Mini Kyoto trip Part 1 --- 1st day-1 Kiyomizu temple

I went on an overnight trip to Kyoto. I chose the top season of autumn leaves so it was hard to book a hotel. I could find one hotel with difficulty. But according to news, autumn leaves season in Kyoto was very late this year. Oh, no!

I left Tokyo station around 9:00am. The station was very crowded because of three-day weekend.

I arrived at Kyoto station around 11:30am and went to my hotel. My friend who lives in Kyoto came to the hotel to pick me up.

We left for Kiyomizu temple first. We took a taxi but the taxi didn't move because a road to Kiyomizu temple was very crowded. So we got off the taxi on the way.

This is the street to Kiyomizu temple. Too many people!! My friend told me many souvenir shops on both sides of this street had a lot of samples, and we ate those, such as Yatsuhashi which was Kyoto's famous sweet food and Japanese pickles.


My Picture in front of Kiyomizu temple. Kiyomizu temple is a World Heritage site.


She is meeting many tourists' request to take a picture with them.


Let's go inside of Kiyomizu temple.


Three-story pagoda which is a national important cultural assets


I was worried about late autumn leaves. But it was pretty good. It was beautiful.


Really beautifu------l!!!


Really really beautiful!! And really too many people.


There was Momiji (autumn leaves) festival at Jishu shrine in kiyomizu temple. This shrine is famous for love knot so many young girls came.





Me with a beautiful scene in the background. Actually I was with my friend in this photo. But I don't ask him whether I can put his photo on my blog so I trimmed away his part.


This is Otowa waterfall in Kiyomizu temple. You have to stand in lo--ng line to reach the fall. People on front of the photo are in the middle of the line. Can you believe it?


On the way back. We didn't move because of many people. Too many people. I know Kiyomizu temple is one of the most popular temple for sightseeing. But... too many. People were saying that they haven't seen such a crowded Kiyomizu temple.

Try to blow the gloom

I will go to Kyoto next weekend. My friend lives in Kyoto and I will meet him too. I'm looking for that.

OK, I arrange the plan of my mini-trip to Kyoto and try to blow my gloomy feeling!

GLOOMY

I'm depressed very much. The cause is my laziness. I'm really disgusted with my terrible laziness.

Self-hatred.

And what is worse, some people informed things that annoyed me.

Sigh...

Report Card

6 months has passed since I started going to the English conversation school. And I received an assessment. It's like the report card. How many years have passed since I received the report card? haha.

According to the assessment, my English level has improved a bit. A bit. And my weakest is listening as ever. That's to be expected.

The assessment is with recommendations from my teachers. In accordance with those, I will replan my English study.

Romanian cuisine

I found a Romanian restaurant in my neighborhood. Romanian food?

There are various kind of restaurants in Tokyo. Probably there is no food we cannot eat in Tokyo. But Romanian restaurant is very rare. I don't know what is Romanian food and had never eaten it.

I went to the restaurant to have lunch. It was garnished with many folk goods, all staff were not Japanese (I don't know if they are Romanians though), BGM sounded folk music (I'm not sure it though).

I ordered "Friptura de porc la gratar cu legume". Price is 1,000yen which is an average lunch fee in the center of Tokyo, but VERY big portion. Salad, soup with a lot of vegetables (only the soup was enough for me), bread and large main dish! So 1,000yen is very reasonable. But it was too much for me. So at first I thought I shouldn't have eaten bread, but the bread seemed to be a bit different from others, such as French bread, so I tried to eat it, my tummy was very full though. It was high density and moist. I wonder it is Romanian bread?

After finishing eating main dish, I was full to burst and waiting a cup of coffee. Before coffee, unexpectedly cake was served. What!? I love sweet food... but...

Of course I ate the cake. hehe.

I found other dishes I wanted to eat next time, but I wonder if I can eat too big dishes again.

Christmas season has come.

Starbucks have already decorated their shops and started Christmas menu.

I tried to order one of them, "Creme Brule Latte".

Soon after the Halloween, Christmas decoration starts throughout the town in Japan.

Finally, Christmas season has come. It is a pity that Autumn I like will finish soon, but I'm excited to be able to see beautiful Christmas illuminations!

Feeling something

Suddenly, I felt kind of melancholy or dreary a little. I wonder why? Because it's autumn? haha.

Globish

I read an article about Globish. I hadn't heard about it since.

Globish is an abbreviation of Global English, and it was made for non-native English speaker and the number of vocabulary is just 1500. Its sentence is short, only basic grammar, and it is used with visual expression, such as gestures. So it is easier to it can reduce the time and energy to acquire.

Jean-Paul Nerriere, who is the former deputy president of IBM made it. He is a French. When he worked for IBM and had communication with people who were from many countries, what he was not good at was talking with native speakers, because they used complicated grammar or uncommon idioms. But the number of non-native speaker was greater than native speaker. Therefore, he created Globish. After that, people could have communication fully with Globish in IBM.

And according to this article, a person who works for a foreign company said that she worked in the multinational situation and people who spoke incomprehensible English were British. They spoke too fast, and if they had an accent, English of non-native speakers was easier to understand.

Mr. Narriere also told media that he could have communication with Japanese easier than American.

This article concluded with the following words;
Amid the globalization of human resources, there is situation that native speakers should master English that is understood by non-native speakers.

Anyway, I always think it was good that Japanese didn't become a global common language instead of English. It is hard to learn Japanese. Of course there are many languages that are much more difficult than Japanese though.

The most livable city in the world

According to a survey by an American consulting firm, the ranking of the most livable cities in the world is as follows.

1. Zurich (Switzerland)
2. Geneva (Switzerland)
3. Vancouver (Canada)
4. Vienna (Austria)
5. Auckland (New Zealand)
6. Dusseldorf (Germany)
7. Frankfurt (Germany)
8. Munich (Germany)
9. Berne (Switzerland)
10. Sydney (Australia)

Hmm... many European cities. What's surprising to me is that many German cities were ranked. I see. Tokyo is best for me though. haha.

By the way, writing cities' name is difficult. I didn't know most of spelling of those cities and I had to refer to a dictionary.

Delicious Salmon!!

I love sushi, or more like sashimi.

