tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57348476471158749512024-02-18T21:53:33.507-08:00Capture the Moment Finding beauty in the most ordinary life.
I believe everybody's life can be wonderful by EMBRACING everything: Explore, Motivate, Brighten, Relish, Appreciate, Cherish, Inspire, Nurture, Gratitude Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-13819054070889686102022-04-01T23:59:00.004-07:002022-04-02T00:04:05.524-07:00APRIL FOOL JOKE POST: 2022 (NEW) YEAR AND 33RD BIRTHDAY REMINDER: DON'T WAIT!!<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Is it too late for a post about the year and birthday? </i></b>Come on! We are a quarter way into the year, and my birthday was in February and now it is APRIL. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIx6Duqm9AJhhZC23AvZoCGqblVPzfwqeKSuKfCJ6SSlvaGj3WqUq1Xwg5dIUUkaeduXqH0vyUbdu77woX6QdgNPaNpGE0HreDhRPOTg-KVK0Ki5wZlUsFbzkYPVgMe17t8bQsWxuiMswYlMfcO18QIxszwixmLp4N8TQ0XA_TOYpDl8EeZy0AdH/s1124/275093076_10158108785941046_1825366689411763441_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1124" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlIx6Duqm9AJhhZC23AvZoCGqblVPzfwqeKSuKfCJ6SSlvaGj3WqUq1Xwg5dIUUkaeduXqH0vyUbdu77woX6QdgNPaNpGE0HreDhRPOTg-KVK0Ki5wZlUsFbzkYPVgMe17t8bQsWxuiMswYlMfcO18QIxszwixmLp4N8TQ0XA_TOYpDl8EeZy0AdH/s320/275093076_10158108785941046_1825366689411763441_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I meant to post something on the New Year, but the holiday celebration and work got in the way. As an accountant, the beginning of the year is extremely busy because there is so much to do to close the year. Then I postponed the post till my birthday and the Lunar New Year; however, I had to get the tax and audit materials ready at work. After that, I started to do my own taxes. Keep delaying..... I realized might be TOO LATE to post anything now. <u>Should I just skip this year? </u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Well, this morning, I realized today is April Fool! Since it is acceptable to lie and pull pranks, today, why not a New Year / Birthday Post?</i></b> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Since 2018, I stopped making a list of new year resolutions because they are hard to keep and even remember them. From 2018 to 2020, I decided to<b> only have one to two major goals </b>for the year, and I liked that way. Some goals I had to extend to the following year(s), for example, one of the goals I made in 2018 was not complete till 2021! Then starting in 2021, I changed to <b>one simple reminder phrase</b> for the year! 2021 was: <u><b>Living in the Present!</b></u></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Reminder 2022: Don't Wait</u></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>After going through two years of pandemics, with all those sudden death of people, canceled events, travel restrictions, lockdowns, etc., my view towards life changed significantly. </span><span>Looking back on my life, <i>I waited too long and wasted so much time waiting for the perfect moment </i>to travel, achieve my goals, do the thing I always want, etc. I always thought: I can do it tomorrow, next week, next month, next year... There are should be another chance. I began to think, if I can go back to 2019, will I tell myself: "It can wait, I can do that next year?" <span> DEFINITELY NOT! WHY WAIT? WHY NOT DO IT NOW?</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyU4lOG-YXKXExzW0Mcj3UUjhw1YH1hp4SJk49-4XvuGZgeDv4AYQhz_qM6_CzKlY1ILw92c8p0egDC5-kquO_BzGPno86lKvl1JcFmJOJiSc6m-_R4U9KwX3qj985i3eXdoR0OJ_HBvWa1QL0Qiq-czGdapUsoU5o9DGZBAnev9KlzFN_UnqI6eu/s1440/273560732_10158079987826046_6937616668016317680_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyU4lOG-YXKXExzW0Mcj3UUjhw1YH1hp4SJk49-4XvuGZgeDv4AYQhz_qM6_CzKlY1ILw92c8p0egDC5-kquO_BzGPno86lKvl1JcFmJOJiSc6m-_R4U9KwX3qj985i3eXdoR0OJ_HBvWa1QL0Qiq-czGdapUsoU5o9DGZBAnev9KlzFN_UnqI6eu/s320/273560732_10158079987826046_6937616668016317680_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For 2022 and beyond, DON'T WAIT for anything:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">-Don't wait for traveling to somewhere new!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">-Don't wait for getting into shape!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">-Don't wait for taking the opportunity!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">-Don't wait for achieving my goals!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">-Don't wait for being HAPPY!</span></div>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-16066926298526256172021-01-10T20:52:00.005-08:002021-01-10T20:53:48.581-08:00Happy 2021 and I am BACK!!<p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello BLOG!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe my last post was almost TWO YEARS AGO!! So Sorry for lost in touch with you! I have been wanting to come back for a long time. 2019 was a pretty rough year in personal life and I was trying to recover during 2020 and then pandemic hit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I understand that I should keep updating the blogs for my selfcare; however, when I write, I want to write POSTIVE INSPIRATION. I was being little negative, so I didn't want my post to sound so negative and regret to post later on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">NOW I am back, regardless what 2021 will bring me to, I will bring more positive content to my blog. 2019 and 2020 really trained and changed my positive mindset. My old way of staying positive is that problems will pass eventually and everything will be alright, someday. However, I learned some problem would not go away quickly (like COVID19) and what if it will never go away? I remembered this quote:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">“Life isn't about </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">waiting</b><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"> for the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">storm to pass</b><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” —Vivian Greene</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need to find a way to cope with problems instead of waiting for it to go away. Also after experiencing death of my friend in 2019 and watching increasing in death number across the globe, I learned life is too short, don't wait for the problem to pass to experience happiness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">New Year's Resolutions, FORGET IT. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Although I have a few goals to achieve, my main focus of this year is to live in the moment. I used to have many anxiety and emotional flash backs. Neither of them are good for any of us.</span></p><h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“If you are depressed you are living in the past.<br />If you are anxious you are living in the future.<br />If you are at peace you are living in the present.”</span></h1><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">― </span><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;">Lao Tzu</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="authorOrTitle" face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxbLwK9Ucq5Le_-qwjq_39hBrwDDA30AzBxFU_TJjCIwQwzErcsVpD3pAIMdEM6Zg5bm0hsswiFex6qIy6QhCVgTpPBJZtyg4MMfzsu6E5SAhddTbzmsCkerpJLnMwe0xJd7rfyW1Oyw/s1440/115888316_10157042286576046_8336077475326495957_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxbLwK9Ucq5Le_-qwjq_39hBrwDDA30AzBxFU_TJjCIwQwzErcsVpD3pAIMdEM6Zg5bm0hsswiFex6qIy6QhCVgTpPBJZtyg4MMfzsu6E5SAhddTbzmsCkerpJLnMwe0xJd7rfyW1Oyw/s320/115888316_10157042286576046_8336077475326495957_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">For 2021: Please Living in the PRESENT!</span></b></p>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-76758326014702330312019-02-16T00:28:00.001-08:002019-02-16T14:34:23.719-08:003 Life-Shifts You Will Experience When You Turn 30<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy Birthday to me!! I entered my 30s on Monday. No matter I am ready or not, THE TIME HAS Come! THANK YOU, everyone, who wished me a Happy Birthday. I am TRUELY Blessed!! Also thanks for readings this! Best GIFT EVER!! </i></span><br />
<img alt="Image may contain: Xiaoxi Mei, smiling, candles and fire" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51772166_10155775885986046_7667819024947871744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=9a63fc6e3297bcd5aa68afac0617db11&oe=5CE7C173" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't <b>look or feel very different.</b> Many people say, I still look like 18 or 19. Haha. <b>I am happy about that</b>. </span><br />
<u style="font-size: x-large;">10 Year Challenge: 19 vs. 29</u><br />
<img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, including Xiaoxi Mei, people smiling, selfie and closeup" height="300" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p118x118/50151395_10155720304331046_8337070595766222848_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=50d08680cb6fa2d2988da5bac29510fe&oe=5CDB85E0" width="400" /><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">However, <b>things do change, </b>and I realized I <b>"aged." </b>Here are the following <u>3 major life-shifting</u> people will experience once they reach the 30s. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Body</b>: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I realized I can<b> no </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>longer pull</b> an ALL-Nighter. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I become <b>tired so easily</b>. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">My body would <b>not function well</b> without 6-7 hours of sleep each day. I am glad I finished school and proud of people who can still go back to school in their 30s and beyond. The BEST weekend activity is <b>sleeping and spending time relaxing alone.</b> I still like to go out with friends, but I don't enjoy partying anymore. I used to <b>love eating a lot of junk food</b>, but now, I often not feel well after a binge-eating. I prefer <b>to eat healthier and less food. </b> </span></span><br />
<img alt="Image may contain: Xiaoxi Mei, smiling, standing, mountain, outdoor and nature" height="300" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19731843_10154505819161046_2449689245643205807_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=bdcfdf50f0213879c6e02e9041d78445&oe=5D2821AD" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Conversation Topics with Friends: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I am in my 20s, I often talk about </span><b>dating, applying/finishing schools, finding jobs,</b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b>weddings, </b><span style="font-size: medium;">etc. with friends. Once the 30s coming to close, the conversation changes to</span><b> mortgages, investments, promotions, changing jobs, starting a family,</b><span style="font-size: medium;"> etc. Friends gatherings </span><u>will begin to consist more couples than singles</u><span style="font-size: medium;"> and sometimes </span><u>there will be kids</u><span style="font-size: medium;"> running around. As I grew older, I realized I will have </span><b>lesser friends,</b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b>but better ones</b><span style="font-size: medium;">. I learned friends are</span><i> quality over quantity.</i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b>Only true friendship would last <span style="background-color: #f6d5d9;">throughout </span>adulthood. </b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49947379_10155729508466046_6927817252431462400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=f4725bd163fbd6dd3e662d17b5fcd0a7&oe=5CEFA703" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image may contain: Erica Roberts and Xiaoxi Mei, people smiling, tree, outdoor and nature" border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49947379_10155729508466046_6927817252431462400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=f4725bd163fbd6dd3e662d17b5fcd0a7&oe=5CEFA703" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Dress/Hair Style/Picture Pose Preference </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I approach my late 20s, I definitely started <b>to pay attention to my wardrobes more</b>. During my early 20s, I wear jeans, t-shirts, and casual mini-skirts. When I got older, I began to buy more expansive and fancy dresses as well. I realized I don't need many clothes. I only need a few good-quality expensive clothes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/533154_3640251560062_2034124400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=d2de6e3a623e41bb297a004889a4eb38&oe=5CDC16FA"><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, standing, sky, ocean and outdoor" border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/533154_3640251560062_2034124400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=d2de6e3a623e41bb297a004889a4eb38&oe=5CDC16FA" width="240" /></a><img alt="Image may contain: Xiaoxi Mei, standing, selfie, phone and indoor" height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33193253_10155248016046046_8858706120600977408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=e308cc4d51f604ad678be1318fef8823&oe=5CFC73A1" width="243" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Age: 23 vs. 29</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moreover, I realized that when I am younger, I tend to do <b>more silly and create bold poses</b>. As I age, I became <b>more conservative and less creative</b> about how I picture myself. It shows well by comparing these two pictures at the Crate Lake in my early and late 20s. </span><br />
