1/3(Sat.) Inspiring Stories (Host: Gavin)

[gavintsai]

Dear YOYO:

I am pleased to be the first host in 2009. A few days ago I happened to pick up one of Dr. 戴晨志's books in a library. The book name was "激勵高手". After reading it, I was strongly inspired.

We tend to complain too much nowadays. We blame the God, the government, the company, and other people. However, complaints are not constructive for improving our life. Now let's read some inspiring stories translated from the book. I hope we will all survive no matter how severe the recession is in 2009.



1. Fighting Fate
(A paralyzed man still can compose music with a bamboo stick in his mouth)

林豪勳 has loved music since his childhood. Because of his music talent and handsome appearance, his was recruited into the Navy Orchestra and performed in national ceremonies. However, when he was 28 years old, he accidentally fell from the second floor to the ground; his was completely paralyzed from his neck down.

Survived from the edge of afterworld, he turned his thinking into positive thoughts in order not to let his mother down. He started to learn how to key in, with a bamboo stick in his mouth. Amazingly enough, he could use CJ Chinese Character Input Method (倉頡輸入法) to type e-mails, and even compose music. Regardless of the extremely time-consuming process, he mixed symphony with Taiwanese aboriginal songs to create magnificent new melodies. Eventually, he won "金毅獎" , a reward that encourages the disabled for their outstanding achievements.

In addition, 林豪勳 was also a volunteer at 台東 Christianity Hospital. After a car accident, a seriously-injured girl lost her hope for life. One day, when 林豪勳 played his unique type of music in front of her, she was so touched that she kept shedding tears. She said, "Thank you so much for your inspiration. I want to live bravely like you."

The story of 林豪勳 not only tells the disabled how to live well, but also tells the normal how to live meaningfully.



2. It is never too old to learn.

Considering life after retirement was boring, Mr. 羅 (66 years old) studied in a cram school without any concern that his classmates were in the ages of his grand children. Then, he entered Long Tan Adult School of Agriculture and Technology (龍潭農工補校).

Many people doubted whether such an old man could graduate. Since Mr. 羅's first day of adult school, he quitted smoking and drinking so as to keep his mind sharp. He studied really hard. It was truly a miracle that he graduated as the top student of the class, winning the President Award, Moral Education Award, and Full-Attendance Award.

Besides, during the Diploma Qualification Exam for Adult Vocational School Students (高職補校畢業生檢定考試), he got perfect grades in Chinese and Mathematics. For the other subjects, he was just one correct answer away from being perfect. Most lazy students must feel ashamed after reading Mr. 羅's story.



Session Ⅰ:
1. Do you have other inspiring stories to share with others?
2. Are you inspired by the stories? How would you change your attitude towards life?
3. Have you set your goals for year 2009? How will you fulfill them?



Session Ⅱ:
1. What are some policies we can make YOYO more prosperous?
2. What are some activities YOYO can arrange for its members in 2009? How will you assist our new club president and vice-president in 2009?




Agenda
Session I:
2:15 ~ 2:30 Greeting / Ordering Beverage or Meal
2:30 ~ 2:40 Opening Remarks / New comers' Self-introduction / Grouping
2:40 ~ 3:20 First Group Discussion
3:20 ~ 3:35 First Summarization
3:35 ~ 3:40 Regrouping /Break
Session II:
3:40 ~ 3:45 Introduction
3:45 ~ 4:25 Second Group Discussion
4:25 ~ 4:40 2nd Summarization
4:40 ~ 4:50 Concluding Remarks / Announcements


聚會日期時間：聚會日期列於該貼文主題內 聚會2:15 pm 到 ~ 約 4:50 pm 左右結束。
聚會地點：合歡咖啡Acacia Cafe
地址: 台北市忠孝東路4段216巷33弄15號
電話: 02-8771-6230
捷運站: 板南線 忠孝敦化站
走法: 忠孝敦化站3號出口 -> 直走到ATT百貨 -> 右轉216巷 -> 直走到"東區粉圓"(對面為全家便利商店) -> 左轉33弄 ->直走約100公尺左手邊
低消: 90 元

給新朋友的話：
1. 請事先準備2~3分鐘的英語自我介紹。
2. 請事先閱讀討論主題相關內容以及host所提的問題，並事先寫下自己所欲發表意見的英文。
3. 全程以英語進行，參加者應具備中等英語會話能力，對任一討論問題，能夠以5到10句英文表達個人見解。
4. 在正式加入之前（繳交可退還之保證金NT$1,000），可以先來觀摩三次。

[toshi]

Dear Gavin,

Thank you so much for your kindly questions in the discussion!
As you know I am going to Japan, so I can't joing the discussion.
Sunny Jr. will attend to it.
Really looking forward to it!

[Gavin]

Dear Toshi:

Thanks for your reply. With your passion, I believe you will do a good job as YOYO president.



Dear everybody:

Time really jets. The new year 2009 is coming, so session Ⅱ is arranged for everybody to thank Kooper and express support for Toshi and Sunny. Your opinions will make YOYO more prosperous. Try you best to attend the meeting then.

