Saturday, December 27, 2008

Winter Vacation!!


Good morning, everyone~. How have you been?

I am just enjoying my winter holidays♪ It is so cold and freezing this week, isn't it?

What can I share with you today... Uh!! We are making "hoshi-gaki" at my house. It is dry persimmons. They are said to be so healthy. We tied each end of a string on a persimmon, and we hanged out them outside. The astringent persimmons changed to the sweet dry persimmons! It is amazing!

I am looking forward to eating them. They remind me that it is winter.

It is the season of a cold and flu. Take care of yourself, everyone!


[108 words]

Sunday, December 21, 2008

BR2-18: THE LAST PHOTO

This will be the last of book in December. I read "THE LAST PHOTO" today.

The last photo which Pam took in Cambridge is the key of this story. A man walked between Pam and Martin at the moment Pam took Martin's picture. It was the end of the film and they are complained and angry. They thought the picture is the worst. However, the man was a thief of money in a bank. The last photo was helpful for police to catch the man. Pam and Martin got a thousand pounds. Then, they thought the last photo was not bad at all.

I wonder why the bank thief camped in the mountains. The man was caught by police too easily. What did he want to do? This story did not refer to that point, but I think it is so questionable. Besides, what would Pam and Martin use the money for? I think Pam would use it for her new camera and films, or traveling. I think taking photo is one of arts and good hobbies.

This story is "THE LAST PHOTO", and this post is my last book review!! Ha ha!!

[194 words]
Total here = 2428 words

Saturday, December 20, 2008

BR2-17: The Big Bag Mistake

I will not refer to the plot of this story, and I would like you to read by yourself. It is not so good story I think. I have been robbed my bag in Paris, and it is a so disgusting memory for me even now. I feel really sorry about that.
Reading this story, I thought Ricard was so kind and generous boy, and Gisela must have thank and apologize him so much. She seemed to like reading and writing her book so much. I wonder what she had written in her new book... about London or Rio de Janeiro? The story does not refer to that point.
I imagined she would publish her book after this story and got some money. Ricard would keep in touch with Gisela.
Rio de Janeiro is a city in Brazil, and I have never been there! I would like to know more about other cultures and other countries!

[156 words]

Thursday, December 18, 2008

BR2-16: In the Frame

Here is another story about their travel. This one is about on their way home from Greece. Don't you think the title is interesting? They met a woman with two little children. She was to go to the same place with them, so they decided to help her and be together. In fact, she was an art thief. The title, "In The Frame", seems to mean the arts which was stolen by this woman. At last, she was arrested at the airport. Their travel was filled with happenings until the very end. I can't imagine that a woman I help is an art thief. I think, however, I would glad that nothing happened to me. I do not want my travel to be like this, but meaningful.

[129 words]
Total here = 2078 words

BR2-15:Shooting Stars

Here is the story about a traveling of that two girls. As you see in the title, they met famous movie stars in Greece. It was an exciting for them, I think. I will not refer to the story plot here, but I envy them, because they could enjoy their trip in Greece. My image about Greece is that the city has very old history and architecture. There must be many places I should not miss. I am really interested in traveling in Greece too! Now, I wonder where I want to travel next time. Of course, I want to stay in California again in spring vacation, but I also feel like visiting some new places! There must be fun!

[120 words]

BR2-14: Photo Finish

I read "Photo Finish" today. I chose it because its title was interesting for me. The main characters are two girls, Lisa and Alice. They are good friends and works at the same company. They are planning to go to Greece on holiday. This story is about their preparation for the trip. Lisa got her photos for a passport in the photo booth in the old bus station. Through a series of things over photos, she contributed to catch a murderer.

I thought what an unusual start of holiday it is. I agree with her that it was so frightening. I was really pleased that everything ended being OK. Now they are ready for their holiday! They are expecting something exciting will happen. I can understand their feeling. It is because I always get exciting too before my trips too.

[140 words]

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

BR2-13: The Barcelona Game

I read "The Barcelona Game". Its story was a little longer than other stories that I usually read.

The heroine is a English girl named Holly. She wears glasses and seems to be serious. She loves reading books. She is still 12 years old and has two older brothers, Trev. and Kev, and they are twins. They are really active guys and contrastive to Holly. One day, one of them got the tickets for the Barcelona Game. It is a famous football game. He had three tickets. Kev., Trev. and their father were planning to go to see the game and bought three tickets for an airplane. However, their father could not go with them because of a sick. They decided to take Holly with them.

Before the game, they had a lot of time. They enjoyed the rides in a kind of amusement park until a time. On the other hand, Holly decided to stay at a cafe and read a book about Barcelona until then. She imagined the sights of Barcelona and hoped she could see it. Then, she noticed a man who was sitting at the table next to her took her bag away. His bag was left instead. He made a mistake, because his bag is same as hers. She became pale, because the passports of two brothers and her were in her lost bag!

At last, she could reach the man and exchange their bags. It was because of a kind Spanish boy named Paul. He looked her be in trouble and gave her a ride on his motor bike. He ran in high speed in the town of Barcelona. It was great time for her, now that she could see every sights that she saw in the photo book. Besides, she could be in time of promise with her brothers. They did never know she had a more exciting time than them.