<img alt="Image may contain: 1 person" height="150" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1044341_10151462650971046_1524436213_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=2260462105ac67b7ecfe460b3dbd011d&oe=5CFBA1CD" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: Xiaoxi Mei, mountain, sky, outdoor, nature and water" height="200" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13615178_10153584787656046_192024205892990991_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=9371a4edb199613c9a3d5ac8722b658a&oe=5CE0DEC2" width="150" /><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">At the Crate Lake: Early 20s vs. Late 20s</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all, changes and shifting are <u>scary but exciting</u>. Here is to the new decade! Don't be afraid to grow. In the end, <b>age is just a number.</b> Also, e<b>ach age group has its own blessing and fun!</b> </span><br />
<br />Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-27625473413088935912019-01-13T20:05:00.000-08:002019-01-13T20:05:17.713-08:002019 Thoughts <span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to the new year, people like to make <u><b>a list of </b></u>resolutions, but a lot of people <i><b>struggle</b></i> to keep them. I used to make new year's resolutions as well; however, I often <i><b>failed </b></i>in keeping them. Over years, I tried <i><b>different strategies</b></i> such as keep have a plan, have more specific goals, etc., but they <u><i>did not work well. </i></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last year, I decided to only make <b><u>two MAJOR goals</u></b> to achieve in the year. <i><b>One did come true 😊. The other is partially came true 👌. </b></i>For this year, I will make the second goal come true and one more additional goal. Moving forward, every year, I am going to <u><b>stick just set one to two significant goals/life-shifts</b></u>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My birthday is in a month!! On my last birthday, I made <b>three wishes</b>, which included my-two-major goals. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">First one - came true</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Another one - partially came true</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The last one - may be coming true</span></li>
</ul>
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/49808662_787732121587052_1839290714828046336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=50d4fa8fbd50a93c845ca53b9c457cec&oe=5CBD15F4" width="240" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Year or My Birthday in 2020, I would like to make my other two wishes come true or at least one of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great 2019!!</span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-33615544195933129952019-01-05T17:34:00.000-08:002019-01-06T12:34:07.625-08:002018 Recap<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The year 2018 went like a wind. As more I age, the time would go faster. Many changes and new happened. I traveled to a new continent called Europe, shifted my career, and became physically and mentally stronger. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Traveling to Europe for the First Time</b>: I went to Paris, France, Switzerland, and Monte Carlo. Seeing the REAL widely-known places such as Effiel Tower, Louver Museum, Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, Palace of Monte Carlo, etc. </span><span style="font-size: large;">was amazing. I loved European food croissant in France and milk in Switzerland were unforgettable. I learned the history of art, royals, and nature of Europe. Travel is not only to play, but also to increase more knowledge. I'd love to come back to Europe again and continue to explore more countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shifting Career</b>: <span style="font-size: large;">I went from working for accounting firms and conducting external accounting to a private firm and performing internal accounting. Although the tasks did not change much, I feel much less stressful. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><img height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/49242157_2183944528531356_6905719860441907200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=0aa3eaf5183e6f087c75fb3b2a0726d0&oe=5CCB0745" width="292" /><br />
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<img height="274" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/50007537_756527784722308_2095224994203172864_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=c09cf4c28688dd09e8a292489f715615&oe=5CC6DA8C" width="320" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Achieving 10-Mile-Run: </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">10 miles was the farthest I ever run in my life. I was scared that whether I can make to that far or not. I usually run about 3 - 6 miles and call it good. However, I decided to take the risk. <b>"If it does not challenge you, I can't change you!" </b>Thanks for all my friends for encouragement and tips. I am glad I did and it was not as hard as I expected. I felt <b>awesome </b>when I finished it. </span><br />
<img alt="Image may contain: 3 people, including Erica Roberts and Xiaoxi Mei, people smiling, people standing and outdoor" height="640" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30706228_10155179041811046_5454429736247587210_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=43ddfac3f79e902cc5985f81702d28b3&oe=5CCE48B2" width="480" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Becoming Mentally Stronger: </b>I have been practicing gratitude and optimism for years. But I still had the panic attack and negative thoughts here and there due. By the end of 2018, I am finally able to fully recover from anxiety and depression. It is not like the stress and problem don't exist, anymore; I know how to live with all the good and bad thing I am dealing with. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b> <img height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/49450505_585110868582233_9164404085795848192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.xx&oh=494d5788a7e74ac2a912fabad81c31c3&oe=5CC8D962" width="245" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am very proud of myself what I became in 2018. For 2019, I wish I will be more capable of doing tasks and become mentally and physically even stronger. </span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-87526999466381355032018-08-26T17:39:00.000-07:002018-08-26T20:34:15.337-07:00Tracy is Like Phoebe <span style="font-size: large;"><i> I LOVE sitcoms. I often <u>binge-watching</u> (I should never do that again!!). One of the highlight of last year (2017) was I binge-watched two shows: <b>"How I Met Your Mother"</b> and <b>"Friends."</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Image result for how i met your mother" height="200" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/himym/images/0/09/Mothers9.jpeg/revision/latest?cb=20130913192015" width="175" /> </span><img alt="Related image" height="147" src="https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2016718/rs_1024x759-160818151907-1024-friends-sr.jpg?fit=inside|900:auto&output-quality=90" width="200" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> I liked both shows <u>equally</u>. I understand that many people like to compare two shows and states that How I Met Your Mother <b>copied </b>friends. </i></span><i>Characters are <b>similar</b>: Ross = Ted, Rachel = Robin, Monica = Lily, Chandler = Marshall, Joey = Barney. They also had several shared storylines as well. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEKnB3VcJNCq-yA9PVdXv6QqK2s0oJGPMukjCemrRYMCu3TYS0mcD3e95ILnC51c0gfE57PMeUg-708lxX-OunhUiJjD-IHq0uTI1wBwJDrhHMIsPRKMo_MhcDzdZZ0ANUlUMB1nXmu0/s1600/5451c323db2754848d8fcbbf69201a6d--she-s-himym.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEKnB3VcJNCq-yA9PVdXv6QqK2s0oJGPMukjCemrRYMCu3TYS0mcD3e95ILnC51c0gfE57PMeUg-708lxX-OunhUiJjD-IHq0uTI1wBwJDrhHMIsPRKMo_MhcDzdZZ0ANUlUMB1nXmu0/s320/5451c323db2754848d8fcbbf69201a6d--she-s-himym.jpg" width="241" /> <img alt="Image result for Friends How I met your mother" height="320" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/47/a7/01/47a70194a9a59583481a1dd520e55503--the-two-the-ojays.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>BuzzFeed even did a </i></span><i><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/tasmaiuppin/friends-and-himym-are-literally-the-same?utm_term=.do6Y9Jew4D#.qwA0rZW1Oz" target="_blank">Proof</a> that both shows are literally the same show. </i><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I can totally agree! But Phoebe from Friends is kind of left out from the casts and the sixth member in How I Met Your Mother, Tracy shares similarity with Phoebe as well. Here are my additions to the </span></i><i><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/tasmaiuppin/friends-and-himym-are-literally-the-same?utm_term=.do6Y9Jew4D#.qwA0rZW1Oz" target="_blank">Proof</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Both of them play music</b>: Phoebe plays guitar and Tracy plays ukulele and bass guitar.</span><br />
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<img alt="Image result for Phoebe friends guitar" height="110" src="https://images.indianexpress.com/2018/01/phoebe-buffay_759.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="Image result for tracy How I met your mother" height="111" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pyFXtZ4fDfQ/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Both of them were into causes</b>: Phoebe was into Animal Rights, and Tracy was into Ending Poverty.</span><br />
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<img alt="Image result for phoebe friends animal rights" height="111" src="https://livekindlyproduction-8u6efaq1lwo6x9a.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Phoebe-Friends-Cropped-2.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="Image result for tracy how i met your mother" height="112" src="https://corinawrites.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/himym916-00235.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Both of them are the nicest girl among three and like to help people.</b> Rachel/Robin tend to be a brat sometimes and Monica/Lily tend to be over controlling sometimes. Tracy/Phoebe is the most selfless and kindest girls among the three.</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for phoebe friends kind" height="200" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/friends/images/1/1d/5x03_Phoebe_and_Triplets.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160529211232" width="172" /><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><img alt="Image result for tracy how i met your mother" height="142" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/himym/images/0/07/Robinandthemother.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140325194803" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Both of them are quirky</b>: Phoebe runs so funny and Tracy sings English muffin song.</span><br />
<img alt="Related image" height="97" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/2nKu8hXnKiKDC/giphy.gif" width="200" /> <img alt="Image result for tracy how i met your mother english muffin" height="200" src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/104376046/large.jpg" width="168" />Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-89332327204139228112018-04-08T00:01:00.000-07:002018-04-08T00:28:35.761-07:00Am I Always Happy?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I often hear people say:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You are always SMILING!!" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Whenever I see you, you are so HAPPY!!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You are my SUNSHINE!!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Well, am I <u>always </u>been this happy? Actually <b>NO</b>. I have tough times and struggles that I am facing. To be honest: I am "actually happy" only about <b>10% of the day</b>. I am going to share my down times and the strategies I use to keep my positivity going. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeEMWjpy7CNGwhQngZyJahlbfdLv5tSBwJXjpa-lslxFuhXve28dhY-vxoMOvOgUbIAU05L0ukqJrIWnQXRCfQ1vV2WidvYpNNTMvS4G-CuSqWysvh5Tnh_Lk4YoQs2ZWziZljTWO178/s1600/23167645_10154793642416046_8073431234269934970_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeEMWjpy7CNGwhQngZyJahlbfdLv5tSBwJXjpa-lslxFuhXve28dhY-vxoMOvOgUbIAU05L0ukqJrIWnQXRCfQ1vV2WidvYpNNTMvS4G-CuSqWysvh5Tnh_Lk4YoQs2ZWziZljTWO178/s320/23167645_10154793642416046_8073431234269934970_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't give me wrong. I like the fact that people are saying "You are always smiling," "You are my sunshine," etc., however, there are hardships behind those laughs. Here are some of the struggles am thinking about 90% of the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-<b>Dealing with Anxiety</b>: I am constantly worried about the future: finance, family, relationships, health etc. I often scared of what going to happen tomorrow. Will my happiness continue to exist? Please don't take my happiness away from me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-<b>Career Development</b>: I am still figuring out what I want to do and where I will be. Although I have a master degree, three credentials, and 3-4 years of work experience, I can't find security in the job. There are still a couple of "difficult" credentials to obtain, and my career stage is not yet where I would like it to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-<b>Language and Cultural Struggles</b>: I grew up in three different countries. Although I am fluent in three languages, it is hard to find "who I am," and "where I belong." I often have an identity crisis. I became scared that I don't fit in or I cannot be myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Enough sad stuff, here are what I do to maintain my happiness and distract from anxiety, career scare, and identity crisis. