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]