Category: Uncategorized

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Inspired by Tsing-Fang Chen 陳錦芳

It’s been a while since I wrote the article. I think it’s because there is no motion. Not many people care, I think. However, today I saw the introduction of a Taiwanese artist, Tsing-Fang Chen, and I suddenly wanted to write something.

圖為 陳錦芳-歡迎光臨台灣。圖來自 臺中市大墩文化中心 Facebook

I’m always very respectful to those people who still have passion during hard times. He insists on his dream and really makes the dream come true. He was confused, but he found his path with help from his friends and teachers. Tsing-Fang Chen is an artist, but not only an artist. He makes international friends with his talent and passion. He always cares about his home country, Taiwan’s political situation. He pushed for liberty and showed his bravery for Taiwan’s democratic development. He used his art to connect eastern and western culture, trying to introduce Taiwan on the international stage. What touched me is that his heart has never changed, no matter under stress or criticisms. I think the key to his success is his confidence and passion.

The international situation has not been so optimistic recently. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the virus looking calm, but still not gone, my brother’s upcoming marriage but I can’t go back to attend, my grandpa’s health, and the result of my father’s CT. There are many things I need to worry about. I hope they’re all fine and can see them soon. Like Tsing-Fang Chen, I couldn’t go back and forth between Taiwan and the USA due to the virus situation. The difference is that he is in Taiwan now. lol 

He was inspired by Amstrong’s first step on the moon, although I’m not a big one like him. I hope I can find my stage in the USA, and have the chance to give feedback to my home country. Let more people know about Taiwan!

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Been a while

It’s been a while for me to write my blog. I think it’s because I guess not many, or no one wants to know now…so I don’t have the motive to push me… constantly spam comments, nothing meaningful comments recently.

There are many things happened recently. My brother got married, and I hope I have the chance to attend his wedding next year. I feel like not talking with him for a while since he got married. He’s always busy looking for houses, talking with his wife, or so on. He’s always busy, even during weekends. I still speak with my parents almost every day. The thing that I’m most worried is about my father’s chemotherapy medicine. I hope oral chemotherapy will still work for him, and the traditional medicine can help him fight cancer. I know how they worried about the situation, especially when you initially thought a treatment works finally. I feel bad that I can’t do anything about that. My grandpa got skin cancer, and the only way is surgery. He seems fine after surgery, but we know there’s a possibility of relapse. I can tell how worried my mom is and how upset my grandpa is. He’s always a very kind and healthy person. I know how hard for him to accept the news. However, I still can’t do anything about it. All I can do is to pray that they’ll conquer those hard times. I hope good times can come in soon.

As for me, school things are still busy, but I tried to catch up for sure. At least I can deal with my items well, and then my parents no need to worry about me. Last time, I also talked with one of my best friends. It’s always great to see old friends. On the other hand, I still didn’t have the chance to talk with other old friends. I guess everyone has their things now, and it’s always not easy to get available time for everyone. I felt a little upset, but I could understand. I hope we’re still good friends even we have our own lives.

I’m fine, but I Miss you, guys.

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Differences Between Living in Taiwan and USA- Part 2 Healthcare System

The other big difference is the ‘healthcare system.’ I believe whoever has stayed in the USA can feel such a big difference with this too!

In Taiwan, we have ‘National Health Insurance‘ (全民健康保險). The insurance covers 99.6 % population in Taiwan (from national health insurance, https://www.nhi.gov.tw/Content_List.aspx?n=F02F2F627FE4BEC4&topn=CDA985A80C0DE710), and most healthcare institution has the service contracts with 93%. The number means you can go to most hospitals and clinics, and you can get good healthcare at a very reasonable price. The system is very convenient, universal, accessible, and affordable. Although there is some room to be improved about the system, I think this is still a model healthcare system that deserves worldwide acclaim. I’m proud of this system, and I hope Taiwanese can cherish this system and make this better.