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Fitness</b>: I enjoy running, swimming, and dancing. When I work out, I forget all the problems I am facing. I feel refreshed after gym. Working out is the best way to clear my mind. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWnJk62tHot18h-hNNUiip-MRVPhFEEt65BUFuSHa7pa7O2bv7iTpkC1VPRoS_Zyb331W6-BNTiM1cPmZmhGvCCSaXNUrekZwVFfEZOHQKGeX_7s1Mv4M3uGE5UthKBatQsOkKtG9Wfo/s1600/2b213ab0-837e-42a7-9edd-fc3a6642fd28" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWnJk62tHot18h-hNNUiip-MRVPhFEEt65BUFuSHa7pa7O2bv7iTpkC1VPRoS_Zyb331W6-BNTiM1cPmZmhGvCCSaXNUrekZwVFfEZOHQKGeX_7s1Mv4M3uGE5UthKBatQsOkKtG9Wfo/s320/2b213ab0-837e-42a7-9edd-fc3a6642fd28" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>My Accomplishments</b>: Although I still have not got where career and other life goals should be, I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished so far. If I can earn a master degree, three credentials, and master three languages, I CAN achieve my career, financial, and other life goals. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjGiwUfX1BPn1SZpgqxMPCAxDGNxeuKn8sBtAdsBvVsoJlRtvQdH_MoF6ShENM6qr6_ntmujk3HCIlHQyYxMQ0vBbkNHkd94xVBpENTCxSibYirdWUo_-GUWtK7B3zH9tiCc_tM73ckY/s1600/WU+Grad+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjGiwUfX1BPn1SZpgqxMPCAxDGNxeuKn8sBtAdsBvVsoJlRtvQdH_MoF6ShENM6qr6_ntmujk3HCIlHQyYxMQ0vBbkNHkd94xVBpENTCxSibYirdWUo_-GUWtK7B3zH9tiCc_tM73ckY/s320/WU+Grad+%25285%2529.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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(Willamette University MBA Graduation)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b>My Family</b>: I am glad that my family is supportive and loving. Whenever I am down, they are always there to make me feel better and cheer me up. Thank you, my mother, for always believing in me more than I believe in myself. </span></div>
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(Savior Island, Portland, OR)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b>Nature</b>: No matter what weather it is, I love spending time in nature. Whenever I am upset, I like to come to the woods. I appreciate the "gift" that my mother nature gave to us. I would feel grateful for "what I have," and not to be greedy about "what I don't have." I also realize the "world is big" and "how small my problem" looks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacK9EEmHA-h5gCuG2jm3tSu8TYxdabg57RvPhtGvJpAxKjkTvAt4c4nXav2Ps1h2L4Nfs9-S8mew9IWBvQg2lvqk2bsPeC9Ku6NynjuVX1N8suw9d77paxrj2sUs0vEeCiTdAKQbOzgI/s1600/IMG_3376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacK9EEmHA-h5gCuG2jm3tSu8TYxdabg57RvPhtGvJpAxKjkTvAt4c4nXav2Ps1h2L4Nfs9-S8mew9IWBvQg2lvqk2bsPeC9Ku6NynjuVX1N8suw9d77paxrj2sUs0vEeCiTdAKQbOzgI/s320/IMG_3376.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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(Redwood, California)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b>Food</b>: Enough said! Good food will solve EVERYTHING. People who love to eat are the happiest people!! I usually crave for something either sweet or comforting. Mother's cooking is always the best way to recover from anything. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq1qzyqc_wQRTGFbwyf7RAp2Q38zxFksfLaQPNRvVAXse3pQuO6es1nqyDLwrhLw2r4oSqzo4uets1NsXfPcIabsOL050cS0j5IPjd3jQCS4i9AyRgU5x1tIJEqx7ApdlGwZAJMMnzQg/s1600/224193_10151111994631046_793384042_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq1qzyqc_wQRTGFbwyf7RAp2Q38zxFksfLaQPNRvVAXse3pQuO6es1nqyDLwrhLw2r4oSqzo4uets1NsXfPcIabsOL050cS0j5IPjd3jQCS4i9AyRgU5x1tIJEqx7ApdlGwZAJMMnzQg/s1600/224193_10151111994631046_793384042_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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(Thai Restaurant: Sesame Asian Kitch in Ashland, OR)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b>Studying (Reading and Writing</b>): </span><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoy <u>reading an inspirational quote every morning to motivate myself</u>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Good literature would help people view the world, differently, and it is always helpful to study more. Writing down the obstacles in life also minimize mental burden. I maintain this blog to de-stress as well. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghUJypuMT7wCbJ8PljT69QbSloFCmKsY5tq6dPnKNn-3-btCAZtYhbHmQzvo84UxHMGDfXpdPw8jhatWQlnavh_g6wq3QwSYqBCHrXm5UEybSvsjwifZmVzEWJe4b2NoY0eQpfUB9zCo/s1600/10565746_10203204898618438_2015491390_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="960" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghUJypuMT7wCbJ8PljT69QbSloFCmKsY5tq6dPnKNn-3-btCAZtYhbHmQzvo84UxHMGDfXpdPw8jhatWQlnavh_g6wq3QwSYqBCHrXm5UEybSvsjwifZmVzEWJe4b2NoY0eQpfUB9zCo/s320/10565746_10203204898618438_2015491390_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-72767990877048181692018-02-27T12:44:00.001-08:002018-02-27T17:33:57.892-08:0029 Messages/Advices to Teenage/Early 20s Self<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am old! Well, people <b>still think I am in college or even high school</b>!? Asians never age and I have a baby face and young mind! </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCmWOZE-XBoPksS10-L6HgDmRBgD45OpDwZvSuCy8UKfherht_YdBRtIWLG-ecXr1qsw2pKsPkhjaTQ2MjV5HDe-6MSlp_xuEWMatAGDayrk6iS3HmjNUaz5Bsy9kL0qloD94pZXmcKM/s1600/27657618_10155024772521046_1331796793417939687_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCmWOZE-XBoPksS10-L6HgDmRBgD45OpDwZvSuCy8UKfherht_YdBRtIWLG-ecXr1qsw2pKsPkhjaTQ2MjV5HDe-6MSlp_xuEWMatAGDayrk6iS3HmjNUaz5Bsy9kL0qloD94pZXmcKM/s320/27657618_10155024772521046_1331796793417939687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">Thanks for all the birthday wishes from ALL OVER the world in THEIR OWN LANGUAGES!! I had two cakes this year!! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wiI-t3tG5ZEYANhYRjlUD1bSR0vaezK30NYD8cvq6XAsIXp0wj90ARh8X1-eQXmQ-czrplTCRKM6Km9qe9pa-jhnibKguXol1vTq7IVBjtrEcwJ7EuTYzvPLKDlPmoyLm7NZnCdsSzk/s1600/IMG_3697.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wiI-t3tG5ZEYANhYRjlUD1bSR0vaezK30NYD8cvq6XAsIXp0wj90ARh8X1-eQXmQ-czrplTCRKM6Km9qe9pa-jhnibKguXol1vTq7IVBjtrEcwJ7EuTYzvPLKDlPmoyLm7NZnCdsSzk/s320/IMG_3697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"><u><b>Here are some lessons/facts/advises I wished I knew when I was a teenager and in the early 20s (what I actually look like)</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes.</b> Better to make mistakes earlier than later.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>You are Never Too Old for Anything</b>. MANY people return to school in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s to learn something new. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <b>Stop Listen to Others All the Time. </b>Listen to YOUR heart and TRUST your instincts!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <b>List Blessings.</b> When you have 100 things to be sad, list 1,000 things to be happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b>Treat Yourself Once a While.</b> Don't burn yourself to death. You DESERVE to breathe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b>Speak Up Your Thoughts.</b> NOBODY is a mindreader. If you want to be understood, speak up is the ONLY way!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b>You CANNOT Always Get What You Want.</b> Could be a job, part, lover, etc. As long as you tried, sometimes just let it go!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b>The Biggest Enemy is Yourself, NOT the People Bring You Down.</b> IGNORE those people and cut them OUT from your life if you can! They have their "judgment" to say, but still YOUR </span><span style="font-size: large;">decision to "listen." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. <b>You Only Live Once and </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is Short.</b> If you want to do something, JUST DO IT. Don't let anyone/anything stop you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. <b>If Something Would not Matter in Five Year, Do Not Spend More Than Five Minutes Thinking About It. </b>Enough said! Just let it go!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">11. <b>Grades are NOT Everything.</b> Don't let bad grades bring you down or being overconfident with good grades. There are many other factors such other personality, networking, health, etc. to have a "successful" and "happy" life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12. <b>Go and Meet More People, Do Not Be Shy. </b>I like to socialize, but I am very shy due to my <u>language barrier</u>. Remember if they laugh at you, it is <u>their problem</u>, not yours. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">13. <b>Friends Come and Go.</b> Some friends might go, but there will be new friends. In the end, ONLY the TRUE friends will always stay with you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">14. <b>Develop Hobbies.</b> You need something destress. You should not be studying and working all the time. The more hobbies you have, the LESS LIKELY you will have depression </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">15. <b>Be Bold to Date. </b>I was (am) a shy person and talking to boys was (is) hard for me. Later, I realized, what is the <u>worse</u> can happen? He will say "no," and you two "don't work out." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">16. <b>Read and Write More.</b> Read a good book and write out your thoughts can help you de-stress and look at the world differently and realizing nothing is the end of the world. Your mind is what you read.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">17. <b>Have (Contingent) Plan(S). </b>Although life is always UNPREDICTABLE, still need a plan for everything we do. Not just a plan, contingency plans are NECESSARY. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">18. <b>Never Too Early to Learn How to Manage Your Finance.</b> Never knew how important finance is! If I learned finance earlier, I have saved more money, not wasted any money, and developed the skill to negotiate and find cheaper options. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">19. <b>Be Physically Active is Fun:</b> I might be very active now, but I was lazy and overweight when I was a teenager. I hated exercise, but encouragement and motivation from instructors changed my view of exercising. I <u>began enjoy working out</u>. Now, my lifestyle is completely changed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">20. </span><b>Develop the Habit of Going to Bed Early and Waking Up Early. </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Never knew how helpful this is! Your mind the <u>most efficient</u> in the morning. Staying up late <u>would not</u> accomplish anything. It is better to finish in the morning. I try to wake up a few hours earlier than other people and get the DIFFICULT and IMPORTANT tasks down, first, so in case something happens later the day, I don't have to worry. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">21. <b>Stop Comparing Yourself to Others.</b> You are special in your OWN way! Everyone has DIFFERENT timeline and talents. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">22. <b>Dress Neatly and Nicely.</b> You will be more likely land the job and make more friends if you dress well. I understand that appearance is NOT everything, but the way you dress defines your personality and intellectuality. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">23. <b>It is Okay to Have Dream. </b>Dream big, don't let the doubts kill your dreams. <u>Doubts kill more dreams than failures. </u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">24. <b>Families are Important.</b> No matter how busy you are, always think about the family, FIRST. They are the people will stay with you for as long as you live, not your career. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">25. <b>If you Having an Identify Crisis, Get Identify Capital and/or Create Yourself. </b>Like list your interests, hobbies, skills, and/or go to school to study what you like and always wanted to do!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">26. <b>Control Your Fate.</b> I usually let fate decide where I am going, but <u>unless it is something I cannot control,</u> don't every let fate control me again. I have the <u>right </u>pursue what I want. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">27. <b>Music Will Always Be There to Save Your Life. </b>Family and friends are there with when you need them, but they are not available 24/7. If you need an immediate pickup, have a motivational song playlist ready wherever you go. Here is: <a href="https://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2017/04/top-10-motivational-songs-i-like.html" target="_blank">Mine</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">28. <b>Understand Your Values</b>: Don't ever <u>undersell</u> yourself! You are <u>unique</u>, and your skill/personality/character are <u>irreplaceable</u>! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">29. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't Live in the Past, Keep Moving Forward. </b>Your past does NOT define your future. Future successes usually come past failures! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM3hrNhb7u5OAM3p0E2A9lt9wREI2JYdK-aXEU_ZLERqbqU26Iz9WuPIocQZSnGzcsJcgcjLl8e4Da5GLLSaJTkZR2x_ZA5hv0jJftsJE15jasKxBilMRZJWvioVIaOzOdts3ZVBEdZU/s1600/27858165_10155029693871046_1768170797167413749_n.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM3hrNhb7u5OAM3p0E2A9lt9wREI2JYdK-aXEU_ZLERqbqU26Iz9WuPIocQZSnGzcsJcgcjLl8e4Da5GLLSaJTkZR2x_ZA5hv0jJftsJE15jasKxBilMRZJWvioVIaOzOdts3ZVBEdZU/s320/27858165_10155029693871046_1768170797167413749_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you will find this helpful and GOOD LUCK!