2025年3月29日 星期六

2025/3/16-26 日本行:EP1 關西之旅 / 吉伊卡哇購物


去年六月左右,我們前往鳥取以及岡山遊玩,看到許多柯南相關景點也參訪了許多在地博物館。這次我們決定去關西以及四國觀光,因為四國是我們還沒有去過的區域之一。加上最近我們全家都喜歡上吉伊卡哇,我們想說趁這次的機會順便到關西去看看限定店舖賣的吉伊卡哇,還有當地流行的商品。


抵達機場,前往京都


我們首先降落在關西機場,並馬上當天前往京都住宿。在京都,我們提前規劃的行程只有一個:去京都伏見稻荷大社限定及伊卡哇店舖購買限定版娃娃吊飾。當天抵達京都已經大約晚上九點,沒辦法前往任何景點,於是我們決定去逛附近的唐吉訶德,又稱驚安的殿堂。




在台灣的時候,我們充分的查詢資料,發現在唐吉訶德內有販售許多吉伊卡哇相關聯名商品,甚至還有專屬的區域。意外的是,唐吉訶德真的比想像中大太多,光是我們去的這一家就有三層樓,導致我們需要查閱樓層簡介,也要在各層樓快速閱覽是否有遺漏的吉伊卡哇聯名商品。

光是第一天晚上的吉伊卡哇狩獵行程,行李箱內就多了兩隻烏薩奇(吉伊卡哇卡通內的兔子角色)。其中一個是我在台灣就很想要買的兔兔連身裝,在網路上買正版的要 $2400 台幣,但是在日本的唐吉訶德購買卻只需要 $900 台幣左右,讓我毫不猶豫地買下去。


京都及大阪的吉伊卡哇狩獵!







第二天早上,我們馬上動身前往京都伏見稻荷大社,那附近有一家限定吉伊卡哇店舖,感受著穿著狐狸裝的角色娃娃,其中烏薩奇娃娃吊飾是我最想要買的。然而,可能是烏薩奇真的太過有名,店舖內剩下的限定款式並沒有烏薩奇的選項。這令我非常錯愕,而且因為不一定會再補貨,一想到我的包包上永遠都掛不了狐狸裝烏薩奇娃娃,還是有點難過。




既然都來到了稻荷大社附近,我們也決定進去參觀一下。這座大社最有名的就是千鳥居,每一個捐款的人都會獲得一個刻有自己名字和捐款時間的鳥居,並且和其他鳥居排列在一起,這就是為什麼現在會有一長排鳥居一直延續到山頂。




逛完神社之後,我們前往京都的 Kiddy Land 以及寶可夢商店逛逛。這兩個卡通都是我們全家都很喜歡的,不過相比之下最近還是對吉伊卡哇較有熱情。店內的裝潢都非常可愛,而且這間店竟然有三層樓高!!整間店販售的都是卡通周邊商品,其中吉伊卡哇的區域只有三樓的三分之一而已。即使如此,商品的種類還是非常多!

接著,我們就動身前往大阪車站。在大阪有非常多吉伊卡哇專門店,而且他們的規模都不是台灣快閃店能夠比擬的,也因為日本是發源地,他們擁有的娃娃和商品款式也會多很多。




在大阪我們主要也是前往尋找 Kiddy Land,這邊的也有販售許多卡通周邊商品,包括三麗鷗,米飛兔,還有其他卡通人物們。有些店會將吉伊卡哇的部分獨立分開來,像是在梅田車站的就被分成一般的 Kiddy Land 以及專門的 Chiikawa Land。

在大阪我購入了章魚燒款式的吉伊還有烏薩奇,我覺得非常可愛,而且在台灣是不太能在實體店面看到的。另外,在那邊販售的商品也有很多公仔的抽獎和各種貼紙卡包,有很多新鮮的商品。最重要的是,價格和台灣相比,真的是便宜滿多,讓整個購物行程都能夠輕鬆愉快。


收集各處烏薩奇鑰匙圈!


