Consumer Conflicts

Is shopping online better than buying things in a store?
該在店裡買，還是 上網買？ 上網購物比在實體店 面購物更好？

Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.

Laura: What are you looking for, Nellie?
Nellie: I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans. Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
Laura:You buy your clothes online? Aren't you afraid they won't fit? it seems pretty risky to me.
Nellie: Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
Laura:That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
Nellie: That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Laura: Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than to wait a week or longer!
Nellie: But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the the store, I end up to buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Laura: I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses and the people who work in them. However, I have purchased a couple things from online auction sites.
Nellie: Online auctions are so exciting! What did you buy?
Laura: One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
Nellie: That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Laura: Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I tried to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
Nellie: What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Laura: Good advice! Now let me give you some advice -fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!

Grammar Gym:
"Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse."
'end up' - in the end, resulting.
*Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.

Vocabulary Tips:
consumer - person who buy things at a store or online. 消费者，顾客。
*The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
*To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume - use it. 消耗，使用。
*This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome (adj) - bother you, something is not pleasant to you.  trouble you, troublesome to you to do something for me. Don't worry, It's my pleasure, it's not troublesome. Don't be a troublesome to others. 令人苦恼的或觉得困难的。 'trouble' (n) -麻烦
*I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention - 更不用说，更不消说。（用来连接二个句子）mention -提及。
*Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse - not think about it, make quick decision or buy things at sudden. 冲动，一时兴起的念头。
*I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse / on an impulse : 一时的冲动。
*I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
auction -拍卖。
*I bought this painting at an auction. 在一个拍卖会上。
put something up for auction - 把东西拿去拍卖。
*The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
practically - almost, close to. 几乎，实际上，实事上。
*Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
practical - useful. 实用的，可行的。
*Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
scam artist -骗子，诈骗高手。
scam-（设）骗局，诡计，诈欺的行为。
*This insurance scam involves many people.
*Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
scam artist - people who try to get your money or get something from you by cheat or lying you.
*The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
reputation - something people think or know about someone or something. 名声，名誉。
*As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict. 以严厉，严格著称。
*That law firm has a very good reputation.
*The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
local store- the store in your neighborhood. 本地的商业
local - only in that place.
a couple - some, not mean two here.
myth - s kind of story people talk it about through generations but that story is not true.
mythology (n) - idea of this myth.
just what I was something ( expected, thinking, wanted, want to say....) - exactly what I was .....
make some money out of it = make some money from it.


Language Tips:
toponym - 以地名来命名其他的。把地名的第一个字母大写变成小写字母。
topo - 场所，地方。
China / china : 中国/陶瓷，瓷器。（十八世纪，西方白瓷尚未开发，而中国的瓷器又格外的精致，细匀而闻名）
Bikini / bikini : 太平洋群岛/ 一种性感的女泳装。
a new pair of jeans -
jeans - from word ‘Jannes’.
Jannes - French calls " Genoa", ' Jannes' , Genoa is a city where in Italy,  which place is heavy manufacturing jeans material.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
support local businesses -支持本地的商业。
go local - a thought or an act that purchase things at local store to support the local store and communities. Let the money stay in the local communities, not going out to help the local stores, communities, also help increase the job opportunities. Shopping outside let the money go out to other place. One of five purchase you made in local store can help and balance the local store and communities need.
go local : 一种想法，或举动以在本地购买的东西来支持本地的商业。让钱留在本地，来帮助本地企业，造福社区，并可增加就业机会。



Notes taking of studioclassroom

Discovering the True Beauty of Taiwan and Enjoying My Friendships

人是故鄉親Luke enjoys traveling with friends in Taiwan With my tank top on, I am enjoying the heat發表讓人們目不轉睛的演講 by Luke Wang

Time flies-it is already the last month of my summer break. To start out this crazy month, my friends and I decided to go to Green Island- a famous spot southeast of Taiwan. With its hot weather and beautiful natural resources, Green Island is famous for water sports.

Starting with Taitung (台東), we spent a day visiting some famous tourist sites. The next day we went to Green Island. I was fascinated by the island's beauty: natural, simple and lovely. The sun burned my skin and sweat dampened my shirt, but I loved the feeling, especially with great friends at my side.

After the Green Island trip, another group of friends took me to a beach in northern Taiwan: Baishawan (白砂灣）.With its white sandy shores, Baishawan is a great place for college students to hang ont.

