Merry Christmas*

I am Jack, surrounded by the gray walls. I could only see the sun light from the window on the top of the west wall. For tomorrow, I will die, but for some reasons, I am not afraid of my death. Suddenly, the guy who administers the prison come to me.

“Hey, 918801. What do you want for your last dinner? ”

I didn’t answer but smiled at him. At the same time, I could feel my hand shaking violently.

“918801! Do you hear me? Are you already dead? What do you want for your last dinner? Answer me now! ”

“A cup of coffee, from Chocolate Fish”

“That’s all? OK. ”

A few minuets later, he came back with the coffee from Chocolate Fish. The fragrance of the coffee brought me back to that night…

   

“Wellcome to Chocolate Fish!” A woman with red curly hair smiled at me and said. At the same time, I thought I was totally in love with her. Then, she led me to the table which beside the window.

“What can I do for you?” She asked.

“A cup of coffee, that’s all.” Since then, I fell in love at the first sight with her. Therefore, I came to Chocolate Fish everyday, just to see her. She was so much like my sister who died when I was ten. The only one who loved me.

“Maybe she can be my star!” I thought to myself.

 

On September fifth, I asked her out. She was so shy that her face turned red immediately. She became my girlfriend from that day on.    

       

We got to know each other little by little. And I also knew that she had a good relationship with her families. For this reason, I envy her!

What an awful family I had!

My father was a doctor who only cared about jobs, fame, money, but not family. He was always in a towering rage, and he wanted all of his sons to be doctors in the future. Both of my brothers did well at school, they entered to the medicine school, while I was a gardener, who worked in the forest and could do nothing else but planting tree. Therefore, he acted as if I never existed.

My mother had a dystocia when she gave birth to me. Most of the babies born with their head down when getting out from the body of their mothers while I was not on the correct position when she gave birth to me. So she hated me very much. As a result, I was not treated well. She even wanted to kick me out from the pedigree of the clan due to my aunt’s advice.

As for my brothers, the twin devils, who always laughed at me and called me “Dumb Jack”. They threw my textbooks into the lake so that I could not study at all, and, worst of all, they made fun of our sister (5 years elder than me and 6 years younger than the twins.), who was too sick to get out from the bed.

My sister was born to have heart disease. She had beautiful red hair and her face looked whiter than the snow in December. She was nice to everyone; she didn’t get angry even when my brothers read the line about how a patient with heart disease dies loud to her. I thought she was the only one who cared about me. Unfortunately, , her condition went poor when she was 15 and sent to the hospital. On the same year, I found my dad having extramarital relationship with the other women, I felt very sad. Few days later, my sister died when taking an operation. What was more, I found the one who preformed the surgeon was my father! That is, he killed my loved sister! I could see his ugly face telling me “this is your punishment for knowing too much about my scandal” in my mind, I hated him, I hated my family! But, I kept all of these as a secret in my mind, never let anyone know, even Paulina.

One day, Jack made up his mind and asked.

“Paulina, will you go out with me on the Christmas eve?” he smiled.

“Oh, dear, I’m glad to. But I’m afraid that I have to stay with my family.” Paulina said.

“But you are my family, I thought.”

“Oh, of course you are. Maybe you can come with us.”

“No, I just want to be with you. I have prepared a surprise for you.” Jack gave her a soft kiss.

“Ok, I will be with you.” Paulina answered with a blush came onto her face.

“She was the most beautiful star that I’ve ever seen. Her red hair made the tree blazing!” Jack thought to himself. “I will meet her tomorrow,” He smiled. “Then we can be together forever!”

On Christmas Eve, Jack went to Chocolate Fish and ordered a cup of coffee as usual. When she finished her job, he picked her up and showed her the surprise. But before that, Jack drove to a shop, which named Cook.

“I want to buy something. Wait for me, okay?” Jack said and left. Later, he came back with a bag in his hand and a secret smile handed on his face.

“What did you buy?” she asked.

“Some turkey, apple pies, wine, and of course, the table ware for celebrating this lovely Christmas!”

“Tableware? Why?”

“Because they are just for you”

Hearing this, Paulina gave him a kiss and said “You are so sweet!”

