Kids' French!?

After I worked as a translator of my school's parents' observation day of kids' English classes, I rushed to go back to home, and participated in an intermediate class of the French circle in my condo.

I had tried to learn French again and again in the U.S. But every time I just gave up because of the obscurities and my priority over English.
So, I took the beginner course of the French circle, but they offered me a chance to observe an intermediate class.

Usually, when I am teaching, 50 minutes (the full length of one class) passes so quickly. However, today... One hour French lesson was like "three hours long" for me!!
I forgot how to read French and the vocabulary.
So, I felt I was like one of kids who is in an English class!
Most of them can't read English, so they just "mimic" the teacher not understanding the meaning completely.

At the parents' observation classes in my school, I enthusiastically told the parents that home study was the most important key to improve in second language.
Now that I have to warn myself to do that!
French and English, I know...

Humility

I believe most private companies have the employees' certain "type."
If you are a type of the company, you may be employed. If you are not, you will be not... But another company's employees may be your "type."

In my company(school)'s case, our type is "friendly & humble." I believe so...
Evey employee as far as I have met is very friendly and humble.
Some times I am very impressed by their humility.

For example, I have never met a Japanese teacher (teaching English, of course) who said or acted, "my English is perfect!" at my school.
Some teachers graduated American universities, worked in English speaking countries for awhile, marked a full score of the TOEIC, and married to native English speakers.
For me, their English is just perfect!
But they say, for example, "my English is broken, and too casual. I have to learn appropriate English again." etc...
It could be sarcasm to teachers who are like me...but they never mean so.
They are just really humble. And the humble, friendly co-workers have always made me really comfortable at school.

Also, there is a funny thing.
At the business meeting yesterday, we were talking about our new student.
Toshi, our head teacher, said the student had lived in Canada for seven years and she was very fluent in English, almost like a native English speaker.
Then, Eric, a teacher who are from Australia, said,"Can I...teach her? I'm not a good English speaker! I'm afraid if she is dissatisfied with my class!"
We, the Japanese teachers burst into laughing because it's funny native English teachers might think the same thing with us!
Bob, an American teacher said,"Common! You have been better than me!"
Eric replied, "Bob, you are American! You are good!"

...I know the people here are very humble, but I had never thought even native speakers were also so humble!
What we don't have is...confidence???

Translator

This week is kids' parent's observation week of foreign teachers' classes.
Since they (foreign teachers) can't speak Japanese, I observe their classes, and be a translator of the meeting with the mothers.

Frankly speaking, I think maybe I have...never been a "translator" for something.
Before I went to America, I rarely speak English. When I was in America, there were many Japanese friends who spoke English better than me. After I came back to Japan, I was asked to do that once, but that was just after I came back here, so technically I couldn't.
Then, now...I couldn't deny it because I am a professional English teacher!

I didn't know what would be going on, and how to do it.
But I thought it would be OK. Eventually, it WAS OK!
I had no (big) problems about translating...but I figured out it's a difficult job!
Translating itself is not easy of course, but what I felt harder was "to remember what s/he said." After a mother talked about her concern of her kid for a few minutes, it was hard for me to "remember" what she said first and middle!
I want to have a training to be a translator someday, but it must be a hard one!!

However, after the meeting, one mother came to me, and said.
"How amazing your English is! Your pronunciation is like a native speaker!"
...I said, "Thank you!" to her, but in my mind, I said..."what are you talking about? I just spoke very fast to avoid that you find my grammatical mistakes! My pronunciation also is not good, basically!"
But if she believes so, maybe I "can deceive" her...it's OK!

Actually, the mother is also our student. Her level is intermediate.
She said, "I want you to teach my daughter as a private teacher! I know how efficient to take English lessons from a Japanese teacher, as well. We can ask you complicated questions in Japanese!"

Yeah....right! If my imperfect translating causes to get a new customer(class,) it means something! I'm relieved I could do something for the school even though I'm a such an "not fluent" English teacher!

Best Buy?

Last weekend, the new electric appliance my husband ordered a few weeks ago finally arrived at my home!
That is...a pair of headsets! I don't know the formal name, but it's fabulous!
Whenever TV is on, you can listen to the sound anywhere in the house if you wear them.

When I tried them at the first time, I thought they were my hubby's BEST BUY (as a electric appliance) ever!
I always turn on TV and listen to American movies or English educational programs (in Japan) when I do household chores. But when I clean the bathroom or hang out the washing on poles to dry, I can't hear it because I'm far from TV.
But with them...I CAN!!

Today, I did some household chores, set my hair-do, and put on makeup. I was listening to a movie wearing the headset!
I could listen to it clearly.

However, when I finished work today, I noticed I was more tired than usual.
Yes, it was a busy day... But something made me really tired!
The headset could be the one...??? They squeezed my head and my concentration, maybe...

Is that a BEST BUY?or not???

Neighbor Student

My secondary school is not the nearest branch, but very near to my home.
Therefore, some of my students live around my nearest station.

Today, I found one student lived VERY close to my condo! Maybe it takes a few minutes on foot... We use not only the same train station, but also the same bus stop! She is a 19 year old college girl. I know my condo is so huge that many neighbors were actually "opposed" to have the condo here before it was built.
Are our houses too close, aren't they???

