to put the drawer into the console table and made some decoration for it. Here it is!


The whole process looked like a deduction since the model, or the "conclusion" had been given at the beginning. : ) What I did was to follow the steps to "prove" it. En… it brought a sense of achievement to me. I enjoyed the deduction!

Lonely, Absolutely Lonely

1. An Unknown Lake

It is said there is a train station near my homestay family. Thus, I decided to look for it. I don’t have a map, and I don’t need a map. Stepping out of the home, I began to ask pedestrians “Excuse me, where is the nearby train station?” After bothering several nice strangers, I was close to the station.

All of a sudden, I noticed a “park” on my way, which is common in Canadian neighborhoods. I went into it by the path. Around three minutes later, an unknown lake came into being!!

At the dawning of the day, it appeared quite tranquil. My crossing a wooden bridge, some ducks caught my eye. I stopped and counted them. Seven in all! Five of them are cub, and an adult duck was leading them swimming across the lake. Fortunately, they stopped at a cluster of grass under the bridge. Perhaps it was their home.

These ducks made some ripples both on the surface of the lake and in my heart. I looked at them. But where is my peaceful life? I miss my parents. Now that my university doesn’t locate in my hometown, I have been separated from Daddy and Mummy for almost three years. During that time, who takes care of them? Although I never talk this idea with my parents, I’m worried about them in case of accidents. Sometimes, I consider whether I should pursue my study or not. If it is the case, my parents are going to face retiring, that is, their salary will be cut down sharply and I won’t find a job to support a family. : (

Given that I’m 21, I should take on the responsibility of making my parents live a rich and respectful living. Nevertheless, I am tooooo weak. I can’t control my future confidently. I hate myself!!

Harboring this self-critical feeling, I walked out of the park slowly and went to the train station.


2. The Train Station

At first sight, a train came by with vapor, and commuters took off. After this last train, no one stayed except me. I stretched out my arms, allowing wind to blow my hair and clothes.
If I can abandon all the troubles…

I stood for hours, watching the changeable clouds. However, in my mind, I was thinking of the experience of taking subway a few days ago.

I hadn’t expected to go to anywhere. I did just take on the subway. It took me around circle by circle. That experiece reminded me of IKARI ShINJI (碇シンジ, or 碇 真嗣), a famous Japanese manga figure of EVA (Evangelion). He is conceived of as the represent of “post-heroism”. They are weak, passive and lack of an existential sense. They think they are abandoned by the times; hence, they try to escape their “time mission” inflicted on by their parent’s generation. Even if they compromise to action in the end, they still feel reluctant in their heart in so as far as they know they are merely tools in the name of “mission”. Secretly, they often question themselves and human.

In the EVA, a famous episode of SHINJI is that he sits on a running Japanese subway, one circle after another, listening to his music. Each time I see this section, his loneliness comes out to my heart, and occupies it deeply. What’s my future? What should I do? Can I jump out of the present situation? Who can help me? What are others doing? Tiredness, helplessness and loneliness. We don’t believe so-called authorities, but is it possible for us to become new idols? We are devoid of strength and hope.

A desperate generation…

Recall 1: July 13th

Black Creek Pioneer Village: Métis Arts Festival

Last Sunday, Chie, Maria, Rafael and I did a trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village. If you have a look at the picture on Rafael’s blog, you’ll shocked by his appearance. Actually, he selected his most handsome picture. ^_^ You don’t believe it? You can refer to the picture he took with his girl friend. Now, do you find the difference? : )

Although Rafael is nice, Chie is nicer! She taught me about the beaver, the snowshoes and so forth. She knew a lot about Canada from her Canadian husband! ^_^ And she generously invited all of us to taste the famous maple sweets!! It reminded me of what Udo said, who is the treasurer of St. Andrew’s Church. (You can watch my blog on July 6th.) Udo told me he makes sweets from maples around the church every year and he was willing to show me. However, I can’t stay until that time. : ( Besides, Chie discussed the draft with us. Yeah, sometimes she is cute, but sometimes she becomes serious. I unconsciously conceive her as a Japanese Manga figure and my sister.

