還沒正式的成為員工,我們就被邀請到Johnson&Johnson的總公司所在地 New Brunswick, NJ 參加一年一度的股東大會. 雖然公司幫我們安排周到,可是剛巧碰上家人來訪,我得把他們丟在芝加哥,然後又是沒趕上飛機 ( 怪了,我明明一早就到機場,可是卻還是錯過,而且原因離奇,居然是飛機提早飛走,哪有這樣的事?) , 即便是初次坐在加長型禮車裡,我還是累的說不出話來了. 幸好是提前一天到達,還有喘息的時間,我叫了Room Service,滿滿一桌子的美食當前,總算是把我一身的疲憊給褪去了.
期待中的股東大會,應該是股東和管理階層針鋒相對的緊張局面,不然就是像台灣那樣股東叫囂的場面,結果完全不是那麼一回事. 滿滿的會場裡,坐的多半是年過七十的老先生老太太,拄著柺杖的,坐著輪椅的,大家全都面帶著微笑,興致勃勃的盯著我們這群新進員工瞧. 首先CEO William Weldon介紹我們這一群即將從MBA畢業奔赴世界各地爲 JNJ 賺錢的人員,然後他緊接著就報告公司營利業績和增加股利的消息.股東們當然開心,所以也沒有人提問尖刻的問題,整個股東大會就在各部門介紹產品和未來展望 中和平的落幕. 然後公司爲股東們準備了精緻的餐點,我們則回到公司吃平淡無味的自助餐.
有趣的是,有許多股東在會中Q&A時紛紛站出來發言,但多半都是褒多於貶,還有一些人說完褒揚的話就下台,完全沒有提問.這點也和我想像中的股東大會有很大的差異.
這趟旅程最大的震撼是JNJ的總公司,居然只是在小鎮裡的一棟完全不起眼的大樓,沒有堂皇的裝飾,也沒有顯眼的招牌,非常低調的座落在路邊,不像一般美國的大企業,總是有成排成排的大樓和園區,果然徹底的實行公司Decentralized 的制度啊!
4/29/2005
4/20/2005
Suprise Suprise!! Black Rose's Suprise Party
I didn't expect it at all but I somehow sensed something differently.
So many people said Happy Birthday to me the day before my real birthday, and most of my good friends behaved so cold to me and so indifferent about my bday these days. But I told myself that's because everybody was busy, and I was busy too. Anyhow I bought myself a bday gift, Mandy's mini blue ipod, so I shouldn't expect too much.
Right before the moment I was about to go to bed, my roommate knocked on my door and suddenly open it. I didn't hear anything and didn't turn my head until she called my name again.
Then I saw, holy cXX, a bunch of people filled in my big living room and everyone held a rose tied with black ribbon, exactly look like the rose in the movie "Phantom of the Opera", and they started to say Happy Birthday to me, one by one.
I was sooooooooo... extremely suprised because one hour ago two of my friends stopped by my place and we just had a pre-bday, big strawberry cake. I thought that's the only bday cake I would have and that's already good enough (my favorite, strawberry shortcake).
Then I walked out of my room, with my awkward pajamas....holy cXX again, more people had been out of my sight in the dining room, by the kitchen, and everywhere, all holding a rose and a bday card inprinted roses. My big apartment suddenly became so small and crowded, and suddenly so much love spreaded out.
I almost cried but I was too touched to let out the tears. Then everyone gave me the rose and the card, and the whole bunch of warm wishes. All my friends were here, exactly at 12am to celebrate my 30th birthday. We counted cakes...4!! Not only one cake did I get, but 4!!
The party lasted short cuz it was late, but very warm and touching (and very noisy, too). Tania and Iris spent almost 2 weeks to plan this suprise party and they've got all the people driving everywhere from Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy to my place at midnight! Especially Tania is the one who usually goes to bed before 11pm, even on the cruise, and I kept her awake till 1 am!! Everybody gave me gift with roses printing, engraving, or fragrance, only because I always call myself BLK Rose. So thoughtful, so suprising!!
Really, it's very touching and a real suprise for me!! Thanks everyone, you gave me the most unforgettable birthday party ever and I shall always smile when thinking of all these!!
So many people said Happy Birthday to me the day before my real birthday, and most of my good friends behaved so cold to me and so indifferent about my bday these days. But I told myself that's because everybody was busy, and I was busy too. Anyhow I bought myself a bday gift, Mandy's mini blue ipod, so I shouldn't expect too much.
Right before the moment I was about to go to bed, my roommate knocked on my door and suddenly open it. I didn't hear anything and didn't turn my head until she called my name again.
