In this page, you will get to explore the mind, events and feelings of a Chun Jui... ok, fine, judging from the past 22 years, my life is far from what you call "eventful" (in fact, "dull" might the be more appropriate adjective) but I'll try to keep my entries interesting!
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Yes, I'm procrastinating again. I should be working on my Dialectology crap right now (yes, it's crap) since my 40 minute seminar may be in 2 weeks! I hate how we still don't know when we're presenting, it really screws your whole schedule. Please, please, don't let mine be on the week following the Thanksgiving long weekend!! I want to do so many fun things that weekend, including our unofficial 2nd annual apple-picking outing with my friends. We had so much fun last year, although we killed one or two trees while attempting to climb it. =) (Click here to see a picture of us from last year's outing.) Anyway, I still have to start working on my essays for my Teaching apps, contacting references, completing my OUAC/TEAS app, do readings, and more Dialectology homework (drawing isoglosses!! arghh... phonology and phonetics!!). So, the point is, I really shouldn't be updating this eJournal. And as can see, I don't really have much to write about but rather, I'm just rambling on and on and on and on....=P
*ahem* Ok, enough of that. I remember that I DO have something to talk about-- last night's get together with Mel and her friends. Well, as you may recall, we were going to meet at Dominion's @ Kennedy Commons last night because MEL (not me-- just wanted to clarify that. =P) wanted to try out the automatic check outs, after I told her about how our HK gang had so much fun with them a while ago (you guys remember how fascinated we were, right? haha). However, by the time she and her friends finally got there, they were starving, so we ended up going to Casey's. We had a really great time there, chatting with each other and making jokes. Mel, I'm glad I met your "special friend"--- but, there is definitely more than "just friends" chemistry going on between the two of you! =) Keep me updated! Oh, which reminds me: Happy Belated Birthday, Mel! I'm so glad we finally got to meet up with each other after not seeing each other for so long. You look great and I can tell that you're finally happy with everything. I'm proud of you for turning out at the top even after all the tragedies you had to deal with for the past year.
This brings me to Sabrina: Sabrina, I'm very, very glad that we had that talk the other day. Never, ever feel like you're bothering me if you need someone to hear you out. You're going through a tough time and the least I can do is lend you an ear. Please know that you're a wonderful person and that you're going to be ok. I wish you could of joined Mel and I last night, although I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to do so later!
And finally, thanks for the belated, belated birthday presents-- you know who you are! =)
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Nothing much has happened since the last entry, so nothing interesting to report. Hmm... well, we did go to the Bata Shoe Museum at St. George and Bloor today for my sociology class. I don't know if any of you have been inside but it's really cool! You should have seen all the shoes that men in the 18th century wore--- high, high heels! And, the shoes that men wore in the Middle Ages? Extremely pointed shoes that were just ridiculously impractical. Anyway, there's so much to learn about at the museum, so you should go when you're free! Oh, remember to check out a pair of really, funky and glittery platforms that ELTON JOHN once owned! The soles were about 5-6 inches thick, I swear! And, Madonna has really big feet for such a short stature!
Anyhow, as I'm typing this, I'm also chatting on ICQ with a friend. We're having a very heart-to-heart discussion about guys and girls, the ever popular topic. And because my friend and I are females, we are of course, discussing why guys can be such idiots! Why is that they're so retarded yet we need to be with them? My personal beef with guys is that they think they can play dumb and/or play games with us girls and think that they can get away with it! argh.... maybe it's true, men ARE from Mars and women are from a more civilized place. =)
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Considering all the stuff I have to do, I know I shouldn't be updating this journal but procrastination has gotten the better of me (again). Anyway, can someone please enlighten some of our profs? They need to come to the realization that people might actually stay for the entire lecture and remain awake if they didn't speak in monotone! I seriously had some trouble trying to stay awake today during my JMC301 class because the prof didn't know how to include some intonation in his speech. *yawn*
Anyway, I had the world's shortest workout today at the AC with May because the headache that was bugging me before finally got to me. After running a couple of laps around the track and using the StairMaster, my head was throbbing with pain and I felt light-headed, even a little nauseous. In fact, I felt so light-headed that even when the subway train was pulling through the station an hour later, I felt like I was going to fall into it. It was the strangest feeling. But anyway, I'm sorry, May, that our workout was so short! Next time, ok? =)
It wasn't until yesterday that I realized how dependent I was on my trusty Interac/debit card. For some odd reason, the magnetic strip on the card got demagnetized and I couldn't use it when I was buying a course reader, nor could I take out money from the bank machine. I usually don't carry that much cash on me, so when I couldn't use my debit card, I felt so crippled. =) A sure sign of modern technology, right? Life without plastic is just so... primitive! =P heehee...