I went to a sushi restaurant today. (I often go.) Needless to say, TASTY! Especially I love salmon!! I'm really happy to be born a Japanese.

Yummy!!

The failure of NOVA

Japan's biggest English conversation school, NOVA went bankruptcy. It might be a matter of course.

NOVA's lesson fee per a lesson is cheaper than others'. Instead of that, students have to pay 3 year's fee in advance. 3 years! Now, it is impossible that the students get reimbursed the fee. Terrible.

Any native speakers can be NOVA's teacher easily, if they graduated college of university, even if they have no experience of teaching. Almost all of the teachers didn't have experience of teaching English. They are just native speakers. Just it. I never want to pay for studying from such a teacher.

NOVA's teachers lost their job. According to the news, they haven't got paid for 2 months. I think it is hard for them to find a new job. No job in a foreign country... I am very sorry about their anxious situation.

All students have paid

New PC FINALLY!!

My new PC finally arrived!! Wow!! It arrived ahead of schedule.
I thought I had bought smaller one, but it was a bit bigger than I thought.

Anyway I would be freed from going to an internet cafe?

Let me introduce my new PC!

Happy Birthday to Me

New Cell Phone

I changed a cell phone company, because service of my previous cell phone company was too bad on many kind of aspects.

So of course I had to change mobile equipment. Usually I chose equipment for its design, but at this time, I chose for one function. It is camera function.

Yes, all cell phones have camera function. But my new cell phone's is different from others'. Casio's EXILIM is attached the cell! It already is not a cell phone. It is more like a digital camera.This camera function is much better than my old digital camera. Haha. I haven't used that perfectly yet...

As I wrote on this blog the other day, I want my life to be simple. I don't want to have too much things. So in this time, I avoided to have both two peaces of equipment, camera and cell.

Buying new computer

I decided to buy new computer.
I often wrote about my computer on this blog. It doesn't work well, more like it is almost broken. Finally I became unable to connect to networks. My computer can't recognize its network port. So I go to an internet cafe recently. My computer has no decent parts now.

I went to an electronics retail store the day before yesterday to buy a computer. Actually I wanted to avoid buying Dell or HP, because I have an image that those PCs are for companies. Almost all companies in Japan use Dell or HP computers.
But, I ended up choosing Dell, because of its price. Dell's computers are a bit cheaper than others.

Unfortunately, it takes 2 weeks to receive the computer, because it's Dell. I have to continue to go to an internet cafe for a while.

I wonder why atmosphere of internet cafe is unsoundness.

Too insistent the possessive in English

I might have written a article of such a theme before. I always feel that about "Whose" is mentioned TOO much in English.
For example;

[They gave their teacher a big boquet of flowers for her birthday.]

Why do we need to say "their" and "her"? That's obviously her birthday. Who gives someone a birthday present for OTHER'S birthday?

[He took off his glasses.]

The glasses he wears is of course HIS glasses. Why do we need to say "his" specially? We can say it only when he wore OTHER'S glasses and took it off.

[He divorced his wife.]

It is impossible to divorce OTHER'S wife!!!

24 Season 5

Broadcasts of 24 season 5 started on TV this week, it is midnight as ever though.

Unfortunately, Michelle, who is my most favorite character in 24, died in the first an hour. It was pity!

Personally speaking, the season 1 is best. 24 is becoming humdrum. The season 5 is very monotonous and dull. I can see what to expect easily. (I tend to be able to see what to expect even in other dramas and movies though.)
In the season 1, there were much unpredictable quality, surprising and speed.
It ran out of topics?

Giants' championship victory

Giants won the Central League title for the first time in 5 years!!! The first time in 5 years... It's been a long time for us who are fans. Giants is like Yankees in the MLB. I mean they are supposed to win, they must win. Giants is such a traditional team. So players of Giants also said unanimously that it had been a long time.

Giants' front office removed Mr. Hara from Giants' manager and assigned another OB of Giants, then Giants couldn't win while he was the manager. Mr. Hara came back to the manager and finally Giants won the championship. It was really good, it took a roundabout way due to misjudgment of the front office though.

I hope they will win in the Japan Series. Go for it!!

Pilates

I started going to pilates class. Yesterday was the first class.

Unlike yoga, pilates is exercise to develop body trunk. And focusing attention on internal body is important. "Focusing attention" is common to pilates and yoga. It's a bit difficult.

Compared with yoga, it is not problem so much whether body is flexible or not. My body is VERY hard.

Class is for an hour. But I was very tired after class. Very tired. I felt dull. I thought there was much effect and I would feel muscle pain next day. But... I don't felt it today. Hmm... But I feel muscle pain of my neck a little. Neck? Why??

This class takes place alternate week. I think at least once a week is necessary. Of course every day is best though.

The Ultimate Simplify

I like "simple". Simple is best. I always try to be simple around me. My favorite book is "Simplify your life" written by 2 Germans. I always try not to have too many things. I often throw things away. (Sometimes I regret to have thrown away though. haha.) But stuff is increased. To be simple is difficult. If stuff is increased even a little, I am not comfortable.

Now, I decided to address BIG "to be simple". I throw things away and have the bare minimum needed to live, then I will add only things I really need. I already have thrown many many things, such as clothes and furniture. Actually it costs to even throw things away, such as bulk trash.

I wrote on the article before that I changed my mind. I decided to give low priority to job and cherish my personal life. And the ultimate simple. I am reborn.

Reborn Sand！！

Date-Megane

I bought "Date-Megane" the other day. "Date-Megane" means... Megane means glasses. Date-Megane is kind of glasses for fashion or fake glasses?

I wanted that for a long time. I wear it when no make-up. Haha.

Aleppo Soap

One of olive soaps, "Aleppo Soap" has been popular among Japanese women now.
It is handmade soap from Aleppo in Syria.

I was looking for a good face-wash. I have just run out of my face-wash so I tried to buy Aleppo Soap yesterday. Because I used it just one time last night, I don't know if it is good yet. I'll continue to use it and see how it works.

I intend to use it not only as face-wash but also as body-wash. Actually I have heard that it is also good for hair. Using soap as shampoo? Hmm... I have never washed my hair with soap though. I'll try to do tonight.

Movie: Ratatouille

I went to a movie theater to watch the movie "Ratatouille".
It was very fun movie. I laughed some times during the movie.

