On February 16th, I will be a contestant of the In-House Speech Contest at the Toastmasters.
My speech has to be humorous & inspiring. What should I talk about?
Since I raised my hand as a contestant, my mind has decided the theme.
The title is "Get out of your comfort zone!" and I will be speaking about my days in America, when I tried to do the title says.
Recently, I've recalled my days in America. I lived there for four years and four months. The city I lived was very small, and I barely spoke English... However, I think the days were the time I grew the most. Why? because I always tried to "get out of my comfort zone." I tried to shift my active zone, from comfortable one to challenging one. From English language school → DJ school ( I just visited, though)→ college classes → Toastmasters. Whenever I went to the "new challenging zone" for the first time, I felt VERY awkward and thought it was not my place. But I kept going the place, then, gradually, I noticed the "uncomfortable zone" became "my comfortable zone." Then, I shifted my focus to another "challenging zone..."
My transitions were not so smooth. Basically, I'm VERY clumsy & not a clever girl, so I remembered TONS of funny stories related the transitions.
Today, I read my old articles of this blog. I started to keep this blog in August, 2006.
Three and a half years ago! I kept my blog more precisely than right now.
Therefore, the old articles gave me many hints for the next speech!
I felt...I'm NEVER run out of self-deprecating humorous stories because of my clumsiness!!
Well, at any rate, the old articles made me reminisce. Getting out of my comfort zone? Seek new challenging field? Am I doing that right now? The situations are totally different between that time and now, but I want to be the one who always think, "Yes, the time is NOW!!!"
...And one more point... my English was BETTER at that time than right now.
I know because I had a perfect tutor, Sally, proofread my articles.
The Time is NOW! ...to find a new tutor?? Probably...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Pizza Party
When you go to a restaurant, you are the one who...
A: always try to order a new menu.
B: always order your favorite menu.
Which one are you?
I'm certainly type A, but my hubby definitely type B.
Last night, I asked my hubby to buy cake at the Hokkaido Food Exhibition at Shinjuku Odakyu department store.
He called me, "Which one would you like? Sweet potato? or adzuki bean roll cake??"
Either didn't make me excited, so I said, "Ah...is there something else? We ALWAYS eat sweet potato or adzuki roll cake!"
He bought another cake, but he looked disappointed & very quiet last night.
He seemed he wanted to eat his "usual" cake.
This week, he kept saying, "I feel like pizza!" So, I asked him to buy pizza today.
Which store? Pizza Hut! What menu? "Idaho special." This menu has been my hubby's favorite sine he was a part-time delivery boy when he was a college student.
...As you can imagine, we have kept ordering this "same menu" at the "same pizza restaurant" since we got married...
I want to try another pizza restaurant or another menu of Pizza Hut.
However, he insists, "I know my favorite menu makes me happy!"
Pizza Hut generally takes cash-on-delivery style.
However, last time I found a flyer saying, "if you pick the pizza up at our store, you'll get the pizza at the half price!" So, we got it at the half price.
Today, I didn't know the flyer is still effective, but I gave it to my hubby, and he drove to the nearest Pizza Hut.
...When he came back, he was really excited. He had "two sheet of" "Idaho Special!"
He said, "Yeah! We got them at "one-fourth" price!!"
The mechanism was this.
My hubby brought the flyer. The clerk said, "this flyer expired. Now, only Wednesdays is half-price day if you come to pick it up. However, today, it's OK! We'll offer you a half price." However, he gave my hubby the "medium size" one.
My hubby said,"Oh, I ordered the large size!"
The clerk was confused, "I'm sorry! We'll make it the large size soon. Wait 10 minutes!"
...Then, the large size pizza was ready. The clerk said, "Here you are! ...and, take the medium one, too!"
My hubby was completely different person from yesterday because he got "two sheets of" his favorite pizza.
He asked me, "which one would you like? The medium one? or the large one?"
...He meant, "each of us eats each sheet!"
I said, "Wow! It's a BIG pizza party! ...and I'm sure this party will be going on tomorrow, as well..."
If you want to order pizza, do not ask delivery. Try to pick it up by yourself!
They'll give you generous offers. I'm sure!!
A: always try to order a new menu.
B: always order your favorite menu.
Which one are you?
I'm certainly type A, but my hubby definitely type B.
Last night, I asked my hubby to buy cake at the Hokkaido Food Exhibition at Shinjuku Odakyu department store.
He called me, "Which one would you like? Sweet potato? or adzuki bean roll cake??"
Either didn't make me excited, so I said, "Ah...is there something else? We ALWAYS eat sweet potato or adzuki roll cake!"
He bought another cake, but he looked disappointed & very quiet last night.
He seemed he wanted to eat his "usual" cake.
This week, he kept saying, "I feel like pizza!" So, I asked him to buy pizza today.
Which store? Pizza Hut! What menu? "Idaho special." This menu has been my hubby's favorite sine he was a part-time delivery boy when he was a college student.
...As you can imagine, we have kept ordering this "same menu" at the "same pizza restaurant" since we got married...
I want to try another pizza restaurant or another menu of Pizza Hut.
However, he insists, "I know my favorite menu makes me happy!"
Pizza Hut generally takes cash-on-delivery style.
However, last time I found a flyer saying, "if you pick the pizza up at our store, you'll get the pizza at the half price!" So, we got it at the half price.
Today, I didn't know the flyer is still effective, but I gave it to my hubby, and he drove to the nearest Pizza Hut.
...When he came back, he was really excited. He had "two sheet of" "Idaho Special!"
He said, "Yeah! We got them at "one-fourth" price!!"
The mechanism was this.
My hubby brought the flyer. The clerk said, "this flyer expired. Now, only Wednesdays is half-price day if you come to pick it up. However, today, it's OK! We'll offer you a half price." However, he gave my hubby the "medium size" one.
My hubby said,"Oh, I ordered the large size!"
The clerk was confused, "I'm sorry! We'll make it the large size soon. Wait 10 minutes!"
...Then, the large size pizza was ready. The clerk said, "Here you are! ...and, take the medium one, too!"
My hubby was completely different person from yesterday because he got "two sheets of" his favorite pizza.
He asked me, "which one would you like? The medium one? or the large one?"
...He meant, "each of us eats each sheet!"
I said, "Wow! It's a BIG pizza party! ...and I'm sure this party will be going on tomorrow, as well..."
If you want to order pizza, do not ask delivery. Try to pick it up by yourself!
They'll give you generous offers. I'm sure!!
International Animated Cartoons
Even though they are not my students, I always talk to kids in English.
Oh, of course not to unfamiliar kids! But to my friends' kids.
Sometimes it's embarrassing, but this has made good influence so far. Some of my friends decided to have their kids go to my school to learn English, and I also can practice teaching!
Two weeks ago, when I visited my friend, Akemi's home, her three-year-old daughter, Karen showed what English she learned.
"Apple! Birthday! Elephant!"etc, etc.
Karen doesn't take an English class. However, Akemi said,
"She enjoys watching an animated TV cartoon, "Dora the Explorer." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlhS1Xd0p4A
It's like an educational English program for kids. Dora says, "In Japanese, you say, barsudei. In English, you pronounce, birthday!" like that."
I checked out the cartoon. Hah! It's good for kids!
When I talked about the animated program to Tricia, she said "In America, Dora the explorer is Spanish educational program!"
...I see! Animated characters always are good at encouraging kids!
Oh, of course not to unfamiliar kids! But to my friends' kids.
Sometimes it's embarrassing, but this has made good influence so far. Some of my friends decided to have their kids go to my school to learn English, and I also can practice teaching!
Two weeks ago, when I visited my friend, Akemi's home, her three-year-old daughter, Karen showed what English she learned.
"Apple! Birthday! Elephant!"etc, etc.
Karen doesn't take an English class. However, Akemi said,
"She enjoys watching an animated TV cartoon, "Dora the Explorer." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlhS1Xd0p4A
It's like an educational English program for kids. Dora says, "In Japanese, you say, barsudei. In English, you pronounce, birthday!" like that."
I checked out the cartoon. Hah! It's good for kids!
When I talked about the animated program to Tricia, she said "In America, Dora the explorer is Spanish educational program!"
...I see! Animated characters always are good at encouraging kids!
Today, I watched a DVD which my French classmate, Mrs.K gave to me. Mrs.K is an advanced student, and she is familiar with French programs. She said,
" This animated cartoon, "TroTro" is good for even us to study French! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABYRAgANdxI "
Ahhh! It's cute!! I love the adorable characters, and the vibrant color! It could be special for French!
International animated cartoons are very good tools as learning a foreign language.
So far, I don't understand most of what trotro is talking...
I really want to improve my French!!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
One of my addictions
...What time is it now? I know! I know!
Last night, I just noticed my coupon for a photo book would expire on January 28. Yes, today!(already passed, you know...) So today, after I finished my preparation for classes, I started to make a photo book. But photos of "almost two years" were piled up in my computer!
I went to work, I jumped back home, restarted making the album again...
It took much time for not only editing photos, but also writing comments!
Just before I came back to Japan from America, I was in a daze because there were so many photos I didn't organized. I was "packed" at home for five days, making eight photo albums!
As you know, once I start it, I just can't stop!! Like writing a blog...
But I know I should stop now, and go to bed. Good night!!
Last night, I just noticed my coupon for a photo book would expire on January 28. Yes, today!(already passed, you know...) So today, after I finished my preparation for classes, I started to make a photo book. But photos of "almost two years" were piled up in my computer!
I went to work, I jumped back home, restarted making the album again...
It took much time for not only editing photos, but also writing comments!