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">PS. Can you guess what were my three wishes?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFipZMmgHpKI6FAJWPMsvFPVBq6eraRGgAC2vogF2rIK-AWGNJgOtxHFRZCTxqHQdPAuGbyeCN2hlIx-HKJsIhXWcMYRXgUMXfsO7HHW6iNFpG6mU1nDU975NDkpoCrBNvSqCHibHBlVE/s1600/E0D702F9-7894-4038-A82E-2832805B5166-4608-000001882E796FF0_tmp.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFipZMmgHpKI6FAJWPMsvFPVBq6eraRGgAC2vogF2rIK-AWGNJgOtxHFRZCTxqHQdPAuGbyeCN2hlIx-HKJsIhXWcMYRXgUMXfsO7HHW6iNFpG6mU1nDU975NDkpoCrBNvSqCHibHBlVE/s320/E0D702F9-7894-4038-A82E-2832805B5166-4608-000001882E796FF0_tmp.JPG" width="240" /></a>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-2753255713435639132018-01-20T00:41:00.003-08:002018-01-20T13:46:34.716-08:002018 Hope and Plan<i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!! I know it is two weeks late. A lot of people like to make <b>"New Year's Resolutions" for "Self-Improvements."</b> I am no different. In the past, I tried to make my new year's resolution and <b>"not" sound </b>like resolutions, and <b>as "simple" and as "specific" </b>as possible, so they will be "easier" and have the <b>"guidance"</b> to achieve them. <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/five-strategic-goals-must-be.html" target="_blank">2012</a> (Better Time Management), <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-plans-and-life-style-shifts-in-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a> (Lifestyle Shifts), <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2014/01/14-wish-list-for-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a> (Wish List), <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-new-years-resolutionforget-about-it.html" target="_blank">2015</a> (Be Happy and Productive), <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2016/01/2016-thoughts-resolutions-and-goals.html" target="_blank">2016</a> (Thoughts and Goals), and <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2017/01/reflecting-2016-and-2017-goals.html" target="_blank">2017</a> (Daily Progress Improvement) </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">This year, <b><i>I am still trying</i></b> to make this year's resolutions not sound like resolution, simple, and specific so I will be more likely to achieve them. I have <b>TWO MAJOR GOALS</b>, this year, but I decided to <u>not share</u> on the blog like past years, sorry! If I reached them, I would share them at the end of the year. If I did achieve both of my goals (even just one), 2018 would be my year; <b>remember resolution quality over quantity!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"><u>The theme for 2018 is "Hope" and "Plan."</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>Hope </b>- </span><span style="text-align: center;">I have been practicing <b>gratitude </b></span><b>for</b><span style="text-align: center;"><b> years</b>; however, I realized as older we get,<b><i> life will get tougher and tougher</i></b>. I might be able to survive this situation, but cannot next. The best way to practice being "hopeful" and not being hard on me. There will be "hope" for better future and self-enrichment and take a breath here and there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Plan </b>- </span>I often cannot make all the resolutions come due to <b>"lack of time</b>." Well "not having enough time" is NOT an excuse. My parents once said <i>"Everybody only has 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year, how come there are successful people and unsuccessful people? Successful people did not have more time than unsuccessful people. The difference is that the what successful people are doing and thinking during the 24 hours versus unsuccessful people." </i></span></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Staring 2018, I plan my day properly and use time efficiently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">-<b>Become a morning person</b>: brain functions best in the morning and less distraction, so perfect time to get the most difficult and necessary tasks out the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">-<b>Listen to TedTalks/Inspirational Speeches While Doing Chores</b>: what a great way to use time efficiently. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">-<b>Release Stress by Clearing/Organizing and Exercising</b>: every time</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"> I have negative thoughts, read, do some chores, and/or go for a run. Say "no, no," to be negative. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">-<b>When I feel tired, stop and take a rest</b>: there is no way to keep working while I am not productive. I am wasting my work time AND sleep time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Dear My Readers: </u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I <b>hope </b>in <u>every 24 hours</u> you have each day, you are <b>doing the right thing and thinking the right stuff</b>. The <u>365-day</u> would go smoothly according to<u> your plan</u>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Have a great 2018!</span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-81374579518150196322017-12-23T20:06:00.000-08:002017-12-23T20:06:52.571-08:002017 Review<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2017 went by <b>like a wind.</b> I <b>"thought"</b> 2017 had <b>nothing special,</b> and I did <b>not accomplish anything</b>. Well, thanks to <b>Facebook</b>, it reminded me the following <u>highlights</u> of 2017. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Passing Credential Exams: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I earned <b>three credentials</b> this year: CAPM (Certified Associated with Project Management), Investment Foundation Certificate, and <a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2017/11/certified-six-sigma-green-belt-exam.html" target="_blank">CSSGB(Certified Six Sigma Green Belt)</a>. I have a <b>list of credentials </b>I plan to obtain after MBA, now three down, and I plan to get at least one more in 2018. <b>Not having a summer break </b>in 2017 was worth it because of these certificates. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Participating in Races</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a senior in college, I found my <b>interest in running.</b> When I first started running because I had to lose weight, I hated it. However, I suddenly fell in love with it because it <b>helped me clear my mind and release my stress.</b> Ever since then I enjoy being a runner. I hesitated to run with other people at first because<b> I don't want to get the pressure of competing,</b> but later I realized, I don't have to compete to participate in a race. I was <b>so surprised that I won the first place in my age division (25-29) </b>in one of the cross country 5K, this year. I plan to run longer and more challenging races in 2018. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Reuniting with High School Classmates</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2017/10/10-year-high-school-reunion-recap.html" target="_blank">High School Reunion</a> was <b>a big highlight</b>, this year. Catching up with classmates and getting to know them over again after 10 years was <b>amazing</b>. Since I already wrote a post, I am not going to mention a lot in here. Please click the link if you are interested. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Donating Blood</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1PDThC-ZhDBd4ZCK3eFiJVk94MR8UOD9Y8f7BDIV6hsBNgpgkq_jokS-OYpUGx5tkWIh33QKT6k7aWYbODEWEOywE4dvXNUC0OB7S7LO47tFuUkWC42wA-x2RzDDwsYWETmhfYqx7Xw/s1600/24130032_10154849634901046_4778591257387611261_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1PDThC-ZhDBd4ZCK3eFiJVk94MR8UOD9Y8f7BDIV6hsBNgpgkq_jokS-OYpUGx5tkWIh33QKT6k7aWYbODEWEOywE4dvXNUC0OB7S7LO47tFuUkWC42wA-x2RzDDwsYWETmhfYqx7Xw/s400/24130032_10154849634901046_4778591257387611261_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://xiaoxisworld.blogspot.com/2017/12/blood-donation-process.html">Donating blood </a>was <b>scary </b>at first, but I am proud of myself to <b>overcame the fear and saved other people's lives</b>. Since I wrote a post, I am not </span><span style="font-size: large;">I already wrote a post, I am not going to mention a lot in here. Please click the link if you are interested in learning the statistics, benefits, and process of donating blood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Participating in Toastmaster</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmRGsGNL95R9WhcrNwmqCTMQIqQGYcubn3W1nY2IPAAoAROGkJFDhx13nXwVDY8DGr9PWrB7-g2LD5NG7aVL9Ta_cRkrHNXz38M6vk-AcQXaR1e0jNIqfQWmj3UouBgfCV0oYbL9JZbY/s1600/20293134_843229555836203_3494479338027418677_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmRGsGNL95R9WhcrNwmqCTMQIqQGYcubn3W1nY2IPAAoAROGkJFDhx13nXwVDY8DGr9PWrB7-g2LD5NG7aVL9Ta_cRkrHNXz38M6vk-AcQXaR1e0jNIqfQWmj3UouBgfCV0oYbL9JZbY/s400/20293134_843229555836203_3494479338027418677_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was a member of Toastmaster from October 2016 to October 2017. I gave <b>at least ten speeches</b> this year. Due to the difficulty of balancing studying for credentials, work, and other personal commitments with Toastmaster, I had to pause my participation; however, I do plan to start back again. </span></div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-70420040691953774442017-12-17T20:58:00.005-08:002017-12-17T20:58:34.734-08:00Blood Donation Process <div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">I <b>donated my </b></span><b><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></b><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>for the first time</b> in June. I have been volunteering at Red Cross since high school, but never done it myself. I was super scared. I had fear with needles and</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">itself. With many years of hesitation I finally decided to do it because researched about facts and statistics and found out the <b>benefits and neediness of</b></span><b><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">donation</span></b><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>.</b> I am going to share <u>statistical facts</u>, <u>benefits</u>, and <u>process</u> of the</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">donation.</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhJKCGzXVIF_SgvK60er_ES4L6D_CHg1SunGoBzr1oHSQnTKSRhE3HLBkkavXJJt7SlQfaIpLooh_JxV8-E_VzJ-77MtOLPBn6xkIhJ08XQ0f1s1miK7JkTgYQQKTzxO6BVzbtmoZg4Q/s1600/24130032_10154849634901046_4778591257387611261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhJKCGzXVIF_SgvK60er_ES4L6D_CHg1SunGoBzr1oHSQnTKSRhE3HLBkkavXJJt7SlQfaIpLooh_JxV8-E_VzJ-77MtOLPBn6xkIhJ08XQ0f1s1miK7JkTgYQQKTzxO6BVzbtmoZg4Q/s320/24130032_10154849634901046_4778591257387611261_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>Statisfacts</u> - </b>significant </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;"><u>difference between supply and demand</u> of </span><span class="il" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;"> is significant. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Every <b>2 seconds</b>, someone in this world <b>need <span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Blood<span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <b>cannot be manufactured</b>, which means there is no substitute. The only way for people to receive </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> is donors.</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Only <b>3% of qualified donors </b>actually donate <span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> <b>Risks </b>such as feel light headed or pass out, but this <b>barely happened like 4 in a 1000.</b> Remember that the amount of <span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> they are taking <b>is less than 10%</b> of your </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One <b>pint of <span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">blood</span></b><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;">donation</span><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> can save up to <b>three lives</b></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <b><u>Benfits</u> </b>- </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Donating <span class="il">blood</span> does not only save other people’s lives, but also have <u>health benefit to donors</u>. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;">If you donate....</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reduce the risks of heart and liver disease and cancer </b>because when you donating<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="il" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">blood</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">, you are donating extra iron. Your liver would not be overwhelmed with extra irons. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Free </b>chance of <b>physical check up</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Help with <b>weight loss, </b>I lost a pound afterward</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> <b><u>P</u></b></span><span style="color: black;"><b><u>rocess</u> </b>- pretty simple. </span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Before </b>- make an appointment on the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/give-blood" target="_blank">American Red Cross Website</a>, you can enter <b>your zip code</b> and the website will list the locations and available times. Make sure to <b>avoid alocohol and fried food (unhealthy food)</b> and <b>eat iron rich meals (healthy)</b> for a few days before donating blood. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>During</b> - I recommend you <b>complete </b></span><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><b>Rapid Pass</b></a> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>before </b>you donate because it will <b>save a lot of time</b>. Rapid Pass will ask health and medical related questions. When you walk in, they will take your <b>pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and iron level</b>. If your numbers fell within the <b>acceptable range</b>, you are ready to donate! The moment the needle goes in, it might <b>hurt a little; however, you won't feel anything afterward</b>. The drawing process takes around <b>4 to 10 minutes</b>. I recommend <b>drink A LOT of water donating</b>, so the your blood will come out <b>faster</b> and you don't have to be sitting there for a long time. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>After - </b>make sure <b>drink water and eat well </b>for the next days. Red cross will provide some <b>snacks </b>afterward as well. <b>Congratulations, you just saved somebody's life!</b></span></li>