Then I saw, holy cXX, a bunch of people filled in my big living room and everyone held a rose tied with black ribbon, exactly look like the rose in the movie "Phantom of the Opera", and they started to say Happy Birthday to me, one by one.
I was sooooooooo... extremely suprised because one hour ago two of my friends stopped by my place and we just had a pre-bday, big strawberry cake. I thought that's the only bday cake I would have and that's already good enough (my favorite, strawberry shortcake).
Then I walked out of my room, with my awkward pajamas....holy cXX again, more people had been out of my sight in the dining room, by the kitchen, and everywhere, all holding a rose and a bday card inprinted roses. My big apartment suddenly became so small and crowded, and suddenly so much love spreaded out.
I almost cried but I was too touched to let out the tears. Then everyone gave me the rose and the card, and the whole bunch of warm wishes. All my friends were here, exactly at 12am to celebrate my 30th birthday. We counted cakes...4!! Not only one cake did I get, but 4!!
The party lasted short cuz it was late, but very warm and touching (and very noisy, too). Tania and Iris spent almost 2 weeks to plan this suprise party and they've got all the people driving everywhere from Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy to my place at midnight! Especially Tania is the one who usually goes to bed before 11pm, even on the cruise, and I kept her awake till 1 am!! Everybody gave me gift with roses printing, engraving, or fragrance, only because I always call myself BLK Rose. So thoughtful, so suprising!!
Really, it's very touching and a real suprise for me!! Thanks everyone, you gave me the most unforgettable birthday party ever and I shall always smile when thinking of all these!!
Happy Birthday, Dear Mandy
I am the first one to say Happy Birthday to myself.
It's a milestone, that I am 30 years old already. It's a special moment, cuz no one but I have the right to control myself from now on (It's a mental thing, isn't it? Very spiritual~). It's the start point from which new territory of life awaits me to explore.
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday. Live Strong and Happily!
4/19/2005
Black smoke roared out of Vatican
我懷疑, Dan Brown (達文西密碼的作者)有預言的能力.
在他的小說Angels & Demons裡他提到了教宗的死和教廷的選舉. 他提及教廷一日中選了數次都選不出教宗 (所以燃燒了選票, 從西斯汀禮拜堂禮冒出黑煙), 現實世界裡 居然也是如此,真讓人毛骨悚然啊!!希望這本書趕快出中文版,這樣我就不會只能一個人自說自話而沒人可以討論劇情了.
在他的小說Angels & Demons裡他提到了教宗的死和教廷的選舉. 他提及教廷一日中選了數次都選不出教宗 (所以燃燒了選票, 從西斯汀禮拜堂禮冒出黑煙), 現實世界裡 居然也是如此,真讓人毛骨悚然啊!!希望這本書趕快出中文版,這樣我就不會只能一個人自說自話而沒人可以討論劇情了.
粗心的好運
我真的可以再粗心一點....
因為無聊沒事幹,所以我決定跑到最遠的那家Super Wal-mart買衛生紙. 我開車喜歡邊走邊玩,一下去遠東超市晃晃,一下停在路邊照相,然後再洗洗車,一段十五分鐘的車程我搞了四十分鐘才開到. 我逛超市也喜歡邊逛邊玩, 一下站在購物車上溜滑輪,一下研究新產品和使用說明,明明是買衛生紙我也可以花個三四十塊錢, 當然,多半都不是原先計畫要買的. 還好我是吃飽了晚餐才出發,不然美國超市這種誘人的銷售方法,又是賣炸雞又是試吃的,肯定又要讓我多花好多錢.
好了,花了兩個半小時總算是心滿意足了, 回到家時卻發現....我的手機不見了!! 剛剛還在購物車上看到啊...?!
我趕快回到車上東摸西找,卻怎麼也沒有手機的影子,糟糕!該不會是...?!
一路又飆回那個最遠的超市,一邊罵自己無聊,沒事幹嘛跑那麼遠去買個衛生 紙.真是拿自己尋開心的. 停車場的購物車堆放處已經沒了我的手機,我怯生生的跑進店裡問店員,他們笑笑說,啊!原來那是你的啊?有有有,幫你收起來了. 呼!真是嚇死我了,不要都到了要離開的時候才掉手機,那真是麻煩多多啊!!
這兩年來,我好像常常掉東西,從手機錢包滑鼠到相機鑰匙都掉過,真懷疑,自己怎麼有那麼多的好運,幾乎都找回來了. (Knock wood knock wood!!)