Just before I came back to Japan from America, I was in a daze because there were so many photos I didn't organized. I was "packed" at home for five days, making eight photo albums!
As you know, once I start it, I just can't stop!! Like writing a blog...
But I know I should stop now, and go to bed. Good night!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Party of One
What can you do as a "party of one??"
Dining at a restaurant, watching a movie or play, having tea at a cafe...
I can do all of them above, alone. But one thing I couldn't' do as a party of one was...singing at a Karaoke!!!
However, since I moved to this condo, I do!
My condo has several facilities for residents. Theater room is one of them, and the room has a satellite Karaoke system!
When I'm available, I just descended to the first floor, and signed up for the room.
Then...I can use the Karaoke room (actually, the "theater" room) for three hours!
When I go to the Karaoke, I bring many things even it the room is in the same building as my house.
1. Small change for a drink at a vending machine.
2. Another drink bottle... I lubricate my throat a lot when I sing!
3. Cough Drop...also, to lubricate my throat!
4. Leg warmers...if I turn the air conditioner on, the room gets dry. I don't like it, so I put more layers on!
5. CD & MDs...not to forget songs what I want to sing & not to misspell of musicians.
...Do you think I am a geek? Call me a geek!!
Singing songs is a kind of "detoxification" to me.
When I lived in America, I sung at my Karaoke machines( I had a Japanese one & an American one!) in my house.
But here, I can have better acoustic system & more song varieties in my condo!
Living in a condo is not bad...
Dining at a restaurant, watching a movie or play, having tea at a cafe...
I can do all of them above, alone. But one thing I couldn't' do as a party of one was...singing at a Karaoke!!!
However, since I moved to this condo, I do!
My condo has several facilities for residents. Theater room is one of them, and the room has a satellite Karaoke system!
When I'm available, I just descended to the first floor, and signed up for the room.
Then...I can use the Karaoke room (actually, the "theater" room) for three hours!
When I go to the Karaoke, I bring many things even it the room is in the same building as my house.
1. Small change for a drink at a vending machine.
2. Another drink bottle... I lubricate my throat a lot when I sing!
3. Cough Drop...also, to lubricate my throat!
4. Leg warmers...if I turn the air conditioner on, the room gets dry. I don't like it, so I put more layers on!
5. CD & MDs...not to forget songs what I want to sing & not to misspell of musicians.
...Do you think I am a geek? Call me a geek!!
Singing songs is a kind of "detoxification" to me.
When I lived in America, I sung at my Karaoke machines( I had a Japanese one & an American one!) in my house.
But here, I can have better acoustic system & more song varieties in my condo!
Living in a condo is not bad...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Exclusive in Japan
Today is my co-worker, Tricia's birthday.
The birthday gift for her I chose was...pantyhose!
When I was in America, I was always asked "Where did you get your pantyhose( or tights?") from my American friends, or many unfamiliar people who just met in a supermarket, department store, hospital, post office, and so on.
Mostly I wore tights (or pantyhose) with glitters or patterns which I brought in Japan. In America, I could find "net" pantyhose, but there were not various "decorated" pantyhose like Japan. I guess they are EXCLUSIVE in Japan!
Tricia, an American girl, also were interested in my pantyhose.
Therefore, I got two pairs for her. A black one with pink ribbon pattern, and a beige one with "glitter" plaid! She was very glad to see those.
By the way, Tuesday is basically my day off. But today, my private student, Reiko, wanted changed the day from Thursday to Tuesday, and she wanted me to teach.
That' why I went to school to teach only one class...
But Reiko forgot about the change, so I didn't have any class today!
It means, "I went to school to celebrate Tricia's birthday today."
That is also EXCLUSIVE!!
The birthday gift for her I chose was...pantyhose!
When I was in America, I was always asked "Where did you get your pantyhose( or tights?") from my American friends, or many unfamiliar people who just met in a supermarket, department store, hospital, post office, and so on.
Mostly I wore tights (or pantyhose) with glitters or patterns which I brought in Japan. In America, I could find "net" pantyhose, but there were not various "decorated" pantyhose like Japan. I guess they are EXCLUSIVE in Japan!
Tricia, an American girl, also were interested in my pantyhose.
Therefore, I got two pairs for her. A black one with pink ribbon pattern, and a beige one with "glitter" plaid! She was very glad to see those.
By the way, Tuesday is basically my day off. But today, my private student, Reiko, wanted changed the day from Thursday to Tuesday, and she wanted me to teach.
That' why I went to school to teach only one class...
But Reiko forgot about the change, so I didn't have any class today!
It means, "I went to school to celebrate Tricia's birthday today."
That is also EXCLUSIVE!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Baby English
Since I started teaching English one year and eight month ago, I've noticed a thing about teaching babies( less than 3 year olds.)
"How much the babies can improve their English depends on how much I talk to them, praise them, make eye contact with them, and even call their names."
Today, I had a prospective student, who is 15 month old.
I had a trial lesson with her (& her mom!) Of course the baby didn't talk any English.
However, almost 8 months later or so, I'm sure she can greet me in English, repeat my English(of course short words, ) and sing some songs in English!
Even the babied haven't talked any words for...like about 8 months, they've LISTENED to me with full attention if I talk to them directly, with clear gesture & smile. I always praise them even though they don't talk anything. Then, suddenly, they start to talk!
"The day" is really amazing. Also, I'm always surprised how they've listened to me precisely. Also, I give them much overreaction, widing my eyes and making exaggerated gestures when they speak to me in English. Then, they seem try to make me excited more, so they speak more in English!
Giving full attention to every babies in class, praising them all the time, making overreaction, changing voice pitch depends on characters... Teaching kids (babies) is EXTREMELY tiring.
However, the babies (kids as well, of course!), trying to surprise me in speaking English, are EXTRAORDINARY cute!
I'm far from perfect as a person and a teacher, but as long as the kids (babies) enjoy my classes, I try to keep HIGHER energy than them!
"How much the babies can improve their English depends on how much I talk to them, praise them, make eye contact with them, and even call their names."
Today, I had a prospective student, who is 15 month old.
I had a trial lesson with her (& her mom!) Of course the baby didn't talk any English.
However, almost 8 months later or so, I'm sure she can greet me in English, repeat my English(of course short words, ) and sing some songs in English!
Even the babied haven't talked any words for...like about 8 months, they've LISTENED to me with full attention if I talk to them directly, with clear gesture & smile. I always praise them even though they don't talk anything. Then, suddenly, they start to talk!
"The day" is really amazing. Also, I'm always surprised how they've listened to me precisely. Also, I give them much overreaction, widing my eyes and making exaggerated gestures when they speak to me in English. Then, they seem try to make me excited more, so they speak more in English!
Giving full attention to every babies in class, praising them all the time, making overreaction, changing voice pitch depends on characters... Teaching kids (babies) is EXTREMELY tiring.
However, the babies (kids as well, of course!), trying to surprise me in speaking English, are EXTRAORDINARY cute!
I'm far from perfect as a person and a teacher, but as long as the kids (babies) enjoy my classes, I try to keep HIGHER energy than them!
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Wish for the next luck!" party
I studied for 9 hours yesterday, to prepare for the first grade of EIKEN.
Today was the test day...the result?
Ah... I just don't feel right. Writing test was good, but listening test was...not good.
Of course I don't know the exact result yet, but my gut tells me... probably I still be a "loser" again.
After I got home, my hubby said,
"So...why don't we go eat Yakiniku? Let's have Zannenkai!for you...and me, as well."
My hubby took a promotional test, but he thinks it was not successful.
I wondered, "That's good! But...how do we say "zannenkai" in English?"
He said without a pause, "Sorry festival!"
It sounds POP, but doesn't HIT...maybe, "Loser party?" But it sounds hopeless!
"OK, let me name a "wish for the next luck" party!"
Then, we ate out, talked, and encouraged each other to start over.
By the way, why am I still a loser even I worked hard yesterday?
Maybe I should "keep working hard," not only "for a day!!"
Today was the test day...the result?
Ah... I just don't feel right. Writing test was good, but listening test was...not good.
Of course I don't know the exact result yet, but my gut tells me... probably I still be a "loser" again.
After I got home, my hubby said,
"So...why don't we go eat Yakiniku? Let's have Zannenkai!for you...and me, as well."
My hubby took a promotional test, but he thinks it was not successful.
I wondered, "That's good! But...how do we say "zannenkai" in English?"
He said without a pause, "Sorry festival!"
It sounds POP, but doesn't HIT...maybe, "Loser party?" But it sounds hopeless!
"OK, let me name a "wish for the next luck" party!"
Then, we ate out, talked, and encouraged each other to start over.
By the way, why am I still a loser even I worked hard yesterday?
Maybe I should "keep working hard," not only "for a day!!"
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Make or Break
EIKEN association has the test three times per year.
The morning of the third time last year, in October, I had some expectation.
My score was just three point short from the passing score the last time(second one, in June,) so I thought I may pass if I did my best.
However, in the morning, I had a quarrel with my hubby.
The reason was not serious at all! He cared "a" house cleaning thing, but I didn't care about it very much. Maybe I could have forgotten about it if it had been a usual day, but it was a special day.
I tried to concentrate on the test, but I couldn't.
I couldn't stop thinking about the quarrel, not the test. EIKEN's questions are very complicated for me, so if I couldn't concentrate on...it was obvious I would be a "loser" again.
I don't think it was all my hubby's fault. We live together, so if he cares for something, I should have cared for it, too. I rarely told my hubby about my dreams or goals usually, that's why the "accident" happened. He didn't know what kind of test I was going to take! If he had known it was my special day, he would have respected me.