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Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-39884592787061415572017-11-26T23:09:00.004-08:002017-12-17T20:00:02.773-08:00Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Exam Experience and Passing Strategy <span style="font-size: large;"><i>I passed Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) in June!! This was one of my biggest accomplished in 2017 and one of my list of credentials to get after MBA. My hard work paid off. I look forward to advancing my career and better future. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>What is </i></span><i><b>Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)?</b> It is a professional who is well versed in the core to advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology, who leads improvement projects and/ or serves as a team member as a part of more complex improvement projects.</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Source: <a href="https://www.iassc.org/six-sigma-certification/green-belt-certification/">https://www.iassc.org/six-sigma-certification/green-belt-certification/</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span> <a href="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19260230_10154459668991046_6136436105520958227_n.jpg?oh=b94429fe2a3a5a5f986073dae5e4079e&oe=5A227B54" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No automatic alt text available." border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19260230_10154459668991046_6136436105520958227_n.jpg?oh=b94429fe2a3a5a5f986073dae5e4079e&oe=5A227B54" width="459" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Do NOT underestimate that it is an "open-book" exam: </b>I failed on my first try because I underestimated the difficulty of the exam, so I did not manage my time well (2) and practice enough (4). Even though it is an "open-book" exam, it is important to study as a "closed-book" exam. We can only look up at the numbers of the equations and tables, but we don't have time to actually read and understand the material during the exam. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b> <b>2. Manage Your Time During the Exam: </b>The exam is four and half hours, and there are 110 problems to solve (only 100 are graded). I try to solve 30 questions per hour, which is two minutes per question. If you are spending more than two minutes per question and still cannot figure out, move on. I flagged ones I did not know and saved last half hour to go back and solve flagged questions. Some statistical questions would take more than 2 minutes, so it is better to answer as many nonstatistical questions under 2 minutes as possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. </span></b><b>List Out all the Acronyms: </b>Many acronyms associated with the materials, such as DMAIC, DFSS, SIPOC, DOE, etc. We could not (we don't have to) memorize all. I recommend creating a cheat sheet with all the acronyms. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b> <b>4. Use the Appendix on the Back: </b>Appendix was my life saver!! Just find a keyword from the question and look up the appendix then it will lead to the right page with the correct answer. I was able to find the right answer to almost every question. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Practice, Practice, and PRACTICE!!</b> Once again do not discourage, if you study, you CAN pass. I recommend taking 3-4 practice tests (until you reach 80%-90%), and keep practice your weak part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good Luck to Everybody who is planning to take the test in the future. </span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-84907500137796589042017-10-09T00:14:00.000-07:002017-10-09T00:16:38.427-07:0010-Year High School Reunion Recap<i><span style="font-size: large;">8/05/2017 was my 10-Year High School Reunion. It was hard to believe it had been 10 years since high school graduation!! Although I kept in touch with a few people over the years, I did not see most of them for 10 years. I was very excited for the reunion!! </span></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp0rxBahf9IBN5aHcHGiTQxwSoV-Bjh6g9Cj0m3hpoEbxbsRhTIxKvybnszet5BOkrbD1wS-WC0EvwHDaZqtPltbsaWKxqmfDR_ZBaVPL5xyu1GFc4lndYOOG86fLwMK85okPFK5Ufuc/s1600/20727811_10154608731636046_1859857852207303664_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp0rxBahf9IBN5aHcHGiTQxwSoV-Bjh6g9Cj0m3hpoEbxbsRhTIxKvybnszet5BOkrbD1wS-WC0EvwHDaZqtPltbsaWKxqmfDR_ZBaVPL5xyu1GFc4lndYOOG86fLwMK85okPFK5Ufuc/s320/20727811_10154608731636046_1859857852207303664_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KDtwhINUtep8GDzvYn08U-s8k8FywdC4Nm2Lj-iCgsTEeyGFpGYAIgvoJKRteQYXyY8m9Mg732jUogSVfb8DSUenKpRFwXBCN7I3QrXNbANWChmr-AuX98rKxQ1lri_6RCVJkEsIZx8/s1600/20604552_10154595549666046_4748781435504291612_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KDtwhINUtep8GDzvYn08U-s8k8FywdC4Nm2Lj-iCgsTEeyGFpGYAIgvoJKRteQYXyY8m9Mg732jUogSVfb8DSUenKpRFwXBCN7I3QrXNbANWChmr-AuX98rKxQ1lri_6RCVJkEsIZx8/s320/20604552_10154595549666046_4748781435504291612_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was <b>nervous </b>about starting a conversation with my former classmates because we have not contacted for many years. However, they were <b>very friendly, and all remembered me</b> and greeted me with <b>warm hugs</b>. When we started talking, I felt like we <b>were never apart.</b> The <u><i>weird part</i></u><b> </b><span style="background-color: white;">was </span><span style="background-color: white;">t</span>hat <i>last time we were together, we were just <u>teenagers</u> now we are <u>drinking and/or married</u> (possibly parents)!! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was able to recognize most of the people. Only a few times I had to ask "Did you to our school or are you a guest?" I am sorry for those of you whom I didn't recognize. I thought it would be <b><i>awkward to talk to someone who I barely talked in high school</i>; </b>however, we still <b>bonded because we found same interest in hobbies and career goals. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The reunion went by TOO quickly. I was able to talk to most of the people. Talking with them again was <u>getting to know them all over again</u>!! Coming to the reunion was not only <span style="background-color: white;">fulfill my </span>curiosity for what my classmates were doing but also <b>give me a second chance to actually connect with my classmates.</b> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I <u>could not speak English well back in high school</u> because I had only been to America for a few years. I am glad that we had a deeper conversation this time!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some photos representing high school.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tFDZt8KpYyvTwrYdaQ_ntWTTzSf22hPubGF33facQGHkSeOnCHH_vy3Tl2rPnR8eaiZNZPEiv0OvOqoyOYHSY3PPdzbRTPwXoOUpSEz9ezcJ7SZFjY3aqvwPu-SSQDU0sVybBEgbBQc/s1600/DSC00932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tFDZt8KpYyvTwrYdaQ_ntWTTzSf22hPubGF33facQGHkSeOnCHH_vy3Tl2rPnR8eaiZNZPEiv0OvOqoyOYHSY3PPdzbRTPwXoOUpSEz9ezcJ7SZFjY3aqvwPu-SSQDU0sVybBEgbBQc/s320/DSC00932.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the high school graduation (seriously 10 years ago?)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ03Ih8A9gFWQtmOcXubkbiPE_Peei1buIQLTPHieJAptBP4w-4ges398kbcTAdtWlPyFNtgklwpxITO7gfeMrXFUjdCcuva1CpighiKZx177g_83Grw84jpFTEywE7KY2_AhM8Z0rnA/s1600/401802_10150423771406046_768285489_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ03Ih8A9gFWQtmOcXubkbiPE_Peei1buIQLTPHieJAptBP4w-4ges398kbcTAdtWlPyFNtgklwpxITO7gfeMrXFUjdCcuva1CpighiKZx177g_83Grw84jpFTEywE7KY2_AhM8Z0rnA/s320/401802_10150423771406046_768285489_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>My yearbook photos and event tickets!!</u> What good old days. Well, <i>I do look better today!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>I loved the Planners!!</u> I am a big planner person. I rely on google calendar every day. I probably <i>spend more time planning tasks than doing my tasks!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the reunion, I started to miss them already. <b>Let's keep in touch!!</b> I don't want to wait another 10 years to see each other again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was sad that some people could not make it, well I wish you the best, and I hope our paths will cross together somewhere on this earth someday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Here is to another good 10 years!!</u></b> Where were will be by then? Now we have people coming with husband/wife, next time we will have people coming with children!! </span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-34149700986944468792017-07-09T22:27:00.005-07:002017-07-09T22:27:58.024-07:00Post Grad Unemployment? How to handle it. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>April through June are graduation season. Commencements are wonderful because they <b>honor all the achievement</b> and celebrate an <b>"end of an era."</b> If the <span style="background-color: white;">graduates did not have a job</span> offer after graduation, there would be a bitter part of the celebration. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Dear Graduates Who are Unemployed/ Underemployed: </u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">You can <i>choose </i>to sad or happy about the situation. <b>I started this blog when I was unemployed after college graduation back in 2011.</b> I am going to share my experiences and advice I received over the years. I hope this post will be helpful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaILQFgiWI9hM1lBi5OtMdvy2PAObCvKS5YuRmCNtXVL_1Z9V_xWjz-XmJK8Mq2pIxA5CfgOuUsnT8tRqSrSrAeKOrlhR9ahaSNZM9Y2Kp2-O9WME5Z2jXyRib3G8k8ivCmgfgFJlD-tM/s1600/graduation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaILQFgiWI9hM1lBi5OtMdvy2PAObCvKS5YuRmCNtXVL_1Z9V_xWjz-XmJK8Mq2pIxA5CfgOuUsnT8tRqSrSrAeKOrlhR9ahaSNZM9Y2Kp2-O9WME5Z2jXyRib3G8k8ivCmgfgFJlD-tM/s200/graduation.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVGqMjHDLKSFgHjr0IGyoyi1lrkoylDVXDKZhgk5dLAaQ5HvE6xVecrjJ8GznXP3E6tq1mN_gDWvjNRwd81pXcxGtskGLVja3H6aTbBdehkDi5wsu2Ocvr0GfY-eNiD6mpOyf_rWqZKU/s1600/WU+Grad+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="648" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVGqMjHDLKSFgHjr0IGyoyi1lrkoylDVXDKZhgk5dLAaQ5HvE6xVecrjJ8GznXP3E6tq1mN_gDWvjNRwd81pXcxGtskGLVja3H6aTbBdehkDi5wsu2Ocvr0GfY-eNiD6mpOyf_rWqZKU/s200/WU+Grad+%25285%2529.jpg" width="161" /></a><br />
(Graduation from High School: 2007, College: 2011, and Graduate School: 2016)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">First, <u>do not feel frustrated or miserable</u> if you are did not end up with a "good job" after graduation. Understand that you worked hard on getting the degree/certificate and <b>BE PROUD of yourself </b>for finishing it. <u>Be patient</u> about job hunting because finding the "right fit" takes time. I know that you might have loans and other commitment, but don't rush into whatever job that is available there. <i>You rather start work later with the job you actually love than work soon with the job you would end up hating.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">While you are unemployed/ underemployed, there are <u>plenty of stuff</u> you can do other than being stressed out. I am sure there are things you have been putting off due to school and other commitments. Here are the activities I did while I was unemployed. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Spend time with family and friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Develop your passion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Study something that is not taught in the university</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Travel the world</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Start business/ learn to be a freelancer</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also have some job hunting tips, and hopefully, this would speed up with landing the right fit job. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reconnect with your friends, old classmates, professors, and coworkers and extended family: </b>maybe they can do referral job. You need to "know someone" to actually get a job these days. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Polish resume</b>: I asked many writing tutors to edit my resume to look perfect. Having a good resume would stand out among other applicants.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Consult with counselors</b>: do not forget to reach out career advisors, and they would love to give you more advice. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Find out your true self:</b> I listed what I like and good at while searching for my career path. This helped me market myself better in networking and interviews. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember, in the end, <b>it does not matter </b>whether you have a job offer or not at the time of the graduation. Post Graduation is only <u>one moment in life</u>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">You never know where you at and what kind job you will in 5, 10, and 20 years and even 30 years. <u>People change jobs and careers all the time.</u></span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-52543167026719828082017-04-17T12:33:00.003-07:002017-04-18T11:12:46.417-07:00Top 10 Motivational Songs I Like<span style="font-size: large;">I admit that I have down time in my life such as personal issues, could not land my dream job, things did not go like I planned, and/or being treated badly at school or work. We all have those moments. What has been always being there here and kept me moving forward? <b>It is MUSIC!! </b>I conducted the rankings of my favorite motivational songs. These songs are <u>attached</u> to my heart!! The links are in the title. I hope you will listen and get inspired!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="https://youtu.be/_Z5-P9v3F8w" target="_blank">Never Say Never</a> - Justin Bieber</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for Never Say Never" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ea/Never_Say_Never_Single.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Never Say Never came out in 2011 when I graduated college. At that time job market was slim, so I received a lot of rejection letters. However, <b>I will never say never about landing my dream job</b> because <i>"whenever you knock me down, I will not stay on the ground!!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. <a href="https://youtu.be/0BsLd4Y060Q" target="_blank">Born This Way</a> - Lady Gaga</span><br />