It was so exciting story! I felt the speed of Paul's bike and the winds in Barcelona. I can imagine the sight of there with old history. I thought Holly had a great experience. I had been to Barcelona, when I was about 11 years old. I remember the memories. I think that she took the good choice. Traveling in other countries are really interesting and a lot of fun. I love to see the famous, but especially normal sights in the counties!

I notice the number of book reviews that I have posted on this blog is not enough. Today, I came to know we need 18 book reviews! What an emergency! I will try hard to read more books and post the review!

[444 words]

Portfolio: Second Semester

Student ID: 07104

Until December 22

Portfolio for Writing IV,
Section 1a



(See: Note 1, below)

0.0. Overview

Reviews, Posts, Words, and More

(See: Note 2, below.)



1.0. Essays

(See: Note 3, below.)

Please complete this table with data gathered from essays on your blog. See the Key (below) for definitions of the symbols in row one, and complete columns four through nine with numerical values (0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

1.1. Showcase
Short titles with links
Dates
yy.mm.dd

W
C
L
P
M
Website review 08.09.29 (375+ words)

Website Review: Let's take in Fresh English!

08.09.27

6 380 6 1 0 0
Favorite place(-s) 08.10.20 (450+ words)

Essay: ~~ my second home ~~

08.10.11
4
493
0
0
0
0
Mrs. Doubtfire 08.11.04 (500+ words)

MR2-01: "Mrs. Doubt" ― Live with Love and Humor ☆

08.11.01
5
452
4
0
0
0
Community life 08.11.17 (default length*)

Essay2-02: ~Walk in line~ (Community life)

08.11.16
6
610
0
0
0
0
Kumamoto's best-kept secrets 08.12.01 (5+ ¶¶)

Essay2-03: ○●Secret of Kumamoto●○

08.11.30
4
434
0
0
0
0
Learning with computers 2008.12.15 (6+ ¶¶)

Essay: Learning with computers!

08.12.12
7
503
0
0
0
0


















Totals---
---
322872101 0 0

Key:
¶: number of paragraphs five (5) or more sentences in length
W: number of words
C: number of comments
L: number of links
P: number of photos or other graphics
M: number of other media included in post
*: "long enough to cover the ... [communities] you choose," Writing Studio Blog, Preparation for Next Essays, 2008.10.29)

1.2. Best Essay

Selection and Assessment: Which of those six assigned essays do you feel is the best that you've written this semester, and why? Remember that a complete answer is better than a short answer, focus on your writing, and give at least two reasons to support your assessment.
  • I think the best essay in this semester is "Essay2-02: ~Walk in line~ (Community life)". It is because it shows the main points so clearly. Besides, it has a good conclusion paragraph. The readers can feel the march of time.

2.0. Comments

Showcase
Titles of posts with links
Dates of comments yy.mm.dd
Numbers of words in comments
Qualities of comments**
2.1. Your first comment on your instructor's blog*
0
-
-
-
2.2. Your best comment on a classmate's blog*Mrs.doubt fire essay
08.11.04
88

"You share a great analysis especially in the third paragraph!"

Specific praise

2.3. Best comment by a classmate on your blog*
MR2-01: "Mrs. Doubt" ― Live with Love and Humor ☆
08.11.0588

"Which is more important for you, humor or love?"

An interesting question.

2.4. Most comments on:
Titles of posts with link
Dates of posts yy.mm.dd Total number of words in comments
Qualities of comments**
2.4.1. Any one of your essays*

Website Review: Let's take in Fresh English!

08.09.27

131

"The BBC site you elected is good and it's one of way to build up our English skill.It's nice idea,jam!"

Friendly!

2.4.1.1. When did you respond to those comments?
---
08.10.01
---
---
2.4.1.2. How did you respond to those comments?
---
---

97


"Thank you for your all comments!"

and answered all questions.

Thankful and informative

2.4.2. Any of your other posts*
MR2-01: "Mrs. Doubt" ― Live with Love and Humor ☆ 08.11.01

154


"your essay is really easy to read because first paragraph tells me what you want to write below paragraphs."

So specific comment

2.4.2.1. When did you respond to those comments?
---
08.11.12
---
---
2.4.2.2. How did you respond to those comments?---
---

46


"I...think...love is more important. Everything does have no meaning without love!"

(answered a question and shared my opinion)

Informative and thankful






----------
* Current semester comments on essays and other posts
** Please list the most important qualities of comments on each type of blog post. That is, explain briefly what makes them good comments.

2.5. Recent comments display

Does your blog display recent comments from blog visitors in a prominent location, for example, in a sidebar, header, or footer widget? Where, or why not? Please explain.
  • My blog displays them at the top in a sidebar. It is because I want them to be encouragements for me that others look into my blog!

2.6. Additional reflections on comments

  • I appreciated the comments which shows specific advice.
  • The comments which refer to good points concretely became encouragements for me.