因為無聊沒事幹,所以我決定跑到最遠的那家Super Wal-mart買衛生紙. 我開車喜歡邊走邊玩,一下去遠東超市晃晃,一下停在路邊照相,然後再洗洗車,一段十五分鐘的車程我搞了四十分鐘才開到. 我逛超市也喜歡邊逛邊玩, 一下站在購物車上溜滑輪,一下研究新產品和使用說明,明明是買衛生紙我也可以花個三四十塊錢, 當然,多半都不是原先計畫要買的. 還好我是吃飽了晚餐才出發,不然美國超市這種誘人的銷售方法,又是賣炸雞又是試吃的,肯定又要讓我多花好多錢.
好了,花了兩個半小時總算是心滿意足了, 回到家時卻發現....我的手機不見了!! 剛剛還在購物車上看到啊...?!
我趕快回到車上東摸西找,卻怎麼也沒有手機的影子,糟糕!該不會是...?!
一路又飆回那個最遠的超市,一邊罵自己無聊,沒事幹嘛跑那麼遠去買個衛生 紙.真是拿自己尋開心的. 停車場的購物車堆放處已經沒了我的手機,我怯生生的跑進店裡問店員,他們笑笑說,啊!原來那是你的啊?有有有,幫你收起來了. 呼!真是嚇死我了,不要都到了要離開的時候才掉手機,那真是麻煩多多啊!!
這兩年來,我好像常常掉東西,從手機錢包滑鼠到相機鑰匙都掉過,真懷疑,自己怎麼有那麼多的好運,幾乎都找回來了. (Knock wood knock wood!!)
Time flies~
I was checking the documents for new coming students during my office hour today when realized how time flies.
It's just like yesterday that I was in Taipei busy filling out those forms, remitting deposit to ensure a seat in the MBA program, purchasing a computer, applying student visa, and having physical exams etc. And now two years passed, everything is still so clear and vivid in my memories. The first time to look for summer housing, then an apartment; the first time to settle everything down in a different country; the first time to argue with people, to file a complain, to have class in a different language, and the first time to experience the culture clash, good or bad. The first time to know how hard it can be to take all the false rumors and gossiping and ignore them.
Time flies, now I enjoyed every moment for the last time here...The last time to sell my stuff, wathcing people bargaining as if I was doing 2 years ago; the last time to watch a concert, a musical, a basketball game; the last time to lie on the quad and immersed myself in the Spring breeze; the last time to class, and the last time to be a carefree, jolly student...
It's just like yesterday that I was in Taipei busy filling out those forms, remitting deposit to ensure a seat in the MBA program, purchasing a computer, applying student visa, and having physical exams etc. And now two years passed, everything is still so clear and vivid in my memories. The first time to look for summer housing, then an apartment; the first time to settle everything down in a different country; the first time to argue with people, to file a complain, to have class in a different language, and the first time to experience the culture clash, good or bad. The first time to know how hard it can be to take all the false rumors and gossiping and ignore them.
Time flies, now I enjoyed every moment for the last time here...The last time to sell my stuff, wathcing people bargaining as if I was doing 2 years ago; the last time to watch a concert, a musical, a basketball game; the last time to lie on the quad and immersed myself in the Spring breeze; the last time to class, and the last time to be a carefree, jolly student...
4/18/2005
Sting was in town 史汀在香檳
沒想到吧!國際巨星也是會來我們小鄉下開演唱會的!
雖然是星期日的晚上,體育館還是擠滿了觀眾. 由於票買的早,我們的位置是在搖滾區最前方第六排中間,近得連史汀臉上的汗都看得到,貝斯手的指法也一清二楚,真是過癮極了!!
史 汀雖然老了,但一把聲音還是好的沒話說,加上活力十足,唱足兩小時沒有停歇,對於他這樣上了年紀還能保持這樣好狀態的敬業精神,我是感到相當佩服. 但像這樣專業的演唱會,肯定是沒有炫目的舞台效果和服裝表演,加上他話也不太多只是猛唱,場面難免有些冷. 最可惜的是有許多他經典的歌曲如Fragile和 Every breath you take 都沒有在演唱曲目中,讓我對於連續Encore兩次的表演覺得有點小小失望哩!!
結果我還是覺得,台灣的歌迷熱情瘋狂,美國的鄉下,是不是大家都太保守了呢?
雖然是星期日的晚上,體育館還是擠滿了觀眾. 由於票買的早,我們的位置是在搖滾區最前方第六排中間,近得連史汀臉上的汗都看得到,貝斯手的指法也一清二楚,真是過癮極了!!
