A few months ago I became aware our digital camera had been out of order. Since then, when we wanted to take pictures, we used a mobile phone which is a buit-in camera function or bought a disposable camera. Of course, I thought about buying a new digital camera, however, I decided to wait until we get incentive money, so called " 夏のボーナス".

Yesterday, we went out to a big appliance store to choose a new one. Although we have yet to get the money (because it's early in July), we can buy it in one time payment. ( How should I say " 夏のボーナス一括払い"? If you have any idea, please tell me.) I'm not familiar with appliances and gadgets, so I left it up to my husband. After a while, we chose a camera at last! XD

Well, next week it'll be the second visit to my son's class. I'm sure it'll take an active part during the class.

As a mom, I should teach manners and fundamental home discipline to him. However, I'm often worried about them. Of course, when he misbehaves or demands too much, I admonish him not to do that or soothe him. ( Sometimes I coax him into doing what he is reluctant to do.)
But, I'm not a perfect mom, so, at that time I'm regret that I might have scolded him too much or consider the best way for him.
In fact, I scoled him for misbehaving last night. Although it was a trifling matter, I couldn't manage to scold gently and be clam down.....As if my piled something exploded.
After I soothed myself and admonished him, I hugged my son and played with him as usual, but I faced a part of the difficulty of rearing a kid yesterday...

As I write every time, this morning, I joined an English circle. This time, there were more members than I had expected. There were 10 of us and a native guest visited there to have English time.

Today, we discussed a certain article which I had picked up. It was " Security versus freedom". I picked it up from an English newspaper. It was a little hard to read and comprehend because there were words I can't come up with or usually don't use, however, to build my vocabulary the article was helpful for me.
It mentioned the development of closed circuit television (CCTV) to reduce crimes. According to the article, CCTV has led to a huge increase in the number of security cameras on highways, buses and trains as well as in public places. Have you ever heard of it?
In fact, surveillance cameras with loud speakers were fitted in public places in England. Security staffs watch the monitors, when find people misbehaving, they call down to them.
Meanwhile, in Japan, some politicians suggested security cameras be fit in our public, too, in order to curtail crimes, however, it caused controversy and rejected the idea because it could mean intrusion on our privacy.

We can say some awful and unbelievable crimes happen sporadically in the world. If you take it into consideration, what do you think about security and freedom?

This morning one of my friends and I visited another friend's house because we had planed to have lunch and chat with them over coffee.
We first met at our kids' pre-school. At first, we just greeted each other when we took our kids to the school. Gradually, we became friendly to each other. Of course, we hit it off.

Well, the friend's apartment was lovely! Visiting other houses is one of my interests because I can get some tips to arrange furniture and decorate room with some items. In addition, I can consult with them from rearing a kid to trifling matters.
This time, I asked some ideas about a prevention against smell of rooms. During the rainy season , it's been humid and I can't help but close windows due to raining. Although I try to open them as long as it's not so bad weather, I feel uncomfortable inside...
So, they gave ideas to me such as aromatic oil, etc...It's a good idea, isn't it? It not only the way of prevention or curtail smell, it also makes us refresh.

At once I'll go shopping to find my favorite one!

< Topic >
The role of sports in today's society.


We can watch sports and enjoy playing them anytime and anywhere. The number of people who regularly exercise through sports has been increasing. Let's think about the role of sports that it has became a part of our lives.
First, there is a tendency that we have been taking care of our health more than ever. In fact, our attention is drawn to it through mass media. Especially, " metabolic syndrome" be picked up these days. One of ways to prevent is exercise through sports. It's not only a medical viewpoint but we can also refresh and release our stress.
Second, it has economic effects of sports. Tiger Woods, who is a famous golf player, would be the example of this. When he competes in a golf match, many industries, from golf clubs and clothes to mass media, can benefit a great deal from him and the sport.
Finally, we can't rule out the Olympics. This summer, the Olympics is going to be taken place in China. Although there are some controversies such as pollution, etc, we can learn a moral code, the importance of shooting for our goals and the big competition can make a deep impressions on us.
After all, we can say sports bear an important, indispensable role for our society and ourselves and will continue in the future.

Yesterday, we visited my parents-in-law's house to stay overnight. We were supposed to stay there on Father's day, however, as my son ran a high fever, we put it off.
My parents-in-law were looking forward to meeting my son. My son was also excited because he loves to stay and play with them.

After having breakfast, we took a drive although it was raining today. Then we dropped at The Karatsu Castle. Since I visited there when I was a student, it was the second time for me. Despite the bad weather, there were visitors. I'm interested in excavated articles and history, so I really enjoyed it.
Although it was foggy and we couldn't overlook from the castle, I felt that it had a charm of its own.

