I have a friend who lives by a three-word philosophy (人生哲学): Seize the moment. Just possibly, she may be the wisest woman on this planet. Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven’t thought about it, don’t have it on their schedule, don’t know it is coming or are too strict to depart from their routine.
I can’t count the times I called my sister and said, “How about going to lunch in half an hour?” She would gasp and stammer (结结巴巴地说), “I can’t. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known it yesterday, I had a late breakfast, and it looks like rain.” And my personal favorite response: “It’s just Monday.” She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together. From then on, I’ve tried to be a little more flexible.
Life has a way of going faster as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises made to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all have to show for our lives is repetition of “I’m going to” , “I plan on” and “Someday, when things are settled down a bit.”
When anyone calls my “seize the moment” friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you’re ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years . I love ice cream. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happily.
Now ... go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to … not something on your SHOULD DO list.
1．The example of the writer’s sister serves as ________.
A. an argument B. an introduction C. a support D. a conclusion
2．The writer thinks that the excuse “It’s just Monday.” is acceptable, because ________.
A. it is still likely that they can have lunch together some time later
B. it sounds most reasonable of all the excuses
C. it shows respect for the writer’s suggestion
D. it indicates the time when they can have lunch together
3．The underlined word “contagious” in the fourth paragraph means “________” .
A. appropriate B. influential C. practical D. evident
4．What is the purpose of the writer by writing this passage?
A. To suggest how time flies.
B. To persuade busy people to relax.
C. To advise people to keep their promise.
D. To persuade readers to be flexible on their schedule for practical joy.