Speaking of primitive, did any of you see the topless woman outside of Robarts yesterday??? Yes, I'm serious, this chick was not wearing anything on her upper body and she looked like she was interviewing this man for a TV show or something. I don't know if it's actually for TV but another guy was videotaping the whole thing. Maybe it's the Toronto version of "The Naked News".... Needless to say, all the males who walked by nearly fainted! =) I felt bad for all the girlfriends who were walking by with their boyfriends. =) Sunday, September 15, 2002
I've just finished reading another really, really wonderful book, and I must tell all you readers about it. It's called Fall On Your Knees by Canadian Ann- Marie MacDonald. What is it about? It's about a true blood Canadian family living in Cape Breton back at the start of the twentieth century. I describe this family as true blood Canadian because of all the frustrations, confusion, and pride that this family experiences as a "hyphenated Canadian", meaning that the offspring in this family are half Lebanese and half Scottish but born in Canada. It's actual very hard to sum up this wonderful story in a few sentences but I will attempt to: This book is about all the tragedies, the pain, the love, the anger, the happiness, the soul-searching and soul cleansing that all of us experiences during our lives. This story is about pride, about unrequited love, about wrongful love, about unapproved of love (unapproved by societal norms), about religion, about sinning and penance. You chuckle and smile to yourself, while thinking, "They're so cute!" when you're reading about the innocence of three young little sisters who have distinct personalities yet love each other deeply. You can't help but feel an attachment for Frances, the middle sister, who is "bad" but is really good, and in search for her identity, as well as being intent on her mission to saving her youngest sister. She is my favourite character of them all-- she has the greatest sense of humour. Through the journey of all 566 pages of the book, you feel very close to these characters because the author has mastered the art of describing emotions and experiences as if you, the reader, are going through them yourself. She paints realistic and vivid pictures with her words. You know you are reading a good piece of literature when you cry along with the characters, and your heart skips a beat when the author throws you a curveball with her words--- "Oh my gosh, is she dead?" Then, "Phew, she isn't." This is a beautiful book not because it's a "happily ever after" story, far from it actually but because it stirs such strong emotions from within you. It's not at all a happy book but it makes you appreciate the fortunate life that you have. I'm far from being a literature critic but trust me on this one, this is one novel you'll never forget. And it helps that Chapters is reducing 30% off its regular price too. =)
Well, yesterday was my first day teaching Grade 2 English. It was good, and the time just flew by really quickly because each class is only an hour long. Before you know it, the class is almost over and it's time to pass out the homework, explain what they have to do, and then it's dismissal. I made sure I put on my "strict teacher" demeanor yesterday and I think it worked-- for now, at least. =) Hey, when you've got a classful of second graders who snickers by the mere mention of the word "washroom", you really got to control them before they start controlling you.
Oh, one other recommendation: Elva Siu's (Xiao, I guess, in "pinyin") latest CD. I've never bought her albums before and I've only heard a couple of her songs before but I knew she was really talented, so I bought this CD. It's all Mandarin except for one track that she sings in Cantonese. I love this CD because it's got all the American sounds such as R&B, dance, and "hip hop", as well as a couple of really moving and soulful ballads. She's got a really good voice too, which she controls effortlessly to match and mold the style and mood of the song simultaneously. =)
Friday, September 13, 2002
S-T-R-E-S-S. It's only the first week of school and I'm already feeling stressed! This is going to be a tough and challenging year, I can feel it already. One of the reasons why I'm sure this year is going to be stressful is because of this Linguistics course I'm in. Can you believe that I got myself into a course that grad students are also taking?? In fact, up until this year, it's always been a strictly graduate course but they've started to offer it to the undergrads this year. I was freaking out yesterday, as the prof went over the evaluation of the course. While there aren't any tests, quizzes or exams, there is one 30% 40-minute seminar, and the remainder 70% is our research paper!!! Because this IS a grad course, it's mostly research-based. But, this research paper isn't of the "BS" nature like some of my past research papers have been (i.e. my "research paper" for the course I took in Hong Kong, =P). No, we have to take these huge books of linguistic data called dialect atlases, which were compiled by real, Ph.d certified linguists and re-analyze all the data! It's worth 2/3 of our credit!! Hence, the flipping out I experienced yesterday. And no, I can't get out of it because I can't find any other courses that fit in my schedule and meets the requirements of my minor program. So, I'm stuck with this and will have to tough it out. I can already feel some of my brain cells dying just thinking about it.... =(
On a different note, I was asked to an interview for Innis College. Yeah, it is strange but I was just getting some paperwork from the Registrar's office yesterday when the registration officer asked me to do an interview. Apparently, they have this bulletin board that displays information about different Arts and Sciences programs and they needed an upper year student (!! eek-- that's me! I'm an "upper year" student!! ) to talk about his/her experience in Sociology. The interview will be posted on the Innis College website, as well. =/
And speaking of school, have any of you U of T students been to the former Hangar at Sid Smith? It's completely renovated, and it has a bubble tea bar! =) Everything is wooden and there's a lot more space to sit and study than before. Very cool.