<img alt="Related image" height="320" src="https://pre08.deviantart.net/371e/th/pre/i/2011/274/c/5/lady_gaga__born_this_way_by_jowishwuzhere2-d4bjvzd.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Born This Way reminded me of being bullied in school regarding my poor language skills and negative body image. This song <b>boosted my confidence</b> because <i>"you are beautiful in your way because god makes no mistake. You are on the right track because you are born this way."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="https://youtu.be/h8GUCQQZS64" target="_blank">Reflection</a> - Christina Aguilera</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for christina aguilera reflection" height="223" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c1pC-cr9phs/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I listen to reflection every time I lost my way. This song is from the movie "Mulan." I am like her. I don't want to be the person other want me to be. I hope they will <b>see and accept my true self. </b><i>"Must there a secret me I force to hide. I won't pretend that I am someone else for all time. When will my reflection who I am inside?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. <a href="https://youtu.be/NG2zyeVRcbs" target="_blank">The Climb</a> - Miley Cyrus</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for The Climb" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e8/76/f9/e876f9ac25b1e0a066dfa866809246a8.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I listen to "The Climb" when I am <b>achieving a long and tough goal</b>. I often doubt whether I will get there or not and I might give up in the middle. This song would keep me going <b>no matter how fast and how it will take</b> me to get there because <i>"there always going to be another mountain, there will be some battle, and sometimes I have to lose."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="https://youtu.be/LKaXY4IdZ40" target="_blank">When You Believe</a> - Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for when you believe" src="https://img.discogs.com/bty3N4dq5Mc_FRAl5f2typhvfgE=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-427342-1420152710-5408.jpeg.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If going through something, which <b>I cannot control or the probability of success is low</b>, I often listen to "When You Believe." It gave me hope because<i> "there can be miracles when you believe, through hope is frail.It's hard to kill." </i>I like to believe in miracles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://youtu.be/QGJuMBdaqIw" target="_blank">Firework</a> - Katy Perry</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for firework katy perry" height="298" src="https://i.jeded.com/i/katy-perry-firework.17757.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I listen to this song <b>before interviews and presentations.</b> Although I don't like interviews and presentations and I am not good at speaking, this song give me the confidence. I feel <b>I am the firework</b> and let the interviewees/audience see my worth (as I shoot across the sky). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://youtu.be/aJxrX42WcjQ" target="_blank">You Raise Me Up</a> - Josh Groban</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for you raise me up josh groban" height="222" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aJxrX42WcjQ/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This song encourages me to <b>take challenges</b> and help me to go beyond what I can. I am a risk taker, but I my fear often get in the way. Whenever I feel afraid, I image a sin and think <i>"I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You raise up to more than I can be." </i>I love Josh Groban's opera voice because it <b>warms my heart</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://youtu.be/RRNdmkH8zrI" target="_blank">Through the Rain</a> - Mariah Carey</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for Through the rain" src="https://images.eil.com/large_image/MARIAH_CAREY_THROUGH%2BTHE%2BRAIN%2B%2B%2BPOSTCARDS-253806b.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Every time I go through a<b> rough time</b>, I image like this song's lyrics<i> "caught in the rain and nowhere to run."</i> I believe that <i>"I can make through the rain and I can stand up once again, on my own because I am strong enough to make it. If I live one more day, I am going to make through the rain."</i> I LOVE Mariah's voice. It gave me <b>POWER</b>!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://youtu.be/Xn676-fLq7I" target="_blank">Stronger</a> - Kelly Clarkson</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for kelly clarkson stronger" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/91/WDKYSingleCover.jpg/220px-WDKYSingleCover.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I hear <b>discouragement or something devastating</b> happen to me, I often become a negative person and think it is the end of the world. I listen to Stronger to <b>maintain positive</b> because <i>"what does kill you makes you stronger"</i>. Instead of being killed by those discouragement and devastating events, I will become a <b>fighter to win the battle.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="https://youtu.be/k4V3Mo61fJM" target="_blank">Fix You</a> - Cold Play</span><br />
<img alt="Image result for Fix You Coldplay" height="299" src="https://media3.giphy.com/media/8vUfZT1LV96nK/200_s.gif" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fix You is such a <b>therapeutic song</b>. It starts with </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"When you try your best, but you don't succeed. When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep. Stuck in reverse. When the tear stream down your face, when you lose something you can not</span><span style="font-size: large;"> replace, </span><span style="font-size: large;">when love someone, but it goes to waste. Could be worse?" </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am sure we ALL HAD at least one of those moments. This song came out when I was in high school (most weird time). I lost track how many times this song <b>saved my life </b>for the past ten years. </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"People Haven't Always Been There for Me, But Music Always Has" </span><span style="font-size: large;">- Taylor Swift</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">You are NEVER ALONE when you have music!!</span></div>
<br />Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-57335157334441218702017-02-13T20:10:00.001-08:002017-02-13T20:12:09.421-08:0028 Blessings<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy Birthday to Me!!</b> Thank you very much for the birthday wishes from friends and family ALL OVER THE WORLD!! I am <b>truly blessed</b>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>After 28 years of living, one of the important things I learned is <b>counting blessings</b>... I understand that <u>life is not easy</u>, and <u>plans usually would not go </u>the way we wanted. Despite the fact that we might face many downtime and sadness, <u>life is still filled with blessings</u>. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THAT. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Me and my mom in Hawaii last summer. We found love everywhere.)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Here are <u><b>28 gratefulness</b></u> in my life. I hope more to come......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. I am healthy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I know three languages</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I have friends all over the world</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. I able to play piano</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. I have a job</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. I am highly educated</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. I am good with numbers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. I love music</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. I am outgoing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10. I have sets of short term goals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">11. I enjoy food A LOT</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12. I like to travel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">13. I can swim</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">14. I am an analytical person</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">15. I motivate myself to go to gym often</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">16. I am not too short nor too tall</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">17. I successfully lost some of my excess fat </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">18. I have a great smile and enthusiasm </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">19. I do not drink or smoke</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">20. I have a nice heart</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">21. I love hugs </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">22. I look younger than my chronological age</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">23. I am not picky and open to everything</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">24. I have a blog</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">25. I like to learn new skills and take challenges </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">26. I sleep well and barely anything can keep me awake</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">27. I enjoy writing and reading</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">28. I can bake and cook</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whenever I feel unsatisfied with my life or going through a tough time, I will pull up this list.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-74268809478050800972017-01-30T00:39:00.002-08:002017-01-30T20:21:23.621-08:00What is Chinese/Lunar New Year Means to Me<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy Chinese New Year!!</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Since I am Chinese-American, I am happy to say I get celebrate New Year TWICE!! Chinese new year comes later than American new year because America follows roman calendar (365 days a year) and China follows lunar calendar (30-day-month, 360 days a year). </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">(Taken at Last Chinese New Year. The Chinese International/Exchange Students from my school and I made dumplings together. <u>Dumpling is one of the traditional must-have for Chinese New Year.</u>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I left China when I was seven years old</b>, so last time I spend </span><span style="font-size: large;">Chinese New Year in China was 1996. Unfortunately, <b>I don't remember much of it.</b> After I have been spending Chinese New Year in Japan and the US. I have been told that Chinese New Year is <b>fun and festive</b>. People gather together and cook and eat. It is a lot <b>like Thanksgiving in America</b>. There are fireworks, parade, entertainments, etc. People usually get a long break from work and school. Even though I don't get a break from school or work, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I still have a fantastic time celebrating it with my family and Chinese people live in other countries.</b> I am glad that China is a popular country and a lot of foreigners acknowledge the Chinese New Year, so Chinese people who live in other countries could get enough celebration even they are not in China. There are many places with Chinatown and Chinese restaurant, where the <b>Chinese new year is heavily celebrated.