Natalie's piece of mind

New Dept.

2008-04-05T22:23:00.002+08:00

Today, it's my second day at the costom dept. I felt like I am a seventies grandma using sewing machine. The lines should be seamed straightly. I was joking the result of my sewing was like the stock market charts with irregular lines. Another image was about beautiful nature. Ms. Shih took me to the sea cow theater. We stood at the back stage using microphone to report the stage manager to see if the show needs to start earlier. While we observed the huge crowd seated, we need to keep an eyes on the water ballet performers. If they came, we reported to the stage manager. After the reporting, the chubby sea cow was swimming with its single fin. Some small fish were on the sea cow's back. I guessed they were eating somethings. If you see the immense aquarium, the silver small fish were like soldiers moved in group and two sea cows were like astronauts roamed slowly. I envied the freedom of these lovely creatures! Why? Today, Ms. Shih & I was writing the daily work record. You'll never see such stringent rules set on employees. Every fifteen minutes we need to write what we have done. Work or play? I hope if the person wants to understand, he or she can go down to see what we are doing. Writing is one thing, if the person who saw our record and don't believe us. What could we do? I am confused and furious. Where is trust and respect? I agree for the Radik comments. Fucking Shit!!!!

Tranquility

2008-04-03T22:32:00.002+08:00

"Think before act" is average people's beliefs. If thinking was irrational, action would stand for chaotic. The correct action would only come along with the rational and thoughtful thinking. Nevertheless, some people believe luck is necessary. Well, I define "luck" as a series of effort and adaptation toward an event, a responsibility or a chance. This is particularly critical memo for me to apply in the job.

My best friend, Jane, she is a persistent and smart person. She chose a practical major: nurse. Because of her effort, she passed the private hospital test and became a nurse. After for working two years, she decided to quit job and prepare for the nursing university test. The reason is she seeks to have a regular working hours and be able to being a supervisor in the future. In my opinion, Jane's decision is in time. As I traced back how she told me on the phone, Jane was bared for the irregular hours and onerous tasks, claiming she wanted to quit. I remembered I suggest her to change a job related to nursing. Her mind was same with me. So, she began to study. Although she did not pass it, she is going to try it for once. To me, she is a perfect example of never submissive for the present situation. For readers, I hope you would not look down for the setbacks. Keep hopes and open mind will plow the seeds of dream.

Wilderness

2008-03-30T23:18:00.000+08:00

Faith, you hold me tight to believe this is the fortunate moments,
Smile, it’s the river that washes away my wary,
Courage, the predecessor takes me to explore the boundless landscape,
Loneliness, the plain paper clearly presents the happiness you and I had shared,
Unhappiness, the draught reminds me to endeavor and cherish,
Forgiveness, the caravel carries me to cross over the perilous storm,
About you, I treasured the love and respect you taught me,
Haulien, you are my first compass, first cup whisky that wakes me up.

Packaged World

2008-03-18T19:50:00.002+08:00

Legislators often shout and quarrel with ministers. In fact, they suppose to discuss all issues in sense and use confirmed information for public's good. Nevertheless, TV broadcasts their inquiry that offers them a great opportunity for people seeing legislators' efforts; in other words, a political business for gaining voters' favors and impression. If you looked into this matter, there were a tons of things similar with this phenomenon. For example, you fall in love with someone having a feeling that everything is going to work out; on contrary, you two couldn't settle some matters or love each other to fulfill each expectation! In some circumstances, media creates an illusion likewise love between valentines. The dreadful part is not about the illusion is on our judgment. It's the choice of trustworthiness or doubtfulness or indifferent. I prefer indifference to look the world because this is how I seek hopes, find a way toward the planned destination.

Blessing

2008-03-06T20:59:00.002+08:00

The words, comforts or encouragements are not so powerful comparing to the strenuous action by my grandpa. My grandpa was undergone three times stroke and had stayed in the ICU for a very long time. Yesterday, I went to see him; it was two month since last time I visited him! Like usually, my grandma opened the door and told me in a soft voice: I'm thinking about you! I was a little bit of embarrassed because I was trying to avoid to see them to stay out of her nagging. Then, Grandma rushed me to see Grandpa. Grandpa's face wore his warm smile, wearing a brand new sports shoes and a striped yellow coat. He spoke in such clear voice: you came!

