25th Wedding Anniversary

As 2017 draws to a close, may I wish you a great year ahead.

“I am getting married!” was the subject heading of an email I received recently from a former student. She is not the only one who got married this year… I know of several other former students who also tied the nuptial knot this year.

 

2017 is also a special year for us. It is our 25th wedding anniversary. We are thankful for the many good memories; we have been to interesting places we never dreamed of… This year, we visited Florida (Jan), Hong Kong (Apr), Switzerland (Jun), Taiwan (Jul) and Sydney (Oct). That adds up to nearly 80,000 km!

Florida (Jan 2017)

Marriage is not the only milestones in one’s life. There are other significant milestones, such as:

• the first day in university;
• the last exam;
• getting the first job;
• receiving the first pay check;
• collecting the keys to the house;
• the first promotion;
• becoming a parent;
• retiring; and so on…

Taichung (Jul 2017)

Milestones are important because they are the fruits of our hard work; they encourage us; and they mark a new phase/season in our life. It is therefore important to celebrate milestones; lest our “life become one long ride without stops to enjoy the scenery”. So I am reminded that we should not be  hurried to reach our destination... don't settle on snapping photos to share on Facebook. Instead, remember to pause, ponder, enjoy the panoramic view, make friends, and smell the flowers along the way.

Sydney (Oct 2017)

Mankind has over the years erected monuments & memorials for many reasons. Personally, I collect small stones/pebbles and place them in visible places around my house/office. They serve as a constant reminder for me to:
(1) be thankful (look back) - count my blessings,
(2) be humble (look up) – if I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants, Isaac Newton; and

(3) be hopeful (look forward) – past victories paved the way for future success.

May your 2018 be filled with abundant grace, joy and peace.

 

Switzerland (June 2017)

The House Called "HOME"

We have been in State College for exactly one month! The beginning of Sept officially marks the end of summer and the start of autumn (the americans call it "Fall"). Let me share some photos of the house that we are currently staying in.

The top photo is the view of the house from the backyard. The house has 2 levels with a basement. The small window at the top level is our bedroom. The large window on the mid level is our living room, which enjoys plenty of sunshine in the morning). The window at the ground level is the family room, where we stayed in during the first week here. This is where the guest room is located. It has a direct access to the backyard, which is currently covered with pretty yellow flowers.

Bottom photos are views of the house from the front.

Trivial: Can you spot the wife in both photos? (clue: if not, try to enlarge the photos by clicking on them).