What I felt really upset was I couldn't do my best.
After I got home, I didn't talk, just cried a lot. My hubby felt really sorry about it.
Now, this coming Sunday is the first EIKEN in 2010! Getting the first grade is my biggest resolution this year. I have TONS of TONS of things I want to write here, but I temporarily stop publishing the blog, and use my free time for preparing for the test.
If I make it this time (I don't have confidence, though..,) I am VERY happy!
...And you know, if I break it this time...it's apparently, all my fault!!!
The morning of the third time last year, in October, I had some expectation.
My score was just three point short from the passing score the last time(second one, in June,) so I thought I may pass if I did my best.
However, in the morning, I had a quarrel with my hubby.
The reason was not serious at all! He cared "a" house cleaning thing, but I didn't care about it very much. Maybe I could have forgotten about it if it had been a usual day, but it was a special day.
I tried to concentrate on the test, but I couldn't.
I couldn't stop thinking about the quarrel, not the test. EIKEN's questions are very complicated for me, so if I couldn't concentrate on...it was obvious I would be a "loser" again.
I don't think it was all my hubby's fault. We live together, so if he cares for something, I should have cared for it, too. I rarely told my hubby about my dreams or goals usually, that's why the "accident" happened. He didn't know what kind of test I was going to take! If he had known it was my special day, he would have respected me.
What I felt really upset was I couldn't do my best.
After I got home, I didn't talk, just cried a lot. My hubby felt really sorry about it.
Now, this coming Sunday is the first EIKEN in 2010! Getting the first grade is my biggest resolution this year. I have TONS of TONS of things I want to write here, but I temporarily stop publishing the blog, and use my free time for preparing for the test.
If I make it this time (I don't have confidence, though..,) I am VERY happy!
...And you know, if I break it this time...it's apparently, all my fault!!!
Humorous Speaker
Making a speech (or presentation) is much alike MC job.
Before the speech (MC job,) I keep practicing until I become weary. However, even though I practiced a lot, I get really nervous just before I deliver a speech.
I feel very bad, even feel nausea. I also feel really thirsty, so I drink water a lot.
However, once I stand on the podium...I enjoy communicating with audience.
After the speech, I feel like, "I want to make a speech again!"
Today was a typical day that I noticed I really like making a speech at the Toastmasters.
My speech title was "Pursuit of Beauty." As I published the script on this blog, I talked about myself, who try to look better so much that sometimes I feel, "what am I doing?!"
I have been working "Humours Speeches," so I tried to make them laugh. Fortunately, everybody, including many quests, laughed a lot.
My evaluator said, "Now you became our club's best comedian!" I got the "Best Speaker Award" at the meeting, and was entitled to be a contestant of In-house Speech Contest.
On the way to home, I checked today's my speech again. I always record my speech on a voice recorder. I still was in the middle of satisfaction of today's success, but, making a speech would be "self" satisfaction unless I check my speech(MC job as well!) objectively.
My objective for today's speech was "speak slowly, and make pauses." I tend to speak fast to keep the time limit. That objective was fulfilled successfully. I made pauses until the audience's laughing stopped, and started to talk. Also, I spoke slowly enough. However, "speaking slowly" can sound "choppy." "Speak slowly, but do not choppy" is another objective...even when I do MC job in Japanese, this is almost "eternal challenge!"
Now, pronunciation & articulation. They get much better maybe because I teach English. My weak sounds, "r, l, and w" sounded better. However, some voiced consonants like "d or z" were sometimes unclear. Articulation is VERY important when I do my job... I should practice tongue-twister or something!
Anyway, now I'm enthusiastic for making next speech. Especially, "making people laugh" makes me feel good!!
Let's aim to be the "best" comedian at the International Speech Contest!
...What am I doing???...
Before the speech (MC job,) I keep practicing until I become weary. However, even though I practiced a lot, I get really nervous just before I deliver a speech.
I feel very bad, even feel nausea. I also feel really thirsty, so I drink water a lot.
However, once I stand on the podium...I enjoy communicating with audience.
After the speech, I feel like, "I want to make a speech again!"
Today was a typical day that I noticed I really like making a speech at the Toastmasters.
My speech title was "Pursuit of Beauty." As I published the script on this blog, I talked about myself, who try to look better so much that sometimes I feel, "what am I doing?!"
I have been working "Humours Speeches," so I tried to make them laugh. Fortunately, everybody, including many quests, laughed a lot.
My evaluator said, "Now you became our club's best comedian!" I got the "Best Speaker Award" at the meeting, and was entitled to be a contestant of In-house Speech Contest.
On the way to home, I checked today's my speech again. I always record my speech on a voice recorder. I still was in the middle of satisfaction of today's success, but, making a speech would be "self" satisfaction unless I check my speech(MC job as well!) objectively.
My objective for today's speech was "speak slowly, and make pauses." I tend to speak fast to keep the time limit. That objective was fulfilled successfully. I made pauses until the audience's laughing stopped, and started to talk. Also, I spoke slowly enough. However, "speaking slowly" can sound "choppy." "Speak slowly, but do not choppy" is another objective...even when I do MC job in Japanese, this is almost "eternal challenge!"
Now, pronunciation & articulation. They get much better maybe because I teach English. My weak sounds, "r, l, and w" sounded better. However, some voiced consonants like "d or z" were sometimes unclear. Articulation is VERY important when I do my job... I should practice tongue-twister or something!
Anyway, now I'm enthusiastic for making next speech. Especially, "making people laugh" makes me feel good!!
Let's aim to be the "best" comedian at the International Speech Contest!
...What am I doing???...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Crypto-Monster Parent
A year and a half ago, I was an English teacher of Sara, Mrs.M's daughter.
Mrs.M is a fashionable& beautiful woman, who is almost the same as my age. Also, she "looks" friendly.
When I met her for the first time, I thought, "I want to be her friend!"
...But the "fantasy" was broken soon.
Two weeks later I started to teach Sara, we had parent observation classes.
After the lesson, Mrs.M called my manager, and said, "Keiko is not experienced. Please change the teacher for Sara."
I had many excuses. Sara turned a certain age when she was easily distracted. I had an "obvious" monster parent after her lesson, so I was busy with making strategies for her... But I couldn't argue against Mrs.M! I was dismissed from Sara's teacher.
After that, I heard Mrs. M often called "our headquarters" not our school branch, when she had complains about my successor. Yes, she was..."crypto"-monster parent!!
10 months later, Mrs. M wanted Sara's younger daughter, Nana, to start taking English lessons. Nana became 15 month-old at that time.
Who was in charge of the baby's class? Me! Mrs.M requested me to give her trial lesson.
Then, a "miracle" happened. Nana was a difficult baby, who always started crying when she met new people... But she kind of "fell in love with" me.
I don't know why, but she always stopped crying when she saw me and smiled.
8 month later I started to teach Nana... Now she tries to repeat everything what I say. Mrs. M is very satisfied with that! Mrs.M told me, "Nana LOVES you very much! When she behaves bad, I always say, "I'm going to tell Keiko sensei about your bad behavior!" Then she says, "Please don't!" and stop doing it!"
...Is that a God's trick?? Anyway, from next semester, I keep teaching Nana, AND I restart teaching Sara, again! It means I will be in charge of all kids of the crypto-monster parent! Can I keep making her satisfied??? I don't know...
Mrs.M is a fashionable& beautiful woman, who is almost the same as my age. Also, she "looks" friendly.
When I met her for the first time, I thought, "I want to be her friend!"
...But the "fantasy" was broken soon.
Two weeks later I started to teach Sara, we had parent observation classes.
After the lesson, Mrs.M called my manager, and said, "Keiko is not experienced. Please change the teacher for Sara."
I had many excuses. Sara turned a certain age when she was easily distracted. I had an "obvious" monster parent after her lesson, so I was busy with making strategies for her... But I couldn't argue against Mrs.M! I was dismissed from Sara's teacher.
After that, I heard Mrs. M often called "our headquarters" not our school branch, when she had complains about my successor. Yes, she was..."crypto"-monster parent!!
10 months later, Mrs. M wanted Sara's younger daughter, Nana, to start taking English lessons. Nana became 15 month-old at that time.
Who was in charge of the baby's class? Me! Mrs.M requested me to give her trial lesson.
Then, a "miracle" happened. Nana was a difficult baby, who always started crying when she met new people... But she kind of "fell in love with" me.
I don't know why, but she always stopped crying when she saw me and smiled.
8 month later I started to teach Nana... Now she tries to repeat everything what I say. Mrs. M is very satisfied with that! Mrs.M told me, "Nana LOVES you very much! When she behaves bad, I always say, "I'm going to tell Keiko sensei about your bad behavior!" Then she says, "Please don't!" and stop doing it!"
...Is that a God's trick?? Anyway, from next semester, I keep teaching Nana, AND I restart teaching Sara, again! It means I will be in charge of all kids of the crypto-monster parent! Can I keep making her satisfied??? I don't know...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Buiding up your Vocabulary
How do you build up your vocabulary?
In may case, there are three versions depends on how much time I have.
1.Intensive version.
Use word cards fully. I write the word's explanation on the front of the word card, and on the back side, write the sentence using the vocabulary, and make the vocab bold.
2. Medium version
Use a vocabulary notebook. I always put a thick notebook on my side. When I hear unfamiliar word which I want to acquire, I write the word, and the explanation on the notebook, casually.
3. Quick version
Use only dictionary. I look the word up by the dictionary, repeat the word... That's it!
This morning, I took a "vocabulary class for EIKEN first grade" by Skype.
The teacher gave us the vocabulary list. The words are "likely" appear on EIKEN. He told us to memorize every word on the list..there are 1,300!!!
