Hi, June has come already!
I said keeping this blog became my custom, but why didn't I do that for a few weeks?
(I always start with an excuse when I have an interval between articles!!)
I've been very busy with preparing the big party of the Toastmasters (still I'm doing that for this upcoming Saturday night,) I had more classes than usual as a substitute, and, the biggest event was...my parents were visiting us!!
They stayed at our place for three days. It was their first time to visit our new condo, and my hubby and I showed them around Tokyo. Surprisingly, my brother showed up from Shizuoka and joined us for one day.
I had a great time, and I found some interesting things about my family.
My dad;
He is retired. He had worked for 40 years as a public librarian. He is very organized, very serious guy... But I found his uniqueness during his visit.
...He is always drinking when he has a meal! Of course, he doesn't drink during breakfast.
However, when we had lunch & dinner, he always tries to find "Sake" corner on the menus in a restaurant. At home, I had bought a bottle of sake, and I believed it was enough for him (out of my family, just he drinks sake, neither of my mom, brother, nor me and my hubby!) for two nights.
...However, at the first night, he almost drank up the 720-milliliter bottle. I had another bottle coincidentally, so it was OK...but I was wondering why he drinks so much during traveling (he is usually moderate in drinking!) and how capable he is. None of us has inherited his "big-drinker" constitution. Even he drinks much (to me,) he doesn't change! He blushes a little, and starts to drift off at night...But he is still quiet as usual. What a mysterious guy!
My mom;
To me and most people, she is a "person who is aloof from the world."
Because her voice is very small & talks very slowly when she speaks on public, rumor has it when I was a kid. My friends said, "Keiko has a maid at her house!"
When they called my house, they believed my mom was a servant because of her very very small voice & polite way of saying.
However, (I don't know why!) when she speaks to family members, she talks with a big voice as if nobody is around us. Also, even though she is a quiet & refined lady, sometimes she talked about people around us as if they don't listen to us, but they are close enough to be able to listen to what she says!
For example, when I go out with her, sometimes I am surprised by she says, "Keiko, look at the girl! (to a young girl with clingy fashion)Is she a slut or something? Why does she reveal her cleavage so much?" or, "How poor the young guy is!! (to a young boy with the baggy clothing) Is he homeless? Why is he wearing a very worn-out clothes?"
...Because she looks a quiet & elegant lady, those young people seem like, "Did she said just slut? homeless? Maybe I misheard! She must not say such a slung!"
...So far, she hasn't been in a trouble about her slips of the tongue.
During her visit, when we were waiting in a line at a restroom of Jindaiji, a temple near my condo, she just said, "Wow! This is a popular place for OLD people!!"
...I'm sure ladies around us heard that, but they just ignored what she said.
My brother;
Basically, he is a very boyish boy. He loves cars, motorbikes, and races. I've been a girlish girl, so we don't share interests, but I knew he is very nice guy. But he might be...too nice?
When he appeared at our home, it was almost noon on Saturday. He had been driving more than three hours from Shizuoka, alone. He said he woke up at 6:00 to walk his dog, do the laundry, and cook breakfast for himself...and his wife. While he is touring my condo, his interests were mostly "kitchen." Looking our new kitchen facilities, like an automatic fish grill, a disposer, he was making comments like a housewife. "...Wasn't he a boyish boy??" I wondered, but I got to know.
His wife became a college student again from last spring, and has studied agriculture very hard.
So, he does many household chores for her even though he is a full-time worker.
I know it's good for her, but I also know it didn't happen recently...even when she didn't study or work, my brother has done many household jobs & even held her belongings whey they go out!!
Don't misunderstand! I don't offend her, but I just felt it's interesting!
What made him such a feminist? Or, is he a so-called "herbivorous guy??"
Family is too close to be discovered their uniqueness.
But since we live apart, I found their customs are not every one's! Maybe mines, too...
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Impromptu short speeches about expo
I have a Toastmasters' meeting tonight and I ain't a prepared speaker.
That means, I have lots of possibilities of "assigning" to be an impromptu speaker.
Today's theme is expo, so, I just want to be prepared for possible questions!
1. Do you have any memories about expo?
Unfortunately, I haven't visited a world exposition so far. However, impressive expo to me is the last one, the world expo in Aichi in 2005. At that time, my husband and I lived in America, so we watched the expo's news with some nostalgia. My in-law's house is in Mie prefecture, so the expo's venue was very near there. We talked, "we wish we lived in Japan! We could visit the world expo, the biggest expo in the world!" I remember, when my husband visited Japan for his business trip just after the expo, he bought cell-phone straps of the expo's characters, Morizo and Kikkoro. In those days, we got tired of living in a foreign country, so everything from Japan looked excellent to us. We said, "Wow! How cute they are! We really miss Japan!!"