Once a month, some of English learners and I visit an English circle member's house to study English together. This morning, after I took my son to his private pre-school, I went there. Although it was raining, I was enjoying driving because " English time" was waiting for me!!. During the time I can be saturated with the world. In fact, while I was driving, I was humming a tune.

Anyway, this time, 5 members attended. There were fewer than I'd expected. But, I wasn't surprised at the situation because there was a heavy rain.
At the circle, we discuss some topics, debate and chat. Of course, we try to talk in English during the time to improve our speaking and listening skills. This time, we debated whether to put clothes on dogs and cats ( pets). Actually, pet-clothes industry has contributed to our economy and in part, we may count on it not to aggravate our stagnating economy any further.
It was well worth spending own time! I often record the time to check my speaking after almost all of the circles. It's helpful, isn't it?

After the circle, I visited a certain event to register my name as an English teacher. At the event, several workshops had each booth in a hall and were presenting materials. I wasn't supposed to visit there, however, I had heard that the organizer had started to register a variety of teachers such as a teacher for cooking, baking, etc...Of course, I registered as an English teacher. I don't know if they'll call for me or not, though...

As I wrote before, a circle member suggested that " GMAT" be conducive to English learners who want to pass the 1st grade of STEP test or improve their overall skills. The member also recommended a site, " iknow". We can learn vocabulary and practice dictation etc. On the site, there's a " GMAT" section.
Of course, I read English newspapers and get new words, try the grade textbook to get new words, however, that's NOT enough for me.... I need more words and to learn grammar more than ever because I'm diffident in writing or grammar. ( I really feel this when I'm writing a diary.) While I was struggling this situation and looking for the best way or a good text book, the member gave me hint, after all, the book---" GMAT verbal".

This morning, I joined an English circle and then the member lent me the text book. After I went back home, I flipped through it. It seemed interesting and well worth trying to beef up my skills, especially, reading and grammar.
Although it takes some time to choose a correct answer or read thoroughly, I expect it'll contribute to the improvement of my English skills.


For example;

Q>>>You'll find five ways of phrasing the underlined passage. The first answer choice repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original phrasing is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of others.


Native American burial sites dating back 5,000 years indicate that the residents of Maine at that time were part of a widespread culture of Algonquian-speaking people.

A>were part of a widespread culture of Algonquian-speaking people
B>had been part of a widespread culture of people who are Algonquian-speaking
C>were people who were part of a widespread culture that was Algonquian-speaking
D>had been people who were part of a widespread culture that was Algonquian-speaking
E>were a people which had been part of a widespread, Algonquian-speaking culture

【“So interesting "GMAT verbal" test book! ”の続きを読む】

In the morning, my friend that has a daughter who is the same age as my son and I visited a kindergarten to see the atmosphere, teachers and so on.
Last year I was vacillating between a kindergarten and a nursery school. After considering, I decided the former. ( When I decided, it was early in the new year. So, I entered our son in a pre-school which, a private enterprise runs, only this year.)
The kindergarten, which is a Christian school and introduces the Montessori method, wasn't large, however, the atmosphere was so good. The teachers welcomed us warmly.
Most likely I'll decide the school...

By the way, When I read other English diaries, I often find some icons such as ;-) or ; D) ? etc. I could guess some expressions, for example, in Japanese case I often use " 顔文字"---(^^), (T T) or (--;) etc, but I don't have idea in English style. So, if you have expressions like them, could you tell me? I want to know and use from now on.

[Topic]
Changes in Japanese women's attitudes toward their careers


Once, people thought it that women should stay at home and do house chores. Japanese women were also thought it was natural. However, they have been participating in social affairs.
After women's liberation, Japanese women were also inspired to work outside of the home little by little. But at that time, working or having careers was so hard for them. They faced gender discrimination and were thought of lightly; nevertheless, thanks to an economic growth and recognition of women's education, now it's natural. They're going into the world rapidly and taking on careers with eagerness. The eagerness has been changing their life styles, too. After they got married and gave birth, many women tend to continue working. However, we can't deny that gender discrimination and hardship to continue working still remain, moreover, that agonize themselves. On top of that, it's true there's a gap between their needs and companies' views.
They'll pursue their happiness and careers more and more from now on. We should reconsider our present social style to meet the gap and create surroundings called a work-life balance.

When I was reading an English newspaper, I couldn't understand the following.....

{{{{ But the approach of articles changed dramatically in May 2004 when the Crown Prince remarked, "It is true that there were developments that denied Princess Masako's career "up to" then as well as her personality driven by her career."

