Ready Back to China

This is my last week studying English at university of Calgary.Since last year,I have already started to learn English about one year.During this year, I thought that my English had more improved than before.After Chrismas holiday,I will move to USA because I am going to learn music education in my master degree at Rardford University.I am so excited,but I still have a little nervous because everything is new to me.This weekend I am going to back to China for visiting my parents and my friends. I really miss them. I have already had one year and half without seeing them.I can't wait to back to China.I have one month that can be together with my parents and I can relax.However,I will continue to write my blog because I want to keep in touch with you guys and share my happness with everyone.

The Moonstone's Movie

I did my second book report last week. This time I read a book which name was The Moonstone. It was a mystery story which happened many years ago in British. When I read this book, at first I felt it was not very difficult. However,when I was reading the second and the last part,I was confused although I understood the main idea. Also, the last part of this story,the author did not tell the reader that who the real person stolen the diamond was. So, I did the research on the internet. I found that this story was made into movie. I was so excited. Last week, I went to the Calgary Public Library to borrow it,but I was put in the waiting list. Before I due my book report, I did not watch this movie. Last night before I went to home,I picked up this movie, and I watched it.In this movie,the content was similar to the book.But it was difficult to me understood what they said.They spoke British-English not Canadian-English.Different from the book,at the end of the movie,it told me who stolen the dimond was.That's great because I borrowed this movie in order to understand more about this story.Now I am understanding anything about this story.I feel so happy.

The Last Friday Night

Last Friday my sister and I went to an Italian restaurant,which name was Pulcinella, located in Kensington. In this restaurant, there were many different flavour Pizza that we could choose. I did not know which one was good,so the waiter recommended one for me. I forgot the pizza's name, but the taste was really delicious. I could see a chef how to made the pizza because the kitchen was open designed for guests in the middle of the restaurant. It was so interesting. Also,I liked this restaurant's atmosphere. Black and white photographs of Italy adorn the walls, making us believed that we were really in Italy. Each weekend my sister,my niece and I had dinner together. We liked to be together,but sometimes my sister was so busy. I am proud of my sister. She was a professional singer when she was in China. In 1995, she published her first album in China. I think her music talent is better than me. Right now my niece is studying at Rundle College Academy,which is a private school. She is only Grade 7,but she is the tallest than my sister and me. She joined school's volleyball team. Last Friday,after dinner we went her school to see her volleyball competition. Although her team was lost, she was still so happy. I love my sister and my niece.

Midterm Exam

Yesterday I finished midterm exam. I am not satisfy about my exam. First,I think that I still have many problems about my writing. For example,when I write my essay,I do not know how to use new vocabulary which I had learned in this semester. Grammar is my big problem too. When I do grammar exercise or quiz, I know which answer is correct. But when I write my essay, sometimes I confused about verb tenses and word form. However, my writing speed is faster than before because we have five or ten mintues free writing each class. It is a great way to practise my writing speed and my brain. Second, I feel happy that my reading speed is faster than last term. During my reading exam,I used these strategies, which were skimming for main ideas and asking five W questions. But I am not sure if I will get good mark or not. In addition, listening and speaking is not bad. I just felt difficult in last part in listening exam because I could not get details in that lecture. In short, through this exam, I found I still have many problems about my English. Therefore, I need to work hard in the rest of this semester.

Avril Lavigne's New Song

Last week I bought a Avril lavigne's new album. In this new album, there are many of songs I liked it. However, one of the my favourite song is When You're Gone. I have heard this song on the radio before I bought this album. I really loved to listen to this song's melody, and the lyrics was so beautiful. It was easy for me understanding. After I had this album , I listened to this song many times until I could sing it. This was my first time to sing Avril's song because her songs were not my music style I liked. In this song, her sang "When you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you. When you're gone, the face I came to know is missing you. When you're gone, the words I need to hear to always get me through the day. And make it ok. I miss you". Also, I did research about Avril, who was born in Ontario, Canada, is an canadian singer. She has musical talent when she was two years old, her mother found that Avril could sing along with her on church song. When she was sixteen years old, she was discovered by Clitt Fabi, who invited her sing with him and wrote new song for her, was her first professional manager. Then she finished her first album. Right now her songs are very popular all over the world. I hope that one day I have chance to sing this song for you guys.