Maria is really interesting. She bought a flute especially to beat the sheep; on the other hand, she patted the dog gently. In addition, she has a beautiful nose; however, she thinks it is too high. En, she speaks English sexily. I can imagine her voice at any time. ^_^ You don’t want to miss it? Then, make friends with her! She will introduce her family, president and ambition to you.

Anyway, I think these three friends are more important to me than the trip. We exchanged our emails after the trip and sat on a bench on the campus to chat with each other for nearly two hours. At that time, I thought we were making a new version of the movie “Sexy and the City”, or “Friends”. Sincerely, I enjoy every minute with my new friends!!

Church!

This morning, I went to the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. It is located on 9860 Keele Street and is a 30-minute-walk from my homestay family. I found it on the second day I came here by accident. I insisted God guided me there. At that time, I saw a flyer on the broad. It reads people can do worship here every Sunday at 10:30. Therefore, I decided to go to the church this Sunday.
I arrived there on time. Other Christians were very friendly to me and they were quite surprised to see a Chinese there. They asked me a lot. To my surprise, I communicated with them smoothly. It increased my confidence. After the Manse, they invited me to join their “lunch” so that we could know about each other. At lunch, I met with many new friends. I am really glad to see them!! Hence, I’d like to introduce them to all of you. ^_^

1. Udo
Udo comes from Germany and has been here for 30 years. He lives next to the church. After I ate up a piece of cake, he showed me around the wooden statue of Saint Andrew. There is a secret in it. They are small holes dug by Udo. He used them to drill maple sugar!! How amazing it is! Besides, Udo introduced his English learning experience to me. He suggested me join in the circle of native speakers and make presentations about my hometown, my youth and my hobbies to other believers. I thought these were good ideas and the way that Professor Smith taught us about how to make a 5-minute-speech could be used. : )

2. Robber
Mr. Robber is the minister. He has a beautiful voice. I’m impressed by his preach today. Different from Chinese style, he designed a special prolusion for kids. He brought a plastic box with a heavy brick and asked a child to carry it. The child failed to keep the box for a long time and he told the minister it was out of his capacity. Mr. Robber explained the underlying reason was he didn’t trust he could make it; therefore, if he resorted to God, he would gain help. At the minister’s words, the boy tried again. This time, he succeeded! It was really a miracle! With the help of God, we increase our confidence. In reality, through him, we become as tough as he is. That’s why we should believe in God. I learned a lesson from it and I thought Mr. Robber did a great job.

3. Kim
Kim is the minister’s wife. After lunch, I helped her washing plates in the kitchen. I told her I was an exchange student from Peking University, which was the sister school of York University and I lived on 28 Butterfield Crescent. Especially, I stressed my major was philosophy and I learned several courses about theology. She was very glad to hear that and then introduced me to her husband. I really liked her because she was very patient to my English speaking. This made me feel relaxed and helped me express better. Finally, Kim and Robber sent me home by their car. How nice they are!

4. Ayrn
Ayrn is a 10-year-old boy. He is as active as Alexander. Boys of that age can’t be quiet, can they? He was brought here by his grandmother. We studied the piano for a while, although we didn’t know how to play it. One of his classmates comes from China, too. Therefore, he showed kindness to Chinese.


It is really a nice day today inasmuch as I made so many new friends. I like the church. I will visit there next Sunday! Moreover, I plan to take part in other activities the church offers, for example, alcoholics anonymous meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8-9 pm. These activities will deepen my understanding of Jesus and being a Christian.

What will Alexander say?

