Light Blog Yeah

My Spring Vacation

2010-01-15T10:07:00.004+09:00

I am looking forward to my spring vacation, because I have what I want to do and go in the vacation. What are you doing for the vacation? I was going to go to Osaka that I love with my friends, but I do not have much money now. I am not able to go there. I have to save money, so I will hunt for long-term part-time job. I will work a part-time job for this spring vacation. And I will go to Osaka with my friends in this summer vacation. So I think I want to take a trip to somewhere in Kyushu. I want to make a lot of delightful memories.
(117 words)

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-13T22:15:00.001+09:00

Wow!! Yeah!! I was very surprised when I got up this morning, because everything was covered with snow. It was unusual in Kumamoto city for about seven centimeter of snow to accumulate on the ground. So I was excited by snow. But it was bitterly cold outdoors today. Also I was not able to go to school by my car, because my car was covered with the snow. So I went to school in my friend’s car and we were excited by snow until we arrive at school. We took a lot of pictures. After arrived there, I met my other friends and we enjoyed with snow. I also built a small snowman. It was so cute. Then it became a storm and the snowstorm in this afternoon. I was freezing. Well, I think it was a very happy day for me today. I want to have a snowball fight with my friends next time.
(155 words)

Special Coming-of-Age Day

2010-01-12T22:12:00.004+09:00

Hi!! I am happy now, because yesterday was Coming-of-Age Day. I also grow up. This day, I got up at 2 a.m., so I wanted to sleep very much. But I put on makeup. It took me about an hour to make myself up. And I went to a beauty parlor shop. I was had my hair set and put on my kimono by a beautician of the shop. By the way, my kimono is very beautiful and the color is black, so I like it. After that, I had my photograph taken by a photographer at 8 a.m., but I was very shameful in taking the photograph. Then I went to Yatsushiro with my mother, because I had to show my kimono figure to my grandparents and relatives. They were impressed to see my kimono. Just then, it was already past the time when I noticed it. So I hastened to downtown and met my friends. We moved to the place that holds a coming-of-age celebration. I met my friends of junior high school and high school days after a long time there, so I was very excited and felt happy. My friends were all cute and cool. I took a lot of pictures with them. After finished the celebration, I went home and took a bath. I also put on makeup and I was had my hair set by my older sister. Then I went to the hotel that the alumni association of junior high school had at 6 p.m. It had been about five years since I saw my classmates and teachers last, so I became nostalgic feelings. I enjoyed chatting and drinking with them. After that, we moved to downtown and had a continuation of a party at another place at 10 p.m. We had an enjoyable night there. And I went to Karaoke with my friends that get along well. I sang many songs with them, but I had a sore throat. I also felt sleep, because I was lack of sleep. So I decided to go home at 2 a.m. Well, I was able to have a special day. I thought I want to meet my classmates of junior high school days again. And I grow up, so I want to get it over holding out even if I will encounter a difficult thing in the future. I will be able to do it!!
(400 words)

Portfolio for Writing IV (2009-10)

2010-01-06T09:23:00.062+09:00

Student ID: 08110

Portfolio for Writing IV, Section 1A
(See: Note 1, below.)

0.0. OVERVIEW

Reviews, Posts, Words, and More

(See: Note 2, below.)

1.0. ESSAYS

(See: Note 3, below.)

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

1.1. Showcase	Short titles with links to blog posts	Dates yyyy.mm.dd	¶	W	C	L	P	M
2-01a (2009.10.07)	Draft essay(2-01a): Favorite Places	2009/10/07	2	321	4	0	0	0
2-01b (2009.10.21)	Draft essay(2-01b): Favorite Places	2009/10/21	4	413	0	0	0	0
(2-01c)
2-02a (2009.11.04)	Essay(2-02a): English Websites	2009/10/29	5	401	5	3	0	0
2-02b (2009.11.18)	Essay(2-02b): English Websites of Snacks	2009/11/11	5	407	1	3	0	0
(2-02c)
2-03a (2009.12.02)	Essay(2-03a): Language Learning Stories	2009/11/28	5	534	12	0	0	0
2-03b (2009.12.18/22)	Essay(2-03b): Language Learning Stories	2009/12/16	7	653	0	0	0	0
(2-03c)
Totals	---	---	28	2729	22	6	0	0

Key:

¶: number of paragraphs five (5) or more sentences in length

W: number of words

C: number of comments

L: number of links

P: number of photos or other graphics

M: number of other media included in post

1.2. Most Improved Essay

(See: Note 4, below.)

Selection and Assessment: Which of the three essays that you've written and revised this semester shows the most improvement? What did you do to improve it? Remember that complete answers are better than short answers, focus on your writing (accuracy, appropriacy, content and organization, rather than graphics or other media), and explain at least two major improvements.

Essay(2-02b): English Websites of Snacks is my best essay, because it posted three links and I was able to write about my favorite websites in detail.

2.0. COMMENTS

Showcase	Short titles of posts with links	Dates of comments yyyy.mm.dd	Numbers of words in comments	Qualities of comments**
2.1. Your first comment on your instructor's blog*	Social Media and Social Networking Explained	2009/10/14	33	This comment is short, so I think I should have made a comment more.
2.2. Your best comment on a classmate's blog*	BR 2-09 : Houses Then and Now	2009/10/30	34	I think this is my best comment.
2.3. Best comment by a classmate on your blog*	Draft essay(2-01a): Favorite Places	2009/10/14	38	It is Pika's comment. Her comment is great content.
2.4. Most comments on:	Short titles of posts with link	Dates of posts yyyy.mm.dd	Total number of words in comments	Qualities of comments**
2.4.1. Any one of your essays*	Essay(2-03a): Language Learning Stories	2009/11/28	245	They asked about my essay and their comments are all interesting.
2.4.1.1. When did you respond to those comments?	---	2009/12/09	---	---
2.4.1.2. How did you respond to those comments?	---	---	140	I wrote about their essays.
2.4.2. Any of your other posts*	RKK RADIO FESTIVAL	2009/10/11	15	She asked me about my post.
2.4.2.1. When did you respond to those comments?	---	2009/11/10	---	---
2.4.2.2. How did you respond to those comments?	---	---	3	I made too short comment.

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

2.5. Recent comments display

Does your blog display recent comments from blog visitors in a prominent location, for example, in a sidebar, header, or footer widget? Where, or why not? Please explain.

Recent comments are the top of the right side.

2.6. Additional reflections on comments

I must ask a question and write long sentences more.
I should respond to everyone.

3.0. BOOK REVIEWS

3.1. Showcase	Short titles with links	Dates: yyyy.mm.dd	Words	Comments
Example:	Vampire Killer	2007.05.16	39	1
BR 2-01	Arthur Tricks The Tooth Fairy	2009/09/17	274	0
BR 2-02	The Statue of Liberty	2009/10/07	107	0
BR 2-03	BREAKOUT at the BUG LAB	2009/10/15	151	0
BR 2-04	The Teeny-Tiny Woman	2009/10/22	156	1
BR 2-05	The Litter Queen	2009/10/31	130	1
BR 2-06	Corduroy's Garden	2009/10/31	243	0
BR 2-07	Beef Stew	2009/11/10	170	0
BR 2-08	WAKE UP, SUN!	2009/11/17	230	0
BR 2-09	BONES	2009/11/17	115	0
BR 2-10	Shawn and Keeper and the Birthday Party	2009/11/22	252	1
BR 2-11	The Snow Child	2009/11/30	203	0
BR 2-12	My Tooth Is Loose!	2009/12/08	114	0
BR 2-13	The Pizza That We Made	2009/12/15	113	1
BR 2-14	The Little Red Hen	2009/12/15	190	0
BR 2-15	The Princess and the Pea	2009/12/20	200	0
BR 2-16	THE BOOKSTORE BURGLAR	2009/12/20	261	0
BR 2-17	The Dinosaur Who Lost His ROAR	2009/12/20	192	0
BR 2-18	THE BULLY	2009/12/20	126	1


---	---	Totals:	3227	5

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

3.2. Best Book Review

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

BR2-01: Arthur Tricks The Tooth Fairy is my best book review, because this is more number of words than other book reviews and also this content is comprehensible.

4.0. BLOG LAYOUT, LABELING, LINKING, and MEDIA

Showcase	Yes	No
4.1. Does your blog display an archive?	✔
4.1.1. Does the archive display the titles of posts?	✔
4.1.2. Is the archive organized by month?	✔
4.1.3. Is the archive at or near the top of the sidebar?	✔
4.2. Does your blog display a cloud or list of labels in the sidebar?	✔
4.2.1. Do your labels include these required labels (typed accurately):	---	---
"books" (plural) AND "reviews" (plural)	✔
"essays" (plural) AND "portfolios" (plural, without "proto-")	✔
"quickposts" (plural, with no space between quick and posts)	✔
"links" (plural) AND "media" (plural)		✔
"movies" (plural) AND "websites" (plural)	✔
"brainstorms" (or "brainstorming"), "essay prep.," AND "free-writing" (or "free-writes")	✔
4.2.2. Does your sidebar display other labels?	✔
How many other labels have you attached to three (3) or more posts? 15 other labels attached to three or more posts	---	---
Which labels, and to how many posts each? Please list those labels instead of www, xxx, yyy..., and list numbers of posts instead of n, m, o... (in parentheses), below. books (12) books 2 (18) brainstorms (2) drafts (2) essay prep. (5) essays (11) favorites (4) foods (1) free-writing (1) Homeworks (14) language (1) languages (1) lists (1) movies (3) My Diary (21) My Diary 2 (20) outlines (1) portfolios (2) quickposts (2) Reading (2) reviews (4) revisions (5) Speaking (1) Speaking 2 (7) summer vacation (16) Test (1) university (1) websites (3) Writing (4)	---	---
4.3. Links and media	---	---
4.3.1. Do your blog posts this semester include photos or other graphics?	✔
Does your blog profile include a photo or graphic representation?	✔
How many of your blog posts this semester include photos or other graphics? 85 posts including photos or other graphics	---	---
4.3.2. Does your blog include posts with multiple links?	✔
How many of your posts this semester include three (3) or more links? 9 posts including three or more links (including this portfolio!)	---	---
4.3.3. Does your blog include other media?		✔
How many of your blog posts this semester include other media? 0 posts including other media	---	---
What kind(-s) of media have you included in posts this semester? Please list the kinds here: ... ... ...	---	---
What media content that you originally produced, if any, do your blog posts for this semester contain? Please list and explain each item briefly, and add short links and dates (yyyy.mm.dd) for reference. ... (short link, date) ... (short link, date) ... (short link, date)	---	---

4.4. Overall presentation

What have you done to enhance the overall presentation and readability of your blog? List and explain the three most important content, display, formatting, layout, or other presentation changes that you have made on your blog this semester.

