Learning day

In August 2nd, we did Skit practice in the morning. After that, we took class about "Youth Face". we knew the present condition in the U.S. Drugs, marriage, divorce, jobs, school... America has a lot of problems on their life. The teacher spoke us slowly and he answered our question kindly. Next class was American Wedding. Girls had interests this topic, so we were all exciting to listen guest's speech. She showed us pictures her wedding. She was so beautiful. A thought American wedding were different from Japanese wedding. Most American buys wedding dress, but Japanese takes rental system. We choose white dress and cocktail dresses at the rental shop. When she knew about it first, she surprised about it. Moreover Japanese hold wedding at hotels. American hold party at their home or other places. I want to hold party at home like America! Last class was CDC visit. We separated some groups and went to nursery school. Little children were so cute! We played blowing bubbles, water pistol and we enjoyed playing on sandbox. I took pictures with them and tried to understand their English. I put on flip-flop, so it was hard to walk... I regret that I should put on shoes.

After I went back to home, my host mom took me at Target. I looked for souvenirs for my family, but I couldn't find. My host mom bought cheese crackers and cookies a try. Another shopping, she bought watermelon juice and Haagen-dazs ice cream chocolate flavor and strawberry flavor for me. 

[260 words]

Rosedale mall

In August 1st, we went to Rosedale mall. I think this shopping mall is just fit size for Japanese. Mall of America is too big, but this one is good. We went to Forever 21 first, but we didn't have enough time to look another shops. At last, we went to Forever 21, H&M and we could have little bit time to look  Victorian's Secret.

After I went back to home, I, my mom and Jenny visited Yurika's house. Her house was modern and fashionable space. She and Yurika's host mom cooked traditional American traditional dishes, and we ate them. It was sooo delicious. Her dog, "Rolly" and Jenny played a lot. We took some pictures. It was difficult to take pictures with two dogs, but we tried. After the dinner, we played UNO. We did it many times, but I couldn't win. My host mom won two times! We had cookies that Yurika's host mom made. Home made cookies were so nice flavor.

[171 words]

MN Speech Draft ～American fashion～

<History of fashion>
What is American fashion? I often read fashion magazines, and I was very interested in it before I went to the U.S. First, I knew the history of fashion. 1939s to 1940s fashion was formed by Christian Dior. His fashion had high practicability. After he died, Yves Saint Laurent flourished. In 1960s, young people produced their fashion themselves. Rock, casual, feminine... they created their fashion. Look at the right side picture. This magazine is "VOGUE". This magazine has old history but it tells us latest fashion.

<Shopping malls>

I'll introduce three malls I went to. Mall of America is an entertainment shopping center. It's bigger than Disney land, so we couldn't look around all day. Albertville Premium Outlets was little far from my house. We can buy some brand goods (like COACH) for cheap price. Rosedale mall is located in Roseville. I think its scale just fit for Japanese. These malls have a lot of apparel shops, and popular among many people.

<Feature and apparel shops>

American fashion is almost casual. These pictures are Forever 21, H&M, American Eagle Outfits and Abacrombie&Fitch. H&M's name come from Hennes&Mauritz. The products are cheap and high quality. Forever21's main office is in LA. It is also cheap and it offers the most current fashion. I could see these store and both shopping malls, Mall of America and Rosedale mall.

<Fashionable person>
 I think they were most fashionable persons! Kailine helped our study in Bethel University. Maryn is my friend's host sister. She worked in second hand shop during this summer. Their fashion fascinated us.

<Compare to Japanese fashion>
Compare to Japanese fashion, American fashion is cheap and high quality even if simple design. But in the shops, there were not so clean, so I was shocked. Shop clerks were almost Asian. I think American fashion is not related to the age. As you can see, Japanese clerks try to offer polite service. Also, kimono cloth are popular in the U.S.

<Conclusion>
In conclusion, American fashion is popular in Japan like H&M and Forever 21. I think American fashion has influence so that it gives big effects for Japanese fashion. American fashion catches Japanese people's hearts.