Paulina had been working all day long, therefore, she fell asleep. When she woke up, they stopped in front of the bust.

“Are you ready for your surprise?” he asked. Paulina nodded her head.

“Okay, now follow me!” Then, jack walked deep into the forest.

 

“This Christmas eve, I finally could stay with my family. Of course, I mean include you!” he smiled.

“Oh Jack, but where is your house? Where’s your family? Am I looking good? I am so nervous.”

“Dear, you don’t have to be nervous. They are not conversational people. I bet they will like you!” Jack winked and said. “Now, close your eyes. I will show you later.”.

Paulina did what he said and Jack got off the car. He turned on the electric torch, and asked “Paulina, could you be my star?”

“What? Your star? Oh, you are so sweet that I can’t say no. ” Paulina answered happily and opened her eyes. At the same time, Jack turned back with a strange smile. What in front of them was a tree, with dead bodies handing on its branches. There were six bodies in total; three were dressed in a white robe like doctors while the others were in red, as if they were bleeding. Paulina noticed that there were also a human skull placed under the tree… She couldn’t say anything.

“Oh, it seems that you like them. Of course, they look peaceful, don’t they? ” Jack stared at her and continued, “let me introduce my family to you! That one under the tree is my loved sister, whom I just dig out from the grave. And those who wear in red are my mom and my aunt. Look at their face, aren’t they looking funny? Last, the white-robe-wearing guys are my father and brothers. They were excellent, a doctor, and two student from medicine school. But all of them couldn’t do anything but staying there. Allowing a gardener like me to appreciate this magnificent view. I am merely a gardener whom they never cared, Paulina. Although they didn’t love me, but I did. So, I decide to “make” my own family tree! Yet, all of them were decorations of this beautiful Christmas tree!” jack laughed loudly.

“You such freak…”Paulina said with fear, she was absolutely frightened.

“What did you just say? Oh, it doesn’t matter. Remember? You promise me to be my star.” He raised his arm and said.

“See? You will be the star on the top of the tree!” He took the ax from the bag he bought from the Cook. “It won’t be hurt, just relax…” then he throw the ax to Paulina. The ax directly cut into Paulina’s head, and her blood spurted out, made the snow on the ground turned red. Jack then painted Paulina’s clothes to red with the blood of hers, making her looked like a red star stood out from the snow.

“Ha! Ha! My star…” he carried Paulina’s warm body and climbed up on the tree. He put her on the top of it and then he sang a Merry Christmas song to his family. After finishing the song, he climbed off the tree and walked to a police station. “Merry Christmas, anyone want to see my Christmas tree?” he said joyfully.

    I am Jack, surrounding by the gray walls. I could only see the light from the window on the top of the west wall. I will be dead. Suddenly, the guy who administer the prison came to me.

“Hey, 918801. What do want for your last dinner? ”

I didn’t answer him. I was doing nothing.

“918801! Do you hear me? Are you already dead? What do want for your last dinner? Answer me now! ”

“A cop of coffee, from Chocolate Fish ”

“That is? All right. ”

A few minuet later, he came back with the coffee from the Chocolate Fish. The fragrance of the coffee brought me back to that night.

   

    “Well come to Chocolate Fish!” A woman with red curly hair smiled at me and said. At the same time, I thought I was totally fall in love with her. Then, she lead me to the table which beside the window.

“What can I do for you?” She asked.

“A cup of coffee, that’s all.” Since then, I came to Chocolate Fish everyday.

She was so much like my sister who died when I was five. The only one who have ever loved me.

“Maybe she can be my star!” I thought.

 

    On September fifth, I asked her out. She was so shy that her face turned red immediately. She became my girlfriend since that day.    

       

    We know each other little by little. Luckily, she had a good relationship between her families. I envy her! What an abnormal family I had! My father was a doctor who always cared about his job but not family. My mother had a dystocia when she gave birth to me. Therefore she hated me. My brothers were perfect guy. All of them were study in the medicine school while I was a gardener. As a result, I wasn’t been respect.