I changed the design of my blog to make easily to see.
I posted a lot of pictures.
I used many comprehensible words to make easily to read as much as possible.

5.0. ADDITIONAL REFLECTIONS ON YOUR BLOG AND YOUR WRITING FOR IT

Please feel free to include reflections on both class work and homework, as well as on the content of this portfolio (proto-portfolios, showcases, selections, and reflections).

I was able to learn many words that I didn't know by having read English books.
It was very difficult for me to write long essays.
I think I came to be able to use the computer well thanks to the class of the writing than before.

6.0. ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR YOURSELF, YOUR PEERS, AND YOUR SUCCESSORS

I should include media. If I do so, I will be able to know a variety of imformations.
I think I need correct a spelling mistake.
If you want to learn more English, I think you should make many comments on your friends' blogs.

____________________
Notes:

This portfolio template derives from Writing Studio Blog templates for Writing IIIc and Writing IVc (2007-08), Writing III, §§1a & 1c, Writing IV: Portfolio, §§1a & 1c (2008-09), and the July 7, 2009, Portfolio for Writing III.
Please use the same code in section 0.0 that you used to embed your proto-portfolios (PPFs) in the footer of your blog, which you should already have revised to display your 2nd (fall) semester PPF first.
The essays section (1.0. Essays, above) derived from Proto-Portfolio 2-02 (2008).
The essay selection and explanation item (§1.2, above) differs from that in the July 7, 2009, Portfolio for Writing III. Please read the new item carefully before making a selection.

____________________
License:

This portfolio template is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Please attribute to "the Writing Studio Blog, 2010.01.05" (with link, but without quotation marks).

A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-01T09:23:00.004+09:00

A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!! This year is 2010. How do you spend the New Year? Did you eat many rice cakes? I do not eat it at all yet. By the way, I worked a short term part-time job with my friends the last day of the year. After that, I met my other friend and we ate out. Then a new year has begun. We went to Kawashiri Shrine and I drew a sacred lot which foretold good luck for me. I wish that 2010 become a good year.
A lot happened last year. I have an unforgettable experience. It is the first traveling abroad. I first went to America with my friends in last summer vacation. I wanted to go there since I became like America. So I thought this trip was an unforgettable experience for me. This trip would be something pleasant to look back on. I want to go to America this year again.
My goal of this year is to expand a group sharing links. I think I want to meet a variety of people and make new many friends. I also want to be a considerate person. I wish that everyone spends a happy year. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!
(203 words)

A Year-end Party

2009-12-30T09:21:00.002+09:00

I had a year-end party with my friends. This day, I got up at noon and worked a short term part-time job at 2 p.m. I worked at the Central Post Office of Kumamoto. The content of the work is classification of mails and many New Year’s cards. I worked there for four hours. After finished working, I met my friends and took a coffee in downtown. Then we joined our other friends and went to a dining bar that named GRACE AIR. We drank and ate too much there. This bar is Italian bar and they were all delicious. We enjoyed drinking beer, cocktail and so on for about two hours. After that, we decided to take a print-club. We took it and went to small bar. The bar was able to drink sake for 200 yen and a place with a cozy ambience. We also talked long time and drank too much there. But I felt unwell, so I did not drink. We became in a good mood after a short time. After one hour passed, we decided to join my friend, Chisako’s friends of her part-time job. Then we went to a dining bar that named UOTAMI to meet them at 2 a.m. We drank sake too much there again. I had my worries, so I gave one Chisako’s friend some advice and felt well. Also I was able to enjoy with everyone there. After that, we went to karaoke and sang a lot of songs for two hours. It was already 6 a.m., so we decided to go home. But my few friends and I were not able to go home, because a time zoon of the bus that we take was not at all. So we went to Kumamoto Station on foot. It was too cold, but it was a pleasure to walk with my friends. When I arrived at my house, it was 8 a.m. already. I took a bath and slept for about three hours. Then I got up at noon and worked a part-time job at 2 p.m. I had a hangover and a headache, so I was too tired than always. But I was able to enjoy a year-end party. I think I had a good good good time. I want to enjoy with everyone again.
(385 words)

X'maaaaaas Partttttty

2009-12-23T09:20:00.003+09:00

Merrrrry Christmaaaaas!! I had Xmas party at my house last night. My friends, Mami, Yayoi, Chisako and Manami came to the party. But I felt sad, because my friend, Ayaka was not able to come there on account of influenza. So we decided to try to enjoy for her. Then we went to the supermarket to buy foods and drinks in my car. We bought many foods, sake and so on. After that, we went back to my house and started Xmas party!! I drank too much. I drank beer, wine and champagne. So I felt unwell. But Xmas party grew livelier, and we talked and drank all night. I also got Xmas present from Chisako. It was cute and I was happy. We were able to have a special time. I thought I want to have Xmas party with this member next year again.
(145 words)

BR2-18: THE BULLY

2009-12-20T23:58:00.004+09:00

I felt sorry for Martin after finished reading this book. He moved to anywhere on account of his mother’s job, so he was able to make a lot of new friends. I guessed he was loud, rude and had a bad temper as a result. But I think the truth is that he is kind and a common boy. I also think Josh is nice boy, because he is quite considerate. I like to make merry with my friends, so I thought it is important for me to make a lot of friends. Then we are not able to live alone. And I think the existence of my friends might be irreplaceable. This book went right to my heart. I recommend you to read this book.
(126 words)

Mitchell, J. (2007). THE BULLY. Australia: THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE.

BR2-17: The Dinosaur Who Lost His ROAR

2009-12-20T22:50:00.002+09:00

There were four dinosaurs in a big forest. Theirs name were Sid, Spike, Ross and Ollie. Sid liked crashing through bushes, climbing tall trees, splashing in the river and scaring other dinosaurs. He saw Spike, Ross and Ollie on his way to take a walk. So he plotted to scare them, crept up behind them and gave a roar. They were surprised, and that scornful laugh of his really got under their skin. Sid also decided to scare them in the next day. But he could not do that, because he had lost his roar. So Spike, Ross and Ollie laughed and looked down on him. He went home and went to bed early. Then his throat was better and he visited Spike, Ross and Ollie. But they were not anywhere, so Sid looked for them. They were caught for dinner by Rex that is a huge dinosaur. So Sid crept up behind Rex and gave his biggest, strongest and loudest roar. Just then, Rex was frightened and ran off. And all of them were saved by Sid. Spike, Ross and Ollie said Sid, “His mighty roar saved us from that dinosaur.”
(192 words)

Punter, R. (2007). The Dinosaur Who Lost His ROAR. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

BR2-16: THE BOOKSTORE BURGLAR

2009-12-20T14:35:00.003+09:00

Mr. Brown owned a bookstore that called the Black Cat Bookstore. He lived above the store with Cobweb. Cobweb is his cat. Then her best friends are mice and favorite food is cheese. So they ate cheese for breakfast every morning. The Black Cat Bookstore was no ordinary store. Many ghosts haunt this store!!
One day, Cobweb found a man of dubious in the store. The man put a spare key of the store in his pocket, so she was convinced that he is a burglar. She also said to the ghost about it. So a book dropped on the man’s head by the ghost. Cobweb wanted to tell Mr. Brown that the man stole the spare key, so she let out a meow. But Mr. Brown did not notice her. He also apologized to the man for dropping a book and said that ghosts have in the store. The man did not believe in ghosts and left the store.
Mr. Brown was busy all day, so he went upstairs before Cobweb. Cobweb stayed the store, because she thought the burglar might come back. Her prediction proved right. So she and ghosts trapped the burglar. And they frightened away off him. Mr. Brown noticed the man was a burglar and found the spare key. So he was thankful to Cobweb and ghosts. He also gave them many cheeses as a reward.

I hate a ghost, but I like ghosts of this book because they were mice. I did not think that ghosts were mice. This book was very interesting for me.
(261 words)

Maitland, B. (2001). THE BOOKSTORE BURGLAR. New York: Penguin Group.

BR2-15: The Princess and the Pea

2009-12-20T12:45:00.003+09:00

Once upon a time, a prince wanted to marry to a real princess. One day, many princesses come to see him, but he thought they are not real princesses. So he let them go back. A woman visited the prince’s house in the day that a storm was raging. She said that she is a real princess. But a queen would not believe what she said. Then queen got ready for the woman’s bed and she put a pea on the bed. She also put a lot of mattresses and blankets on the pea. After that, the woman went to the bed. In the morning, the queen, the king and the prince asked the woman if she was able to sleep well. She answered that she was not able to it, because there was a big lump in her bed. When the queen and the king heard what she said, they were convinced that she is a real princess. Because she noticed that there was a pea under a lot of mattresses on her bed. The princes also knew that the woman is a real princess. So the prince got married to the real princess. And the pea kept forever.
(200 words)
Ziefert, H. (1996). The Princess and the Pea. New York: Penguin Group.

Essay(2-03b): Language Learning Stories

2009-12-16T09:18:00.016+09:00

What is your mother tongue? There are a variety of languages in all over the world. For example, German, French, Spanish and Chinese. I have been speaking Japanese since I was born, so my mother tongue is Japanese. I think Japanese grammar is more difficult than any other languages. But Japanese is good language, because it has three types of words. They are hiragana, katakana and kanji. I use them and live my happy life every day.

Japanese, English and German are languages that I have ever learned. When I was a kindergartener and an elementary school student, I first learned English and developed links of communication with many foreign countries people. I sang many English songs and knew many simple English words there. When I was a junior high school and a high school student, I learned about English grammar in detail. I was able to get knowledge of many foreign countries too. When I was a freshman in the university, I learned German by an elective subject. Then I am learning English at the university now. I am interested in English very much, so I am studying English hard now. But it is very difficult for me though I want to speak English well. I think I want to master English more from now on.

First, I think I want to improve my ability in English from now on. I am interested in English and I like it. But I am not able to speak English and use it well. I want to travel to a variety of foreign countries in the future. So I have to study English, because it is a common language at present. If I am able to speak it well, I will be able to have a pleasant conversation with many people in a foreign country. I began to think the ability of English vocabularies is necessary to master them.