史 汀雖然老了,但一把聲音還是好的沒話說,加上活力十足,唱足兩小時沒有停歇,對於他這樣上了年紀還能保持這樣好狀態的敬業精神,我是感到相當佩服. 但像這樣專業的演唱會,肯定是沒有炫目的舞台效果和服裝表演,加上他話也不太多只是猛唱,場面難免有些冷. 最可惜的是有許多他經典的歌曲如Fragile和 Every breath you take 都沒有在演唱曲目中,讓我對於連續Encore兩次的表演覺得有點小小失望哩!!
結果我還是覺得,台灣的歌迷熱情瘋狂,美國的鄉下,是不是大家都太保守了呢?
4/17/2005
My Mini Blue
新鮮到貨的Ipod mini, 讓我花了一整天的時間愉快的和它親近著.
在 綁架了同學的車一晚之後,我又再度掠奪了他電腦裡的300首 歌,然後在陽光美好的室外庭園喝了杯bloody mary,和一頓豐盛至極,連服務生都對我的食量讚嘆不已的午餐. 生命是美好的,燦爛春光的午後,是該練練高爾夫,和同學吃飯聊天的度過時光. 然後我又再度到另一個同學家,海盜了上千首歌,不一會就把可愛精巧的mini給灌爆了. 天!原來6GB一點都不夠用啊!!
買Ipod的目的是為了慢跑,所以我收到的歌多半是快節奏適合運動的強拍歌曲,我笑說,這個已經夠我連播五天有餘的mini存量,怕是會讓我跑到岔氣吧!!
Mandy's mini blue
在 綁架了同學的車一晚之後,我又再度掠奪了他電腦裡的300首 歌,然後在陽光美好的室外庭園喝了杯bloody mary,和一頓豐盛至極,連服務生都對我的食量讚嘆不已的午餐. 生命是美好的,燦爛春光的午後,是該練練高爾夫,和同學吃飯聊天的度過時光. 然後我又再度到另一個同學家,海盜了上千首歌,不一會就把可愛精巧的mini給灌爆了. 天!原來6GB一點都不夠用啊!!
買Ipod的目的是為了慢跑,所以我收到的歌多半是快節奏適合運動的強拍歌曲,我笑說,這個已經夠我連播五天有餘的mini存量,怕是會讓我跑到岔氣吧!!
Mandy's mini blue
4/16/2005
Getting older
一周內已經連續兩次,像逃離火災現場般的倉皇離開朋友的parties.
I must be old.....
不是說我天生愛party,以前在台灣的時候,朋友都知道我不喜歡去Bar,可是不知怎地來這裡後,我的朋友們都是"蒲吧高手",天天玩夜夜笙歌也不累的,我雖然偶一為之,但兩年下來也夠倦的了.
上 週一個好友生日,大家先在他家喝了一輪 (我到的太晚,大家都已經喝醉了),然後再續攤去酒吧,我竟也坐立難安的不到一個小時就走人.今天更慘,說要走就要走,二話不說就把同學的車開回家.還好 我有夠義氣的好朋友,一聽我想回家,乾脆的就把車鑰匙掏出來叫我開走,也不擔心自己等等怎麼回家.不過我也被一堆人教訓了一番,說我好像失蹤一樣,而且連 酒都假意喝少少,然後可以當司機載人離開.
所以我說, I must be old...
其實我也不過只是想多做一點事,多一點不一樣的事罷了.眼看著就要畢業了,很多事都還沒做,很多的新發現也是到最近才體會到,哪裡還有空去參加party?
可是party還是好玩的, 我們到了全城最著名的(其實也是唯一的) gay bar(同性戀酒吧)跳舞. 這裡之所以成為不分性別都愛來蒲的據點,是因為他們奔放有格的音樂和無時不刻出現的驚喜,加上任人表演的高闊舞台. 當然同性戀也是噱頭之一,有時候看到他們自在的貼身熱吻,真是會讓人臉紅心跳,不知道把眼睛放哪裡好. 不時從天而降的肥皂泡沫在閃光燈強力的照耀下彷彿星星一樣雪花般的停在髮上臉上,間隔出現的煙霧濃密到遮住視線三十秒完全看不見,而彷若人妖打扮的舞者妖 冶的突然出現在台上舞動更成為舞會的尖叫高潮.
我們跳舞的同伴越來越多,都是系上的同學們,剛參加完了spring gala春天的化裝舞會,拎著面具就在舞池裡狂放了起來.唉!就要畢業了,以後這種開心的機會,可以感受自己已經老了的機會,怕是也不多了吧!
I must be old.....
