(9) Cravings

I am an American after all, and American cravings cannot be ignored.

In the span of 3 consecutive meals this past week, I had fried chicken at KFC, ordered in the pizza shown above, and got a double quarter-pounder with fries at McDonald's. Thank god I'm exercising as much as I have been.

Speaking of exercise, I've been working hard to make the basketball team. After one average practice and one horrible practice, I poured in 25 points in a game during my third practice earlier tonight. We'll see how much that helps my chances.

In other news, my sincere congratulations to Li Na and Zheng Jie for making the Australian Open Semifinals on the women's side. This is truly an incredible accomplishment for my native country of China, and will serve as inspiration to future Chinese tennis players. I did watch both of their matches, and losing to two former world number 1's is nothing to be ashamed of. You ladies are awesome, keep up the good work!!! On the men's side, Andy Murray (my pick) played brilliantly to win in 4 sets over a very talented Marin Cilic to make the final. I'll try to find a sports bar where I can watch Federer vs. Tsonga tomorrow hehe.

Next Episode: "Lion Rock"

(8) The Wisdom Walk

"I want you to go outside today and simply... put your hands on buildings. Feel the concrete pulse. Listen to the stories the stones are telling you."
-Ted Mosby, describing a Wisdom Walk in HIMYM Season 4 Episode 20.

I didn't do exactly that, but I did feel like a change of pace and taking a walk by myself (instead of going out with very funny French people hehe - shout-out to Stan, Clement, Nicolas, and Kevin here).

It was great to have some "me time". As I made my way through the crowd, I realized a mental break was exactly what I needed. I'll take my stay in Hong Kong as an opportunity to "rest" myself and come back to UMD refreshed, ready again to take on my life and responsibilities. Didn't mean to get philosophical here, but I'm just as big a fan of catharsis as the next guy.

Side note: my parents have found this blog, so all blog content is rated-G. Not that I've been getting myself into "trouble", Mom and Dad! Good to err on the side of caution either way.

Album Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/jasonylu89/TheWisdomWalk?feat=directlink

Next Episode: "Cravings"

(7) ...Back on My Feet

I've been in Hong Kong for two weeks now. The first week was confusing and hectic. I had trouble figuring out where everything was, and I eventually ended up in bed feeling ill. However, things have turned around this week.

One of my goals here was to get back into tennis-playing shape (yes, the cliche New Year's Resolution...) In fact, I'm currently trying out for my dorm's basketball team - there are 2 more practices before the cuts. City University has an "Olympics" of sorts between the residence halls. Last semester featured track, table tennis, swimming, and soccer. Basketball, badminton, photography, cooking, and karaoke are all competitive events this semester (the last 3 aren't sports, but it's all in good fun) My hall is dead-last in points after the fall semester, hopefully I'll be able to contribute, starting with basketball!

P.S. More pictures are up in the food album.

Next Episode: "The Wisdom Walk"

- Blog Update

I know how to make web albums now! You can find the link to my first album, "Window Office", at the end of the post with the same name. More pictures coming soon, of course :)

(6) Christmas in January?

I am this pumped.

The AUSTRALIAN OPEN is starting tomorrow! We'll shift our attention from HK to Melbourne, Australia as tennis fans around the world salivate on their TV screens and laptop monitors while watching the first major of the year. I've been dealing with a nasty cold lately, but large amounts of time in bed = dissecting the Aussie Open brackets, yay.

Before I give my picks, let's give a shout-out to the men and women who played in the Qualifying Tournament for the Australian Open. These are the people who rarely get on television or the big courts: Here's to you guys - may you break through the bracket someday, but please don't eliminate Andy Roddick before he wins another major (oh yes he will! Wimbledon 2010!)

The Australian Open is the most difficult major to project and predict. Here are my winners, final four, and "dark horses". Even though I had a pic of Federer for the title of this post, I will go out on a limb in the spirit of the new year.

Men's Winner: No. 5 Seed Andy Murray. He will conquer such stiff competition as Gael Monfils, and even Rafa Nadal (he is so good, but not this time) to win his quarter. Novak Djokovic made his breakthrough here in 2008, it's Murray's time.