The first quiz of the EIKEN is a vocabulary quiz. There are 25 questions, in the case of first grade. We have to choose the most suitable word for the sentence, which has a blank. For example, refute, rebuke,deter, relinquish, defer... There are many "confusing" words!!!
I have tried to take the "intense" version to memorize. However, 1,300 words to 1,300 word cards!!! I found it's almost impossible...
Then, I decided to take the mixed version of "medium" and "quick" version.
I mean, write the translation under the sentence, and "dictate" many times!
I hope I'm on the right truck...
By the way, at the end of the "intense" Skype class, the teacher encouraged us.
"Good job! If you REALLY work hard to acquire those vocabulary, I guarantee you can get at least 15 on the vocabulary quiz!!"
...Wait a minute!!! Only 15 out of 1,300!!!???
Now I wonder I'm on the right truck or not...
In may case, there are three versions depends on how much time I have.
1.Intensive version.
Use word cards fully. I write the word's explanation on the front of the word card, and on the back side, write the sentence using the vocabulary, and make the vocab bold.
2. Medium version
Use a vocabulary notebook. I always put a thick notebook on my side. When I hear unfamiliar word which I want to acquire, I write the word, and the explanation on the notebook, casually.
3. Quick version
Use only dictionary. I look the word up by the dictionary, repeat the word... That's it!
This morning, I took a "vocabulary class for EIKEN first grade" by Skype.
The teacher gave us the vocabulary list. The words are "likely" appear on EIKEN. He told us to memorize every word on the list..there are 1,300!!!
The first quiz of the EIKEN is a vocabulary quiz. There are 25 questions, in the case of first grade. We have to choose the most suitable word for the sentence, which has a blank. For example, refute, rebuke,deter, relinquish, defer... There are many "confusing" words!!!
I have tried to take the "intense" version to memorize. However, 1,300 words to 1,300 word cards!!! I found it's almost impossible...
Then, I decided to take the mixed version of "medium" and "quick" version.
I mean, write the translation under the sentence, and "dictate" many times!
I hope I'm on the right truck...
By the way, at the end of the "intense" Skype class, the teacher encouraged us.
"Good job! If you REALLY work hard to acquire those vocabulary, I guarantee you can get at least 15 on the vocabulary quiz!!"
...Wait a minute!!! Only 15 out of 1,300!!!???
Now I wonder I'm on the right truck or not...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
For MY Entertainment
After French lesson, I cleaned my house, singing songs.
Recently, my favorite tunes are...
"Radar" by Britney Spears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_RJncsZTYs
"3"also by Britney Spears... I bought her recent best CD. It realized me, she still is one of the pop icons!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QubWKLQUrN0
"For Your Entertainment" by Adam Lambert. He is an ingenious "American Idol" singer. Even though his unique appearance & his homosexuality are controversy, I like his talent for singing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSlWzvkJO9g
"Tik Tok" by Kesha. I like "Keyshia" also...(their names are so similar!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_AAn24fEk8
"You Belong To Me" by Taylor Swift. This song has bee a looong hit since summer. Sill, it's refreshing to me!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw
"Party in the U.S.A" by Miley Cyrus. I don't know much about her, but she is really cute!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA
Last time I went to KARAOKE, no songs in "my favorite" list had not been available yet. But now??? Some of the songs are, maybe... I can't wait to go KARAOKE!!
...By the way, why are most my favorite song's lyrics so vulgar content??? (Especially, first three songs on the today's list!)
Adam is singing "I'm for your entertainment♪," but I just enjoy it for MY entertainment!!!
Recently, my favorite tunes are...
"Radar" by Britney Spears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_RJncsZTYs
"3"also by Britney Spears... I bought her recent best CD. It realized me, she still is one of the pop icons!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QubWKLQUrN0
"For Your Entertainment" by Adam Lambert. He is an ingenious "American Idol" singer. Even though his unique appearance & his homosexuality are controversy, I like his talent for singing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSlWzvkJO9g
"Tik Tok" by Kesha. I like "Keyshia" also...(their names are so similar!)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_AAn24fEk8
"You Belong To Me" by Taylor Swift. This song has bee a looong hit since summer. Sill, it's refreshing to me!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw
"Party in the U.S.A" by Miley Cyrus. I don't know much about her, but she is really cute!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA
Last time I went to KARAOKE, no songs in "my favorite" list had not been available yet. But now??? Some of the songs are, maybe... I can't wait to go KARAOKE!!
...By the way, why are most my favorite song's lyrics so vulgar content??? (Especially, first three songs on the today's list!)
Adam is singing "I'm for your entertainment♪," but I just enjoy it for MY entertainment!!!
Volunteer Work
The end of my pocket book is "Inspiration Corner."
I paste inspirational articles, or write inspirational words there.
Today, new article joined my "Inspiration Corner."
That is about Kazuo Inamori, honorary chairman of Kyocera Corp. As you know, he accepted the offer of chief executive officer of the carrier during the turnaround process of JAL. He will do the job as a volunteer work!
I am far away from him, but I hope one of my resolutions, "Do one deed for my friends or even unfamiliar people," will link volunteer work someday...
I do want to write a lot about this, but I'm so tired since last night....
Me, myself, thinking "that's because last night's feast!" is so small person that I can't think about doing volunteer work??? Maybe...
I paste inspirational articles, or write inspirational words there.
Today, new article joined my "Inspiration Corner."
That is about Kazuo Inamori, honorary chairman of Kyocera Corp. As you know, he accepted the offer of chief executive officer of the carrier during the turnaround process of JAL. He will do the job as a volunteer work!
I am far away from him, but I hope one of my resolutions, "Do one deed for my friends or even unfamiliar people," will link volunteer work someday...
I do want to write a lot about this, but I'm so tired since last night....
Me, myself, thinking "that's because last night's feast!" is so small person that I can't think about doing volunteer work??? Maybe...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Socialize? or Seclude?
In the evening, during work, our manager Rie, talked to me.
"Keiko sensei! Toshi is visiting Japan right now! He is coming here tonight. Let's go for a drink!"
In 5 seconds, many reasons I wanted to avoid it came to my mind.
...My hubby just finished hard job today, so I want to comfort him...
...Today, my "girl day" has just started, so my condition is not very good...
...There are just 10 days until EIKEN, I need to prepare for it...
...Oh! I also need to practice for my next speech!...
But after 5 seconds, I made an instant smile & said.
"Sure! Why not!?"
Toshi was our head teacher, but transferred to a recruiting office in L.A last summer.
We heard he would visit Japan time to time for work, but it was great to welcome him so soon! I was looking forward to talking with him.
...However, my anxiety became reality.
Our lessons were over at 9:00pm. We chatted with students for awhile, current stuff members were working overtime, then, other students who got text message, "Toshi is visiting school!" came to school...
The time we actually "went for a drink" was almost 11:00pm!
Other members were OK, cause they live near school. But me... I always had to check time not to miss the last train.
I know it is better to spend time with my co-workers after work sometimes.
We can get to know each other, and I also can get much information.
But...If the invitation is without a notice, deciding "whether accept it or not" and "when I can leave" are...difficult, aren't they!???
Around 12:00am, I said, "Wow, I got to run! I'll miss my train! See ya!!" and was leaving.
Toshi said to me, "Keiko, I'll visit Japan again TWO MONTHS later! See you then!!"
...Oh. So soon???
"Keiko sensei! Toshi is visiting Japan right now! He is coming here tonight. Let's go for a drink!"
In 5 seconds, many reasons I wanted to avoid it came to my mind.
...My hubby just finished hard job today, so I want to comfort him...
...Today, my "girl day" has just started, so my condition is not very good...
...There are just 10 days until EIKEN, I need to prepare for it...
...Oh! I also need to practice for my next speech!...
But after 5 seconds, I made an instant smile & said.
"Sure! Why not!?"
Toshi was our head teacher, but transferred to a recruiting office in L.A last summer.
We heard he would visit Japan time to time for work, but it was great to welcome him so soon! I was looking forward to talking with him.
...However, my anxiety became reality.
Our lessons were over at 9:00pm. We chatted with students for awhile, current stuff members were working overtime, then, other students who got text message, "Toshi is visiting school!" came to school...
The time we actually "went for a drink" was almost 11:00pm!
Other members were OK, cause they live near school. But me... I always had to check time not to miss the last train.
I know it is better to spend time with my co-workers after work sometimes.
We can get to know each other, and I also can get much information.
But...If the invitation is without a notice, deciding "whether accept it or not" and "when I can leave" are...difficult, aren't they!???
Around 12:00am, I said, "Wow, I got to run! I'll miss my train! See ya!!" and was leaving.
Toshi said to me, "Keiko, I'll visit Japan again TWO MONTHS later! See you then!!"
...Oh. So soon???
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Superwoman
My ideal woman...
1. Give me positive energy, but not obtrusive.
2. Good conversationalist. Especially, good listener!
3. Have a professional job, and enjoy it.
4. Always smiling! and elegant.
5. Fashionable, try to look better, and look younger.
6. Has a good sense of humor.
7. Talk about positive things all the time, not be negative.
8. Keep learning all the time.
...I can't stop listing! There are many criteria!!!
However, my eyelash stylist, Yoshiko, suits for every criterion.
I go to an eyelash saloon every...three weeks and a half. (Let's say one month!)
It means I can meet her often! Every time I meet her, I enjoy talking with her.
Yoshiko is in her late 40's, I guess. She got married when she was a teenager, so her oldest son is already in his late 20's! She is an owner of the saloon. She works 6 days per week, 9 hours in a day. But she has three sons, and takes care of her father.
