Today's words [Crosswalk]

> Crosswalk
- A path for pedestrians crossing a road

Today's words [Synonym, Stand up]

> Synonym
- A word that has the same or almost the same meaning as another word

> Stand up
- (Informal) To fail to keep a date with
Ex)) I'm not going to see him again. He stood me up.

Today's words [Guarantee]

> Guarantee
- To promise to do something

*Check words:
Applicant, Ask for the clarification

Today's words [Interest, Deposit]

> Interest
- The additional money that you are charged and must be pay back when you borrow meney
- The extra money that you pay back when you borrow money or that you receive when you invest money

> Deposit
- A sum of money that is paid by sb when they rent sth and that is returned to them if they do not lose or damage the thing they are renting.
- A sum of money that is given as the first part of a larger payment.
- A sum of money that is paid into a bank account.

Today's words [Excessive]

> Excessive
- Greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate; extreme
>> Excessively

Today's words [Quarter, Specialize]

> Quarter
- A period of one-fourth of a year, which can be used in reference to an academic or business term

> Specialize
- To become an expert in a particular area of work, study or business; to spend more time on one area of work, etc. than on others
>> Specializaiton

Today's words [Review]

> Review
- To go over information you have previously studied in order to refresh your memory or prepare for an exam

Today's words [Musical, Appetizing, Blemish, Pimple]

> Musical
- A theatrical production in which a story is told with songs and dances

("Theatreical" sounds like "Thea-re-tical"!)

> Appetizing
- (of food, etc.) that smells or looks attractive; making you feel hugry or thirsty
Ex)) The apetizing aroma of my mom's hand-made hamburger steak

>> Appetizer
- A small amount of food or a drink that you have before a meal

> Blemish
- A mark on the skin or on an object that spoils it and makes it look less beautiful or perfect
Ex)) Make-up to cover blemishes

> Pimple
- A small raised spot on the skin

Today's words [Agriculture, Tow]

> Agriculture
- The study or practice of culticating land and rasing crops to produce food

> Tow
[as Verb]
- To pull a car or boat behind another vehicle, using a rope or chain
Ex)) Our car was/got towed away by the police.
[as Noun]
- An act of one vehicle pulling another vehicle using a rope or chain
Ex)) The car broke down and we had to get somebody to give us a tow

Today's words [Checkup, Overhaul, Nerve-racking]

> Checkup [NG: Communication]
- A physical examination that people regularly get in order to make sure they are healty

> Overhaul
- An examination of a machine or system, including doing repairs on it or making changes to it
Ex)) A radical overhaul of the tax system is necessary

> Nerve-racking/Nerve-wracking [Sound: No-Bracking]
- Making you feel very nervous and worried
Ex)) The audition was totally nerve-wracking

Today's words [Address, Electric engineering, Electrician]

> Address
- Information such as the street number, city, and postal code that is used to send mail to a person or organization.

> Electric engineering
- The design and building of machines and systems that use or produce electricity
- The study of this subject

> Electrician
- A person whose job is to connect, repair, etc. electrical equipment

Today's words [Apologize]

> Apologize [NG: Apolozise]
- To say that you are sorry for actions that have caused inconvenience to others.

Today's words [Order, Balm]

> Order
- To request something to be made or supplied, or request a service to be provided.

> Balm
- A liquid, cream, et. that has a pleasant smell and is used to make wounds less painful or skin softer.
Ex) Skin balm, Lip balm

Today's words [Organization, Impose, Sanction, Counterargument]

> Organization
- A group such as a business or charity formed to achieve a particular aim.

* Check these later...

> Impose, Sanction
Ex)) We impose sanctions on them.

> Jeopardize
Ex)) I think it will jeopardize our relationship with them.

> Counterargument
Ex)) She proposed a counterargument.

Today's words [Fever]

> Fever (NG: Feaver)
- Abnormally high body temperature, which a person with a cold or flu might have.

Today's words [Nutrition, Antonym, Generate]

>Nutrition
- The science that examines how food helps keep a person alive and healthy.
[Ant]>> Malnutrition
- A poor condition of health caused by a lack of food or a lack of the right type of food

>Antonym
- A word that means the opposite of another word.
[Ant]>> Synonym

>Generate
- To produce or create sth
[Ex] generate electricity / heat / power / income / profit / ideas / interest etc...

