Bad Habit

Once I thought it was a GOOD habit, but it turned out it may be a bad habit.
That was..."juggling household chore and study."

Doing household chore is inevitable. But I wanted to study as possible as I can...
Therefore, since I started to study English (or other things, I guess,) I tried to "discover" what I could do while I was doing household chore.
But since I am not so creative naturally, I have always done the same thing.
"Listening to something & doing washing dishes, clothes, cleaning, or cooking."
Just "what" I would listened to changed depends on which chore I would do.
When I did something "creative" like cooking, I listened to "receptive" one.
When I did something "ritual" like washing dishes, I listened to "productive" one.

Recently, I don't think about which one is receptive or productive.
I have listened to English TV programs from a Japanese channel because I want to recommend them to my students.
And today, I just finished watching those, so I started to "rerun" (just for myself) the Sex and the City (by DVDs.) I just watched the movie yesterday & wanted to see their "history" again.

But...is this a way of "study?" I just try to have fun while I am doing household chores that I don't like, don't I?
I noticed yesterday(have noticed it a long time ago, though) how slow I am to do ritual chores.
Maybe...I should "concentrate on" doing things to use time effectively, shouldn't I?
Time and money have "limits," so I need to think about changing my habit, maybe...
I envy characters from the "Sex and the City." They are working hard, making carrer, and going out often with their friends. How do they live??
Oh, they don't do "chores" as much as like us, for example cooking, I guess...
But there are some "real characters" who are trying to do everything!
I admire them & I should think about how I can do that...

Sex and the City

Still, having stomach ache, I was forced myself to go to the city (with my hubby)...
Cause I wanted to watch the movie, "Sex and the City!!"

Since I have watched all series of the TV dramas & have all DVDs...as most of girls in the world, I LOVE the show!!
My hubby and I arrived at "Shinjuku Picadery" thirty minutes before the show time, but it was "packed" with people already. Not everyone would watch the "Sex and the City" because it is a cinema complex, but the afternoon show time tickets were already sold out. Ummm...living a big city has perks of course, yet we have also many disadvantages!! While we were living in a small city in the United States, we could watch any movies with $5-8, enter the theater after the movie started, and have seats anywhere!!

Anyway, after waiting a line for 20 minutes, we managed to get night show tickets.
But our seats were almost "the last ones," so we had to watch it in the very front line.
Well, but it was a FABULOUS movie!
I won't say details in the case of your watching it sometime, but I got much energy from the movie. That's why now my stomach ache has gone!!
I love Carrie's sense of humor, and I understand "fashion" is the power of source for girls even though they are in their 40's, 50's, or even older.

By the way, to take time until the night show started, the place my hubby and I went to was "TOTO (the toilet maker) show room."
Our condo's toilet seat doesn't quite match the toilet bowl, so my hubby has been searching a nice one which can match...
The movie, "Sex and the City"'s one of theme is the tiredness of married life.
We, a couple who has been married for seven years, could go to the toilet show on our date! But actually, it was a good place for me today if you think about my condition...stomach ache, in a politically correctness words, ladies...

Remedy

My stomachache had continued, eventually the whole day.

I felt grateful that I shouldn't work today, but it was hard to do household chore having stomachache & headache. I didn't have fever, so taking cold medicine didn't make sense to me... So, I took medicine for digestion and aspirin.

Around 8 o'clock at night, my condition was getting better.

Because maybe I am basically a "night owl," and I watched a music program that my favorite musician appeared for the first time.

That is Spontania feat, JUJU. When I heard this smash hit number, "Kimi no Subeteni (To all of you,)" I just felt, "Wow!!"

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDI1TAydqc&feature=related

I am sorry I couldn't find their "live" version, but I LOVE the song and I got the CD on the day they released it.

It was the best remedy for me...

What happened?

It was a laid-back day today.
I was supposed to have five classes to teach, but because of summer season? three of my private students canceled the classes yesterday.
If our students canceled classes until the day before, part time teachers don't get paid. I went to school 12:30 pm to attend a business meeting, and my classes were from 4:00 and 7:00. Other time, I was "free." Therefore, I went out for lunch, shopped some medical stuff, and actually took a "nap" in my classroom. ( Basically, I can stay there all the time to prepare for classes.)