What impressed me most was she had many certificates. Not only eyelash stylist, but also aesthetician, care worker, even lifesaver!
And today, I was surprised again by her energy! She said, now she goes to a beauty school to get a certificate of hair stylist! She said it was a correspondence school, but sometimes she needs "actually" go to the school to get credits.
How does she manage her time?? Some career Toastmaster's women hire maids at home, but she said she does every household job!
We were chatting even after my treatment, and I became ready to go home. Yoshiko smiled at me elegantly, said "thank you for coming!" and bowed me deeply.
Then...I noticed. Her back of the head was sheer!!!
I don't say "bald," but almost, it was...
Being a superwoman is very nice, but in case of her...
She needs to be relaxed more??
Life is complicated, baby!!!
1. Give me positive energy, but not obtrusive.
2. Good conversationalist. Especially, good listener!
3. Have a professional job, and enjoy it.
4. Always smiling! and elegant.
5. Fashionable, try to look better, and look younger.
6. Has a good sense of humor.
7. Talk about positive things all the time, not be negative.
8. Keep learning all the time.
...I can't stop listing! There are many criteria!!!
However, my eyelash stylist, Yoshiko, suits for every criterion.
I go to an eyelash saloon every...three weeks and a half. (Let's say one month!)
It means I can meet her often! Every time I meet her, I enjoy talking with her.
Yoshiko is in her late 40's, I guess. She got married when she was a teenager, so her oldest son is already in his late 20's! She is an owner of the saloon. She works 6 days per week, 9 hours in a day. But she has three sons, and takes care of her father.
What impressed me most was she had many certificates. Not only eyelash stylist, but also aesthetician, care worker, even lifesaver!
And today, I was surprised again by her energy! She said, now she goes to a beauty school to get a certificate of hair stylist! She said it was a correspondence school, but sometimes she needs "actually" go to the school to get credits.
How does she manage her time?? Some career Toastmaster's women hire maids at home, but she said she does every household job!
We were chatting even after my treatment, and I became ready to go home. Yoshiko smiled at me elegantly, said "thank you for coming!" and bowed me deeply.
Then...I noticed. Her back of the head was sheer!!!
I don't say "bald," but almost, it was...
Being a superwoman is very nice, but in case of her...
She needs to be relaxed more??
Life is complicated, baby!!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Job Only "I" Can Do
One day, my friend asked me, "Have you ever been running out of a topic for your blog? I think it's hard to find a topic for the day!"
...Actually, I have NEVER run out of my topic! Even if I stay home all day long, I can find several topics. From TV, newspaper, magazine, my memory, my determination...and so on. Before I go to the bed, I write the most impressive one for the day.
Today, I found the first topic at 10:00am. At 16:oopm, I got the second one. At 19:30, the third one...and at 22:00, one person's story hit my heart. That's gonna be today's topic!
Her name is Chieko Asakawa. http://www.research.ibm.com/trl/people/chie/index_e.htm
She is a researcher at IBM. She is only Japanese who got the "fellow" title from IBM headquarters! It means she is THE BEST Japanese reseachers at IBM. But she is handicapped. She is blind.
Since she was 14 years old, she has lost her sight because of the accident. She couldn't go to regular high school. She became reclusive, and didn't go out for a month. That was her first setback. She entered a school for the blind, and learned Braille. She started to enjoy studying, especially, English. She wanted to be an interpreter, but the handicap "can read only Braille" prevented her to become an professional.
She wanted to get "the job only "she" can do." She applied for a computer training class. IBM hired her for a "temporary" project of making software for blind people, then she noticed..."That is exactly "THE JOB ONLY I CAN DO!!"
She has been working for innovating software making blind people enjoy the Internet. Now, many people in the world are interested of her job!!
I watched her TV program by NHK. She was very friendly, and has a sense of humor. She has many friends, and even has a beautiful high-teenage daughter!!!
But she works really hard. She always gets home around 12:00am, and after that, she starts an Internet-meeting with her colleagues in America.
Why has she been working so hard? She said, "I feel like...if I stop running, every chance leaves from me. I'm handicapped, so I had to give up what I really wanted. But now, finally, I got a chance. Why don't I try it?"
I definitely agree with what she said... Once you stop, it's hard to step forward!!
...Like lazy me....
Monday, January 11, 2010
Legend of Mac
Last night, my hubby and I had a gorgeous birthday dinner.
The menu was the food I like most in the world...C・R・A・B!!
At the middle of the course, my hubby muttered.
"I've already been tired of CRAB. I feel like M・A・C."
I was surprised, "MAC means MacDonald's burgers? You can eat them anytime, anywhere in the world!"
He said," It doesn't matter. I always feel LIKE MAC wherever I am!!"
That is true... Even we were in New York, London, Paris, or of course here in Tokyo... Whenever I ask him, "what do you want to eat?" He answers, "Mac!" or "Rice curry!"
This noon, he was pleased to drive to the nearest MacDonald's and get burgers for lunch, being excited.
He got home with a big Mac's paper bag, and took everything out.
"Look! Two value sets, additional french fries, chicken nuggets, and...??? Where is the barbecue sauce for chicken nuggets???"
We searched into paper bag.
"I don't know! Maybe they forgot to put it in!"
He was upset. "That's UNBELIEVABLE! ...Well, it's tiring to drive again to get it... But I should warn them!"
Originally, he is too shy to call for a complain. But deep love for MacDonald's made him brave.
The following is the conversation between my hubby and the clerk.
Clerk;"Thank you for calling MacDonald's. How can I help you?"
Hubby;" I just visited your restaurant, and bought burgers and chicken nuggets.
Now I'm home, but there is no BARBECUE SAUCE in the bag!"
C:"I'm so sorry for your inconvenience, sir. We'll deliver it to your home RIGHT AWAY."
H;"What? Deliver it!? ...OK, if you say so..."
As I was listening to the conversation, I was so surprised again.
"DELIVER it? You ask them to DELIVER a tiny package of sauce to our house? That's ridiculous! Use Yakiniku sauce or Tonkatsu sauce instead of the barbecue one!!"
Mu hubby was confused, "I agree with you... But I couldn't deny it! She said, "we'll deliver it" without A PAUSE!!"
30 minutes later, our doorbell rang.
There was a young, refreshing girl, who seemed a full-time worker of MacDonald's, not a part-timer. She wore a refined coat, not a uniform of MacDonald's.
Her cheeks became reddish, as if she had been running to our home.
She said, "I'm so sorry for our mistake, and my delay, sir. They are for you. Please accept our apology."
Actually she was delivering not only A small package of barbecue sauce, but also new chicken nuggets, and a free coupon of a value set."
We also apologized to her!
"WE ARE so sorry for making you run to our house for this TINY package of sauce..."
Three of us were making bows again and again to each other, at our hallway.
She strictly refused, but we gave her some bottles of special juice for "our apology."
My hubby LOVES chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce, but he couldn't just be pleased with getting additional nuggets.
"Now my mind is full of a feeling of guilt!! Will it be a LEGEND of mac??
I didn't mean to tease her!! I may not be able to feel asleep today, because of the guilt..."
If you can cooperate us, please go to MacDonald's and eat their burgers, to offset his guilt!!!
The menu was the food I like most in the world...C・R・A・B!!
At the middle of the course, my hubby muttered.
"I've already been tired of CRAB. I feel like M・A・C."
I was surprised, "MAC means MacDonald's burgers? You can eat them anytime, anywhere in the world!"
He said," It doesn't matter. I always feel LIKE MAC wherever I am!!"
That is true... Even we were in New York, London, Paris, or of course here in Tokyo... Whenever I ask him, "what do you want to eat?" He answers, "Mac!" or "Rice curry!"
This noon, he was pleased to drive to the nearest MacDonald's and get burgers for lunch, being excited.
He got home with a big Mac's paper bag, and took everything out.
"Look! Two value sets, additional french fries, chicken nuggets, and...??? Where is the barbecue sauce for chicken nuggets???"
We searched into paper bag.
"I don't know! Maybe they forgot to put it in!"
He was upset. "That's UNBELIEVABLE! ...Well, it's tiring to drive again to get it... But I should warn them!"
Originally, he is too shy to call for a complain. But deep love for MacDonald's made him brave.
The following is the conversation between my hubby and the clerk.
Clerk;"Thank you for calling MacDonald's. How can I help you?"
Hubby;" I just visited your restaurant, and bought burgers and chicken nuggets.
Now I'm home, but there is no BARBECUE SAUCE in the bag!"
C:"I'm so sorry for your inconvenience, sir. We'll deliver it to your home RIGHT AWAY."
H;"What? Deliver it!? ...OK, if you say so..."
As I was listening to the conversation, I was so surprised again.
"DELIVER it? You ask them to DELIVER a tiny package of sauce to our house? That's ridiculous! Use Yakiniku sauce or Tonkatsu sauce instead of the barbecue one!!"
Mu hubby was confused, "I agree with you... But I couldn't deny it! She said, "we'll deliver it" without A PAUSE!!"
30 minutes later, our doorbell rang.
There was a young, refreshing girl, who seemed a full-time worker of MacDonald's, not a part-timer. She wore a refined coat, not a uniform of MacDonald's.
Her cheeks became reddish, as if she had been running to our home.
She said, "I'm so sorry for our mistake, and my delay, sir. They are for you. Please accept our apology."
Actually she was delivering not only A small package of barbecue sauce, but also new chicken nuggets, and a free coupon of a value set."
We also apologized to her!
"WE ARE so sorry for making you run to our house for this TINY package of sauce..."
