7 things I’m grate for:

1. The great girlfriend – wife soon she will be – the Holy Heaven has granted to accompany me. Despite her origin, she’s enlightened me in many ways. I truly regard her as the “other half” who could always hold me accountable for life and its ongoing changes. I should cherish this relationship and regard it the best gift from my home year of Dragon 2012~3.

2. Dad is willing to pay for my continuing school – I am ambitious with my plan of “Back to the U.S.” and hope the coming couple of years I may, through handwork and persistence, root my future family in or around New York City. For a nerd who’s apparently not capable of entrepreneurship or starting ventures of any kind, neither capable of flourishing in STEM subjects to obtain a life safety guarantee through a doctorate degree, it seems essential for a significant second-time investment for me to wrap up and get readily for stage again. At all times I shall be grateful for this one-year course of recharging and surviving opportunities.

3. Speaking of time, I got ample of it just at present. It’s a period for me to cultivate good habits. Through 1 coming due exam, 8 swimming sessions, around ten books to be read, courses followed, and movies checked-out. Time is precious and I’d be thankful for that, an attitude which is a prerequisite for me to hold before better utilizing the period.

4. I’m still a person with stories and experiences. How much have I learnt through those is only avail to myself. I lost my Up with People journal book, and memories of conversations with people such as Cai Yun and Kenny Choi, but it didn’t mean the impact they have had on me would fade away. They would exert long-term inspirations. And I will systematically reorganize those cognitive reshapes and reformations to better preserve their positive-impacting values.

5. I know clearly about the areas I demonstrate needs of improvements. Health, people skills, humbleness, and innovations (willing to take greater risks) along with commitments (be persistent once setting up a goal) are among those areas of growth potentials. I acquired an important skill of reflection, which is something I shall be grateful to.

6. I was to a larger extent exposed to the world, through traveling, reading and talking with people. I got to be aware of the possible opportunities, got to know and established connections with some great minds, which certainly would help me make better informed decisions in future. I’m in a sense immersed with very supportive resources.

7. And I’m only 24, still very young, capable and ambitious, ready to try out everything and set out sail with a major section of great life.

Regarding Task 2, I caught up with Dazhi and gladly heard he’s taking my advice in learning English – comprehending and reciting NCE II one text every other day. I expressed gratitude to girlfriend and, in a more subtle way, my dad.

2. Beer
In all these years, I’ve never come across a drink I enjoy more.

3. Cycling
The one activity in my life I would miss the most should I need to give it up. My bike is my therapist.

4. My Dogs
It took me 30 years to discover the joy of living with dogs. How could I manage without them.

5. Health
Middle age has brought its challenges. But I have all 5 of my senses, and can do pretty much any activity I want. That’s worth more than almost anything.

6. Wife
In 20 years of marriage, we’ve had our ups and downs. But mostly ups and I can’t imagine life without her.

7. My Job
Without it, everything else would come crashing down.

8. Being able to live in Colorado
Just a quick drive around the neighborhood is enough reminder of how fortunate I am to live here.

9. Friends
I know I need to work at cultivating more friends. But I’m very grateful for the ones I have. For giving me perspective, making me laugh and sharing the fun of their lives.

10. My iPod
For opening up my world to undiscovered music, podcasts and the all joy of audio.

Who did I thank today?
My favorite 2 friends, for coming out with us and spending time on a Sunday walking our dogs.

The staff at the restaurant where we had lunch, for preparing our meal and making the experience so pleasurable.

My wife, for working hard to take care of her health, even on days when she’d rather not. And for supporting my efforts to take care of mine.

But it’s a little obnoxious to assume that every guy reading this is straight.
Being manly is for gay guys too.

And for those who think not using inclusive language isn’t a big deal – your opinion on willingness to “let it go” or thinking it’s “no big deal” only counts if you’re PART of the group that isn’t being included.

Fair is fair. *grin*