So, I had a relaxed day...
But what happened? What happened to...my stomach??
Now I am having a strong ache on my stomach... Maybe, because I didn't have "a nap" today?? I am a night owl, so usually I take a nap before I go to school. While I am teaching, I have to think fully. Therefore, I need energy to do that...
Oh, I took a nap in my classroom! Anyway, the lazy girl is going to bed earlier (but later than most common people...)
Good night!!

Psychology

I can say, "I teach English to EVERY generations."
My students are from 2-years-old and 76-years-old.
If I'm asked, "Which generation is the hardest to teach?"
I definitely answer..." Kids from three to five years old!!!"

Babies who are younger than three years old are "obedient."
They get tired easily, but mostly, they follow teachers' instructions without thinking.
However, after they turn to three years, they became easily distracted.
Once they become 6 years old, ( I think it depends on a child, though) they start to have the "sense of cooperation." Also, most of them can understand " She is a teacher. This is a class. I should follow what she says."
However, however, for kids who are 3-5 years old, I (a teacher) am still "a woman who can play with kids." Therefore, sometimes I have to "teach" not only English, but also who is their boss in the class.

Especially, two boys in my 4-5 years old class are "real disaster."
In kids' classes, we don't have to cover every material because of the kids' conditions.
Even though so, I have much more difficulties to run the class cause they really do not listen to me!

But today, I found some "psychological principles" from them.
1. "Give and take"
If I allow them to do their favorite activities first, they will follow me after that.
2. " Hug is the best communication"
When we had an earthquake last week, they came to me and threw themselves into my arms. Today, I teach them to say, "Please get the moon for me!" and I lifted them up to get the paper moon." They really loved that.
3. "Nobody wants to hurt people"
They always fool around, kick and punch each other. I completely got mad today, and kept quiet for awhile with anger.
Then, they started to open their student books...

Well, they may be adorable!
I always try to think so after the class. But when the class starts next week, I'm overcome by their disastrous behaviours.

Umm... The "war" has just started! ...I won't lose them!!

Equation of Victory

Whenever the Olympics is over, some TV stations broadcast special programs which are about the top athletes' achievements and interesting dramas.
I LOVE watching those!

Today, while I was watching one of those, I noticed that each athlete's has one's own "equation of victory."
Despite many Japanese Judo athletes struggled the international changes of Judo judgements, Ayumi Tanimoto, from 60 kg class(if my memory is correct,) carried out her "ippon" judo style and she got a gold medal.
She said, " I didn't want to change myself. Even though there was a "new wave" of Judo, I wanted to play Judo with my familiar style, the ippon winning. To me, having my style is the most important. The result just follows if I do my best.
I am proud of myself because I could believe in myself."

On the other hand, another Judo gold medalist, Satoshi Ishii, from over 100 kg class, said the opposite thing.
"At international competitions, winners are not always the strongest guys. Neither the best Judo athletes. I believe the athletes who can "assimilate" new environment are going to win. To me, to win is the most important. Therefore, I don't persist how I can win. The result is everything. Not having my style is my style."

Also, I found another "equation of victory" from the result of baseball games.
The Japanese team lost the Korean team and ended up fourth place even though they aimed to get a gold medal.
I guess, ( I know it's completely meddlesomeness though,) the Japanese team losses may come from the team's winning of WBC last time.
I know the director and some players are different, but the fact "we became No.1 in the world once" may have caused some carelessness.
The Korean team had lost and lost important international games, and then they "unite" firmly at this Olympics.
I don't know my guess is true or not, but don't you think so?
Nobody can keep winning all the time. Sometimes I(you) win, but sometimes I (you) lose. Also, the hardest thing is "keeping our motivation" after we win.
Therefore, I admire some "best of the top" athletes who got golf medals continuously.

So...my equation of victory?
I don't think I can find it as long as keeping this lazy dairy life!
Today was my day off, and I took a nap until noon & kept watching the Olympic TV programs till evening!

Maybe, "quiting my nap habit" is the start of "finding my equation of victory."
I'm miserable...

Confession

I have a confession to make...
Today, I made two mistakes during my classes!!