However, in 2010, the world expo in Shanghai is being held. I heard the character looked like an American character, then I became feel like I really miss America.
Whenever I hear the world expo's news, what I learn from it is "the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence."
2. Have you visited an expo except for the world expo?
Last year, my friend asked me to go to "the world beauty Japan expo" together. It was held at Makuhari Messe. The expo was basically for people who worked for beauty industries, such as hair stylists, aestheticians, nail stylists, eyelash stylists, and so on. My friend didn't work for a beauty industry as well as me, but her nail stylist gave her two tickets. So, we pretended to be nail stylists, and sneaked into the expo. The expo was so gorgeous. There were so many vendors who introduced top-of-the-line, the latest skincare products, hair styling products, make-up goods, and they gave me samples! We were really excited to get those samples, but the vendors intended to sell those products. We had name tags, and they said we were nail stylists. So, we were asked "hey, you are a nail stylist? Would you like to use our product in your nail saloon?" all the time. When we visited a nail corner, the thing got worse. We couldn't resist to try "gel-nail free trial." But during the time we got free nail art, the "real" nail stylist asked us about professional questions all the time. In exchange for free nail art & free samples of beauty products, we were exhausted by lying and we learned a lesson. " We are supposed to pay much for just one lie."
3. Do you have an idea of invention for an world expo?
Of course I do. I want someone who is very clever to invent something not to... forget.
I am very careless person even though I try not to be. I often leave something on a public space, especially, an umbrella. The pattern is always the same. On a rainy day, when I'm tired, I get on a train. I take a seat, hang my umbrella on a rail, then I fall asleep. When I wake up, I have to dash to get off. After the train leaves, I realize my umbrella is in the train!
I really appreciate if someone can invent a clever tool not to be so forgetful. However, there is one thing I shouldn't forget from the incident. That is the fact I always get my umbrella back. Because Japan is still one of the safest countries in the world, nobody takes my umbrella even I leave it in a train. Also, Japanese station employees are so well-trained to find lost and founds.
I know we can see many update inventions at the world expo, but things human being can't invent are safety, well-trained employees, and maybe positiveness even when I repeat same mistakes.
4. Do you have any thoughts about the world expo in Shanghai?
Yes, I do have some thoughts about it. When the world expo in Shanghai started, my husband and I were in Guam. It was the beginning of Golden Week holidays. We heard there were so many people that they had to get in line for three or four hours to enter a pavilion. We talked,
"Wow! We don't want to visit such a crowded place!" Then, after we came back from Guam, we planned to go to the Gundam Cafe in Akiwabara. As many of you know, Gundam is a very popular animated show featuring a giant robot called "Gundam." Gundam Cafe is just opened a few weeks before, themed the animated program. Like other guys in his generation, my husband really loved Gundam, so he was looking forwarad to having "Amuro ray's pilot lunch" and watching many exclusive plastic models of Gumdam. I followed him to Akiwabara, and we found the cafe...but we also found there were three long lines around the cafe. One is to enter the souvenir shop, another is to buy Gundam-yaki (pancake,) and the other is to enter the cafe and order lunch or tea. The cafe's clerk said, "it must take more than three hours to enter the cafe!!" We were completely overwhelmed to see so many people around the cafe, and my husband was saying, "Where are we? Is this the world expo in Shanghai? So many people from different countries!" Because Gundam is so popular worldwide, we could see many international people waiting for the pavilion...I mean, cafe. So, probably you didn't know, but we have another "world expo" in Akiwabara.
...Sorry for silly answers!!
That means, I have lots of possibilities of "assigning" to be an impromptu speaker.
Today's theme is expo, so, I just want to be prepared for possible questions!
1. Do you have any memories about expo?
Unfortunately, I haven't visited a world exposition so far. However, impressive expo to me is the last one, the world expo in Aichi in 2005. At that time, my husband and I lived in America, so we watched the expo's news with some nostalgia. My in-law's house is in Mie prefecture, so the expo's venue was very near there. We talked, "we wish we lived in Japan! We could visit the world expo, the biggest expo in the world!" I remember, when my husband visited Japan for his business trip just after the expo, he bought cell-phone straps of the expo's characters, Morizo and Kikkoro. In those days, we got tired of living in a foreign country, so everything from Japan looked excellent to us. We said, "Wow! How cute they are! We really miss Japan!!"
However, in 2010, the world expo in Shanghai is being held. I heard the character looked like an American character, then I became feel like I really miss America.