Long Weekend

This weekend was long weekend. I had one more day for relaxing, and this weekend I did not need to work. It was good for me. On Friday, my sister gave me a call asked me what we were going to do on weekend. I told her that I just wanted to sleep because my sleeping was not encough. Everyday I go to bed on 11 or 12, I wanted to give myself time to get more sleeping. She asked me how about Banff where there were beautiful mountains, lakes and gardons, and there was a great Korean restaurant in Banff town. I told her that was a good idea. Also, in Banff town, there were many stores that we could shopping. Then we went to Banff on Sunday. The weather was so nice. After we got there, we ate lunch,took some pictures and bought a few souvenirs. Both my sister and I felt so happy because we had a great time together. We hoped that we could visit Lake Louis next long weekend.

Working On Weekend

People like weekend, but for me is not. Because I have to work on every Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I need to go to Alberta Chinese Academy to teach students who from Grade 1 to Grade 3 sing Chinese songs and school choir. On Sunday, I teach piano at home. After ten hours teaching, I have to finish my homework. So, last night when I went to bed, it was already 11:30pm. I am very busy on weekend, but when I was teaching piano to my students, I felt very happy. I have been teaching piano since 1999 after I graduated from university in China. I really love my job. I feel that I am a lucky person because before I moved in Calgary, my sister has been living here for 3 years. she has many friends. My first piano student is her friend's daughter. Right now I almost have 20 piano students. My students like me, and their parents trust me, so I have more passion to do my job although sometimes I feel so tired.

Last Level in EAP

I am so excited because I am in level 3 which is the last level in EAP. I remember when I was in Level 1, I really admired those people who have learned English in EAp3, and I hoped oneday I would be as same as them. Therefore, I felt so happy when I entered in classroom last Monday. I met new teacher who name is Scott. He is funny, and he speaks very fast. I like his teaching style. I believe that I will learn lots of English skills from him in this semester. Also, I met my classmates, some of them I knew, and some of them I didn't know. It is a good chance for me to make new friends and learn different things from them. At that day, I bought my new textbooks in the book store. Actually, I really enjoy learning English in EAP program. There are exellent teachers who are very nice and always help us. In addition, in our textbooks, there are many interesting topics such as international business, enviroment, healthy food, history, primates, etc. Expect learning English, we have learned lots of other knowledge. It is good way for me to expand my knowledge . I do believe that I will enjoy my class, so my classmates do too.

Last Blog

Today I am going to write the last blog. What kind of topic am I going to write? I do not know. Maybe I can write about today's class. The first class was writing. Teacher did not teach us anything just let us review by ourself. The second class was listening and speaking. Some of students did their presentation. Their topics were all about GREEN MOVEMENT. At that time, it was not a new topic for me because I knew lots of information about it. At another part of the class, we did the charpter 8 quiz. I think that is not bad for me. Also, I hope I will have good mark in my final exam.

Presentation

I prepared my presentation on last sunday. It was very hard to me because I did not know anything about my topic. My presentation 's topic was Green Movement. I have never heard this name before. So, from last week I stated to do research on internet. When I searched Green Movement on internet, I could read so much information about this topic. Through these days, I learned lots of knowledge about Green Movement. For example, Green Movement history, organization and pillars. Also, it advocates environmentalizem, sustainability, social justice and non-violence. Through this presentation, I think that is a good chance for me to improve my reading, listening and speaking skills.