Here I am at the end of the month, recalling my four months of summer break. I know it is time to say goodbye. I don't want to go, but my studies are calling me. Savoring the love of friends and family, I realize what is most important to me.

Grammar Tips:
I was fascinated by the island's beauty: natural, simple and lovely.
usage of ":" in English sentence.
For the hike, please pack: a water bottle, and extra jacket, some snacks, and a flashlight.
The apartment had everything I was looking for: great view, large rooms, good location, and a reasonable price.

Vocabulary Tips:
natural resources-天然資源（複數名詞）natural-天然 resource-資源
*Alaska boasts abundant natural resources such as natural gas and oil.
*Regulation have been designed to protect our natural resources.
dampen-潮濕，弄溼但不是整個的濕透．
*After the rain dampened my jacket, I hung it up to let it dry.
*The chef dampened a towel to cover the dough.
savor-（食物）的品嘗（享受）really enjoy，此指欣賞，享受．
*When Rita went to Paris she savored every moment of the trip.
*Timothy know how to savor his success.

Chat Room
Time-
Time flies when you're having fun.　時間飛逝，光陰似箭．
lost track of time-沒注意時間．
to be pressed for time-時間有限．having not too much time to finish or do it.
time and again =again and again時常，常常的發生．
third time's (time is) a charm-第三次會有好運氣．會成功．

Long Time No See, My Dear Friends!

我的摯友們，好久不見！It’s good to be home again 路克返鄉了，再度和朋友們相見Luke comes home and sees his friends again. by Luke Wang

It had been a long time since I had seen my friends - I missed all of them so much. So in order to find out about their lives and experiences in college, I decided to step into their shoes. I visited six different universities in Taipei, and I also joined a few classes with my friends. Walking around their universities, I felt like a Taipei college student. The schools' cultures were so different from mine in California. The students in Taipei have such colorful and exciting lives compared with my life in the states.

Although I did not have the full experience of their classes, I feel Asian students learn differently than American students. In the States, we have papers, group projects, formal presentations and research, which help students develop the ability to learn by themselves. After being back for a month, I find myself experiencing reverse culture shock. But I am slowly readjusting to my home culture.

Colleges here have just begun their summer break. My friends and I are planning to visit some different places around the island. I am excited about my journey and am enjoying the presence of friends and family.

Grammar
After being back for a month, I found myself experiencing reverse culture shock.
After + verb-ing, subject finds oneself + verb-ing.
It's a great pattern that describe someone is doing something or going through something after they have experienced something.
After exercising regularly for two months, Jody found herself enjoying her workout sessions.
Tyler usually likes to eat spaghetti, but after having spaghetti every night for a whole week, he found himself feeling sick and tired of it.

Vocabulary Tips
step into somebody's shoes-踏入別人的鞋子裏，意即“同感身受”。也指“接替別人的工作”
*When he saw the homeless man on the streets he briefly stepped into his shoes and decided to give him some money.
*After James left the job, Greg stepped into his shoes and did a wonderful job.接替別人的工作
reverse-相反的，反向的 re- 有“回來” "back"的意思。
*If you do the procedure in reverse sequence, you will shut down the whole computer system.程序倒過來做。。
*The reverse side of the coat was lined with silk. 反面。。裏層是絲的
readjust-重新調适 re- 再一次，重新開始 adjust-調适，調整
*After Ricky moved to the suburbs, he took some time to readjust his lifestyle.他花了好一段時間去重新調适他的生活方式。
*Students need help in readjusting after a long summer vacation.
colorful and exciting-多彩多姿
culture shock- facing different culture and cause you had confused

Chat Room
story-故事
"Long Time No See, My Dear Friends! " is the title of the story.
long time no see- 好久不見的意思，是中國人說的英語，不是正當的說法但是已很普遍被使用。
to make a long story short-長話短説，簡要的說。
story-事情的原委
It's a long story-説來話長，不太想提及。

Coming Home

回家囉Luke is ready to head back home路克準備返家囉! This is my place, my love, where I belong. by Luke Wang

After finals, I was ready to move out. It wasn’t too hard for me, but for a lot of my friends, it was a big deal. After cleaning up the trash, packing my suitcase, and helping my friends move, it was time to say goodbye. I had reached the end of my freshman year!