Second, I first sang English songs and knew many simple English words in the kindergarten. I learned them by my kindergarten teachers, but I was not interested in them at all. And I first got an opportunity to come in contact with many foreign countries people in the elementary school. I was able to know about foreign foods, ballads, and culture and so on by the class of international exchange. I also learned English grammar in detail in the junior high school and the high school. Then I went to English conversation school that named AEON. I first talked in English there with American teacher by a private lesson. I think these experiences were good for me.

Third, I first learned the language other than English in the university. It is German. I was not interested in German, but I had become happy while studying it. German words and grammar are similar to English, so I thought it is easy to learn German for me. I am able to speak a little English and German now.

Now, I am learning various types of English in the class of the university. For example, Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening classes. I am able to learn about English by those classes. In a writing class, I am writing in English in the blog now. I also have my friends that can speak English fluently, so I correspond with them regularly. In these ways I am studying English now.

I was able to speak only Japanese that is my mother tongue at first. But I learned English and German, so I was able to be interested in them. I want to learn more many foreign countries languages. I especially want to learn Chinese and Korean. I also want to be able to speak more English that is common language in the future. I think I want to use it for my life. We have to be able to speak languages to live. It is very important to learn the languages.
(653 words)

BR2-14: The Little Red Hen

2009-12-15T20:35:00.005+09:00

One day, a little red hen that lives on a farm with a dog, a goose and a cat find some grains of wheat. First, the little red hen decides to plant the wheat. But the dog, the goose and the cat do not help her, so she does herself. Next, she decides to cut and beat the wheat. But they do not help her, so she does herself. Third, she decides to take the wheat to the mill. But they do not help her, so she does herself. Then she comes back with flour and decides to bake the bread. But they do not help her, so she does herself. After the bread came out of the oven, the dog, the goose and the cat run to get some. They did not help the little red hen, but they tried to eat the bread that is delicious. So she ate it all up herself at the end.
I thought the little red hen’s effort has been rewarded. She raised flour by herself, so I felt admiration for her. In her place, I could not have raised it by myself.
(190 words)

Ziefert, H. (1995). The Little Red Hen. New York: Penguin Group.

BR2-13: The Pizza That We Made

2009-12-15T20:15:00.006+09:00

A pizza is my favorite food. The pizza of this book looked delicious, so I decided to read it. The content of this book is about how to make a pizza. I have never made it, so I was able to learn how to make it. But I think I am not able to make the dough fly and toss it up high. It is no easy task. I thought it is craftsmanship. If I could do that, the pizza that is delicious will complete. So I want to be able to do that. After I finished reading this book, I thought I want to eat the pizza and make it at home.

(113 words)

Holub, J. (2001). The Pizza That We Made. New York: Penguin Group.

BR2-12: My Tooth Is Loose!

2009-12-08T17:35:00.005+09:00

One day, Georgie had a loose tooth, so he was not able to play happily with his friends. Also he did not know how to have his tooth pulled out. He wanted to learn how to pull it out from his friends, so he decided to ask them. But their methods were all scared for him. He was surprised and cried after asked them. And he asked for help to his mother. His mother said him, “Your tooth will come out all by itself.” Georgie’s tooth pulled out by itself. So he became happy.
I hated what pull my teeth out when I was a child, so I sympathized with Georgie in his feelings.
(114 words)

Silverman, M. (1992). My Tooth Is Loose!. New York: Penguin Group.

ENJOOOOOY DAAAAAY

2009-12-06T15:49:00.018+09:00

I took a drive to Takachiho of Miyazaki Prefecture in my friend’s car with my friends today. The cold weather has set in recently. It was freezing cold today. But I was looking forward to take a drive there, so I was not interested in the cold. We went to Takachiho by way of Yamato-cho. We decided to go to Tsuujunkyou on our way to Takachiho, because we found a sign that says Tsuujunkyou. It has been about 10 years since the first time that I visited there, so I was bubbling. Tsuujunkyou was so big and excellent bridge. I thought I want to visit there again. After that, we left there for Takachiho. It took about three hours until arrive in Takachiho, so I slept in the car. Then we arrived at Takachiho Canyon. I wanted to see colored leaves there, but I was not able to see it. It has fallen. But Takachiho Canyon was beautiful place and scenery, so I took a lot of pictures. And we ate Yaki-dango there. It had the flavor of miso. I have never eaten it, but it was delicious. We returned to Kumamoto after having enjoyed Takachiho. Then we went to Coco-ichi and had diner. After that, I wanted to have a night view, so we decided to go to Kinpo-zan. Because I had not been there at night, I was the enjoyment. The night view of Kinpo-zan was wonderful and a moving view. But we were numb with cold, so we went back into the car immediately. And we went home. I was very tired, because we played for many hours. So I went to bed early. I had very nice weekend.

(282 words)

READING★ASSIGNMENT (2)

2009-12-03T19:51:00.005+09:00

News Quiz
1. Who is the Cellist that has won the Rostropovich Cello Competition in Paris?
2. Where is the country that China's premier pledged $10 billion to help in new low interest loans?
3. Where is the country that 124 people were killed by the heavy rains?
4. What are two companies' names that have reported sudden and spontaneous acceleration of their vehicles since 2001?
5. Who is Japanese that was crowned world 250cc champion?
6. Where was Ichihashi that is a murder suspect arrested?
7. How much did government offices and state-funded corporations improperly spend a record in taxpayers’ money through 717 accounting schemes in fiscal 2008?
8. Where is the country that strengthens its military readiness against possible retaliation by North Korea after a naval skirmish?
9. What percentage of the nation’s core private-sector machinery orders did rise in September?
10. Who was Japanese baseball player that received Gold Gloves for the ninth straight year in the American League?
Answer
1. Dai Miyata
2. Africa
3. El Salvador
4. Toyota and Lexus
5. Hiroshi Aoyama
6. Osaka
7. 236 billion yen
8. South Korea
9. 10.5%
10. Ichiro Suzuki
(192 words)

READING★ASSIGNMENT (1)

2009-12-02T20:24:00.016+09:00

News Quiz
1. Where are two prefectures that decided to set up a joint committee to consider bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics?
2. Prime Minister Hatoyama and Chinese Premier have agreed the two countries would draw up a new initiative to ensure food safety, in the wake of a case involving tainted Chinese-made gyoza that made people ill in Japan. What’s this Chinese Premier’s name?
3. Where did Foreign Minister Okada visit on October 11?
4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Mikhail Youzhny in the Japan Open Final. What is this sport?
5. Why did more than 240 people die in the Philippines?
6. Who is a Nobel Peace Prize winner of this year?
7. A 4-year-old boy died after being attacked by two large dogs in Fukuoka. What were kind of dogs that attacked him?
8. Golfer Ryo Ishikawa and his partner couldn’t stop America’s powerhouse pair of Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker What’s Ryo Ishikawa’s partner’s name?
9. A man who had thrown the false rumor that “It is a death toll person due to the venomous spine phantom killer matter!” was restrained. Where is the Province where this matter has occurred?
10. Who is a woman that overturned a five-shot deficit to capture her first title on the Japanese tour in three years?

Answer

1. Hiroshima and Nagasaki

2. Wen Jiabao

3. Kabul

4. Tennis

5. The causes of back-to-back typhoons

6. U.S. President Barack Obama

7. Akita dog

8. Y.E. Yang

9. Sichuan

10. Ai Miyazato

(250 words)

My Ears Pierced!!!!

2009-12-01T19:12:00.005+09:00

Good evening!! I went downtown with my friend, Kasumi after school was over. Then we went to Ansei-machi medical clinic, because we wanted to have our ears pierced. We were afraid of piercing. Also we felt the strain so much. But our ears were anesthetized by the doctor in this clinic, and the doctor was very kind. So the aesthesia eased the pain and we did not feel the server pain. Then we went to Swiss. We ate Dria for lunch. I ate a chicken, broccoli, cheese and rice casserole, an onion soup and drank orange juice. Those prices were 900 yen in all. And they were delicious. After had lunch, we went shopping. But I did not have money, so I was not able to buy something. I think I want to go downtown when I saved a lot of money. I had a good time. See you again!!

(150 words)

SPEAKING★Self-Introduction 2

2009-11-30T19:52:00.002+09:00

My name is Jerry. I am from South East Asia. But I live in Kumamoto, because my family has moved there when I was 15 years old. I am 28 years old now. My job is a firefighter. I wanted to help many people when I was still young, so I became a firefighter. Also my boyfriend is a firefighter, too. We are working hard together. My hobby is singing. I often go to a karaoke with my friends. I sing a variety of songs there. My hate thing is spiders. I am afraid of spiders so much.

I think I want to introduce my two friends.
Her name is Jessica. She is from Africa. She is 30 years old and a single. But she has her boyfriend. Her job is a police officer, and five years have passed since she started this work. She is satisfied because the salary of this work is high. Her hobby is surfing. She often goes to Hawaii and surfs there. Her hate thing is smoking.
His name is Jon. He is from North America. He is 35 years old and married. He has two sons that are 10 and 8 years old. His job is a pilot. His father was a pilot, so I became it. His hobby is using the computer. His hate thing is smoking. I hate it, too.
(228 words)

BR2-11: The Snow Child

2009-11-30T00:09:00.002+09:00

An old man and his wife wanted a little boy or a little girl, so they decided to make a snow child by the snow. They made it like the snowman. Though they made it by the snow, the snow child came to life by an old woman’s kiss. They were very surprised and happy. The snow child was simple and innocent. She is made from the snow, so she always slept outside when it is time to go to bed. Also she played with many children next door. Spring had come and everyone was happy. But the snow child was sad, because the snow began to melt. So she said an old man and his wife, “I must go where it is cold.” And she ran away to place that is cold. Then they cried every day. Winter had come again and they became happy very much, because the snow child came back.

I read this book, and I thought I want to make the snowman. But it is not snow much in Kumamoto, so I want to go to places that are snow heavily in the winter vacation. Also I want to try to play snowboard. Anyway, this book was interesting.
(203 words)

Ziefert, H. (2000). The Snow Child. New York: Penguin Group.

Essay(2-03a): Language Learning Stories

2009-11-28T20:48:00.002+09:00

What is your mother tongue? I have been speaking Japanese since I was born, so my mother tongue is Japanese. There are a variety of languages in all over the world. For example, German, French, Spanish and Chinese. When I was a kindergartener, I first learned English. Also when I was a freshman in the university, I studied German by an elective subject. I am learning English at the university now. I am interested in English very much, so I am studying English hard now. But it is very difficult for me though I want to speak English well. I think I want to master English more from now on.