I enjoy talking with my students usually, but today's talking with her was quite long, in fact... She didn't have a class today, but she came to the school to talk about her boyfriend! My class was canceled coincidentally at that time, so I listened to her in the school. Also, on the way to home, we were together...during the commute, I tried to give her advise about the boyfriend issues.

Some college students are REALLY eager to talk with us all the time! (not in English, but Japanese!!) She is perfectly one of them...
Who am I? I'm their older friend? A volunteer listener?
I didn't know we had such extra work!!

Cutie, cutie!

November 22 is called "the day of good couples" in Japan because "November 22" could be read "a good couple" by punning.
For us, my hubby and I, the next day, November 23 is our wedding anniversary!

Actually, we tended to forget the day. When we were in America, November 23 was around the Thanksgiving day. So, our wedding anniversary was disguised as the national biggest holiday. Most years, when we were waiting in a line of Big Friday shopping, we suddenly noticed..."Isn't it our anniversary today(or yesterday!?) We were just tired of busy shopping!"

However, fortunately, we (I) remembered of the day. But we were reminded of the day a few years before, so we tried to make a reservation of a nice hot spring hotel, and amazingly we did!
We stayed at Akazawa Onsen Hotel http://top.dhc.co.jp/akazawa/hotel/index.html.
We stayed here three months before because of my parents-in-law's treat.
It is a popular, nice hot spring hotel located in Izu. Luckily, one room was canceled a few days before we went. Therefore, we could make it!

I don't know why, but a hot spring is like the "heaven" for many Japanese.
Hakone, Izu, Atami, and Ito are great place to go to a hot spring...but you know, we almost forgot how eastern area of Japan is congested by people!
In three consecutive holidays in the nice fall season, "going to the (hot spring) heaven" was like "what's-the-hell-going-on!" situation... I mean, the awful traffic jam!
We left home at 10:00am. We had lunch and went sightseeing for almost one hour...but when we arrived at Akazawa Onsen Hotel finally, it was 17:30pm!!
We need six and a half hours driving to be relaxed in a hot spring!???
People who are from big countries will never understand this situation...

Anyway, the hotel was nice, and the food was amazing. We had a great time even thought the traffic was crazy.
Also, you may (no, "will") think we are (no, "I am!") crazy, but I really LOVE having time with my hubby! I know we are not like "lovers" anymore. Sometimes we are like "a mother and a son" or "a father and a little girl..." But how can I say, I can't stop saying, "Hey, you are cute!" to my hubby. (OK, you can stop reading this article! It's silly, I know)
During this trip, maybe I said "cutie, cutie!" to him...thirty times?? or more???
I was ( I am, almost always!)like a spoiling mother or indulging pet owner.
I was saying,"Hey, you just said, "hello, mummy" to me? It was cute!" "Oh, how can you make such a cute look? You are the cutest!"
You know, I wasn't talking to my baby or dog...I WAS talking to my husband who are in his 30's!!

What I want to say is...we have been married for seven years, but we still enjoy being together. His reaction of my "cutie, cutie" call? He doesn't say, "Stop!" or "No!"
He says, "I know!" or "Everyone says so!"
Maybe our conversations is just "private-and-nobody-is-interested."
Sorry!!

Arrogance

Today, I want to talk about two topics. (Sorry if you are confused!)
1. Is a blog a "personal journal," or a "public Web site"?
2. Is that your "advice," or do you just want to brag "I know better than you?"

While I was in America, I got a few e-mails from the same woman. I think I rarely get mad usually, but those mails made me very uncomfortable. (Sorry, I'm obsessive!)
The e-mails were a kind of her "advice" about what I was working on.
She said, "I don't know why you're obsessed with that. You should go another way."
Of course she wasn't so straight, but the bottom line was that.

I had no idea why she said so. My questions were;
1. If she says it's a piece of advice, what did she give me "the advantage" ? Nothing!
2. Is she my mother who are concerned about my future? No! Are we such close friends? No!
3. What is her advantage of this advice? I don't know if she realized or not, but she just wanted to say, "I know better than you." ...But, is that her "advantage?" I never understand it!
4. Is she a professional of the field which I have been working on? If so, her mail may be the real "advice." But she is not! I am the one who have been working on the field. Isn't it rude of her to say that to me??

I wrote back my opinion to her. ( I tried to be calm!)
But she has never responded about the issues. My questions went deeper.
So, what did she want???

However, everybody may have the "arrogance" as long as we are imperfect human beings. I also have it!
Let me give you an example. I know I'm not smart, but I'm proud of my English improvement. Of course my English is still far from "perfect." If "you" live in the U.S. for four years and a half, you will improve in it better than me!
However, if I compared "myself" who was quite lazy before to me right now, I'm different!

That's why, I may have given "unnecessary advice" to my friends who started to live in English speaking countries later than me. But basically, when I brag about something, I try to say it clearly, like, "Can I brag about something? Thank you for your kindness!"
Because I know "brag looks like advice" is disgusting!