Football Game

This is my first time to see the football game in Calgary. My sister's friend gave her 3 tickets on Friday, so my parents and me went there together. When we got there, we could see so many people there, they all wore red t- shirt which is the symbol of Calgary football's name. Before the game, there were concert show on the stage, included singing and dancing. When the competion was starting, we could see Stampede girls dance. They all look young and beautiful. My partens were very happy too. Because they said that was first time watch football game in Canada. I was very happy too. At last Calgary won the game. People are all excited.

Last Night

Last night was scared me. I remember that I went to bed on 11:30. Suddenly, I waked. Because I heard loud thunderclap with lightning. The wind was so big. Nobody was beside me, I did not know what I should do. My window was opened, so I had to get up to close it. From the window I could see the rain was big and outside was so dark. At that time, I really miss one person who is very nice and cute is living in China. I wanted to call that person, but I could not because my telephone was cut by lightning. I could not sleep again. I was waiting, waiting, waiting until the rain and the thunderclap was stopped. After everything was gone I had to close my eyes because I have lot of homework to do tomorrow.

Working Hard in English

This week is so busy. I have to write major essay, rewrite cause and effect outline, write speaking journal and do outside reading project. Lots of homework are in this week. Also, final exam will be closely to me. Although this semester is hard to me, I have learned so many writing skills and reading skills. I think it is good for me. But I know I still have shortage in English, so I have to learn more English. But sometimes I am so lazy, I do not want to read book and do my homework, just want to play on the computer, talk on the phone with my friends and go shopping. I know this situation is not good for me to learn English. Thses days I was always thinking about this problem. Now, something is changing because this week I spent more time to do my homework, read English book and talk to native English speakers. I really want to pass EAP2, so I told myself ,"do your best working hard in the rest of two weeks."

Ready for Going Back to China

Last month I have booked my air ticket to go back China. I am so excited because I miss my family, friends and relatives, especially, Chinese food. My hometown is Suzhou where there are long history in China, beautiful traditional gardens and handicrafts. I really miss my hometown's everything. Suzhou in sitting in the middle between Shanghai and Beijing. Shanghai is the central of economy, and Beijing is the central of political. If I want to go both these two cities, it is very easy to get there. Now I am planning when is the good time going there. I want to go Shanghai for shopping and go Beijing for traveling. Another reason for goning to Shanghai is my piano teacher who is one of the famous piano professor in China. Besides he taught me wonderful piano skills, also, he taught me how to become a perfect person. After I moved in Canada, we still keep in touch, so I will visit him after I go back China. So, This is my plan. I hope that I will completely relax myself because learning English in EAP program is a difficult thing.

Calgary's Zoo

Today is Saturday, the weather is so hot. I do not know where I should go with my parents. This is the second time my parents come to Calgary. They already have been visited many place which are Banff, Edmonton, Vicotory, Torontor, etc. I have no idea where we could go. Suddenly, I remembered my friend tell me that Calgary zoo is a good place for visiting. So, I drove my JEEP to the zoo. On the way to the zoo, my dad said that the zoo is for children, not for his age. I told my father that Calgary's zoo is a wonderful park for everyone because there are different animals come from different countries. Besides animals ,also, there are beautiful flowers, rain forest and education program. When we got there, first we saw tiger with her baby. It was so tiny and cute. Then we went to Elephant Crossing which is a brand new indoor exhibition. I was so excited because I never watched elephant in such close distance. Also, I could see a picture which was drawn by elephant. I never know that elephant can draw a picture. After that , we went Destination Africa to see the Giraffes and Hippoes. One is very high, and another is very big. In addition, we found that there is education program for people learning in the zoo. It is a wonderful idea which can teach human to recognize different animals, and educate people how to protect animals.

RCM Examination

RCM, which is Royal Conservatory of Music, fonuded in 1886. It is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada. This year is my first time let my piano students to attend this examination in Canada. I have already taught piano for 8 years both in China and Canada. When I was in China, I had many studnets attended music examination, and they all got certificate. However, in Canada I did not know where my students could take exam and what the standard for this exam firat. After I did my research, I could almost understand about RCM examination. Therefor, my 5 piano students attended this exam last month. I applied for my teacher number that I can check any information in RCM website. Also, I can read my students' results and read the examiner's remarks. Fortunately, all my students got high mark which is first class honours in this exam, so I feel very excited. I think it gives me more confidence in my piano teaching.