3.0. Book Reviews

3.1. ShowcaseShort titles
with links
Dates (yy.mm.dd)WordsComments
Example:
Vampire Killer
07.05.16
39
1
2-01

BR2-01: The Joke Machine

08.08.01 147 0
2-02

BR2-02: Roman Adventure

08.08.05 133 0
2-03
BR2-03: Submarine Adventure
08.08.052100
2-04
BR2-04: Chinese Adventure 08.08.081610
2-05
BR2-05: Flood! ) -:
08.09.281510
2-06
BR2-06: The Three Little Pigs (-:08.09.281080
2-07
BR2-07: The Fox and the Crow ( -- :08.09.281240
2-08
BR2-08: The Hare and the Tortoise ( - : 08.09.281080
2-09
BR2-09: The Blue Eye ( - :

08.10.07

1720
2-10
BR2-10: Superdog 08.10.191940
2-11
BR2-11: Sara Says No! 08.11.142450
2-12
BR2-12: The Umbrella 08.12.063060
2-13 BR2-13: The Barcelona Game 08.12.174440
2-14 BR2-14: Photo Finish 08.12.181400
2-15 BR2-15:Shooting Stars 08.12.181200
2-16 BR2-16: In the Frame 08.12.181290
2-17 BR2-17: The Big Bag Mistake 08.12.201560
2-18 BR2-18: THE LAST PHOTO 08.12.211940



































---
---
Totals:
3242
0


Note: Please calculate and list book review Totals for words and comments without including those from the example (above).

3.2. Best Book Review

Selection and Assessment: Which of those book reviews do you feel is the best that you've written this semester, and why? Remember that a complete answer is better than a short answer, focus on your writing, and give at least two reasons to support your assessment.
    

・I think my best book review is "BR2-18: THE LAST PHOTO ". It is because it includes my opinion and questions, instead of a long story plot. Besides, it is so easy to read.

4.0. Blog Layout, Labeling, Linking, & Media


Showcase
Yes
No
4.1. Does your blog display an archive?
4.1.1. Does the archive display the titles of posts?
4.1.2. Is the archive organized by month?
4.1.3. Is the archive at or near the top of the sidebar?


4.2. Does your blog have labels displayed in sidebar?
5.2.1. Do your labels include these required labels (typed accurately):---
---
  • "books" (plural) AND "reviews" (plural)

  • "essays" (plural) AND "portfolios" (plural, without "proto-")

  • "quickposts" (plural, with no space between quick and posts)

  • "links" (plural) AND "media" (plural)

  • "movies" (plural) AND "websites" (plural)

  • "brainstorms" (or "brainstorming"), "essay prep.," AND "free-writing" (or "free-writes")


4.2.2. Does your sidebar display other labels?
  • How many other labels have you attached to three (3) or more posts?
    • _24_ other labels attached to three or more posts
---
---

---
---
4.3. Links & media---
---
4.3.1. Does your blog include photos or other graphics?
  • Does your blog profile include a photo or graphic representation?

  • How many of your blog posts this semester include photos or other graphics?
    • _31_ posts including photos or other graphics
---
---
4.3.2. Does your blog include posts with multiple links?
  • How many of your posts this semester include three (3) or more links?
    • _1_ posts including three or more links (including this portfolio!)
---
---
4.3.3. Does your blog include other media?
  • How many of your blog posts this semester include other media?
    • _2_ posts including other media
---
---
  • What kind(-s) of media have you included in posts this semester? Please list the kinds here:
    1. YouTube

---

---
  • What media content that you originally produced, if any, do your blog posts for this semester contain? Please list and explain each item briefly, and add short links and dates (yy.mm.dd) for reference.

I'm sorry, but I produced none.


---

---

4.4. Overall presentation

What have you done to enhance the overall presentation of your blog? List and explain the three most important content, display, formatting, layout, or other presentation changes that you have made on your blog this semester.
  1. To emphasize particular words related to the main points in each post, I changed the size and colors of those words.
  2. I always tried to share my own opinions on book reviews' posts.
  3. I included more space in each post than before, in order to make them easy to see.

5.0. Additional reflections on your blog and your writing on it

Please feel free to include reflections on both spring and fall semester work, as well as on the content of this portfolio (proto-portfolios, showcases, and reflections).
  • Sudden homework(essays) was a little tough to complete by the due, after we were told about those essays just on Wednesday.
  • The set number of posts in a week seemed to be too many.
  • However, I was used to working on my blog in fall semester!

6.0. Advice and suggestions for yourself, your peers, and your successors

  • To reach the norm of 15,000 words, the key is your efforts during summer vacation!
  • You had better use easy phrases, so that others can understand what you write.
  • To make your blog interesting and informative, it is a good idea to write about your opinions or the unique traditions and culture of Japan.

____________________
Notes:
  1. This portfolio template derives from the templates for Writing IIIc and Writing IVc portfolios (2007-08), and Writing III, §§1a & 1c (Fall, 2008).
  2. Please use the same code in section 0.0 that you used to embed your proto-portfolios (PPFs) in the footer of your blog, which you should already have revised to display your 2nd (fall) semester PPF first.
  3. The essays section (1.0. Essays, above) derives from Proto-Portfolio 2-02 (2008).
____________________
License:

This portfolio template is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Please attribute to "the Writing Studio Blog" (without quotation marks).