One was a grammatical mistake. That was an OBVIOUS one, so after I checked the correct answer, I corrected my mistakes and apologized to the students.
The other was a pronunciation mistake. I did it in a private lesson. While my student was working exercises, I checked the right pronunciation sneakily, but I didn't correct my mistake. Why? Because I was embarrassed!! I taught them the word as if it was really familiar to me... Also, I thought( hoped) the pronunciation's difference was subtle, so I "hoped" that I "don't have to" correct it or apologize to him.

Ummm...is it true??
Before I became an English teacher, I thought "I want to be a VERY good teacher who always think about my students' improvement!"
However...depends on the day, I may not prepare enough or not research enough.

When you make mistakes at work, do you make them clear soon & apologize soon?
Or, do you try to varnish them??
I think it may depend on what kind of mistakes you made, but basically, "honesty" is the best.

Haahhh... well, the "most important thing" is "not making the same mistake again," right??
Don't forget today's mistakes, Keiko!!

Getaway?

What did you do on this heavy-raining-weekend??
My hubby and I stayed at Akazawa Onsen(hot spring!)
We wanted it to be a "getaway" like our last Christmas trip to Jamaica.
We intended to go to beach and sightseeing spots, but the bad weather ruined our plan.

However, we enjoyed & were relaxed a lot!
Akazawa Onsen is located in Izu city. It was built by DHC, which is a major cosmetic company.
Therefore, we enjoyed many kinds of hot spring bathrooms that are good for beautiful skin! Also, they provided us various cosmetic samples.
Nowadays, DHC has developed organic food. Actually, the food in Akazawa Onsen was especially remarkable!

But the best thing was...the fact we stayed the gorgeous hotel for free!
My parents-in-law won sweepstakes, and they gave us a free ticket to stay there.

We enjoyed Onsen and spa yesterday, and today, we went to Gotenba Premium Outlet Mall. It was weird to me that American Premium Outlet Mall is located in Japan & there were full of Japanese... But the selection & prices were fairly good!
I got two pairs of shoes "for work" ( I know, this is always my excuse...)
They are from prestigious brands for me, but prices were surprisingly cheap because the mall provided a big sale!!

I can say this excursion was good enough to be our "getaway," but here is one thing we can't be "away..."
From Gotenba Outlet Mall to our home in Tokyo, it took 4 hours because of the traffic jam!! I love Tokyo, but this "crowd" may always annoy us as long as we live here.

By the way, the Beijing Olympics has finished today.
By the time of next London Olympics, where am I? What do I do? Which accomplishments do I want to achieve?
I would repeat work & rest, concentrate & relaxed...and the next four years may come really fast.
I think I have grown so-so-much more than myself four years ago.
Hopefully, I wish I can feel the same four years later!
Well, but, I know I can feel "my age" more that "growth..."

Heritage

I have still been impressed with Olympic athletes' accomplishments & words.

The Japanese team got BRONZE medals at male 400 relay.
That is the first time for Japanese men to get a medal at the sprint races.
I was moved by what the second runner, Shingo Suetsugu, said at the interview.

"We are lucky to get a medal. However, this bronze medal is not for us, runners. But also for our seniors & pioneers. Japanese sprinters have had a hard time to be said, "Japanese can't win sprint races." Our seniors have made maximum efforts to break the "glass ceiling."
We have learned a lot by their experience, experiment, and encouragement.
That's why we accomplished the third place in the world. "

Ummmm... His words have a deep meaning.
When people accomplish something, they have "heritage" and "history" behind that.
It may take a long time, but the result is supposed to follow when many people's passion get together.

This theory also applies a private matter.
Do you struggle with something?
I do, actually. I always do. However, if I(you) don't give up my (your) dream, the "struggling" time will never vanish in vain.
Experience, experiment, and encouragement.
People always repeat these, and that's a life.

Persistence

Did you watch the Olympics softball's final today?
I'm sure you were impressed by the same thing with me.
How persistent the Japanese pitcher, Yukiko Ueno is!!

I didn't think the Japanese team was going to win. They just had two long games yesterday. Ueno had pitched the whole 21 innings (including extra innings.)
"She can't pitch today, or she may get caught by veteran American players because she must be exhausted!" I thought so.
However... today, she showed us "persistence makes impossible to possible."