I also watched Monsters Inc. before. It was the second time I watched the animation movies in a movie theater. Actually I don't like animation movie so much. I don't know why but I thought I tried to go to see this movie when I saw its advertisement, just like Monsters Inc.

When I watched Monsters Inc., I was impressed with not only its story but also its graphics. And I realized that graphics technology improved very much in this time. Sometimes rats looked like real ones. Before watching the movie, I thought only one rat would appear. But contrary to my expectations, there were many many rats. Too many. "Too many" is one of my hate things. So when many rats, which looked like real, appeared in the screen, I felt unpleasant. And I remembered big rats in the New York subway.

The story was very good.

My pronunciation of "TION"

One of my English teacher point out my pronunciation of "TION", such as station and condition. According to him, I say, kind of "shone". I practice this pronunciation repeatedly, but once I start conversation, I say "shone" unconsciously. In addition, I say con of condition "cone". So my pronunciation of condition is "CONEDISHONE".

I need to repeat these right pronunciations over and over again.

Changing my mind a little

I decided to change my mind a little.
I lower the priority of job in my life. I value my personal life more. One of things I want to do is doing activities to help poor children in the world. But I couldn't do anything because almost all of my time was occupied by working. It was difficult even to spend decent life.

Go back to my original thinking that job is just one way to get money.

Just for a change, I had my hair cut. I had worn my hair long for a long time. I tried to wear my hair short. It's been about a month since I had my hair cut though.

It has been already over one month since I had my hair cut. So my hair has gotten long.

Meeting my friend

I met my friend the other day. He lives in Kyoto and came to Tokyo to attend a conference. The last time I met him was about a year and a half in Osaka. (He lived in Osaka at that time.)

He is a researcher. He develops new ideas and makes presentation about those at conferences worldwide. That's great!

I hope I can visit him in Kyoto next time. I wonder if the season for autumn leaves is good for visiting Kyoto. I must be very beautiful. He said he would go to Portugal to attend a conference in November though.

Long time not see.

It's been a long time since I updated blog last. Almost 3 months past.
There are many things during that. I was too busy to death.

I wrote my last article before I left for New York. So, first of all, I write about my business trip to New York.

Terrible. It was really terrible. I was busy even in New York. I intended to do some sightseeing when I had time, but I couldn't do anything. I just came and went between my hotel and a company every day. Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Central Park... it was possible to go to those sightseeing spot on foot from my hotel. In spite of such a good location of my hotel, I couldn't go to those spots.

I mentioned before, I couldn't prepare for the conference and especially my presentation in Tokyo because of too busy. So I did those things in my hotel but of course there was enough time to do that. Most of the time other than being in the company, I worked in my hotel. Terrible.

The company located in Wall Street. Real Wall Street is much different from my image of it. It was just narrow and short street. Haha.

Wall Street
My impression of New York is... Hmm... As I said, I didn't see New York so much, but at least I don't want to live in New York. I often hear many people say that New York is very nice and they want to live. Town is dirty and dark compared with Tokyo. I found BIG rats in the subway. I can't believe!! And why is there no air conditionar in the subway stations? Too hot. I realized again that Tokyo is nice!

But there is one good thing. Airplane. It was business-class trip. Business-class environment has MUCH improved since I traveled in business-class last. Airlines concentrate on improving business and first class environment. But I think those are enough, more like too much. I always think they should improve couch-class. That is terrible. Sometimes people died from economy-class syndrome.

The following photo was taken on the observation deck of Rockefeller Center on the day I arrived at New York. Rockefeller Center is very close to my hotel. Till I could check in the hotel, I stopped by there. It was almost only sightseeing?

Business trip to New York without any preparation

Finally, I leave for New York on business from now.
I'm SO tired from work. Busy busy and busy. Then I had no time to prepare for my business trip. I couldn't prepare for my presentation, checking topics of agenda. (Ma--ny agenda.)
And I even didn't packing. I came back to my home from work midnight and then I started packing. Finally it was finished and it is about 5am now. Whew...
I need to work on airplane and at a hotel.

Anyway, I sleep just 20 minutes from now and then I will go to New York.

Busy life is continuing...

I'm too busy working as ever and this week went by with a lighting speed again.

It has been no less than 3 weeks after moving.
Look! There are still cardboard boxes, and no curtain in my place. The curtain is one of things you buy first... at least I think so.


My window is very wide compared with normal windows in typical Japanese apartments. So ready-made curtain doesn't fit. I must buy custom-made one. I have no time to look for good curtain.

I will go to New York on business the end of this month. I hope my current terrible situation change to normal life by that.

The Internet connection

It took about 2 weeks from my moving. And finally I had the Internet connection at home! So I put an article for a long interval.

While this 2weeks, I was (and am) very very very busy working, and I was (and am) sparing much time to study English. I go to the English school every day after work. I focus the preparation for conducting the training in English.

So I haven't unpacked yet...

Too busy work, hard studying English and moving. Triple matters put me under time pressure every day.

Current my life isn't decent human life...

When I finish coordinating my new room, I put its photo!

New place!

I moved yesterday!
It's my new room before carrying my stuff in.



I like my new room for some reason. One of them is the view from the window!



Unfortunately, the photo isn't clear so I can't show you real wonderful view.

I haven't unpacked yet.



I'm too busy at work so it seems that I spend days in these messy cardboxes for a while.

The early summer weather

It was very hot and nice weather yesterday. It was almost the beginning of summer.
Unfortunately it is raining today and a bit cold, but the good weather will come again from tomorrow.

I found small and cute flowers on the roadside yesterday. It also made me feel an atmosphere of the beginning of the summer.

My first lesson

I had the first lesson at the English school on Monday. Terrible. My English is really terrible. I think teachers were amazed at my terrible English. Whew...

The day I must deliver training in English is coming up.

My intensive English lesson will start soon.

As I wrote in the previous article, my English is in a crisis point now. This is no time to wait my English improvement with only studying on my own. I need intensive training. So I checked the Internet to find a good English school. Common school is not enough. There are ma---ny schools. Then I narrowed down a target to one school.

I went to the school to take a free lesson yesterday. Of course, I can't judge by just the free lesson. But I signed up the lesson, for believing in my inspiration I had when I chose the school in the Internet.