Whenever I hear the world expo's news, what I learn from it is "the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence."
2. Have you visited an expo except for the world expo?
Last year, my friend asked me to go to "the world beauty Japan expo" together. It was held at Makuhari Messe. The expo was basically for people who worked for beauty industries, such as hair stylists, aestheticians, nail stylists, eyelash stylists, and so on. My friend didn't work for a beauty industry as well as me, but her nail stylist gave her two tickets. So, we pretended to be nail stylists, and sneaked into the expo. The expo was so gorgeous. There were so many vendors who introduced top-of-the-line, the latest skincare products, hair styling products, make-up goods, and they gave me samples! We were really excited to get those samples, but the vendors intended to sell those products. We had name tags, and they said we were nail stylists. So, we were asked "hey, you are a nail stylist? Would you like to use our product in your nail saloon?" all the time. When we visited a nail corner, the thing got worse. We couldn't resist to try "gel-nail free trial." But during the time we got free nail art, the "real" nail stylist asked us about professional questions all the time. In exchange for free nail art & free samples of beauty products, we were exhausted by lying and we learned a lesson. " We are supposed to pay much for just one lie."
3. Do you have an idea of invention for an world expo?
Of course I do. I want someone who is very clever to invent something not to... forget.
I am very careless person even though I try not to be. I often leave something on a public space, especially, an umbrella. The pattern is always the same. On a rainy day, when I'm tired, I get on a train. I take a seat, hang my umbrella on a rail, then I fall asleep. When I wake up, I have to dash to get off. After the train leaves, I realize my umbrella is in the train!
I really appreciate if someone can invent a clever tool not to be so forgetful. However, there is one thing I shouldn't forget from the incident. That is the fact I always get my umbrella back. Because Japan is still one of the safest countries in the world, nobody takes my umbrella even I leave it in a train. Also, Japanese station employees are so well-trained to find lost and founds.
I know we can see many update inventions at the world expo, but things human being can't invent are safety, well-trained employees, and maybe positiveness even when I repeat same mistakes.
4. Do you have any thoughts about the world expo in Shanghai?
Yes, I do have some thoughts about it. When the world expo in Shanghai started, my husband and I were in Guam. It was the beginning of Golden Week holidays. We heard there were so many people that they had to get in line for three or four hours to enter a pavilion. We talked,
"Wow! We don't want to visit such a crowded place!" Then, after we came back from Guam, we planned to go to the Gundam Cafe in Akiwabara. As many of you know, Gundam is a very popular animated show featuring a giant robot called "Gundam." Gundam Cafe is just opened a few weeks before, themed the animated program. Like other guys in his generation, my husband really loved Gundam, so he was looking forwarad to having "Amuro ray's pilot lunch" and watching many exclusive plastic models of Gumdam. I followed him to Akiwabara, and we found the cafe...but we also found there were three long lines around the cafe. One is to enter the souvenir shop, another is to buy Gundam-yaki (pancake,) and the other is to enter the cafe and order lunch or tea. The cafe's clerk said, "it must take more than three hours to enter the cafe!!" We were completely overwhelmed to see so many people around the cafe, and my husband was saying, "Where are we? Is this the world expo in Shanghai? So many people from different countries!" Because Gundam is so popular worldwide, we could see many international people waiting for the pavilion...I mean, cafe. So, probably you didn't know, but we have another "world expo" in Akiwabara.
...Sorry for silly answers!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Greenery Days
People wonder which one they should live (or buy), a house or a condo...but I, who have lived both, think both of them have the pro and cons. I mean, totally different!!
Let's focus on the pros today.
Living in a house;
・Having your own land.
・Having the variety of house plans.
・Usually, there are less restrictions...for example, in a condo, basically, you can't have a class in your room or you can't smoke, but you can do anything in your house if your family allows!
・Your parking would be closer to you! Our condo is HUGE, so it takes time to get to our parking space!!
・You don't have to pay service charge or repair savings for a condo.
Living in a condo;
・Nicer seanery if you live in a upper floor. We enjoy seeing Mt.Fuji every day!
・Usually, the proximity to the stations is better than houses in big cities.
・Having various facilities. Our condo has a theater room, a study room, guest rooms like hotel rooms, party rooms, a Japanese tea ceremony room, a sports gym, etc, etc...you can't have so many facilities in your house unless you are quite rich!!
・Nice community, and you can chose to join it or not. If you want to get involve in the condo's community, you can. Even if you don't want to, there are so many other people, so you don't have to! I belong to a French study circle, and I enjoy the activity & socializing people there.
・Better security. Guard men look around a condo all the time, so you feel safer.
