2012→2013

A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Now, I will write about my life from the end of the year to the New Year.

[Dec. 24th]
First, I went to hair salon to cut forelock and color my hair. Next, I went to Christmas party. I met my friends at 39 Mart, and we bought presents each other. After shopping, we moved to karaoke. We enjoyed karaoke for three hours. I was happy to listen to my friends’ song. We also took pictures at print club. At evening, I went to Mark J to eat dinner. I ate salad, pasta, steak, and so on. I enjoyed talking too. I had a very good time.

[Dec. 25th & 26th]
I hang loose until evening. I had to do my homework, but I watched TV all the time. I had to work part-time at evening. I worked hard, so I was tired.

[Dec. 27th]
I was going to eat yakiniku with my friends, but one of my friends couldn’t go there, so we stopped the plan. Because I became free, I went to downtown with my friend of part-time job. We ate lunch at J café, went shopping and ate sweets at Good Deal Café. My friend would like to buy one piece, so we chose one together. I went out with her for the first time, so it became a fun day!

[Dec. 28th]
I was going to clean my room, but I watched TV again. I went to work part-time at evening.

[Dec. 29th]
I went to downtown with my sister. First, we went to PARCO, and I bought a shirt, pants and a bag. Next, we went to karaoke. We sang a lot of songs for 2.5 hours. It was fun and exciting for us. After that, we went to New-s, and I bought a coat, an earring and a belt. I was happy to get all things I wanted. On my way to home, I bought a DVD. I don’t watch it, so I want watch right now!

[Dec. 30th & 31st]
I worked part-time from noon to evening. I was tired. I enjoyed watching TV while I ate dinner. I watched music programs. My favorite singers and music groups appeared, so I was happy. I ate the buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year’s Eve.

[Jan. 1st]
As soon as I got up, I ate New Year dishes and rice cake boiled with vegetables. In the afternoon, I worked part-time very hard. Many guests came to my work place. It was busy, so I was so tired.

[Jan. 2nd]
After I finished working, I went to see my cousins. They prepared special dishes. I ate sushi, steak, and so on. I was pleasant to meet my cousins, uncle and aunt, and I enjoy talking with them.

[Jan. 3rd]
At evening, my cousins came to my home. I had met them for a long time, so I felt happy.

[Jan. 4th]
My high school reunion was held. I went to downtown at evening, and I waited my friend. I met her, and we went there. I saw a lot of old friends. It was a great time for me.

[Jan.5th]
I worked all day. I was so tired. I finished working for five days.

[Jan. 6th]
I went to Nakagawa Photo Studio to take pictures. I wore kimono. I was made up and set my hair. I looked a different person. I am looking forward to taking part in Coming-of-Age Day. At night, I went to bowling with my co-workers. I played 6 games. I enjoyed it. I got 164 points. This was my best score of bowling. I was very happy then.

[611/14173 words]

TOEIC

On November 18th, I took TOEIC at KGU. I wanted to get high score, but I had not studied hard, so I was so nervous before the test started. The test took two hours, so I felt so long. At first, I listened English and answered questions. After that, I read the English and answered questions. Both of them were very difficult for me. I couldn't answer all of questions. I should have studied harder. I received the result of TOEIC a few months later. I try to take TOEIC again and again.

[94/9338 words]

Hard day :(

Last Saturday was hard day for me. I got up at 8:00, and I prepared to go to my work place because I have to take part in the meeting. The meeting started at 9:00. First, I and my co-workers improved a flower bed in front of our restaurant. Then, we planted flowers, so there are beautiful pansies now. After that, we held meeting inside the restaurant. The head of the restaurant told us a variety of things about our duties. I thought I tried to work harder. After the meeting finished, I went home.

When I went back home, I ate brunch at 10:30. I studied for an hour because I was going to take Japanese Test. At 12:00, I left for home to KGU. At 13:00, I entered the room that the test was held. I was so nervous because it was insufficient to study for the test. Before the test started, I listened to my favorite music to calm my mind. The test started at 13:30. I did my best. Some questions were difficult for me, but I thought very hard. The test finished at 14:30. I don't know whether my answers are correct or not, but I would like to pass it!

After that, I went home again and relaxed for a while. I watched TV. At 16:30, I went to my work place because I have to work from 17:00 to 21:00. I was already tired, but I work hard. As soon as I finished my part-time job and went home, I went to bed. This is why the day was very hard day for me.