First, I think I want to improve my ability in English from now on. I am interested in English and I like it. But I am not able to speak English and use it well. I want to travel to a variety of foreign countries in the future. So I have to study English, because English is a common language now. If I am able to speak it well, I will be able to have a pleasant conversation with many people in a foreign country. I began to think the ability of English vocabulary is necessary to master it.

Second, I first learned English when I was 4 years old. I sang English songs and taught simple words in the kindergarten. I learned it by my kindergarten teachers. I first got an opportunity to come in contact with many people in foreign countries when I was 11 years old. I was able to know about foreign foods, ballads, culture and so on. I think I was related most with English in the junior high school and the high school, because English language education start at this time. Also I went to English conversation school that named AEON when I was 16 years old. I first talked in English there with American teacher by a private lesson. I think this experience was good for me. Then I first learned the language other than English in the university when I was 18 years old. It is German. I was not interested in German, but I had become happy while studying it. I am able to speak a little English and German now.

Now, I always study English in the university. I have a speaking, writing, reading and listening class. I learn about English by those classes. In a writing class, I am writing in English in the blog now. Also I have my friends that can speak English fluently, so I correspond with them regularly. In this way I am studying English now.

I was able to speak only Japanese that is my mother tongue at first. But I learned English and German other than Japanese, so I was able to be interested them. I am interested in Chinese and Korean now, so I want to learn them someday. Also I want to be able to speak English that is common language fluently in the future. And I think I want to use it for my life. We have to be able to speak the language to live. It is very important to learn the language.

(534 words)

YAKINIKU

2009-11-26T19:26:00.002+09:00

I went to the cafe that named KATORUJU-JUIE with my friends yesterday after school was over. We like to drink a coffee and a tea, so we often go there. There is near KGU. Also the cafe has a variety of cakes, cookies, cream puffs and so on. We had a long talk over tea there. Our long talk is always interesting, so our conversation grew more lively. Then we decided to eat out, and we went to Yakiniku restaurant that named ANNYON. There is near Kumamoto station. Yakiniku is all-you-can-eat for 1200 yen there, so we ate it until we are full. It was very very very delicious. I thought I want to go there with my friends again. After left there, we took a drive to Tamana in my car. Tamana is so far from Kumamoto City. But I like to take a drive to Tamana, because I like to have a long talk in a car. I love to chat with my friends. Then I drove my friends to their home. I had a nice day. I want to go to eat ramen next time.
(188 words)

BR2-10: Shawn and Keeper and the Birthday Party

2009-11-22T19:27:00.003+09:00

Shawn and Keeper were born on the same day and they grew up together, so they get along very well. One day, they were going to turn six years old. In short, the day was their birthday. So Shawn helped his father and mother to preparation of the birthday party. And Keeper helped Shawn. Shawn was looking forward to come his birthday. Also he was looking forward to eat the birthday cake. And so was Keeper. Then the party began, and Shawn, his friends and Keeper enjoyed themselves. They ate many foods and drank. It was time for the cake at last. But the cake that was made by Shawn’s mother was gone. There were Keeper’s footprints in the kitchen, so Shawn and his friends thought this is an act of Keeper. They looked for Keeper and the cake in a variety of places. Keeper was in the yard, but the cake was not there. Just then, Shawn’s father brought the cake that had added Keeper’s name by him. It was a surprise to Shawn and Keeper, so “Hurray!” they shouted. Shawn gave Keeper a hug, and they blew out the candles together. Also they made a wish together. “Happy birthday!” sang Shawn, and “Woof!” barked Keeper.

My pet dog is the same birthday as my father. So I thought I want to celebrate their birthday for two when I read this book. Also I thought Shawn and Keeper really get along very well. This story was interesting, so I like it.
(252 words)

London, J. (1999). Shawn and Keeper and the Birthday Party. New York: Penguin Group.

SPEAKING★Result

2009-11-21T18:49:00.026+09:00

Our group of speaking questioned 120 people. The survey is about new foods corner on campus. I think I want to write about the result of this survey.

a. 18 years old(1) 19 years old(53) 20 years old(45) 21 years old(12) 22 years old(9)

b. Kumamoto(85) Fukuoka(15) Miyazaki(6) Saga(5) Oita(4) Nagasaki(3) Hiroshima(1) Tokyo(1)

c. blood type A(43) blood type O(36) blood type B(26) blood type AB(15)

1. Yes(87) No(33) 2. Yes(83) No(37) 3. Yes(99) No(21) 4. Yes(64) No(56) 5. Yes(25) No(95)

6. Yes(34) No(86) 7. Yes(45) No(75) 8. Yes(76) No(44) 9. Yes(93) No(27) 10. Yes(79) No(41)

11. A(26) B(38) C(28) D(28) 12. A(55) B(17) C(32) D(16)

13. A(42) B(18) C(50) D(10) 14. A(67) B(18) C(18) D(17)

15. A(44) B(57) C(9) D(10) 16. A(28) B(34) C(58)

17. A(93) B(16) C(11) 18. A(19) B(24) C(16) D(61)

19. A(58) B(40) C(16) D(6) 20. A(61) B(13) C(31) D(15)

21. talk/chat(54) study(21) rest(14) sleep(8) play cards/game(3) read books(3) club meeting(2) do homework(2) listen to music(1) nothing(14)

22. 20 kinds(38) 30 kinds(30) 10 kinds(13) 40 kinds(11) 50 kinds(11) 100 kinds(9) 60 kinds(8) many(6) 70 kinds(1) 80 kinds(1)

23. good mood(24) quiet/silent place(19) calm(10) clean(9) dark place(7) friendly(5) small place(4) wide(3) fun atmosphere(3) familiar place(3) private room(3) cozy(2) gentle atmosphere(2) good service(2) place that can spend slowly time(2) delicious dishes(2) dim light place(1) reserve system(1) place that have fuka-fuka chairs(1) place that can listen to various music(1) nothing(20)

24. good service(20) clean(8) good taste(8) price(5) good equipment(5) self-drink(4) build convenient place(3) large hall(3) make place that can watch movie/TV(3) wide(3) rich selection(3) make room that can use PC(3) make Tatami room(3)make room that can read comics/books(3) healthy foods(2) make soundproof room(2) make sleeping room(2) good mood(1) set up many vending machines(1) set up many outlets(1) Kotatsu(1) good care(1) quality(1) make VIP room(1) make private room(1) make sports gym(1) make shower room(1) make study room(1) nothing(36)

25. KGU original menu(9) today’s specials(6) sushi(6) all noodles(5) good taste(4) all you can eat(4) cheap daily lunch(4) bowl of rice(4) corn doria(3) rice ball(3) pizza(3) foods of a variety of countries(2) special menu(2) can choose some kinds of food(2) sandwich(2) Okonomiyaki(2) egg dishes(2) price(1) a lot of foreign foods(1) season limited menu(1) smorgasbord(1) Takoyaki(1) mainly vegetables(1) delicious dishes(1) stakes(1) fried rice(1) Basashi(1) nothing(48)

(372 words)

BR2-09: BONES

2009-11-17T17:32:00.002+09:00

When I finished reading this book, I thought the bone was important for us. We have 206 bones in our body, so we are able to walk, jump, touch our toes, bend our knees, and hold our nose. If we are boneless, we are not able to live. But some animals have no bones at all. Jellyfish and worms wriggle and squiggle without them. They are boneless, but they are able to live. Also the size of the bone differs with the living thing. I was able to learn about bones in this book. So when I run or stretch or grab or chew, I want to think of my bones and say, "Thank you!"
(115 words)

Krensky, S. (1999). BONES. New York: Random House.

BR2-08: WAKE UP, SUN!

2009-11-17T15:27:00.005+09:00

Night of one day Dog is bitten by flea. After that, Dog wakes up and says “Woof!” Then Pig wakes up too and says “Oink!” Dog and Pig notices that the sun is not up. They are convinced that it fell in the well, so they go there. “Sun!” shouts Pig. Then Cow wakes up and says “Moo!” Cow tells Dog and Pig that the sun is hiding behind the barn, so they shout, “Come out, Sun!” toward the barn. Chicken wakes up by their voices and says “Cluck!” Chicken tells them that the sun is sleeping late, so Dog, Pig, Cow and Chicken begins to yell toward the night sky. They wanted to wake the sun. But Farmer who hears their loud voices thinks the fox must be come to the hen house. So he fires his gun and it sounded “BANG!” The animals stops yelling and quiet down. Just then, Farmer’s baby wakes up and cries “WAH!” Also the sun comes over the barn when the baby did that, so Dog, Pig, Cow and Chicken are kind to her as they express gratitude to the baby. And they know Farmer’s baby was the only one who could wake up the sun.
I was able to learn the cry of many animals in this book. This varies depending on the country, so I was interested in it very much.
(230 words)

Harrison, D.L. (2003). Wake Up, Sun!. New York: Random House.