Also, another advantage of living in a condo, which I feel the best in this season is...
having huge green space & having people who can take care of!!
Now, it's the season of fresh green. Because our condo's nickname is "greenery mansion," whenever I'm around my condo, I can enjoy seeing various trees & beautiful flowers.
Then, I feel very grateful...for professional people who take care of it. I don't have a green thumb at all. I would say, "I have a gray thumb" cause I tend to kill plants easily. I try to take care of them well, but maybe, I'm a too indulgent mommy? ( I mean, I water them too much??)
My green plants become gray soon, even though it's cactus...
We pay for the service, that's why "green-thumb" professional people take care of our green very well. I know that, but if I live in a house & take care of our garden by myself...it would be an awful garden!!!
I'm not a "girl scout type" girl since I was a kid, so I don't stay outside for a long time usually...
But now, once I step out of my home, I inhale deeply, and feel the green's energy.
Even though I live in a big city...I can be with nature. Frankly speaking, my area is actually "nature area" even it's in Tokyo!! Not only my condo!!
Let's focus on the pros today.
Living in a house;
・Having your own land.
・Having the variety of house plans.
・Usually, there are less restrictions...for example, in a condo, basically, you can't have a class in your room or you can't smoke, but you can do anything in your house if your family allows!
・Your parking would be closer to you! Our condo is HUGE, so it takes time to get to our parking space!!
・You don't have to pay service charge or repair savings for a condo.
Living in a condo;
・Nicer seanery if you live in a upper floor. We enjoy seeing Mt.Fuji every day!
・Usually, the proximity to the stations is better than houses in big cities.
・Having various facilities. Our condo has a theater room, a study room, guest rooms like hotel rooms, party rooms, a Japanese tea ceremony room, a sports gym, etc, etc...you can't have so many facilities in your house unless you are quite rich!!
・Nice community, and you can chose to join it or not. If you want to get involve in the condo's community, you can. Even if you don't want to, there are so many other people, so you don't have to! I belong to a French study circle, and I enjoy the activity & socializing people there.
・Better security. Guard men look around a condo all the time, so you feel safer.
Also, another advantage of living in a condo, which I feel the best in this season is...
having huge green space & having people who can take care of!!
Now, it's the season of fresh green. Because our condo's nickname is "greenery mansion," whenever I'm around my condo, I can enjoy seeing various trees & beautiful flowers.
Then, I feel very grateful...for professional people who take care of it. I don't have a green thumb at all. I would say, "I have a gray thumb" cause I tend to kill plants easily. I try to take care of them well, but maybe, I'm a too indulgent mommy? ( I mean, I water them too much??)
My green plants become gray soon, even though it's cactus...
We pay for the service, that's why "green-thumb" professional people take care of our green very well. I know that, but if I live in a house & take care of our garden by myself...it would be an awful garden!!!
I'm not a "girl scout type" girl since I was a kid, so I don't stay outside for a long time usually...
But now, once I step out of my home, I inhale deeply, and feel the green's energy.
Even though I live in a big city...I can be with nature. Frankly speaking, my area is actually "nature area" even it's in Tokyo!! Not only my condo!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Ghost Whisperer
Every Friday night, I can't help weeping...
Why? Because I watch "Ghost Whisperer!" http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ghost_whisperer/about/
Ghost Whisperer is an American supernatural TV drama. The main character, Melinda, is a young beautiful woman who owns an antique shop. She might look like you, but she is special...she can see spirits! She can talk with ghosts!!
Every ghost wants to tell something to people alive, that's why they are still roaming in this world. Melinda thinks it's her mission to listen to them, and tell their words to people who are related to the ghosts. Doesn't sound scary? But, just imagine! If your loving person (your boyfriend, your husband, your mother, etc...) died accidentally, don't you think s/he would have something to tell you? Don't you think you would like to hear that?
Sometimes people talks Melinda is crazy, but she is strong enough to go on her mission.
She is always brave, generous, and has a great sense of humor! I'm always impressed by her determination, and I'm also impressed by...how her husband, Jim, is a nice guy!
Not only handsome, he loves Melinda so much that he supports her "ghost" mission.
He is a heavyset paramedic. So, he can help her physically & psychologically!
If you watch the show, you may understand what I'm talking about...
First, the ghosts are really scary. But as the story is going on, I get to know the ghost's life. Then, I start to kind of sympathize them.
Last night, ( it was episode 4 of the season 4? by FOX channel of Sky perfect TV,) the main ghost was a vindictive young woman. She wanted to revenge her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her when she was alive. But it turned out he didn't cheat on her, and still loved her for a long time.