[379 words]

My favorite TV/movie star

I like Wentworth Miller. He is from England, and he works as an actor in the U.S. His most famous work is "Prison Break". Have you ever watched it? I couldn't watch it on real time, so I watched it on DVD at home. I've watched all stories. And at the same time, I became a big fun of him. He acted a smart, cool character. Moreover, I like his voice and atmosphere. When I knew his appearance at Mariah Carly's MV, I was surprised. On her MV, he acted a sexy boyfriend. You can watch "We belong together" on YouTube. You'll be like him. He carved tatoo on top of his body on Prison Break. I suspected he really tried it on his body. I don't know the truth. He treated for women devotedly, and he always helped her. I thought even just his acting, many girls was fascinated him. Recently, I saw his picture and I was shocked. He became fat man! On the net, people say, "He experienced middle-age spread". I couldn't believe it. I want him to get back his slender body and great muscles again.

[198 words]

BR 2-16: The Three Wishes

"I wish the sausage was on the end of your nose!" (Sims, 2009, p.17)

I have read this books Japanese ver. in my childhood. But English ver. is more easier to read for children. If I could have wish three things, what do I wish?

The old couple is hard worker and poor. But suddenly, the husband was helped by a fairy. She left them three wishes and a sausage. His wife was angry, "Why you wished a sausage?" He was just hungry, so he wished...but she didn't understand with him. What did he wish last two wishes?

After I read it, it is important to think carefully. Three wishes are precious, so if you do so, you need to choose what's important thing for me. I thought his wish was o.k. Sausage was important thing for him now. Money, desire, status...are everyone want to wish, but they didn't. They didn't have any desire so much. I found that they were good nice couple.

Reference: Sims, Lesley. (2009). The Three Wishes. London: Usborne.

[181 words]

BR 2-15: Mike's Lucky Day

"He is very late, and Jennifer isn't at the cinema." (Dunkling, 2000, p.11)

There is a reason why I chose this book. On this book cover, a handsome boy is smiling for a cute girl. I thought it is about love story, so I chose it.

Mike is an assistant van driver. He met a beautiful girl "Jennifer" accidentally in her father's shop. He fall in love with her. He could get her phone number, but he was shy. One day he invited her to watch movies, but he couldn't expect what happen with him.

After I read it, I was surprised at his happening. Why he had to go police...? I thought many times. His accidents carried happiness for her. She doesn't know about him so much, but she found that he really likes her. He thought the day was unhappy, but actually, they don't find each feelings without the day.

Reference: Duckling, Leslie. (2000). Mike's Lucky Day. London: Pearson Education.

[169 words]

BR 2-14: Making a cake

"Some people say that making cake is not always art." (Reilly, 2007, p.12)

I chose this book because I like to eat cakes and I often cook cakes. Putting some fruits on top of the cake is the most exciting time when I cook it.

This book tells me, "Making cake is art but also science". I read it, I found why author thought it so. Cakes aren't only chocolate cake or cheese cake. Some people put colorful cream, fruits or decorate something beautifully. I've seen wonderful decorated cake at cake shop. Also, I wonder at mixing flour, milk, sugar, egg, butter and after that these materials are changed a cake. Even simple materials are produced a new thing.

After I read, I want to eat cakes. But actually, I've had cakes three times for December 24th to 26th. I'm full, but on this book, many sweets pictures fascinate with me!

Reference: Reilly, Carmel. (2007). Making a cake. Melborne: Nelson Cengage Learning.

[167 words]

MOA!

Mall of America is the biggest shopping mall in the U.S. I went there with Momo, Aya, Momo's host sister and Momo's host mother. We moved there by car. We looked around many shops. Momo's host sister told us her favorite shops, so we followed her. H&M and Forever 21 was our favorite shops. These shops were cheap but high quality. We bought some clothes and some jewelries. There were a lot of choices to buy. At lunch time, we went to Burger King. Potatoes and drink were so big, so we couldn't eat them. But the tastes was great. We thought "We want to eat there again!". We enjoyed shopping and spent a good time there.

After shopping, we went back to Momo's home and I and Aya waited our host mother. My mother came first, but Aya's mother was busy. My mother picked us and went to my house. Aya decided to wait at my house until her mother come. We dropped to United Noodles and we bought pizza in neighborhood. We ate it on watching TV. I'm glad Aya enjoyed spending at my house with me, my mom, and Jenny even a short time.

