True Colors of Me

He has inspired me in so many ways.

He taught me to make the world a better place.

He asked me to be a man in the mirror.

He was only 50.

I'm lost for words....

Rest in peace, Michael.

I never heard of the concept of networking until 2 years ago. Everyone has been telling me the importance of networking, and since starting my internship, I can appreciate that even more. While I was browsing online, I found these useful tips.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Network Effectively
- eHow Careers & Work Editor
http://www.ehow.com/how_1382_network-effectively.html

1. Stay in touch with people you like and respect even if they can't help you immediately. You don't want to go to someone only when you are desperate.

2. Talk to people you don't know everywhere you go. Cocktail parties and weddings are just the tip of the iceberg; don't forget about airplane rides, supermarket lines, sporting events, festivals, bookstores and so on.

3. Learn to ask "What do you do?" with comfort, sincerity and interest.

4. Become a better listener. Ask a question and then be quiet until you hear the answer.

5. Practice your own presentaton of your skills. Learn more than one approach, whether frank or subtle.

6. Keep a great updated brochure, business card or other form of information about yourself on you at all times. Get comfortable handing out your card.

7. Take classes to improve your public speaking, body language and writing skills.

8. Join every networking club and association in your field.

9. Follow up on any lead, no matter how minor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rules for Meeting New People
- M. Levinson & Peter Handal
http://www.cio.com/article/164300/How_to_Network_Tips_for_Shy_People?page=2

1. Smile: "This is such a simple, basic rule, yet people just don't think about it," says Handal. They're so focused on needing to network at a conference that they don't realize they're walking around with a scowl on their face. Scowling, serious, expressions are forbidding. People are more likely to warm up to someone who says good morning with a broad smile than they are to someone with a dour countenance.

2. Ask a question: Joining a group engaged in conversation can be awkward. The best way to do so is to pose a question to the group after getting the gist of the conversation, says Handal. "You build your credibility by asking a question, and for a shy person, that's a much easier way to engage than by barging in with an opinion," he says.

3. Listen: One of the most profound points Carnegie made in How to Win Friends was that people love to talk about themselves. If you can get people to discuss their experiences and opinions—and listen with sincere interest—you can have a great conversation with someone without having to say much at all.

4. Business cards: Always have them handy, says Handal. "They're an effective way for you to leave your name behind so that people remember who you are."

5. Say the person's name: "People like to hear their own name," says Handal, pointing to another one of Carnegie's basic principles—that a person's name is the sweetest sound to that person. So when you meet someone, use his name in conversation. Doing so makes the other person feel more comfortable, like you really know him and he knows you.

Labels: Miscellaneous, Working

Yesterday night, Logen, Anu, Brandon and I watched a movie at Brandon's apartment. It was a very good movie called "The Great Debater" starred by Denzel Washington. After the movie, we just sat on the couch and chatted, and we did that until dawn. All four of us didn't sleep until 5am in the morning.

I don't remember when was the last time I did something like that, but it felt so good. I am always a rational and practical person, but once in a while, it is great to be crazy. It makes me realize that I actually still have the capability to be crazy. As we grow up, there are things in life that we don't do anymore, and we forget our capability; but we realize that we can still do what we used to, it feels great.

Labels: Life, Thoughts

4月22日出生金牛座Taurus的人:计划工程师

4月22日出生的人对于具组织和建设本质的活动相当积极，其范围不只是抽象的思想体系，还包括实际物质方面的建设。他们很擅长组织并经营家庭、餐厅、学校或任何社会团体，能使它们正常地运作。矛盾的是，这些人并不特别爱交际，反而比较喜欢独来独往。他们大多是安安静静的，不太喜欢吸引别人的注意力。这天出生的人很懂得以轻松的方式来完成艰苦任务的秘诀，而这种组织各种盛大集会的超强本领，迟早都会显露出来的，就算没能在职场上崭露头角，而只是运用在家庭聚会、开生日或结婚周年派对这类的小场面中，只要是值得付出的，都能让他们感到满足和刺激。

话说回来，4月22日出生的人如果不将才能发挥在商场上，那还真是浪费。有时候他们的组织技巧很强，但有时会因为与上司的意见不合而感到心灰意冷，例如，他们可能会被指派去成立并经营一家别人名下的公司，却在做得有声有色之后，才发现老板太过吹毛求疵或固执己见。诸如此类令人气馁、沮丧的情形，常使他们宁可挂冠求去。从另一方面来说，4月22日出生的人和工作伙伴之间却很少出问题。而在他们摩下工作的人，也会很敬重这位上司的能力、实事求是的精神，以及丰富的人情味。不论体格壮硕与否，他们那威严的仪态常常是通往成功的重要因素。