Creative Commons License

///// End of template (copy from here to "Beginning ..." [above]) /////

Friday, December 12, 2008

Essay: Learning with computers!

Now, we are surrounded by computers. They can be found in factories, airports, gyms, schools, offices…everywhere. We find a lot of things to know. Most of us often use a personal computer, so let’s focus on our use of the computer in our daily life. First, we should know the challenges and problems of it, and then we can focus on its benefit.

What are problems we face? First of all, think of the complexity. When some instruction is presented on the screen, we do not always know what to do. In some cases, the computer does not work fast or properly. These can be very confusing situations. Besides, we must be cautious about the physical influence. The screen exhausts our eyes. We are likely to feel pain on our neck, shoulder and head. We should be careful about the posture.

Let’s focus on what we can do with computers. By using them, we can be connected with other people, especially through the Internet. We can use an e-mail system and Skype and communicate with our friends even overseas. This way is much easier, quicker and in low prices than other ways, like phone calls and letters. If we have our own blog on the Internet, we can post whatever we want to share with others and get comments from others.

By using the Internet, we can access so much information. When we need to write reports and make presentations, we use the Internet to get the latest info. Also, we find out the meanings or conceptions of what we don’t know. It shows people’s opinions and ideas too. Of course, we have to remember the info is sometimes incorrect.

We have so many useful applications. Especially, I use MS Word, whenever I write reports. I think it is essential in every student’s life. Besides, if we remember how to use Excel, it can be one of the really useful tools. Now that the blind typing skill is necessary, we might want to practice it. We can do it too with a computer. It is also possible to enjoy sites of typing practice and studying English for free on the Internet. Many people visit the YouTube homepage and enjoy movies and music for free.

The computer is very helpful to arrange photographs and enables us to reminisce about good memories. It is possible to set the picture on the screen and make your own space. We can charge an iPod and edit the content of it. The computers have so many functions. It is just up to you.

Now that our world is flooded with computers, we need to know what we can do with them. As I refer in this essay, computers have so many functions. Though they are really helpful, I feel the need of caution. A computer could be called ‘time thief’, don’t you think so? I want to find more ways of making the most of them, not using by computers!

[503 words]

Outline for Next Essay!

Before I post the essay "Learning with computers", I would like to share the outline briefly. This outline is showed by our teacher of the writing class.


● Introduction

* Challenges
* Communication- blog, class, e-mail and Skype
* Information- Internet, research
* Useful application- Excel, PowerPoint, Typing programs and Word.
        Blogs, typing practice sites, free sites, Skype, YouTube.
* Other Stuff

● Conclusion



[58 words]

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Keywords of next essay!

I would like to show the keywords in my next essay.


Computers
function
application

challenges
freeze
time thief
tired eyes
Internet
music
knowledge
unreliably
unsafe
virus

information
study
benefit
arrange and save info
write reports
make PowerPoint
use Excel
Our next essay will have to be more than 6 paragraphs long!





[words]

Free writing: Learning with computers

I have some challenges in using computers. It is because that they have many function. Besides, there are the problems with computer virus and bad people on the Internet. Computers sometimes do not working properly, and they freeze in some cases. That's really frustrating! They often exhaust my eyes. I have to be careful not to spend too much time. I think we should know the challenges on computer using.

In fact, however, there are so many useful functions with computers. They can benefit us, when they are used in a proper way. We can be connected with other people by e-mail or skype. It is also possible to research out, get so much info, use study homepages and get music on the Internet. MS programs enable us to calcurate figures, arrange and save the info we get, make poewerpoint, make presentations and write reports for the classes.


[150 words]

Brainstorming: Learning with computers

We can research with computers get so much info on the Internet. On the Internet, we can find music sites and study homepages. I also like to practicing typing. We can be connected with other people by e-mail and skype. We often use MS soft, like Words, Excels, PowerPoint. They help us to write reports, arrange and present them.

[60 words]

Saturday, December 6, 2008

BR2-12: The Umbrella

I have enjoyed reading this book, "The Umbrella" recently. It is a very short book, but interesting, because its main point is really clear. Besides, the pictures are enjoyable for me.

Carla, a female student, went to a market. She found the shop with umbrellas. They had umbrellas in different colors, pink, orange, yellow. However, she liked the red one, whose design was really simple but smart. It was 10 dollars, and she did not have enough money. The female clerk sold it her at lower price, 7 dollars. "This is your lucky day", she said. However, when she dropped by a cake shop, other woman named Marisa took Carla's umbrella and left her own umbrella instead. It was a old and black umbrella with a pattern of yellow ducks. She thought this is not her lucky day, but she brought the old umbrella with her. Marisa seemed to meet with a man named Paul on that day, and he thought Carla with the umbrella was Marisa. Paul and Carla went to the cafe together and had a good time. They promised that they would meet again. On her way home, she saw Marisa with that red umbrella! Marisa got afraid and worried, but Carla said to her, "Keep my red umbrella. I like this umbrella. It's a lucky umbrella. This is my lucky day!"