在大阪之後,因為去的地方都較為鄉下,人口也比較少,很難遇到那麼大間又能夠發現許多新商品的店家。大部分的購物都是在百貨公司內的動漫和卡通雜貨店。雖然那些店家都還是有許多新商品,但整體來說我們比在京都和大阪買的少很多。




比較特別的是吉伊卡哇有和日本各地各縣市合作推出鑰匙圈,而且每個地區可能不只一種。我們在京都和大阪的 Kiddy Land 都已經收編許多地區的版本。但在後面的旅程當中,在紀念品店都還能夠看到當地特別的款式。最後我們在家裡整理出所有這次旅程購買的鑰匙圈,做成一個板子掛在我們的牆上。我認為這個意義非凡,而且非常能夠提升士氣。重點是真的超級可愛!!


整體來說,這次的旅程包括很多吉伊卡哇購物行程。雖然占比不高,但是因為我們事前有做好很多關於吉伊卡哇店舖的功課,所以購買行程進行的相當順遂,都有買到想要的小可愛。在之後的部落格當中,我會介紹我們實際去走訪,不是吉伊卡哇的景點,敬請期待!


2025年3月20日 星期四

自學第七年 回顧與自評 / Jin


回顧期間:2024 / 4 - 2025 / 3   填寫日期:2025 / 3 / 20


1. 這是我們自學的第 7 年,請介紹一下這一年你的課業學習。包括去年五月的 AP 結果,以及接著將近一年的 AP 學習狀況。在學習 AP 上,你努力了什麼?有什麼體會呢?

去年選擇六個科目考試,成績分別如下:

AP calculus AB: 5分
AP biology: 5分
AP physics 1:4分
AP physics 2: 3分
AP world history: 4分
AP English language and composition: 3分

整體來說我認為考試的狀況並沒有前年的成績如此突出,但是仍然保持在合格以上並且拿到全數 3 分以上。去年在準備讀書的過程中也參與了機器人比賽的準備,因為是第一年參加高中組的機器人比賽加上前年 AP 成績表現相當不錯,讓我有些太過高估自己所需的考試準備時間。雖然最終成績有些低於預期,但這也讓我今年更有動力並更加完善的規劃自己的讀書進度與考試準備。

今年在整體的規劃上,由於我認為這次的 AP 考試是高中當中最重要的一次,我決定暫時停掉機器人比賽,並全心全意投入在準備考試的科目當中。因為少了機器人這項花費大量時間的課外活動,覺得能夠挑戰更多科目並且加強難度,因此今年我選擇了以下的科目進行考試準備:

AP calculus BC / AP chemistry / AP physics 2 / AP physics C: mechanics / AP physics C: electricity and magnetism / AP US history / AP statistics

其中物理二是我決定想要再挑戰一次。由於上次在考試過程中我能夠明顯感受到有許多只是是我尚未完全理解,並且是我很肯定能夠在未來學會的知識,這次藉由更充分的準備,我想要挑戰 5 分滿分。

另外,因為去年考試成績結果實在令我有點震驚,並埋怨自己沒有更認真的投入在 AP 考試當中,這次我每一科都想要盡全力讀書,並且以全數 5 分為目標為去年的成績雪恥。


2. 這一年你也考了 TOEFL,請分享與回顧一下你的努力過程,以及最終的結果,以及你自己的自評。

在去年考完 AP 考試之後,我就開始規劃年底的其他考試準備,包括托福以及 SAT。在托福的準備當中,我用了三個月將許多模擬試題撰寫並練習完畢,最終在八月底左右完成托福考試。




我的總分拿到了 120 分當中的 106 分,而部分成績如下:閱讀 27 分、聽力 28 分、口說 27 分、寫作 24 分。雖然 106 分已經是許多美國大學所需的英文能力標準之上,但我仍然覺得相當可惜,因為在準備考試時我給自己的目標是 110 分,而當時的我也相信我自己做得到。

從一開始的參考書挑選,官方免費資源的運用,到最後搜尋考場以及報名,都是我精心規劃的結果。我認為自己真的長大了,能夠運用身邊的資源從零開始準備一場考試,並且已經竭盡所能的準備這場硬戰。