SPEAKING★Survey

2009-11-12T17:25:00.010+09:00

a. How old are you?
b. Where are you from?
c. What is your blood type?
1. Do you use food corners every day?
2. Are you satisfied with existing food corner on campus?
3. Do you want to make a new food corner on campus?
4. Do you like self-service?
5. Do you smoke?
6. Can you accept smoking seat?
7. Do you want a seat in the smoking section?
8. Do you eat breakfast?
9. Do you think that a lot of chairs and tables are necessary?
10. Do you need each separated room?
11. Where do you buy a lunch?
A: student’s dining hall B: bakery
C: Lawson D: others
12. If you could make a new food corner on campus, which store would you choose?
A: Macdonald B: Joyfull
C: Starbucks D: others
13. Which element do you want best if you make a new food corner on campus?
A: good taste B: width of store
C: reasonable price D: others
14. If you listen to music on food corner, what kind of music do you want to listen?
A: pop B: rock
C: jazz D: others
15. How much money do you always spend for lunch?
A: 100yen~300yen B: 300yen~500yen
C: 500yen~700yen D: more
16. Which do you like a system of smorgasbord or order?
A: smorgasbord B: order
C: both
17. Where do you want to put your luggage and coat?
A: your side B: shelf near the seat
C: shelf keyed far the seat
18. How do you go to lunch by?
A: car B: bicycle
C: bike D: on foot
19. How much is good?
A: 300yen~500yen B: 500yen~800yen
C: 800yen~1000yen D: else
20. What is the most important thing when you decide menu?
A: price B: nutrition
C: amount D: looks
21. If you could make a new food corner on campus, what do you do there except lunch?
22. What do you think there is any kind of food?
23. What do you think the restaurant to your cozy restaurant?
24. Please tell me if there is anything you need to make a new food corner.
25. Please tell me if you have a great idea about food on campus.
(370 words)

Essay(2-02b): English Websites of Snacks

2009-11-11T09:43:00.005+09:00

I want to ask you a question. Do you like Western-style snacks? I like them, so I often eat them when I am hungry. There are various kinds of Western-style snacks. For example, goumi, gum, chocolate, ice cream and doughnut. I especially like an ice cream, a chocolate and a doughnut. So I checked up on websites concerning them. I think I want to write about their websites. I found the site of Baskin-Robbins, m&m’s and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

First, I write about the site of Baskin-Robbins. This site is very cute and colorful. Baskin-Robbins is called “31 ice creams” in Japanese. Baskin-Robbins has a variety of ice creams. I like them, but there were some ice creams that I don’t know. The American ice creams are more abundant than Japanese ones, so I was surprised. Then there is ice cream but also a cake, a shake and so on. If you clicked on this site, you will think you want to eat ice creams of Baskin-Robbins.

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/

Second, I write about the site of m&m’s. I think this chocolate of m&m’s is popular among young and old of both sexes. This chocolate is various colors and it is delicious. If you are interested in m&m’s, please click this site. You are able to know about it in detail. Also I was interested in the characters of m&m’s, so I checked about it on this site. It was written in detail, and I was able to learn a lot.

http://www.mms.com/us/

Third, I write about the site of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. I like doughnuts, but I have never eaten doughnuts of Krispy Kreme. Also I am interested in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts since my friend taught me about it. So I thought I want to search this site. This site gives me a lot of things. For example, Krispy Kreme’s history, store management, menu and branch stores account. I was able to know about Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. When I will go to America, I think I want to go to this store. If you see this site, I think you will come to want to go there. So I recommend you to see the site of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

http://www.krispykreme.com/

I thought it is very difficult to get hold of English websites, but I think they are the best method to study English. So I find English websites and want to learn a lot of things by it from now on.
(407 words)

BR2-07: Beef Stew

2009-11-10T20:44:00.005+09:00

I like beef stew, so I tried to read this book. I think I want to read about this book.
One day, Nicky’s mother made lots of beef stew. “Would you like to ask a friend for supper?” she said to Nicky. So Nicky decided to invite a person to their supper. “Can you come for supper?” he said to his friends and a teacher of the school and a policewoman. But they had anything to do, so they were not able to come for supper. He felt sad. Then “Maybe this will cheer you up,” Mr. Cone that is a postman said to him. And Mr. Cone handed over to him a post card. Nicky read the post card and jumped for joy, because the post card was from his grandma. He went to meet her at the station. Nicky, his mother and his grandma ate beef stew that made by his mother at home. He was able to find a friend who liked beef stew in the end.
(170 words)

Brenner, B. (2004). Beef Stew. New York: Random House.

Ouchi Cafe

2009-11-09T21:37:00.004+09:00

I went to Ouchi Cafe in the intervals between classes with my friends. The cafe is near KGU, and I had heard the cafe is good. But I had never been there, so I was looking forward to go there. We ate Ice cream French toast. I ate Ice cream Honey French toast, and it was delicious very much. I love French toast, so I became happy feelings. I think I want to go there with my friends again. I recommend you Ouchi Cafe. Please visit there once.

(88 words)

Owarai Live

2009-11-08T22:15:00.005+09:00

I went to Greenland with my friend, Chisako in my car, because Owarai live took place there. Also Hannya and Cowcow that is my favorite Japanese comedy pair came there. Hannya is popular among young people, and they often appear on TV. Cowcow is veteran comedian, and they are very funny, so I like Cowcow better than Hannya. I got up at 5:30 a.m. and went to meet Chisako at 7:00 a.m. Then we arrived in Greenland at 8:30 a.m. There were a lot of people though it was early morning. After we saved a seat, we talked until Owarai live start. The live was about to start, and a lot people were excited. We were able to look the comedians in the center, so we were happy. The live was very very very interesting that I expected. And we were able to enjoy it. I had a nice day. I came to want to go to another Owarai live next time. I love Japanese comedy!!!!
(166 words)

Beautiful Mountains

2009-11-07T20:57:00.004+09:00

I went to Aso with my friend, Kasumi today. It had been about a month since I went there last, so I was buoyant and cheerful. Also it was a fine day, and mountains in Aso were all beautiful. So we took a drive around them for many hours. We eat soft ice cream on the way. It was delicious and sweet. But it was bit cool in Aso, so I felt a little cold. Then we returned to Kumamoto and went shopping. I had a good day. I like driving, so I think I want to go to many places that are beautiful mountains again.
(106 words)

Colored Leaves

2009-11-02T23:30:00.004+09:00

I went to a school festival of Kumamoto University with my friends. The festival is called Yuusuisai. There were a variety of stalls than KGU school festival that named Takumasai. I met my friend that is Kumamoto University student, so I talked to her a little. After left there, we went to Kikuchi ravine in my car, because we wanted to see colored leaves. The colored leaves of Kikuchi ravine were beautiful. But it was cold today, so we went back to Kumamoto at once after having seen it. And we went to KFC. I had a good day. I want to go to see colored leaves again.
(108 words)

BR2-06: Corduroy's Garden

2009-10-31T17:14:00.003+09:00

One day, Lisa plants the beans in the garden. After that, she picks up Corduroy, and she asks him to watch the beans while she is out. So Corduroy gets to work right carefully, but he falls sound asleep. Just then, a puppy comes to the garden. But he doesn’t hear the puppy’s tags or the sound of the gate. The puppy begins digging. Corduroy just wake up and raps on the window. But the puppy keeps digging. The puppy buries his bone and leaves the garden. Corduroy is hasty, so he plants three seeds that are in his pocket. Then he reflects on, and he watches the beans neatly. The beans grow up gradually. But the puppy has come back for his bone again. So Corduroy blocks the beans, but he is flown up to next-door neighbor by the puppy. The neighbor knew where Corduroy lives, so he takes Corduroy home. Lisa exactly comes back to home and looks at the beans that Corduroy planed. She was surprised, because it was not the beans, but it was her favorite green pepper. Corduroy was surprised too. But Lisa was pleased, so he was relieved and he thought “I always want to do a great job.”

I thought this book is a heart-warming story for me. I want Corduroy!! He is very cute and brave teddy bear. Then I thought I want to plant something in my garden too. I recommend you this book.
(243 words)

Inches, A. (2004). Corduroy's Garden. New York: Penguin Group.

BR2-05: The Litter Queen

2009-10-31T15:19:00.003+09:00

The story of this book is good, because I was able to learn a lot. I thought we must not drop litter in the street, the public place and so on when I finished reading this book. That is the usual an act of doing it. Also littering streets and parks with garbage is prohibited, but some people that drops litter is in the world. So I think we should do a litter project the same as Chip. Chip threw his litter in this story, so I suppose he paid dearly for it. I am careful about this matter. And I think I want to pick up litter regularly if I found some litters. Then the litter queen is a bad person. I do not want to become like her.

(130 words)

Hunt, R. (2003). The Litter Queen. England: Oxford University Press.

HIT!!!!!

2009-10-30T17:04:00.004+09:00

I met my friend yesterday. I went to Kumamoto Station by bus. After that, I went to the waffle’s shop of the station with my friend. We wanted to eat something, so my friend ate a waffle that tasted maple and I ate a chocolate parfait there. It was very delicious. If I go there next time again, I want to eat a waffle. Then I ate ice cream today. I was surprised to see the stick of ice cream when I finished eating it, because it was written, “Hit by 90 points” in the stick. I was surprised, but I’m happy now!! I can buy this ice cream free of charge. It seems to be likely to be good somehow today!!!!
(122 words)

Essay(2-02a): English Websites

2009-10-29T12:48:00.016+09:00

I want to ask you a question. Do you like American snacks? I like them, so I often eat them when I am hungry. There are various kinds of American snacks. For example, a goumi, a gum, a chocolate, an ice cream, a doughnut and so on. I especially like an ice cream, a chocolate and a doughnut. So I checked up on websites concerning them. I think I want to write about their websites.

First, I write about the site of Baskin-Robbins. This site is very cute and colorful. Baskin-Robbins is called “31 ice creams” in Japanese. Baskin-Robbins has a variety of ice creams. I like them, but there were some ice creams that I don’t know. The American ice creams are more abundant than Japanese ones, so I was surprised. Then there is not only ice cream but also a cake, a shake and so on. If you clicked on this site, you will think you want to eat ice creams of Baskin-Robbins.

http://www.baskinrobbins.com/

http://www.mms.com/us/

Third, I write about the site of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. I like doughnuts, but I have never eaten doughnuts of Krispy Kreme. Also I am interested in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts since I was taught about it by my friend. So I thought I want to search this site. This site gives me a lot of things. For example, Krispy Kreme’s history, store management, menu and so on. I was able to know about Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. When I will go to America, I think I want to go to this store. If you see this site, I think you will come to want to go there. So I recommend you to see the site of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

http://www.krispykreme.com/

I thought English websites are difficult for me, but I think it is the best method to study English. So I find English websites and want to learn a lot of things by it from now on.
(401 words)

Sites I might review

2009-10-29T11:44:00.018+09:00

Baskin-Robbins
http://www.baskinrobbins.com/
I thought I want to know about Baskin-Robbins ice cream in detail.

m&m's
http://www.mms.com/us/
I like a chocolate, but I especially like m&m's. Also I am very interested to their characters.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
http://www.krispykreme.com/
I have never eaten doughnuts of Krispy Kreme, so I thought I want to eat them when I saw this site.
(50 words)

PARK

2009-10-27T18:34:00.004+09:00

I played with my friends in the park today. We went to McDonald in my car after the class had ended. Then we bought the Mac shake and so on there. And we went on foot the park near McDonald. I sat in a swing after a long time there. It was very happy, and I got excited. My friend had jumped down from the swing. It was a dreadful sight, so I burst out laughing at her action. We played on a seesaw too. When we were playing in the park, an old man gave oranges to us, and we ate them. I love orange, so I felt it was very very delicious. I thought I want to play with my friends in the park again. I had a nice time.
(132 words)

SPEAKING★Self-Introduction 1

2009-10-26T23:31:00.006+09:00

My name is Anita. I’m from Brazil, and I was born in Brasilia. I’m 25 years old. My job is writer. My books are in print. I generally write a novel. I think my novels are interesting. My hobby is cooking, so I often make a cake, a cookie and so on. Also I’m good at making French cuisine, because I like France. They are all delicious!! Then I hate cats, but I like dogs. I have two dogs. Both dogs are Chihuahua. They are cute. I got married last month. And I’m pregnant, so I’m very very happy now!!
(100 words)

SPEAKING★Your Hobbies

2009-10-26T23:22:00.003+09:00

I have some hobbies, so I think I want to introduce my hobbies to everyone.
First, my hobby is listening to music. I often listen to music at my room, in my car, my iPod and my cell phone. I like all kinds of music, but I especially like J-pop and Western music. My favorite singers are GReeeeN and Backstreet Boys. Their songs are all very good, so I love them and listen to them every day. Then my other hobby is driving. I became like driving since I got a driver’s license. When I have a free time, I often take a drive to a variety of places with my friends. This is useful in getting rid of stress for me. I still have a lot of hobbies that I want to try from now on, so I think I want to try all sorts of things.