Sounds cheesy? Yeah, maybe...but, like me, many people have been impressed by the drama, that's why the drama has been aired "season 4!"
I've been totally behind American TV shows since I came back to Japan, because there is a "time lag" when it comes to watch American shows in Japan.
However, still, I enjoy watching them...Right now, what I watch on (mainly) Sky perfect TV channels are (besides Ghost Whisperer 4,) Glee, http://www.fox.com/glee/ Desperate Housewives 4, http://abc.go.com/shows/desperate-housewives and...oh, it's a "reality" TV show, American Idol! http://www.americanidol.com/
...Oh. That's it? Just few!! I should watch more!!!
Why? Because I watch "Ghost Whisperer!" http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ghost_whisperer/about/
Ghost Whisperer is an American supernatural TV drama. The main character, Melinda, is a young beautiful woman who owns an antique shop. She might look like you, but she is special...she can see spirits! She can talk with ghosts!!
Every ghost wants to tell something to people alive, that's why they are still roaming in this world. Melinda thinks it's her mission to listen to them, and tell their words to people who are related to the ghosts. Doesn't sound scary? But, just imagine! If your loving person (your boyfriend, your husband, your mother, etc...) died accidentally, don't you think s/he would have something to tell you? Don't you think you would like to hear that?
Sometimes people talks Melinda is crazy, but she is strong enough to go on her mission.
She is always brave, generous, and has a great sense of humor! I'm always impressed by her determination, and I'm also impressed by...how her husband, Jim, is a nice guy!
Not only handsome, he loves Melinda so much that he supports her "ghost" mission.
He is a heavyset paramedic. So, he can help her physically & psychologically!
If you watch the show, you may understand what I'm talking about...
First, the ghosts are really scary. But as the story is going on, I get to know the ghost's life. Then, I start to kind of sympathize them.
Last night, ( it was episode 4 of the season 4? by FOX channel of Sky perfect TV,) the main ghost was a vindictive young woman. She wanted to revenge her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her when she was alive. But it turned out he didn't cheat on her, and still loved her for a long time.
Sounds cheesy? Yeah, maybe...but, like me, many people have been impressed by the drama, that's why the drama has been aired "season 4!"
I've been totally behind American TV shows since I came back to Japan, because there is a "time lag" when it comes to watch American shows in Japan.
However, still, I enjoy watching them...Right now, what I watch on (mainly) Sky perfect TV channels are (besides Ghost Whisperer 4,) Glee, http://www.fox.com/glee/ Desperate Housewives 4, http://abc.go.com/shows/desperate-housewives and...oh, it's a "reality" TV show, American Idol! http://www.americanidol.com/
...Oh. That's it? Just few!! I should watch more!!!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Book-hunting, Dress-hunting
On June 5, the Toastmasters Club I belong holds 10th anniversary party at Midtown, Roppongi.
http://keyforce.org/
If you're interested in...please join us!
The KeyForce Toastmasters holds big biannual parties. But this time, it would be huge & different. We have more guests, and the venue is a gorgeous party space for (usually) exclusive use of Roppongi Hills' residents.
I was assigned as a MC of the party.
Lately, I've been busy with preparation for the party...
We've decided to welcome a popular translator of a recent best-seller book, "the Secret"(The Japanese title is "引き寄せの法則,") Miyoko Sano,http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/thesecret/
as a keynote speaker.
Yes, she translated a VERY famous book... Many of my club members said they've already read the book( I introduced two blogs of the members,) but I didn't know about the book!
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/lucida_of_blog/e/14a40ef049ecc703315179d90792850f
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/mahlersymphony8
I should introduce her as an emcee at the party! I need to read it & get to know her!
I wanted to get the original English book and the one she translated. I should go to a big bookstore which has English books, I didn't have time to go there.
So, I opened the Web-site which I hadn't visited for a long time.
Amazon.com!!
When I lived in America, I often visited there. English textbooks of college classes were very expensive, so I bought some used ones from this site.
However, since I came back to Japan, I hadn't used the site because I didn't know...they have TONS of foreign books!!
I clicked to order "used-but-good-condition" books I wanted. I saved my time to stop by a big bookstore & ask a clerk where the books are, and also saved money for getting used ones.
Hey hey, it's amazing!! I just "believed" Amazon.com came in handy only in America to buy Western books...but many Japanese people bought English books abroad, and sell them on line!!
The books will be delivered tomorrow or so.
My first preparation of a party emcee has been done, and I set about the next preparation.
A DRESS!!! Which dress shall I wear at the party???