I did not understand the reason why Marisa stole Carla's umbrella. Now I think she did not want to meet the man, Paul. Carla lost her smart, new, and favorite umbrella, but she could meet a good man because of Marisa's old umbrella. The looks or smartness are not the key of a lucky day. It shows us that we can find a happy thing in our normal life not in a special day. That's excellent!

[306 words]

○ First mochi this winter! ○


In November, I had mochi, Japanese style rice cake for the first time this winter! I really love mochi!
We have a home bakery machine at home, and we usually make bread with the machine and have the bread for breakfast. It is really hot from the oven and too delicious to describe with words!
Furthermore, we knew the machine could make mochi too. How convenient and pleasant it is! We ate mochi with Japanese taste. For example, anko(bean paste), kinako(soybean flour), syouyu(soy sauce), and nori(laver). Mochi is almighty and can be delicious whichever it flavored with. It is good for breakfast and as sweets. I am really looking forward to having it this winter too!
However, you have to be careful about your weight. It is because mochi is made by crushing rice and you will not know how much rice you had. It seems to be less than fact.
Anyway, when you eating mochi, just enjoy the Japanese taste and natural sweetness!

[168 words]

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Essay2-03: ○●Secret of Kumamoto●○

Hello, everyone. Winter is coming! What kind of clothes will you get this winter? We find various trends in clothes every year, sweaters, one-piece dresses, skirts, coats, jackets and so on. Every year, we have a little different from that of the year before. That is to say, we meet different trends in clothes. Do you have a desire keep up with the fashion every year? Or do you want to lead the fashion for some kinds of clothes? In other hands, many of us must have experienced that clothes we bought have gone out of fashion soon. Needless to say, the things in fashion are not always good, though.

We are to focus on one of well kept secret of Kumamoto. I found a gossip about fashion in Kumamoto, so I would like to handle it in this essay. Once, I have heard that the fashion trends are started in Kumamoto, and clothing companies try to put their new clothing on sale in Kumamoto. Have you heard that clothings which become popular in Kumamoto will also become good sellers in Japan? I wanted to find out whether it is true or not. I had an idea about the measure for it, and I tried to search on the Internet. It was because I wanted to see people’s opinion. However, in fact, I could not find so much information, because there are few reasonable opinions. Some people say bad things and put abusive comments there about Kumamoto’s fashion.

To tell the truth, I don’t really know whether the gossip is true or not. Some people say Fukuoka is still more fashionable than Kumamoto. I thought it was also natural opinion, because Fukuoka is the center of various things, markets, traffic, and economy. Besides, it is bigger than Kumamoto and has more people. In other hands, some people have the opinion that people in Kumamoto understand their own personality and choose clothes which really suit them. Other people say there is no time difference in fashion between Tokyo (the capital of Japan) and Kumamoto.

I think it is true that people in Kumamoto have an interest in fashion as well as those in other cities in Japan. Of course, that depends on each person eventually. However, many of my friends seem to have a great interest in fashion trends. It is widely said that the basic nature of people in Kumamoto is newfangled, that is, tend to prefer new things. (Please check out the link below.) As a conclusion, however, it depends on each person. So many men, so many minds(十人十色).

[434 words]
Total of November = 3191 words

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Brainstorming for next essay!

I would like to give the words and phrases for my image.

fashion
new trend
fashionable people
interest
sense
popular
Kumamoto
Tokyo
all over Japan
companies
try
market



[28 words]

Free writing: A well-kept secret of Kumamoto

We are to write next essay about "a well-kept secret of Kumamoto". I really don't know what to write about, but just now I have come up with a topic.

Everyone, are you interested in fashion? I have heard that clothing companies try to sell new fashion trades first in Kumamoto. It is said because the fashion which becomes popular in Kumamoto can be popular all over Japan.

I would like to check that it is true or not. I find many people in Kumamoto are very interested in fashion, but they are leading the fashion trade in all Japan? I wonder, but this is really interesting.

If it is true, it will become a great point, and it will proved that Kumamoto has a well-kept secret!

[130 words]

Monday, November 24, 2008

Best essay in other class ☆☆☆

We took a look at essays in 1c writing class. I chose HANAKO's movie review. Her blog is named "RARA EXPRESS". That is interesting. Her title is "Divorce~Mrs, Doubtfire~". I think the title is unique, because an impression that many people may get from this movie is about humor, laugh, and love. Of course, the divorce is also one of its themes, but I do not think many people handle this theme, when they talk about this movie.

Anyway, I would like to explain why I chose her review as a best essay in the class. I found it interesting, in that she refers to each scene, and then, give her opinions. She is thoughtful. I felt that she can and should give her opinion more! The sentences are so easy to read that I can tell what the main points are. That is also one of the reason.

Her essay is here. The URL is below. Please check it out.
[163 words]

Friday, November 21, 2008

Teaching Review: Please enjoy Japanese!!