My Grandpa was a introverted person seldom speaking his mind or expressing what he want. For understanding his health condition, I asked whether he had any pain or illness. He replied in a content voice: no, I had no pain! From the conversation, he told me he took bath by himself every three days. When I learned this, I could understand how difficult it is for him to move his hand around the body and even to stand up from the chair. Due to the serious stroke, Grandpa had difficulty in moving, walking or even the smallest action like stripping his nails. I volunteered to strip nails for him, but he refused. He said: you can't not do well! I can do it myself! Thus, he leaned his round face attentively toward his wrinkled hands. Pressing hardly on the nail scissors, his nails fell on the table. Worried for his hands, I held his hand to examine whether he cut his flesh. The shape was irregular and was full with angles. I persuaded him to let me stripping his nails. He acclaimed: I can do it myself! Seeing my Grandpa stripping on the nails was like a hard-working artisan worked on his delicate crystal under the heat. I was so proud of him and was extremely touched by his perseverance and resilience!

Grandpa showed his passion for life regardless his son's ignorance. What about me? Thank you so much, beloved Grandpa! You taught me a lesson: " Never lower your head due to setbacks, or misfortune, confront it and defeat the diffidence!" Grandpa, you gave me strength and love. Although you are not around me, I can still feel your smile and perseverance all the time!

Emptiness

2008-01-18T20:11:00.000+08:00

My supervisor sighed for his tiredness and impatience. This is not the first time I heard his grumbles. After hearing his complain, I tried to encourage him and yet felt discouraged! There is a question continues bumping around in my mind: Is it the right job that suit me? What is my future career after staying in the Ocean Park for a year? Life is full of questions but I need to try to find out by plans and determination. Otherwise, if there was no goals in life, it is terrible like a thrifted boat floats on the angry tides.

Hualien, a quiet place, is the place similar with the environment of my college. Clearly, few stores and transportation is around. In the first month, I feel extremely lonely and depressed. Not only does it take a long time to wait for the shuttle bus but also it takes time to acquaint with others. I kept calling to my friends to kill my loneliness. Strangely, the conversation didn't lessen the loneliness. On the contrary, my desolation is even greater! Why? I guess is my own problem; insecurity is due to the dependence! This is the first time I rely on me to earn the expenses, stand the pressure and overcome the fear. To some extent, it's a good chance to grow up and be stronger.

One & Half Month Work

2008-01-16T20:45:00.000+08:00

Today, I wrote working record and felt surprised there are four weeks left on probation. Yet, I wonder what kind of contribution I had done for the Ocean Park. I can't think of anything!Apparently, there are lots of things I need to learn and be aware of. For example, the major part of the job is applying work visa or ARC for the foreign performers. Once the expiry passes, the performers couldn't work. Of course, if I mistook the date of the expiry, the show will be affected and the performers' work is in trouble. " TIME IS EVERYTHING!" Another duty is applying fees for foreigners' meals. Besides, company regulates us to accompany them while performers go back to their country or go to a business trip. Therefore, I am like a traveler taking trains back and forth to pick foreigners up in the airport. Few days ago, I waited at the airport for the acrobat " Vadym" and his family. I was like a clock being wind and stared anxiously at the gate for nearly forty five minutes. Later, he showed up. My head was very dizzy because of the bumping road on the buses. However, we had a joyful conversation on the train. In the end, there are bitterness and sweetness in the job. I would try to embrace it and determine to do it as good as I could.

Cruise Liner on Tamsui River

2007-11-22T19:55:00.000+08:00

It was drizzling with the wind blowing hard. Under the damp weather, we were going to take boat on Tamsui River for two hours. All the scorers, umpires and TC were invited by Taipei mayor to witness the improvement of the cleanup on Tamsui River. When Susana and I walked into the boat, there were so many waiters greeting us. All the seats were fulled up quickly. The huge poster hung at the center. The beige light illuminated its significance.It was hard to find a place to stand, so I walked to the second floor. There, I met other translators. We were curious about how would it be when it was setting off.