Now, let me go back to the very first question.
Is a blog a personal journal or private Web site?
To me, my blog is very personal. I don't care if nobody posts comments, even nor read it! But some people want many people to read theirs.
However, for both kinds of writers, I think blogs are the records of their lives, and the place to say what we want to say.
That is tricky! Some of my friends have experienced to have critics about their articles, or warnings. For example, "that was rude." or "inappropriate!"
Sometimes I also think "I don't agree with you..." when I am reading my friends' blogs.
However, I won't say it! Because her blog is "her territory!" I'm a "personal journal type" of a blog.
...In contrast to, people whose types are "private Web site" post any comments?
But I still have a question... "Are you her friend, aren't you? Why are you being so aggressive??"

Anyway, I should be careful about being arrogant. Bragging and trying to be supportive are different!

...Even though I said "I never care if nobody reads my blog (sometimes could be brag!??,) I appreciate your time of reading today's unpleasant & disorganized article!!
Have a nice day☆

Responsibility

Basically, I wanted to be a TOEIC teacher. When it comes to "English teachers," there are many kinds of them. I wanted to have my specialty,

However, I haven't gotten a full score of the TOEIC. Most TOEIC vocational schools need who have the full score, so I became a teacher of an English language school. When I had an interview, I said "I want to teach TOEIC classes."
The interviewer said, "TOEIC teachers need to have responsibilities to raise the students' scores. You know, it's tough!"
Now, I realize it...

I don't have a TOEIC class now, but I have two students who have to pass EIKEN.
They are a 13-year-old boy and a15-year-old boy. Unfortunately, both of their possibilities of passing it are pathetic, and they are not so motivated.
However, their mothers have been pushing me, saying "Keiko sensei, please let my son pass it!! I invested you a lot of money!"
Hey, I don't get most of your money! I wanted to say so...

But I understand the mothers' feelings.
I can't stop thinking about them everyday, like "How can they pass the EIKEN??"
Actually, I have had dreams about them (while I was sleeping), and other demanding mothers...
Then, I have made some strategies for them.
1. Don't let them do many exercises. Concentrate on to make sure they acquire what they learned last time. So, at the beginning of class, I give them a test, and let them answer where they made mistakes last time.
2. Make them sure why they want to pass it, what they can do for the goal, and how much time they have until the test day.
3. Give them word cards. I made some sample cards how to learn English words quickly, and encourage them to follow the way.
4. Have them promise to study one hour EVERY DAY for EIKEN.
5. At the beginning of class, ask them how they studied in a week.
etc, etc...

I really hope that they can pass it as soon as possible!
However, can I study for one hour every day for EIKEN or TOEIC?
Frankly speaking, I can't!!
I should keep my words first, but...you know, adults know how to dodge!!

High heels

Girls, do you wear high heels usually?
Some of my friends say, "When I was young, I used to wear them. But lately, I prefer comfortable shoes!"
I understand, but "I" still prefer to wear high heels all the time.
They make me look taller, and slimmer.

When I was in the U.S, most American (or international) girls put on comfortable shoes, like thongs or sneakers. Therefore, when I walked into a classroom, teachers said, "I always notice when Keiko is coming!" because of my "high" walking sound.

However, I don't get used to have "very" high heels on.
For example, an actress, Sarah Jessica Parker, said, "I can run in NY having 3-inch high heels!" I think it's her (or some girls')special ability... I just can't!!
I'm comfortable with 3-5 cm high heels.

But today, I was wearing 7cm(almost 3 inch) high heels. They are my favorite brand, Kate Spade's black pair. Usually I avoid to get those "very" high heels for me. But I loved the design, and they were much cheaper than regular price, so I got them.
I love wearing my favorite shoes! However...today, I worked for 10 hours, and I was standing when I was teaching. Then...the pairs were killing me!
I knew that, but in those busy days, I was just wondering...

Which do you prefer? Being comfortable, or fashionable?
That's a question...

Take care!

While I was teaching at my secondary school, I got a few messages on my cell phone.
After I finished talking with my students, a manager told me I got a phone call from my primary branch.
The head teacher said, "Keiko sensei, are you available before your classes tomorrow? As you know, our manager, Rie, has been on a business trip this week, and our substitute manager called in sick. There is no one who is at the reception desk tomorrow, until 3:00pm! Can you be a receptionist before your classes starts?"
Of course I said yes.

However, the head teacher, Toshi, is also having a cold.
I have just recovered my cold, but right now, the cold is really common!
You, be careful! Take care of yourself!!

Working Woman's Weapon

Think about it.
Think about your busy day.
You get up at 7:00am, prepare a breakfast, and eat it. You send your husband off, clean the room quickly, and also prepare a dinner quickly.
You put on your makeup, set your hairdo, and get dressed.
You get office (school) at 11:30, and quickly prepare for classes.
Your classes start from 12:10pm. Having six classes including energetic babies, crafty elementary students. You struggle with teaching a smart businessman, pushing a lazy bourgeois junior high kid. After you finish teaching at 9:10pm, you still have some phone calls to make and issues to discuss with your co-workers.
At 10:00pm, when you leave the office(school,) your mind is full of fulfillment.
However, your face is full of...?lines (because of dryness of the school) & dark circles under eyes (because of tiredness & lack of sleep)???