I conducted an interview with Yutaro and Taka about their hobbies.
Yutaro’s hobby is playing the guitar. He has been playing the guitar since in the second grade of junior high school. He can play a variety of music, so he plays the guitar well. Then he said to me “I have a confidence with my guitar playing!!” His other hobby is finding cats around KGU. He likes finding some alley cats in his way to home. After he found them, he tries to touch them. I thought his this hobby is interesting.

Taka’s hobby is diet. She takes some exercise. Also she makes it a rule not to eat after 8:00 p.m. I thought she does not have to diet, because she is slender girl. Her other hobby is listening to music the same as me. She often listens to music at home. Then her favorite singers are Miliya and BENI. I think their songs are very nice, so I want to listen to them.
(314 words)

BR2-04: The Teeny-Tiny Woman

2009-10-22T22:49:00.005+09:00

One day, a teeny-tiny woman who lives in a teeny-tiny house went for a teeny-tiny walk. She goes to a teeny-tiny graveyard and finds a teeny-tiny bone there. She decides to use this bone for her supper. She puts it into her teeny-tiny pocket and goes back to her house. She got sleepy, so she puts a teeny-tiny bone into a teeny-tiny cabinet and goes to teeny-tiny bed. “Give me my bone!” said a voice in the cabinet when she was sleeping. So she was surprised and bit scared. The teeny-tiny voice gets loud and said through the whole night. A teeny-tiny woman grows impatient, and she throws a teeny-tiny bone out of the window.
This story was interesting for me. A teeny-tiny woman is a little and cute, but I thought she is a person with a strong character. Then word called “teeny-tiny” is frequently used in this book, so I was interested in it.
(156 words)

Ziefert, H. (1995). The Teeny-Tiny Woman. New York: Penguin Group.

After School ❤

2009-10-21T17:41:00.001+09:00

Hello☆ I went to Café with my friends this after school. I ate a chocolate cake that named “opera” there. It looked fashionable. Also the taste of cake was delicious, sweet and soft. So I think I want to eat it again or the other cake. Then we chatted about our today’s news over coffee for two hours there. I thought there seems to be no end to the things we always have to say to each other. I found great pleasure in chatting with my friends.
Then I am going to meet my other friends at 7:00 p.m. and we are going to eat out. So I am looking forward to meet them. See you☆
(116 words)

Draft essay(2-01b): Favorite Places

2009-10-21T10:31:00.008+09:00

My favorite places are Osaka Prefecture and my house, because both of them are bustling places. And I like bustling places better than quiet places. I can enjoy having a good time at them, so they are best places for me. I think I want to write about them.

First, my favorite place is Osaka Prefecture. I love Osaka since I went there on a school trip of junior high school. Also I have been to there many times. I like a variety of town with a bustling ambience and funny character of the people of a prefecture. When I visit there, I invariably go to Doutonbori, America-mura, Umeda city and Universal Studios Japan. Doutonbori has a lot of foods and souvenir shops. The shop of Takoyaki that named Akaoni is very popular with many tourists. Also many clerks whose works in Doutonbori are all cheerful and funny persons, so I often become in a happy mood. And America-mura has a lot of fashionable shops unlike shops of Doutonbori. There are things which are importing only Osaka, so I usually buy things that I want there. Umeda city and USJ are good places, too. I can excite and enjoy there. I think Osaka is best prefecture in Japan. I love Osaka very much.

Next, my favorite place is my house. I like a living room, a dining room and my room. I like to sit on a sofa in a living room, so I often occupy it at home. I can relax and calm down on my sofa. Also I talk with my family there. I think a living room is a nice place that can develop links of communication with them. My family is talkative and loud, so my house is bustling with activity all the time. And I like my room, because I can listen to music, watch TVs and DVDs, use a computer and feel at ease there. I have a lot of perfumes, so my room is a pleasant smell. When the smell of my room is good, I can feel refreshed. Then I like my bed better than my sofa. I spend all my spare time sleeping on my bed. My bed is very cozy and comfortable to sleep. My house has nice places, so I like my house.

I like bustling and interesting places, so I chose these two places. I can feel happy when I stay them. My favorite places are Osaka Prefecture and my house.

(413 words)

Yatsushiro Fireworks Display

2009-10-18T22:34:00.002+09:00

I went to Yatsushiro fireworks display with my friends yesterday. We went there in my friend’s car and used the expressway. But cars which will go to the fireworks display were backed up for kilometers on the expressway, so we were caught in a traffic jam. We were able to go there smoothly about twenty minutes. But the grounds of the fireworks display were a lot of people, and we were not able to park the car. So we compelled to watch a variety of colorful display of fireworks in the car, but they were more beautiful than I expected. I had never watched such beautiful fireworks. I think this became good memory for me. Then we went back to Kumamoto city and went to MK. We had a one-pot dish made at the table by cooking vegetables and slices of meat in boiling broth and eaten with a soy-based sauce. It was very good. I had a nice weekend★
(160 words)

BR2-03: BREAKOUT at the BUG LAB

2009-10-15T22:49:00.007+09:00

This book is about a pet cockroach. Also a variety of bugs appears in this book.
Leo and his brother’s mother who works in a bug lab had big cockroach. The cockroach’s name is Max. He was hated by everybody, but their mother loved Max. One day, Leo, his brother and their mother had to go to a big party that there have in a bug lab. But there had the happening, because Max ran away from his tank before the party start. Leo and his brother are flurried, so they look for Max around a bug lab. Their mother doesn’t know about the happening because of task. But Finally Max is found safely.
I hate a cockroach, so I am unbelievable that their mother loves Max. But I thought Max is her dear pet for her. This story is very interesting, and I can learn a lot of bugs’ name.
(151 words)

Horowitz, R. (2002). BREAKOUT at the BUG LAB. New York: Penguin Group.

RKK RADIO FESTIVAL

2009-10-11T17:09:00.002+09:00

I worked a part-time job with my friend, Yayoi yesterday. I got up at 6:00 a.m. and worked from 8:00 a.m. There had RKK radio festival in Karashima Park. We assisted them. Yayoi and I distributed the pamphlets of this festival to passersby for about 7 hours. After took an hour break, we worked as a guard for 2 hours, because there had a live concert of Koyanagi Rumiko who is Japanese singer. I was not able to see Ms. Koyanagi ahead of me, but she was beautiful. Then we put the place in order after a party was over. I worked for about 11 hours yesterday, so I was very very very tired.
(114 words)

Draft essay(2-01a): Favorite Places

2009-10-07T10:22:00.007+09:00

My favorite places are Osaka Prefecture and my house, so I think I want to write about them.
I love Osaka since I went there on a school trip of junior high school. Also I have been to there many times. I like a variety of town with a bustling ambience and the character of the people of a prefecture. When I visit there, I invariably go to Doutonbori, America-mura, Umeda city and Universal Studios Japan. Doutonbori has a lot of foods and souvenir shops. The shop of Takoyaki which named Akaoni is very popular with many tourists. Also many clerks whose works in Doutonbori are all cheerful and funny persons, so I often become in a happy mood. And America-mura has a lot of fashionable shops. There are things which are importing only Osaka, so I usually buy something there. Umeda city and USJ are good places, too. I can excite and enjoy there. I think Osaka is best prefecture in Japan. I love Osaka very much.

Then my other favorite place is my house. I like living room, dining room and my room. I like to sit on a sofa of living room, so I often occupy it at home. I can relax and calm on my sofa. Also I talk with my family there. I think living room is nice place which can develop links of communication with them. And I like my room, because I can listen to music, watch TVs and DVDs, use a computer and feel at ease there. I have a lot of perfumes, so my room is a pleasant smell. When the smell of my room is good, I can feel refreshed. Then I like my bed better than my sofa. I spend all my spare time sleeping on my bed. My bed is very cozy and comfortable to sleep. My house has a lot of nice places, so I like my house.

(321 words)

Draft essay(1a): Outline

2009-10-07T10:20:00.008+09:00

▼Osaka
　　●town
　　　・beautiful
　　　・interesting
　　　・bustling
　　　・building
　　　・exciting
　　●people
　　　・funny
　　　・kindly
　　　・fashionable
　　　・cheerful

▼My House
　　●living room
　　●sofa
　　　・relax
　　　・calm
　　　・talking
　　●dining room
　　　・eating
　　　・foods
　　　・drinking
　　●my room
　　　・music
　　　・TV
　　　・PC
　　　・perfume
　　●my bed
　　　・comfortable
　　　・cozy

Draft essay(1a): Brainstorm

2009-10-07T10:04:00.006+09:00

Osaka
my house
my car
nature
coffeehouse
university
mountain
beach
river

BR2-02: The Statue of Liberty

2009-10-07T09:41:00.014+09:00

I was interested in the statue of liberty, so I borrowed this book in library.
The statue of liberty was built and loved by many people. A Frenchman made it first and it was a copy of his mother’s face. Then it was made gradually greatly. Also many people helped him with the work. They endured many hardships and completed the statue of liberty on October 28, 1886. And the statue of liberty made a lot of people free. I think it keep on making us free and happy from now on.
I have never seen it, so I want to see it someday in New York.
(107 words)

Penner, L. (1996). The Statue of Liberty. New York: Random House.