[284/8519 words]

Minnesota Diary

【July 23rd (Mon)】

I got up 6:30. I left my room, and I said good morning to my host mother, Dawn. I wanted to take a shower, so she tell me hoe to use the shower. American bathroom is different from Japanese bathroom. American bathroom has toilet and bathtub. A curtain divides toilet and bathtub. The curtain of bathroom I used was painted Kitty, so it was so cute. Japanese toilet and bathtub aren't in the same room. This is one of culture gap I felt.

After I took a shower, I prepared breakfast with Dawn. The breakfast of the day was a waffle. I had never eaten a waffle for breakfast in Japan, so I felt strange. However, I like sweets, so I was happy to eat it for breakfast. It contained chocolate chips, so it was so sweet. Moreover, I put whipped cream and honey on it. I drank milk with it. It was delicious! After I finished eating, I prepared to go to school, and I went out at 7:30. Dawn took me to Starbucks near my house. I waited Yukino and her host mother for a while there. When they arrived, we started talking with them. And then, a woman came for Yukino and me at 7:45. She is Karen, who is Mami's host family. She took us to Bethel University every day. I said to Dawn, "See you later. Have a good day!" I got into the car, we go to Bethel University. While we were in the car, we talked Karen and listened to music. It took about 50 minutes to Bethel University by car.

When we arrived at Bethel University, Sharon lead the way to classroom. When I went to classroom, some students had arrived there. At 8:45, homeroom started. I met four people there: Joel, Linda, Peggy and Katie. Joel and Linda took care of KGU students for four weeks. Peggy was ESL teacher. Katie is Minori's host family, and she helped this program. Then, KGU students were separated two groups.　I'm in group 1. Next, Joel distributed a yellow paper. American map was drawed in this paper. It was licence plate contest. When I found new licence plate in Minnesota, I must circle the name of state. I thought it will be fun!

At 9:00 a.m., my group statted to take ESL class. At first, we made a name card. I wrote my name and pictures. I drew basket ball and my family. Then, I paired with Chihiro, and we introduced ourselves each other. Next, I introduced her to other students and our teacher. After that, our teacher taught us Mississippi Paddleboat Cruise. I learned the Mississippi drops 420 feet or 140 meters between Minneapolis and St. Louis. I found that we will see several things of interest during the cruise: Fort Snelling, Pig’s Eye Caves and railroad swing bridge. I also found paddleboats were important to transport goods and people to the area. I thought it will be fun to go to Mississippi Riverboat Cruise this afternoon. ESL class finished at 10:30.

At 10:45, group 1 started tours of Bethel University. Bethel University was bigger and more beautiful than KGU. I looked cafeteria, Bethel shop, caribou coffee, and so on. Bethel shop had pretty teddy bears. I wanted it. Minnesota had many lakes, and a lake was near Bethel University. I took a lot of pictures. The trip was very interesting for me. After the trip finished, I went to cafeteria and eat lunch. The lunch of the day was taco. I had never eaten taco before. It tasted good.

This afternoon, we went to Mississippi Riverboat Cruise. I felt soft breeze. I saw the beautiful scenery. It was very fun. While I took cruise, I talk with Katie and Joel and took pictures with them. I could enjoy Mississippi Riverboat Cruise! After Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, we returned to Bethel University. When we arrived at Bethel University. When we arrived at bethel University, Karen waited Mami, Yukino and me. We took Karen's car. Karen took Yukino and me to Starbucks. Dawn waited me. We said good-bye to Karen and Mami.

After that, I went to supermarket with Dawn. I was surprised at  the size of shopping carts and goods. They were so big! And more, there are shopping baskets at the Japanese supermarkets, but in America, there are not shopping baskets. I peeled corns there. I was surprised at it because I had never peeled corns at supermarket. I also saw red bananas for the first time. When we went to cashier to pay money, we  put goods we would buy next to cashier. It was a different way from Japan. When I left for the supermarket, Dawn said to me, "This is a small supermarket in America." I thought it was so big, so I was surprised at her words.

When I arrived at house, we cooked dinner and eat. The dinner was boiled corns,  salad and soup. I like corns! Tastes are so good. After dinner, I did my homework. I showed pictures of my family, and I introduced to Dawn. She looked happy to see the pictures. And more, I asked her some questions. One of them is why did you decide to receive Japanese student. She answered "It will be fun!" I was so happy, so I wanted to tell my host family about Japanese culture a lot. After I finished homework, I said good-night to her, and I went to bed.

[932/8120 words]

Go to downtown!