In that case, I have...weapons!!
Code number one is:Maquillage moisture retouch gel
http://www.shiseido.co.jp/mq/index.htm
When you feel "dryness" on your skin, especially around your eyes, smear it there!
It moisturizes your skin soon, and you can reapply foundation on it soon.
Code number two is:Christian Dior skin flash
http://www.cosme.net/product/product/product_id/335143
After you moisturize your eye area with "code number one," set the "code number two!" It highlights your under-eye-area, which made your face tired before.
If you have these two "weapons," you look "rejuvenated" even after you work hard!

I want to do my best day by day, but at the same time, I don't want to look tired because of hard work.
Every night, I wish to the God, "Your highness, please make me look younger & younger!"
But I also can hear his voice.
"Blessed child, it's impossible! Give it up!"
...But I can't, and that's a woman's fate.
...Isn't it???

Lust, caution

My hubby and I watched the DVD, Lust, caution , in the relaxed holiday afternoon.
The movie was about, you know, the strong desire to love someone whom you shouldn't.
We were watching the tense movie in a too relaxed mood.
We felt like also we should have the "lust, caution." I mean, not romantically, but realistically...
"Lust" to sleep and eat.
We woke up 1:00pm, and ate ramen at lunch, had some cake, and ate sukiyaki at dinner. Kept eating and sleeping! Caution to our endless lazy lust!!!

Get Start

Do you know how much a movie ticket is in America?
It depends on when you see the movie, but it's about $5-8.
However, here in Japan, if you go watch a movie in a regular day(there are ladies days and movie days when you can get discount,) it costs 1,800 yen, which is almost $18!!
Therefore, I always try to get advance tickets when interesting movies will be released. I got two advance tickets of Get Smart http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809824006/info one and a half month ago.
Two my favorite actors, Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, are featuring in the movie!
That's exciting!

...But I have been busy & had a cold for a while, so I didn't have a chance to watch it.
Now, the movie is no longer "new," so there is only one theater which releases it.
That's Shinagawa Prince Cinema.
(品川プリンスシネマ） http://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/cinema/index.html
I finally could get there today with my hubby.
I really recommend you to this theater! The seats are "premium seats." They are big, soft, wide, nice reclining, and there are a big drink holder and a small table at the each seat. The distance between rows are almost twice as regular theaters.
Watching a movie there was quite comfortable!

However, before we went to the movie, my hubby seemed reluctant.
"What's wrong? Do you think the movie may be a silly one?"
"Yeah, silly, but it's a silly-fully movie that I like. It's a really good one, actually."
"How do you know that? You haven't watched it, have you?"
"...Actually I have."
"What? When? Where? You didn't have time to go to a theater!"
"Yeah, so not in a theater. In a airplane to America.
Actually I watched it twice. On the way to America, and the way to back to Japan. ...I'm really excited to the THIRD show of the Get Smart!!"
...Never mind. I told him I got advance tickets of the movie!!

On last weekend, I couldn't go out because of a cold. So, I was excited to have a fun today!
...However, why did I became so sleepy & tired?
Not just me, my hubby did so, too. We woke up at noon, watched a movie, and had a dinner, then got home at 9:30 pm.
On the way to home, we slept deeply in the train!!

I want to "get start" having a energetic life to make my dreams come true, but when can I (we) be tough enough to make it???
...Maybe I need some exercise to train my lazy & loosen body...

Young Friend

Tonight, I hung out with Saki.
Saki is a precious friend who often asks me out. Lately, I've been lazy to ask my friends out, and in reality, most of my friends are busy with raising kids or work.

She is almost 10 years younger than me, so, her talking brings me back to my younger days. Tonight, our main topic was how to pick the right guy.
I'm like a "retired athlete" of the single girls' track, but Saki is on the active list.
Now three guys are around her, and then...
I was trying to remember what was like when I was "on the track."

Good luck to her! Now, I'm with my hubby who also "retired" from the track, and he is speaking to me a lot, so I'm gonna listen to him!!

Affection

I knew it. I knew it would take a long time whenever I call "her..."
"She" is the mother of my private student, Toru, who is a freshman of high school.
Basically, I don't understand parents who give their kids expensive private lessons.
However, as our school's business, I must "appreciate" that!

"She" is also my school's student. Because of her recommendation, her husband, her oldest son, have also been our students for a looong time.
It means...she is "the VIP" of my school!
As I assume, she especially loves Toru. Because of her greatest affection to him, she often calls me to ask how he does in class. She said Toru likes English most, so she wants him to take advantage of it.
However, he is always too easy-going like other high school boys.
So she wants "me" to push him.
Do you think that is the mother's job? I agree with you, but as she said, Toru doesn't listen to her lately, like most adolescent boys.

I received a letter from her yesterday, so I called her to thank her thoughtfulness.
Then, she started to speak about Toru, her oldest son, her husband, and about their recent Hawaii trip, etc, etc...
I tried just to talk about Toru's preparation for EIKEN, but she digressed & digressed.
When I hung on the phone, the clock said it was 10:10pm.
Wow, one hour passed after Toru's class was over!!