On a last note, Mel just called and we have postponed our get together to 3 weeks from now. Guess where we are meeting? At Dominion's @ Kennedy Commons out of all places!! =D This is going to be interesting! =P
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
One year ago, the world changed. "Osama bin Laden", "Taliban", "Afghanistan", "Al Quaida", "World Trade Center", "Ground Zero", "terrorism" all became household names and often heard words. One year, as I was getting ready to go to school, I turned on the TV just in time to see the second tower of the WTC collapse and crumble to the ground. At first I thought I was seeing a clip from the latest Hollywood blockbuster but it only took me a few seconds before I realized that it was really happening. That's when the tears started to pour down my face. I haven't yet seen any of the actual people, just the tower crumbling but when I realized that the first tower was already gone and that people had just started their work day in the two towers, I imagined the shock and the horror that those people in the buildings must have felt when the planes crashed into them, and the tears just spilled. My thoughts then immediately flew to all the people I love in this world: "Oh my god, what would I do if I knew any of the people I love were trapped in something like this??" The tears streamed down even harder.
In other news, I have a couple of shoutouts and thanks: Ber, thanks soo much for my belated bday present!! You didn't have to get me anything, I'm just flattered that you remembered! I love the sarong (you remembered!) and I absolutely adore the McDull notepad! It's sooo cute! =) And thanks for remembering that McDull is my favourite! =D Also, thanks to Kendrick for the postcard! =) The picture is so cool! I hope that one day I will be able to go to Beijing too. You were so lucky. =P Hope to hear from you all about your travel adventures soon!
Monday, September 9, 2002
For the next few days, I couldn't tear myself away from the TV or the newspaper, as images and images, stories and stories of the whole tragic event were broadcast to the world. I cried each time I read or watched something about 9/11-- I cried for all the innocent, unsuspecting people who went to work in the WTC and the Pentagon as usual that day, I cried for all the people who were in the planes. I cried for all the people who were supposed to be at work at those places that day but were either late or absent. I cried for all the families who lost significant loved ones. I cried for my cousin, a flight attendant for United Airlines, who was supposed to be working on one of the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers but was on her week off. I cried for her colleagues who did have to work on the flight and thus lost their lives. I cried for how she had to go back to work without her friends. Today, as I watched the anniversary ceremony on TV, I thought about all of that again, and again, I cried. Once more, I cried for gratitude that all my loved ones are still with me, including those who don't know how much they mean to me. I am so glad you're still here, still healthy and happy.
My brother's 27th birthday "party". 
My brother's "deep in thought" look. WOW. It's sooooo hot!!! What great timing to have our A/C at home break down! I slept in the basement last night, and I've basically migrated down there for the whole time I was at home today. I think I'm gonna sleep down there tonight too. ugh... As I'm typing this, I'm sitting in almost complete darkness except for one desk lamp, in desperate attempt to cool down my room. No, it doesn't really work but at least I'm saving electricity, right? =( And at least, my dad managed to borrow a few fans from a friend... this tiny, dinky little fan isn't much but at least it's better than nothing. Although, I don't quite appreciate the bits of dust it keeps blowing into my face... yecch, *sputter, sputter*.
So, at a time I least expect, I get another job offer! I handed in my resume to this school way back in May and they never gave me the time of day but yesterday, out of the blue, they call me with a job offer. Sorry but I didn't sit around waiting for you to call!
Oh, here's another novel I recommend for you readers out there: Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. The whole plot is really interesting, really realistic-- in fact, so plausible that it's scary. It's about the United States of America being taken over by a totalitarian religious regime and women are opressed once again. They aren't allowed to have their own jobs, nor are they allowed to even read. All signs are replaced by pictures, so the women can't even read the words on signs. This is interesting because this story is told in the point of view of a woman who remembers her life as we know it today but is now living through this new totalitarian regime. She and the rest of the women are now only valuable for their eggs. These women are called "handmaids" and they are to bear children for the Commanders. Women in this regime are no longer allowed to have names either. Instead, the handmaids are referred to as "Of" whatever name their Commander is. For example, if a Commander's first name is Fred, then his handmaid's name is "Offred". Horrible, isn't it? Anyway, this is really interesting and definitely one of my favourite Atwood novels.
School tomorrow!! NOOOO!!! =(
Saturday, September 7, 2002
After spending hours with my mother shopping at Pacific Mall last week (gosh, I'm such a good daughter!! hehehe), I've made a very interesting and amusing observation about the interactions between Chinese women. Maybe I should do a sociological research on this. hmmm... anyway, here it is: a lot of Chinese like to brag humbly. No, this isn't an earthshaking discovery but nonetheless, it intrigues me to see my mother participate in that kind of interaction. Here is a fragment of a conversation my mother had with the owner of the store we were shopping in:
Mom: "So what is your son studying in university?"