不是說我天生愛party,以前在台灣的時候,朋友都知道我不喜歡去Bar,可是不知怎地來這裡後,我的朋友們都是"蒲吧高手",天天玩夜夜笙歌也不累的,我雖然偶一為之,但兩年下來也夠倦的了.
上 週一個好友生日,大家先在他家喝了一輪 (我到的太晚,大家都已經喝醉了),然後再續攤去酒吧,我竟也坐立難安的不到一個小時就走人.今天更慘,說要走就要走,二話不說就把同學的車開回家.還好 我有夠義氣的好朋友,一聽我想回家,乾脆的就把車鑰匙掏出來叫我開走,也不擔心自己等等怎麼回家.不過我也被一堆人教訓了一番,說我好像失蹤一樣,而且連 酒都假意喝少少,然後可以當司機載人離開.
所以我說, I must be old...
其實我也不過只是想多做一點事,多一點不一樣的事罷了.眼看著就要畢業了,很多事都還沒做,很多的新發現也是到最近才體會到,哪裡還有空去參加party?
可是party還是好玩的, 我們到了全城最著名的(其實也是唯一的) gay bar(同性戀酒吧)跳舞. 這裡之所以成為不分性別都愛來蒲的據點,是因為他們奔放有格的音樂和無時不刻出現的驚喜,加上任人表演的高闊舞台. 當然同性戀也是噱頭之一,有時候看到他們自在的貼身熱吻,真是會讓人臉紅心跳,不知道把眼睛放哪裡好. 不時從天而降的肥皂泡沫在閃光燈強力的照耀下彷彿星星一樣雪花般的停在髮上臉上,間隔出現的煙霧濃密到遮住視線三十秒完全看不見,而彷若人妖打扮的舞者妖 冶的突然出現在台上舞動更成為舞會的尖叫高潮.
我們跳舞的同伴越來越多,都是系上的同學們,剛參加完了spring gala春天的化裝舞會,拎著面具就在舞池裡狂放了起來.唉!就要畢業了,以後這種開心的機會,可以感受自己已經老了的機會,怕是也不多了吧!
4/11/2005
Thank you for the Music
Great musical I watched today. Mamma mia has perfectly presented the songs of Abba with luvly Greek islands, especially enjoyable to watch in such a beautiful sunny day in Indianapolis today. I enjoyed Abba's songs so much and immersed myself in the music and dance all the time, imagining I was watching it under the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. So I say, Thank you for the music, for giving it to me.
We took a walk along the canal in downtown Indianapolis afterwards, had small conversation under the profusive blossoming pink flowers, and enjoyed a great Italian dinner. Everything felt so South European, and so relaxing. What a great Spring day to go out!
I've been so lucky
I am the girl with golden hair
I wanna sing it out to everybody
What a joy
What a life
What a chance
Thank you for the music
The songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy
They're bringing
Who can live without it
I ask in all honesty
What would life be
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
* Excerpt from Thank You for the Music, Mamma Mia!
We took a walk along the canal in downtown Indianapolis afterwards, had small conversation under the profusive blossoming pink flowers, and enjoyed a great Italian dinner. Everything felt so South European, and so relaxing. What a great Spring day to go out!
I've been so lucky
I am the girl with golden hair
I wanna sing it out to everybody
What a joy
What a life
What a chance
Thank you for the music
The songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy
They're bringing
Who can live without it
I ask in all honesty
What would life be
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
* Excerpt from Thank You for the Music, Mamma Mia!
4/09/2005
30 Degree C in Taipei??
天哪!台北已經那麼熱了嗎?看看右手邊的可愛小女孩居然已經穿上短袖的T-shirt,真是不可思議啊!
今天我們也有個好天氣,溫暖和煦的陽光照耀在新鮮綻開的粉紅花朵上,是那麼的可愛宜人.天空藍的好高好高,讓人好想到泳池邊曬太陽喔!我換上了泳衣抱著毛巾隨身聽和雜誌,社區的戶外泳池在此時一定舒服的不得了吧?
運氣好的很,今天居然是社區的 pool day,免費的食物飲料從中午一直供應到傍晚.池邊也熱鬧的很,吃東西的人和戲水的人都不少. 只是,多半是年輕的辣妹,穿著性感的比基尼四處走動著. 可惜那Tania的客人馬克丁昨天已經check out 離場,不然他一定很開心的.丁教練在IMPE訓練我的時候,看到小小辣妹都會突然全身僵硬說不出話來,如果他今天在這,肯定會樂不思屬吧!順帶一提,這位馬克丁先生就是半個月前和我們遊輪之旅同行的朋友.我的加勒比海故事還沒寫完,請期待他在船上每日精采的演出!!