Three of us were making bows again and again to each other, at our hallway.
She strictly refused, but we gave her some bottles of special juice for "our apology."
My hubby LOVES chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce, but he couldn't just be pleased with getting additional nuggets.
"Now my mind is full of a feeling of guilt!! Will it be a LEGEND of mac??
I didn't mean to tease her!! I may not be able to feel asleep today, because of the guilt..."
If you can cooperate us, please go to MacDonald's and eat their burgers, to offset his guilt!!!
Happy Birthday! to...
Now the day was over. January 10th was my birthday!
I've been said, "Happy birthday!" from many people, which was really nice of everyone. However, the person who should be said so, was...my mother. Oh, my father as well!
I was born on that day xx years ago, but who worked hardest for my birth?
OF COURSE my mother! And my father, too.
My dad was a quiet librarian. He was a divorcee. He was married to his co-worker, but they divorced because of "her fault." His parent passed away when he was a kid, and his older sister (who took care of him) was a kind of peculiar person... that was also one of the reasons. Anyway, he had some difficulties in his life.
My mom was a handicapped dietician. When she was a baby, she got burn on her right hand. Since then, her nickname had been "ginger hand girl." Yes, her right hand doesn't have "fingers." Because of the burn, her fingers look like knots.
She has done everything by her left hand only. She believed she would not marry because of her handicap, but her sister brought a match-making for her, when she was 35 years old. The guy was my dad.
Two people, who didn't have a common point except for "having difficulties for life," got together. Then, I was born. When I was a high school girl, I coincidentally found that my dad was a divorcee. As a teenager girl, I felt slightly shocked...but I thought, "If he didn't divorce, I was not born!!" Also, what if my mom just decided to live alone? She intended to do so until she became 35 years old!!
Numerous miracles got together, and then, one life appears to this world. This is not only about me. Your life was also so!
I deeply appreciate the "miracles" and unconditional love from my parent.
Have I paid back to them? I don't think I have done enough... But at least, I enjoy my life which my parent gave me.
I want to say, "Happy birthday! Thank you for your nice?(I'm not sure I AM the outcome of the "nice" work, though...) work!" to my parents.
...However, in fact, January 10th was my dad's "actual" birthday!
Happy birthday my dad, for real!!!
I've been said, "Happy birthday!" from many people, which was really nice of everyone. However, the person who should be said so, was...my mother. Oh, my father as well!
I was born on that day xx years ago, but who worked hardest for my birth?
OF COURSE my mother! And my father, too.
My dad was a quiet librarian. He was a divorcee. He was married to his co-worker, but they divorced because of "her fault." His parent passed away when he was a kid, and his older sister (who took care of him) was a kind of peculiar person... that was also one of the reasons. Anyway, he had some difficulties in his life.
My mom was a handicapped dietician. When she was a baby, she got burn on her right hand. Since then, her nickname had been "ginger hand girl." Yes, her right hand doesn't have "fingers." Because of the burn, her fingers look like knots.
She has done everything by her left hand only. She believed she would not marry because of her handicap, but her sister brought a match-making for her, when she was 35 years old. The guy was my dad.
Two people, who didn't have a common point except for "having difficulties for life," got together. Then, I was born. When I was a high school girl, I coincidentally found that my dad was a divorcee. As a teenager girl, I felt slightly shocked...but I thought, "If he didn't divorce, I was not born!!" Also, what if my mom just decided to live alone? She intended to do so until she became 35 years old!!
Numerous miracles got together, and then, one life appears to this world. This is not only about me. Your life was also so!
I deeply appreciate the "miracles" and unconditional love from my parent.
Have I paid back to them? I don't think I have done enough... But at least, I enjoy my life which my parent gave me.
I want to say, "Happy birthday! Thank you for your nice?(I'm not sure I AM the outcome of the "nice" work, though...) work!" to my parents.
...However, in fact, January 10th was my dad's "actual" birthday!
Happy birthday my dad, for real!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Pursuit of Beauty
Here is my next speech at the upcoming meeting of the Toastmasters.
...I need to revise some!
Good evening, fellow Toastmasters and guests. First of all, I have a confession to make. I’ve got something fake on my face. …And that is not only one. They are…eyelashes.
As I want to make them longer and impressive, I go to an eyelash saloon every three weeks and get extension. I want to make an effort to look better, but because I tend to do the effort desperately, sometimes I feel like, “what am I doing?” I’m going to tell you some of my nonfiction stories when I feel, “what am I doing???”
On my day offs, I enjoy having fake nails. I can attach them to my natural nails with stickers easily, but they also separate easily. One day, I rushed into attaching the nails at home and went out to see my friends.
However, when I tried to take a commuter pass into my purse, I lost one nail. On the train, when I took a book out of my purse, another one came off. When I checked my hair, another one also separated. I wanted to look perfect that day, but the mixture of fake nails and natural nails was very mismatch. I needed stickers, but I left them at home. Although I was almost late for the appointment, I rushed into a convenience store and bought the scotch tape which can stick both sides. Having attached dropped nails with the cheap scotch tape in a restroom, I said to myself, “well…what am I doing!?”
After I got home, I showed off the fake nails to my husband. “Look at them!” I meant, “Aren’t they beautiful?” But my husband shouted and almost tried to escape from me, saying, ”OK, I don’t know what I did to you, but I AM SORRY! Please take them out!!” …He thought I would use the long nails as weapons to scratch him.
I love not only fake nails, but also fake eyelashes. I go to an eyelash saloon to maintain extended eyelashes. However, the extended parts come off easily, so sometimes I use the fake eyelashes to make my eyes impressive.
One day, I was working hard, having fake eyelashes on. I had five classes in a row to teach. During teaching, I felt something weird on my eyelids, but I didn’t have time to see a mirror. After lessons, I realized. My fake eyelashes were about to come off! I was like…excuse me! (try to separate half of the fake eyelashes, watching a mirror) I looked like this.
On the day, the last class was a private lesson for a 9-year-old girl, Akari. She is very clever, but very quiet. As usual, I tried hard to cheer her up. “Hey, Akari! Jump to the card on what I say! …Burned my finger! Jump! Right! Next…Sprained my ankle! Jump! Correct! Fantastic! Good job!”(As I jump, the separated fake eyelashes swing on my eyelid) During the class, I know Akari looked at me weirdly, but I didn’t realize what was happening. Of course I felt, “what am I doing!?”
I also love to shop clothes. Do you know an American select shop, “kitson?” When the shop in Harajuku opened, I am one of the girls who waited in a line to enter the opening sale. I got this sweater there. A black sweater with spangles! (show the one to everybody) This one represents exactly a trend in this fall and winter! Hmm…”How do I look?” ( change the clothes) I talked to my husband at home. But he looked at me with a puzzled stare. He said, “Ah…are you appearing a cheesy Karaoke show or something? You look like a local contestant to me… Oh, never mind!”
Some people say, “women try to look better to make guys attracted.” However, at least in my case…fake nails, fake eyelashes, and trendy clothes…I fail to make them attracted. But I can’t stop pursuing what I think “cawaii!” because I just love doing that.
Yesterday, I looked our photo albums with my husband. I said, “Is this me!? Ah, I don’t think I’m photogenic. I always look WORSE in a photo!” My husband looked the photo carefully, “Oh, I think, you look BETTER in a photo than actual yourself… Never mind!”
Madam Toastmaster.
...I need to revise some!
Good evening, fellow Toastmasters and guests. First of all, I have a confession to make. I’ve got something fake on my face. …And that is not only one. They are…eyelashes.
As I want to make them longer and impressive, I go to an eyelash saloon every three weeks and get extension. I want to make an effort to look better, but because I tend to do the effort desperately, sometimes I feel like, “what am I doing?” I’m going to tell you some of my nonfiction stories when I feel, “what am I doing???”
On my day offs, I enjoy having fake nails. I can attach them to my natural nails with stickers easily, but they also separate easily. One day, I rushed into attaching the nails at home and went out to see my friends.
However, when I tried to take a commuter pass into my purse, I lost one nail. On the train, when I took a book out of my purse, another one came off. When I checked my hair, another one also separated. I wanted to look perfect that day, but the mixture of fake nails and natural nails was very mismatch. I needed stickers, but I left them at home. Although I was almost late for the appointment, I rushed into a convenience store and bought the scotch tape which can stick both sides. Having attached dropped nails with the cheap scotch tape in a restroom, I said to myself, “well…what am I doing!?”
After I got home, I showed off the fake nails to my husband. “Look at them!” I meant, “Aren’t they beautiful?” But my husband shouted and almost tried to escape from me, saying, ”OK, I don’t know what I did to you, but I AM SORRY! Please take them out!!” …He thought I would use the long nails as weapons to scratch him.
I love not only fake nails, but also fake eyelashes. I go to an eyelash saloon to maintain extended eyelashes. However, the extended parts come off easily, so sometimes I use the fake eyelashes to make my eyes impressive.
One day, I was working hard, having fake eyelashes on. I had five classes in a row to teach. During teaching, I felt something weird on my eyelids, but I didn’t have time to see a mirror. After lessons, I realized. My fake eyelashes were about to come off! I was like…excuse me! (try to separate half of the fake eyelashes, watching a mirror) I looked like this.
On the day, the last class was a private lesson for a 9-year-old girl, Akari. She is very clever, but very quiet. As usual, I tried hard to cheer her up. “Hey, Akari! Jump to the card on what I say! …Burned my finger! Jump! Right! Next…Sprained my ankle! Jump! Correct! Fantastic! Good job!”(As I jump, the separated fake eyelashes swing on my eyelid) During the class, I know Akari looked at me weirdly, but I didn’t realize what was happening. Of course I felt, “what am I doing!?”