A friend from Taipei who is studying in Washington, D.C., came to visit, so my brother and I took him sightseeing. But these were not this month’s highlights. The high point was coming back home, a moment I’d been anticipating since the day I left. I arrived home early on the morning of May 15th.

When I saw my parents, I gave them a big hug and kiss. Being close to my parents, standing on this land, and feeling the humidity in the hot air. I knew I was home. the first ting I did was to go to Mei&Mei(美而美）for a big breakfast. It was so much better than the school cafeteria! Mei&Mei was just a start. There are so many foods I have to eat and so many friends I want to see. The hot air is burning my face and the sweat is evaporating from my skin. I love this feeling. This is where I belong.

Grammar
Mei&Mei was just a start.
"just a start" -- When you have a list of things to share, you just mentioned one first, there is more to come. You can use this grammar pattern.
Visiting this world-famous museum is just a start, we will also be touring a famous cathedral and the presidential palace.
We'll meet at the cafe for a snack-- but that's just a start, I've planned a lot of other fun activities.

Vocabulary
highlights-最精彩的部分。
*The highlights from the football game will be shown on today's news.
*Beyonce's singing was the highlight of the show.
humidity-濕度，濕氣，humid- 潮濕。
*The humidity in the room was so high that I felt kind of sick.濕度很高。。令人不舒服。
*The humidity today is around 60 percent.
evaporate- 蒸發 vapor-水蒸氣。
*If you open the window, the steam in the bathroom will evaporate faster.蒸汽。。蒸發
*His worries evaporated while playing with his daughter. 他的煩惱一掃而空，煙消雲散。

Chat Room
deal- 交易，事情。
a big deal-了不得的事情，大事情。
It's not a big deal-小事一樁，沒什麽事。
What's the big deal? 什麽大事，如此大叫大嚷的？
He thinks he's a big deal.-他自己以爲自己很重要。

The End of the Year

終於等到學期末It’s time for Luke to head home 路克終於可以啟程回家囉You hold me, you guide me. Whenever I look back, I know You’re watching over me by Luke Wang

Time flies like a speeding arrow. After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year. After months of adjustments, I feel comfortable living in this environment. This year has been such a blessing for me. I am amazed by how God has led me. His grace and love have held me together through many difficulties; His Word and promise have given me strength. I can’t wait to go back to Taipei and share what I have learned this year – this wonderful and amazing year – with my friends.

I can hardly wait to start my summer vacation and am already making plans. I had a bad dream a few days ago that my friends in Taipei forgot me; however, I'm sure it was just a bad dream, right? I am enjoying my life. I've really pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone this first year of college. I am glad that I made some American friends-it helped me blend more into this society. Drinking my Caramel Frappuccino and writing my blog, I am ready to go to the library. Finals are next week, my flight is the week after next. Coffee, I love you.

Grammar
After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year.
to see- see something with eyes.
I see clouds in the sky.
see- here refer to something you can or can not imaging about.
Ted can see himself opening a small restaurant.
Stanley's plan is so strange, it's hard for me to see how it could ever work.

Vocabulary
blessing-祝福，也指幸运的事。
*Eric asked for his future father-in-law's blessing to marry his daughter.
*It was really a blessing that no one got hurt in the car accident.
comfort zone-一个令人觉得舒适或安逸的环境或范围 situation where he feels comfortable. comfort-舒适，安逸。zone-范围，地带，区域。
*The training actually forced you to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears.
blend-mix into something. 融入。混和。
*Cathy moved a lot as a child, so it's easy for her to blend with different kinds of people. 打成一片。
*The sofa blends well with the color of the walls. 很相配，很调和。

Chat Room
blend into American society-融入美国的社会
melting pot-大熔炉 blend, and mixed together in a big pot.美国由许多其他的国家民族组成，故比喻为大熔炉，但多少有些错误的迷失，现今已很少如此比喻。
salad bowl-一大盘的生菜沙拉，mixed together but still keep it's culture and characters.现今人们用“一碗生菜沙拉” 来形容美国，因为生菜沙拉盘中有着各式各样的食材混拌在一起，但不失其各种食材本身的特色与风味。意指多元文化的提倡。

Exercise Is Needed; a Diet Is Essential

運動純屬必要，節制飲食實屬必須Trying hard to get rid of this 10 kg of American food學校自助餐廳的飲食害路加變胖了Cafeteria food is making Luke fat by Luke Wang

If you live in a great place like Taipei, dear readers, you might sometimes forget that the food is so delicious. In my school, all freshmen are required to purchase a meal plan, so most students eat at the campus cafeteria. After eating cafeteria food for seven months, I am sick and tired of it. And it’s making me fat. I’ve gained almost 10 kg. Even though I have done some weight training, I need to start doing cardio exercises to get in shape.

