In northern China, many cities ushered in the first snowfall this winter. When will snow come to Wuhan? I really miss the picture when the whole city turned white.
   
    Back in my hometown, we eat dumplings to celebrate this traditional festival. It is said that if you don't eat dumplings at Midwinter's Day, you'll get cold ears in the coming frozen winter. I just got back from the dumpling restaurant. There is no doubt that the business will be very good tonight 'cause dozens of people are waiting in line.

    Have you eaten dumpling today? Hurry up, or you'll got cold ears: )

Some pics of the snow:

People waiting for bus in the snow. Penlai, Shandong. 2008.12.21.

A passenger is waiting for the traffic lights in snow. Jinan, 2008.12.21.

Cars covered by snow. Tianjin, 2008.12.21

The gold was won by Chinese athlete Qiu Jian and Emmons finished fourth. Four years ago in Athens, China's Jia Zhanbo was lifted from second to win gold when Emmons hit his neighboring target and earned zero on his last shot.

I remembered Emmons from in Athens, and I really wanted him to win this time, because I think he deserves the gold. Emmons is one of the best rifle shooter in the worid, he won two world championship in 2002 and 2004, and took a gold in Athens. He got the first place in almost every contest he attended from 2006 to 2008, including world cup and world championships. Emmons was ready to embrace the gold medal, however, the ghosts hauled him again. His wife Katerina, who won the most eye-catching first gold of the Beijing Olympics for the Czech Republic, opened her mouth in astonishiment.

He must be very upset, but still, he walked up to the gold medalist and congratulated him. Then he walked towards the courtside, where his wife Katerina kissed him and hugged him by the head, trying to comfort him by her affectionate eyes and whisper. They held each other tightly. Tears ran off Matt's face and Katerina wiped them away gently. Her smile was his biggest comfort. I am so touched by the love she has for him, more than the fact that Chinese had won the game. At this moment, love is more treasured than the medal. Just like Emmons said after the game, "With her by my side that's the most important thing, whether I win or lose, she will always be there and my family will always be there supporting me."

They met each other in 2004, in an Athens beer garden just the night he lost the gold in Athens. She  tapped him on the shoulder, and told him she thought he was the best shooter in the world. He lost his gold medal, but in the end, he met the love of his life. They tied the knot in 2007.

"Things happen for a reason," Emmons said after the game. "I said that the last time this happened. The last time the reason was Katie. This time, I don't know what the reason is yet. But I'm sure something good's gonna come from it."

"If he can get a 4.4 and still place fourth, he's great!" she said firmly, "It (the gold medal) was waiting for him. I'm sure it was waiting for him.""What happened today I think will keep him going, keep him determined, and he will be more experienced, this will keep him pointed in the right direction."

I guess luck was definitely not on his side this time, but love is. I really hope that something good will happen after this, just like four years ago. Hope to see him in London, the next Olympic games. I'm sure he longs for this gold medal and I give him all my best wishes, he really deserves it. May the luck be with you, Matthew.

At last, I'd like to use the words I saw from a sports review today to finish this article：

Shoulder by shoulder, they walked away.

During the four years since Matthew's Athens nightmare, he harvested love.

Who knows in the next four years, what will be waiting for the young couple?

Matthew Emmons of the United States competes during the men's 50m rifle 3 positions final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Shooting event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Matthew Emmons won the 4th with a total of 1270.3. (Xinhua/Bao Feifei)

Matthew Emmons (L) of the United States competes during the men's 50m rifle 3 positions final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Shooting event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Matthew Emmons won the 4th with a total of 1270.3. (Chinanews.com)

Matthew Emmons (L) of the United States and his wife Katerina Emmons. 

I'm a 23-year-old girl, now studying Clinical Medicine in Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. It's my fifth year in college. Unlike other students, I'm in a seven-year teaching system. In the summer of 2010, I'll graduate and get my master's degree.

In my class, all the subjects are taught in English. The assignments, presentations, and examinations are all in English. That's a lot of pressure, and motivation as well.

A few days ago, Aw introduced Ifgogo to me. It's so nice to be invited as an author. I like the idea and atmosphere of this team-blogging website. We'll make it more interesting and attractive, I think.

Today's V-Day. Hope everyone has fun: )

Gijo, Summer 2006, Campus of HUST