SUNSET

2009-10-06T19:13:00.001+09:00

The cold weather has set in recently. It was a bit cold today. I attend a class and I had a long chat with my friends outside. But we felt cold and there was a strong wind. Also a typhoon is approaching Kumamoto. Probably a typhoon will hit directly. I am scared it. By the way, the setting sun was very beautiful today. So I took the picture. The lingering glow of the sunset was good. I like the setting sun.
(81 words)

SPEAKING★Your Vacation

2009-10-06T18:47:00.001+09:00

My vacation was very good. I went to America from August 24th to 30th. I went there with my friends, Yumi and Kasumi. I went to LA, Hollywood and so on. I had a good time. Also I took TOICE on September. I didn’t study hard at all, so I was not able to answer many questions. I will study hard when I take TOICE next time.

I interviewed Misa about her vacation. She went to Tsuujun-kyou on September 19th. She went there with her friends and boyfriend by her friend’s car. It took about two hours until they arrive there. She saw water flow from the bridge. She said it was very beautiful. Also she worked a part-time job, LAWSON. She works five times a week and it is busy. So she works hard.
(135 words)

Woooow 2

2009-10-04T13:48:00.007+09:00

Next day, we got up at 5:50 a.m. and left home at 6:30 a.m. We went to Guran-messe, because we had a part-time job there. It is a part-time job of dispatch. We assisted Shogi tournament of kids. Yayoi and Manami worked at drink corner which this tournament has and I worked try dish corner. I was alone, so I worried that I can do my work carefully. But people around me were all kind and I was able to relax. After we worked for about 7 hours, we returned to my house.
Then we went to Kumamoto station and arrived at Tamana station on train. We met our friend, Mami there and we went to Green-land by Mami’s car, because a fireworks display was going to hold there. But Mami had a part-time job, so she went home. I ate Taiyaki with Yayoi and Manami before enter Green-land. It was soft and delicious. And we went to Green-land. We had a free pass of a fireworks display, so we were able to enter free. Then there is new attraction which we can take by October 31st. So Manami and I took it and it was interesting. But it was not more fearful than I had expected. A fireworks display had at 8:30 p.m. and a variety of fireworks were very beautiful. I thought I want to see it again. Then we returned to our house. I had a good time for 2 days.
(244 words)

Woooow 1

2009-10-04T12:43:00.008+09:00

I met my friends, Yayoi and Manami after school on October 2nd. Then we went to Kurea by my car. We were so hungry and we decided to eat dinner. But we are irresolute girls, so we were not able to choose any restaurant we want to go. As a result, we went to Sushi-ichi. I came across my friend of high school days there. She was working a part-time job. I have not seen her for a long time, so I was glad. Then we chatted about a variety of stories over our meal. After we ate sushi, we went window-shopping and went to a convenience store. We bought ice cream there and went back to my house. Yayoi and Manami stayed at my house this day. We enjoyed watching a comedy video at night.
(136 words)

5 best suggestions

2009-09-30T10:30:00.014+09:00

First, I plan to follow Yumi’s advice “to have a lot of pictures” (Yumi, 2009.07.08 ), because my blog is very simple, so I thought I paste a lot of pictures and my blog want to be gorgeously. Next, Chisako’s advice also had a good idea to “I must make more comments on friend's blog” (Chisako, 2009.07.08 ), because I did not make many comments at all before. Third, I plan to follow Yusuke’s advice “to keep blogging as much as possible” (Yusuke, 2009.07.08 ), because I was lazy my blog and it is important for my English skill. So I will keep blogging this semester. Then Tomoko’s advice also had a good idea to “I suggest posting links of a lot of media” (Tomoko, 2009.07.08 ), so I try to post them, too. But I don’t know how to post them. Finally, I plan to follow Manami’s advice “to found many wrong letters” (Panda, 2009.07.15 ), because I often use wrong letters. So I think I must be careful and try to found them from now on.
(173 words)

SPEAKING★Who Are You?

2009-09-29T22:55:00.002+09:00

My name is Catrina. I’m from Germany and I live in Berlin now. There is good city. I’m 30 years old, but I’m still single. So I want a handsome boyfriend. My occupation is sports coach. I can teach a variety of sports. I’m a sport specialist. If I have a free time, I often driving with my friends. I hate birds since early childhood.

I made friend with Mary and Jessica.
Mary is from Italy, Rome. She’s 27 years old and single. Her occupation is an animal’s doctor. Her hobby is Judo and she hates meat.
Jessica is from Brazil, Brasilia. She’s 24 years old, but she married a person of a different nationality. Her husband is Japanese and his name is Souichi. Also she has two sons. Her occupation is a movies actress. Her hobby is travel and she hates dogs.
I love them. I think I want to make more a lot of friends whose lives in different countries.
(162 words)

Amakusa ＆ Kinpo-zan

2009-09-29T22:15:00.004+09:00

I went to Amakusa with my friends, Ayaka, Yayoi and Chisako on September 20th. We joined at evening and went there by my car. We went to Pearl Sun Beach in Amakusa and had a long chat. We were romping around there, so I was very interesting. Also Ayaka and Yayoi saw a shooting star, but I was not able to see it. I envied them. After we left Amakusa, we went to my house. And they stayed at my house overnight. We slept at about 2 a.m. and got up before noon. Then we had brunch and went to Kinpo-zan. We went at the top of the mountain. The scenery of Kumamoto which we viewed from the top of Kinpo-zan was very very beautiful. But I think a night view of Kinpo-zan is more beautiful than the daytime, so I want to go there at night someday. We had a good time and I was so happy.
(158 words)

CAFETERIA★

2009-09-29T21:35:00.004+09:00

I met my friend, Chisako on September 11th. We ate a parfait and I ate a chocolate parfait. It was delicious and so sweet. The café which we ate it is very fashionable and cute. There is near Ezuko. The café’s name is “Bon coo”. After we had a long chat, we went to Tamana and met　our friend, Manami. Then we went to the restaurant and enjoyed talking there. We had a good time.
(75 words)

Aso ＆ Karaoke

2009-09-29T21:17:00.005+09:00

I went to Aso with friends of high school days, Narumi, Yukari, Maki, Haruka and Sowaka on September 9th. We met after a long time, so I was happy. We went for a drive to Aso and ate a variety of soft ice cream there. I ate a peanut ice cream. I first ate it, but it was very good. I want to eat it again. After we came back to Kumamoto, we went to a karaoke and enjoyed singing a lot of music. Then we chatted about daily happenings. I had a good time. I want to meet them one of these days again.
(105 words)

BR2-01: Arthur Tricks The Tooth Fairy

2009-09-17T15:05:00.005+09:00

I had not ever heard about the tooth fairy in Japan, so I was very interested in this story before I read it. The characters of this story are Arthur and his younger sister, D.W.
One day, Arthur was got a dollar from the tooth fairy, because his tooth came out and he put it under his pillow. D.W. who heard them is envy and she tries to pull out her tooth by force, but she was not able to pull out it. Moreover she has a toothache, so she goes to the dentist on our way to go to the museum with Arthur and her mother. But her tooth was in good health. Then she goes to the museum and buys a shark’s tooth there. She frames to put it under her pillow and says Arthur about this thing. But Arthur knows the tooth fairy do not leave a dollar in a shark’s tooth. So he put a dollar under D.W.’s pillow in exchange for a shark’s tooth while she was sleeping. D.W. was surprised them when she got up. She ran into Arthur’s room and reported him. Then she decides to put a shark’s tooth under her pillow again. So Arthur laughs at her proposal.
I thought I want to know the sequel to this story. By the way, they put their tooth under their pillow after their tooth came out. But I throw my tooth which came out into a roof of my house. So I was able to know a way to dispose of teeth which came out varies from country to country. This story was very interesting for me.
(274 words)

Brown, M. (1998). Arthur Tricks The Tooth Fairy . New York: Random House.

Good Day

2009-09-03T15:57:00.003+09:00

I took a drive to Aso with my friends yesterday. We ate soft ice cream there. This was the second time that I have eaten it there. It was delicious and sweet. I want to eat it again. Then we came back to Kumamoto and went to the bowling alley. I played bowls after a long, so I was not able to get a good score of a bowling. But we enjoyed playing bowls. After we had five games, we ate out in a Chinese restaurant. I ate Tenshinhan and Chinese noodles in salt soup. Also my friends ate fried rice dressed of crab with a clear, sticky sauce and Mabodofudon. They were all delicious, but we were full. Then we joined other friend and took a drive to Hanaoka-yama. There were dark streets, so we lost our way. But we arrived there safely. A night view of Hanaoka-yama was beautiful. And we went to a hot spring of legs which named Ashiyu. When we arrived there, the time was over 1 a.m. But there were many people in Ashiyu. When I dipped my legs in the hot water, I felt good. We thought that we want to go there in winter. Then we went home at 3 a.m., so I was very sleepy. I had a good time. And I want to see a night view of Kinpo-zan next time.
(231 words)

America LA★ Ⅵ

2009-09-01T22:34:00.004+09:00

Day 6, we got up early morning and checked out of the hotel. Honestly, I didn't want to come back Japan. I was very sad when we left the hotel. Then we went to Los Angeles National Airport by bus. We took the plane for about 11 hours and arrived at Narita National Airport. Also we went from there to Haneda Airport and arrived in Fukuoka Airport at 10 p.m. Then we came back Kumamoto by train. It was a busy day, so I slept soundly after went home.