I intended to wear my used Anna Sui's orange dress. To get a new one for just one party didn't sound reasonable. ...However, a few days ago, one of my closest friends invited me to her wedding!
WEDDING!! I had been a "wedding emcee" even at my friends' wedding receptions, so I used to wear a suit. It's been a long time since I was "a guest" of a wedding! What does a guest wear at a wedding reception?? But, I had some ideas.
My favorite American designer, Betsey Johnson's dress would be gorgeous enough for any parties!
If I can wear it at least for two parties...why don't I get it?
I was looking for the dresses in Guam. But they didn't have an original shop there (Last year, when I visited Maui, they have a shop in a fashion mall, so I could get the one!)
They just have "a few" in a select shop, so I went to the shop in Japan, at Omotesando Hills.
Many of the dresses were very attractive to me.
I wondered & wondered, changed & changed dresses...after almost one hour later!? I chose a sugar pink one.
I ordered the books of the keynote speaker. I got a dress. Thus, am I SO ready for the party??
NO!!! I haven't prepared for my most important job, "talking!!" My job is not dressing up!!
I have to write the script & practice!!!
Even speaking of the books & dress... Can I read two books (English one & Japanese one) until June 5?? I am such a slow reader that I always read one month ago's weekly (English)newspaper
!!(cause I can't catch up with the latest one!!)
About the dress, I can't gain even one pound of my weight!! ALso, do I have a chance to wear it after my friend's wedding?? Can I fit the dress?? I don't know about the future!!
Just enjoy the moment. That's what I do, always...
http://keyforce.org/
If you're interested in...please join us!
The KeyForce Toastmasters holds big biannual parties. But this time, it would be huge & different. We have more guests, and the venue is a gorgeous party space for (usually) exclusive use of Roppongi Hills' residents.
I was assigned as a MC of the party.
Lately, I've been busy with preparation for the party...
We've decided to welcome a popular translator of a recent best-seller book, "the Secret"(The Japanese title is "引き寄せの法則,") Miyoko Sano,http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/thesecret/
as a keynote speaker.
Yes, she translated a VERY famous book... Many of my club members said they've already read the book( I introduced two blogs of the members,) but I didn't know about the book!
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/lucida_of_blog/e/14a40ef049ecc703315179d90792850f
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/mahlersymphony8
I should introduce her as an emcee at the party! I need to read it & get to know her!
I wanted to get the original English book and the one she translated. I should go to a big bookstore which has English books, I didn't have time to go there.
So, I opened the Web-site which I hadn't visited for a long time.
Amazon.com!!
When I lived in America, I often visited there. English textbooks of college classes were very expensive, so I bought some used ones from this site.
However, since I came back to Japan, I hadn't used the site because I didn't know...they have TONS of foreign books!!
I clicked to order "used-but-good-condition" books I wanted. I saved my time to stop by a big bookstore & ask a clerk where the books are, and also saved money for getting used ones.
Hey hey, it's amazing!! I just "believed" Amazon.com came in handy only in America to buy Western books...but many Japanese people bought English books abroad, and sell them on line!!
The books will be delivered tomorrow or so.
My first preparation of a party emcee has been done, and I set about the next preparation.
A DRESS!!! Which dress shall I wear at the party???
I intended to wear my used Anna Sui's orange dress. To get a new one for just one party didn't sound reasonable. ...However, a few days ago, one of my closest friends invited me to her wedding!
WEDDING!! I had been a "wedding emcee" even at my friends' wedding receptions, so I used to wear a suit. It's been a long time since I was "a guest" of a wedding! What does a guest wear at a wedding reception?? But, I had some ideas.
My favorite American designer, Betsey Johnson's dress would be gorgeous enough for any parties!
If I can wear it at least for two parties...why don't I get it?
I was looking for the dresses in Guam. But they didn't have an original shop there (Last year, when I visited Maui, they have a shop in a fashion mall, so I could get the one!)
They just have "a few" in a select shop, so I went to the shop in Japan, at Omotesando Hills.
Many of the dresses were very attractive to me.
I wondered & wondered, changed & changed dresses...after almost one hour later!? I chose a sugar pink one.
I ordered the books of the keynote speaker. I got a dress. Thus, am I SO ready for the party??
NO!!! I haven't prepared for my most important job, "talking!!" My job is not dressing up!!
I have to write the script & practice!!!
Even speaking of the books & dress... Can I read two books (English one & Japanese one) until June 5?? I am such a slow reader that I always read one month ago's weekly (English)newspaper
!!(cause I can't catch up with the latest one!!)
About the dress, I can't gain even one pound of my weight!! ALso, do I have a chance to wear it after my friend's wedding?? Can I fit the dress?? I don't know about the future!!