At the second floor, there was a projection screen to show the ceremony and shows at the first floor. People could walk out to see the neon signs gleamed in the distance; it presented an obvious contrary with the dark hue of water. Although it was mostly dark in the view, the boat was heading in steady speed like an explorer leading all of the people to await for the unexpected scenery later. I was struck by the mystery of the river and took some photos. Most of the translators were in a room displayed traditional artifacts and malt sugar candies. Savoring the delicacy and music on the boat was like a dream to me! Natalia and I went to the upper open-air deck at the third floor. It was really cold and humid! Laughter, babel of chatting, smell of wine and songs by the signer were all announcing the exciting game will soon begin!

逢甲Night Market ( Part II)

2007-11-20T20:59:00.000+08:00

When hearing there was a Taiwanese with them, I was a little relief but still concerned though.
Anyway, there were one feature in Taichung night markets unlike the rest in Taiwan; small screens were broadcasting the live baseball games which attracted them to stop by and watched. Taichung City government was certainly promoting for the momentous games by doing it.

I would describe the night market tour more like a food exhibition for Corrie and Dave. They took pictures of cute children, glamorous fascia, diverse food! It was a pity I didn't use camera to record thier concentrated expression in snapshotting! Fred looked them with a calm expression. It was probably due to that he came to Taipei in 1980s before. As for Feiko, he told me there was a Turkish ice cream stand and knew there was a shop selling hand-made key chains with colored curved wires. The foreign boss seemed performing tricks to the customers; it was fun to watch how he sold ice cream. Then, the hand-made key chain stores are popular among teenagers. The key chains are special gifts with friends' names on it.

Neil came out with middle of nowhere and took us to see the snake. About walking ten minutes, we saw there was a huge yellow lizard with its head chained beside the window. I thought it was cruel to treat animal like somekind of products. Below the lizard, small divorsed transparent boxes was crawled with spiders, snakes which gave me chills! Taiwan night market could not get rid of these innocent living animals. When I was in college, I went to the night market to have dinner with friends at Taipei county. There were small horses were chained similar like merry-go-around; the difference was these horses were alive. The vendors hoped to attract children to get a ride.

Alright, I wanted to take this chance to tell you how great were these umpires and scorers help me about the tour. First, Feiko reassured me he knew how to go back to the location where all people should meet there at 21:30. Second, Dave noticed it was almost 21:30 and he took a quick look of the bag shop. Third, Fred stood like a tall beacon telling me: Corrie, Neil and Feiko were at the front, they didn't go far. Without Fred's observation, I could not see them among the crowd, you know. Last but not least, Susana and Moria were already stood at McDonald waiting for us to go back! Thank God, girls & boys were all gather together!

When we went back by taxi, we had a risky violation of a traffic rule! Susana, Moira, Fred, Feiko & I were in one taxi, but it allows four people in one taxi only! Luckily, we didn't catch by polices.
We were crammed into like sardines cane! There was a movie called: " Fantastic Four," these seven people should be called as " Marvelous Seven."

逢甲 Night Market ( Part I )

2007-11-19T22:11:00.000+08:00

The highlight of my job was taking seven persons to the night market in Taichung. More specifically, these seven persons play extremely important roles in baseball games so I need to make sure all of them could go back to the hotel. The responsibility made me nervous; however, I found out these seven persons were scattered but never too late to catch up the procession. Ha, in my mind, they were more local in some aspects than I am! Later, I'll explain how good they were!

These seven persons were Susana, Moria, Dave, Feiko, Corrie, Fred and Neil. Right in front of our eyes, there were all kinds of food stands lined on both sides. They leaned to take a closer look of the bizarre food: pigs' intestine, fried squid, chicken feet and stinky tofu. I bought " pig blood cake" hoping them could try the delicious snack. The sauce on the "pig blood cake" was the gravy with the soy bean sauce. No one wanted to take a bite. The main reason was the name is too spooky and the second is they had already had dinner. While explaining the food and suggesting the gifts for Dave's daughters, I realized Susana and Moira were not behind us, they were gone in the complete different directions. Anxiously, I asked them whether they knew where Moira and Susana was. Then, Feiko told me there was a Taiwanese with them. ( to be continued.)