I am taking a course in teaching Japanese, and have two classes a week. They are on sixth period(6:00p.m.-7:30p.m.), so I have vacant hours. I really feel the time is so long every time, but today wasn't. It was because I was in charge of today's practice class. Every student will be in charge of two practice classes this year.

In my case, I had to teach about how to use attribute phrases. I also introduced how to use the verbs about clothes, glasses, hats, and other accessories. Japanese has its own system in verbs about clothing. For example, "kite-imasu(着ています)" is one of the dynamic verbs, not irregular verbs or progress forms.

Today was my second time, but I think the first time was better than this time. In the first time, I was more nervous about it and practiced hard for it. This time, however, I found the lack of practices, because the teaching plan was not memorized well. It is my reflection and self-examination.

But now I have finished my second challenge, so I am content with it. I want to have another new goals.

Anyway, I can sleep so well tonight! Good night...☆
[206 words]

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Essay2-02: ~Walk in line~ (Community life)

I would like to introduce my neighborhood and my junior school days. I had lived in Tokyo for some years and moved here, my present neighborhood. In my neighborhood, there were a lot of junior school kids when I came here. We, all of the junior school kids were to go to school in a group. It was primarily for our safety, I think. Each group consisted of some kids and had a leader and a vice leader. I think it was also a community life. I would like to share you some lessons it gave me.

When I lived in Tokyo, we did not have such groups to go to school together. At first, I felt it was strange to have my own group, and I did not like it. It seemed to be troublesome, because we had to get together on time. If I was late, the time for leaving would get behind and I would feel so embarrassed. This is a kind of joint responsibility. I did not like that, but it was important concept in such a situation. However, it was a valuable lesson for me in that it taught me the importance of being on time. This community life also helped me to learn the ways of getting along with other kids. We walked in line and even now it is really memorable for me. I think that keeping order in a community is really important.

When I was in the 3rd grade, my group was made of 7 kids. The members were three in the 6th grade, one in the 5th grade, one in the 4th grade, me in the 3rd grade, and one in the 2nd grade. To me, senior kids seemed to have grown up. After a few years, however, I found myself in higher grades. Then, I have to try to take care of kids in the lower grades. I acted as a vice group leader when I was in the 5th grade, and finally as a group leader in 6th grade. I was not so puzzled about the role, because I had seen how each senior leader acted every year and which way was good for members. It is a kind of ‘tradition’. The role was taken over from seniors to juniors every year.

Of course, the role was not always easy to handle. Junior kids were sometimes late and sometimes fretful or selfish. Some kids walked slowly. I found those problems, but kids were also sweet. I think the experience helped me to have patience and sense of responsibility.

Now, this world is not safe, and we can not tell what happens to us. It can be expected that more and more kids will go to school in their own group for their safety. It is a good measure, isn't it? Some kids must find it difficult to be on time, get along other kids in the same group, and take responsibility. This community can be their pleasure, though it can be worries too. Those experiences will benefit them.

As a conclusion, communities have a great influence on our everyday and whole life! In my case, I learned a lot from the experience. It taught me being on time, getting along with other members in the group, patience, sense of responsibility. I felt the importance of keeping order in my community. Besides, the senior I become, the more responsibility I have. These points are the same in our society too. I will never forget the lessons, and I think I should keep the memories in my mind. It is about my childhood when I went to school in line...


[610 words]
total here = 2230 words

Friday, November 14, 2008

BR2-11: Sara Says No!

I chose this time "Sara Says No!". It is one of a series which is different from the series I always read. The reason why I chose it is that pictures look nice with the soft touch. I liked it also because it has a CD with it. I listened to the CD, and it was more easier to draw each scene in my mind. The CD helped me to make my imagination work.

The story is also good. This is a reasonable story. Sara was an honest girl, and she helped her father's fruit shop, Mr.Fruit, at the market. She saw her father cheat the customers when he sold his fruits to them. Sara hated that, and she said to him that he should give honest weight and should not sell bad fruits. He answered to her that she did not understand business and said, "that's life!" After that, there were some things happened to them. At last, Sara became to work at the fruit shop at the market. Sara, the customers, everyone was happy. Her father was also happy, now that he let Sara work at the market and he himself did housework at their house. Sara was always honest and gave collect weight to the customers. This book says, "she understands business".

I recommend you this book, and I would like you to listen to the CD. You must enjoy and appreciate the story with various voices and sounds.

[245 words]

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

~ Outline for next essay ~

I would like to show the outline for next essay "community life", and arrange the order to write it.


●Intro
    Introduction of my neighborhood
         〃    my group

●Body
    My impression at first
    When I was a junior kid
       ・The time for gathering

・Keeping order in a group
       ・Be sleepy in morning
       ・Joint responsibility
    After I became a senior (a kind of tradition)
       ・A vice leader → A leader
       ・Sense of responsibility
       ・Taking care of juniors (selfish or sweet)

●Conclusion
    Summarize the main points
    My opinion
       ・Now many kids join their own groups for safety in Japan
       ・The importance of getting along with other members
       ・The influence on everyday life


I have to think of some catchy title too! It is also important. Now that I arranged the contents and the order, I am ready for writing next essay!