"Up to" that point, weekly women's magazines mostly covered the Imperial family as a role model, depicting them in a positive light. But the family came to be discussed differently, especially in terms of relations between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, just like many ordinary families, drawing controversy}}}}

In this case, what does "up to" mean? And how do you translate it into Japanese in this case?
I understood the context and what the writer wanted to say, however, I confused the meaning, "up to", in this case.... and it was a little bit unclear to me. I couldn't come up the most appropriate Japanese words.

I thought " 〜と並行して", " 〜まで" or something kind of meanings is the best fit in Japanese... After all, "その時まで。。。" and " そのremarkの時まで"???
What do you think?

< Topic >
The need for alternative energy sources

Recently, we've concerned about the global warming. In fact, many countries have held conferences and discussed how to cut down carbon dioxide emission. On top of that, they're also mulling over energy sources. Here are the reasons and what we should do from now.
First, oil price has been skyrocketing. Every product has been affected due to the situation and we have been compelled to manage to make ends meet. The world economic has also faced the stagnation.
Second, we've also dealt with pollution. We should know the more we develop, the more energy consumption increase.
So, we've been tackling with it. Some car maker has released hybrid vehicles. Many people try to bring bags, " eco-bag" or " my bag ", when they go to a supermarket. These're focused on the global environment and energy.
If we want to live and hand over the beautiful world to our descendants, we should considering getting down to whatever you can do. Before anything else we must become aware there is a limit to the energy.

As I wrote before, I've been endeavoring to pass the 1st grade. ( I don't know whether my efforts will bear fruit or not, though..)

Thanks to Emi-san, who is the linchpin person of our circle and for me, not only this blog, I've also learning writing on a certain web site that I have my diary corrected by native speakers who also learn languages such as Japanese, French etc. As I can get many ideas and expressions on the site, I've saturated in writing focusing on grammar, expressions and structure more than ever. Of course, It takes longer to finish writing than before, however, I feel it that it's so helpful and indispensable for me to improve more and more.

Well, to pass the 1st grade I'm going to buckle down to write an essay. I've not done in accordance with the structure, however, I'm intrigued.
So, I'll pick up a topic from many kinds of themes and try to write my essay on it.

I join an English circle twice a month. In the circle, we read a newspaper article and discuss it.

There were 7 of us except for a native guest today. This time, we read " 9 ways to enhance the bond with you kids", which was picked up from a certain web site by a member.
As a mom I was so interested in the article. ( Other members were also, I think.Because we're moms! )
The article suggested 9 tips for moms to communicate with their kids stronger than ever. For example, " showcase your many layers", " allow your child to fail" and so on. These are what I've made aware of, however, I don't know whether I can carry them out or not...
Anyway, thanks to the article, It was a good opportunity for me to look back on my child-rearing.

Well, after the circle I picked my son up and then one of members, who is adept at English, and I had lunch. At that time, we talked about " English", of course. She gave me some advice to improve my English skills and suggested " GMAT". Although the test's so hard, she's sure that it's conducive to English learners.
According to her, there're several sections, all explanations and answers are written in English. One of the sections is "creative thought"( Sorry, I'm not sure the name). She highly recommended because we can learn how to collect our thoughts in English. Not only the way, but we can also get new words and phrases. As the test aims at business people, the words and content are slightly slanted toward them and the field, though...she said.

Do you know it?

It's been 6 months since my son entered a pre-school. He learned to fit in the new way of life.

Today, parents could visit a class. Although it was raining, I was looking forward to seeing him in the class. So, I went out as early as possible...However, I was stranded in a traffic jam. It took about 50 minutes to get from my house to the school ( Usually, It takes about 15~20 minutes.) and what was worse, a shopping mall which is next to the school was holding a special event for custmers.
Cars were congested around these buildings more than I had expected.
Fortunately, I managed to get there at the last moment and could see the class.

Anyway, I was sick and tired after we went back home...

In the afternoon, I had a whim to watch a video, " TM NETWORK", a pop group which I used to be addicted to them. I bought it 14 years ago!




When I was a student, I was mesmerized by their songs, voice and existence. I can say that I fell in love with them and thought about them around the clock. I once belonged to their official fan club and went to a concert. Of course, not only the group I liked, I was also interested in foreign artists. ( In fact, at that time I began to be intrigued in English.)

After a while, I enjoyed watching it with my son. They reminded me of my youth. The songs never disappoint me!

Well, any song immerses ourselves in reminiscences of our each day.

When my son got up yesterday morning, he seemed to be in low spirits. As he always romps around like a monster, I was worried about his condition.
So, I took his temperature...He had a slight fever as I had expected. To add to this, he had a cough and snivel. No doubt, he seemed to have cought a cold.
To my surprise, however, this morning he looked so good. He still has snivel, though. The fever has subsided.