Just enjoy the moment. That's what I do, always...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Relation between Loneliness and Friends
When I was a teenager, I was so shy that I was not good at making friends.
I guess I was not a very unusual girl. I was just a common girl. My first impression was always good(I heard so;), so it was OK to meet new people & be acquainted...But, I myself, felt awkward when I hung up with my friends.
When I was in my late teens, I noticed friends were not people who covered my loneliness.
"Depending" or "leaning on" relationship helps nothing. Basically, we're living alone. But if we are compatible, or have a common thing, we can help each other. Not only help, but we can refresh & relax each other, or sometimes improve each other.
When I noticed the healthy friendship was a mutual relationship of independent people (Not a one-way depending or something,) I became able to make true friends.
Also, I learned (mostly, from classical literature or psychology books) "loneliness" means nothing to me. I had (still, but I'm talking about when I was a late-teenager!)a wonderful family and I didn't have a major unhappiness. "Why do I have to feel lonely? Instead of this useless lonely feeling, I should have a positive happy feeling!"
...Since then, one of my philosophies has been "Don't worry about I don't have to worry."
As I get older, I noticed what I want from my friends.
Some people hang out with their friends often, but I've not been that type.
There were eras when I met same friends three times a week or call often & talk for a long time...
But, after we got married, we started to share a lot of time with our families.
Then, recently, another question came to my mind.
"Family members share our lives. But friends...I can chose the distance between them. How much distance should I keep?"
Because the loneliness of my teenage days hasn't disappeared completely in the inner myself.
I have no idea what triggers to me...but sometimes, suddenly, I really miss my friends or feel like I should make new friends.
I know I should do care for my friends more if I need to be cared from them...but how selfish!
Usually, I just think about myself, but sometimes I really want my friends to think about...me??
I don't know...
Probably, one song describes my "ideal distance" between my friends.
It's sang by Japanese R&B artists, DOUBLE and AI. The title is exactly "friends," as I remembered... They sing, "We can't meet often, but I often think about you. When I meet you, you relax & inspire me. When I don't meet you, your spirit makes me drive. We don't need each other all the time, but when I need you, you help me. When you need me, I'm with you."
I want to be strong enough to light my friends. To be so, what I can do now is to open myself, widen my horizon, and try to understand the world & people...probably.
I guess I was not a very unusual girl. I was just a common girl. My first impression was always good(I heard so;), so it was OK to meet new people & be acquainted...But, I myself, felt awkward when I hung up with my friends.
When I was in my late teens, I noticed friends were not people who covered my loneliness.
"Depending" or "leaning on" relationship helps nothing. Basically, we're living alone. But if we are compatible, or have a common thing, we can help each other. Not only help, but we can refresh & relax each other, or sometimes improve each other.
When I noticed the healthy friendship was a mutual relationship of independent people (Not a one-way depending or something,) I became able to make true friends.
Also, I learned (mostly, from classical literature or psychology books) "loneliness" means nothing to me. I had (still, but I'm talking about when I was a late-teenager!)a wonderful family and I didn't have a major unhappiness. "Why do I have to feel lonely? Instead of this useless lonely feeling, I should have a positive happy feeling!"
...Since then, one of my philosophies has been "Don't worry about I don't have to worry."
As I get older, I noticed what I want from my friends.
Some people hang out with their friends often, but I've not been that type.
There were eras when I met same friends three times a week or call often & talk for a long time...
But, after we got married, we started to share a lot of time with our families.
Then, recently, another question came to my mind.
"Family members share our lives. But friends...I can chose the distance between them. How much distance should I keep?"
Because the loneliness of my teenage days hasn't disappeared completely in the inner myself.
I have no idea what triggers to me...but sometimes, suddenly, I really miss my friends or feel like I should make new friends.
I know I should do care for my friends more if I need to be cared from them...but how selfish!
Usually, I just think about myself, but sometimes I really want my friends to think about...me??
I don't know...
Probably, one song describes my "ideal distance" between my friends.
It's sang by Japanese R&B artists, DOUBLE and AI. The title is exactly "friends," as I remembered... They sing, "We can't meet often, but I often think about you. When I meet you, you relax & inspire me. When I don't meet you, your spirit makes me drive. We don't need each other all the time, but when I need you, you help me. When you need me, I'm with you."
I want to be strong enough to light my friends. To be so, what I can do now is to open myself, widen my horizon, and try to understand the world & people...probably.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Likable, capable, & unbelievable!
When people describe him, there are lots of adjectives are used, like I used as a title.