[136 words]

Lists for next essay 1 ◎●◯◉

I would like to list some key words here, which remind of my memories!

Neighbors
Childhood friends
Greeting
Remove
Seniors and juniors
(Vice) Leaders
Sense of responsibility
Pick up juniors
Selfish
Sweet
Be sleepy in morning
Oversleep
The time for gathering
Annoyance
Joint responsibility
in a line
The order in line

These are key words. I will try to write a better essay than last one!

[66 words]

Community life!

The topis of next essay is community life. When I hear the words "community life", I have an image for it. It is about my neighborhood. It is the really common community, I think.

When I was a junior school student, all students had to join each group in their way to school. I see junior school kids go to school in each group. The groups are made of some children who live in the same area, that is, they are neghbors each other. Each group has a leader and an assistant leader.

I have both of good and bad memories about my group. Then, I would like to write about it in next essay!

[115 words]

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Winter ~。。

After November began, it has been getting colder gradually. In October, we had even humid and hot weather. Now, we need to wear jackets and the clothes with long sleeves.
Actually, I love winter and its weather! I don't like summer, and I hate humid weather, though. That's why the present season is really pleasant to me. I am looking forward to this year's winter too.
In winter, it is getting easier to exercise. I am still continuing to exercise in our university's gym. Sometime, I can not exercise twice a week, but I try to do it as often as possible. I spend the time on Monday and Friday. It is a little tough to take clothes and shoes for exercising to school, because the bag is heavy. Then, I think of it as a little tough task.
I was not sure that this exercise custom can be really beneficial for me, but my mother said that I do not say "I am tired" recently. I thought that I might have energy more than before. I am really happy!
[184 words]
Total here = 1058 words

Friday, November 7, 2008

○●たいやき●○


I had a delicious taiyaki!! One of my friends gave it to me. Taiyaki is a sweet with bean paste inside, and it is like a bream in shape. I think it could be said to be one of the Japanese tradition.

That taiyaki tasted so nice and so impressive! It smelled so nice too. I did not like taiyaki so much, but I was fascinated completely.

I heard that the name of the shop of the taiyaki is "sekai-ichi umai taiyaki". It means the most delicious taiyaki in the world, and I agree that!!

The common taiyaki in Japan include black bean paste, but they have not only taiyaki with black paste but also with white bean paste. Their taiyaki is 150 yen, and I think it is worth the price.

I will do try again!!

[138 words]

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Tender Chicken with sauce!

I have forgotten to share a recipe that I like! I made a chicken saute with mayonnaise sauce. One of good points about this recipe is that this dish can be made of breast meat of a chicken, so it is so economical. Besides, this part of chicken with low fat helps you, when you want to eat meat while you are on a diet. Further more, this recipe is easy enough to make when you do not have time.
The ingredients are breast meat of chicken, starch, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, milk and wasabi.
First, cut the meat into the proper size and season the pieces with salt, pepper and starch. In this phase, the efficient way is to do in a small plastic bag. You can dust those seasoning successively.
Then, broil the meat in a pre-heated frying pan. Please cook the meat well-done. The point is putting the lid until the meats get well-done. Then, take the lid off and broil into the color of brown. The cooking of meat is finished.
As to the mayonnaise sauce, you can make it while you broil the meat. Put mayonnaise and wasabi in a small container. Then, mix them. If you would like, add a little milk and make the sauce smooth and mild.
Put the sauce on the meat. You must get hooked on the tender meat! Please try it!


[234 words]

Saturday, November 1, 2008

MR2-01: "Mrs. Doubt" ― Live with Love and Humor ☆

In this movie, we can see a family’s drama. The story is sad but really emotional and heartwarming, even humorous in some parts. In this review, I would like to share you all about the most impressive things for me. I like his humor and love for children. Now, let’s focus on these qualities!

I would like to explain the plot a little bit. He is the so humorous father that he and his children had really enjoyed their family life together. Even when children were depressed, he could encourage them and make them feel better. The children obviously needed their father mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, their mother decided to get a divorce from her husband. It was because she had felt so much stress, and her emotion had been so hurt. He and his wife had not communicated well. His wife had not felt his love to her, and she cried in her bed almost every night. However, the divorce did not solve their problem.

He was separated from his children and felt that he would lose his sanity. His eagerness for children made him to become disguised in woman’s clothes, so that he could see his children. It is just, ‘do everything’! He must be regarded as a crazy man, but this is a true parent! I felt so.

The most favorite point about him is humor! He was a dubber, and his specialty was to play with various voices. His children really enjoy playing with him, and his reading with various voices was so exciting. That’s why he could delude his wife with woman’s appearance and voice and take care of his own children after the divorce. Of course, he was so sad and depressed after the divorce, but his humor and aggressiveness helped him to deal with it in a practical way. He did not miss the chance of seeing his children. He could also laugh away his failure. This point is a great encouragement for me. If I get depressed with friendship or any other things, I want to stay positive. I also felt it is important to act practically, not to keep regretting about or cry over what has already happened.
  