In the USA, there’s health insurance, but it’s not what we know as ‘universal’ healthcare insurance. They have federal, Medicare, and state healthcare system, Medicaid, insurance from work employers, and a unique healthcare system. If you are interested in reading Mandarin introduction, you can go to this blog ( https://judy816.pixnet.net/blog/post/469475801-health-insurance.) Their healthcare insurance is very complicated; even most of themselves can’t figure it out all. You may ask, how about Obama care? Well…NO…it’s not there yet. There are tons of problems that need to be solved. You can go to this blog to read Mandarin introduction: https://doctork.pixnet.net/blog/post/198528838-%E9%80%99%E4%B8%8D%E6%98%AF%E5%85%A8%E6%B0%91%E5%81%A5%E4%BF%9D%EF%BC%81—-%E8%AB%87%E3%80%8C%E6%AD%90%E5%B7%B4%E9%A6%AC%E5%81%A5%E4%BF%9D%E6%B3%95%E3%80%8D%EF%BC%88ob.

I have student healthcare insurance, but I need to search clinics before I go. I usually need to make an appointment. I need to make sure they’re under my insurance, or I need to pay lots of money, which is equivalent to around 3000 NTD. I can’t imagine how people who can’t make enough money to afford that. You need to pay co-pay, like Taiwan’s registration fee, around 300 to 450 NTD. It’s still more expensive than our 150 NTD, but much cheaper than the fee without insurance. You won’t see the doctor for a bit of cold, because it’s not like in Taiwan. If you don’t have enough money, you don’t have the right to get sick.

National Health Insurance is one of the best things I miss in Taiwan. I still pay my insurance fee in Taiwan. I hope everyone can realize how it’s difficult to have the high quality healthcare insurance, and don’t waste the resource. I also hope USA can improve their healthcare insurance, although I think it’s still a long way to go.

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When we met in the Beginning…

2018在嘉義林區

When we met in the beginning, I thought, “Wow! He’s so tall and white….” It is easy to tell that’s you because you’re exceptionally tall among people. You looked so nervous and stand there next to your suitcase, in the airport, waiting for me. It’s your first time going to other countries, and you must worry what if I didn’t show up.

When we met in the beginning, I didn’t bring you to see my family. My family is conservative, but it is because they want to protect their daughter. They get the stereotype that westerns are usually womanizers and do not care about family. Most people typically think that Americans are very open, arrogant, cold, and maybe racist. I know not everyone is like that, but I think there’s a point for you to consider why other countries think about that when talking about Americans. I know I need to give them some time to get ready to know you little by little. We also can have time to know each other more.

I brought you to know my best friends because they’re like my family too. They are so curious about you, and you’re very curious about many things about them and Taiwan too. We found that you have a Taiwan stomach. It’s always good to make friends from food, although you still don’t like seafood. Lol, We met many good people in the Taiwan mountains and near the ocean. Everyone we met is very curious to you and very kind, generous. You found that’s amazing, and we found you try to understand our culture and learn language from that.

When we met in the beginning, I didn’t know if you’re reliable. I know what we decide will change our lives. We realized that you’re an open mind person and not racist, of course. That’s why after that you get to know my family, and I think that’s another story. 🙂 We’ll see my family, friends, and kind people again after the virus. I believe the journey will keep going!

2018高雄西子灣

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Happy Birthday! 生日快樂！

My parents’ birthday is coming soon, but I can’t be there to celebrate it with them.

When I was in Taiwan, we usually went to buy a small cakes for my parents. If they are in a good mood, we went to the restaurant together. My brother and I will pay for the meal and sometimes will give them gifts that they need. They can’t eat too many cakes now, and they are not fans of cakes. That’s why we get small cakes for them. We will choose the meal or cakes that they like most. They don’t drink beverages very often, but they’re happy to have good coffee. We’ll go to buy good coffee if we think they may like it. Usually, they will blame us when we told them that we prepare something for them. I know that’s because they don’t want us to spend too much money on them, especially they think we haven’t done every significant thing in our lives. I can understand how worried they are, and I think that’s the typical attitude for parents. However, we still celebrate their birthday every year. We hope we can see their smile and make them feel a bit happier in their lives. They always share with us their birthday wishes because the first two wishes are always about us. I hope their third wish is for themselves. If my parents have good spirits, we hang around town for their birthday too. That’s one of my father’s favorite things, and my mom will go with us even she murmurs things under her breath. lol

I feel so sorry that I can’t celebrate with you two this year, and I’m afraid that not only this year. I know you will say that’s okay, only if I have a good life. However, I feel bad when I saw others can celebrate their parents’ birthday together. I know I can use video chat to say happy birthday to you, but I feel bad that I can’t be with you on your birthday. I will keep your birthday gifts and try to do my best not to make you worried. I hope you both are healthy, and father’s therapy not only works but maintains longer this time.