Today's words [Secretary]

Secretary [miss spelled: "securatery"]
- A person whose job is taking care of basic clerical work such as answering phone calls and setting up meetings.

Today's words [Estimate, Competence, Brochure]

To roughly guess the amount, size, extent, or value of something.
>> "Estimate"

Competence
>> "the ability / talent to do something well" (~in sth/doing sth)
Ex)) His competence in coping with a problem
[Syn] Ability (actual skill to do sth) / Capacity (include the future possibility) / Capability (more formal than "capacity") / Power (include the meaning of "strength" or "force")

Brochure
>> "a small magazine or book containing picture and information about sth or advertising sth"
Ex)) travel brochures / corporate brochures

Today's words [Jail, Paralegal]

What is...
- A place that holds criminals or people who are accused of having committed a crime and are waiting for a trial.

Answer: "Jail"

New word: "Paralegal"
- A person who is trained to help a lawyer.

New phrase: "What got XX a position?"
= Why can she get the job? (What the reason?)

Today's words [Counselor, Pharmacy, Insight]

Who is...
- A person who gives advice and helps people who are having problems

>> Error in spelling
NG: Counceller -> OK: Counselor

Where is...
- A pharmacy

>> Description
A shop/store, or a place in a hospital that sells medicines & drugs

A person who works at a pharmacy -> Chemist (BrE) / Druggist (AmE)
("Chemist (or Drugstore)" also means a shop/store that sells soap, make-up, etc... besides medicines)

What is...
- Insight

>> Description
An understanding of what sth is like
Ex)) The book gives us fascinating insights into life in Mexico.
[Approving] The ability to see & understand the truth about people or situations
Ex)) A writer of great insight

Curator & Clerk

Today's WORD --->>

[Curator]
A person who is in charge of a museum or gallery collection.

*NG choice
[Clerk]
A person whose job is to keep the records or accounts in an office, shop or store etc.
A person whose job is dealing with people arriving at or leaving a hotel. (SYN: Receptionist)

The word and the explanation above are from a free software of TOEIC test.
With this software, I can try three quizes regarding TOEIC test problem everyday.
For my record, I am going to include new words in an entry from now on.

Test

It's just a testing if my mobile blog would work.

Toy Story 3

I couldn't wait. I went to a movie theatre to watch a movie "Toy Story 3" !!

I fall in love with Woody again... He's so cool and lovely...
And the funniest part is when Buzz starts speaking Spanish!
So funny...

I really wanted the real size doll of Woody...
Yet I gave up about it since I still have many stuffed animals at home.

Someday soon, I'm gonna watch the movie 2!

Good Wednesday

Yesterday, I stayed up really late since I kept watching a World Cup game...
The team work of "Samurai" Japan really moved my feeling.
I just want to say "thank you" and "wish you have enough rest now."

Then today was Wednesday, "No Over-work Day" of my company.
So, I left my office around 6 p.m. and watched a DVD with my mother at home.

The DVD was... "Toy Story 1"!
Woddy, a cowboy doll, and Buzz, a space hero doll, begin fighting for the position of their master's favorite toy. Yet they gradually notice each other's value and charm when they overcome their trouble together.

I love it. Woody and Buzz are really charming, and their conversations are very funny!

"To Infinity and the Beyond!"

"It's not flying. It's falling. With a style."

There were many phrases that made me try to memorize.
Next time, I will watch it with English subtitle.

I love you, Woddy & Buzz!!

Toy Boom!

It's almost the end of June.
July, Summer is about to come!

One of the topic I'm interested in is... "Toy Story 3," the movie!
I watched 1 and 2 just partly somehow, but each character left a strong impression on me and I couldn't forget the good taste.
I checked the trailer and the leaflet, and I felt sure about that it would be great work.

I want to see Woody~~~!! Buzz~!!!

I'm not sure if I should go to a theatre or wait until it comes out as a DVD...
Yet I might not be able to wait... XD

Humid...

Japan is in the rainy season now.
It doesn't mean being rainy all the time, but this and the last weekend were both rainy.