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although I feel I still have fun and get enough of Chinese New Year celebration, <u>I hope someday, I will get to spend Chinese New Year in China</u> to experience the real celebration. </span></div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-28768780067683884832017-01-22T15:40:00.002-08:002017-01-30T20:21:03.970-08:00Beat Bullies <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Statistic Facts from Bullies from <a href="https://nobullying.com/bullying-suicide-statistics/">https://nobullying.com/bullying-suicide-statistics/</a>: </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Bullied victims are 7 to 9 percent more likely to consider suicide according to a study by YaleUniversity."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Studies in Britain have found half of the suicides among youth related to bullying."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"According to a study by ABC News over 30,000 children stay home every day due to the fear of being bullied."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been experiencing <b>being bullied since pre-school, and I can still feel the pain after 20 years</b>. I know I need to move on from my dark past, but if you have experience being bullied as a child, you will understand it is very hard to forget about it. Being bullied continued through elementary school to high school (even graduate school). Sometimes I <b>cried myself to death</b>, there were even days that I did not want to go to school because of the bullies. My behavior was strange sometimes and I developed low self-esteem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought it will get better after high school as we grow older and become more mature. However, after experiencing bully again in graduate school and one of my previous workplace, I learned <b>bullies would never going to disappear no matter how old we get. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bully exists everywhere. </b>No matter which country and what kind of community it is, there will be bullies. I grew up in <u>three different countries, there were bullies in school from all of them</u>. Moreover, It is not just in the schools, the bully can exist in a workplace, neighborhood, community, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, <b>NOTHING can stop those bullies </b>despite the fact that there are advocates who would like to have the word out to stop them. They might be able to reduce bullies but cannot eliminate them because most of the bullies are not aware of they are wrong. <u>The only thing we can do is to avoid being involved with bullies and protect ourselves from them</u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember that, <b>NO ONE</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> can save you from bullies</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> besides YOU</b>, not your parents, teachers, friends, nor boyfriend/girlfriend. <u>The best revenge is to ignore them and be strong with improving yourself.</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> The purpose of the bullies is that they want to see you cry and being sad. <b>Do NOT let them get their way.</b> After being bullied for long, I decided instead of being depressed, I worked hard to raise my grades and landing my dream job and exercise a lot to be strong. Now, I have more friends, happier, smarter, and stronger; </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">I would not let anyone bully me, anymore</b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lastly, bullies it is <b>not</b> your problem, so do not blame yourself. They are the one with problems. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You are awesome. Bullies are NOT."</i></span></div>
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Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-2837584214223726272017-01-15T01:38:00.001-08:002017-01-15T01:39:17.162-08:00Dealing with Anxiety<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Confession</u>: I have anxiety. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Definition of Anxiety</u>: mental health disorder characterized by <b>feelings of worry or fear</b> that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhCrhFL5keqlKLSQwthiHiuTC9-zK_HCuKjTckObCuYzigaomOT0gBbo47Ve6aakE9hpoAM9fE3-BVdPy8MRBz50lf141E1TYb5l7wMaxU3kkb9_Ug5t4T-EzntJMYXepgdFAp7peu88/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhCrhFL5keqlKLSQwthiHiuTC9-zK_HCuKjTckObCuYzigaomOT0gBbo47Ve6aakE9hpoAM9fE3-BVdPy8MRBz50lf141E1TYb5l7wMaxU3kkb9_Ug5t4T-EzntJMYXepgdFAp7peu88/s400/IMG_3782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Me at Age 4)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are a lot of worries and fears in my life, which has interfered my daily life. I worry about the future would not go the way like I planned, and I can fear that I cannot handle the failure and unfortunate from the unplanned incidents. Those anxieties lead me to less sleep, binge eating/lost appetite, being anti-social, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Feeling of anxiety started when I was a junior in high school. I was confused what I wanted to do and struggled with academics. I worried about I can never find the career I love, and scared that I would not be successful. I thought anxiety could get better once I go to college; however, I </span><span style="font-size: large;">anxiety IS STILL with me TODAY. (after </span><span style="font-size: large;">graduating college and graduate school and </span><span style="font-size: large;">start working)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Later, I realized anxiety will continue to exist throughout the lifetime no matter how old I get because there are always something to worry and fear. Life is filled with cycles of challenges. One is solved and another one comes, and sometimes additional difficulties appear before resolving the first one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I learned to overcome my anxiety by <b><u>talking to my future self</u>.</b> When I was in school, I worry about whether I will pass the classes and able to graduate. Now in my professional life, I feel doing school is the <u>easiest thing ever</u>. Work is harder than study. <u>I do not know why I was scared back then</u>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Currently, I am having anxiety about my career path, finance, life partner, etc; however, I am <b>confident</b> that my future self will say "<u>I </u></span><u style="font-size: x-large;">do not know why I was scared.</u><span style="font-size: large;"> These are the <u>easiest things</u> ever!!</span><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of my favorite quotes when I treat my anxiety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Problems are only temporary."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Life is filled with surprises."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Live in the present. You can not change the past, and you never know the future. There is no need to not letting go of the past and worrying about the future."</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Let's Beat Anxiety and Hope for the Happiness. </span></div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-66567561373903841172017-01-08T15:32:00.005-08:002017-01-08T15:34:15.993-08:00Reflecting 2016 and 2017 Goals<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Wow!! I can't believe 2016 is over fast like any years. A year will go faster as we age, which was mathematically proven. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5CKN-vcks68phbom8fyf9bT0nRL2ZVcWoRZIkp1vj0gHMqu_v6hpK02n7Ll9uuB92O1KbRoELQC0ncL9MElc7mht3K0_DB32HCBqfLMMsAxSUTPBuNSHqDZACG4KugCzAYi06ZE30vQ/s1600/WU+Grad+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5CKN-vcks68phbom8fyf9bT0nRL2ZVcWoRZIkp1vj0gHMqu_v6hpK02n7Ll9uuB92O1KbRoELQC0ncL9MElc7mht3K0_DB32HCBqfLMMsAxSUTPBuNSHqDZACG4KugCzAYi06ZE30vQ/s320/WU+Grad+%25282%2529.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Reflecting 2016</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I <b>finished graduated school and my student life is officially over</b>. I moved back to Southern Oregon to start my career. The change was significant. Working for clients (who <b>paid me</b> for the work) is <i>more challenging</i> than working for professors (who <b>I pay</b>). The demand and expectation were a lot. I don't have time to hang out with friends or make friends like I used to be, but I also became party harder (because I work harder.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were <b>many ups and downs, </b>this year. Due to my privacy, I would state those in the I am extremely blessed with all the happiness and proud of myself for being able to go through the sadness. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-h9GdOdoNy1pxUmOWR_hpfFelq2DX_o7vWemIsX2ZrGw7dOlZhiLed5miUeWCkg3Ucvs0ufAiPWuKroKdBcL5LpaD8MkqlhO_1zq0jUA6rxlpd9X2WrwC9r1Zhlx5BNE4pJXKRtzPoQ/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-h9GdOdoNy1pxUmOWR_hpfFelq2DX_o7vWemIsX2ZrGw7dOlZhiLed5miUeWCkg3Ucvs0ufAiPWuKroKdBcL5LpaD8MkqlhO_1zq0jUA6rxlpd9X2WrwC9r1Zhlx5BNE4pJXKRtzPoQ/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Goals for 2017</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I <b>would not make</b> any specific new years resolution. I am like most people, I <b>can not keep </b>my new year's resolution. I l realized looking back, even though I did not make all the resolutions and goals come true in the end, I still <b>made progress and improvement</b>. I am proud of myself. So, this year I only tell myself to <b><u>become better than 2016</u></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I <u>grew up the most</u> this from these life shifts and incidents. I learned "every step we take is an achievement" and "what does not kill you will make you stronger." </span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Be Happy!! Let's hope 2017 will bring us more joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>P.S. I will keep my blog post consistent for 2017</i></span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-90552124234725886152016-06-14T23:25:00.001-07:002018-04-19T22:07:11.479-07:00Strategies to Survive Graduate School<span style="font-size: large;">As you know, I finished graduate school a month ago!! It was one of the best moments of my life!! I won't be a full-time student again for the rest of my life...haha...</span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIxhxoUrZhe9gPzlqy-NwP1IsTbEJbbTOcp4ov7t3wOxvlfdi4cpIbCfHLTYRqX05RHTXhDOBFYIKR-vAEQZtxl10NvZBrgNhE6pqnItRwb_Y9aaFoNS-ggwMZUdwB4FII4FyPhgvFWE/s1600/WU+Grad+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIxhxoUrZhe9gPzlqy-NwP1IsTbEJbbTOcp4ov7t3wOxvlfdi4cpIbCfHLTYRqX05RHTXhDOBFYIKR-vAEQZtxl10NvZBrgNhE6pqnItRwb_Y9aaFoNS-ggwMZUdwB4FII4FyPhgvFWE/s320/WU+Grad+%252810%2529.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Looking back graduate school, there were many hardships. Sometimes I felt myself going to break from all those homework, meetings, tests, presentations....etc. On top of school work, I had to find time to look for jobs, get involved in extra curriculum, make side money, etc.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei4Y1QYKRDr5sHcVDK98UYg22iCTwDmI7cTIFuwzRwWQcKRsaisbg1yepZLcP1HVmpQMs-sq3bRhLOcdTy-7T79g-KfYyebuGL2QgdIX1vxX_Baawo8TF75pF6-iVyDUEj4JPQx_ppMY/s1600/WU+Grad+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei4Y1QYKRDr5sHcVDK98UYg22iCTwDmI7cTIFuwzRwWQcKRsaisbg1yepZLcP1HVmpQMs-sq3bRhLOcdTy-7T79g-KfYyebuGL2QgdIX1vxX_Baawo8TF75pF6-iVyDUEj4JPQx_ppMY/s320/WU+Grad+%25286%2529.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even though graduate school sounds difficult, there are strategies to help you to survive. DO NOT WORRY:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Use a Calendar and Alerts:</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> Everyday is filled with classes, meetings, and other tasks. It is very easy to forget things and lose track, so Google Calendar was my LIFE SAVER in graduate school. I put ALL the </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">deadlines and appointment times</span></u><span style="font-size: large;">. This helped me be </span><u><span style="font-size: large;">organized</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> in the craziness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Write Daily To Do List and Prioritize</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: There are ALWAYS a lot in our plate in graduate school. Professors give us <u>countless</u> projects and assigns every day. Effective strategy was require to get everything done. In order to stay on top of everything, make sure to have good plan and organize what is <u>more important</u> than other. <b><i>Time management skill was more difficult to learn than text book knowledge.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Work Smart (Hard):</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> One of the key concept I learned in graduate school is "Don't Work Hard, Work SMART". Since time is scarce resources in graduate school, it is important to be <u>efficient</u>. Try to <u>focus</u> while studying or doing any other task. Once the focus is lost and become less productive, STOP and do something else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ask Questions and Seek Help</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: There are a lot of good resources in school. Since we are pay TONS of <u>money$$$$</u> to the school, it is better to USE IT. I reached out for tutors for homework, I consulted the librarian for research paper, I asked my advisors for tips and strategies for job hunting...etc. Professors were very kind to answer questions after classes as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <b>Mediate/Exercise</b>: I realized my mood get <u>extremely negative</u> when I am burned out with school work and anxiety for the future. I tried to mediate and exercise as much as possible out of my busy schedule. My mood <u>changes instantly</u> after that. So use <b><i>just 10 minutes</i></b> once in several days to mediate. Try to exercise for <b><i>just 30 minutes</i></b> a day would be even more helpful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b>Encourage Yourself and Your Classmates</b>: It is important to be <u>positive</u> no matter what happens. I kept telling myself that "you are going great, and <i>everything is going to be OK.</i>" Remember, you are <u>not the only one</u> going through this hardship. Your classmates are feeling it with you, so <i>give them the power</i>. I promise your encouragement means a lot to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. <b>Take Power Naps Here and There</b>: Sleep is <i><b>luxury</b></i> in graduate school. <u>Not a day</u> in graduate school that I did not feel tired. I often passed out before I can finish all the task for that day. During those time power naps were helpful. <u>Quick 20-minute nap</u> can refresh my brain significantly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. <b>Have Fun Once a While</b>: Finding time to have fun is challenging; however, I strongly believe <i><b>no matter busy you are, you can still "make" some fun time.</b></i> Best fun idea for busy graduate students is "<u>quick celebration after a presentation/test/any accomplishments."</u> Every time I finished a milestone, I invite a few friends to get a quick drink, dessert, or hike. It is good to <u>treat yourself</u> once a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although, graduate school was tense, but in the end it PAID OFF!!</span><br />
