January had just flown by so swiftly and stealthily that I can hardly believe that only eleven months are left in 2006. When we really think of it—a year only has twelve months, and when each month passes so quickly, it's creepy to realize how fast time can go by and how much we could miss out on if we do not go for what's important to us before it's too late... That's why I value each and every minute of my life on Earth. I cannot stress enough how vital it is for us to count our blessings, and you can hear more about this in my radio interviews I had in January.

Right after I sent out my January issue, I received a very exciting news and was suddenly bombarded with four radio interviews. It was like all the radio hosts had a meeting and said, "Let's all have Shirley this month!"

The exciting news, which was a wonderful start to the New Year, was that I was tied for 1st place in a national writing contest for Be the Star You Are! a charity founded by Cynthia Brian, whose radio show I've been on twice. So, I was invited back for my third appearance. My essay, entitled The Jewel from Heavenly Father, is dedicated to my beloved mother Juliet Cheng, the cornerstone and light of my life. My essay will be posted on www.bethestaryouare.org, and when it's up, I'll let you know. You can listen to the interview by going to http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=5870 and click on the second segment.

Yesterday, January 31, I was interviewed by Ilene Dillon, M.S.W. on Full Power Living, and you can listen to all the three segments at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=5981

This is what Ilene wrote: "Shirley Cheng is on a mission to take the story of her young life, with all its challenges and tribulations, and use it to help others become inspired, empowered and motivated. It takes great courage to be famous, but this is the way Shirley has chosen to reach as many people as she can. Shirley is living proof that age is not the issue, for true and deep wisdom can come from young people such as she. Every word she utters "sparkles" with poise, wisdom, depth, and heart. My hat comes off to Shirley and her mother, who together have given our world a dynamic, inspirational human being. It is an honor to have had Shirley Cheng on my show."

I was honored to be a guest on her show! I had a fabulous time.

On January 8, I appeared on Disability News and Views with the wonderful host, Monica Moshenko. You can listen to the show at www.disabilitynewsradio.com Click on "Past shows" then go to the 1/8 episode. It takes a while to load and there's music at the beginning of the show. My interview starts in the middle of the one-hour segment. We definitely need more people like Monica in our world to open people's eyes to the issues concerning disabled people.

I was also interviewed on Authors First on Artistfirst.com with host Tony Kay, and go to my site to download it: http://www.shirleycheng.com. It's under Radio Interviews with Shirley Cheng.

Lastly, to celebrate the Year of the Dog, I will be holding a book signing this weekend during my community's Chinese New Year celebration. Da Chen, the bestselling author of The Colors of the Mountain, will also sign his books there, so I will have the honor of meeting him at last! If you are by my area, e-mail me for more details!

Be on the lookout for my future radio shows, including my live appearance on WSLB 1400 AM in Ogdensburg, NY on February 22 at 8:30 in the morning, EST. Of course, if you aren't around that area, you won't be able to listen to it, and I don't think it can be heard online.

That is for now, folks. I wish each and every one of you much success and joy.

Shirley Cheng