I am back!

It has been a long while. From working on my dissertation to coming to Taiwan to start a new career, I finally can sit and re-start the writing here. What an easy thing, but such a difficult move. As I mentioned in my New Year note for my dear Madison friends, I had accomplished quite a bit in this past year (2006)—finished the dissertation, passed the oral defense, earned my second terminal degree, sold my black SUV (Rav4), sold my lovely house on Sheridan Street, had my eye surgery done and luckily recovered well, moved to Taiwan, started my teaching career, and settled down in this small apartment. I am fortunate to have so many blessings, and hopefully I can accomplish more in the future.

I went to 2007 Hawaii International Conference in January right after the semester ended. It was very interesting that I accidentally ran into my old Madison friends Charley and Kathy over Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial). With a travel grant supported by National Science Council, I learned very much from attending the conference so as to meet many new friends from all over the world. Besides staying on the island of Oahu, I went on traveling around the islands of Hawaii (Big Island) and Maui. Those islands are beautiful and fun to explore. I brought DVDs for volcano eruption to share with friends and colleagues, oh, and of course the nuts and chocolates from Hawaii!

Two days after returning to Kaohsiung, I received my first national research grant from NSC. What an excited encouragement. Well, and that also means I have to continue to work! Can’t stop!!