He has SO complementable...no, complementary skills & lovable personality.
He name is...Ryo Ishikawa.
If you live in Japan, you absolutely know him.
Even if you aren't Japanese, you would know him if you like golf.
He is a 18-year-old professional golfer, who already won seven Japanese titles in his career.
He just made the lowest score in a major tour event ten days ago. This brilliant news appeared as a top sports news, not only in Japan, but also on American Yahoo screen page.
...I would say, he's a"superstar." Not "a professional golfer!
Although he is still a teenager, he was the top at the money list of Japan Golf Tour Organization last year.
Also, he is VERY popular because of his courteous & friendly attitude.
He's assertive, honest, but never offends someone or something.
Whenever he talks, people signs with admiration, and whispers, "Why is he SO perfect?"
Yesterday, when I watched show business news( Ryo Ishikawa is an athlete, but he is so popular that he appears on "show biz" news!,) he was asked "whose concert do you want to go?"
He answered, "AKB because we're in the same generation, and they work really hard."
AKB is an idol group of young girls. If a common 18-year-old boy said, "I want to go to AKB's concert," he would sound like a fan boy 0r groupie. It's so cliche that "a young boy likes young cute girls' singing group."
However, when Ryo Ishikawa said so, he sounded as if he said, "I want to go to Chagall's exhibition."
What I want to say is...he sounds so sophisticated & nice whatever he says!
Look at his words! Because he didn't just say, "I want to go to AKB's concert." He added,"because we're in the same generation and they work really hard."
It's not his "trick." Since he is a really nice guy, he cares for those young girls as well as he always does to other people.
I've admired him since he became famous. On my "inspiration corner" of my pocket book, there are many of his articles.
I would like to follow his inspirational achievements...but he is too great for me to follow.
So, I decided to follow one of his daily customs.
That is...sleeping eight hours every day! He said,"Even when I'm really busy, I sleep for eight hours. That's why I can keep up with my performance."
I was a complete night owl (as you can see the time I published articles of my blog!)
But recently, I've tried to go to bed around 11:00pm. I need to wake up 7:00 in the morning, so I can sleep for eight hours, not including a nap!
I studied & wrote this blog at night, but I've convinced myself,"Night is the time to sleep! Daytime is the time to work!!
...Nobody sees it's related to a superstar golfer, but to me, it is.
He has SO complementable...no, complementary skills & lovable personality.
He name is...Ryo Ishikawa.
If you live in Japan, you absolutely know him.
Even if you aren't Japanese, you would know him if you like golf.
He is a 18-year-old professional golfer, who already won seven Japanese titles in his career.
He just made the lowest score in a major tour event ten days ago. This brilliant news appeared as a top sports news, not only in Japan, but also on American Yahoo screen page.
...I would say, he's a"superstar." Not "a professional golfer!
Although he is still a teenager, he was the top at the money list of Japan Golf Tour Organization last year.
Also, he is VERY popular because of his courteous & friendly attitude.
He's assertive, honest, but never offends someone or something.
Whenever he talks, people signs with admiration, and whispers, "Why is he SO perfect?"
Yesterday, when I watched show business news( Ryo Ishikawa is an athlete, but he is so popular that he appears on "show biz" news!,) he was asked "whose concert do you want to go?"
He answered, "AKB because we're in the same generation, and they work really hard."
AKB is an idol group of young girls. If a common 18-year-old boy said, "I want to go to AKB's concert," he would sound like a fan boy 0r groupie. It's so cliche that "a young boy likes young cute girls' singing group."
However, when Ryo Ishikawa said so, he sounded as if he said, "I want to go to Chagall's exhibition."
What I want to say is...he sounds so sophisticated & nice whatever he says!
Look at his words! Because he didn't just say, "I want to go to AKB's concert." He added,"because we're in the same generation and they work really hard."
It's not his "trick." Since he is a really nice guy, he cares for those young girls as well as he always does to other people.
I've admired him since he became famous. On my "inspiration corner" of my pocket book, there are many of his articles.
I would like to follow his inspirational achievements...but he is too great for me to follow.
So, I decided to follow one of his daily customs.
That is...sleeping eight hours every day! He said,"Even when I'm really busy, I sleep for eight hours. That's why I can keep up with my performance."
I was a complete night owl (as you can see the time I published articles of my blog!)
But recently, I've tried to go to bed around 11:00pm. I need to wake up 7:00 in the morning, so I can sleep for eight hours, not including a nap!
I studied & wrote this blog at night, but I've convinced myself,"Night is the time to sleep! Daytime is the time to work!!
...Nobody sees it's related to a superstar golfer, but to me, it is.
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