On October 31st, I took physics class in the morning. After finishing the class, I went to downtown with my friend. First, we went to J café to eat lunch. I ate spaghetti, salad and dessert. I drank chocolate cookie latte. They are all delicious! After we finished eating, I enjoyed talking for a while. I like atmosphere of J café. Next, we went to PARCO, New-s, SPINNS, and so on. We browsed many clothing stores. There are many pretty clothes, so we wanted to buy some clothes. However, we are irresolute, so we couldn’t choose which clothes we buy. We gave up buying clothes, and we went to TSUTAYA. I rented DVDs. I had a coupon, so I could rent two DVDs free. I also received a calendar I reserved at online store. I bought my favorite actor’s calendar. He is very cool, so I was happy to get it. After that, I said good-bye to my friend. I couldn’t buy clothes, but it was pleasant time for me. I want to go shopping with her again!

[178/6194 words]

Birthday surprise

On October 26th, I went to my work place at evening to celebrate co-worker’s birthday. At first, other co-workers and I invited him for dinner. We ate dinner, and we enjoyed talking. After we finished eating dinner, we took him to staff room. We had already prepared birthday cake behind his back. We sang a birthday song for him. Then, my name was called suddenly. When I saw the cake, my name was also written on chocolate on the cake. I was surprised! My birthday is December 10th, so it was so early celebration, but I was so happy. I love my co-workers. We promised to hold year-end party or New Year party. It will be fun!

[117/6016 words]

Bowling

I went to Round 1 with my co-workers last Friday. This, was a social gathering because a new member joined us this month. She is a year younger than I am. She is earnest and work hard, so I want to teach her a lot of things about my job. On Friday, nine people (including me) went to Round 1. Before we went there, we assembled at our work place at 11:00 p.m., and we left for Round 1 together. When we arrived at Round 1, we started to play bowling. We separated three teams and confront, and we had six games of bowls. My highest score of the day was 115, and my lowest score of the day was 86. I’m not good at bowling, but I enjoyed it. I sometimes got strikes and spares. I was very happy. However, I want to be a good bowling player.

Round 1 had a special game. It was Strike Game. This game was held suddenly, so challenger was a person whose turn came next. If challenger is a man, he must get strike. If challenger is a woman, she must get more nine pins. When s/he get them, the staff of Round 1 take a picture for him/her. Two people of us got strike, so we were taken two pictures. These were presented people who got strike after a short time.

After we finished playing bowling, we played UFO catcher. I tried once, and I got six small chocolates. It was so fun. Playing bowling was very exciting and fun, but we finished it at 5:00 a.m., so I was very tired. However, I want to go there again. Won’t you go bowling with me?

[284/4135 words]

Minnesota Diary

I went to Minnesota and stay for four weeks during summer vacation. I’ll post about the life in Minnesota occasionally.

 【July 22 (Sun)】
I arrived at Minnesota. Before I came to Minnesota, I was so nervous because I had never been to foreign countries. However, I could get rid of my uneasiness because my host family was willing to receive me. When I went to the terminal at the airport, a lot of host families had waited Kumamoto Gakuen University students. My host sister, Natalie, had welcome board. There were a lot of people, but I could find my host family because welcome board was decorated cutely. When I first met my host family, we hugged and shook hands. I also greeted Yukino’s host family because my host family and Yukino’s host family are neighbors. I thought it will be fun for me to stay at Minnesota.

After that, my host family and I went to Wisconsin State because Natalie participated in camp for a week, so we saw her to the campground. We went there by car. While I was in the car, I felt a sense of incongruity. I had known cars run on right side, but I was really surprised when I took the car at the actual. We stopped at MacDonald on the way to go to campground. I ate small cheeseburger and drank chocolate shake. I was surprised at the system of MacDonald and the size of hamburger. When we arrived at the campground, we carried her baggage to bungalow. I saw a wild squirrel for the first time outside the bungalow. My host father, host mother and I said good-bye to Natalie, and we went to Welcome Picnic at Roseville Central Park.

The picnic started at five o’clock, but we arrived at six o’clock. According to talking I heard later, leaders of KGU students tried to drink a famous juice of America, and some American people tried to eat natto before I arrived. After I arrived, KGU students separated five groups and told our host family Japanese culture. My group told Japanese snacks and sweets. We brought snacks from Japan, so host family tried to eat them. People who tried to eat them showed a variety of reaction. Some people showed their smile and came to like Japanese snacks, other people showed strange expressions and said “Wow!” It was very interesting. We also showed picture of Japanese sweets and snacks. However, it was difficult for me to explain what kind of snacks or sweets and things America doesn’t have, for example, anko.