Advice To Freshman*

It is interesting to be a freshman. There is less work pressure and mush more free time. It is that freshman can do whatever he or she wants to do. So, how can they make their time more meaningful? Here are three pieces of advice.

    First, read more extracurricular books. Reading extracurricular books not only can help your thought more sparking and more mature but make your knowledge of the background more abundant. It can assist freshmen not only on the exams after two years but their lives. Second, study in a hard way. There is mush more free time for freshmen to make use of. So they have to grasp this opportunity in order to make themselves “smarter”. That is to say, they have to study as hard as they can. To get a good grade in a rich time is a normal thing. Third, join the clubs. Timely break is one of the most important things. Although freshmen have lots of passion, they also need some things and society to support them. Mental life is very important. Once freshmen found a club they like very much, they will have more passion and courage to do things.

    Therefore, in my personal view, a freshman cannot live without these three pieces of advice. They can have the most interesting and happiest lives during the senior high school life.

A Leader’s Character*

 

There are lots of great leaders on the world. They are with inborn characters like passion of serving people and charm of stirring people’s blood. In fact, there are not only these two characters. In my personal view, there are three more the most important qualities.

First, make judgments wisely and quickly. The most famous example is Kennedy. Russia set the bomb toward America as the targets during the Cold War between two countries. President of America, Kennedy, has done a wisdom decision at the first time. So the coming war was stopped successfully. Second, say in a tactful way but do in a strong way. Diplomacy is a very indispensable thing between countries, especially in this 21century, globalizate society. A great leader need to say correct so that the country will have a better position in the international society. Third, can scrupulous in separating public from private interests. For example, the news about our ex-president 陳水扁. There is some information about the money laundry on investigative journalism. If this case is true, he will be the worst example. No one can take the public money away but use it for private affairs.

    There are lots of great leaders on the world. They are not just with inborn characters but with these three qualities. And all of them lead their countries very well. Therefore, I think these three qualities are the most important in their personality.

The Worst Movie I’ve Ever Seen*

    “Troy”, is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.It’s adapted from the epic of Homer. The subject matter is the Trojan War, one of the most famous wars in the history. It talks about the price of Troy, Paris, fall in love with the queen of Myceane, Helen. The love which was not allowable cause the war between two men and two countries. The war situation was so intense that both of the troops died too many soilders. Intelligent Odysseus adviced a plain to defeat Troy – Wooden Hourse. Thousands of Greek soilders were hid in the hourse’s belly in order to enter the Troy city  quietly. Finally, they got into tha city and won the war.

    The reason why “Troy” is the worst movie I’ve ever seen is that there are none of the element of gods plays an important part in the epic. In my personal view, I thought it’s not a very good arrangement. Here are some examples: First, the real factor of the war is that three godnesses were fighting in order to ger the golden apple, which is for the most beautiful godnesses. However, audiences can’t get it in the movie but the “wrong” love between Paris and Helen. That is not an intact content. Second, Achilles’ death. Achilles was the best fighter of Greeks. But he died in a poor way – Paris shooted his heel. Audience without reading epic before can’t understand this part very well.The movie doesn’t show the reason why the heel was Achilles’ vulnerable. That was because his mother, one of the godnesses grabbed his heel then let him soak into the Styx. So he won’t get hurt without his heel. I thought that the movie is not cautious at all. Because of those reans, “Troy” is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.

A letter*

Dear Eve:

    I haven’t talked to my mother since last weekend. Actually, we had a big fight. Well… I can’t understand what a “good sister” means. My sister is a very noisy girl who drives me crazy! Last Monday, I was doing my work with one of my classmates in my room. And my sister came io without knocking the door. After that, she began to sing loudly! I told her to stop but she didn’t. So I screamed at her and told her to get out of my way. Then my mother said that Iam a badsister and she was disappointed at me.

    What can I do now, Eve? Have I done the wrong thing? But what about my sister? Was she the right one? That’s not fair ! I am so confusing! Should I talk to my sister? Will she understand what I want is just a quiet space? I want to be a good sister, too! Eve, I need your help. Please give me some pieces advice. Thanks!

                                                                                    Yours,

                                                                                        Mary.