There is one thing I am grateful for: I live in California. California is known for its high number of Asian immigrants, so finding traditional Chinese food isn’t a big problem. After eating American food for a week, I always find a way to get some Chinese food with friends. A nearby city, Arcadia is even noted for some Taiwanese stores like ..... Eating there is so wonderful! Oh, and I just passed my written driver's permit test. I am now scheduling times with an instructor to learn how to drive. This is going to be really exciting!

Grammar
There is one thing I am grateful for: I live in California.=I am thankful that I live in California.
When you writing a report, try to use the simple sentence to bring people attention then tell about the good news. such as:
*Ladies and gentlemen, we finally did it: We finally have one million customers using our product.
(Ladies and gentlemen. I would like to report to all of you that we finally have one million customers using our product.)
*Yes, our company has many problems. But one thing is for sure: We need to work together as a team.
(Our company has many problems, but we need to work together as a team.)

Vocabulary
sick and tired of-对某事或某人感到极其厌倦，厌恶．
*I'm sick and tired of working hard and still not getting a pay raise.
*Alice is sick and tired of her parents' constant nagging.
noted-有名的 note-注意，注目．　以什么为有名用＂for＂
*The noted Korean singer will perform in Tokyo this summer.知名的．．
*The teacher is noted for her strictness.以严格出了名
instructor-教练，大学的讲师或训练员instruct- 训练，指导　or-人
*Brenda works part-time as a swimming instructor.
*Wesley is a History instructor in USC.教历史的讲师
cardio-refer to heart, something to do with heart.
weight training-lifting weight exercise to build up the body and make muscle strong.

Chat Room
driver's license-驾驶执照
diver's permit-学习驾驶的执照
diver's training-驾驶训练
written test-笔试
road skills test-路试
In the U.S.A you have to pass the written and road test to obtain a driver's license.

Enjoying Being 18

我十八歲The most blissful thing for me is my friendships 試著調適自己，才能適應住在美國宿舍的生活Adjusting to life in an American dorm by Luke Wang

Adjusting to life in America is a hard process. Two difficulties international students face are the language barrier and emotional frustration. Always having to face language barriers, cultural differences and social isolation, many students might crash emotionally. For me, I look at it as a chance to learn and grow.

As I am living with a bunch of Americans, I need to adjust to some things. Living in the dormitory is an interesting experience that most freshmen go through, and things can get pretty crazy. Americans love playing loud music in their rooms, sometimes blasting it ‘til midnight. They also aren't aware of using others' beginning, I was surprised to find my roommate's friends sitting on my bed and suing my desk. Sometimes they even used my things without giving me a heads-up. Many small things in daily life, which in Chinese culture are considered impolite, do not matter to them. It has been a big adjustment, but I have learned how to communicate with them about my feelings. Surprisingly, they respect me I think living in the dorm is a great way to learn more about American freshman life and make new friends as well.


Grammar
Americans love playing loud music in their rooms, sometimes blasting it 'til midnight.
'til (informal way to say till, until )=until
...blasting it until midnight.
until or till =up to the time of
*Until the policemen have questioned everyone in the room, no one is allowed to leave.


Vocabulary
barrier-障碍，阻碍
*Despite the language barrier, the two foreign students became close friends.
*His poor health condition is a great barrier for him to finish school.
blast-轰然作响 或发出刺耳的声音。
*The driver blasted the horn trying to warn the car in front of him.大鸣喇叭
*The neighbor is always blasting music from his apartment late at night.
heads-up-事先示意或知会。知会哪方面用“about“
*The secretary gave my department a head-up about tomorrow's inspection.
*Someone should have given us a heads-up about the change in schedule.