<br />Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-41918315755234264522016-02-14T02:59:00.002-08:002016-02-14T12:35:41.474-08:00How I Fall in Love with Writing......<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy Valentine's Day!! Valentine is NOT about having a boyfriend/girlfriend/date or not, it is about "LOVE." You can love your friends, family, and others. Today I would like to express how I fall in love with writing. I might going to write about how I fall in love with a guy many years later......</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did not like to write as I grow up. Not only I did not like, <b>I HATED IT</b>. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. I took writing classes to improve it, but it did not work as well. I learned how to write in a proper format, but I still struggled. <b>I grow up in three different countries, so language was always a problem.</b> I liked math class and I hated literature class from elementary school to high school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was 21, I took a writing class in college as part of my degree requirement. I thought this class would be like the writing classes I took before where I did not improve anything; however,<b> I met an awesome professor</b> who changed my view of writing. He made his class interesting by having a lot of discussions for what we like write. <u>Instead of spending hours on the boring grammar practice, we learned how to express our self in writing.</u> Then he helped us how to put the thoughts in better expression. After that, edit the grammar, spelling, and punctuation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like any other people in their teens and 20s, there <b>were anxiety and insecurity in my life.</b> I admit that I was very depressed in high school and college with stress and pressures; however, <b>writing made me happy and less depressed</b>. I feel I can be myself and get to know myself. It is the best way to mediate. The more I write, the better I got. <u>First we all have to LOVE to write, so we will practice more. The more we practice, we learn more about grammar, spelling, and punctuations.</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing not about grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc., it is about expressing myself and reflect who I am.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I admit that I still struggle with writing and every time I come to writing an email or formal paper, I get scared because I will make spelling and grammar mistakes. However, this would not stop me from writing.<b> The only way to improve is practice.</b> Do not get scared for making mistakes. Learn from mistakes.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Literature is wonderful. <b><u>Do not stop writing</u></b>. Everyone is a good writer as long as you have thoughts. Your writing is what you stand out and <b>what is unique about "YOU."</b></span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-11631611006215112272016-01-31T00:21:00.004-08:002016-01-31T01:21:26.797-08:00Working in a Cross-Cultural/Functional Team <span style="font-size: large;"><i>In my MBA program, we do various team works and they are often done in cross-cultural teams. Working in a <b>cross-cultural team</b> seems hard, and I admit that it is difficult sometimes. There are <b>language barrier, miscommunication</b>, difference in cultures, etc. I experience difficulties as well; however, it was very fun working in a cross-cultural team. It was easier than I thought. Here are the thoughts I gained from this opportunity.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In order to overcome the difference in culture and communication, it is important to have <b>open communication</b> in the team. I understand some cultures are more indirect than others, but we encouraged each other to be open to mitigate communication problems in working together. The next important strategy in a successful group is <b>mutual understanding and respect</b>, which means everyone should <b>respect</b> <b>each other and accept to other cultures</b>. Lastly, no matter which language we speak, we should </span><span style="font-size: large;">have the <b>same goal</b>. Having the same goal would overcome the language barrier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After my MBA program, I hope to work in an international company and able to <b>connect with people across the globe</b>. The benefit of cross-cultural team is that it is helpful to for the team to be <b>successful in the long-run.</b> Homogenous team would have less difficulties in working together; however, it is only for the short-term success. Cross-cultural team would <b>never run out of ideas</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I learned although we are different, but all the cultures are <b>interrelated</b>. We all like get together and eat delicious food and have fun no matter where you from. We all work hard to make our dreams come true. <b>Food and hard work</b> can bring people together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's United the World and Help One and Another!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are family!!</span></div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-73494033866844977242016-01-18T00:13:00.003-08:002016-01-18T00:13:20.603-08:002016 Thoughts (Resolutions and Goals) <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Haha......New Year's Resolution.....Every year I try to make them, but it is very hard to keep them. So instead of having a list of resolutions that I am not going to follow, I will express my thoughts about my plans and goals it in this narrative </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope 2016 is going to be a <b>good year</b> in my life because it is one of the most important year in my life. First, I will be <b>graduating from my MBA program</b>. It is this May, which will happen sooner than I expect. I am not going to lie, I feel <b>really scared</b>. I have to get a job, decide my pathway, pay back loans, pass various licensing exams, etc. Before (also after) I graduate, I need <b>work hard to build hard skills</b> in order to adapt work successfully. I plan to study accounting, data analysis, operation, and finance diligently. Not only I must to work on my hard skill, but also learning the <b>soft skill</b> is necessary. I have to practice <b>my writing skills</b> and express my thoughts in a clear, concise, and direct manner. Although I know English, Chinese, and Japanese fluently, I still need a lot of work to use them in the professional manner. I have to <b>master being a professional </b>in general. A lot of part about me is still childish and immature. Having a good soft skill will help me get a job and build connections with other people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This my main goals is to be <b>unplugged from my phone</b>. This would help me a lot to achieve my typical new year resolutions/goals. Unplugged from my phone would help me stay more <b>focused</b> in studying, so I can <b>build my strong hard skill. </b>It would also <b>help me communicate with people</b> better by not checking my phone time to time. I do not phones anymore when I eating with friends and family. Staying away from phone would give me time to<b> concentrate in reading and writing</b> various languages. This would definitely help me achieve my goals this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all, 2016 would be finishing graduate school, take various licensing exams, work on my hard and soft skills, grow up to be a professional, and stay unplugged from my phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well this is it for now. I hope you will continue read my blogs in 2016....</span><br />
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I pretend to be a good student:)</div>
Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734847647115874951.post-65254427898446417892016-01-08T15:15:00.003-08:002016-01-08T15:15:59.297-08:002015 Memories<i><span style="font-size: large;">2015 was a great year, but was so good for this blog. I stopped updating since February because second semester of my MBA program was TOO INTENSE... then I got lazy in the summer. I am sorry for lack of post in 2015 (I even did not do this year review until after the new year). I promise to keep this blog updated (no excuses) in 2016 because this is kind of another part of me. I do not want it to "die."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Traveled A LOT in 2015: Been to Four Countries - Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the USA</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Top Left - Cancun, Mexico:</b> My first time in Mexico!! Understanding the language was a struggle, but we made work. Mexico has longer history than the US and I was able to watch the real Latin Dance. I even used the Spanish I learned in high school and learned more Spanish (I plan to do a separate post on this)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Top Right - Banff, Canada:</b> It was such A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!! I have live in Oregon for many years and visit various beautiful places; however, the elegance of Banff still impressed me. (I plan to do a separate post on this) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Bottom Left - Tokyo, Japan:</b> It was my first time in Japan after 13 years!! I felt glad that school offered the opportunity to go to Japan as the international business study trip for this spring. Japan did change much as I expected, but definitely more globalized now. Visiting companies and meeting alumni were interested, but the best part was reconnecting with old classmates (I plan to do a separate post on this) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Bottom Right - New York, USA:</b> I have attended a career conference in New York. The conference was not as great as I expected, but I still learned many career lessons and inspired by other MBA graduates. (I plan to do a separate post on this) </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">School and Friends: Although 2015 was mainly about intense graduate school, but I found fun in working projects with people and made friends</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Starting from the top)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Working in a Cross-cultural/functional Team:</b> I thought working in this kind of team would be a challenging; however, it was a nice experience. This diverse team create more ideas and I learned many different working style. Cross-cultural/functional team would succeed in long-run than homogenous team. (I plan to do a separate post about the strategy to work in a cross-cultural/functional Team)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Making Friends:</b> Although we all have busy lives, but we managed to spend time with each other. My graduate school has so many nice people from all over the world. I am glad to meet them, get know them, and hang out with them. I wished school was not so busy, so we could spend more time together and get to know each other better. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Helping First Years and Friends:</b> I enjoy helping people. When I became 2nd year MBA student, I volunteered my time to help first years. I have always stepped up for my friends. I helped them as much as I can. It is not only I want to be a friendly person, but also I learn through helping others. I also get help in return. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Being Involved with Leadership Organizations:</b> Being part of a leadership organization was more challenging than I thought. There were a lot of work on top of all the school work. However, it was paid off, I gained so much real life experience that would not learn from the textbooks. I liked work for students. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so much to achieve in 2016......</span>Xiaoxi Meihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010309959419565341noreply@blogger.com0