在準備的過程當中,我盡量每天都空出一到兩個小時去做模擬試題或者是口說的練習。四個考試內容當中,困擾我最久、讓我最擔心的就是口說,我每天都會不停的參考網路上不同題目的解答方式,並且和 ChatGPT 練習英文的對話,讓自己更融入在英文的環境裡面。其實我在考試完之後,我認為我的口說並不會拿到太高分,因為考場其他人在講話過程中我多少有被影響到,所以最後成績出來發現口說有 27 分的時候其實我是蠻震驚的。

雖然口說有意想不到的高分,但是在寫作上我受到的震驚反而是比預期還要低分。在家裡練習的過程中,包括在官方網站上考試的結果和參考其他寫作高分例子,都讓我覺得 27 分是蠻合理的目標。最終考試結果顯示 24 分的寫作成績時,多少有點挫折。

在整個托福考試準備的過程中,我認為我自己更加了解如何掌握準備的進度以及更加懂得運用網路上官方免費的資源進行準備。整體來說,我真的覺得自己有所成長,這些經驗也一定會讓我在未來的考試準備中更順暢。


3. 這一年一開始你參加了 VEX V5 機器人的世界賽,歡迎分享一下你的努力、體會與結果。接著這一年,因為 AP 課業的學習,決定只以志工身分參與,換個角度,你學到了什麼?有什麼有趣的事情發生呢?(擔任裁判、IntroVEX?)




在去年一月左右,我們隊伍成功透過全國賽晉級 VEX V5 世界賽。而由於是第一次參加這項比賽的世界賽,我投入了許多時間準備並改進機器,然而無意間卻減少了許多準備考試的機會。雖然機器人世界賽也讓我學到許多相關的知識,但我認為整體付出的時間並沒有和結果成正比,現在回想起來,我會希望將一半的時間用來準備考試,這樣說不定機器人和 AP 考試都能夠拿到滿意的結果。

雖然今年沒有直接參與 VEX 相關的比賽,但我仍然希望能夠在這個領域付出並參與比賽相關的事物。也是因為如此我決定參加比賽志工,在不同比賽擔任計分的裁判或主裁判,也希望透過這些志工參與給新進的隊員們一些鼓勵。

在這一年的過程中,我總共參與了五場機器人相關的志工,而我在那之中也遇到了不同隊伍的教練學生以及工作人員們。我認為這幾次社區服務讓我解釋到更多人也讓我了解到我對機器人真的是有熱情的。




除了透過志工服務參與機器人比賽,我也決定將我這四年來的機器人經驗分享給所有正在接觸機器人的隊員們。因此我創立了一個頻道以及部落格,每一週都會固定在部落格或者是頻道發佈新的知識和經驗分享。除了透過文字我喜歡透過拍攝攝影影片講解來去接觸到更多對機器人有熱情的選手們。




這個對我來說是一個小專案,而我將他命名為 IntroVex,是 Introduction 和 Vex的縮寫。雖然這個計劃才開始兩個月,我希望在將來尤其在這一年內能夠將它分享給更多需要幫助的人。


4. 在繪畫部分,你這一年舉辦了畫展,請介紹一下內容,提供一些照片,並說明你準備一個展覽,並實際導覽過後,有什麼有趣的想法或感想?




從去年的 3 月 5 號開始,我在童畫畫室的畫展開始展出,目前預計會持續更新作品,並且展出到下一年的三月為止。這次的展覽主題主要是我自己在繪畫過程道路上的成長紀錄,從我一開始教不熟練的繪畫技巧,到現在能夠融會貫通並將所想的畫面記錄下來。

在整個畫展展出的期間,也有許多朋友以及家人前來觀賞。我也很盡責地擔任了導覽的職務,而我也在這個過程當中,更加的領悟到其實我在繪畫路上的進步遠超過與我的想像。看著每一幅作品,在繪畫細緻度上就能夠發現很大的不同,也能夠透過每一時期的作品回憶當時的我對世界的看法以及有興趣的事物。




像是上面這張畫是我在 2020 年創作的新世紀哥吉拉戰士,當時的我還不太會表現衣服的皺摺或人物立體的陰影變化,造成我的陰影處都較為突兀。另外在想法上也是記錄了小時候天馬行空的想法。雖然表現手法還沒有到很完整,但可以看到我在努力描繪出腦海中想法的筆觸。




