On my way to class last Thursday, I saw a small, white butterfly fluttering directly in front of my path. While this particular butterfly lacked the colorful designs of most butterflies, I thought it was beautiful in its own rights. I couldn't help thinking that perhaps the butterfly was performing some sort of dance that only its species would recognize, as it fluttered gracefully away. That thought, along with the fact that I have not seen a butterfly in months, was enough to bring a smile on my face.

I guess I always had a fascination with nature. As much as I appreciate nature and all the beauty around us, I am also well aware of its danger. The first time I realized that I liked earth science was in sixth grade, when a guest speaker made a presentation on "what to do" in case of natural disasters. I read about tsunamis and I just kept reading and reading all about it. When I studied about earthquakes and tornadoes in my first year of high school (in "Principles of Science" - a course I signed up for despite my teacher's recommendation to take Biology Honors), I even thought I wanted to become a storm chaser! And even though I had to play "catch-up" by taking two science courses the following year, I never regretted my decision! ;)

Speaking of nature and its wonders, have you ever seen a shooting star? I've only seen it once, two years ago, and coincidentally on Thanksgiving. That night, my family went on an outing, and we decided that we'd drive home instead of staying elsewhere. I was sitting in the back of the car, listening to the soft music playing from the radio, and feeling blessed to be with my family. Then my younger brother commented that there were lots of stars out there! I looked, and much to my amazement, I saw a sky full of stars! The only other times I've seen skies full of stars were in Hong Kong, which were plenty since we lived on the top floor. It was, however, the first time I saw so many stars in the U.S. I just stared at the big, wide sky, wistfully thinking about the past, wondering about my good ol' friends, and trying (unsuccessfully) to look at the stars in a way so that I could identify the constellations.

I couldn't fall asleep in the car that evening, so I just look at the stars for most of the ride to see which one might be the brightest. And then, there it was. The shooting
star. I saw it flashed across the sky and I was delighted! Immediately, I exclaimed something along the lines of, "Oh my gosh, did you guys see the shooting star?" Like the kid that I was (and probably still am), I made a wish on the shooting star. That same special wish I made on my birthday every year.

These are all little things, but it is pretty amazing that they can provide so much comfort and that warm feeling of contentment...

I guessed having only read the 7 of the chapters (out of 8) for the first time this weekend, my grade for my first exam yesterday wasn't so bad. But then again, it wasn't great either. If I got a grade like that in high school, I'd be somewhat disappointed - maybe with the exception of AP Calculus. (I told you I strongly dislike math!) ;) Geesh, what happened to my standards?!! Perhaps one of the solutions to that problem could be grade inflation? :)

And, I know. I know. I scanned the pictures from the London trip and I'll post it soon. Hehe, by that, it could be until Thanksgiving Break! I'm planning to update my old website during break/free time, so it might just take a while. I am not in most of the pictures (is that a good thing? ;)), since I took most of the pictures. We brought two cameras, and the one that my sister used (I think she took a couple of pictures of me near the Buckingham Palace!) was broken. Shucks.

Otherwise, I have been busy keeping up with the latest news development. Many of the events that have been happening certainly puts things into perspective, and I certainly have lots of thoughts on that...

Yesterday at the annual Health Fair, I bumped - not literally, of course ;) - into one of my co-workers and his friend. As we walked around to check out some of the tables, a lady at a table with brochures on mental health stopped us and asked, "So, how are your mental health?" We were all smiling by then, as it was an odd approach to attact people to her table. Needless to say, we all said that our mental health is good and healthy. ;)

As a member of SHAC, I volunteered to watch the pot painting/ plant planting table early in the morning. I was not too surprised that many were interested in it, since the interest and turnout for it was high last year too! Its purpose is to act as a "stress-relief" event. We provided soil, small flower pots (really cute!), bulb, a fake flower, and paint/markers to decorate the flower pots. You would plant the bulb in the pot and put in a fake flower. The fake flower makes it look good while you wait for the bulb to grow. Or that's the idea behind it. ;) I got one for myself, and it is now in my room. The fake flower I got is a sunflower, and it's pretty. I know it sounds chessy, but I feel like it's smiling at me everytime I look at it. I wrote "Peace, Happiness, Love and Smile" on the pot, although you would think the stencil drawings were done by a first grader. :) I saw one person has the phrase, "you are my..." and then a picture of the sun shining. "You are my sunshine". How pretty too. ;)

Afterwards, I went to the Service Learning Training Session for the America Reads Program. I will be working with a child ranging from Grade 1 - 3 at the MacArther Elementary School. I know it sounds silly, but I am a mildly nervous - I've tutored adults before, but not kids. At at the same time, I am eagerly looking forward to it. It starts next week, so I will find out soon enough...

I have been rather busy and (actually, very drowsy) these days. I doubt it will get better anytime soon, as I have 3 exams next week and another one the week after. Hmmm, does that mean I won't catch up on sleep until then? ;)