Tipping I went to the United States for vacation last month. This issue has been bothering me since then - tipping. My home country is not used to tipping, sometimes, tipping can even be considered insulting. In my understanding, in the U.S., tipping is mandatory on some occasions and voluntary on the others. For me, the most confusing part is the voluntary part. For instance, when I take a shuttle bus, the driver will help me take out the luggage from the car, then I will give the driver tips. But I also notice a lot of customers don't tip. I would like to know if we should tipping in this kind of situation.

imaginary phone call dialogue A: Hello, Paul! How are you. It's been a long time. How have you been? B: Hi Chandler, I'm good. How are you doing. A: I'm doing great. Thanks. B: Listen, I'm wondering if you can do me a favor. A: Of course. What's the matter? B: Can you fill me in on the current status of project X? A: Paul, I'm sorry, I was transferred to another project last month. I'm afraid I can't help you. B: Oh really? I feel so sad that you have been removed. It's been a good time working with you. A: It's OK, you can still contact me if you have any other problem. and next time when you come to New York city, just give me a call, we can have lunch together. B: I'm sure I will. Thanks for your help. See you next time. Bye. A: Byebye.

Jetlag I spent almost two weeks to adjust to jetlag after I came back from the United States last month. I woke up early in the morning and couldn't fall asleep at night. It was very frustrating. Sometimes I really want to be one of those people who can fall asleep whenever they want.

Morning routine When the alarm goes off at 7 o' clock sharp, I get up and go to the bathroom. First, I rinse my face and brush my teeth, then I shave and wash my face. After that, I put on some lotion and do some morning stretching. Finally I get dressed and go to work. It's a brand new day!

The Spider-man game I have been playing the Marvel Spider-Man game for the last few days. It's a great game. The graphics is good, the storytelling is amazing, and as a Spider-Man comics fan, it feels terrific dangling around New York city and being the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This is like a feast for me. I really like it. I hope I can experience this level of comic book game more often. Maybe the next would be Superman?

Writer's block As I started improving my written skills not long ago, I try my best to write something every day. But I just cannot think of any good topic today. I suppose this is the so-called writer's block or it's just a regular day. Maybe I'll come up with some great ideas tomorrow. All I need is a nice sleep.

Matthew McConaughey's crazy speaking I just saw the Matthew McConaughey Lincoln commercial today. I think he is a great actor. I love his performance in 'True Detective', 'Lincoln Lawyer', 'Dallas Buyers Club' and other movies also, but as an ESL student, his speaking style sounds terrible. His low voice, his accent, his speaking pace. It was super hard to follow his speaking. I wonder whether a native English speaker can fully understand what he was talking.

Memories of New York city I have been to New York city once. It was two years ago. I still remember the magnificent Empire Building, the beautiful Central Park, the astonishing MoMA, and of course the unforgettable Statue of Liberty, just to name a few. Sometimes I can't help but wonder whether I could become a part of this sleepless city one day. Next month I am going to New York city the second time. May be I will find out.

Work out more, live long and prosper Working out wasn't as much popular when I was young as it is today. Nowadays, you can always spot a runner on the street. As a no longer young soccer participant, I need constant working out to maintain my strength and stamina. Otherwise, what's the point of playing soccer if you cannot do a sprint. I hope we all have a healthy life, and as Mr. Spock said 'Live long and prosper' .