I also love to shop clothes. Do you know an American select shop, “kitson?” When the shop in Harajuku opened, I am one of the girls who waited in a line to enter the opening sale. I got this sweater there. A black sweater with spangles! (show the one to everybody) This one represents exactly a trend in this fall and winter! Hmm…”How do I look?” ( change the clothes) I talked to my husband at home. But he looked at me with a puzzled stare. He said, “Ah…are you appearing a cheesy Karaoke show or something? You look like a local contestant to me… Oh, never mind!”
Some people say, “women try to look better to make guys attracted.” However, at least in my case…fake nails, fake eyelashes, and trendy clothes…I fail to make them attracted. But I can’t stop pursuing what I think “cawaii!” because I just love doing that.
Yesterday, I looked our photo albums with my husband. I said, “Is this me!? Ah, I don’t think I’m photogenic. I always look WORSE in a photo!” My husband looked the photo carefully, “Oh, I think, you look BETTER in a photo than actual yourself… Never mind!”
Madam Toastmaster.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
History of Carrer Women
I went to a monthly officers' meeting of the Toastmasters ( I'm a secretary there!) and after that, we had a New Year's party at Omotesando.
I sat next to Naoko, who owns an apparel company. She graduated from Tokyo University, which is the most prestigious university in Japan.
She looks like a perfect career woman, but she had a history of conflict between her conservative husband.
When Naoko, who are in her 50's, graduated from university, most girl students didn't do job-hunt. They got engaged when they were in college, and married just after graduation.
But Naoko started to work for a big bank affiliated to the government.
However, women were not allowed to attend the meeting. They were supposed to serve tea or do some assistant work. There was no way to get promoted for women.
One year later, her parent brought a matchmaking. The guy was a physician, and graduated from same university as her. When they met the second time, the guy proposed marriage to her, because he "didn't want to waste my time," as he said.
They got married. Of course she quit her job. They had three children.
Later, all of them became physicians like their dad. Naoko was happy, but she was not free. Her husband asked her to stay home all the time. One night, she went out reunion of her university. When she got home at 10:00 or so, her house's door was already locked. Her husband didn't let her in that night.
When she was in her late 40's, she wondered what her life was.
She decided to start her business. After she started to work, her husband started not to give her the cost of living. She had a hard life, but she didn't quit her job this time.
All of her children said to her, "Mom, you can divorce him. We are already grown-ups. No problem!" But she didn't want to. Why? She said, she thought "We don't need to divorce. We can still live together."
She had never mentioned about her job at home. She knew her husband thought her job was "just for killing time." If she worked hard to take care of him at home, there were not so big problems. However, once she felt the crisis of divorce. That was, her oversea business trip. Her shop was filled with French materials, so she had to visit France often to stock. Her husband became furious about her going, but time thawed the ice between them.
She has had "tries and errors" for 15 years. Now she works from 10:00-19:00. She still doesn't talk about her job to her husband. But, they were still married.
She told us how amazing the social change about "women working" is for past 30 years. Now career women are not so unusual... because, many women like Naoko "has fought" with many things!!!
I sat next to Naoko, who owns an apparel company. She graduated from Tokyo University, which is the most prestigious university in Japan.
She looks like a perfect career woman, but she had a history of conflict between her conservative husband.
When Naoko, who are in her 50's, graduated from university, most girl students didn't do job-hunt. They got engaged when they were in college, and married just after graduation.
But Naoko started to work for a big bank affiliated to the government.
However, women were not allowed to attend the meeting. They were supposed to serve tea or do some assistant work. There was no way to get promoted for women.
One year later, her parent brought a matchmaking. The guy was a physician, and graduated from same university as her. When they met the second time, the guy proposed marriage to her, because he "didn't want to waste my time," as he said.
They got married. Of course she quit her job. They had three children.
Later, all of them became physicians like their dad. Naoko was happy, but she was not free. Her husband asked her to stay home all the time. One night, she went out reunion of her university. When she got home at 10:00 or so, her house's door was already locked. Her husband didn't let her in that night.
When she was in her late 40's, she wondered what her life was.
She decided to start her business. After she started to work, her husband started not to give her the cost of living. She had a hard life, but she didn't quit her job this time.
All of her children said to her, "Mom, you can divorce him. We are already grown-ups. No problem!" But she didn't want to. Why? She said, she thought "We don't need to divorce. We can still live together."
She had never mentioned about her job at home. She knew her husband thought her job was "just for killing time." If she worked hard to take care of him at home, there were not so big problems. However, once she felt the crisis of divorce. That was, her oversea business trip. Her shop was filled with French materials, so she had to visit France often to stock. Her husband became furious about her going, but time thawed the ice between them.
She has had "tries and errors" for 15 years. Now she works from 10:00-19:00. She still doesn't talk about her job to her husband. But, they were still married.
She told us how amazing the social change about "women working" is for past 30 years. Now career women are not so unusual... because, many women like Naoko "has fought" with many things!!!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Circumstances
FINALLY, my classes in 2010 started today!
My private student at 8:00pm class canceled it today, so I enjoyed chatting with Tricia, who are a new American teacher.
She said, "A few days ago, when I was cleaning my room, I flipped over my Futon. Then, I found MOLD under the Futon!! I washed it and tried to wipe them out, but I couldn't remove them completely. When I told my American friends about it, they said, "Oh, no!" in unison. I told them to check under their Futon, so all of them found mold there!!! I want to get a something like a stand, which raises me up under Futon. If I can get it, the problem will be solved, hopefully. It's impossible to fold Futon often!! I was surprised how humid Tokyo is!! It's winter! What it will be in summer or rainy season!?? I'm scared!! I think I have to find the "stand" soon!!"
"...Hey, Tricia, it's not the matter of "getting a stand or not." It's the matter of daily custom!!!" You SHOULD fold you futon and put them away everyday! That's the way of Japanese living!!!"
...These words were stuck under my throat. I couldn't say them to her because she just said, "It's IMPOSSIBLE to fold Futon often!!"
I can't criticize her. She is an organized person, not lazy. However, just circumstances between us are different!
When I lived in America, I remember my hubby and I, and other Japanese people, tried to change the American living style in house to Japanese one.
We changed incandescent lamps to fluorescent light. American bath tubs are shallow, so my friend changed her bath tub to a deep one.
Differences of circumstances! I'm so sorry for her! But at the same time, actually I enjoy listening to those stories. Welcome to Japan!!!!!
My private student at 8:00pm class canceled it today, so I enjoyed chatting with Tricia, who are a new American teacher.
She said, "A few days ago, when I was cleaning my room, I flipped over my Futon. Then, I found MOLD under the Futon!! I washed it and tried to wipe them out, but I couldn't remove them completely. When I told my American friends about it, they said, "Oh, no!" in unison. I told them to check under their Futon, so all of them found mold there!!! I want to get a something like a stand, which raises me up under Futon. If I can get it, the problem will be solved, hopefully. It's impossible to fold Futon often!! I was surprised how humid Tokyo is!! It's winter! What it will be in summer or rainy season!?? I'm scared!! I think I have to find the "stand" soon!!"
"...Hey, Tricia, it's not the matter of "getting a stand or not." It's the matter of daily custom!!!" You SHOULD fold you futon and put them away everyday! That's the way of Japanese living!!!"
...These words were stuck under my throat. I couldn't say them to her because she just said, "It's IMPOSSIBLE to fold Futon often!!"
I can't criticize her. She is an organized person, not lazy. However, just circumstances between us are different!
When I lived in America, I remember my hubby and I, and other Japanese people, tried to change the American living style in house to Japanese one.
We changed incandescent lamps to fluorescent light. American bath tubs are shallow, so my friend changed her bath tub to a deep one.
Differences of circumstances! I'm so sorry for her! But at the same time, actually I enjoy listening to those stories. Welcome to Japan!!!!!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
GINZA Revolution
Ginza is one of my favorite towns in Tokyo.
To me, Ginza is "Shoe Paradise!" There are many popular shoe brands have flag shops in Ginza.
Among those shops, I am definitely "Ginza Kanematsu" type!
Ginza Washington is too conservative for me, Ginza Diana is too gorgeous & too cute.
But Ginza Kanematsu's shoes always tickled my heart!
They are elegant, but cute, and not too classy.
Today is the first day of Ginza Kanematsu's semi-annual sale.
When I reached the entrance of the flag shop, strong perfume caught my nose.
Can you guess what it was? The next store Ginza Kanematsu is now...the first Asian flag shop of Abercrombie & Fitch!!
Wherever I went in America, I could find the shop. But now? Exclusive!!
After I cruised Ginza Kanematsu, I stopped by Abercrombie & Fitch.
As a result, I felt like I was in another planet there!
At the entrance, several young boys (Abercro boys of Japanese version) chatted, and welcomed me.
On the first level, I found a macho Caucasian guy who were half-naked (Abercro boy of original version) was having a photo taken with customer girls.
I was guided in the elevator. An elevator boy didn't ask me which floor I was going.
It seemed like, customers HAVE TO go up to the seventh floor, and look every floor as descending.
In the shopping area, there were many casual clothes were displayed in glass shelves, like they are high class brand materials. And most surprisingly, all clerks (young boys and girls) were...dancing with the loud club music!
The loud club music is one of the brand's originalities like strong perfume.
But in the U.S, as far as I know, NO clerks were dancing!!
Sometimes I found a girl clerk was folding clothes, drinking COKE...
Abarco was supposed to be a VERY casual shop. However, what's going on here???
I would say, it's like the revolution in Ginza!!!