After the picnic finished, I leave for my host family’s house. When I arrived at the house, a dog greeted me. She is their pet, and her name is Little Lady. She is very pretty girl. And then, my host father and host mother showed all of the rooms in the house. After that, they told me to go to bed because they thought I was tired and I have to get up early and prepare to go to school. I said good-night to them, and I went to bed.

[520/2032 words]

Seven Flavor

On September 26th, I went to eat Haagen-Dazs ice cream at Shimo-tori, Kumamoto City with my sister after I finished classes. Haagen-Dazs is famous ice cream brand, and the cost is high. I usually don't eat that ice cream, but the day was special day, so I and my sister went to the store of Haagen-Dazs. The store had many kind of ice cream flavor. We could choose and eat seven flavor ice creams. Usually, Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs 300 yen per one ice cream, but it costs 500 yen to eat seven kinds of ice creams on special day. I chose pumpkin, red potato, green tea, macadamia nuts, vanilla pudding, caramel walnut and chocolate. Tastes were very good! I felt so happy! Special day is every Wednesday, so I promised to go to eat again with my sister.

After eating ice creams, we went to TSUTAYA, and we rented CDs. At last, I bought three socks at tutuanna. Tutuanna is my favorite sock shop. There are a lot of cute socks, I often go to buy socks there.

[185/1512 words]

Today's shopping

I went to PARCO, Daiei, Don Quixote, Docomo Shop. I bought a belt, a tank top and two leggings at g.u. in PARCO. I bought travel goods at Daiei. I looked for swimsuit, but I couldn't find my favorite one, so I gave up. I decided to put up with buying new swimsuit. Also, I found a yukata when I went to Don Quixote. The yukata was so cute and cheap, so I decide to buy it tomorrow because I didn't have enough time. I forgot to buy a memory card, so I will buy it tomorrow. When I went to PARCO, I wanted pants. I want to go to buy them one of these days.

 At Docomo Shop, I asked how to use my cell phone in foreign countries. The shop assistants were kind to me, and they gave me a dewtailed explanation of it. I could understand it. I also think I have to consider the usage of cell phone carefully.

[163 words]

From now !!!

I will go to buy a swimsuit, a yukata, medicines, a watch, a memory card, and so on. I also go to Docomo shop to ask how to use my cell phone in foreign countries. I have to prepare for Kaigai Kenshu and study for semester tests, so I'm very very busy.

[53 words]

Pass the test :)

The results of Secretarial Skills Test were announced. I received the result on Thursday. I passed it, so I was very happy :) I want to challenge next rank. Also, I will challenge MOS tests, so I will take part in MOS lessons during summer vacation. And more, I will challenge TOEIC in September, so I have to study hard. I want to pass MOS tests and get high score in TOEIC!

[72 words]

Secretarial Skills Test

Last Saturday, I took Secretarial Skills Test at KGU. I took 2nd grade. Before I took it, I studied by using a reference book I bought. I learned rules and manners in business. It was hard for me to learn them, but I thought it was very important to master them because I will become a working member of society after I graduate from college. If I learn rules and manners in business in my school days, they will be useful for me in the future.

I don't know whether I pass the test or not. I'm so nervous because I don't have any confidence in my answers of the test. I hope that I pass the test! If I pass it, I will take the test of next rank. If I fail it, I will try to take again.

[139 words]

Go shopping!

On Tuesday, I went shopping after I finished taking classes. First, I went to TSUTAYA. I can buy books, CDs and DVDs. I can also rent CDs and DVDs. I often go there. On Tuesday, I bought a CD. The songs which is taped are sung by Atsuko Maeda. I like her. This CD is a new single, and Wednesday is when it put on sale, but I got it on Tuesday because the CD was arrived at TSUTAYA. When I found and got the CD, I was very happy because I had wanted it since I knew that she released a new song.

I also rented CDs on Tuesday. I rented CDs of Mr. Children, Arashi and Kana Nishino. I like them because their singing voices are very good. After I came back home, I recorded the CDs on my computer and my music player. I enjoyed listening their songs. I asked my father to return the CDs on next day.