I was hoping the weather turns to be sunny and then I can take a walk.
Yet I had to stay home and so I was concentrated in preparing for our family's dinner!

During cooking, I won't need to think about anything else, just think about cooking.
Therefore, I like cooking. It's my refreshing time.

Get Frustrated with My PC

I got frustrated with my PC because it kept freezing.
Yet I noticed my anti-virus software was working for checking if there is any virus.

Now I'm enjoying the usual high-speed network.

Japan Won!

In the World Cup, Japan got another prize!

During the game, I was sleeping.
Yet I woke up because of my father's happy cry!
(He was watching the game on TV...)

Can't Give Up!

I had been pressed by work since I had a paid holiday on last Friday.
As soon as I finished one pile of tasks, new task is added although there are still other piles of jobs.
To make matters worse, problems and urgent requests came out and I needed to work on those too.

I got panics, was afraid of making another problem, and wanted to get away from there.

But it's job. It took pretty long time but I could calm down myself and back to work.

Believe there is a way to over come the bad situation.

No More Power Left...

It is 9:30 p.m. now.
I am about to leave my office.
I had soooooooooooooo many tasks for today...

I don't have any more power... I need rest.

Sukiyaki

My company had a "cheering-up party" from 6:00 p.m.
The reason of "cheering-up" is that we ended in third at the softball tournament we had on June 12th.

"Next time, we WILL BE THE TOP!!"

We made a toast, and ate Sukiyaki together.

It was delicious, but I won't need meat for the time being... X-(

Prayer

5) Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.
6) I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
7) I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
8) You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9) Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.
10) My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction.

14) But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
15) My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
16) Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

--- Quoted from Psalm 31. For my prayer.
I pray that I become being depending the God's strength, not mine.
And someday soon, the verses below becomes a prayer from bottom of my heart.

19) How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Hard-boiled Novel

Yesterday, I borrowed a novel titled "Itsuka, Niji no Mukou e" ("Someday, Over the Rainbow" in English) at a nearest city library.

I chose this book because of the book cover design and the title.
Both atmosphere made me think that it is a kind of heartwarming and moving story.

However, it was a hard-boiled mystery novel.
Drinks, drags, violence, Japanese violent gangs were included in the story.
I was not good at such painful settings, but could not stop reading it.
It was because that it had not only painful but also heartwarming story.

I was pretty exhausted after finishing the reading of this story, but satisfied with it.

Way to Go!

Today was my paid holiday, and the biggest event is my cooking for my family!

I made two dishes. "Shabushabu" salad and "Ume" fried rice.

"Shabushabu" is one way of cooking meat. Dipping and waving lightly paper-thin sliced meat in the boild wather. The name of "Shabushabu" may be come from the sound when we do the dipping and waving. And for today's "Shabushabu" salad, I did "shabushabu" not only for the meat but also for lettace. Then we ate both of them after dipping those in a special "shabushabu" source.

"Ume" is Japanese plum which has tart taste.
As food, we usually use them as Ume-boshi, pickled plum.
Today, I use it in fried rice.

Those two dishes were really delicious, and I was so happy to made them!!

A Day Before A Holiday

Tomorrow is my paid holiday.

To be ready for my absence, I had so much tasks I needed to finish.
In the end, I left my office around 9 p.m. today.
I was the last one of girls.

Dry Eyes

I had dry eyes. Especially today.

At my office, I frequently watch the monitor of PC all day.
After coming back home, I use the Internet for googling and updating my blog on daily basis.

Also, I stared at PC monitor today to reserve the seats of "Wicked" the musical for my mother.
We discussed which day and seat would be the best, checked the available seats for each possible day...

Finally, somehow we decided and made a reservation.
I'm relieved! My eyes need to take a rest!

Unexpected Incident

My mother asked her best friend to go to see a musical called "Wicked."
As you know when you read my older posting, the trigger was my birthday present for her.
We checked the performance schedule, and my mother sent a letter to ask her best friend to go with her.

Today, she received a letter from the friend, and there was a surprising fact.

"Unbelievable! I was longing to go to see the musical! I'm so glad that you asked me!"

Wow! I could made the friend happy besides my mother!

My mother said "I had never thought that she is interested in a musical..."
It means, my mother expected that she declines her offer.
So, this is really surprising and happy incident!