At first, I will take an "Eigo-duke" course using the Golden Week holiday period. "Eigo-duke" means waterlogged with English. After that, I will take business English lessons. I am planning that I focus the training content I must deliver in the lessons in May. During the lessons in June, I focus a preparation for my business trip to New York at the end of June.

I wonder if it goes well. It must go well. I pay much money for going to school and I threw away my policy of studying English all by myself without go to any school.

I can do.

My new life

While I haven't updated my blog, there was change in my life.

My new job started this month. My job has been training-related one for a long time and it wasn't changed. And I don't want to change it. In this time, type of training I conduct was changed. It is very technical so I need to acquire exclusive knowledge a lot. But it's OK. In a sense, it is my usual. Training professionals often face the situation they must conduct training they have never done.

But!! In this time, I must deliver training IN ENGLISH!! Can you believe that?

It was the biggest challenge in my life.

I'm always optimistic and think "I can work it out." But I wonder if I can in this time.

And I plan to move. New house, new job. My new life is starting.

The highest price ever paid as divorce settlement

A Russian oil billionaire Mr. Abramovich; who is known as an owner of English soccer team Chelsea, divorced and payment to his ex-wife was 6 billion pound!

People can't use up such a lot of money in their lives, no matter how luxury they enjoy lives.

Donate to poor people in the world!

Declaration of cherry blossoms' flowering

The agency declared that cherry blossoms had opened in Tokyo. Finally cherry blossoms season, it's very short though.

A weatherman said he was not sure whether it lasts till next weekend. It seems that mid of next week is at its peak.

Japan declares cherry blossoms' flowing every year, even issues forecasts of its times. I wonder if it is only Japan.

FRIEDENSDORF INTERNATIONAL

Today I watched a TV program about FRIEDENSDORF INTERNATIONAL (English name = PEACE VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL). I watched the TV programs that featured it many times since years ago. They help children in areas of war and crisis. I can't watch it without tears every time.

http://www.friedensdorf.de/index.php

I want to do activities to help poor children to go to school and I'm researching now what I can do. What I want to do is a bit different from activities of FRIEDENSDORF INTERNATIONAL but I decided to donate to them. I know donating them can't go to the root of the problem. The ultimate solution is that adults stop disputes. It's very simple but very difficult...

My English is lacking in uniformity Part 2

I couldn't have an English conversation so well today. My English level is really lacking in uniformity. It seems to be depends on my mood. And the mood is affected by my confidence in my English. And the confidence always varies depending on situation. For example, I'm very poor at catching English Indians speak. So when I talk with Indians, my confidence goes down. Or talking on the phone in English is my weakest things. So when I talk on the phone, my confidence goes down as well. And then, my English skill immediately goes lower so much that I can't have a good English conversation.

It's a vicious circle.

High-five

When I read another blog, I found the word "high-five". I didn't this word.

Following sentences were written in the blog.
He high-fived the coach. He high-fived the players...

Is high-five verb??

I checked a dictionary. Oh! it means "high touch". In Japan, we say "high touch" about "high-five". "Five" expresses fingers? I see.

According to the dictionary, "high touch" has another meaning in English, such as touching body like handshake and even sensitivity. Wow, those meanings are much different from Japanese "high touch".

My English is lacking in uniformity.

I talked with some foreigners in English today. I think the conversations went well. It seems that my English conversation varies in level from time to time. Why?? It is one of the big issues of my English conversation. My English study is still not enough.

Departure from my so-so life

I met my friend today. Long time no see!

He looked great and seemed to be enjoying his life enough. His job also goes well and he is expanding his business area. He is a talented person.

My current life is... hmm... so-so. It's not bad and not so good. If someone asks you "how is your life?", are you able to answer "it's great!"?

My debut on Korean food

I went to a health spa with my friend the other day. We went there at this time every year.

(The article about going to the health spa last year.)
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/03/health-spa.html

Usually, we take a spa, get a massage and them talk drinking beers.
This year, my friend took me a Korean restaurant instead of drinking at the spa. She is a big fan of Korean actors and knows well about Korean-related things. Actually I'm not good at eating spicy foods. But I tried to eat. Yes, those were spicy but not so bad. Hmm, good. I even ate kimchi that was famous Korean spicy pickle. It's nice. Korean liquors were also good. ;-) I will try to eat other Korean food.

Incredible warm winter

Please excuse me for not writing so long.

We have had warm winter for many years. But this winter is incredible!! This winter is not winter?!?! And although it's in early March now, weather is as if spring has come! Last weekend, temperature was over 20 degrees C.

I welcome a warm winter but abnormal climate by global warming occurs worldwide. The earth is breaking rapidly.

If Gore was elected the U.S. president instead of Bush, America would have commit to countermeasures against global warming, not like current America that commit to Iraq.

Impression difference of languages

I wrote about the book "Tuesdays with Morrie" I was impressed veru much.

I finished reading and wasted little time in borrowing the Japanese version, and finished reading it for one day.

I thought I could understand the story more. But my impression was lower than when I read the English version. Why? I wonder because I read it already. Or translation damages something of the original?

But the end of the story, I was impressed much more than when I read the original.

Hmm... languages are very important. It seems that each language give us different atmosphere. Language is not just language. Language is one of the cultures.

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

I had wanted to watch "the Sawshamk Redemption" and I did.

What the leading character did at last surprised me. I didn't expect it. It convinced me that it is based on Stephen King's novel.

The theme of this movie is "HOPE." I wonder what is my REAL hope.

Like doughnuts

I wrote about the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts landed to Japan December and always long line.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2007/01/krispy-kreme-landing-to-japan.html

I happened to pass the shop this morning, about 7:10am. In spite of early morning 7:10am!! there had been a long line already. I can't believe! The shop sells such special doughnuts? Or Japanese are strange? I heard the Krispy Kreme has their secret special seasoning. But it's just Doughnuts, isn't it?

"My friend" vs. "a friend of mine"

I can't understand a difference between "my friend" and "a friend of mine" for a long time.
One textbook describes the difference as follows.

a friend of mine ==> refer to one of friends vaguely
my friend ==> refer to a specific friend

What? I can't understand.

I always use "my friend", I guess because it's simple and easy. But most native speakers (Americans) say "a friend of mine."
Should I use "a friend of mine"?