Her persistence was just extraordinary. She always tried to practice "twice" by other players to become "No. 1 in the world" someday.
At this Olympics, even after games, she didn't leave the stadium to practice.
Of course other Japanese members were so, but especially Ueno's persistence was so strong.

At the today's business meeting, we noticed we "have to" get together much more students to make the profit. How can we do that?
If we become so persistent like her, can we reach the monthly objective??
Please give me ideas, somebody!!

Sense of Fulfillment

How are you?
The summer night breeze was like "autumn breeze" tonight.
In this kind of "niche" term between seasons, we tend do have a cold...don't we?
At least, I am having a cold. I have sore throat and right now, I am having the hardest time in a month...girls, you know what I am talking about, right?

I had five classes to teach today. However, after I finished all of classes, I felt a sense of fulfillment. I even felt better than this morning.
That's because I have my favorite job, thankfully.

When I choose a job or company I would belong to, I have some criteria.
1. Calling- I love the job or not. I feel "this job is FOR ME!" or not.
2. Rewarding- The time spending there makes me grow as a professional or not.
3. People- I can be surrounded by positive people or not.
4. Communication- I can communicate with many people or not.
I think my English school fulfills these "my criteria." That's why I chose the school.
As a wedding emcee, unfortunately, my former agent didn't. So, now I am going to find another agent.

Oh, by the way, what was doing when the earthquake happened today?
Actually, I didn't notice AT ALL!!
I was chasing my naughty kid students in a class. English teacher may be my "calling", but I have never felt kinder garden teacher is my calling!!

Juggling

Kaori and I have known each other since we were 6-years-old. We took the same classic ballet class. Actually, she is the one whom I think "If I were a boy, I would definitely want to marry her!"
She is beautiful, clever, demure & decorous, and most importantly, she is a great listener!!
Today, I visited her house in Shibuya ward.

She got married to "a celebrity's son" a few years ago, and had a baby a few months ago. Therefore? our primary topic was "how to juggle our jobs, household chores, and raising a kid!
How much can we work? How can we offer help? To whom can we ask for help?
What kind of career should we pursue to fulfill our dream & execute our roles at home? We don't know "correct" answers, but we just talked & wondered.

After I left Kaori's home, I noticed... I don't even have a kid to "wonder" how to make them compatible!!

No one is a superman

Before I got to work, I watched the first heat of 100-meter hurdles at Beijing Olympics.
The "face" of this Olympics & defending champion, Liu Xia, appeared. The audience erupted with cheers, and then...he left the field.

After I heard he withdrew the competition because of injury, I thought "After all, no one is a superman."
Why? Because I didn't want to go to work just after summer vacation, I just tried to persuade me "Everyone doesn't want to go to work after a long vacation!!"
...I know I can't apply my lazy feeling to the top athlete's tragedy.
However, as long as we are human beings, we can't keep "the best condition" all the time.

Then, after work, I got a result of the last TOEIC.
My score lowered from last year's one!! I thought Japanese TOEIC was easier than American TOEIC. When I took it last month, I felt it again.
I got 950 in the U.S, so I thought I would get higher score than that.
But the reality is, my score is worse than last time!!!

I KNOW I am not a "superman," but I want to keep improving!
I should make my English ability more stable. I should feel, "I did everything what I could do!" like top athletes at the Olympics...

I want to take the TOEIC as soon as possible & change my score. But before that, I will take the first grade of STEP test (Eiken.) I MUST? pass it because my salary will increase (a little bit) if I pass the test!
After I take the STEP test, I will take the TOEIC again in this year.

Again, I ain't a "superman," but I want to exercise my ability at at the maximum.
To be able to do that, I should feel "burn out" from hard-working.
Let me get out of my lazy-daily-customy!!

My Roots

I had been visiting my hometown, Sapporo in Hokkaido, until yesterday.
I didn't think about that, but it had been almost five years since I visited there "in summer."

While I was living in the U.S, I used to go there on Christmas vacations.
Actually, whenever I visited Sapporo in winter, I thought "How hard to live here! It's(I mean, weather) always snowy, dreary, and too cold!"
However, my hubby and I forgot how wonderful the Hokkaido's summer is!!
We were sick & tired of hot, humid summer in Tokyo. But just after we arrived at Shin-Chitose airport, we were totally refreshed by dry, fresh air in Sapporo!!