Anyway, I was relieved, but I should pay attention to his condition because it is easy for the condition of kids to take a sudden change for better or worse.

By the way, if you came down with a cold, what would you do? Do you have any idea to get well quickly?

A man killed 7 people and injured 10 others on a street yesterday. According to the police, the man hit a few pedestrians with a truck and then stabbed people. He was quoted as saying, " I came here to kill people. I don't care who they are."

Recently, atrocious rampages have happened one after another.Moreover, it tends to occur on a street teemed with people. I can't believe it at all. I don't have any idea how to protect myself and my son in case.

If you were there, what would you do? How should we grapple with the tendency to stop?

What beautiful roses they are!!

Today we visited a rose garden. I've been having a yen to see them for a long time. The garden is in an amusement park. So, my son was also happy to be there.lol lol lol Luckily, as it was a wonderful day, the roses looked more beautiful than ever.

After I enjoyed seeing to my heart's content, we went for a walk. Then we played with our son in a playground and visited a small zoo in the park. Of course, he was romping around. At the zoo, we could touch several animals and see close at hand.

No other text book is as good as experience.

To improve my English skills I've been keeping writing diary in English. I don't know if it's getting better, improving or not, though.....

Yesterday, I asked 2 native speakers to correct a part of diary. Soon, they corrected and sent me. Of course, their corrections were different. Each of them gave me some tips for writing in English.
I can't come out the expressions yet like them..
In my diary, I know the style is more casual than others. I mean......I often use some " emojicoms"---(^^), (T T)--- and I'm apt to write as if I'm talking because it's not " essays" but "my diary". I know some of parts in the diary is probably sound strange to them ( native speakers).... But I want to know how do they feel about my sentences. Not only them but also " you" who are reading this now, I want to ask.
Of course, I'm well aware that we (Japanese) also have a diversity of expressions and vice versa.

After I took my son to a pre-school, as usual I had some time to study English. This time, I joined a free conversation class. Usually, there's a female teacher. But, fortunately, another teacher (a male) was also there. This was the first time I'd met him, however, he's an old-timer, the teacher said.

He's from England, too.( the female teacher's from England) Of course, his pronunciation is British. (^^) While I was brushing up on my English, I was having a hard time catching their words because I've been studying American English and its pronunciation. So, I couldn't get used to listening to them.
Now that I'm getting used to doing it though, the accents are easier to understand little by little.(^^)

Excluding said teachers, there were 5 of us today. One of the members is going to go to Canada this month. Then, we talked about flight companies and our terrible experiences on trips with them. As I've not visited many foreign countries, I don't have such experiences...So, their stories were interesting.(^^)
After my son grows up, I hope we'll be able to go to some countries.......Uh......No......I want to go with an eye to study abroad. lol lol lol After I did, yes! , we'll go...lol lol lol lol lol ( I'm not sure the dream'll come true..., though^^;)

I used to buy CNN-EE for improving listening skill and getting new phrases. You know, it's conducive to English learners. Recently I've gone over ( I've not finished yet, though...^^;)
While studying, I found that it couldn't satisfy my enthusiasm for English...Of course, it's helpful for me to brush up. But, it's not enough....I may be getting used to listening or a little bit be able to step up...( If so, I'm so in seventh heaven, though...)
Rather than, should I change some ways to study with it??
Actually, Just listening to a volume per month (like NHK news in English which I listen every night) . During the time, I also catch some vocabs, phrases etc. As it's not hard to catch up, understand the summary, now that I'm apt to enjoy listening. I know, there's some elusive content.

I'm keeping going over, however, I'm wondering about " new text books".....Have you any suggestion?

It's been raining all day. Although it usually makes me bother how "we"(I and my son) spend, today I invited one of friends who has a daughter and son.

After a while we met and had a chat time over coffee. Her daughter and my son were born the same day and ob-gyn. They were playing happily without any troubles. ( Actually, I was relieved because he used to demand strongly. But, he never. Rather than, he said " Here you are" " Thank you" " May I take it?" etc...You see, he must have grown up. Right?)

During the time, I tried to have " English time for kids". lol lol lol Just little bit, however, they were engrossed in English. I showed some flash cards. Then......

I said, " What is this?" They were thinking and said " Oh! it's usagi!!! "
I said, " Yeah, usagi. It's a rabbit! Say it, rabbit!!"
They said together, " It's a rabbit!".

It's so cool, isn't it? They listened some things for the first time, but they could say what I said in English. Yeah, they imitated the sound and pronunciation. That's fantastic!!!!

He seemed to play to his heart's content, after I took them to their house and we took a bath, he soon fell asleep....around 5:30.... like a log...( Yeah!!! once he sleeps, he doesn't get up until next morning!!! lol lol lol)