The Art of Swimming

I've always questioned myself during trainings when I feel like I'm about to drown: why do I swim? This year, I got a golden chance of competing as one of the future swimming captains. I swore to myself that if I did not get the position, I would just slack off in trainings, ignore the coaches, and naturally do my worst at competitions. I lost, by one vote. 

A lot of times I desperately want to quit swimming. Why would I want to be involved in the most tedious and boring sport, experience aching cramps, and develop a masculine body shape? Yet however much I hate swimming sometimes, I could never imagine my life without it. 

Swimming is not just a sport; it's a part of my life- it is art! Although I swim countless laps every training, every movement, every swirl and twirl, is unique. Believe me or not, the prettier my stroke is, the faster I am. As I touch the water and glide through it, I feel the freedom that can't be experienced in other ways. I am a good swimmer, but without the typical body, I know that I can never be a great swimmer. Yes, I like the attention I get when I lead my heat, and I like it even more when I occasionally; but what I like most is the way I can express myself through swimming. 

And now, I think it's safe to say: I actually, really, truly, love swimming. 

Cheese Night @ The Cheesecake Factory

Eating my school's food every day can be tedious sometimes. Since it was weekend, my friend Jackie and I decided to venture out for a more appetizing dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We got our ticket and waited for 30 minutes, but when the food came, it was all worth it. (Because the lighting was rather yellow that night, I tried my best to edit the photos below.)

Italian Mixed American Setting

Shrimp Scampi- US$19

I ordered from the seafood section shrimp sautéed with whole cloves of garlic, white wine, fresh basil and tomato, which came with angel hair pasta. The shrimp was well cooked with a bouncy bite, though I would have preferred it cooked with less garlic to avoid the "after breath". 


Four Cheese Pasta- US$11

Jackie ordered a penne pasta with mozzarella, ricotta, romano, parmesan cheeses plus marinara sauce and fresh basil. The dish could also be served with chicken, but she opted it out. The pasty was indeed cheesy!



Half Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake- Whole US$7

Undoubtedly, our favorite part was dessert. We shared a cheesecake as we were stuffed after our main courses. The red velvet cake was moist, together with the thick creamy cheesecake and the cream cheese frosting, we were dreamily indulged.

The only down side to our dinner was that the portions were too big, and at the end, Jackie gave up her pasta and I gave up my cheesecake. If you are going to The Cheesecake Factory with a friend, I suggest ordering an appetizer, a main course, and a cheesecake to share!

Colonie Center Mall,

Albany, NY 12205

(518)453-2500

Psalm 23

Calligraphy, often called the art of fancy lettering, is a type of visual art that requires practice and skill. It has a wide range of style (from a simpler to a fancier one), based on the artist's preference. Here's my first piece of calligraphy: 

Psalm 23, 2011

Calligraphy is such a fun way to enjoy arts. To challenge yourself, try adding patterns to letters with tails. Remember to use a piece of bond paper (smooth and prevents bleeding) and a dip/fountain pen when you  draw calligraphy!