Because we were so excited with comfortable weather, fresh seafood & veggies, we became like "tourists."
We visited some traditional sightseeing spots in Sapporo, like Sheep Hill Observatory（羊が丘展望台）, Central Wholesale Market（中央卸売市場）, and Sapporo Clock Tower（時計台）.

In the exhibition of Sapporo Clock Tower ( It was first time for me to enter "inside" of the Clock Tower" On account of "my hometown," I didn't explore famous spots in Sapporo!!), I learned Sapporo has so much relationships with America.
Sapporo Agriculture School, the former Hookaido University, welcomed many American professors and once all of their classes were taught by English!!
Therefore, the students studied almost twice as other college students, as an article said.
I happened to become an English teacher, but I didn't know that people who were in "my roots" were such eager English learners!!

Additionally, I met a few of my old friends. Talking with them also refreshed me.
Sometimes I think if I live in my hometown forever. That would be wonderful because I would have been surrounded my parents, relatives, and old friends.
However, even if I had chosen it, I would have chosen to live apart from my hometown. Why? Because I can get to know how hometown is wonderful since I live apart from it. AND of course, I can get to know "another world," too!

Like lyrics of "Breakaway," popularised by Kelly Clarkson, " Get on board a fast train.
Travel on a jet plane far away, but I won't forget where I come from."

Just go on my own way...but I don't forget my "roots!"

Golden Rule

Hello, again!
I'm back from Sapporo, my hometown which is in the "coolest" major island in Japan, today. I have TONS of topics to talk to you, but today, let me write about the Beijing Olympics.

Chiharu Icho is a Japanese female wrestler. She got a silver medal at the last Athens Olympics. It meant she lost the final game there. On the other hand, her young sister, Kaori, won a gold medal at another class.

The sturdy sister's dream is "getting gold medals together at the Beijing Olympics!"
Today, Chiharu won and won until the final match, but she lost the last game.

At the Athens Olympics, she wept with frustration because she didn't get a "gold" medal. She lost the final match today, so I imagined how much she regretted.

However, she smiled after the match. When she was interviewed, she answered calmly.
" I've done what I can do. My sister, Kaori (who will fight tomorrow!) and I have been working hard to win this Olympic matches. The days and people who supported us are so precious that I think this (silver) medal is the "gold" medal for me.
We have been fighting. That is wrestling. Therefore, we can be categorized a "silver winner" or a "gold winner." However, I think our exertions can't be categorized.
I'm proud of myself."

When I heard her words, I can't stop my tears flowing down.
I heard she is a genuine stoic. Therefore, I thought her words " I've done what I can do" proved her enormous exertions.
The gold medalist of 100 m & 200 m breaststroke, Kosuke Kitajima, said the same thing.

Have you experienced this kind of feeling..."I've done everything what I can do. I'm proud of myself."???
It is easy to say, "Yes, I have!" But in my case, I always think "I may have been able to work hard. But I just didn't want to."
I think most common people can't do "work hard at the one's limit."

However, some people who are the "cream of the crop," like top athletes who can join Olympic games, can do it. I think the most important thing for them may be not "getting a medal," but "getting their limits." But if they can do it, they have much possibilities to reach the "top" from other athletes.
Is it a "golden rule," isn't it???

By the way... have you watched the final of 100 meters track race??
Usain Bolt, who is from Jamaica, won a gold medal & broke his own world record.
That is good, but he didn't "run seriously!!" At the last quarter, he stretched his arms wide open & clapped his chest just before crossing the line.
Haven't he reached "his limit?" No! He could have run even faster!!!
The "golden rule" cannot applied to him, such a merry guy from the Caribbean Sea...

Olympics!

Four years ago, where were you? What did you do?
I was in a small town in Indiana, U.S.A. and I was curiously watching...the Athens Olympics!! At that time, I had been in America for 9 months, and could barely understand English.
However, I was excited to watch that Japanese athletes got many medals!
It was very interesting for me to hear that Japanese athletes were being praised by "Non-Japanese," I mean, American people.
It was first time for me to watch the Olympics by "objective view."