Love you, my dear parents. Thank you for always caring for me and giving us the best that you have.

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New Semester Begins!

It’s been around two weeks since the new semester began, and I’ve been busy until now. Finally, I can take a break at the weekend. Hahaha

There are many new things I have to learn this semester, including coding, statistics, some NLP, and so on. Sometimes I can’t imagine how to deal with those new things, but I always told myself that I could overcome those problems. I am fortunate because I have my family, boyfriend, and his family to support me. My classmates that I met and have been on the same team so far are good people too. Professors are engaging and strict for sure. XD When I have language problems or studying questions, I can always ask them. They are kind people, although I don’t have enough time to get to know everyone. I wish I could.

Except for the study, I’m worried about my family’s situation. The only thing I can hope is that they can make it. I can only try to do what I can do, but I know I can only give some suggestions or mental support. I can’t help with material or stay with them now. Sometimes I’m afraid I will miss something, but I can only seize any hope and try to do my best. It would be great if we have Stargate or can transport ourselves in a short time. Then I don’t need to think about the journey time for extraordinary or emergency events. So far, we don’t have that kind of technology, and I guess that’s why we can always just treasure it when we have the chance to get together.

I miss Taiwan, things, the ocean, mountains, food about Taiwan, and my family, friends in Taiwan. However, I know my partner is great, and his family treats me well too. I only hope for the best for everyone, and we won’t regret essential things in our life. I want to see you again, and I hope you can hold on, even in the tough time!

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The First Article in New Year!

Winter vacation is almost ending, and I had a joyful New Year!

We had a Taiwan-style hot pot and cocktail on New Year’s Eve, and I watched Taiwan’s New Year’s Eve celebration from TV live stream. Although there’s jet lag, Taiwan was in the future time in 2021, and the USA was still in 2020. I’m glad we still have the chance that crosses over the same time to celebrate together! I had the opportunity to say “Happy New Year” to my family and friends! They get my card on New Year, and I got the card/small gifts from Australia! The hot pot was delicious, and the best surprise was to find Taiwan’s brand hot pot stinky tofu base, 寧記臭豆腐.

Happy to get food from TAIWAN!

I miss many of Taiwan’s food, and stinky tofu is one of the food. I’m glad that my boyfriend likes this food. My parents also had a hot pot on New Year’s Eve, and I’m so happy they enjoy the food. I’m familiar with all the ingredients when I am still in Taiwan, and I’m so delighted that I can find most of the food here. However, not all of them come from Taiwan, which is a shame for me. Although I’m sad that I can’t go back to Taiwan during our traditional New Year. T_T

Parent’s hot pot in TAIWAN! I can’t find the same garland chrysanthemum (大葉茼蒿/圓葉茼蒿).

This winter is not as cold as before, which is called a sad winter. I hope there will be more snow until the end of the winter for sure because I know snow is an essential resource for their summer water. It will be dry and hot during the summer, and they don’t have typhoons or rainy seasons like in Taiwan. The other wish for my New Year is to have another smooth coming semester because I hope I can get good grades, which will help me apply for a scholarship when the chance comes. My family will also no need to worry about my studying. Of course, I hope the vaccine will work, and I can go back to Taiwan to see my family and friends. I also have many things to do after going back to Taiwan, such as enjoy food, the ocean, and very green mountains! I know there’s a travel restriction from 2021/1/1 in Taiwan, and I hope people here and other countries face the mutated virus seriously. I think even after the vaccine, people still need to keep good personal hygiene.

Happy New Year! Be healthy and safe in 2021!

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A Disappeared Taiwan food Restaurant

菜脯蛋配蔬菜乾麵 made the dish: pickled radish with dried vegetables noodles

Last week, I went to China town to buy some Asian vegetables and fruits in Utah. I thought maybe this time I can try the bubble tea in that Taiwan restaurant there. However, I found the restaurant was not there anymore; instead, it seems a Hong Kong style restaurant building.