I have joined YOYO for 3 years and 1 month; I am glad to filfill a small goal (hosting my 10th meeting in YOYO).
From the hosting experiences, I gained happiness in interacting with YOYO friends, and also overcome shyness.
Now let me share the experiences with you as below.



1.
Braveheart ---------------------------------April 5, 2006 (Wed.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1181

2.
Two Tips for Your Work Performance---Sep. 16, 2006(Sat.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic. ... 9126#p9126

3.
Two Sales Tips-----------------------------May 5, 2007 (Sat.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic. ... 515#p10515

4.
Self-Image-----------------------------------Sep. 15, 2007 (Sat.) as Rescuer
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1843

5.
Impulsive Buying --------------------------Nov. 24, 2007 (Sat.) as Rescuer
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic. ... 479#p12479

6.
THE SPEED OF LIFE------------------------Dec. 29, 2007 (Sat.) as Rescuer
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic. ... 864#p12864

7.
The Book 好人也該擁有好人生------------May 10, 2008(Sat.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2129

8.
Take Care of Our Planet-------------------May 24, 2008(Sat.) as Rescuer
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2144

9.
2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing--------Sep.6, 2008 (Sat.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2235

10.
Inspiring Stories----------------------------Jan. 3, 2009 (Sat.)
http://122.116.234.216/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2362

[Bill Yu]

I am glad to filfill a small goal (hosting my 10th meeting in YOYO).

Gavin
Good job. You study English hard. I join your meeting once.
I still remember what we discussed. You're a good host.

[sunsuni0831]

Dear Gavin:
Thanks for the session 2...

Congratulate for fulfilling your goal.
While I joined YOYO, Gavin always be the supportive role or rescuer in each different periods of YOYO.
Let's applaud Gavin warmly for his devotions.

Sunny Jr.

[gavintsai]

Dear Bill:
Thanks. You also show great passion in English. You will succeed.

Dear Sunny:
Thanks. When realizing our ex-presidents devote themselves so much, everybody would be eager to participate.
Next year, count me in your arrangements.



I would like to be the first one to answer the questions.

Session Ⅰ:
Q1: Look no further. There are many inspirations in YOYO.
Kooper deals with meeting affairs so well. No doubt this is amazing work.
Besides, Wayne checks every host's article carefully. This really takes patience and time. Wayne is truly a hero behind screen.

Q2: Yes, I am strongly inspired by the stories. A paralyzed man still can make a career success; a 66-year-old man still keeps studying. A healthy person like me would be a fool if I didn't cherish my time to continuously make progress in every way I can.

Q3: Setting too many goals are not practical, because our time is limited. I just set three goals first.
(1) Education
Current status: going well with the first two subjects of my on-the-job graduate study.
Goal: Graduating with a straight-A grade report card.
(2) Job
Current status: being an FAE with satisfactory performance.
Goal: becoming a sustaining PM
(3) Swimming skills
Current status: swimming 1500M by breaststroke without landing.
Goal: able to do freestyle and backstroke. Swimming across Sun-Moon Lake without resting.

To fulfill these goals, I need to keep a balance among studying, job, and PE. I will make a schedule on weekly basis.

Last but not least, for those weekends I don't have to go to class and join company activities, I will go to YOYO to practice English.



Waiting for your answers in the meeting on Jan. 3, 2009

Gavin

[Sherry Liao]

At the begining of this year, I made an announcement on the forum that I would try to post articles in English as best as I could (inspired by Wayne Chiang). Although I didn't do it perfectly, I did learn a lot from the process of practicing.

As for year 2009, my goals are:
1. Spending more time with my family.
2. Taking care of my health. (Inspired by Kooper.)
3. Fulfilling my plans of English studying.
(Maybe I should set some specific steps for 1 and 2. )

And my New Year wish is that YOYO 2009 will prosper!

[toshi]

At the begining of this year, I made an announcement on the forum that I would try to post articles in English as best as I could (inspired by Wayne Chiang). Although I didn't do it perfectly, I did learn a lot from the process of practicing.

As for year 2009, my goals are:
1. Spending more time with my family.
2. Taking care of my health. (Inspired by Kooper.)
3. Fulfilling my plans of English studying.
(Maybe I should set some specific steps for 1 and 2. )

And my New Year wish is that YOYO 2009 will prosper!

Dear Sherry,

I would like to encourage you too!
To write an article by you yourself is totally different from just picking up an article through Internet, no matter it's what you are familiar for a long time or you just learned recently.
I consider it's the best way of learning in both English and the topic itself.
Just do it!
You will see! ^_^

>And my New Year wish is that YOYO 2009 will prosper!
Wow!! cool! ^_^
我壓力好大

[gavintsai]

Dear Sherry and Toshi:

It’s very good to share your goals on forum, because YOYO friends will give your strength either physically or spiritually. Announced goals are more likely to come true. You good girl and good boy!

Welcome more YOYO friends to share goals in the meeting or on the forum. Let’s all strive hard in 2009!