Chat Room
crash-碰撞，撞上什么东西。
crash emotionally-情绪崩溃
stock market crash-股市崩盘
Can I crash at your place? 我能在你家打地铺
crush-单恋，被电到了
Have a crush on someone.一方单恋另一方，被某人电到了。

A New Semester

迎接新學期 I’m ready to catch the ball 新學期的開始，也帶來了全新的挑戰New challenges come with the start of a new semester by Luke Wang

Watching the crystal ball drop and the people count down on New Year’s Eve, I realized my Christmas break was ending. A couple of days later, I flew back to Los Angeles. Although I was more familiar with the school’s environment, the tensions of starting a new semester still held me in a death grip. Like last semester, I chose all my classes but soon realized that some weren’t suitable. Fortunately, in American universities, students can change all their classes within the first few weeks. So I dropped and then added some classes.

I am determined that difficulties won’t stop me. I will be stronger and sturdier as I go through challenging times – this is the belief that holds me. I take these challenges as a way to improve myself. I have evaluated myself over and over to see whether I have improved. I want to show my friends and family back home that I have grown, so I need to push myself harder. I want to test my limits. I am ready. Even though this semester is going to be hard, my every step is stronger and sturdier.

Grammar
I am ready to catch the ball--.it's not talking about real ball, ball game or P.E . He is borrow a lot of phrases of the ball game to describe situation in every day's life. .-here means "I am ready to facing new challenge"
The ball is in your court (from tennis)-it's your responsibility now to make a decision.
not up to par (golf)-not acceptable for a position.
to call the shots-to be in charge and make decisions.
to get the ball rolling-let's to get the thing start it.

Vocabulary
count down-倒数。预期某事发生（倒数计时）counting numbers from small to large, we say counting up such as 1,2,3...up, counting down, counting numbers from large to small.
*All the spectators counted down together before the spacecraft launched.
we were counting down the days until the prom. 毕业舞会
drop-掉落，此指“退选” take the name off something.
*I found that French 201 is way too difficult for me, so I dropped it.
*Sherry decided to add Economy 101 to her class schedule. 加选
sturdy-坚强的，坚固的或是坚固耐用的。。
He's a sturdy fighter who can beat the disease.坚强的斗士。
*She had no problem climbing the mountain thanks to her sturdy boots坚固的靴子.
*a sturdy chair ideal for kids.坚固耐用得着椅子是专为小孩设计的。
death grip-holding you so tied that almost can kill you.

Chat Room
step-脚步
one step at a time-一次一小步，一步一步来，不要急，慢慢来，
step by step- 一步一个脚印，一步一步的
one step forward, two steps back-向前前进一步，却倒退两步。想要努力，却毫无进展。
out of step-打乱了脚步，弄乱了章程，是说不协调。
step on it-driving too slow, we will say" step on it" 踩油门，“加快车属速”
the first step is the hardest-迈出第一步总是最困难的。万事起头难。
step it up-faster, hurry up 加快脚步，赶快。
take one step, take the first step.

Cloudy and Chilly, Lonely and Weary

寂寞像朵烏雲With the pressures of finals, please with me a Merry Christmas聖誕節假期之前，偏偏又有期末考的莫大壓力 Before Christmas vacation comes the pressure of finalsby Luke Wang

Time flies. In the blink of an eye, it’s already the end of my first semester. In American culture, December is one of the most exciting months of the year. Without a doubt, it’s because school is letting out for winter break, and Christmas is upon us. Despite enjoying the thought of my Christmas break, final exams and projects loomed over me like a thunderous cloud. Not only did I have an in-class essay, I also had a presentation, my research paper, rehearsal for acting class and other tests. I felt like my busy schedule was killing me.

I hope all my hard work this semester pays off with a high GPA. (Grade Point Average)
The week after finals is the most exciting time for all students:Christmas break, Christmas break parallels the winter break, or Lunar New Year break, In Asian countries. Families get together and celebrate. Fortunately, I was able to visit my uncle in Seattle for my first Christmas in the States. It was a white Christmas filled with peace and love. However, I wish I could be back home for Christmas break. I wish I could spend some time with my family and friends back home. I wish.

Grammar
I hope all my hard work this semester pays off with a high GPA.
to pay off-to result in a benefit.
All of Rita's years of working for the company paid off; she is now the senior vice-president of the company.
Cheating never pays off-even if no one catches you.