It that her affection to Toru, or affection to just "talking?"
Well, well, I just try to "care" about our VIP...

Miracle

My students are from 2 years old to 77 years old.
Every generation has pros and cons to teach English, but for me, the most difficult people are...kids' mothers.
Because:
1. I don't teach the mothers "directly," so it's hard to make a rapport.
2. Most children don't have the motivation to learn English, but mothers pay money. So, mothers tend to require "the result" too much.
3. Some mothers believe the legend "kids can learn English very quickly" on the contrast to themselves who already gave up to learn English.
The mothers don't know how it takes time to acquire the second language, so they expect us too much.

Therefore, my scariest time in the school is "the parents' observation week of kids' classes." This week...is so!!
Especially, today was the most awful day for me because I had three parents' observation classes, and one is 4-5years old class, which is called "the zoo" in my mind!!

Recently, I have been worried about Mamoru, the most troublesome one.
Since two new girls joined the 4-5 years old, my concern was the difference between the fooling wild boys(Mamoru and Takuya) and dedicated good girls.
It was very hard for me to proceed the English activities with the girls and try to stop the boys' rudeness at the same time. Especially, Mamoru was getting disobedient more and more. I felt my stomach hurt when I thought about Mamoru.
Therefore, I sometimes called or sent e-mail to my kids' trainer at the head quarter to consult about him.

Frankly speaking, I even thought "I hope Mamoru has a cold and can't come to the parents' observation day!"
...Call me a terrible teacher!!
But the two girls' mothers were really eager to English education, so they often asked me, "how do you handle the class having these such wild boys?"
...Actually, I couldn't "hadle" the class, especially Mamoru!

However, however...Today, a "miracle" happened!
The wild animal (I mean, Mamoru) became a "human being" today!!
He listened to me, did what I asked, kept the order, spoke English a lot, helped me to set up a game, and even said, "after you" to his friend!!
...Who said "No!" all the time whenever I asked something?
...Who refused to speak English at all during the class?
...Who "broke" my props all the time??
MAMORU did!! He was the WORST one in the class, but he was the "BEST" today!

In the last parents' observation class(in June,) he was terribly bad.
But now...it's surprising improvement!!
Maybe there are some reasons, but I think what my trainer said is correct.
She said," I think he likes you. He is just taking advantage of your kindness.
But he knows what you have been making effort for him. If you continue doing that, he will change someday!"
Well, "someday"...was...today???

The trainer said kids improve very quickly sometimes but it is also easy to go back to the former states. Mamoru may also be a "good boy" next time, or may go back to the "wild animal" again.
But I could recognize his change clearly, and that encouraged me a lot.

Tonight, I feel like making a toast!! Cheers!!!

Line-crosser

On Tuesdays, I go to my secondary school. (Now, I work at two school branches of my language school)
In the secondary school, my students "were" serious people.
However, since teachers' schedules changed a few weeks ago, I happened to be in charge of very funny students.

Among them, Tomoe is the funniest one.
She is like...a Kansai comedian. She is always joking around and speaking loudly.
I love talking with her!

Today's teaching point of Tomoe's class was "gerund and infinitive."
At the free expansion section, the sample conversation was:
A " I am planning to ... next year."
B "That's great! I'd suggest ...ing."
I asked some ideas to fill in "..." sections.
Then, I found Tomoe wrote "I am planning to get married next year."
I was excited to find that!
"Tomoe, what is your idea? What is your resolution? Please tell us!!"
She was hesitating, but she is always so during the class, just trying to hide her shyness.
I said it again urging her, like, "Common!" because I knew this kind of topic made the girls (there were only girls in the class) ran high.
Tomoe said, "Well, it's not "my" plan exactly, but for example..."
She mentioned about marriage, and it made the students fluent more, as I expected.

But after the class, Tomoe said to me, "Keiko sensei! Don't ask me about marriage! You know, married people shouldn't ask "when are you going to get married?" to single people!"
I was surprised, "Oh! ...Sorry, did I cross the line? But I thought you have "a plan!"
She laughed with some embarrassment, "No, actually. Most nice guys are already "sold out! How should I do that? You don't have to worry, that's good, Keiko!
I think you are quite younger than me..."
"Right? I don't think so! How old are you, Tomoe san?"
I know some people who mention "age" actually want to be open their age and want to be said, "REALLY!? YOU LOOK YOUNG!!"
So, I asked her, and I thought I should be open first.
"Shall we say "the age" at the same time? I1,2,3... I'm 34!!"
...But she didn't say.
She drew her face and said, "...I can say my age if I'm so young!!"
...Really?? I crossed the line again???

Basically, I'm quite open about myself, so sometimes I make this kind of mistakes...
Sorry, Tomoe san!!

How do I survive?

Although still I'm coughing (coughing is really obstinate! I hate it!!), my fever has gone completely. I'm not "the sick" anymore.