[206 words]

Oliver Kelly History Farm

I couldn't forget that day. In July 29th, we went to Oliver Kelly Farm. It was too strong sunlight and actually we wanted to stay at our cold class room... I knew that there is famous and has a big history, but we couldn't endure the weather. We sweated too much and we wanted to go back to Bethel at once. At lunch, we ate Domino's pizza in outside. But pizza was hot and outside was hot! It was like a picnic, but..pizza was good.Many flies interrupted our sight.

Yesterday Hiroyo came to my house, so today, I and my mom was invited dinner at her house. We ate lasagna and chocolate cake that were cooked by her host mother. She had two children, so we played with them. The two girls were cute and naughty. They chased us many times. We were exhausted but we enjoyed having a dinner together. The noisy day was finished..

[161 words]

My favorite music

I like to listen to music. I'm always using MP3 for listening. I like Japanese pop music, but I often listen to Western music. I think Western music is more powerful than Japanese music. Especially, I like to listen to R&B music and Club music. R&B is little slow tempo but the lyrics has strength. Rihanna is my favorite artist. At first, I bought her 1st album, "Music of the sun", I was surprised her music. In those days, I was fascinated with her strong voice. Her voice is near husky. Her singles always ranked in Billboard hit chart. I think "Hate That I Love You" has strong R&B elements. In this song, she collaborated with Ne-Yo. This duet is like wonderful dream, isn't it? Ne-Yo's clear voice fitted her voice! Recently, her single, "California King Bed" is used the CM, "NIVEA hand cream". The melody makes me warm and the lyrics hit my heart. I heard her song is also played in club. I often played her songs a lot at home. Also you should check her fashion. Her style is eccentric but cool like Lady Gaga. That is why I love her music. If you haven't listened her songs, please listen at once.

[214 words]

Curry night

In July 28th, we swam in Johanna beach. MN has many rivers, and Johanna beach is one of them. It is small river but people often go there. I saw people who talked, taked a walk, swam...  The water was little dirty, so I was shocked. I just talked with my friends on the beach. At night, Hiroyo came to my hose because her host family went out. My host mom has planned the dinner for her before the day. She has examined the recipi on the internet and her cooking book. We cooked chicken curry together ;)

I cut vegetables and Hiroyo also helped. My mom cooked chicken and stired curry. It smelled good, we excited the completion.We cooperated in cooking dinner! We ate two helpings of it. Jenny was so happy because she was waiting that another person came to our house. I have talked with Hiroyo until we went to bed. We laughed a lot and many Japanese words popped in our conversation lol I missed Japansese, so I was calm. Curry night was so fun!

[179 words]

BR 2-13: The Magic Porridge Pot

"Hanna shouted the magic words.! (Dickins, 2008, p.42)

I read it because I want to know what is the magic porridge pot. On front page, an old woman stirs something and a girl looks the pot. I haven't read this book, so I enjoyed reading.

Hanna is poor, so she can't get enough foods. She always hungry. She met a magical old woman. She carried an empty pot and she told it's a magical pot. She taught the magic words for Hanna. When she shouted them, the porridge was filled a delicious meal. Can you believe it? After I read, I found stealing someone's stuff is not good.

If you do it, it causes bad things. On this book, a greedy boy stole her porridge stealthily. Can he remember the magic words? and can he ger a luxurious meals? If you want to the last, I recommend to read this book once.

Reference:  Dickins, Rosie. (2008). The Magic Porridge Pot. London: Usborne.

[167 words]

Target!

July27th was a shopping day. I took a class until the morning, and ate lunch at Bethel. In the afternoon, we rode on car pool. I was still sleepy, but not so bad than previous day. We went to Target by car pool. Target is big discount market. Do you know it? We can buy daily goods more cheaper price. If you buy something there, we don't pay tax. You can get not only women, men abd baby clothes but also kitchen, home electronics, toys. It offers various goods, so MN people like to go to Target. I bought short-pants and sabo sandal and cosmetics. There are many Target in MN, of course my district has Target :))))

After I went back to home and I went out my host mom. We went to Maple street and ate early snack. We went to Japanese pad noodle. I ate like a Japanese Yaki Udon, but it wasn't Yaki Udon!! It tasted bitter but sweet... I can't explain in words. Many customers used chopsticks well. I surprised about it. At night, we went to Yurika's house. We ate American traditional dishes. Yurika's host mom baked chocolate cheese cake so we ate it after dinner. Step by step, I could communicate eith my host mom.