Vocabulary
blink of an eye (idiom)-At Sam's college graduation, Jenny felt as if her son had grown up in the blink of an eye.
*If felt like in just the blink of an eye, my little boy became a teenager.
*In the blink of an eye, the ordinary girl turned into a beautiful woman as...
loom (v)-隐约的出现. 不及物动词+介系词+受词。
After the president was killed, the whole country felt war looming over them.
*The approaching final exam loomed in my head each day即将..隐约出现在脑海里
*Anxiety loomed over Nick after he lost his job.焦虑笼罩
*A ship loomed out of the dense fog.浓的
presentation (n)-a report to talk to in front of the people.
Harold spent the whole evening preparing his presentation for the company's managers.
parallel (v)-使平行,使一致para有旁边的意思. 二平行线
At the convention, the two scientists suddenly realized that their experiments paralleled one another's work.
*The parents break parallels their kids' vacations.家长拿假与小孩的假期一致
*Madison Street is parallel to Main Street.二条街是平行的

Chat Room
the semester system
first semester/second semester, first from September finishes before Christmas.
and the second semester starts from second or Third week after the New Year finishes at early May. Each semester last about 15-16 weeks long.
interim-is the short period of the school between the summer vacation break.
The quarter system-each semester is about three months a period. It usually are three semester, but sometimes school add a summer semester for students to take classes.

In Love With Coffee, Dating the Library

美國留學記：愛上咖啡，和圖書館約會 My friends, I still miss you Getting good grades is hard work 得到好成績非易事 by Luke Wang


With a cup of coffee and my laptop, I am sitting in the library – my new home. My friends believe I live in the library because I am here all the time. I am trying hard not to live up to the typical Asian stereotype – nerdy. But I still need to put a lot of effort into my studies because English is not my first language.


Since my university has short semesters, my schedule is tight. Despite finishing midterms not too long ago – late October – my finals are quickly approaching – early December. I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework. And the cultural differences are also dragging me toward frustration and fatigue. I am suffering from depression. However, I also know I am learning and growing.


Thanksgiving was last week. So most students went home to celebrate with their families and friends- we had a four-day vacation. Where did I go? Nowhere. All I have are memories of friends and family back home. I miss them so much. I still remember all the fun times with my friends. Do they still remember me? I cannot forget our friendships. I am obsessed with memories.


Grammar
I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework.
to feel close to + verb-ing--mention about any action or situation almost happen.
He feels like he is almost going over the edge because of his schedule and all of the homework.
Fred is close to solving the riddle.
The research team is close to discovering a cure for the disease.
opposite of the meaning just add "not" in front of "close to +verb-ing"
Tina is not close to being done with her project.
The secretary is not close to finishing his morning assignments.


Vocabulary
stereotype (n)-刻板印象,nerdy.
The most common stereotype of men is that they don't show emotion.
*He doesn't fit the stereotype of an athlete. He's considerably studious and quiet.
*The film exposes the many ways that racial stereotypes can guide people.
despite (prep)-regardless, even though
Despite training hard for the race, Hilary came in 3rd place.
nerd (n)-a way of a type of people, always carry books, wear thick glasses, like study a lot, not have many friend.
over the edge (idiom) -go too far, almost going to crazy频临精神崩溃。
The last work assignment Shelley was given put her over the edge, so she quit her job immediately.
*He went over the edge after his girlfriend broke up with him.
*I'.m afraid he might be pushed over the edge when he finds out he's getting fired
fatigue (n)-tiredness, very tired
Paul's first four weeks in the army were filled with pain and fatigue, so all he thought about was sleep.
obsess-kept thinking about it all the time, can't forget about it. 使着迷或缠住. obsessed被着迷的
Horrible childhood memories obsessed Debra for years
Ellen is obsessed with money. She doesn't care about anything else.
taking by storm (idiom)- That designer's unique, environmentally friendly clothes are taking the fashion world by storm.

Chat Room
hit home- 1。擊中要害2。触及痛处。really hit home 引起共鸣
hit bottom-跌到谷底（国家经济或个人表现上）心情低落诸事不顺。
homesick-想家miss their home/family/country， homesick -重音在后面，是sick stay at home.
hit the nail on the head- 锒头打在钉子上。击中要害，一针见血。很赞成对方的说法或看法。
对方认同并说对了自己的看法，你可以说“you hit the nail on the head.” 你说得对了