Next, I went to PARCO. PARCO is a popular shop in Kumamoto City, and it is one of my favorite stores. I bought clothes there. I was happy because I could get clothes which I had wanted. After I bought them, I went window-shopping. I was satisfied with getting clothes I had wanted, but I want to more clothes. I will go shopping to there again when I have enough time and money. Also, I was going to buy sandals, but I couldn't find them I wanted. I try to go elsewhere and find!

Lastly, I went Hayakawa. I went there  to buy to buy socks because my younger sister asked me to buy to student. I often go there because I was in the basketball club. Even so, recently, my sister has wheeled me into buying everything.

[298 words]

Watching basketball game

A big sports event called "Soutai" was held in Kumamoto. Many of high school students participated in this event. I have taken part in this event too. I was in the basketball club when I was high school student, so I like basketball very much. I went to watch the basketball games every year since I graduated from high school. Last year, I went to watch the games to cheer my former teammate.

This year, basketball games started on June 1st, and the final match was held on June 4th. On June 1st, after I took classes, I went to Kumamoto Agricultural High School to watch the basketball game to cheer my younger sister's team. My younger sister is in the basketball club of Kumamoto North High School. Her team fought with Kumamoto Agricultural High School. However, my cousin belongs to the team, so I was mixed feelings. I often heard talking about my sister's team from her, so I had felt close to her team. Also, I heard her team has fought with the opposing team at practice games, but her team has never won the team. That is why I was so nervous before the game started.

When the game started, I was very excited. At first, my sister's team was forced to play by opponent's team, but the team fought in desperation to catch up with the other team. I shouted whenever my sister's team sank shots. When the first half of the game finished, my sister's team lost. However, I expected moving up of the latter half of the game. When the latter half of the game  started, I cheered with more enthusiasm. My sister's team attacked positively. When the team got scores, I was very happy and excited. The game lasted for one hour and a half. The game finished, and my sister's team lost the game 61-37. I was deeply regret, but I was impressed.

My sister didn't enter the game this time, but I hope that she enter the next game. She is practicing playing basketball every day. I will go to cheer the next game. I'm looking forward to it.

[358 words]

Driver's license

On May 30th, I went to the license center to take a driving test. I graduated from driving school a month ago, but I didn’t have enough time to go the license center. May 30th was birthday of our college, so there were no classes on the day. That’s why I could go there.

However, I hadn’t studied since I graduated from driving school. It was so nervous, so I went to Asahiya before I took a driving test. Asahiya is the place that people can take part in the course for a driving test. Asahiya is late-night operation, so I lived a hard life on the day. I got up at 1:00 a.m., and I prepared for leaving. I left home at 1:30 a.m. My father took me to Asahiya. I arrived there at 2:15 a.m. As soon as I paid a charge, I answered questions. After I finished it, the course started. The course lasted for five hours. I was very sleep during the course, but I endured sleepiness. The course finished at 8:00a.m. After the course finished, I went to the license center.

I arrived at the license center at 8:30 a.m. After I finished acceptance and an eyesight test, I entered the test room. When all of the candidates for a driving test arrived at the room, an examiner started to explain meters that require attention about a driving test. And then, the driving test started at 10:00 a.m. As soon as the test started, I answered questions. There are many questions that I answered and learned at Asahiya. I felt responsive, so I had confidence. The test finished at 10:50 a.m. I went out of the room.

15 minutes later, I heard an announcement, and then an announcement of the results appeared on the screen. My examinee’s number was 047, and I found it on the screen. When I found my number, I was so happy. I returned the room, and I handed in some documents. After finishing it, I had to wait for two hours until driver’s license was completed, but I was free. Two hours later, I returned the room again. I took a picture, and I heard policeman’s talk about traffic accident. I knew that traffic accidents happened many times a year in Japan and Kumamoto. After the talk finished, I was given my driver’s license. Because I got driver’s license, I joined driving society. I think I try to drive safely in order not to happen traffic accidents, and I want to go for a drive!

[425 words]

Mother's Day

Last Sunday is Mother’s Day. Did you tell gratitude to your mother? If you answer “yes,” how did you tell gratitude to her? Did you give her a present? Did you write a letter to her?
My mother made lunch for me every day. She worked hard, and she is busy with house work. I intended to give a present to my mother that day, but I couldn’t give it. I didn’t have enough money, so I couldn’t buy a present. I told her that I couldn’t prepare a present, and then my mother said, “I don’t need a present now.” I was little sad, but she continued, “Please give me a present when you become a working member of society.” I decided to give a present to her when I graduate from college and get a job. My father agreed it. I also decided to help my mother every day until I earn money for myself.

[157 words]