Men's Final Four: [1] Federer, [3] Djokovic, [7] Roddick, [5] Murray
Men's Dark Horse: [10] Tsonga

Women's Winner: No. 15 Seed Kim Clijsters , she was very good at the U.S. Open, and she will have the perfect note to retire on (again) once she wins. I believe Serena will cruise into the semis easily, but she's primed to lose there to her sister due to the lack of a test.

Women's Final Four: [1] S. Williams, [6] V. Williams, [15] Clijsters, [14] Sharapova
Women's Dark Horse: [16] Li Na - GO CHINA!!!

These brackets are so much harder to fill than March Madness, so who wants in on an Australian Open pool? Haha. Comment on my own madness if you will, sports fans!

Next Episode: "...Back on My Feet"

(5) In your face, UMD diner!

Seafood fried rice and chicken, one of 6 "specials" at the dining hall that day.

Yes, there will be an album dedicated to the foods of Hong Kong. My stomach is thanking me as we blog. I keep forgetting to bring my camera when I'm out to eat, but I'll make sure to backtrack.

I need to take pictures for snake wine and soup, this awesome fruit and ice cream dessert that they call "Summer", and even food at the local KFC... Seriously, KFC's in America need to step it up: something tells me they'll never serve mini-quiches like they do here.

Album Link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jasonylu89/InYourFaceUMDDiner?feat=directlink

Next Episode: "Christmas in January?"

(4) Window Office

Kowloon at night, from my window.

I've moved into my dorm! I met my roomate, Danny from Hainan Island (Southernmost China) - he's a very cool guy, a math major who is graduating at the end of this year. He's heard of UMD, which is awesome. Soon after introductions, we watched some american TV and now he's hooked on "How I Met Your Mother" ( I own the first 4 seasons :D ). We are both Chinese people but that's just about where our similarities end; it's so interesting to see how different our habits and hobbies are!

On Sunday, we went around Kowloon downtown (a short walk from campus), a very productive trip. I now know where to get a haircut, buy little gift items, and sample the local specialty - sweet soup. People here really love their sweets. Later on, I played Danny in an intense match of badminton and lost, 3 sets to 1.

Classes started today. I had Programming (C) this morning and a Chinese Econ/Business course later tonight.

Album Link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jasonylu89/WindowOffice?feat=directlink

Next Episode: "In Your Face, UMD Diner!"

- Blog Set-up

1. I'll post links to photo albums at the end of each post (with the same name as the post) - once I figure out how to make web albums...

2. What I blog isn't in real time. So, at the end of each post you will see "Next Episode", with the title of the next post. Happy Reading!

(3) China

The snowball named Beijing welcomes me.

Hi! So I've finally set up internet and settled in at the City University of Hong Kong (my school). I actually spent the first few days abroad visiting family in China. I lived with relatives from my dad's family in Beijing, where I saw my niece for the first time. She was 18 months old and very shy, but a little more friendly after I gave her money, in accordance with Chinese tradition.

After 2 days I left for Guangzhou, where I stayed with relatives from my mom's family and saw my living grandparents. Cold and rainy weather immediately left me with a cold. Sorry about the lack of pictures, I slept most of the day here but the food was great! I'll come back here for Chinese New Year, check back for pics of tasty food :D

On the 8th I took a 2-hour train ride to Hong Kong with my aunt and uncle to do some shopping for my dorm room, and then it hit me - I'm in HONG KONG!

(2) 2010

What a coincidence, the start of the new year and next chapter in my life. In trying to see, call, and text as many of my friends as possible, I realize I'm leaving quite a lot back here at home. Mixed feelings when I get on that plane tomorrow for sure.

My resolutions for the new year:
1. Have a great time and soak everything in this semester.
2. Be more open-minded.
3. Don't be so serious all the time, I have the rest of my life to be serious.
4. Come back to UMD better than ever.

Everyone, work hard and play hard. 2010's going to be a big one, I can feel it - but I'll try to keep my expectations realistic haha.

Time to pack some more, I'll post my next update from HONG KONG! Hopefully with pictures of the campus and other good stuff like that.

To the next step...