My Talent

My junior is more useful assistant than me.
She is good at managing time and mental condition, and have wide knowledge of a computer.

Today, some salesmen were in trouble to open WORD file that is attached to their e-mail.
The reason was the difference of the version.
The attached file was new, and was not compatible with their PC.

I thought they should ask the person who send the e-mail to send the file as the older type again.
However, my junior looked for a free software to open the file on the Internet, and found it.

The salesmen were surprised and said "Oh, you're really useful!"

I can't compete with her in topics of IT...
I must be useful in English... It would be only one talent I can appeal!
Yet I need to polish my English skill more to make the talent valuable.

My Decison

It is rainy all day today.
I love the sounds of rain.
It comforts me and helps me to be still and think about deep inside of my heart.

These days, I had been mentally unstiable.
I had been irritated, not feel like doing anything, always tired and sleepy.
One thing I had been doing was checking the information and watching TV program of ARASHI, my favorite idol group.
It had been only one thing that I could feel doing.

Yet it didn't help me to be steable.
I began to fear and be nervous to communicate with others.
I had been afraid of making any mistakes in the communication and being disliked.

And so, I finally decided to call for God's help.
I knew He waited for me, but I had hesitated to see Him.
I think it because I need to give up ARASHI to choose Him.
I loved ARASHI more than God, and I knew He doesn't like it.

But I knew that I need Him, not ARASHI, to get mentally steable condition.
I can love myself, other people, and my life, if He protest about my value.

So, I gave up being interested in ARASHI, at least until the end of this month.

Softball Tournament

I got up at 5:00 a.m. in this morning.

I needed to join a softball tournament as a member of my company's softball team.
There are nine teams for this tournament to compete each other, and all teams are from agents of a manufacturing company.

It was very, very sunny day (but it was also windy and so pretty cool in the shade.)
So I got suntanned, especially on the top of my nose although I put some sumscreen!

Though, tomorrow will be rainy day.
Actually, the rainy season of Japan may start tomorrow...

With My Family

Tonight, my family spent time together.

I met my father inside of the bus on the way back to home.
We had a supper together, and my mother and my sister also joined to watch TV drama after the supper.

Tomorrow is our company's softball tournament.
I need to get up earlier than usual, and so I go to bed soon!

Mom's Birthday

Today, June 10, is my mother's birthday.

This year, I gave her three presents!

1) A birthday card with my message. A poem is on the back of the card, and it is the only one designe in the world. I bought the precious card from an artist before.

2) A birthday cake. I ordered via Internet the delivery of a birthday card. (Look at the picture on the right!)

3) A musical ticket. I told my mother that I give you two ticket of the musical "Wicked," and so choose the date and time you would like to go.
Then you can go out with someone you like and have relaxed time.

My mother looked so surprised but seemed to be glad.
I sartisfied with her reaction, and so I was happy too!

Relaxed at My Favorite Cafe

It's sunny and warm day today.
I'm posting this journal at my office now.

I went to Saint Mark Cafe for my lunch today.
Actually, I went there yesterday and a day before yesterday too.
Indeed, I LOVE the cafe.

My favorite points of the cafe is...

1. Having seats at the counter facing the window.
I don't need to feel any pressure to have a lunch by myself at such a seat.
Also, It is pretty fun to watch people outside of the window.

2. The price of the foods (which is mainly breads) is reasonable.
The lunch set, one or two breads and one drink can be bought with one coin, 500yen.

3. The manager is a beautiful woman. I'm happy to see her! ;-)

I wish I could work for the cafe someday! (Laugh)

Surprising Guest

In this afternoon, my sales partner asked me to buy three cakes for his guests.
(The picture is the roll cake I chose which is called "Doujima Roll.")

I didn't know who the guests would be.
(Assistants are usually not involved in a meeting with visitors.)

Yet my partner called me to give the visitors a word of greeting and my business card.
When I entered the visitor's room, I found a business aquintance I'm pretty familier with.

"Hi, I had talked with you on a phone, but now I see you!" He said.
"Wow, I finally met you! I had been longing this moment!" I replyed.
"Thank you for your cheerful talk on a phone although the talk ought to be mainly related to our business." I added.
Then my partner said to me, "I didn't know that you had such happy talk with him!" with his surprising voice.