I think all viewers can feel his good qualities and get a lesson from this movie respectively. In my case, I could see the importance of living with love and humor every day! I am sure that I can become a stronger girl, if I cultivate humor especially. If not, I may keep staying depressed and miss many chances. Besides, it is just a waste of my time and energy! I want to stay cheerful and live through my days!


[452 words]

Outline for MR!

●Intro
     Show main points briefly
      *Focus two qualities of the hero
         ・Love for children
         ・Humor

●Body
     Treat the main points deeply
      *How he shows his love for children
      *How humor supports him in problems

●Conclusion
     Summarize all main points
      *Why those qualities are important
      *Refer to the influence on me


[50 words]

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Free-writing 2: Family

This movie also shows us the important family is. I feel the importance of it every day!

I am a only child, so I think I have a strong tie with my parents especially. I do not have any brother or sister, but I have parents, who know me, listen to me, give advice to me, spend a good time with me! I really appreciate!

Actually, however, I have been thinking lately that I have to become independent gradually. To be honest, it is not easy, I think. But I can be secure, because they must keep their eyes on me.

I have never doubted their love to me, and I know I am a very happy girl!

[118 words]
Total of October = 3870 words

Free-writing1: humor

This movie shows us how important the humor is!

I felt the father's aggressiveness although he was so sad when his wife decided to get a divorce from him actually. He has a great humor before the divorce, but he could stay positive even after that. I think he could do that, because of his humor!

It is important for us too in order to face difficulties, enrich our life, and cope with stress.I think I am too serious in many cases and feel stress which is not needed, so I find the importance of cultivating humor. I got an encouragement from this movie!

[106 words]

Sunday, October 26, 2008

List of themes in Mrs.Doubt!

The theme and impressive phrases in this movie are...

Love in a family
Smiles of children, wife, and husband
Tears of husband and wife
Changes in relations
Parents' love to children
Don't take away my children!
Near hysterical with love for children
Do everything!
Children's need of parents
Make children smile
Need of husband and wife

+ Humour


This movie also has scenes which evoke a laugh, but it handles really important problems, doesn't it?

[77 words]
Total here = 3646 words

Movie: Mrs.Doubt!

I watched a movie, "Mrs. Doubt" with my friends in our library last Friday. It was a little funny but impressive. I had thought it much funnier before I watched it, but it was so impressive in that it shows the father's love to his children. He did every thing he can do, and he seems to be odd, even strange.

I think this movie emphasizes the love in a family. It is because he himself said that as long as there is love, they are connected, in the movie. The parents do all things for children without regard to themselves. I feel that in case of my parents too.

It is really regrettable that he and his wife divorced. Except for that, this movie is really heartwarming.
[129 words]

Friday, October 24, 2008

Japanese Cuisine!

Hi, everyone. Today is the last day in this week! The weekend is coming!
Recently, I give vent to stress by eating. I know that it is not good for my health, so the least I can do now is trying to do some exercise twice a week. Today was one of those exercising days.
However, I think it is still important to care about meals. I think of Japanese cuisine as the best and the most healthy meals for Japanese people.
Today's dinner was Japanese dishes. The main dish was grilled fillet of the mackerel, and it was in pride of grease. We also had some food boiled and seasoned, and the dishes included something like toufu, pieces of konjak(konnyaku), napa cabbage, taro and some beans. It was seasoned with soy sauce.
Besides, we had rice, and brown(unpolished) rice. What a healthy food! It includes dietary fiber so much. Mo mother boiled it in a pressure cooker, not in a rice-cooker. This is important, I think!
Anyway, we had a good dinner and a good time. Besides, tomorrow is a holiday. I am really happy!
[190 words]

Sunday, October 19, 2008

BR2-10: Superdog

I read the book "Superdog", which is one of a series of ORT. I chose it, because a picture of Floppy in the book cover was so nice. He is seemed to be so proud!

This is the story about a dream that he had. In the dream, he helped a baby in a rolling pram, got back a stolen purse of a woman, protected a poor puppy, rescued a man on the top of a tall building and so on. All people admired what he did and called him 'superdog'. The story of him were on newspaper, and he can cross every street without waiting. All people in cars stooped for him. Now, he was a special dog and he was treated in a special way. However, a conclusion he made was still that to be a normal is a good thing. He just want to live a peaceful life.

I think he is right. I think I should, and I want to live my life without being broken by pressure and stress or compared with others. I recommend that you read it too. It will comfort you, and you will feel comfortable.

[194 words]

Our Doorkeeper ( - :


Hello, everyone! Are you enjoying your weekend? Well, I am enjoying, and I feel good. I would like to talk about our doorkeeper in today's post!

With the words "our doorkeeper", I mean my dog, Lovely. I think she is really sweet and cute, and the one reason is in this point. She always knows who is missing in the house. For example, when only my mother and I are in the house, she knows my father is missing.

She really like when everyone are at home together. When somebody is missing, she keeps waiting the person's coming home. She is seemed to be really sweet then. The every time she is doing so, I think I have to come back home as soon as possible after school. Do you see what this parental love for her is like?

[141 words]