On the way to home from work, I was thinking...thinking about my eternal theme.
How do I live? How do I survive?
I mean, how do I work?? How much and what???
My wildest dream is "having three jobs," actually.
English teacher, bilingual (wedding) emcee, and (simultaneous? hopefully...) translator.
I'm sure these jobs yield great effect each other, but my body is just one!

I've just started my teaching carrier, so things will be easier if time passes...
But, the "things" have already got out of my control sometimes, like just now, when my condition is not good, even though I have just "one" part time job!

Maybe I should go ahead "step by step." That is exactly what I can do.
So far, what I should do is preparing for the parents' observation classes.
...That is exactly what "I want to SKIP," not a STEP!!!

Sleeping Health

I got up at 9:30 in the morning.
Fortunately I felt better, so I had a breakfast and took medicine.
I did the laundry, and studied for the TOEIC a little, and 1:00pm... My hubby was still sleeping deeply.
I woke him up, and we had a lunch.
We watched a DVD, which is "NEXT" by Nicolas Cage.
At 4:00pm, we finished watching the movie.
I wanted my hubby to help to clean the house, but he said, "Sorry...I can't. Too sleepy to move!" He went back to the bed, and then he came back...at 8:00pm.

He said, "You know, it's "self-protection!" To not to catch your cold, I am making a "barrier" to enhance my immunity by sleeping a lot!"
...I see, you are not the "sleeping beauty," but the "sleeping health!"

But he may be...right. On weekdayd, he can work hard because he rests "enough" on weekends!
...Just I can't make my expectation of "getting his help to get some house chores done."
But it's all right if he can keep his health! I "gave up" to have his help now.
I know it's my job, honey! Yeah, right.

Home

"My best friend is...bed."
Today is such a day. I don't know how many hours I slept!
Because of hard coughing, I decided to do nothing but "resting" today.
I don't want to admit it, but maybe we can't conquer the "Mother Nature."
We can take medicine to suppress the syndromes, but basically, we should wait until the virus rampage enough, then they will disappear.

I hate the situation right now, and I hate forgetting my aggressiveness.
But at the same time, I am also grateful about my situation.
That is "If I have a cold, I CAN get a rest."

When I was a wedding emcee, it was awful if I had a cold.
There is no "substitute" emcee of the wedding, which is a "once-a-lifetime" event.
Sometimes I had a cold, but I think I had never coughed during my work when I was an emcee.
Two days ago, I was coughing hard when I taught English.
It was not good, but less serious than I was emceeing at a wedding reception.
Some of my friends are still doing this job, and I admire their self-control ability.

Also, what a comfortable place our condo is even though I "have to " stay home because of my bad condition!!
Sometimes I was reminded of our company's apartment we used to live just after we came back to Japan.
It was not so bad if we consider today's Tokyo's housing situations, but...
It was quite small, old and noisy... If I "had to" stay there because of sick, that should make me depressed.

Very fortunately, we lived there only a few months.
We bought this condo having our parents' support, and after then, we have had a very comfortable life.
Last week, we (my hubby and I) a very stylish coffee table at an interesting furniture shop in our neighborhood. Today, the table was delivered, and whenever we see it, we feel happy. The table is perfect fit in our room! Especially, we bought it 90% off from the original price, that made us VERY proud of ourselves!
The name of the furniture shop is "the Forest's Gallery."（森のギャラリー）
This shop is famous among furniture-lovers. Also, it's famous as a nice soup curry restaurant. Check it out!
http://www.mori-g.co.jp/

...I still don't have the power to make the "punch line" in the article...
But the bottom line is, I appreciate I have a nice home and family to be relaxed with.
Good night! I think I can sleep more and more...

Take it Slow

Do you have this experience?
You just finished a series of events and now you can have some free time. You want to do lots of things, but...you just catch a cold, so what you can in your free time is just literally, "take a rest."

Now I'm exactly in that situation.
This morning, I felt really good even though I didn't have enough sleep.
My fever & tiredness were gone, so I thought I had completely recovered.
But in the afternoon, I started to cough hard, and the tiredness and mild fever were back to me! I don't welcome them!!

I should "take it slow," maybe... to recover completely.
Even though I stayed home all day long today, I felt various things.
But I don't have power to organize the stories...
Good night!

Rash

As Barak Obama, "Change has come to America." But not to me!
I mean, I still haven't recovered from a cold.
Today, I had a reunion of my friends when I lived in the U.S.
I had been looking forward to seeing everybody, but... In this morning, I still have a shiver & sore throat, so I canceled it.
If I hadn't had to work, I might have gone it, but... If I used some energy before classes, I was not sure I could "keep standing & talking" from 2:00-9;00pm.

Because I have taken Mucinex and general cold Kanpo medicine in turns? A RASH appeared on my body!! It's been five years since I had a rash... Might I live better in the U.S??? When I lived in the U.S, I had never gotten a cold or rash!

Some people said,"There is no RUSH. Take it slow to recover!"
But I have to rush! Next week is the scary "parents' observation week" for kids' classes. I have to prepare for the classes to "battle" against the mothers!!

Good night!!