話題回到泳池邊,因為那麼多的辣妹都性感的不得了,我當然假裝不是來游泳的,趕快走到健身房裡跑了30分鐘,然後吃吃喝喝一陣就回家了.難得這社區如此大方,漢堡熱狗和零食飲料都挺美味的,愉快的下午還是不要被辣妹們影響了心情才好!!
繽紛的花開滿了城,我的心也繽紛了起來.天氣一暖,就想往外跑.野餐.曬太陽.吃冰淇淋,慢跑.游泳.打高爾夫...那麼多的活動,到底要先做哪一個好呢?
Unknown pink flowers blossoming everywhere in town
今天我們也有個好天氣,溫暖和煦的陽光照耀在新鮮綻開的粉紅花朵上,是那麼的可愛宜人.天空藍的好高好高,讓人好想到泳池邊曬太陽喔!我換上了泳衣抱著毛巾隨身聽和雜誌,社區的戶外泳池在此時一定舒服的不得了吧?
運氣好的很,今天居然是社區的 pool day,免費的食物飲料從中午一直供應到傍晚.池邊也熱鬧的很,吃東西的人和戲水的人都不少. 只是,多半是年輕的辣妹,穿著性感的比基尼四處走動著. 可惜那Tania的客人馬克丁昨天已經check out 離場,不然他一定很開心的.丁教練在IMPE訓練我的時候,看到小小辣妹都會突然全身僵硬說不出話來,如果他今天在這,肯定會樂不思屬吧!順帶一提,這位馬克丁先生就是半個月前和我們遊輪之旅同行的朋友.我的加勒比海故事還沒寫完,請期待他在船上每日精采的演出!!
話題回到泳池邊,因為那麼多的辣妹都性感的不得了,我當然假裝不是來游泳的,趕快走到健身房裡跑了30分鐘,然後吃吃喝喝一陣就回家了.難得這社區如此大方,漢堡熱狗和零食飲料都挺美味的,愉快的下午還是不要被辣妹們影響了心情才好!!
繽紛的花開滿了城,我的心也繽紛了起來.天氣一暖,就想往外跑.野餐.曬太陽.吃冰淇淋,慢跑.游泳.打高爾夫...那麼多的活動,到底要先做哪一個好呢?
Unknown pink flowers blossoming everywhere in town
4/06/2005
Homecoming 英雄凱歸歡迎式
全校當然還沉浸在昨晚球賽的氣氛中,一早看到許多失落的臉孔,不甘願的在校園裡試圖恢復正常生活般的活動著. 可是, 那份沉重的氣壓在持續了一整天後, 終於在這些球員教練正式回校後一掃而空,變得晴朗溫暖, 朝氣十足.
學 校早在我們打入前八強時就已決定要爲這些球員教練們舉辦返鄉歡迎會,地點設在我們總是輸球的大足球場.我們到達的時候偌大的球場已經坐滿了特地前來加油的 人們,狂熱的程度有如球迷會一般,揮手喊口號的,舉看板海報盛裝前來的,還有多數像我們一樣純粹來爲他們加油打氣,給予最大讚揚鼓舞的. 教練球員給大家說話時,鬧哄哄的開心場面立刻掩蓋了前一晚的失落.州長正式明定了每年四月四日為Fighting Illini 紀念日,但誰在乎呢? 我們最值得紀念的日子已經過去.而擁有的回憶是無限的美好. 看比賽參與活動,要的,不都只是那份身處其中,親身經歷親眼見證的剎那嗎?
宛如天空中絢爛禮成的煙火般,燦爛花火飛迸的瞬間,是永恆.
20,000-people cheer leaders
學 校早在我們打入前八強時就已決定要爲這些球員教練們舉辦返鄉歡迎會,地點設在我們總是輸球的大足球場.我們到達的時候偌大的球場已經坐滿了特地前來加油的 人們,狂熱的程度有如球迷會一般,揮手喊口號的,舉看板海報盛裝前來的,還有多數像我們一樣純粹來爲他們加油打氣,給予最大讚揚鼓舞的. 教練球員給大家說話時,鬧哄哄的開心場面立刻掩蓋了前一晚的失落.州長正式明定了每年四月四日為Fighting Illini 紀念日,但誰在乎呢? 我們最值得紀念的日子已經過去.而擁有的回憶是無限的美好. 看比賽參與活動,要的,不都只是那份身處其中,親身經歷親眼見證的剎那嗎?
宛如天空中絢爛禮成的煙火般,燦爛花火飛迸的瞬間,是永恆.