Last random thoughts:
Monday, September 2, 2002
Never, ever cross a woman who is either menopausing or approaching it-- especially if she is stressed or tired (or both). Come to think of it, stress/fatigue are pretty much synonymous with "menopause"... Anyway, if you are about the same age as I am, then our mothers are probably around the same age too. If so, then you would know what I mean about never getting on the bad side of your menopausing/near-menopausing mother. I know she was tired today, and unfortunately, I got into her line of fire today. It's complicated and even probably petty to complain about but sheesh, how could I get into so much trouble without even doing anything??!! Words of advice from my father: "Just get out of her path whenever she's tired/stressed/unhappy/upset/depressed/angry/hungry/etc., etc." Good idea. =)
Anyway, can you believe I spent most of yesterday cleaning the house (voluntarily-- no one forced me to do it!!), when I could have gone out with my friends?? What is wrong with me?? Oh well... clubbing isn't really my thing anyway, although I wouldn't mind going at least once this year. But I must admit, now I know why Lizzie is such a neat freak-- cleaning can be very satisfying, especially when you've cleaned out a cupboard that no one has dared to try in years, so that now the cupboard door can actually be opened and closed without the fear of an avalanche crashing down on you! =P
After a couple of hours cleaning out that cupboard, I swept and mopped the floor, vacuumed the entire house, and scrubbed the bathtub. Phew! I was exhausted but felt pretty darned good about myself, so I decided to pamper myself with a nice, fragant bath. =) The always "go, go, go" schedule I've had over the years have allowed me only enough time for quick showers, so the last time I had a nice bubble bath was when I was a kid. As a result, I had forgotten how relaxing a bath can be. People have always said that baths are the best way to relax, and bath salts, aromatherapy and all that stuff have been credited for their capability to heighten the whole relaxing experience. However, I think that baths are relaxing mainly because you know that you have the time to partake in such luxury. Consequently, I was pretty mellowed out by the time I went to bed. =)
Last thoughts: SEPTEMBER. *groan* Only one week left until the inevitable: back to school. =( On the brighter side, I finally found the other Peanuts in Hong Kong puzzle!! =P This one was a little more expensive than the first one I bought but still cheaper than the *real* puzzles!! hehehe... AND, this one really does glow in the dark. =)
Owner: "Oh, you know, I never really give that much attention to what he studies. All that's important is that he's happy..."
Mom: "Yes, yes, I'm like that too with my kids! It's so important that they're studying something they're interested in, you know."
Owner: "I think my son is studying computers, you know, the co-op program in Waterloo?"
Mom: "Wow! Smart boy! It's so impressive that he got into co-op at that school because Waterloo is well-known for their co-op programs."
Owner: "Oh, really? Is it? I don't know, all I know is that he got a few thousand dollars of scholarship... is that good?"
Mom: "Oh, of course! You've got a smart boy..."
Owner: "Oh, no, no...but you know, my son is also really good in Chinese too, considering that he came to Canada when he was still so young."
Mom: "Oh, my daughter is very good at Chinese too--she can read the newspapers, sing Chinese songs at karaoke [yeah, yeah, stop laughing people! =P], watch Hong Kong TV dramas, and also speaks very fluently as well."
Owner: "Yes, that is very good! But you know what? My son isn't just good in Cantonese but also in Mandarin. Every year when he was taking Mandarin classes, he would come home with these HUGE trophy cups for his top marks. He was always the top student in his Mandarin classes!"
Mom: "Oh, wow! Yeah, my son and daughter always used to win trophies too when they were in Chinese school. But, your son is very smart!"
Owner: "Oh, no, no, my son is just a silly boy."
Me: [in thought and rolling eyes] "Oh, puh-leeze...."
1) A parent of one of my preschool students wants to name their unborn baby after me, if it turns out to be a girl! =D The mom apparently really, really likes my name, although I really don't know why. Two images always pop into my mind whenever I think of "Elsie": One is an old lady with blue hair who is a regular at Bingo and Bridge Nights at the local community centre, and the other is a young, fat and clumsy girl. I don't know which one I like better...
2) Would you rather have someone find you sexy because they love you or that they love you because they find you sexy?
3) I'm currently reading the sequel to Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, called Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. I must say, it's not as good as the first one. The author seems to be trying really hard to be just as funny as the first book but fails to do a good job of it. Nonetheless, it's an easy read, a no brainer. And speaking of books, I can't believe I bought three more novels from Chapters the other day-- I still have a whole bunch I haven't read yet, including Lord of the Rings. I must be crazy for spending so much money on books when later I will have to spend a whole ton more when I buy my textbooks.... =(
