Blog #8

  In the video "10 ways to have a better conversation," Celeste Headlee introduces various ways on how to talk and how to listen. The first idea is to avoid multitasking. If you want to have a good conversation, you have to be present in that moment. The second way is to enter every conversation assuming that you have something to learn. Another way she suggests is to start your questions with who, what, where, why, and how. The person you're talking to is the one who knows the answer, so let them describe. The last but most important rule is to listen. As Buddha said, "If your mouth is open, you are not learning." Celeste ends the talk by saying, "If you keep your mouth shut, mind open, and always prepared to be amazed, you will never be disappointed.

  I learned a few things from the lecture. I thought the video was going to be things like having eye contact, but it introduced us to practical things. I think to always be prepared to be amazed is a great advice that many people should learn. Also, we should learn to talk less and listen more when we have conversations. 

Blog #7

 I have experienced both Halloween and Christmas in the United States when I was little. Both of them was a great experience that I enjoyed very much. We had a small Halloween party at school, and all the people wore a costume including the teachers. We had cupcakes and cookies in class, and there was a huge bake sale in the afternoon. At night, all the kids in the neighborhood would gather up, and go trick or treating together. I remember we sang this song as we walked together. "Trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something good to eat. If you don't, I don't care, I will pull your underwear." It's so ridiculous now that I think about it, but it is still a good memory that I can laugh about.

 Another good memory is Christmas. My family always went on a vacation during Christmas, so after a few days past Christmas, when we get back home, I would open the door hoping that Santa Clause left a present for me. When I open the door, a present would always lie beneath the Christmas tree. Turns out, after my brother and I got in the car, my mom would tell us she has to take the garbage out, and go back inside our house to leave the presents under the tree. Even though is wasn't santa who gave me the presents, I love the memory of opening the gifts on Christmas morning.