Today's guest is the man who shows me that it is good to have idol conversation besides topics of the business we're dealing with.
He always asked me "how do you do?" or "what's new with you?" on the phone and help me enjoy having conversation with him.

So, I was glad to meet him!

Acceptance of an Application Started

ARASHI LIVE TOUR 2010, the application is now able to be accepted.

ARASHI is my favorite idol group as I explained the older post.
Live concert would be the most appealing moment of their activity.
Now, they have more than seven hundreds of thousands of fans, and it is very difficult to get their concert ticket.

I wish I could win in the drawing!!!!!

Golf

Today, I went to a driving range with my father to practice my swing for a golf game.

I had never been interested in golf until I start my work.
I decided to know about golf since I noticed that golf is one of major communication tool for general business men.
In short, I'm trying to be close to men of my office.
Since I can't be involved in technical topics of the goods we're dealing with and don't seem to be familiar with baseball which is another major topic for Japanese business men, "golf" may be the last tool to break the ice and be a better working mate to men.

Even though I asked to teach how to play golf to my father IN THIS MORNING, he took care of me at a driving rage today.
He also gave me books explain how to play golf before our dinner time.

I was pretty glad for his attitude since we are generally not close although we are in family relatioship.

Shopping

Today, my mother, my younger sister and I, three of us went to shopping together.
It had been a long time since we got together for shopping last time.
We have different time schedules and relationships now.

We went to the south area of Osaka.
Checking items of shops, having lunch, looking around shops again, having tea time, and finally, buying what we checked and desided to get.
It's the settled schedule for our shopping.

We ate Okonomi-yaki and Yaki-soba for lunch and chose tarts (cakes) for sweets at our tea time.

We were exhausted because of walking for such a long time, but sartisfied.

* The picture is one of my purchased items. A soundtrack CD of "My Girl" - a Japanese TV drama.

Moving

I had a changing the seating arrangements at my office.

After 5:00 p.m., the scheduled time of finishing our business in a day, one of my superior made an announcement with his loud voice.

"Please begin moving as soon as you can!"

Another superior began bringing his stuffs toward the desk besides me because it was not belong to anybody and was ready to accept.
I knew I was not able to concentrate on my jobs anymore, and I started my moving.

"Why are you so excited?"

Somebody asked me so. I just love moving physically with others for one purpose.
Wondering about troubles or happenings occurs alongside of moving...
Smiles we have when we help each other during moving...
Refreshed and reasonably exhausted feeling after the moving is completed...

I love such a feeling.

My Lost Ring

Today, I didn't receive any order or inquiry from the customer that I'm in the handover process.
So, there were not so big trouble, and I left my office around 6:00 p.m.

I didn't go straight to my home, but went to a performing theater where I left my ring on last Saturday.
Since I told about my ring before going, the staffs brought it as soon as I reach there.

It was only one ring I have, and so I was really happy that I didn't lost it.

Frequent Change of the Leader in Japan

No way... The top of Japan is going to change again!

To make a better image of his own party in next election?

For such a reason... I can't understand why he resigned NOW.

This morning's TV news showed the scene that Mr. Hatoyama made a thumbs-up with smile when reporters asked about the possibility of his resignation.

I thought he wasn't give up on his tasks yet...

Or, is it the sign of his happiness to be able to get off the complicated problems he was dealing with?

I'm afraid that I don't like Politic topics and usually change TV channel when political news is on TV.

Even though, today's top news was really shocking for me...

* Check the news on the web page below!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100602/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_politics

First Day

My handover process finally started today.

Last spring, I failed to handover one job completely from my senior assistant.
I had been feeling really sorry for the senior since I couldn't help her by decreasing the amount of her tasks.
Now, the same senior who tried to handover her job last year is trying to teach me how to manage the new job for me.

This time, I can't fail.

So, I had been very nervous while my senior was explaining about the job.
I frequently stopped her explanation to take notes and ask questions.
I reviewed my notes and looked over the manuals after her explanation finished.

Today, actions I needed to take was just listening and taking notes.
From tomorrow, I will be involved in the practical actions.

I'm still nervous, but excited at the same time.