Woolly

I'm falling into a glooming mood these days.
I feel woolly.
There are many sighs.
And my life become irregular hours and lazy.
It's the worst situation.

I have to find a cue to get out of this situation.

What a job offer expresses

For example, you got a job offer after having interviews with a company. They have asked your current salary and desired figure, but the offer is lower than those. And although the position was manager, the offer is assistant manager position. What do you think?

I always think details of offers express 2 things.
- How they value my skills and experience.
- How they want me join to their company.

From those points of view, the company I mentioned above doesn't want you so much and their evaluation of you is low. At least I think it is not happy situation to work for such a company, even if I'm interested in the position very much.

What would you do if you are very interested in the position and an offer is like above?

Expanding my repertoire of cooking #3

"Nikujaga" is one of the most popular and famous Japanese home-style dishes. It's boiled beef and potato.

The other day, one TV program introduced a dish of Nikujaga arranged for Western style. Nikujaga boiled in tomato soup.

I got the recipe from the internet and tried to cook it. Hmm... I think something is missing. I wonder what it is. OK, I will add mirin next time.

*mirin
It is one of Japanese seasonings. According to a dictionary, it is sweet cooking rice wine.

My new cooking of past;
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2007/01/expanding-my-repertoire-of-cooking-2.html

"Tuesdays with Morrie"

I often hear that "extensive reading" is good for learning English. So I have started to read English book. My first English book is "Tuesday with Morrie". Many people and learning books recommend this book for English learner.

I haven't finished reading but I'm impressed! It's a very good book. Although I can't understand 100% because of English, I am sometimes nearly moved to tears. I will read the Japanese version!!

Childish conversation

I talked about my job with CEO today, of curse in English. His speaking is very fast (for me) so I couldn't understand well what he said. I often asked him to repeat questions, and I'm not sure that my answers matched his questions. Terrible. Our conversation looked like one between an adult and a child. It's difficult to speak in English about job... I'm depressed.

Grounded British containership

A British containership went aground and many cargoes drifted down to seashore in Britain on 18th. I saw on TV news that many people came to the seashore and carried away those cargoes, such as expensive bikes, video cameras, wine cask and so on. What?? I can't believe! Stealing!! Japanese news say about it "depredation ", and call that seashore "predation seashore".

After that, I heard that carrying away waif is allowed in Britain if they apply for it in 28 days. I see.

Expanding my repertoire of cooking #2

Today's new cooking is "Jibuni". I'm sorry but I can't translate it to English. It is a local dish of Kanazawa in Ishilawa prefecture. It is a duck dish but I used chicken instead of duck.

Taste was so-so. I think it's typical Japanese favorite kind of taste. Actually I don't like Japanese foods so much (except for Sashimi!). So when I dine out, I always eat western dishes (or sushi!). But I'm trying to cook Japanese dishes at home as much as possible because those are healthy.

By the way, it was a climate in the middle or the end of March this weekend. It was very nice whether. But I was almost in the bed and thing I did this weekend was just cooking Jibuni. Whew... I am lazy as usual. I really love to sleep.

My new cooking of past;
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2007/01/expanding-my-repertoire-of-cooking-1.html

Learning a new word "direct report"

I always used "subordinate" to express people under their boss. For example, when I have to explain my work experience and mention one of them, I say "I was a manager of training department and had over 30 subordinates."

But today, I learned "direct report". I heard it for the first time. I wonder which is often used. And I wonder I can say "I had over 30 direct reports".

By the way, a document of work experience is "resume", isn't it? But I have heard that people use "CV" a few times. According to a dictionary, "resume" derives from French and "CV" derives from Latin. I wonder native speakers often use both words. Or it depends on their country?

Expanding my repertoire of cooking #1

I intend to expand my repertoire of cooking this year. I have tried to cook some new dishes. And I also I tried new recipe "soup with wings and cabbage". It was excellent!! It was very tasty. I didn't add any special seasonings, but just salt, pepper and sake instead of white wine. But wings gave delicious soup stock. It's easy to cook.

Today's new recipe was "boiled soybeans with orange". Before cooking, I wondered combination of soybeans and orange was a bit strange. Its taste is... hmm... it's the first taste for me. Haha.

By the way, it is difficult to express name of cooking in English.

On the train?

In the script I studied the other day, there was the following sentence.

"I can't believe how much Japanese people read! On the train, in convenience stores, in coffee shops, everywhere."

"On the train"
"In convenience stores"
"In coffee shops"

Only "train" is different from others. There is "the" and singular. Why don't you say "in trains", like others?

Very strange thing for me is "on" the train. My image from this word is we are on the roof of the train. We are inside the train, aren't we? Why isn't it "in the train", but "on the train"? I can somehow understand "on the plane" though.

My iamage of "on the train"

Small breakthrough?

I hadn't had English conversation for a while except for my learning. And I talked with English native speakers in English yesterday and today, it's the first time after a long time.

I know I should have English conversation as much as possible so I tried to have a language exchange partner before, but I found that it was SO hard to find a good language partner that I stopped to look for anyone. But I realized again that it's very important for improving my English. But I have little chance to speak English except at work.

Recently, it seems that my listening skill has improved a little increased. I hear English a bit clearer than ever. I had never feel such a thing. I always hear that language skills don't improve step by step. The skills don't improve at all for a while, and then suddenly it improves, for example one day you burst into understanding what people say. It's the breakthrough.

So I was waiting for my breakthrough, for a long time. Hmm... It's now? But isn't it too small for the breakthrough? Anyway, I think it's a good time to improve my English more and more!

What you can't say is what you can't hear.

In the script I was study today, there were 3 sentences I couldn't say.

- They've already had to hold it over for a second run.
- But I have heard tombs in Egypt were so airtight that...
- I wish they would have left them untouched.

I can say by alone but I can't say with a speaker in CD. I found one common thing among these sentensces. There are 2 things that 2 words run on. (I'm sorry, I can't explain that in English well.)
"had-to" and "hold-it". "tombs-in" and "Egypt-were". "would-have" and "left-them".
I tried to say those repeatedly but I couldn't.

And, yes, when the speaker says these sentences, I can't understand what she says. English learning experts often say that you can't hear sentences you can't say.