相較於這幅較為近期的畫作:鯉魚之旅,就能夠發現我在色彩應用上更加成熟,並且對於物件之間的相互關係表現得更加清楚。在陰影的部分上也是有很大的突破,並不會有太過於僵硬的陰影變化。

若是沒有透過這次的展覽,我可能很難有機會會去對比我所繪製過的每一幅畫做。也是透過在場的實際導覽,讓我在自己的畫作中了解到更深一層的典故以及回想起當時創作的初衷。


5. 在到辦公室拿桌子時,因為那是你們一開始自學,小學時代的讀書環境,其實當時的你們,爸爸媽媽看,都蠻認真的,但你跟弟弟都說,其實那時候效率不好,因為不知道為了什麼而讀。爸爸媽媽覺得很有意思,請問你覺得,那時候跟這時候,有什麼差異、改變跟成長嗎?

在第一年剛接觸自學,這項較為不同的學習道路時,我並沒有很明確的目標以及清晰的觀念去思考應該讀什麼是最好的。一開始的我難免也會因為沒有考試壓力,而逃避了一些對我來說較難的科目,像是物理還有生物。但是在後來仍然努力維持各科目的平衡。度過了國中之後,決定了要往國外大學這個方向邁進,這時候的我才決定自己讀書的目的是為了去夢想的大學。

也剛好是因為開始接觸機器人,讓我發現在學校或在教科書上學到的相關知識,其實是能夠運用在現實生活中的。像是寫程式所需要用到的三角函數,以及控制飛輪轉動所需的 PID 微積分控制,這些都是我在學習過程中頻繁詢問自己「為什麼我應該要學這種東西」,但卻在機器人參與過程中領悟到其實用性的知識。

在高中的這一年,相較於之前,我因為研究了許多大學申請相關的知識,對自己未來可能走出的道路,或者是現在應該準備的事物都有更加了解。這樣的我也開始在學習當中找到了目標,不再會像以前這麼抗拒讀書。

我覺得能夠自學是很幸運的事情,即便不是在一開始就領悟到自己未來的目標,現在的我也透過這樣的學習環境,成長到能夠負責自己的考試準備以及升學規劃。


6. 未來一年,你預計會往哪些領域邁進?希望達到怎樣的成績呢?在學業、申請學校、機器人等各方面的事情都行。

未來的一年,在五月之前都一樣會很努力地準備 AP 考試,並且努力在各科考試當中都拿下 5 分的滿分。在那之後我希望能夠持續地規劃我的機器人介紹,IntroVex,的計劃,並且與不同隊伍的選手們合作探討機器人比賽不同方面所會遇到的問題以及建議的解決方案。

除此之外,我也希望能夠學習更多程式相關的知識,說不定也能透過程式自己設計一套遊戲來去幫助學習。機器人的部分,明年我會希望參與去大學前的最後一年,並且再次獲得世界賽資格去好好享受比賽。

明年六月開始也要著手準備大學申請相關的文件以及自介,希望以我的機器人經驗以及考試成績,能夠足以讓我申請上滿意的學校。


2025年2月17日 星期一

2/15-16 TAI-VEX League: Scorekeeper Volunteer





During the last two days, I volunteered at the final competition of the TAI-VEX League for both the middle school and high school sessions. The whole league competition spans from October to February with 3 competition days, one in Taipei and two in Taichung. The ones I volunteered for were all in Taichung, each being the first and the last competition of the TAI-VEX League.

Scorekeeper referee was the job I volunteered for, we had to watch for violations during a match, and we also had to confirm the scores recorded with the teams on both sides. It was fun, yet it was difficult to keep up with all the moving robots while recording any violations.

This competition session was a bit different from the previous one. It focused on the Skills Challenges rather than the Qualification Matches because the main idea of the competition is to let teams try and beat their Skills Challenge high score to rank higher in the world ranking. Since I am in charge of the qualification matches, there was a long break between the morning and afternoon matches for teams to focus on Skills Challenges.

After all the matches ended, I also helped clean up the arena by taking down the competition field and tables. All the time spent cleaning up made me realize how difficult it is to set up an event like this. There are hundreds of name tags needed, and tons of wires need to be taped to the ground. All the hard work before the competition was the key to making an event successful.

