Em's Dailies..

Passion & Romance In Pursuit
Originally uploaded by setyr.

Torino Winter Olympic Glory

With the years of hard work, experience, and practice, we have reached the level...that I have dreamed of." - Bin Yao

He and former skating partner Luan Bo are considered the pioneers of the sport in China, and were the first team to represent China at a figure skating world championship. Yao has almost single-handedly turned China into a pairs skating world power.

In the closed society of mid-20th century China, Luan and Yao had only photographs from which to learn their moves. They had a terrible experience at the 1980 world championships in Dortmund, East Germany; Yao has said he remembers people in the audience laughing at their inferior skating. They finished 15th, in last place. They competed at the worlds twice more in 1981 and 1982, finishing last both times. They also placed 15th at the 1984 Winter Olympics. After these embarrassing experiences, Yao was determined to create a team of world-class figure skaters.

Em's thoughts. Yao has inspired me, melted my heart and have shown me that not even the deepest falls, the most shameful defeats and most bitter heart breaking experiences don't define a person. It is up to me to stand up, dust off, and hold my head high up.

To some, this may be greatness. But I can see from Yao's shining & proud eyes as I am glued at the Torino Winter Olympic Pairs Figure Skating competition that this has nothing to do with greatness. This has everything to do with passion to pursue what keeps the heart at flame, this has everything to do with romancing the odds of life, so that in the end, as the curtains fall, the final laugh is on yours.

The lessons of Torino: For every fall a lesson learned..For every lesson learned, a road to perfection. Only if you dare.

Outside The Arena

My college classmate and friend Tere has been undergoing Chemo again. Late last year she was cleared from her chemo sessions. Although it is a heartbreaker, she is still the same bright, optimistic and smart woman we've always loved and known. Her faith in the Lord is ever-growing. She still looks life with a 'Glory be to God, I can get by the day' attitude.

Truly an inspiration to all. Her feat with cancer had made her even more worthy of the respect and love we always had for her way back college. I offer you my prayers Tere, and my admiration to the courage and faith you have in your heart. You are indeed one of the most beautiful and nicest persons I've ever met. I know the Lord will bless you. Hang in there. I also offer this blog to your husband Richard for being brave as well. A lot of us may have doubted him in the past but his devotion and strength that keeps your family going is a true testimony to love. My prayers are always with you.

The Essence Of St. Valentine's Day

Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:13

We love because He first loved us,He gave so we can give;We love because He
first touched us, He died so we can live. —Sper

# posted by Unknown : 7:57 午後