Monthly Archives: February 2010

Reading biographies

Posted on February 28, 2010 by Qin Tang

My kids and I have always enjoyed reading and visiting library. Since I announced incentives to my kids for reading nonfiction one month ago (see 1/31/10 post), visiting library has become a little bit more exciting. They have been reading … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Just a game, win or lose

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Qin Tang

Today my 10 year old daughter Amy had her Year End Basketball Tournament. This was the first time that Amy participated in a team sport. She has enjoyed playing the ERAA 4th grader in-house basketball. She had a great team … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

100 blog posts, 100 words

Posted on February 26, 2010 by Qin Tang

For my 100th blog post, I would like to share 100 words that are meaningful to me. These words describe something or somewhere that are close to my heart – places where I have lived, things I like, desire and … Continue reading →

Tagged , | 4 Comments

City works

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Qin Tang

What makes our living in a community like Woodbury possible and comfortable? If I ask people this question, I bet not many people will think about public works. I didn’t either. But that changed today after I attended the session … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Interview with MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Qin Tang

Recently I have the pleasure of working with Minnesota Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel and his staff to create the Commissioners’ Reading Corner to promote reading, learning, and servant leadership within MnDOT. Sorel’s article “Enhancing our leadership skills, one … Continue reading →

Posted in Book, CRC book interview | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Overcome depression

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Qin Tang

Today I went to a brown bag lunch presentation on overcoming depression. Not that I have any kind of depression myself, but I know people who have depression. So I am interested in learning about depression, a mental illness that … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Ask and you shall receive

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Qin Tang

For the last few months I have been helping the Transportation Division of the Special Libraries Association, of which I am a member, to do fundraising for the upcoming annual conference in New Orleans. Two years ago I did fundraising … Continue reading →

Tagged | 1 Comment

Buy energy-saving light bulbs

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Qin Tang

For two months in February and March, Xcel Energy is offering Minnesota consumers energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs for $1 each. I am all for saving energy and saving expenses. I have been gradually replacing old light bulbs with these … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sharing space with uninvited guests

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Qin Tang

I didn’t know that I was sharing my office space with uninvited guests. Yesterday afternoon in my cube, I found out that I was not the only one occupying the space. I had visits from uninvited guests without my knowledge … Continue reading →

Leave a comment

A hero behind the scene

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Qin Tang

The name of the woman who left $2 million for the arts center to be built attached to the Loft Theater at East Ridge High School was released at last night’s District 833 School Board meeting. She is Dorothy Merrill. … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Learning about community activities

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Qin Tang

Woodbury Citizen’s Academy held session three today on community activities. We learned about various educational and recreational opportunities offered by different organizations in Woodbury. The presentations included: City of Woodbury Parks & Recreation Department – Jodi Sauro, Recreation Supervisor Community … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A hero in the community

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Qin Tang

In my 12/15/2009 blog “Who are your heroes?” I wrote about one of the people who are heroes in my mind. Their stories of living frugally but giving generously always touch me deeply. Such a hero also existed in our … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

China on rise in Olympics

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Qin Tang

Yesterday at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Chinese couple Shen Xue (31) and Zhao Hongbo (36) won the gold medal in pairs figure skating.                       The event has historic significance. It is China’s first gold medal in figure … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Presidential memories

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Qin Tang

Today is Presidents’ Day. Speaking of presidents, I have some fond memories of reading and learning about presidents with my son. When Andy was a first grader (2004-2005), he liked presidents. So we checked out biographies of every U.S. prescient … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Lucky number, special day

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Qin Tang

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year – the Year of Tiger. I went to a Chinese New Year party at a friend’s house. We made dumplings. Today is also Valentine’s Day. Since tomorrow is President’s Day … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Year of the Tiger

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Qin Tang

                 Today and in the next few days, Chinese around the world are celebrating the Chinese New Year which starts Sunday, February 14, 2010. This is the Year of the Tiger. In China, years are named after animals based on … Continue reading →

Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Five Love Languages

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Qin Tang

Have you ever read a book and liked it so much that you say to yourself, “I wish everyone would read this?” This happens to me whenever I read a good book. One such book I highly recommend to everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Book | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Visit Woodbury Public Safety Dept.

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Qin Tang

Today I had an informative and interesting visit to the Woodbury Public Safety Dept. Learning about Public Safety was the topic of the second session of the 10-week Woodbury Citizens’ Academy, a  program offered by the Woodbury Community Foundation. Woodbury Public Safety director Lee Vague … Continue reading →

Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Love and Respect”

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Qin Tang

Here is another book on love I

Posted in Book | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“The Seven Levels of Intimacy”

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Qin Tang

I was at Sam

Posted in Book | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Disappointed and disillusioned

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Qin Tang

A woman president for the United States? Yes!  How about Hillary? I would have voted for her during the last election if she were the democratic candidate. But not any more. No, not after I have read books about her … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lost & found

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Qin Tang

This is a true story happened to someone I know. A Chinese doctor came to visit the University of Minnesota for six months. Recently he returned to China. At the Minneapolis International Airport, he forgot his carry-on bag when he … Continue reading →

Tagged | 1 Comment

He or she

Posted on February 6, 2010 by Qin Tang

Growing up in China, I learned some English in high school. When I went to college in Beijing and then Heidelberg to study German for a total of 9 years, I almost forgot all my English. So when I came … Continue reading →

Tagged | 1 Comment

On writing and blogging

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Qin Tang

Since I started writing this blog in Nov. 2009, I came to know a few people, virtually, through their blogs on Areavoices. Among all, my very favorite blogger is Roxane Salonen (Peace Garden Mama). She has a beautiful way to … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Woodbury Citizens’ Academy

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Qin Tang

The Woodbury Citizens’ Academy, a 10-week program offered by the Woodbury Community Foundation, started today. I was one of the 25 participants in this very first class. Our first session was held at the Woodbury City Hall.   Woodbury Community Foundation’s executive director Alisa … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Label your belongings

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Qin Tang

I want to share a tip that could save you some grief of losing valuable things. Always leave a business card or just a name and phone umber in your wallet and bag you carry around. If you lose them and someone finds them, he will be able … Continue reading →

Tagged | Leave a comment

I love library

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Qin Tang

Last Sunday when I was in the library with my kids, I run into a good friend of mine, also a Chinese. She was picking up three books on hold for her. We both love reading, so we always enjoy … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Wonder what libraries have your books?

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Qin Tang

If you are a writer or a reader and wonder how many libraries have your books or the books of your favorite authors, you can go to WorldCat and find that out. Though it is not an accurate measure, it … Continue reading →

Tagged , , | 1 Comment