[216 words]

Jet lag :(

First week was worst week for me. July 25th, I went to Bethel University by car pool. My driver was near my age, so she was very friendly. It took 30-40 minutes for Bethel. Bethel University had beautiful nature and fresh facilities. It was my first day to go to Bethel. We looked around the school, and in the afternoon, we went to Mississippi river boat cruise. In the boat, I felt bad sleepiness. I couldn't open my eyes easily. I fought sleep, but Mississippi river was so big...
I wanted to sleep right now.

In July 26th, when I went back to home, I had a migraine. My host mother suggested to follow to take a walk with Jenny and watch movies at home. But my head condition was become worse, I couldn't do these activity with her. I slept in my bed  about three hours and I could recover by my self. I suffered for jet lag and also I couldn't communicate well with my host mother. I had a big anxiety. Can I really enjoy in MN? I thought it many times. Jet lag was so terrible...

[194 words]

My first day in MN

In July25th, it was a special day for me. I arrived in Minnesota in the U.S. My host mother welcomed me warmly. She is single, so she lives with her dog, "Jenny". I remember that I was very nervous when I met her first. She picked up me at the airport, and we gathered with Yurika's host mother and Hiroyo's host mother. Then I found they are good friend each other. We ate tacos at the restaurant. I couldn't speak only a few words, but it was a first experience for me to eat real tacos. I remember it was yummy.

At night, we went to Minnehaha park to join welcome picnic. We did group presentation that we have prepared before we went to MN. I introduced studio ziburi animation with Aya, Momo, Saori. We used a picturecard show. I'm glad that many host families came to us and listened our speak. The next day, my jet lag started.....

[164 words]

BR 2-12: The Nutcracker

"Something magical always happened when he was around."(Helbrough, 2004, p.6)

I chose this book because it was written about fantasy Christmas. A dancer was standing in front of sweets house. I like fantasy book, so I felt like reading this book.

On Christmas Eve, Clara experienced a special night. Her god father visits her house every year and gives her presents. However this year, he gave a special present for her. I don't know what he is and his message's mean. She slept in her bed and she experienced a big adventure.

After I read it, "Is this real or dream?", I thought. The Nutcracker helped Clara's adventure. He introduced various places. For example, ice castle, the land of sweets. I have read this book in my childhood, so this book remembered me many memories. Japanese version was good but also English version was worth reading. I want to experience like magical dream at Christmas night!


Reference: Helbrough, Emma. (2004). The Nutcracker. London: Usborne.

[169 words]

BR 2-11: The barbecue

"Would you like to join us for a barbecue?" (Strong, 2001, p.30)

I chose this book because in front page of this book, every one dancing and they look so happy. Black and white people are laughing and adding colorful illustration.

Mrs.Cassandra became 40 years old when the day of barbecue. Her family and relatives came to the party. Her husband, Colin was cooking, so others were disgusted by the couple. After that, I was surprised the funny accident.

After I read it, I thought doing something with family is important. Even step mother and step dad, they enjoyed party. Recently, some Japanese family doesn't eat three meals together. Children stay their room a lot; doing play games, using computer, studying or something. Then they have eat meals in their room. It's terrible problem between families. Communicating with mother, father and relatives form better relationship for children.

Reference: Strong, Jeremy. (2001). The barbecue. London: Pearson Education.

[160 words]

Draft essays 2-03a: Language learning histories

Why are you learning languages? I use langeages for communicate each other. Language makes our communication more smoothly. I have learned four languages since I was born. It took a lot of time to learn each languages. Then I'll introduce languages that I learned.