Background

As an exchange student, I live in a homestay family during this seminar. Therefore, I have two younger brothers and a younger sister now! The eldest's name is Andrew (14 years old). He is good at hockey and guitar. The second boy is Alexander (11 years old). He has a good command of PC games and drums. Actually, he and Andrew are members of a band. It is said that when they are playing guitar and drums, they will become crazy. ^0^ Amanda is the youngest among all. She is a 7-year-old pretty girl. She is the mini copy of her mother Susan, who is both beautiful and energetic. Susan has a proverb, that is, women should be fighters!! Oh, my homestay father is Pat. He is a very strong and cool principal. That's why I once asked him when he would show his kindness. His answer was he never showed it at school. ^_^


Story begins

1. July 3rd
On Wednesday, when watching TV with me, Amanda mentioned that the family would hold a birthday party for Alexander in the evening of Saturday. Then I bore it in mind. As a member of family, I decided to give Alexander a surprise. However, since I came here only two days ago, I wasn’t quite familiar with him. What kind of thing does an 11-year-old boy like? And I didn’t know where I could buy a gift.

2. July 4th
When I came back from school, I saw Alexander playing PC games. This scene inspired me. Maybe I could send him a PC game. But which game does he like? Considering I wasn’t an expert in this field and two boys hadn’t had a word with me at that time, I asked Amanda to inquiry Alexander. Amanda promised and she thought it would be a nice present because her brother had made a one-hour-ride to buy a game before.

Listening that, I felt a relief. After all, the direction is right-Alexander likes PC games. On the other hand, where to buy it became a new problem to me. Amanda didn’t remember the specific name. I thought I could go to my new classmates for help.

3. July 5th
At school, I told everything to Fiona and asked for her advice. She eagerly recommended Eaton Centre to me. What a coincidence, she wanted to buy some books in Indigo, a shop located in Eaton Centre. Thereby, I made a sudden decision to go with her.

After school, we took the bus No.196 in York University and took off at the terminal. And then, we went to the southbound subway and took of at the Dundas.

Here it was!! Fiona showed me around the shopping mall. Soon I found a shop named EB games. I was extremely excited as if I were on birthday. ^_^ I remembered the location deeply. Oh, everything was OK now, except Amanda hadn’t told me what her brother’s favorite game was. In another word, I had to go here again the next day. Nevertheless, it didn’t matter. Harboring a good mood, I accompanied Fiona shopping.

Since my homestay family begins dinner at around 19:00 and the bus No.107C and No. 107F, either can reach my home, aren’t available after 19:00, I had to leave early. Fiona wasn’t familiar the route I went back. She suggested me return according to the previous way that is going to York first and then taking another bus home. This plan would take me a lot of time and made me feel lonely and a little worried inasmuch as that I couldn’t guarantee I kept all in mind and I had to go home alone.

To my surprise, the subsequent journey was very smooth. Not only did I found the subway successfully, but I even caught the 107C bus directly from the subway. In other words, I needn’t transmit to York University. It saved me a great amount of time.

At spare time playing climbing with Amanda, I asked her about the name of PC games again. She said her brother “didn’t care”. I guessed he would like any kind of PC games.

I wanted to accomplish my goal. Thinking of this idea, I had a sound sleep.

4. July 6th
I left home at around 8:00 in the morning and arrived at the Eaton Centre at 9:30. It was exactly the opening time that the mall starts on Saturday. I was very glad that I didn't get up too early. ^_^

I found the EB games shop. Astonishingly, I saw many adults there! Do adults have the same incline as an 11-year-old boy? En, maybe. I asked a handsome guy for help. He was very enthusiastic and showed me around here and there. We made the decision together. Finally, it was a game about shooting. Boys really like it, don’t they? They have a tendency to be heroes. ^_^

On my way home, I imagined what Alexander would say when receiving this gift beyond exception. A word of “Thanks” was enough, I thought.

Just now, I gave him the present at the birthday party. Do you know what he said? He smiled to me and said “Thank you, PUMA” and then opened it immediately and began to play it with Andrew, leaving the money others gave him alone.

Oh, sweet boy, this was the first talk between you and me. And I thought our conversations would be more and more. Anyway, happy birthday!!! Be cooler, brighter and more considerate to your mother!!


P.S. Is twelve a big year? Can cash be a gift? My God, you can’t imagine how much money Alexander received today. They are enough for him to open a bank account! If I know this western custom earlier, perhaps I would change my mind. ^0^ After all, it was more convenient and direct. And do Chinese seem so conserved that they choose to buy a gift instead of money? I will insist it is a token of my regards.