Last Day of May 2010

From tomorrow, my handover period from my senior assistant starts.
To not be regretted for the free time I had, I had enjoyed the past one week as much as I can.
I watched my favorite TV programs, went to classic concerts, a musical, and Karaoke.
And today, the last day, I spent time at home with my mother.
We watched one of my favorite variety show and after that, watched photos of my friend's wedding ceremony.

Well, now I'm going to go to bed. Be ready for tomorrow!

Gospel CD in Japan

In Japan, Christianity is a minor religion.
I mean, even if Japanese people know about Christianity, they take it as a "foreign" religion.
Therefore, I seldom find goods related to Christianity in Japanese shops.

Yet, I found one today.

It was when I was doing window-shopping at a CD and DVD shop.
On the "healing music" corner, there is one Gospel CD titled "Golden Praise -In His Time-" among other healing CDs.
I couldn't believe that I found "Gospel" CD at Japanese general store and so I tried listening tracks of the CD, and yes, IT IS Gospel CD indeed!
Also, it had a catch copy that says "a healing CD especially recommended for a medical healing."

I was really happy.
Such minor genre of music, Gospel, is now ready to be taken by general people who don't know the message of Gospel.
Since the tracks are all sang in English, many listeners might not understand the lyrics.
Yet the message of the songs may stay in their hearts and they may realize the meanings.

I LOVE music. I KNOW Gospel in Christianity is the one we need.
So, I hope the CD could appeal to as many senses as possible in Japan.

Wicked

Today, I went to see a musical titled "Wicked" in Osaka.

It's an another story of the famous musical "the Wizard of Oz."
In another word, it's "the Wizard of Oz" talked from a different point of view.

Anyway, I checked the summary of "the Wizard of Oz" on Internet to prepare for enjoying the musical "Wicked."
(I wish I could save a time for reading the novel of "the Wizard of Oz...)

I didn't have so high expectation, but the result is more than I supposed.
(Actually, I was almost crying at the finale...!!)
It has really reasonable and happy ending.
Also, I satisfied to know background reasons of "the Wizard of Oz"'s story.

I especially recommend this musical to whom in trouble to make good relationships!

Feeling Tired...

I have been so sleepy throughout the day.
Because of the feeling, I could not concentrate on my job, had a little bit headache and was not hungry.

Tonight, my favorite idol group, ARASHI, sang in a TV show, but I gave up watching it on time although I had been longing to watch it.

I need good sleep. Good Night...

Karaoke

My favorite thing is singing. And the essential place to manage my stress is "Karaoke."

"Karaoke" is a place to sing songs where microphones, TV monitor that the lyrics is showed, and music box are prepared.
There are not only Japanese song, but also English, Korean and Chinese songs in the music boxes.
We can choose songs we like and the instrumental version (of the song) begins, and we can just put our singing voice on the music.

Today, I went there with my junior of the company I belong to.
We spent one and half hour together, and it was very exciting although it was the very first time to go out with her in private

Note: the picture above is the Karaoke room I used today!

First Classic Concert Played by Professionals

Today I went to a classic concert with my mother.
Music of the concert is played by a famous band which is called "Vienna Symphony orchestra."
Yet our target is to see one young Japanese violinist's performance.

His name is Ryu Goto. Even though he is Japanese, he lives in U.S. and attends to Harvard University.
I knew him through an article on a newspaper, and was interested in him who told that I want to make my concert enjoyable even if it could be breaking classic traditions since my audience chose to come by paying the fee.
I'm a beginner as a classic listener, but I might be able to enjoy his concert... I thought.

It was pretty expensive, but now I felt it was valuable decision.
I don't have enough time to describe how I feel about the performance, but I just want to say that it was good experience.

Free-Time Before Facing My New Task

These days, I have finished my work at officially scheduled time.
This means that I have much time to use for my private.
However, such condition will be ended since I will take a new task next month.
The task would be pretty complicated one, and I may not be used to it so easily.

Hence, I decided to enjoy this last week as much as I can!