4月22日出生的人最大的挑战，在于控制自己的权力欲望。这些人当中发展得较好的，会表现得非常谦虚，既不逞能，也不骄傲；但发展得不够好的人，则可能太过专权，对人的态度也不够宽容，而且常常令人难以更。这一天出生的人必须切记，应该公平、公正的运用他们发号施令的能力。虽然人世间可能会被财富和权贵人士所眩惑，但不该全接受那些人的价值标准；而应该在研究、学习的技巧后，拒绝采用其中具破坏性的、不和谐的社会价值标准。

4月22日出生的人一旦建立了家庭、公司或组织后，每隔一段时间便会检讨它的发展是否达到自己所预期的理想。由于具有这样的意识，他们可能会面临一项大挑战，即是否要依照原订的路线，继续执行计划；或是在某些重要的方面作修正；还是干脆放弃，改朝更有价值、更具意义的方向而努力。对这样的人来说，他们通常不知道何时该辞职，以及怎么辞职，而且还可能因此引起精神上的痛苦和焦虑呢！此时他们必须要倾听自己内心的声音。除此之外，为了避免被物质所奴投，这天出生的人在精神层面上发展就显得特别重要。

幸运数字和守护星
4月22日出生的人会受到数字4（2+2=4）以及天王星的影响。天王星代表的是古怪而且脾气暴躁，因为这颗行星受到火星（牡羊座的主宰行星）和金星（金牛座的主宰行星）的影响。4月22日出生的人在运用权力时，必须留意避免利用性或魅力，去达到控制别人的目的。受数字4支配的人，对人对事都有独特的方法和见解。由于他们常采取少数人的观点，加上充满自信，所以有时不免会招来敌意，树立无数躲在暗处的敌人。此外22是双数，因此4月22日出生的人经常会对成双成对的事物感兴趣，例如双胞胎、巧合的事情和对称性等等。

建议
不要被权力冲昏了头。遵从上帝的旨意，或遵从内心最美好的意念。寻求精神上的指引，追随较高层面的自我。饮水思源。在追求进步的过程中，不要迷失了自己。保持朴实的真面貌，并且培养谦虚的美德。

名 人
列宁(Vladimir Lenin)俄国布尔什维克革命领袖，提倡共产主义，发动无产阶级革命，建立了苏维埃政府。

德国哲学家康德(Immanuel Kant)，是“启蒙运动”最重要的思想家，笛卡儿创立的理性主义和培根开创的经验主义，都在他身上得到了体现，著有《纯理性批判》一书，被奉为哲学经典。

俄国社会革命领袖克伦斯基(Alexander Kerensky)，他宣布建立俄罗斯共和国，掌握政权，但是不久就被列宁推翻。他曾在巴黎当编辑，后来定居、终老于美国，享年89岁。

杰克尼克逊(Jack Nicholson)美国影星，前后以《飞越杜鹃窝》、《爱在心里口难开》夺得奥斯卡最佳男主角奖，并曾演出《鬼店 》、《狼人生死恋》、《紫屋魔恋》等卖座名片。

美国原子能物理学家欧本海默(J. Robert Oppenheimer)，核子武器之父，普林斯顿高级研究中心首脑。

法国象征主义画家贺东(Odile Redon)，作品多描绘梦中的影象，被视为超现实主义的先驱。


静思语
在黑暗中看事物，看不清楚，那么就用心来感受吧。

优点
组织力强、实事求是、相貌威严。

缺点
不易相处、崇尚物质。

----------------------------------------------------------------

I think this is partly true. I like to plan and organize. I don't know if I am a good leader though.

Labels: Miscellaneous

I love what I'm doing.
I love my job (well even if it's just an internship).
I love being independent.

All my life, I have always been very dependent. Dependent on my parents, my brothers, my boyfriend... But now, I feel that I can be independent. I work, I learn, I socialize with people. It makes me feel that I can achieve something.

I love my life. =)

Labels: Life, Working

I went swimming today at the outdoor pool in our apartment. I am never athletic but I love swimming. The feeling of swimming freely in water is soothing yet inspiring.

When I went there, there was a group of kids playing in the pool. I swam for a while then I sat at the edge of the pool. Then these 2 little girls came and started talking to me. Their names are Esra and Noar and they are probably 10 and 7. We talked about random things like Chinese food, seat belts etc.

This is probably not an interesting story but it reminds me that it is so easy to make a new friend. When we were little, there was nothing that pulls us back from talking to people, but when we grow up, we start to hesitate. At that moment I found something that I used to have but lost.

Many times it's this kind of little things in life that make us happy. Today I've learned something from you, Esra and Noar. Thank you!

Labels: Life, Working

I'm a planner. I'm always thinking ahead of what to do next.

So these are the things I want to do next semester. Might add more to the list.

1. Take Exam MFE.
2. Learn MS Access and SQL.
3. Learn driving.
4. Look for a job.
5. Join a choir.
6. Have fun!

Labels: Life