Re-energize

Usually, I work through Monday to Thursday, but sometimes there are "special weeks." This week is exactly "the" week.
In special weeks, we (teachers) try to have more counseling with students, so we don't have group lessons and kids' classes.
Today (Wednesday,) eventually it became my day-off this week! I appreciate it because I have had a cold.
So, I was supposed to "re-energize" me having enough rest.

However, my condition hasn't become better! I have still a fever (the mild one.)
The worst thing is a shiver. I think it keeps my fever higher...
I should have stayed in "bed," not just "home." But if a homemaker stays home one day long, she has many things to do! She can't "rest!!" Don't you think so???

Moving and doing things slower than usual, I watched CNN.
As you know... a young leader, Barak Obama, was chosen as the new American president. I hope he can "re-energize" America and hopefully give good effect the world.
Today is the crucial day for many people in the world, but so far, what in my mind most is "please re-energize ME!!!"
I have a reunion tomorrow's morning, and have to work(keep talking) through 2:00-9:00pm.
Change has come?? Yes, I can!! ...I want to believe so!!

...Sorry, I'm not mature enough to think everything objectively!!

Toxic

It was almost five years ago.
Before I went to the U.S, I bought many kinds of Japanese medicine because I had heard American medicines were too strong for the Japanese.

However, during the stay in the U.S(that was four years and a half,) I barely had a cold. I think it's because I didn't work. I could take a rest whenever I wanted!
If you sleep enough, have a good diet, and keep warm, you will not catch a cold!
So, I didn't have many chances to use the Japanese medicines.

On the other hand, my hubby was working hard, so sometimes he caught a cold.
But neither he used the Japanese medicine.
He said, "When I see a doctor, I have to talk about medicine I took. If I took a Japanese one, they don't know it, so I have to explain the ingredients!
But if I took an American one, he will get it soon!"
Therefore, he always took Tylenol( might be a panacea,)Zantac(acid reducer,) Mucinex(cough suppressant,) etc.
And to me, he seemed to be "addicted" to those American medicines!
He said, "You know, American medicines are REALLY potent! They are like TOXIC!!
But be careful! It's true they are much stronger than Japanese medicine. If you keep taking two tablets of the Tylenol maximum strength, you might be "tripping!!"

...Five years later, I should trash all of the Japanese medicines I bought at that time because they have already expired...but instead, we bought some "American" bottles.
And now, I haven't recovered my cold yet, and since last night, I started to cough hardly.
My hubby said to me,"Take the Mucinex! That's it!!"[
So, I took the one at the first time... Then, my coughing are gone unbelievably!!
I also become to be addicted to American TOXIC??(of course they are NOT, though...)

However, when I stopped by a pharmacy in my neighborhood, a pharmacist said, "Coughing takes your powers most. So, the best medicine for coughing is "getting sleep enough! Have a rest!!"

...OK, OK, we always should follow the professionals' advice!!

Sacred Secrets

Tonight, my hubby and I watched "P.S. I love you."
Where? At home. Why? Because my hubby got the DVD in America!
In Japan, it was released a few weeks ago, so it's a "hot" movie right now.
But in the United Stated, it was the last year's Christmas movie!

As a result, I love, love, love this movie. I like the main character Holly(acted by Hilary Swank), who has a sense of humor and gets emotional soon (in cute ways)like Carrie, from the Sex and the City.
Also, this movie(story) describes the eternal theme for everyone in the world, "How can you survive after you lose your beloved one?"

Unlikely most of other viewers, I especially like conversations between Holly and her boyfriend-to-be?, David.
When David said, "Tell me. What do you people (women) want? I never figure out that."
Holly smiled, "I'll tell you. But don't tell other guys I said to you, because it's the SACRED SECRET."
You should watch the movie if you want to know the answer!
..But I thought, the real SACRED SECRETS are the answers of the movie's theme.
I mean, "How can you survive after you lose your beloved one?"

When the movie released in the U.S in December 2007(I was there), one of my Japanese friends(who also were living in a small city in Indiana,) lost her husband because of a traffic accident. Their first baby was just one month old. She had no idea what to do, her family and her family in laws who flied from Japan had no idea how to conduct the funeral in a foreign country, even didn't know how to live in a small city in America.
What I did was just a little, but I drove them to supermarkets, cooked for them, delivered some necessities, and organized a volunteer circle to support them.
On the other hand, my hubby was just informed about his transfer to go back to Japan, so I had to pack our stuff for oversea moving.
Therefore, I forgot that I had been looking for watching this movie.

But now, when I watched this movie, I couldn't stop remembering her and her husband.
In the movie, when Holly and David were dating, they saw an old couple who seemed to love each other very much.
David said, "See? We are arrogant. We(young people) have been trying to stay younger as possible as we can, and ignore to appreciate our intimate people who stay with us, and get old together." (As I remembered...)

Regardless being alone just yourself, being alone you and your partner, or being alone you and your kids... How to survive depends on the person, and we have to find the way by ourselves. But let me see...nobody is being "completely alone," so as David said, appreciating your intimate people might be the best way to survive in this world.

My friend who lost her husband last year is living in Japan with her baby and her parents. I, am with my "luv" hubby and watching the movie together.
Yes, together...
Oops! He is sleeping!! Because the DVD is American, so it doesn't have the Japanese caption. He got accustomed to have Japanese captions since we got back to home country...
I wasn't aware this very IMPRESSIVE movie (for me) made him sleepy!