I am really glad I came to help; it was a very enjoyable experience. If I have the chance to come again, I will definitely do so. Thanks to the event organizers who made this event possible.


1/25 FLL Explore Competition Volunteering





The First Competition nationals are held once every year around January. It has five consecutive days of competition, each with a different competition category. The one I participated in on January 25th was the FLL Explore and FLL Discover category, in which the participants are around 6-10 years old.

My volunteering position was team check-in and photographer. I registered with my friend, and we were both assigned the same job. The check-in time spans from the morning to the afternoon because the competition allowed teams to check in at least one hour before their presentation. This helps the teams that are presenting in the afternoon save time, as they don't have to check in in the morning first.

Our job was to confirm the participants' ID to the name on the registration sheet, including both the coaches and the students. We also have to count the number of people who actually came after all teams complete check-in, so the event organizer can pay the exact ticket money for the competition arena.

Some people also come to ask questions about the competition schedule, and this is also our duty to answer them or guide them to the places. 

We are also encouraged to take pictures of the teams at their pit because sometimes it is hard to predict when and where some interesting moments will occur. In fact, I did take some photos where the students were introducing their project to other people and they seemed so into it.

Lastly, at the award ceremony, we helped with delivering the medals to the judges who were handing the awards to the teams. There were about 60 awards so we worked really hard to keep up with the pace of the ceremony.




Overall, the volunteering experience was great! The volunteer manager was really kind and nice when assigning our jobs. She guided us through the specific details and chatted with us during the lunch break. I had a really fun time volunteering and will definitely come again next year.


2024年12月9日 星期一

12/8 TAIVEX IQ Rapid Relay: Head Referee Volunteer





December 8th was the day all VEX IQ teams and team members came to participate in one of the important competitions for this VEX IQ season: TAIVEX IQ Rapid Relay. Competed by 35 teams, the 11 awards were the goal for everyone of the participants. Behind the competition are all the event organizers and volunteers that support the event, and I am one of them.

This time, I volunteered as the Head Referee for the competition, and it was my first time. Before this day, I have volunteered as a scorekeeper referee for multiple times. The first experience was during the VEX Worlds volunteer, and the next was during VEX Taiwan Open National Championship and much more.

One thing I've learned from all those volunteer experiences was that being the Head Referee wasn't an easy task at all. The head referee is in charge of training the scorekeeper referees and is required to make decisive decisions when there is a violation or argument. Moreover, they have to understand the rules of the game very well, to the point that any question from the teams can be answered.

Even though I have always wanted to stand in the position as the head referee, when I received the volunteer invitation from the event partner, I felt more anxiety than excitement. I was afraid that I might be too weak on decisions and not have a clear enough stance when dealing with arguments.




Before the day of the competition, I spent quite a bit of time reviewing all the rules written on the game manual and specifically noted all the possible violations a team may encounter. I was really happy that I did research before hand that I was able to come to conclusion quickly during the competition.

Since head referees were also responsible for the Drivers Meeting, which was a meeting where the head referee talk about some violation possibilities to help students avoid these actions, I also constructed some notes for the important rules and the meeting process on the previous day.




I also took the official VEX IQ Head Referee test and got my certificate beforehand. It was a four hour course that tested us the rules in the game manual to make sure head referees are all well-prepared for making decisions based on the game manual.

On the competition day, I was really excited to meet all other volunteers as well as teams from different places. I felt excitement as well as a bit of agitation, but I was well-prepared and was ready for ruling this competition!

First, I suggested to gather all scorekeeper volunteers for a meeting before robot inspections starts. This is because it is very important to make sure everyone knew what their responsibilities were and understand the game rules as well as possible violations. This meeting was just like a drivers meeting but with referees, and I was glad we had this meeting since there was a lot of questions asked during it.

After making sure everyone has a certain amount of understanding regarding the game rule, it was time to prepare for the actual driver meeting with all team members and coaches. I considered it as the biggest challenge yet the part of the competition I was looking forward to the most. I discussed the plan for the meeting with the other head referee, and decided that she will translate the points I mentioned while I talk in Manderin, so we can make sure everyone understands the rule.