Monday, I went to Karaoke box by myself, sang, sang, and sang by myself for an hour.
Today, I watched a very beautiful and moving TV drama that I was longing to watch.
Tomorrow, I will take half day off to go to a classic concert with my mother.
Thursday, I will go to Karaoke, this time, with one of my junior.
Friday, I can watch a TV program that my favorite artist, ARASHI, is planed to sing a new song they recently released.
Saturday, I will go to see a popular musical named "Wicked" with my friend.

Yeah~~~~!!!!

Various Type of Study Kit

Japan is a country which is full of study kit for English learners.
The opportunity or situation to use English skill in Japan is still rare.
However, we are able to polish our language skill through various type of study kit in Japan.
We have books, CDs, DVDs, TV programs, and schools to learn English.

Indeed, I have many books and CDs for English study.
Even though, many of them are not completed yet but just have been my collection.
I'm always failing in keeping studying with one teaching material. X-(

Today, I found an piece of information about a weekly newspaper written in English.
It is printed in full-color, has vocabulary list, summary of article, or full-translation in need.
It has quizzes and study guide for English learners too.
It is looks so attractive and interesting... I might be able to keep reading this news paper...

Should we start taking this news paper even though it costs 970 yen per month?

ARASHI

I'd like to talk about my favorite artist today.
(To know them visually, watch this movie clip; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehPLhg7npiQ)

"ARASHI" is one of top idol groups that is produced by Johnny's, a major talent agency in Japan.
The group is composed of five member, Satoshi Ohno, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Jun Matsumoto.
They deputed in 1999 and their popularity had been not so high until these two or three years.
Yet they had 10th anniversary last year, and they were to be called as "the group that is most difficult to get a consert ticket" at that time.

And I am one of lucky people who could join their 10th anniversary consert.

I had liked them, but since I joined their consert, I became to LOVE them.

My favorite part of them is their good team work or the sense of togetherness.
They care each other. Even though I don't know their 10 years of history, I could feel it.
Each member has different personality and they could have a battle, but they have never had an actual fight.
They were not naturally good friends, but they discussed to be a better group together.
They are bonded in one dream - to be the best idol group in the world.

I want to be like them who work hard, keep an attitude of thankfulness, and enjoy what they do.

Thinking about them is one of my stimulus.

Hamburg

One of my favorite food is hamberg.
Today, my younger sister took my mother and me to a hamberg restaurant by a car.
There were various type of hambergs and stakes.
Since I LOVE hambergs, I had been longing to go to the restaurant.
However, the taste is not better than the one my mother makes.
It might be because of the type of restaurant (=family restaurant).

Yet, I could have plenty, and I was satisfied!

Ready to go to bed...

Today I had a dinner only with my mother.
We ate Okonomi-Yaki (Japanese pancake?), watched TV drama, and spent a lot of time for talking together.

It is the end of a business week.
I'm really tired... ready to go to bed.

Good Night!

My Favorite TDS: "Mermaid Lagoon"

Notice>> This Picture is from a web site named "LaughingPlace.Com."

As I said in yesterday's post, I LOVE Tokyo Disney Sea.

In Japan, there is a big theme park called "Tokyo Disney Resort (=TDR)."
TDR is actually made up of two theme park which are "Tokyo Disney Land (=TDL)" and "Tokyo Disney Sea (=TDS)."
And, I prefer TDS over TDL. The biggest reason is the scenery. Very beautiful.

Especially, I LOVE "Mermaid Lagoon" in TDS.
To tell you the truth, I have never watched "the Little Mermaid."
Yet I love the songs used in the movie, such as "Part of Your World" or "Under the Sea."
Besides, the atmosphere of "Mermaid Lagoon" is my favorite.
I can be relaxed as if I am under the sea for real. Enjoying a cool and slow time.
(You may be able to understand what I say by watching the movie clip here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gsJcLcFfxQ&feature=related)

If you've never visited TDS but got interested in the park, contact with me via a comment space below.
Someday, I'll go around TDS with you! ;-)

My Favorite Mugs

I don't have many mugs, but I have just TWO mugs I cherish very much.

First one is a present from one of my friend.
I love the color (light blue) and the printed design (the picture of a coffee cup).
I use this all day at my office. I feel relaxed when I drink with this mug.

Second one is what I bought at Tokyo Disney Sea this spring.
I LOVE Tokyo Disney Sea and the design of this mug cup!! Really cute!!!
This mug brings my dreamlike memory at Tokyo Disney Resort and makes me happy :-)

Going around shops to check various type of mugs is one of my hobby, I think!