I am so shocked and sad and regret I should try their bubble tea when I eat last time. I didn’t see the claim that the store moved or shot down because of the virus. I went to eat Taiwan food such as braised pork rice and salty chicken rice. Their food is delicious and can comfort me when I miss Taiwan food but lazy to make it myself. I don’t understand why it is not there. I also don’t know how to know what’s up with the restaurant. I assume it is because of COVID-19, and their business was affected. Therefore, they cannot keep running the business there because the rent is expensive or so on. I hope I can find the restaurant again if they do not shot down forever. Another possibility is that maybe the chief went back to Taiwan, so the owner can’t hire the employee, then the restaurant close.

I miss that small but warm Taiwan restaurant. That is the first Taiwan restaurant I found in the USA when I came here before. I was so happy when I saw a specific Taiwan restaurant and all Taiwan food pictures with traditional words introductions! I should talk to the chief, so I may know where the store is now. I also tried the other bigger Chinese restaurant before, but the flavor is still not what I’m familiar with and not what I like. I think Americans like Taiwan food because they also have many Chinese restaurants. However, I didn’t see many specific Taiwan style restaurants. I think maybe because there are not many Taiwanese. On the other hand, Taiwan style food is included in Chinese food; even they are different for Taiwanese. I hope the chief is fine, and I hope I can still have the chance to find the restaurant or other Taiwan style restaurants!

Next time, I will try to talk to them more and not so shy. Maybe I will know some Taiwanese here and learn their life story too.

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Boring Project

I don’t want to do this project from the beginning, and I don’t have choice. You never asked me if I wanted this project. You just gave another person my original backup project. Again, you didn’t ask me if that was okay with me.

You know my situation, but you’re not a considerate teacher. You said you understand, but your actions didn’t show that. I waited since May for my oral defense date, then June, and now July…… I keep reminding you, but you still just keep avoiding telling me. I just want to have an oral defense date, and I can submit my thesis. That will make me feel safe. You said you asked other classmates, although different department. You can understand the mood, but you didn’t do anything to try to help. That is so ridiculous…… I want to leave the loop soon. I’m tired about those things, and I feel so bored….

If you’re a great teacher, you may do anything you can and really try to help. However, you just keep complaining about your responsibility. I regret choosing you as my advisor… but of course, it’s too late when I found out you are a terrible teacher. I just want to finish and leave soon. I think it’s just a waste of time now. It’s boring and I don’t want to put any efforts on this project anymore. It’s just like a dish that is cooked too many times. I am sick to cook the same food over and over again.

I hate to keep pushing others, especially advisor. I think that’s your duty, and you don’t like that too. When is my oral defense date? Please let me go……

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Keep Your Promises!

I remember the promises that you told me before. Apparently, you don’t remember, and you don’t care. How can others trust you, and how can you ask them to follow you?

I know it’s not easy being a professor. However, when you are a professor, how can you change your mind again and again? You always put your students in tough situations, and you see how they struggle in those situations. You never change, even sometimes you are aware of their feelings, you just show a bit of kindness. Then you forgot why they don’t trust you anymore. Remember before you said your dream is to let us finish our thesis project in the first year and take it easy in the second year. But the fact is that I’ve done many different experiments which didn’t produce any results, which wasted my time. I agree that we need to try experiments, but you still blamed us for the failures. You also made me change the goal for my thesis multiple times. This also happened in my second year, when I was supposed to be relaxing, according to you. Now I’m rushing to complete my thesis, making me stay up late and be unhappy. Now that I know you more, I know it’s impossible that you would allow us to relax, because we would have nothing to do. You view us as employees because you pay us a tiny amount of money, so there’s no way you would let us relax in the second year.

You always say things are easy. I think it’s because you do not do those things. All those things you think are easy is just because you just ask other people to do. I agree that it’s a kind of “training,” but what I get from the training is that your leadership never improves or changes, just your requirements for projects always changes. You never have clear direction, because you ask us to think and find the direction for you. I agree that’s important, but it depend on the situation. When there’s not enough time to do that “training,” and for master students, I think we need a good leader with comprehensive plan, at least for most parts. It’s important to help your students, not leave them stranded without a paddle.

Every discussion you have with your students turns into an argument. You also don’t get along with your graduated PhD students. They never want anything to do with you when they graduate and leave. You told me this and I didn’t think too much about it, I should think more about these kinds of things. You have told me that I’m a kind of “rebel” and I don’t listen to authority. I don’t care what you think of me, I just want to get through my program and leave quickly. I definitely won’t have any connection with you after leaving.

I want to leave ASAP.