Long Weekend in Rocky Mountain

Have you been to Canadian Mountain? It is a very famous point of interest. Also, Rocky mountain is one of the heritage in the world. This weekend I got a chance to live in the ranch which name is Rafter 6. This farm house is sitting in the Kananaski. It is very conveniently located just 45 minutes west of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway, only 30 minutes from Banff. When I got there, I could see a beautiful lodge, lots of horses and three big dogs. I really scared dog, but one person who is working in this ranch told me that here dogs were all nice. When I was sitting in the restaurant, I could feel oranginal western style. Lots of food I loved to eat. Such as, Cowboy Steak, Salmon, Chichen,etc. Also, the taste was very good. In the second day, I rode a horse with a cowboy. The horse is so big and strong, and I could not ride it. In the first hour, I did not feel happy because I should learn how to control the horse. After one hour, I felt better because I could ride horse and at the same time I could see the beautiful mountains. I really enjoyed it. Last day I attended a outdoor activity which name rope. It is a very dangerous activity. However, I think that is a good way to challenge myself. I hope one day I have chance to visit here again.

Midterm Exam

Last week I had finished my midterm exam, but I did not get good mark. It's too bad to me. However, midterm was a good way for me to see how my English level is. Writing's mark was ok, but I was not satisfied. In my writing had lots of mistakes, for example, vocabulary, verb tense, spelling,etc. Through this exam, I think that I should pay attention to English grammer and do more practices. Writing is a main course in EAPP, so I need to spend more time to improve my writing. Reading's mark was surprised to me. I never had this low mark in last two levels. I could not believe it. I told myself that I can't get this low mark again. Speaking is ok, but listening is not good, either. Usually I listen to the radio and news everyday, but I did not practice taking notes. Therefore, I lose many marks in notes taking. In the rest of five weeks, I should work hard to pass level 2. I don't want to be failed, so I have to work hard.

My Favorite Band

Hi, everybody! Have you heard of an English band name is IL DIVO. This band was established two years ago, but today they have already become very famous all over the world. Especially, femals love them because they are all handsome. In this band, there are four young males who come from different countries which are France, Spain, Swissland and USA. "They all have wonderful music talent and performance background." Their music producer said. I love this band because their songs are so great and they can sing perfect hamony in every song. When I first time saw this band, they gave me wonderful impression. One of my favorite singer is Urs who is a tenor in this band. Not only he is handsome like a prince, but also he has such a beautiful voice. Therefore, last month IL DIVE came to Calgary had a show in Stampede Park. I went to this concert. It was a wonderful night for me because I could be very close to them to listen their voice. If someone are interesting in this band, please let me know. I will introduce IL DIVO to you and give you their CD /VCD for listening and watching. I think that you guys will love this band after you listen and watch it.

My Holiday in Washington D.C

Last month I went to Washington D.C for vacation with my family. It is the capital city of USA. I had been there two times, so it was my third time visiting there. Washington D.C has many wonderful points of interest to go. One of the very famous place is White House which is a place where president lives. There is a fantastic envornment for president to work in. Before we walked in, we saw several secret service officers standing in front of the enterance. They wore same black suits and dark sunglasses. They all look so strong and cool as those as I saw in movies. After we finished visiting, we saw lots of visitors taking picture with president George W.Bush. Actaully that was not real president just a big paper picture. In this city, there are many different museums which are National Galley of Art, National Air and Space, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,etc. By the way, museums are all FREE. In addition, China Town is a crowed place to go where you can find delicious food. Because Chinese food there is really good and there are more choices than in Calgary. Now I am planning for my next trip to USA ,and I hope that somebody can give recomendation on which cities are worth going.