20,000-people cheer leaders
4/05/2005
雖敗猶榮 – 燃燒吧!Fighting Illini !!
百年來學校最光榮的一刻在今晚. 那種氣氛和驕傲,尤甚於學校歷年諾貝爾獎得主的光彩.
從沒有想像過自己可以身處在一個城市,爲了百年來首次的希望和驕傲而熱絡起來.不只是學校,不只是香檳城,全國的目光今晚都在這裡,這是NCAA2005年總決賽.
其實我享受那種氣氛更勝於在乎比賽的輸贏. 可以為了自己的學校驕傲而光彩的穿上代表學校顏色的亮橘T-shirt,看著全校一整天閃耀著燃燒火焰般的光芒,充滿創意的人們用各種橘色裝飾自己和這城市,活力就像春天怒放的粉紅花朵一樣生機燦爛. 我走在路上試著捕捉這歷史性的一刻,而那耀眼的處處亮橘,在湛藍的天空映襯下,閃著無限的勇氣和希望.
從下午三點開始,學校的Assembly Hall 就排滿了長長的人龍,準備入場看晚上八點21分起的實況轉播.沒有一場演唱會或是大型表演可以召喚這麼多的人,可以讓人帶著那麼深的期望和加油吶喊.所有的酒吧也都充滿了熱情的人們,激昂的情緒在我進入Illini Union時達到了高潮. 這個百年歷史的建築,怕也是等了一百年才盼到這一天,可以擁抱這樣的狂熱情緒吧?! 寬敞的咖啡中庭和所有大宴會廳都裝設了大型投影幕,滿滿坐著倚牆站著的,都是穿著各式橘色T-shirt的人們.彷彿是規定的制服一樣,所有人有志一同的把入夜的城照的好亮好閃耀.
比賽當然是精采的,也當然是相當殘酷的.人們在乎的是結果的輸贏,是誰抱走了獎盃,而不是誰努力的打了一場認真的好比賽. 人們也是殘酷的,健忘的速度飛快,今晚大家還不甘心的在綠街上聚集遊街,明天就沒有人記得2005年NCAA是誰拿了亞軍,是誰平了全國的不敗紀錄. 有的只是朝前看,永不磨滅的希冀和勇氣.
我真的很幸運,真的. 我見證了這個學校建校以來最光榮.最熱烈的一刻. 我參與了百年來最激情的一晚. 我會帶著這份燃燒的熱情,把那橘色閃耀的鋒芒,深深的印在腦海裡.
Alma Mater 守護著我們和球隊
橙式效應 – Orange Crush
彷彿被染色了一般,這個遠在中西部玉米田中央的小鎮,一瞬間迸發出閃耀的橙色光芒,直達天廳的唱出勇氣和希望的詩句.
今 天,學校的代表女神 Alma Mater 穿上了Illinois的球衣,捧著籃球,爲學校首度打入NCAA決賽加油祈福著. 人們穿上亮橘色的衣服,霸佔著每條街道大樓,像是用盡力氣吶喊似的把祝福凝聚成橘色的光芒,送給在St Louis比賽球場的英雄們. 湧泉般閃耀著的是藍天下的希望,鼓舞著.跳躍著.
四點街上就沒人了,像唱空城計一般的冷清.人們都開始就定位準備看比賽了. 而餐廳商家們更是早早的就關起了門,只有酒吧熱絡著喧嘩著. 生意最好的應該是賣T-shirt和賣pizza的. 像中國人過年一樣,運動比賽的氣氛是關起門來才熱鬧的.
籃 球隊教練 Bruce Weber 成了最新的全民偶像. 他薄薄的嘴唇似笑非笑的表情,和溫和堅毅的態度,成了最有說服力的學校代言人. 爲了怕暴動,他特地親自錄了一短宣導影片,呼籲大家理性和平看比賽, 比賽過後要記得去上課,要拿出運動家精神. 今天他的橙色西裝最終還是無法閃耀在獎盃之下,但他帶給我們這一生一次的美好機會,可以感受期盼和激情,相信多數人的心中,充滿的情緒肯定是感激居多吧?
Weber the coach
long line outside asembly hall
crowds outside the bars
今 天,學校的代表女神 Alma Mater 穿上了Illinois的球衣,捧著籃球,爲學校首度打入NCAA決賽加油祈福著. 人們穿上亮橘色的衣服,霸佔著每條街道大樓,像是用盡力氣吶喊似的把祝福凝聚成橘色的光芒,送給在St Louis比賽球場的英雄們. 湧泉般閃耀著的是藍天下的希望,鼓舞著.跳躍著.
