I set my alarm early today, well early for me, still maintaining Beijing time for at least half of each day. I love to tell my students what time it is for me. Every politician should have to spend time with the children of its nation's supposed foe. If the leader remains unaffected, time to get a new leader.

Anyways ...

At the crack of 11:15 am, I rose to a delicious cup of buttered coffee and the sweet tones of NASA's mission control.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Perseverance landed and radioed-back its first shots of the Martian surface, which believe it or not is actually colder than where you are now.

Don't hate me because I live in the Pacific Northwest, but things are rather balmy in comparison in Lotus Land (Vancouver). This was not the case a few days ago. We did get a light speckling of snow and temperatures way down to a couple degrees below zero (Celsius).

My neighbour's rose bush was undeterred and still found a way to get its flower on. What a enduring being ta is. Despite being doused in unexpected cold ta understands the secret to weathering tough times is maintaining one's beauty and fortitude.

Take a lesson. Spring is coming and with it a season of enlightenment and growth. All you have to do is resolve to bloom.

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