Here are my answers for session Ⅱ
Q1. I think organization chart and deputy system shall be introduced into YOYO.
Team work is powerful and also a lot of fun!

Q2: I suggest a trip to 花蓮. I’ve been there once this year; I will always enjoy visiting it again.
For YOYO meeting affairs, I can help to guide new hosts how to prepare an article and arrange a meeting.
With more experienced hosts, we will see many creative ideas, and our presidents’ work loading can be alleviated a bit.

[sunsuni0831]

Let me share my thoughts:

Q1. Do you have other inspiring stories to share with others?
I would like to share an inspiring story that I heard and saw in my childhood. While I studied in Art class, our teachers invited a very special mouth and foot painting artist- 楊恩典. She was born without hands and seriously deformed spine. Each pieces of her painting are amazingly painted by her mouth and foot. Moreover, her optimistic personality complements her colorful paintings and life. Now, she is a worldwide mouth and foot painting artist and loved by her deep love husband and even had her own daughter. Her story inspires us that everyone could be anyone if they want from their heart and their unremitting determination and mettle. Even now, when I look up her information from internet and watched her continued hard work still make my heart touched.
For more about her as followed:
http://blog.yam.com/yucw/article/5687008
http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/6/8/28/n1436885.htm
Her books: http://www.books.com.tw/exep/prod/books ... 0010333966

Q2. Are you inspired by the stories? How would you change your attitude towards life?
When I first read the story, of course I was touched and inspired by it. However, I forgot the meaning after a period of time. To remember is one thing, to do is another. But it is always good to keep abreast of these role models and memorize their spirit in our mind. And makes our lives are capable to deal with difficulties.

Q3. Have you set your goals for year 2009? How will you fulfill them?
Life: look at bright side and be healthy. Always keep an optimistic thought in mind and take exercise regularly.
Work: more efficient and increase my career professional ability. Time and priority management.
Keep YOYO’s value as good as usual: Action speaks louder than words. ^^
I’m looking forward to listening all your opinions and sharing my thought in SessionⅡ
Sunny Jr. 近視越來越深了...得把字弄大一點

[Kooper]

It seems like a good idea to keep some inspiring stories at hand and read them whenever I am in a foul mood. Compared with the difficult time those people in the stories have got through or are currently facing, mine is nothing. The stories remind me of things that I have and help me do away with negative thoughts.

[Kooper]

Attendance Figures: 17

Host: Gavin

Participants: Remous, Chiron, Vicky Wu, David Jr., Monica, Jacky, Fred, Kooper, Sunny Jr., Adrian, Rita, Linda Jr., Double, Arthur, Judy Wei, William

New Comer: William

We've had another charming young man as one of our official members. Remous Wan officially joined YOYO after the meeting. Let's welcome Remous.

[gavintsai]

Meeting minutes:

Session Ⅰ:
Everybody’s goals are listed as below. It’s your homework to fulfill them.

Group 1’s speaker: William
Sunny: Walking ten thousand steps every day.
Linda: Help more people.
Remous: Exercise more.
William: lose 10kg by going jogging in the morning.

Group 2’s speaker: Kooper
Vicky: go on to learn Japanese
Adrian: Learn Spanish
Monica: Improve English vocabulary
Kooper: Keep the job, and spend more time studying English

Group 3’s speaker: Judy
Double: buy an apartment
David jr.: upgrade work, and find a life partner.
Fred: buy an apartment
Judy: go to a foreign school

Group 4’s speaker: Rita
Chiron: earn more money
Jacky: earn more money
Rita: pass a national exam



Gavin’s advice:
It’s good to practice “WORK BREAKDOWN”
When your goal is big and unspecific, you don’t know how to start and don’t know what to do every day.
Therefore, you need to break down the goal into smaller measurable tasks.

Example: Become a sales manager
Becoming a sales manager may roughly mean obtaining 100 new customers and earn revenue of NT$1000000000.
Then you should arrange the tasks into your daily schedule, so that you know what to do every day to achieve your goal.

[gavintsai]

Welcome, Remous!

Remous also lives in Dansui, I am so glad to meet a YOYO who comes from my hometown.

Many of my friends say people from Dansui are all friendly and peaceful. I believe you think so.

Gavin

Attendance Figures: 17

Host: Gavin

Participants: Remous, Chiron, Vicky Wu, David Jr., Monica, Jacky, Fred, Kooper, Sunny Jr., Adrian, Rita, Linda Jr., Double, Arthur, Judy Wei, William

New Comer: William

We've had another charming young man as one of our official members. Remous Wan officially joined YOYO after the meeting. Let's welcome Remous.

[Wayne]

Words and Expressions 0103 2009

1. 小兒麻痺: polio; poliomyelytis
2. 掃把星 : jinx
3. 十大青年: Ten Outstanding Young Persons
4. 義肢: artificial limb
5. 專情的: faithful
6. 空虛的: empty
7. 遊學: study tour
8. 植物園: botanical garden
9. 診查: diagnose
10. 抽痰: extract mucus
11. 五專: junior college