The competition was split into morning and afternoon, and there was practice matches, qualification matches, and the finals matches that the teams will play. I started to get the hang of ruling as well as the schedule as time goes by. Much more, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and was even hoping that the competition can continue just a little longer.




The whole competition ended with the award ceremony and the group photo of all the participants. It was really a exciting day. Meeting every one of my friends that came to volunteer was especially amazing. I had a really fun time chatting with everyone during the competition. I will definitely come and help for the next time as well.


2024年11月9日 星期六

2024/10/26-27 TAI-VEX HS League: Scorekeeper Volunteer





Although I didn't participate in this year's VEX V5 game as a competitor, I still wanted to help and get involved in the VEX community. Therefore, I decided to volunteer as the scorekeeper referee, a role that helps with scoring matches while watching out for rule violations.

I really enjoy watching matches and analyzing different team's abilities. In so doing, it feels like I am understanding the match from a god's perspective, which is a completely different view from a team's perspective.

In the two-day volunteering, the first day is where middle school students compete, and the second day is for high school teams. Volunteers arrive at 11 am to help set up the competition field. Later we start to do team inspection at around 12pm, during which we have to double-check that the teams' have their robot all set and don't violate any rules.

The main matches start after all teams have their inspection completed, which is around 1:30pm. There are two main fields in total, and referees including scorekeepers keep on switching between the fields to keep the competition going.

All matches ended at around 6pm and we helped pack up some of the tools and replaced all schedules with the ones that will be used for the next day.

In total, I volunteered for 14 hours. I really enjoyed the process. Not only was I able to understand current match strategies and robot designs, but I was also able to meet several friends that I made last year during the competition. It was a spectacular experience and I will continue to volunteer in VEX.


2024年10月21日 星期一

113年統一發票推行暨「四格漫畫 來Show稅」租稅宣導活動:佳作、早鳥獎







大約在九月初的時候,我投稿參加了財政部中區國稅局舉辦的「113年統一發票推行暨「四格漫畫 來Show稅」租稅宣導活動」。這是一個四格漫畫繪圖甄選比賽,最終總共有 136 件作品,而我獲得佳作,是不錯的成績。由於我是前幾個繳交圖畫的人,還有另外獲得早鳥獎。




這次決定要參加比賽的原因之一,是因為我想要運用我的繪圖能力去關注並幫忙社會相關的議題,剛好看到財政部正在宣傳新的活動就決定要來試試看。在題目選擇當中有許多現代的社會議題,像是性別平等,新的財政計畫,以及有效改善發票兌獎的 APP 等等,最終我提交的圖畫是以介紹統一發票兌獎 APP 為主題創作的四格漫畫。




作品名稱:

發票不再麻煩!APP 一次輕鬆幫你搞定!


作品介紹:

以前,有些人可能會為發票兌獎而煩惱,但現在我們有財政部統一發票兌獎 APP 可以幫忙解決很多事情也節省很多時間!

這次的作品以「起承轉合」分別代表四格漫畫當中的故事,描述著主角小明第一次看到別人使用載具儲存發票時驚訝的情緒與其過程。

當小明前幾天還在為和對層層堆疊的發票所需要耗費的時間煩惱,在結帳時也仍然在接收店員給的紙本發票。小明卻無意間發現在隔壁櫃檯結帳的女生小美,竟然拿出手機儲存發票!!小美並好心的介紹了她所使用的「財政部統一發票兌獎APP」的所有好處,更是強調了 APP 的方便性。

希望透過這次的四格漫畫,能夠讓更多人體會到並使用財政部統一發票兌獎APP。


活動連結



這是我第一次上網投稿自己創作的作品,在創作途中也有意識到自己現在可以用更好的繪圖技巧和經驗去表達自己的想法,並真正的靠自己的實力描繪出腦中構想的故事情節。最終繪製完作品時非常有成就感,導致我在看到比賽後一個禮拜內就將作品繪製完成並上傳投稿了!

非常幸運地在最後可以得到佳作,也讓我更想要在日後持續創作並參加更多繪圖比賽。如果有機會的話,我仍然希望在未來持續用繪圖關注更多新計畫,並繪製出自己構想的故事。