-------------------------------------------------
By the way, I ran spell check on this article. And "I wish they would have left them untouched." was corrected to "they had left...", it's from my English text though. Hmm... Which is correct sentence?

Beckham is moving.

I've heard surprising news yesterday. England soccer player David Beckham will move team from Real Madrid in Spain to Los Angeles Galaxy in the US.

Media is dealing largely with it and his transfer fee is also large!

I'm not surprised that he will leave from Real and move to other team, but why moving to America where soccer isn't popular and prospering in? Beckham is very famous top player, but there are many people who don't know him and it seems that his wife who is ex-Spice Girls is more famous in the US.

Why did you choose America, Beckham?

I'm really lazy.

One of my New Year's resolutions is "Leave my laziness behind me". BUT I have broken it already... Phew... I'm really dumb.

I wonder there is no cure for such a person.

I will try to best not to write the same thing again.

The word "Jinx"

Japanese use the word "jinx" even in Japanese. But I found there are a bit difference between Japanese and English. In Japanese language, "jinx" has both good and bad meanings. But I was surprised it seems to be used for just a bad thing in English. According to an English dictionary, it means bad luck, or a person or thing that is believed to bring bad luck.

I also checked a Japanese dictionary. According to that, originally it was also bad meaning in Japanese. But now, it is used for good luck too. Language is changing.

"Stay at" and "stay in"

I found 2 idioms of "stay" in a script I was studying the other day.

1) The hotel we are going stay in is the Hotel Ritz.
2) We stay at the Hotel Ritz whenever we can.

Hmm... What is different between "stay in" and "stay at"? Same meaning? I use "stay at". I don't use "stay in". but is there any difference?

Preposition is very difficult.

New Year's resolution

I saw the word "New Year's resolution" for the first time in other's blog the other day. I wondered what it meant. After that, I often found it in other's blogs. And then I heard it in the TV news. Meaning of "resolution" I know is... sort of "solution", "closure of problem", or "fixing up". What do they solve at New Year?

I checked a dictionary. I see. It has meaning like "decision" or "determination".

I broke my last New Year's resolutions. So it continues this year. And I add one more New Year's resolution. "Out of the Laziness" ==> "Leave my laziness behind me"

I will give it my best shot so that I can say "it was fulfilling year" at the end of this year.

Mochi (rice cake) is do-or-die food?

Usually Japanese eat mochi (rice cake) during the New Year's days. There are many kinds of ways to eat mochi, such as zoni, kinako-mochi and isobe-yaki.

At this time of the year, some elderly people have died from sticking mochi sticking in to their throat. According to yesterday's news, 7 people have died this year. The authorities are urging that elderly people and kids eat cut mochi cutting up into small pieces before eating.

I don't think mochi is food something that is can easily get stuck in the your throat. I wonder But, maybe I will realize it when I get older.

----------------------------------------
Thank you, Karekora!

Krispy Kreme, Landing to Japan

The first Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Japan opened 15th December in Shinjuku. Shinjuku is my neighborhood. But I haven't eaten its doughnut yet, because...

Look! There is a ve---ry long line! Everyday.

I don't want to stand such a long line to eat just doughnuts. What is different from Mr. Donuts's doughnuts?

OK, when its boom is over, I will go to eat.

Happy New Year 2007

Happy New Year!!

Today was my usual New Year's Day.
I ate zoni and osechi I cooked and drunk Japanese sake. (I chose the sake that includes gold leaf this year.) Osechi is traditional Japanese food and we eat it during New Year's days. Zoni is rice cakes boiled in vegetable soup. It is also traditional food and we eat it 1st January.

And then, I visited a shrine. I went to Shiba shrine this year. It is not famous so much, so it was not busy.

I hope the year will be happy one for all people in the world.

Bye bye, 2006

2006 will finish soon. I was lazy as usual. Remorse...

I finished cooking Osechi. I have eaten Toshikoshi-soba. (And drinking wine. So I am drunk a bit now.) I'm ready for a New Year. (Actually O-soji has not finished completely. hehe)

My cell phone was broken and I went to pick it up from the shop. Unfortunately, all memories were lost. ALL memories in my cell phone. Too bad! OK. Everything is refreshed for a New Year! Haha---!

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

English Beckham speaks

Soccer player David Beckham came to Japan today for promotion of one cell phone company. He arrived at in Japan this morning and went back TODAY. He was in Tokyo only 14 hours.

Actually I couldn't understand English he spork at all several years ago. I was disappointed at my poor English but I heard what one English expert said. He said it was very hard to hear English David spoke because of strong accent.

Today, I can understand his English. Hmm... I wonder which is reason, what the reason is improvement of my English or improvement his standard English.

Thank you again, PA!!!!!

Only Japanese are working in Japan now.

It's the scenery at the entrance of one foreign securities company at the start of working hours yesterday. Many employees are coming to their office. Many. Hmm... There is something strange. I feel something is wrong. Oh, yes! There are no foreigners among them. It's the foreign securities company. Usually most employees are foreigners.

Oh! They have already been on holiday. Christmas holiday. Yes, always ONLY Japanese work at the end of the year in the companies. Every year's situation is the same.

Most companies in Japan finish at on the 28th at the end of the year. But finance-related companies usually open till 29th or 30th. Hmm... Good luck, hard worker working Japanese!

Thank you for the correction, PA!

My bad listening comprehension #7

"Could I how are you my guy?"

Hmm... There is no verb... I wonder I missed hearing "say" after "I". What is "my guy"? Does it mean my boyfriend? Why isn't there "to" before "my"?

Checking the script. Correct sentence is
"Could I hire you as my guide?"

"How are you"... "hire you"...

My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-bad-listening-comprehension-6.html

Strange Weather

It rained so hard yesterday. So hard. Moreover, there were thunder and lightning during the night. It's strange! Now is November! As if it's the rainy season or the end of summer.

And it's very warm today. Better to say "hot". Highest temperature was 18 degrees C. (64.4 degrees F) Temperature of Autumn.

According to the weather forecast, from tomorrow, severe cold will continue.

Hmm... yesterday is summer, today is autumn and it's winter from tomorrow.

Merry Christmas 2006

Like I wrote yesterday, I didn't prepare for Christmas at all this year.
The following is the big Christmas tree in my neighborhood.