Also, I learned some practical English usage by watching Olympic games.
When I watched Kosuke Kitajima's winning of two swimming races, a commentator said, "That is a controversial victory." I thought the word "controversial" was too strong to say at the biggest international race. But later, I noticed Americans often used "controversial" even though it was not so disagreeable.

As another example, when I watched a track race, one American famous athlete ( I don't remember his name,) fell down during a race. Of course he couldn't get a medal. Then, an announcer said, "It's a shame." I was surprised because I believed it meant " It's a shameful accident. He should feel ashamed."
However, later, I learned it meant "I am sorry."

Four years later since then, TODAY, I was watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in Tokyo. I also enjoyed watching it in Japanese, I mean, "subjective way" to support my country's athletes. Who is going to win at this Olympics?
The top athletes whom I admire, Ryoko Tani, Kosuke Kitajima, or Mizuki Noguchi, can win this time as well?? I'm really looking forward to "being given" miracle power from them!!

Speaking of " looking forward," I will go back to my hometown, Sapporo, tomorrow.
There is no PC in my parent's house, so I won't write this blog for a week.
Everyone, have a nice summer vacation!
I am "REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO" going away from the HOTTEST summer nights!!

Englishman & American guy

From today, I started to participate in business meetings of my language school.
Then, I noticed what our "emergency teacher( a substitute teacher who work at local schools until a new local teacher comes)," Eliot, is a VERY nice gentleman!

If you come to my school, you can meet a "typical Englishman" ( I mean, as a Japanese eyes, after all) Eliot and a "typical American young guy" Bob.
Bob is always cheerful, positive, and friendly. One of my students, a sensitive young girl, called him "the Disneyland guy." I think it might be a good expression of him!

On the other hand, Eliot is quite different from Bob. Of course he has strong British accent. He speaks very calmly & slowly. His behavior is always elegant. When he walks, opens, or closes the door, he doesn't make a sound!

At first, I thought Eliot is too quiet. However, as I am getting know him, I have realized he is very warm-hearted & passionate teacher.

In fact, at the today's business meeting, he suggested many "cute" ways to welcome new students. Writing a welcome board, giving them giveaways, taking photos with them, showing some our "original" gestures, writing cards, etc, etc.
Actually, I saw a "welcome board" he made.
It was made by handwriting, and his handwriting was like a child's one! I know his elegant appearance, so the gap was really funny, actually!
Also, he showed us some "original gestures" he created. These are also beyond our imagination. I mean, they are VERY funny especially when the elegant Englishman, Eliot does!!

"The typical American guy," Bob, has been also planning some nice parties to make our campaign successful. Both of them are really nice guys.
However, their "uniqueness" come from their native countries...they made me smile.

Next month, a new "Australian guy" teacher will come!
I don't know what a "typical Australian guy" is like... But it's exciting to have a new co-worker!

Teaching Manual

During the free time between classes on "rustlingly busy" Wednesday, our head teacher, Toshi, gave me feedback on the observation of my class.
Then, I knew it for the first time...
We (teachers) "shouldn't" bring teacher's manuals in the class!!!

If I calm down & think, it makes sense. The distance of A teacher and students is really close in my school, so, it might not fair that a teacher can bring "a book of secrets."

However...frankly speaking, it's TOUGH!!
I have 15 classes and every class is different. Different generation, different textbook, different teaching points. The methods are very similar, but "how to approach" is so different between adults and kids. Also, the school doesn't allow teachers to bring the textbooks & teaching manuals to our home.
It means... We should prepare for a long time at school (but we have other things to do!!) and...we should VERY fluent in English & understand EVERYTHING.
For other experienced teachers, it may be "common sense."
Wait a minute, my preceding teacher, Emily, brought teachers' manuals in her classes!!

But I shouldn't complain... It's tough, but it will be very helpful to improve in "my" English, too. Let me think so...

Beauty Stylist

I went to a beauty saloon in Kichijyoji today.
Just after I got married & moved to Tokyo from Sapporo, I started to go to "the" beauty saloon. And I have appointed the "same" stylist, Sakai san. So...when I met him first time, it was...seven years ago!