Best Holiday

Since last night, I felt the shivers and tiredness, and I had a mild fever.
It's because maybe...you know, these days, it was warm outside when I went to work(almost afternoon,) so I went out without a coat, but when I got home( around 10:00pm,) it became really cold!

Unfortunately, I caught a cold. In this morning, my condition wasn't so bad and also not so good, the same as the last night. I went to bed at 1:00am and I woke up at noon. I slept a lot!
...However, my hubby still hadn't gotten up.
I woke him up at 1:00pm and I started to prepare a lunch.
I was tired, so I said to him,"Honey, will you help me?"
Then he said,"Sorry...I can't. I feel really tired...." Then, he went back to the bed again! Oh, gosh! He also caught a cold!!...Or, he went to the U.S. as a business trip two weeks ago, and worked hard the whole last week. So, he may be just tired!!We barely had a lunch, then we went to bed "straight" at 3:00pm.

I got up at 6:00pm, but my hubby was still sleeping deeply.
I started to cook dinner, and when I was about to let him wake up, he got up by himself. It was 8:00pm.
When he got up, he looked embarrassed, but said..."We didn't nothing today! It's the best holiday, isn't it!?"

Yeah, maybe...

French Circle

I started studying French almost three years ago.
Why? Since I went to America, I had STRONGLY felt improving in the native language is the most important key for me to assimilate a new country.
At that time, the countries my hubby might go next were English-speaking or French-speaking ones. I had also noticed that learning a new language took a lot of time, so I thought the sooner was the better.
Additionally, most of my international friends were learning their third languages, like Spanish, Italian, or Chinese. You know, because English is the international language, speaking it was not a big deal there.( Even though I have still been struggling with that...)

However, since I had come back to Japan, I just didn't have time to study French.
And since I have started the English teacher job...I have always needed to improve my English first!!! I didn't have time to go to French classes, and those classes in Tokyo were too expensive & intensive.
"I want to learn it cheaper, and at my own pace!" ...I have always been thinking about that.

But finally,... the"savior of French learning" smiled me!!
The "French circle" have started in MY CONDO!!!
My condo is fairly big. There are almost 570 families living here.
We can use common facilities, and there are some circles, like kid's English, gardening, etc, etc.
Yesterday, I finally found the French circle started on the billboard!

I visited there today. The teacher is a native French lady who also teaches French at some universities. She is a really fluent Japanese speaker!! Her Japanese language might be better than my Japanese ☆
It was really good for me that I don't have to go downtown just to take French lesson.
Also, people who belong to the circle are just six or seven.
They have advanced, intermediate, and novice classes. Of course I have to take the "novice" course!! In the novice class, there are just two students (me and the other girl), so... I can take a semi-private lesson from my tutor!(Oh, she is not my tutor, but she comes to my condo...it's like a "tutor" for me!!

Today, I met the teacher(Nicole) and some members, and spoke some French that I almost forgot. It's good, good, good!!!
Here, I can sing Karaoke at the theater room, and take French lessons in our party room! I'm lucky there are some residents who had lived in French-speaking countries, and have still used it at work.

Also, my another aim is "creating new methods of teaching English to "novice" students, through the experience that I learn a new language."
Good luck for me!!

Eyelash crisis, and Saviour

A few days ago, I found the part of eyelash of my left eye shed. That was middle part of the eye, so, it looked a big deal to me!
"What happened! Eyelash crisis!??"

I was wondering why, and asked a beauty advisor when I bought a mascara.
She said, "After you apply mascara, if you use an eyelash curler to boost your eyelashes, the eyelashes tends to shed because it takes too much pressure on them. Also, the more you get old, the more your eyelashes shed."
"REALLY!?? What should I do!???"
I was like a "a poor lamb which is being lost."
Then she said, "I think to get the eyelash perm is a good way to keep your eyelash healthy. Because you don't have to use an eyelash curler if you get a perm on it."
Ummm... I see! I thought getting a perm is not good for eyelash, but she said it would be opposite!
I thought I found a "saviour," so I went to the eyelash salon to get a perm today.

At the counseling, I told the "eyelash stylist" that I don't want to have my eyelash "unnaturally curly." I have seen lots of girls who got too much eyelash perm.
I lied down on the bed, and amazingly, the perm process took almost one hour and a half. After that, the stylist handed me a mirror.
When I saw my eyes, I thought, "OK, it's good!"

...However, once I got home, I felt weird whenever I looked myself on the mirror.
After my hubby came home, he looked my face fixedly, and said.
"What happened? Did you become Sally's dad(サリーちゃんのパパ?) Don't your eyelashes hurt you? They boost too much, so I wonder they might stick your eyelids!"

...Yeah, actually I agree with him... The boosting too much eyelashes make my total balance weird. Eyelash perm was supposed to be my "saviour," but it may be a "mischievor" to me, I mean, the one who tricks on me!
Tricks? Wait a minute!
Today is Halloween!!! Trick or treat! ...Am I a REAL witch now???