Here is the tree about one month ago.

Change the mood

I've not updated my blog for about one month...

There were sad and bad things. But I should recover from now!

I haven't prepared for Christmas. There is no Christmas tree, no Christmas cake... But it's OK. I concentrate things to do at the end of the year, writing Nenga-jo, O-soji and cooking Osechi.

Thanksgiving Day

When I sent e-mails to some people in the U.S. office these days, I received auto-reply to inform their day-off. Yes, Thanksgiving Day.

Whom or what do American people thank?

Anyway, they were eating delicious turkey. Huh? American people eat turkey at the Thanksgiving Day. So what do they eat at Christmas?

Moving office

My office moved to Shinjuku from Roppongi last Monday. So it was hectic these days.

New office, new desk, nice view from window. Working environment is so-so. But many employees complain because the building is a bit far from station.

But! I can go to the office ON FOOT! It takes just 5 minutes. It's very convenience. Too close??

Therefore and otherwise

I know meanings of "therefore" and "otherwise" but both of words seldom appear in my English study. So those words also don't appear in my conversation. But after joining the present company about 3 weeks ago, I found that people often use those words. Hmm... So I tried use "therefore" in my e-mail the other day. I'll try to use those in the future. I wonder both of words are formal words. Is it strange to say those words in conversation with friends?

My bad listening comprehension #6

I heard the following sentence from English learning CD.

"We're going to have a banquet to celebrate our 30 dollars graduation from university."

30 dollars graduation??

No. Correct sentence is "celebrate our son and daughter's graduation from university. Too big hearing wrong!!

My hearing wrong of the past:
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/08/my-bad-listening-comprehension-5.html

Christmas tree is under construction.

Christmas decorations started to be put up in the town. Christmas season is coming up.

A big Christmas tree is put up in my neighborhood every year, and I found it was being assembled today!

After the tough week

Finally, my tough week has finished. It was really tough week. I almost run out of battery in the late afternoon everyday, and finally I ran out of battery after work on Friday. I think it was due to MUCH English. When the tough week finished, I felt sort of sinking or lonely, as if kind of big event finished.

People who came from the office in the U.S. were very nice people. I was with one of them all the week and he was really nice person. He fully helped me my job, patiently. We finished our meeting on Friday but he leave from Tokyo next Monday (tomorrow) to do sightseeing. Unfortunately Saturday was rain. Today is fine but very windy. I hope he enjoyed his sightseeing.

During tough week

In this tough week, 2nd day has finished. When 1st day had finished, I had already been very tired. Haha. I bought cloths after work yesterday and I wore it to the office today... to get psyched up?

I'm very sleepy. I must go to work very early in the morning tomorrow. I go to bed. Hmm... I have no time to watch the Japan -U.S. All-Star baseball games, although Major Leaguers are coming to Japan.

Starting new job and need English...

I wrote about my job opportunities about 2 month ago.
http://sandfriend.blogspot.com/2006/09/story-of-my-job-opportunities-3.html
And actually I have started to work one of those companies.

It's a foreign company so English conversations are flying over my head. Whew... And 2 people come to Tokyo from one of offices in the U.S. and I have meeting with them all this week. I'm up to my neck in English for a week.

I leave home and go to office from now. Finally tough week starts.

The baseball season almost finished.

World series in the U.S. and Japan series in Japan has finished. It means the baseball season has finished. It's kind of sad for baseball fans. But we can watch the Japan-U.S. All-Star games that will take place next month in Japan.

Cardinals won the World series. I think Taguch who is a Japanese played very well. Good job!

<== Taguch with his son after wining the championship.

Nihon Ham Fighters beat Chunichi Dragons in the Japan series and became the national champion for the first time in 44 years.
I think Dragons was stronger team than Fighters but Fighters had momentum.

Players of Fighters throw the manager Hillman in the air in celebration. ==>

Shinjo who is one of players of Fighters announced his retirement in the middle of the pennant race. When he moved to Fighters 3years ago, he said they jam-packed their studium with many fans and won the championship. At that time, Fighters wasn't popular team so much and also strong team. But what he said went. I'm not sure he made much contribution to the wining the championship, but it's for certain that he made MUCH contribution to attracting and increasing fans.
Rakuten Eagles' manager Nomura, who was the manager of Tigers when Shinjo played for Tigers, complemented Shinjo's playing, when Shinjo announced his retirement. I was a bit surprised to hear it because Nomura is known for an outspoken person and he merely compliment. According to the Nomura's comment, Shinjo is a three-point player who is a shotgun, can play strong defense and run well. Hmm... I see. So his batting is?

The last run of Schumacher

Formula One racer Michael Schumacher has retired. His last run was in the Brazil Grand Prix on 22nd. He missed the series champion but he was a really accomplished racer. He showed splendid race to the last.

He keens on charities. His private bodyguard and his family died in the earthquake off Sumatra, so he donated 10 million U.S. dollars to the relief of the sufferers of it. 10 million dollars!!

By the way, he is identified as being unemployed in the country he lives. Probably he lives in Switzerland and Switzerland doesn't admit "a racer" as an occupation. So he pays just minimum tax, although he was the highest paid athlete. Hmm... Living in Switzerland is his tax strategy

He had dominated F1 world for many years. I wonder who is a next top racer.

How could anybody hear so wrong as me?

Present dialogue I'm studying is a news about retirement of a tennis player Agassi. I downloaded it from the site.

It's about 10 minutes dialogue. As always, at first I hear it without seeing the script. Hmm... I can't understand what they say well. It's my present real skill of English...

In McEnroe's interview in the dialogue, I hear "sleeping, my wife". What?? Agassi slept with McEnroe's wife?? No way, haha. Terrible listening skill. I wonder what he said. After hearing it 30 times without seeing the script, I will hear it 30 times seeing the script. So I'm looking forward to checking what McEnroe said in the phrase.

Google docs & spreadsheets

As I wrote in the last article, my PC almost breaks down. Most terrible thing is that Excel doesn't run, I tried to uninstall and reinstall Office though. (Can you believe?)

