Grace的進修雜記:)

This winter break we got lots snow. 

The snow stayed for long time since the winter snowstorm kept coming.

During Labor Day long weekend, I happened to be in NW Portland area where I was able to watch Vaux's Swifts flying back a huge chimney before sunset. 

It was amazing to see a flock of small birds flying in the sky and then form into tornado pattern before entering the chimney.

Well, this has been a crazy experience and I'm still in total denial that it is finally over. 1 year of physics in just 9 weeks has been one of the biggest challenges I had to complete.

I'm so proud that we did it.

In the past, I was not notice the climate change effects us so fast.

Until the winter snow storem came few months ago, and recently heat-wave warning.

https://www.voanews.com/usa/dangerous-heat-warning-issued-us-pacific-northwest.

Spring flowers blooming is here for sure. While walking around campus, I was able to take pictures of tulips in front of the bookstore.

在校園發現雙色鬱金香開在書店前的小花圃，除了早晚溫差大外，真的有春暖花開的感覺！

I been waiting for the care package to arrive since My family asked if I needed something for Chinese New Year.

it took three weeks for EMS package to arrive my apartment.

Due to heavy snow everything is slowing down for sure.

Need to drive with snow chains on. Looks easier to just walk on the street instead of driving around.

Since we are parenting in a pandemic, I spend more time on cooking for a healthy meal. Especially I start to eat more veggies than meat during this difficult time.

You are what you eat.（人如其食是英文俗諺。）

Taking courses primarily remote keeps me sit in front of my laptop for long time. When I see the blue sky outside, I take a short walk on campus.

冬季的校園因爲持續線上教學，顯得格外冷清。

It costs a lot for international shipping, but my lovely family sent me a package full of love today.

Thanks again for all your support.

In the past, I heard about wildfire from the news, but this is the first time I feel the impact from the wildfire.

https://katu.com/news/local/beachie-creek-fire-has-not-yet-merged-with-riverside-fire-officials-say

Stay safe is the only thing we mention to each other.

When I first received the cell broadcast, I wasn't sure what's going on. My first thought was heavy rain forecast or something else, but I reached out the phone and found out it was curfew. The announcement was meant to control protests, which  I believed most of my friends saw the news and worried about me.

Here is a link to the local news https://katu.com/news/local/mayor-does-not-extend-curfew-in-portland-hopes-protests-remain-peaceful

Actually it was happened around the end of May, and I was busy writing the progress review , prepared for the final exam , revised for the final science writing report. Therefore, I would not be outside my apartment after eight pm through the next morning six am. I knew that everything will be ok. So, no worries!

Yesterday my school announced that we will continue remote learning through June 13.

For sure the social distances helps the case number slow down, and watching the instructors " playing the movie " is a little different from we all sit in the classroom.

When the lecturer courses are happening in the classroom, we are playing the student role there. The instructor can get our reactions right away, but sitting in front of the laptop without turning on the video makes huge difference to the instructor for checking our understanding.

Since the COVID-19 coronavirus started to spread out around the world, I was worried about my family and friends who are in Taiwan. As you might see that Taiwan has been highlighted in the news of making more face masks in short period of time, now things are under control over there, but my family starts to worried about me staying in the USA.  
I did go to the store and pick enough food to stay home during the spring break, and I will be ok.

………………………以下部分內容來自katunews

After COVID-19 'attacks' the USA, my family and friends were worried about me. I did go grocery shopping and try to stay positive.

Looks like both cauliflower and broccoli are very popular, but I like green cabbage which still available for all customers to pick!

This building was new to me when I returned as a student last year. It's located at 632 SW Hall St. ,Portland, OR

Now KMC becomes one of my favorite places on campus. 

Time flies, and it's time for me to prepare for the Comprehensive Exam.

When most students are on their way home , I am on my way to the library. Since the comprehensive exam is scheduled on the first weekend of the first few weeks of the winter term.

I need to believe in myself that I can pass the comprehensive exam. So I study hard during the winter break.

When I was working in Taiwan, I felt like working is the most importnat to keep me there. Lots of work loading made my life really stress out.

Last year I quitted from a well-paid job, and decided to be a student again.

During summer break, I got lots of training done. Therefore I am ready to become a mentor for new coming internation student on campus.

( The above photo was taken before the orientation for graduate student.)

This year Microscopy and Microanalysis happen to be in oregon convention center, where I want to visit for so long.

Luckily we hold a workshop for few high school students before the M&M; therefore we do not need to pay for our tickets to get into the meeting.