At first, I have learned English for over 10 years. When I was third year of elementary school, I didn't have English class. However I started to attend "ECC junior". It was very interesting private school. I imitated teacher's pronunciation and practiced it a lot. Every year, I joined the party with foreigners.I couldn't speak only a few English words, but it was just fun. I became fifth year of elementary school, English education earnestly started.

In junior high school, I have still attended its private school. However when I was a second-year student, I quitted for the entrance examination of high school. I entered new cram school, "Subaru", and studied. My English teacher was funny, so I liked to take her class. She taught how she studied English more efficientry. I couldn't study without English text books and words books that I made.

Next is in high school. I was belong to English corse, so I had about three English classes in a day. For example, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and English seminar. My high school was belong to "SELHI" program, so sometimes other school's teachers visited our class. We had to do many speech in fron to of classmates. I couldn't express my feeling in my words, but I tried to speak many times. I did Group discussion, Persuasive speech, Constructive speech and so on. These speech were hard to practice but I could have a confidence to speak.

In KGU, I also learn Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. I wrote essays, read books and studied for TOEIC. I touched English or some languages every day. At the same time I learned French. It was difficult grammer, so I studied a lot before the exam. It pronunciation was different from English, so I used dictionary every time.

In addition, I learned Chinese in technical college. It was interesting to learn its pronuciation. I practiced easy conversation and self-introduction. I haven't studied Chinese before but I though Chinese was little similar to Japanese. And I took special Japanese training. I did voice exercises and tongue twister. I haven't paid attention my Japanese, so it improved my pronunciation better.

As you can see, I have learned many languages. Each languages have unique features, so I enjoyed learning them. It wasn't easy to master languages, but I'm sure most people toush other languages on TV, magazines or newspaper every day. Languages and people are convined together. I want to speak each languages well as well as Japanese!

[ 474 words ]

BR 2-10: More Macdonalds

"Later that same night the twins were woken by strange noises." (Strong, 2001, p.16)

First, I wonder this book's title means fast food shop. I love McDonald, so I wanted to read it! But actually, this "MacDonalds"didn't mean fast food shop. The mean is "Macdonalds family".

Mouse and Jojo's father came up with a new plan about building a new room. They were very happy and they talked which person can get the new bed room. They quarreled each other. The family have a humstar, called "Jumbo". When the house construction started, she wasn't calm. Her behavior was little strange and she ate meals a lot. What happened with her?

After I read it, I felt the warm family. First the twins quarreled about the new room. They thought only themsselves, but by Jumbo, they changed their minds. they could become to think other members of the family. Mother and father understood their feelings and they looked more happily. If you pay attention how change their feelings.

Reference: Strong, Jeremy. (2001). More Macdonalds. London: Pearson Education.

[182 words]

How I have learned languages

I have learned languages by listening music and watching movies. For example, I have learned English over 10 years. In elementary school, I have learned it by watching a English TV program. It was better way to learn English for little students. In junior high school, I had some times Oral communication class. Native English teacher came to my class and taught us English pronunciation.  We also had a time to watch a English TV program. When my native English teacher came to my class, we felt fresh. New teacher, new language and new environment, so it was so fun. But I like to listen music foreign country, so I often listened to music and I payed attention to listen what the singer singing. Some times, I watched movies in movie theater or at home. It was difficult for me to follow the speed that people spoke.  But  I found these things were good way to approach real English in my high school days.

[ 164 words ]

BR 2-09: The Girl with Red Hair

"He laughs and walks away, but I can't stop looking at the screen." (Lindop, 2009, p.5)

This book's cover page was cute. A girl with red hair picked a pink shirts, and her eyes looked smile. That is why I felt like reading this book.

The main character is Mark who works in security in Mason's store. He falled in love a girl with red hair when she came there first. Her smile attracted him and she was beautiful. She came there with a child every Wednesday night. Is she married or single? He thought a lot. He loved her in any other girls. I cheered his love because he couldn't talked her so much, every time he just looking her.

If we fall in love someone, we have to talk he or she that have a courage. It may need a lot of efforts for us. But first, it's important for us to understand wach other. Step by step, we can approach someone who we love.If I have a time, I'd like to try to make it.

Reference: Lindop, Christine. (2009). The Girl with Red Hair. New York: Oxford bookworms.

[199 words]