A recent update

My best friend since high school, Wu Ting-Chi is admitted into the PHD program AT U of Miami! Woohoo! It is definitely the best news for me recently. I am really happy for her, and for myself, too, since I now have one more companion in the u.s.! She visited me with Ting-Ting last February in Baltimore -- as one of the very few friends who actually visited me during my study here! We met at the first day when we entered high school. Ever since then, she is always the one who supports me, and shares my good and bad times -- even when we are oceans (and 8 time-zones) apart; And I know that I am just the one for her at the same position! I am now giving her the warmest (virtual) hugs to celebrate her great great accomplishment, and also my best wishes to her new journey starting soon in early August ~~~

As for myself, things havent' gotten really promising. I am probably going to continue an academic career in California, starting this September, which is sub-optimal -- with the cost of intensive expenses. I am also expecting an equally- intensive work load, which will doubtlessly consume a hell lot of my time and youth. :"(

I am now trying to stitch every little pieces that constitute my thesis, which is painful. The recent weather is -- endless rain, just as endless as the process of my writing. The good part is, I experienced a rain of cherry blossom at my way to school this morning (very poetic). Technically speaking, it was rain, along with the falling petals of cherry blossom. I guess that's part of the unique experiences one can get in Baltimore! My personal happiest thing lately is that -- I got my PS2 receiver (a part of FPGA project) working yesterday! Now my Xilinx xxx1000 board can display on the LEDs the key-in from keyboard! Well, yesterday I was supposed to sit in the library and do my thesis, but I ended up sticking with my PS2 for an entire evening.

I am really glad I met Jenkins in my last semester here. He seems to think that I am talented and likes me a lot -- which rarely happens between me and a professor. He even considered hooking me up with his organization (APL). However, this opportunity seems to fade-out due to my status. Most of the jobs there, especially FPGA related ones, require a citizenship to get a security clearance. :( Anyhow, I'll stop for now. I hope I can murmur more about some happier things around me next time!

To all of my friends in Taiwan: I miss you all! And for those who are in the same boat as mine-- thesis writing and hoping to graduate, wish all the luck and powers are with you!