Of course I couldn't go to the saloon while I was living in the U.S. However, whenever I visited Tokyo, I had him cut my hair. I have socialized with some girls who worked the saloon since I started to go there, so it was natural for me to choose the same beauty saloon.

Since I was a (very) young girl, I have admired beauty stylists. I believe skillful beauty stylists have also good communication skills. Actually, I remember my "successive" beauty stylists' names because I talked with them a lot!
You know, girls spend much time, like three hours, at a beauty saloon and I go there once a month or two months.
Sometimes I can't even meet with my closest friends once a month when I am busy, but I meet with my stylist pretty regularly!!

My stylist, Sakai san, is younger than me. However, he is decent & much smarter than me. Even he is really busy, he goes over a few newspaper and check some informative TV programs everyday to communicate well with his customers!!
I trust his "styling" skills, and I enjoy talking with him and other staffs in the saloon.

When I lived in Tokyo before, I was about to be his wedding emcee. Unfortunately, I move to the U.S, so I couldn't do that. However, lately, he has been saying, " I think I need to study English. I don't think I live in Japan forever and ever!"
Well...it's my turn again! I may start my "one point English lesson," when I go to the saloon next time. Actually, he said he was about to introduce me to one of his customers who needs an English teacher.
Having skills is good. We can help each other, right?
I like hanging out with "professionals." We can "give & take!"

Summer Treat

On account of mid-summer, some of my students canceled this week's lessons.
Since Takashi, my private student, canceled the class, I could leave my school at 7:10pm. I jumped on the Yamanote-train, and throughout the way my nearest station to my condo, I paddled the bike with all my strength. Why? Matsuzaka Beef (松坂牛）was going to be delivered!!

My parents-in-law live in Mie prefecture, whose one of specialities is Matsuzaka Beef. Therefore, sometimes they send us this special-premiere-top-notch beef!!
They also send us rice & some organic veggies because they have some fields.
On the other hand, my parents live in Hokkaido. It's known for fresh seafood.
So, my parents and relatives send us crab,salmon roe, scallop, shrimp, sea urchin, etc, etc!
Actually, my parents and relatives have been really getting along with my parents-in-law and relative-in-law. So...they often send their specialities each other.

While my hubby and I were in the U.S, we just "heard" about the "gift exchanging."
But now...we also can participate in it☆　　
Yeah!! Thanks, dad and mom! Now we can get stamina from this special-premiere-top-notch sirloin steak!!

Oh! Even I said, "gift exchanging," I notice we seldom "send back" something!!
A child is a child... Sorry, dad and mom...

Women's British Open

RIGHT NOW, RICOH Women's British Open is being held. And then, Yuri Fudo has maintained her spot atop the leaderboard!!
Surprisingly, Ai Miyasato went up the third, and Momoko Ueda is in the sixth position.
Uhhhh...anyone of those three Japanese girls may win this time-honored major golf tournament!!

My hubby and I had watched Ai Misasato's play a few times when we were in the U.S.
She wasn't so congenial like Anica Sorenstam or Natalie Gulbis. However, since we saw that she defaulted a game for the first time at the Solhaim Cup, we have been worried about her.

I just hope everyone does their best, and hopefully, "a" Japanese girl wins...anyone is fine! However, the professional games are always severe!!
Now, some Korean girls have just approached, and some experienced "cream of the crop" players, like Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Lorena Ochoa, are also approaching.

Wow!! Now, Furi Fudo ranks the forth and Ai Miyasato is the second!!
Who is going to be win!!?? I don't know whether I can go to bed tonight...

Fashion Police

Every weekend, I hold a "private fashion show."
Of course NOBODY wants to see my "fashion show." I mean, I decide what to wear in a week beforehand.
I think many people decide what to wear in the morning depends on the weather, temperature, and the person's mood.
However, I don't want to take my time to consider "what should I wear!??" at the precious morning time. Also, I'm afraid if I don't have time to press the clothes.
Therefore, every weekend, I check the next week's temperature & weather, and hold "fashion show" to coordinate the week's fashion.
It always takes...nearly one hour! Actually...

Fashion is not only "to coordinate clothes." But also to think about which purse matches the clothes, then shoes, and ...don't forget accessories!
I have a full-length mirror in the hall. I always stand there with the "total coordinate."
Today, I decide what to wear during my summer vacation (two weeks later,) also, so, the "private fashion show" lasted almost two hours!!