四點街上就沒人了,像唱空城計一般的冷清.人們都開始就定位準備看比賽了. 而餐廳商家們更是早早的就關起了門,只有酒吧熱絡著喧嘩著. 生意最好的應該是賣T-shirt和賣pizza的. 像中國人過年一樣,運動比賽的氣氛是關起門來才熱鬧的.
籃 球隊教練 Bruce Weber 成了最新的全民偶像. 他薄薄的嘴唇似笑非笑的表情,和溫和堅毅的態度,成了最有說服力的學校代言人. 爲了怕暴動,他特地親自錄了一短宣導影片,呼籲大家理性和平看比賽, 比賽過後要記得去上課,要拿出運動家精神. 今天他的橙色西裝最終還是無法閃耀在獎盃之下,但他帶給我們這一生一次的美好機會,可以感受期盼和激情,相信多數人的心中,充滿的情緒肯定是感激居多吧?
Weber the coach
long line outside asembly hall
crowds outside the bars
4/03/2005
綠街上的橘海 - We won the Final Four!!
帶著全城的期盼,我們學校籃球隊果然爭氣的很,打進了NCAA的總冠軍賽!!
這是歷史性的一刻,因為這是我們學校百年來第一次打進總決 賽,而且是在我們在校的時候,意義當然更加重大.全城大概有一半的人都穿上了代表學校橘色的衣 服,不分男女老少的,一起爲籃球隊加油吶喊. 而我們,則是煮了一桌的菜:鹽酥雞,辣雞翅,烤牛小排,泡菜炒飯, 辣子雞丁烙餅, cornbread, dirty rice, 還有各式點心啤酒飲料,一起看球賽一邊吃東西, 熱鬧的像是大節慶一樣.
勝利了,當然要開香檳慶祝囉!看著學校 campus內 Green St上瘋狂慶祝的人潮,滿滿橘色的人海包圍了整條街,連警察們都開心的說,只要安全就好...看來,星期一晚上的冠軍賽,會讓這個城,陷入建校以來,最瘋狂熱鬧的局面吧?!
we won! And we want the No. 1!!
Final four food festival
這是歷史性的一刻,因為這是我們學校百年來第一次打進總決 賽,而且是在我們在校的時候,意義當然更加重大.全城大概有一半的人都穿上了代表學校橘色的衣 服,不分男女老少的,一起爲籃球隊加油吶喊. 而我們,則是煮了一桌的菜:鹽酥雞,辣雞翅,烤牛小排,泡菜炒飯, 辣子雞丁烙餅, cornbread, dirty rice, 還有各式點心啤酒飲料,一起看球賽一邊吃東西, 熱鬧的像是大節慶一樣.
勝利了,當然要開香檳慶祝囉!看著學校 campus內 Green St上瘋狂慶祝的人潮,滿滿橘色的人海包圍了整條街,連警察們都開心的說,只要安全就好...看來,星期一晚上的冠軍賽,會讓這個城,陷入建校以來,最瘋狂熱鬧的局面吧?!
we won! And we want the No. 1!!
Final four food festival
Angels & Demons
The Pope died today. The western world has been impacted by the pontiff for the past 26 years in his papacy, and now the whole Catholic faithfuls are mourning for the death of the Holy Father.
My interest is more on the novel written by Dan Brown names "Angels and Demons" than the news itself. This intriguing novel describes the election of new Pope after pontiff dies and the mysterious murders in
Dan Brown is good at telling this kind of religion related stories. Not long time ago, the Roman Catholic Church officially condemned the book, "The Da Vinci Code", Dan Brown's best selling novel, as "a pack of lies", and asked the followed rejecting to read it . How coincidently this time the current event is connected to his another book again? Really, I doubt whether he has some super power over the Church?! (Just kidding~)
Hopefully the book will have Chinese edition soon so that more people can read the story and find it how terrifyingly related to the news today.
4/02/2005
Shame on me...scored 78!
I bowled 78 tonight in the second game. It was ok for my first game, 128, somewhat higher than my average. But for some unknown reason, I suddenly lost the consistency and got several gutters in the 2nd game tonight. My team lost the 2nd game, of course, all because of my fault...
I was so mad at myself that I showed a poker face all over the 2nd game. Fortunately I have considerate teammates to give me encouragement. And it turned out we ate a lot after the game... 大腸麵線!!
I was so mad at myself that I showed a poker face all over the 2nd game. Fortunately I have considerate teammates to give me encouragement. And it turned out we ate a lot after the game... 大腸麵線!!
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