Sweetest Smile

2007-11-18T22:27:00.000+08:00

What are your sweetest moments? Is it a note from your boyfriend? Or, be able to travel and work at the same time? I found out the first answer yesterday when my sis sent me a photo was taken in USA. By watching the photo, it was like a warm cup of tea driven away the cold you got in drenched clothe. Comfortably cozy and gratifying! For me, I have never saw such a delightful expression of my parents! I felt very happy for them! The prettiest smiles of my family are my great happiness! Well, it's bit late now.I feel sleepy because I watched the final of USA vs Cuba.

Tomorrow, I'll continue to share other sweetest moments concerning to 2007 World Baseball Cup.

2007-11-17T23:02:00.001+08:00

Click on the photo, there's a column at the left beside the small people. Click the column, then you can see the caption for each photo.

Coincidence

2007-11-16T21:52:00.000+08:00

I didn't watch baseball game before, unless I was happened to sit beside my father when he tuned in the live and explained the rules to me. Now, "baseball game" is a sport I can finally undertand thanks to Elisa's detailed explanation and my recent job experience. Elisa worked with me as assistants to assist transportation, problems of lives and schedules for umpires and scorers of 2007 World Baseball Cup at Taichung. If I didn't lose my last job, I wouldn't be here to meet so many friends from worldwide. I guess it's a gift and a lesson being given by my friends.

This job was introduced by Sara, one of the employee from CTBA. I met her on the World Women's Baseball Cup at Tianmu in 2006. Owing to it, there I met Linda Steijger. She is a Dutch scorer. We write to each other sometimes. Then, Linda wrote me a letter to see if I was going to be a volunteer to meet his colleagues Feiko and Fred. At that time, I was anxious to have a full-time job;however,things don't go the way I thought. Although I had some job interviews, I still need to wait patiently for the result. Luckily, Sara asked me whether I'm interested in having a part-time job in Taichung. Without second thought, I agreed. While working for two or three days, I found out Linda was Feiko's boss and had worked with Moira and Susana. Well, I appreciated the baseball was held in Taichung where it tested my courage and patience to work jointly with CTBA & IBAF.

The Last Day at Taichung!

2007-11-15T12:32:00.000+08:00

I dragged myself out of bed and felt exhausted! However, there was a must-do thing awaiting me to complete---writing post cards to my friends like umpires, scorers and commentators. When writing these postcards, I stretched my head to find right words to put down my feeling. Although my writing were short, I sincerely hope all the friends could work smoothly and stay comfortably.

Accidents do happen! Looking at the name list, Elisa and I found Jeong, Olswado and Neil didn't show up at lobby. Like usual, we dialed to their room and rushed them to come down. Then, I used a few minutes to take pictures with Corrie, Fred and Dave. Let me introduce these friends. Dave(left one), U.S.A. umpire, is humorous and pleasant. He told us that a family in the baseball stadium were ready to taking pictures. At that time, he stood up secretly behind their back. The person taking pictures was looking at his pictures on the camera with his eyes bulging out! Next one is Corrie(right one), he is a energetic and curious Canadian umpire. Why? Taking an example, when Corrie finished umpring the game, he asked me and other people to go to bar. As you can imagine, there is no such a word called " time" in the bar. Now, it comes to the curious part of Corries' character. Yesterday, he asked me again about the side effects of bettle nut: Why is bettle nut bad for health? How does it taste like? I guess I need to read the convincing information to persuade Corrie for not trying the nut. Last one is Fred(center one), he is a moody and enthusiastic Dutch umpire. For instance, he can be smile amicably at times and seems solemn with his eyes.

Late award goes to No.1 umpire: Jeong. It was unusal, you know; because Olswaldo was at the top chart. From the phone, I learned that Jeong had just got up and started packing his stuff. While everyone was impatient watching at the strange movie, Jeong came down with his read face and could not find his keys. Bellboys were helping Jeong to look for his keys. Then, I found out Olswaldo was wearing his brightest smile at the back seat. As for Neil, he was only a two or three minutes late.

On the bus, I had conversation with Willie, Dave and Corrie. They are very friendly and easy-going. Good-bye and good luck to all of you! For tomorrow, I'll stay tune with the stadeo.tv and TVBS-G to check out the exciting games are the efforts being accomplished by all my new friends' hard work and passionate spirit!