Dreadful, but Interesting...

I intended to talk about one of my favorite things today.
But, I don't feel to think such stuff because of a novel I read today.

The book's title is "Kokuhaku" which means "confession" in English.
This is a mystery story to find the truth of a mysterious murder.

I usually don't like unhappy story especially something related to murder.
Even though, this story has two interesting points.

Firstly, through the all six chapters are written in a way of each character's monologue.
Every one of those chapters talks about same thing, but each explanation is something different from others.
It is because everyone explains on behalf of themselves.
Each person tries to protect themselves.
It is pretty scary from a spectator's point of view, but I know it is the nature of a human..
Human-beings are not basically good and every one of us could be a criminal.

Secondly, the situations the characters live in, their ways of thinking, and the atomosphere... so many factors of this story are very topical.
There are many examples and words to explain about current social problems in Japan.

Because of these two reasons above, I could not stop reading this book, "Kokuhaku."
It is really dreadful, but interesting indeed.

My Basic Schedule for a Business Day

I get up at 6:30 a.m. Usually, my mother helps me to wake up! X-(
I go down the stairs and turn on the TV in our dining room.
During the such time, entertainment news and weather reports are shown on the TV.
I eat my breakfast (which is usually yesterday's leftovers), change my clothes, and put on makeup.

I leave home around 7:30, get on a bus to my nearest station, and run onto a train around 7:40 a.m.
I spend about 40 minutes in a train, and usually fall in asleep on a comfortable seat... ;->

I work at my office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Actually, it's just an official scheduled time, and I usually stay until 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

After I get back home, I spend my free time to watch TV program, read novels, and browse the internet.

At the end, I take a bath and go to bed at midnight.

Well, "Good Night!"

Night before a New week Starts

Tomorrow is Monday, the first day of a new business week.

Every Sunday, the day before Monday, I feel a little bit gloomy.
I'm pretty satisfied with my current job, but I still love private time more.

Today, I talked with my friend at a chapel.
He is a quarter Japanese who has American looks and Japanese heart.
He just started his job this month, is already prepared his career to be a member of international project of his company.

Oh, his situation is similar to mine (even though there is a huge gap between our language -English- skill).

On such a gloomy day, this information cheered me up.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Tonight, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was shown on TV, and I watched it.
It was not my first time to watch the movie because a professor of my university showed it for his students (include me) as an example of what he was teaching.
Yet I could watch only a part of the movie, and I was longing to watch it until the end of the story.

The story was pretty simple.
Charlie, a heartwarming boy of a poor family, got one of five "Golden Ticket" which enable to go into the mysterious chocolate factory owned by Willy Wonka.
There were four other kids who were permitted to go inside of the factory, but they could not follow Willy Wonka for various reasons, and Charlie was the only one left.
Willy Wonka appointed Charlie to be the heir of the factory as the special prize of the "Golden Ticket."
Charlie declined the offer since Willy Wonka inhibited him from take his family with him.
However, afterwards, Charlie help Willy Wonka realized the value of a "family" and Willy welcomed Charlie's whole family to live and work at his wonderful chocolate factory.

This time, I could not understand each single phrases because the movie was shown without subtitle.
Even though, I could understand the storyline, and I was glad to know it.

I may watch this movie again, and following each phrases will be the purpose of the time.

Bath & Body Works

"Bath & Body Works" is my favorite bland of bath and toiletry products.

The first time I knew the name was when one of my supervisor returned from the U.S.
He bought a hand soap of the bland as a gift for us.

I fell in love with the fragrance of the soap.
I had not been especially interested in "fragrance" until then.
However, it changed my taste, and now I loved to check various fragrant goods.

Sadly, there is no shop of "Bath & Body Works" in Japan.
Now we can buy products of the bland on the internet, but I want to go and look around the shops.

Someday...

Take a first step.

My supervisor appointed me to be an official member of an international trading team.
I must be an useful assistant at the time of communicating in English.

Here is my first step.
Write, write and write in English everyday.
Think and learn in English, and be ready for sudden needs of business communication in English.

Enjoy!