Basically, I'm not biggest fan of Abacro. So, of course I didn't shop, even not look at price tags.
But I guess you should visit the shop! Regardless you like Abacro clothes or not, you would experience something new.
To me, Ginza is "Shoe Paradise!" There are many popular shoe brands have flag shops in Ginza.
Among those shops, I am definitely "Ginza Kanematsu" type!
Ginza Washington is too conservative for me, Ginza Diana is too gorgeous & too cute.
But Ginza Kanematsu's shoes always tickled my heart!
They are elegant, but cute, and not too classy.
Today is the first day of Ginza Kanematsu's semi-annual sale.
When I reached the entrance of the flag shop, strong perfume caught my nose.
Can you guess what it was? The next store Ginza Kanematsu is now...the first Asian flag shop of Abercrombie & Fitch!!
Wherever I went in America, I could find the shop. But now? Exclusive!!
After I cruised Ginza Kanematsu, I stopped by Abercrombie & Fitch.
As a result, I felt like I was in another planet there!
At the entrance, several young boys (Abercro boys of Japanese version) chatted, and welcomed me.
On the first level, I found a macho Caucasian guy who were half-naked (Abercro boy of original version) was having a photo taken with customer girls.
I was guided in the elevator. An elevator boy didn't ask me which floor I was going.
It seemed like, customers HAVE TO go up to the seventh floor, and look every floor as descending.
In the shopping area, there were many casual clothes were displayed in glass shelves, like they are high class brand materials. And most surprisingly, all clerks (young boys and girls) were...dancing with the loud club music!
The loud club music is one of the brand's originalities like strong perfume.
But in the U.S, as far as I know, NO clerks were dancing!!
Sometimes I found a girl clerk was folding clothes, drinking COKE...
Abarco was supposed to be a VERY casual shop. However, what's going on here???
I would say, it's like the revolution in Ginza!!!
Basically, I'm not biggest fan of Abacro. So, of course I didn't shop, even not look at price tags.
But I guess you should visit the shop! Regardless you like Abacro clothes or not, you would experience something new.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Annual Greeting
Some people say writing lots of new year's cards is time-consuming and tiring.
But I LOVE to write them!
Even when I was in the U.S, I asked my mom to send Japanese new year's cards. I wrote about 130 cards, and sent while I was visiting Japan( I visited Japan on EVERY Christmas holidays!)
Why do I love the work?
Cause this annual greeting connects me to people who I rarely meet.
Today, I called one of my old friends who lives in Hokkaido. According to her new year's card, something bad happened to her last year.
I couldn't reach her, but I hope I can heal her even a bit to listen to her.
For the better or the worse, I would like to link with them, and keep in touch.
Oh! By the way, I wrote my original messages on the dark blue part of my new year's cards with BLACK pen...so, you might miss my message!
Please check it!!
But I LOVE to write them!
Even when I was in the U.S, I asked my mom to send Japanese new year's cards. I wrote about 130 cards, and sent while I was visiting Japan( I visited Japan on EVERY Christmas holidays!)
Why do I love the work?
Cause this annual greeting connects me to people who I rarely meet.
Today, I called one of my old friends who lives in Hokkaido. According to her new year's card, something bad happened to her last year.
I couldn't reach her, but I hope I can heal her even a bit to listen to her.
For the better or the worse, I would like to link with them, and keep in touch.
Oh! By the way, I wrote my original messages on the dark blue part of my new year's cards with BLACK pen...so, you might miss my message!
Please check it!!
Monday, January 04, 2010
Tokens of Family
My hubby and I had stayed at DHC's Akazawa Onsen in Izu for two nights with my in-law's. We got home today.
In Akazawa Onsen, we had gorgeous dinner, and celebrated my birthday(1/10) and my mother-in-law's birthday(1/20.)
My hubby, me, my father-in-law, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law...five family members are healthy, wealthy??? & clothly ( I made up the word! I mean, "closely") enough to go travelling together on New Year holidays! I felt REALLY happy during the trip!!
Additionally, two objects we got (actually, my parent-in-law bought for us...) made me much happier.
①Self-customized cactus pot! When went to Izu Shaboten Koen ( Izu Cactus Park,) we enjoyed making self-made cactus pots. There were many cactus from small to big, pots, ornaments, and colorful sand. We made original pots respectively. The photo is mine! I used lots of pink, my favorite color!
②Lucky charm of this year's animal, tiger! We found them (there were many kinds) at Izu Glass Museum. My father-in-law bought us each kind. For my hubby and me, this one in the photo! It's called "San-tora(three tigers.)" People say if you have an ornament of three-tigers, you'll get money's luck! We HOPE it would be true!!Three branches of family (my parent-in-law, my hubby and I, and my sister-in-law) have two same objects, even though designs are different. I thought they are like tokens of our family!
With a great start of 2010, I would like to brace myself whenever I see two tokens.
A happy new year, again!!!
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year's Resolutions in 2010
A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I'd like to make a list of my New Year's resolutions, here...to warn myself!
As for study,
1. Passing (finally!) the first grade of EIKEN!
2. Getting (finally!) the perfect score of TOEIC! ...Even if I can't reach it, AT LEAST I should get over 950!
3. Getting the third grade of French certificate! ( I don't have confidence about this at all...)
4. Do listening work for 20 minutes per day!
5. Catch up Japanese & world news in English every day!
As for work,
1. No absence & no lateness as the same as in 2009!
2. Be more profitable teacher!
3. Make my students' dreams come true! Especially, those who work for EIKEN and TOEIC!!
4. Make my students be comfortable & happy to meet me!
5. Communicate more with my co-workers! Chiefly, help Tricia privately! ( We have had male teachers only since I started to work at my school, but she is a girl! I want to hung out with her a lot, and we can do girls' talk ☆)
6. Follow my school's principles of teaching more precisely(especially, for kids' teaching!), attend trainings actively, and keep working to be a better teacher!
7. Getting the Advanced Bronze Award at the Toastmasters, and do public speaking a lot for the time when I get back to the emcee job!
As for private life,
1. Do my good deed for the day to my family & friends, and another deed (for each day!) to my students or acquaintances, even unfamiliar people are counted! (I'm already not sure I can do them...)
2. Try to be elegant all the time, and keep in a good shape! ( I've gained my weights of a few kilo grams since last fall!! I should get in shape...)
3. Try to meet my friends whom I've wanted to meet since I was in America!
( I dreamed of meeting them. But after I came back to Japan, time has just flied!)
4. Go to hospital when I need, and work for the treatment seriously. (It takes time and energy, but I need to do it now!)
5. Talk about positive things only. Complaining is not helpful at all!
6. Be a quick respondent! Do not delay in replying to e-mails or letters! ( I don't have confidence about this, either...)
7. Try to be considerate all the time. Put people around me first. Not myself!
I think if I care for other people's happiness, a kind of "kick-back" happiness comes to me. But it was just hard for me to make it!
There are TONS of resolutions I would like to realize.
How many of them can I achieve at the end of 2010?
I don't think I can fulfill all of them, but I believe I could make an effort if I keep them in my mind.
Oh! I shouldn't forget this resolution!
KEEP THIS BLOG EVERYDAY!!
However, I can't do that already from tomorrow because I'm going to hot spring in Izu, and I can't use the Internet there!
I'd like to make a list of my New Year's resolutions, here...to warn myself!
As for study,
1. Passing (finally!) the first grade of EIKEN!
2. Getting (finally!) the perfect score of TOEIC! ...Even if I can't reach it, AT LEAST I should get over 950!
3. Getting the third grade of French certificate! ( I don't have confidence about this at all...)
4. Do listening work for 20 minutes per day!
5. Catch up Japanese & world news in English every day!
As for work,
1. No absence & no lateness as the same as in 2009!
2. Be more profitable teacher!
3. Make my students' dreams come true! Especially, those who work for EIKEN and TOEIC!!
4. Make my students be comfortable & happy to meet me!
5. Communicate more with my co-workers! Chiefly, help Tricia privately! ( We have had male teachers only since I started to work at my school, but she is a girl! I want to hung out with her a lot, and we can do girls' talk ☆)
6. Follow my school's principles of teaching more precisely(especially, for kids' teaching!), attend trainings actively, and keep working to be a better teacher!
7. Getting the Advanced Bronze Award at the Toastmasters, and do public speaking a lot for the time when I get back to the emcee job!
As for private life,
1. Do my good deed for the day to my family & friends, and another deed (for each day!) to my students or acquaintances, even unfamiliar people are counted! (I'm already not sure I can do them...)
2. Try to be elegant all the time, and keep in a good shape! ( I've gained my weights of a few kilo grams since last fall!! I should get in shape...)
3. Try to meet my friends whom I've wanted to meet since I was in America!
( I dreamed of meeting them. But after I came back to Japan, time has just flied!)
4. Go to hospital when I need, and work for the treatment seriously. (It takes time and energy, but I need to do it now!)
5. Talk about positive things only. Complaining is not helpful at all!
6. Be a quick respondent! Do not delay in replying to e-mails or letters! ( I don't have confidence about this, either...)
7. Try to be considerate all the time. Put people around me first. Not myself!
I think if I care for other people's happiness, a kind of "kick-back" happiness comes to me. But it was just hard for me to make it!
There are TONS of resolutions I would like to realize.
How many of them can I achieve at the end of 2010?
I don't think I can fulfill all of them, but I believe I could make an effort if I keep them in my mind.
Oh! I shouldn't forget this resolution!
KEEP THIS BLOG EVERYDAY!!
However, I can't do that already from tomorrow because I'm going to hot spring in Izu, and I can't use the Internet there!
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