TV news introduced "Google docs & spreadsheets" just now. (http://docs.google.com) Oh! So I checked it. Hmm... It's not bad, it doesn't run smoothly so much though. Unfortunately, it's Beta version so there is no Japanese version yet. (I can input Japanese on files.) And it seems that there isn't page setup function. I guess it's OK. I can make do with it until I buy new PC. It might hold off buying PC? No, no. Problem of my PC is not only Excel.

If someone uses "Google docs & spreadsheets" (especially spreadsheets), please let me know how its usability is.

Happy birthday to me!!

Yesterday was my birthday! Happy birthday to me!!

I intended to put a happy birthday article on this blog yesterday but I was a bit drunk so I went to bed soon. I ate TWO cakes... It's not good for health.

On the last birthday, I made the future chronology and set up a goal. But!! I was very lazy during the year. I made no progress. Remorse... So I keep it firmly in my mind.

I'm thinking what I give to me on my birthday. Present for me from me last year was a bicycle. This year is...
There are many things I want, an electronic dictionary of English, a ring, a bag, a piano, PC... My PC is breaking down. It's in crisis situation. I must buy it. So it's better to say one of necessities of life than a present.
Actually there is one more thing I want. It's one of the health-enhancing products. Those kinds of things are often introduced in TV shopping. Some people like to buy those products but I'm not interested in those so much. But I want one product. It's a horse-riding machine. Riding horse brings some health benefits and those benefits are DEFINITELY necessary for my body. Hmm... I wonder what I should buy me.

Driver's license renewal

I went to the metropolitan government for driver's license renewal. 3 books, "safe driving instruction", "people-friendly safe driving" and "traffic rules manual" (what is difference between them?), and a fly sheet "safe driving self-diagnosis" were distributed. As always.

Who read all of them? Don't you think it's waste of tax money? It's an opinion of one citizen of Tokyo. Next license renewal is in 5 years.

Go for it, all people who study language!

When I went to a library today, I somehow saw a book of a person next to mine. It was a textbook of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). He looked like a Japanese but probably a Korean or a Chinese. I've heard that JLPT will be conducted on December. As I said before, I like foreigners in Japan who try to study and speak Japanese. I said in my mind "go in and win!" to him. I also go for it!

Ex-president is the president?

I finished watching "24 season 4" for 9 nights in a row the other day. I felt its story was a bit boring more than season 1 - 3. I sometimes could see where the story was going. At first, most casts were someone I didn't know and I thought where familiar people were. But as the story continued, they appeared, Tony, Michelle (I like her), the former president Palmer...

By the way, people called Palmer "President". Why? I watched it hearing dubbed Japanese so I don't know what they said in English. Is it common that former president is called "President"? Is Mr. Clinton still called President Clinton?

Getting a perm

I went to a hair salon today. I got a perm after a long time.

There was a foreign customer. I was interested in how he explained hairstyle he want.

There are many foreigners in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Many of them can't speak Japanese, and don't have willingwillingness to learn Japanese at all. (I like foreigners who try to speak and study Japanese.) They work for foreign companies and their Japanese wives speak English fluently. So they can live without speaking Japanese. But I always think how they explain to a beautician their desired hairstyle at hair salon.

That's why I was interested in the foreign customer. I listened with all my earsintently to their conversation. But, haha, he could speak Japanese.

If I live in other country, I would be worried about conversation at a hair salon. Always I can't explain my desired hairstyle very well even in Japanese. So my hairstyle today is... a bit uncomfortable feeling...

>PA, Thank you for your pointing out!

Busy soccer players in Europe

I always think that European top-level soccer players are very very busy. They play in each league, UEFA champions league (or UEFA Cup), and UEFA EURO 2008. It's very tough schedule!

I wonder which game they place emphasis on best. They place equal importance on them? Isn't it hard to keep their motivation without ultimate goal? Money?

They get VERY high money. And yes, money is important and it's one of recognitions of their playing. But they seem to SIMPLY like playing soccer like boys.

I keep enjoy watching top-level playing.

"You know"

English speakers often say "you know" in their conversations. According to the dictionary, it has many meaning. And it has no important meaning, right?

It's hard for me to understand its nuance situation by situation. Of course I can't use it in my conversations.

It's very easy word but very difficult to use. I always think language is culture. "You know" represents it.

Nuclear test by North Korea

North Korea carried out nuclear test yesterday. TV news have been spending MUCH time to air about it but there is no paticularly information.

I take notice of future behavior of China and Russia. I wonder if they keep being on the side of North Korea.

I'm worried about destruction of nature, especially water pollution in this case. Is there any damage to people? Human beings break the earth with their own hands.

Fine autumn weather

It had rained for a while but it's fine day today!! It's lovely autumn weather so I brought my camera when I went out today.

These are photos of my neighborhood I took today. (Click on each photo to enlarge.)

24 season 4 airs at midnight

American TV drama "24 season 4" started to be air last night, better to say early this morning? I have watched only season 1 - 3. (Yes, I'm way behind.) I don't remember well those stories because I watched them long time ago.

It airs from 0:30am for 9 nights in a row, 2 - 3 hours a day. So
Hmm... undersleeping days continue...

Formidable athletic ability

Major League Baseball's regular season finished prior to finishing of Japanese professional baseball's one. The morning paper reported the Twins player Joe Mauer who won the American league batting title.

It is the first time in the past 64 years that a catcher got the batting title. In AL, it's the first time. He is still 23 years old. Surprisingly, he gained fame as basketball and football player when he was a high school student. I can't believe! How talented in sports!!

Sometimes there seems to be such a thing in the U.S. But normally, Japanese baseball players have played ONLY baseball since they were kids. At the latest, they begin it when they are junior high school students and do just baseball. So the story of Joe Mauer seems worlds apart.

The postseason games of MLB will start tomorrow. And Joe Mauer will come to Japan next month with some other major leaguers, such as Ryan Howard who led the NL in both RBI and homers and Johan Santana who captured the triple crown of pitcher (winningest pitcher, ERA and strikeout king), to have games with Japanese players. I'm looking forward to it!

By the way, I found another picture of Joe Mauer. Is it the same person?

Work on the bolg

Look! I tried to set counter to my blog site. (See the lower right of the blog.)

And I set labels to each articles. I finally finished about 50. About 200 more articles. Whew... After finishing setting labels to all articles, I will put label lineup in the right side of the blog. Who knows when?