After Reading Foot-Notes *

    One of my aunts gave me this book and told me that I will learn a lot from it. At first, I didn’t understand what she means. “I am not a Catholics believer.” I thought ”I don’t have to know the miracles about Gods.” But after I rode it, I changed my mind.

    Lena Maria Klingvall was born without arms and with only one healthy leg, the other one half developed. Doctors told her parents that sent her to the social welfare agencies is the best way. Fortunately, her parents refused. They believed that she can live happily because of their complete love. And she didn’t let them down. She always looks at the bright side of her life. She can do everything without others’ help. Swimming and embroidery even her power items! Now, she has become a famous singer in the world.

    After reading Foot-Notes, I was so surprise and admire at her courage! She is not only “fly” with her foot but conquer obstacles of life with sincere thanks. For me, I have no idea if I were under the same situation. In fact, maybe I will choose to escape. To be a coward is easier. “I am happy about what I can do not what I can’t.” She once smiled and said. I feel so shame. Everyone has his owe subject and obstacles. She chooses to learn from it. To create the future is better than to accept! I know that I have to face the problems in my life. I have to do some efforts for myself. Climbing the walls and pursuing my dreams. Optimistic and courage is what I need most now. Lena Maria Klingvall has given me her power. I will wear a smile on my face. To do my best and never give up!

Genius or Ordinary Person

    I agree with the idea that ” When people succeed in life, it is because of hard work. Being lucky has nothing to do with success in life. ”. Winning at the starting line doesn’t mean that you will win on the terminal station. Geniuses without effort is nothing.

    There was a story in ancient China, means “ 傷仲永 ” . It is about a genius, who can write poems at three years old . His father was so proud of it that he take him to perform always.  The genius didn’t learn anything and even didn’t go to school. When he grew up, he was just an ordinary man.

    “ Genius has 99﹪of hard work and 1﹪of talent. ” – Edison. Edison is a very successful scientist. As everyone knows, he was a genius. But he attributed the success to his effort! If he relied on his talent and didn’t do anything, he wouldn’t succeed. He wanted us  to know that hard-working is the most important part, not cleverness or good luck.

    According to  my observation, the excellent students in class must be the most harding-working one, not the smartest one. Excellent students always do their best and follow teacher’s steps. But “ smart students ” don’t. They think that they can learn things in short time. So they often do things in the last minute. This attitude can’t help them be “ successful ” .

    According to those examples, I insit that harding-working is the best wat to be success! Whether you are a genius or an ordinary person, just work hard. Then you will succeed one day!

Treasure*

    What do  you think people around you? Your family, classmates, teachers, friends…? I thought it’s just an ordinary thing before something happened…

    When I was in the ninth grade, I had a very special teacher. He taught me not only knowledge but “ life “. He told me a lot of reasons from some small things. Most of them changed my opinion! That helped me a lot! I like him as wellas my father. But I didn’t know how important he was to me…

    One day, I heard that he was sick. I  he just caught a cold. So I didn’t worry about it very much. But two days later I heard that his condition went from bad to worse! It might be a serious illness! At that time, I began to know how important he was! I felt very anxious and praied for him every moments! To my regret, it didn’t work… Less a week, I heard that he died of cancer(brain cancer)! That really shocked me! It was the first time I cried like that! I felt distressed and remorseful! I didn’t  treasure the time we spent together! I didn’t even notice how important he was! What a terrible and absurd mistake!

    From this sad experience, I learned a valuable lesson. I realized that I have to treasure everyone around me and the time we spend together. Then you won’t feel regretled once you lose it…

Super Shoes

      What kind of shoes do you like the most? The most comfortable one or the one with some functions?

      Super Shoes looks like ordinary sports shoes, but they are very comfortable and with a lot of functions. There are three buttons on them, the red one, green one and blue one. Press the red button start the “ running machine ”. It can help you run fast! Press the green button to start the “ massagist “. It can massage your feet! Then you won’t feel tired easily! Press the blue button to make the ventilators working. Some people’s feet smell bad… very, very bad! This function can help user’s feet smell “ right “! Those functions are Super Shoes’ unique parts!

      Having Super Shoes can make your feet more lively, more comfortable and smell “ right “!