I'm not a "fashion plate,"(I hope I am, though...) but I want to look fashionable as possible as I can. Moreover, I am really happy if I wear my favorite clothes!
Therefore, this "self-satisfaction fashion show" is an important "ceremony" for me.

Oh! Actually, there is one "audience" at the fashion show.
That is...sure, my hubby! But he is rather than a "fashion police."
Whenever I am coordinating, he often said to me, "Is it fashionable?? I doubt it!"
"Aren't you a missionary?(while I am wearing a blouse with big frills)" etc, etc...
You shut up!! I don't care☆

Native or Non-native?

If you go to a language school, which teacher do you prefer?
A native speaker, or a non-native speaker??
I thought most people want to learn foreign language from native speakers.
However, sometimes non-native teachers might be better for you.

When I was in the U.S, I took some TOEFL classes. The best TOEFL teacher was actually, a Japanese. It was first time for me to take an English class from a non-native teacher in America, but the Japanese teacher was really good.
Because he had worked hard to take a good score of TOEFL, he knew many strategies.

I took some French classes when I was in the U.S, too, and an American teacher was the best. I also learned it from a native French teacher, but because she "didn't have a hard time to acquire French," her teaching was very fast & not so thoughtful.

Some students of my school also prefer a Japanese teacher. in kids classes, parents want to communicate with teachers, that's why.
In adults classes, some students want a Japanese teacher to explain English grammar in Japanese, or tell how to study English in Japanese.

In the new teacher training, the school principal told us.
"Our students can learn Western culture, perspectives, and proper pronunciation from English native speakers. But we are not Westerners. Therefore, YOU, Japanese teachers who are fluent in English & have international sense, are ROLE MODELS of the students."
Um mm, I see...

By the way, one of my private students, Kaori, a college student, who also preferred a Japanese teacher, said to me when she saw Robert.
"I don't like Americans' OVER cheerfulness! Don't let the DISNEYLAND guy (she is saying about an merry American, Robert!!) be close to me!!"

Kaori... so, why do you learn English???

Senior English

Today, I had a new student. His name is Shoichi. His estimated age is 63 years old.
He has been taking private lessons for one year and a half from Jessica, an Austrarian teacher who just came back to her country. New English teacher, Eriot, started to teach him, but Shoichi said now he prefers a Japanese teacher. So, I took a "batton" from Eriot.

Shoichi had said to a manager, " Frankly speaking, I hadn't understood Jessica's lessons. I tried to ask questions, but I couldn't say them in English. I think now I need a Japanese teacher!"

After I started to teach him, I understood what he said. It is important for adults classes to "elicit" English knowledge, but he couldn't do that. Also, he couldn't understand "listening part" almost at all.
He said, " I don't know what to learn English. I always prepare for classes. I read grammar explanation, try to do exercises, and memorize a conversation part. But when I "listen" to the CD, it's too fast to catch up with! Also, my English vocabulary is limited. That's a problem."

He is a very successful businessman. He owns his business, and he is a VIP member of some hotels. Therefore, he can travel around the world. He wants to communicate more with people around the world, and avoid any dangerous situations when he travels with his family. That's why he was motivated to learn English.
"However, I haven't improved at all. I feel like my effort has been in vain."
When he said so, he looked very sad.

I advised him, "Shoichi san, you have strong motivation. That's why you have been working hard. The closest way to improve in English is "never give up," so your motivations is your advantage. What you have done for classes was like, "saving money." You may have hadn't chances to use them, but I can guarantee you have "saved" English knowledge. I will explain the lesson's grammar points before we start new unit, so I hope it made your worry clear. Also, to improve in listening, you should read conversation section "out loud," You need to acquire English muscle to "read loud" sentences again and again. I will teach you how to pronounce. If you pronounce them correctly, you become be able to "listen" to English."

I want to SAVE him! It will take time for him to improve in English, but I want him to feel "Wow! I have improved a lot because I have taken Keiko's classes!"

But...how can I make him feel so?? My weekend plan has been decided...I will go to a major bookstore to find a best book for him!!