I think that this trip of America was an unforgettable experience. I first went to America, but I was able to enjoy spending there for 6 days. I had a good time. I want to take a trip there or other foreign countries again. And I thought that I have to study more English. America is great!!
(146 words)

America LA★ Ⅴ

2009-09-01T22:26:00.005+09:00

Day 5, it was the final day. So we went to Hollywood which I wanted to go long before. We went there by taxi. The streets were lined with neat rows of stores, houses and buildings in LA. Then we arrived in Hollywood. Hollywood was a bustling town. Also there were many Japanese tourists. We went to Chinese Theater and saw many hand plates of Hollywood starts. For example, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Johnny Depp and so on. I was very excited, so I took a lot of pictures. And I enjoyed seeing the sights of Hollywood and shopping. There were many people who disguised ja variety of characters in Hollywood Street. A man looked like Johnny Depp. Kasumi likes him, so she took a picture with him. She was glad. He was a cool guy. We had a pleasant time in Hollywood. I thought that I want to go there again. Then we met Atsushi at night and said good-bye to him.
(163 words)

America LA★ Ⅳ

2009-09-01T22:22:00.006+09:00

Day 4, we went to the shopping mall by a shuttle bus. This mall was a large building and had many shops there. But this mall had a lot of big-name brands, so I wasn't able to buy normal souvenirs. I wanted to buy them. So we went to the supermarket which named World Market near the shopping mall. This supermarket had Japanese, Chinese things and so on. I bought American snacks and gummy there. Then we came back the hotel and decided to eat out in restaurant. We went to the restaurant which named Denny's. Foods of this restaurant were all delicious. But they were large amount by us, so I leave unfinished. American foods are all big size. So I was surprised every time. Then we came back the hotel and made a plan of next day.
(139 words)

America LA★ Ⅲ

2009-09-01T22:15:00.006+09:00

Day 3, we went to Disney California Adventure Park this day. This day's weather was very hot, so I was very tired. We took about 3 vehicles. We took the vehicle which named Monsters, Inc. When we were enjoying, the vehicle came to a sudden stop because of broken down. So we were very surprised. Then we took a little rest. We were spoken to a man whose works in Disneyland when we sat down and chatted on the bench. He is Japanese and from Osaka. His name is Atsushi, his age is 26 years old and he is university of CA student. Also he has lived alone in CA since graduated from Japanese high school, so he speaks English well. We made friends with him and he gave us his address and telephone number. Then we parted from him and enjoyed spending in Disneyland. We were hungry, so we decided to go to MacDonald and left from Disneyland. Just then, Atsushi happened to come along. And we went to MacDonald by his car. We ate a chicken hamburger there. They were delicious. Then we went to the supermarket with him. American supermarket was very big, so I was excited. And I bought a lot of things there. Then he would drive us to the hotel. We had a good night time.
(222 words)

America LA★ Ⅱ

2009-09-01T22:11:00.002+09:00

Day 2, we got up at 10 a.m. and went to Disneyland Resort at noon. There is near our hotel and it took about 5 minutes to walk to Disneyland. There are Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Disneyland Resort. So we went to Disneyland Park this day. There were only a few customers this day, so we were able to take a variety of vehicles and we saw Disney Parade twice. Then we ate many foods in Disneyland. For example, vanilla ice cream, apple sherbet, turkey leg and so on. The turkey leg was very big and it looked bad. But the taste was good. When we ate it, we were laughed by a lot of people. "Wow, its big chicken", and "Turkey!! Turkey!!" they said to us. So we were too embarrassed. And fireworks shot off over Disneyland and had a Disney show at 9 p.m. They were very beautiful. While we were seeing fireworks, we came back the hotel.
(164 words)

America LA★ Ⅰ

2009-09-01T21:56:00.014+09:00

I took a trip to Los Angeles in America with my friend's Yumi and Kasumi from August the 24th to the 30th. I have never been to foreign country, so I was looking forward to go to America.

Day 1, we went to Fukuoka the day before travel and stayed overnight at the hotel of Fukuoka. The next days, we went from Hakata station to Fukuoka Airport and we arrived at Narita National Airport. Suddenly we were spoken to in English there. He was the man whose name is Peter and his age is 29 year old. He works in University of California at Los Angeles and he was a very handsome man. We were learned about LA by him. After we parted from him, we went board the plane. Then we took the plane for over 10 hours and our plane arrived at Los Angeles National Airport.
We went to Anaheim in LA. The hotel which we stayed for 5 days was very cute, clean and nice. We checked into the hotel and decided to see the sights of Anaheim. A black guy followed us on our way to see, so we took refuge in a nearby hotel lobby. I didn’t notice that someone was following me, but Yumi and Kasumi noticed. We felt dangerous and became homesick. But a manager of our hotel and Japanese staff were very kind, so we felt relieved and told them about the black man. They were surprised when they heard the news. And the manager treated us to drinks. I thought that they are gentle persons. Then we stayed the hotel for a while. And we went to a convenience store, grocery store and pizza ＆ sandwich shop. After went shopping, we spent our time watching TV of America. I wasn’t able to understand English at all.
(305 words)

BIG PARFAIT

2009-08-19T21:07:00.005+09:00

I went to Kurea with my friends today, because we wanted to eat big parfait. It looked like the size of a bucket. I had never seen such a parfait. We were starving, so we thought that we can eat up big parfait in no time. But it was a lot and very sweet. We were full immediately. So we could not eat big parfait to the end. I think that I want to eat common parfait next time. Then we went to the Port of Kumamoto. The lingering glow of the sunset was very beautiful before we arrive there. And we took many pictures there. We had a nice day. I want to hang out with my friends again.
(120 words)

Yatani Keikoku

2009-08-18T18:52:00.005+09:00

Good evening＼(=_=)／I went to “Yatani Keikoku” with my friends yesterday. The place is a long way from Kikuchi Keikoku, so we got lost. But we looked at a map and arrived there safely. The river of Yatani Keikoku is very cold and it was pleasantly cool there. Also we bought a watermelon and kept it cold in the river. We did a watermelon bust after played with the river. The watermelon was delicious. Then we returned to Kumamoto and ate out in a sushi shop. We had a good day. I think that I want to camp by Yatani Keikoku with my friends someday.

I went to Kumamoto Station and met my friends today. We discussed the plans for our trip. We have never been to foreign country, so we are anxious. But I think that I want to enjoy tripping to America. And while discussing, we ate dessert which named “Furu-zun mango coconut ＆ pineapple”. It looks shaved ice and it was delicious. I want to eat it again.
There was a mail for me after I went home. The mail was from my friend whose lives in Philippine. So I must reply to her. See you soon(゜3゜)★
(200 words)

Licca-chan shake ＆Takoyaki

2009-08-15T22:23:00.003+09:00

I went to Yatsushiro with my family yesterday. And I met my cousins and grandparents. I ate many spring lobsters, sashimi and luxurious meal there. They were all delicious. Then I went home and went for a drive with my friend. We ate dessert which named Licca-chan shake before go for a drive. It is strawberry taste and very good.

I went to travel agency with my friend today, because we will take a trip to America from August 24th to 30th. We gave an itinerary and were insured for travel accident insurance. Swine influenza still prevalent in the world, so I think I will take a trip there carefully. I’m looking forward to go to America.
Today’s supper was an octopus fritters. This calls Takoyaki in Japanese. My family like it, so we often have an octopus fritters party. I made it today. It was easy and delicious. I like salt and pepper taste better than sauce taste. I think I want to make it again.
(167 words)

Kikuchi Keikoku

2009-08-11T00:19:00.004+09:00

I went to “Kikuchi Keikoku” with my friends by my car today. It took about two hours until we arrive there. There is beautiful river in Kikuchi Keikoku, so I took many pictures. Then we went up a slope and there was big waterfall. I got closer to it. And I felt very good, because I felt minus ion very much. Also it was burning hot, so we played with the river. But the sky looked threatening, so we decided to go home. Suddenly the weather changed and it began to rain. The rain was very heavy, so I was frightened when I drove my car. And the rain stopped. We went to Kumamoto Airport, because we looked an airplane. Seen close up it was very big and cool. Then we ate out and chatted about the reminiscence. We had an enjoyable day. Why don’t you go to Kikuchi Keikoku in this summer vacation? There is very good place, so I want to go there again. Also I want to jump into the river.
(174 words)

NIGHT VIEW

2009-08-09T14:01:00.001+09:00

I went for a drive with my friends by my car at last night. We decided to go to the Port of Kumamoto, so we went there. But there were many polices in the mouth of a harbor. “Here isn’t able to entry to unauthorized persons at 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.” one police said to us. So we decided to go to see the night view and went to “Dokkosan”. Dokkosan is a small mountain and the night view is very beautiful. The night view which we saw was a touching sight. So I thought that I want to go to see it again.
(105 words)

BBQ ＆ FIREWORK

2009-08-08T15:43:00.004+09:00

Long time no see(´ω｀)!! I'm enjoying spend summer vacation. How are you doing?
I had a BBQ with my friends in Ezuko last Sunday. We went to the supermarket to buy foods, drinks and sparkles before have a BBQ. It was very hot day, but we enjoyed have a BBQ. And we went to Uto by my friend’s car. We did sparkles there. I was bitten by mosquitoes, but we had very good time. I want to have a BBQ again.
By the way, I took a tea with my friends yesterday. And we chatted about this summer vacation plans. Then my one friend had a part-time job, so she went there. My other friend and I ate dinner in Italian restaurant. We ate a pizza, pasta and wiener. They were very very delicious. Also this restaurant is a place with cozy ambience, so I felt good. After ate dinner, we went to Kumamoto castle and saw fireworks. They were beautiful, so I took many pictures. I had a good time.
I’ll have a lot of plans this summer vacation. They will remain forever in my memory, so I think I want to enjoy summer vacation life. See you soon(＾∀＾)!!
(200 words)

Essay 1-03b: Lilo and Stitch

2009-07-17T21:25:00.003+09:00

I watched "Lilo and Stitch". This movie's characters are Stitch, Lilo, her older sister and a variety of aliens. Lilo is a little girl and she lived with her older sister in Hawaii because their parents died. They are all good family. Stitch is an alien and he is very cute. The story of this movie becomes interesting, because Stitch, Lilo and other aliens meets with a lot of troubles. For example, Lilo quarreled over trifles with her friends and Stitch, two aliens suddenly appeared in her house, Stitch became violent and so on. But they live happily with their family at the last. And I write about family relationship and friendship of the movie and real life.

Second, I write about family relationship of real life. I have seven people in my family. I have my grandparents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother. And I live with my family. I am always quarreling over trifles with my mother or younger brother, but I think that we are all good family. Also we have two dogs and a cat. They are very cute, so I often take my dogs out for a walk. I enjoy spending with my family now.

Third, I write about friendship of the movie. Lilo is friends with Stitch. But she isn't friendly with her friends of hula lesson, because she has a different personality. So she was weak on making many friends. But she becomes happy since Stitch had came Lilo's house. I think that Stitch is important for her. She isn’t friendly with hula’s friends to the very end, but I think that she is fortunate Stitch whose good friend.

Finally, I write about family of real life. I have many friends. For example, I have friends in junior high school, high school, university and part time job. I am shy, so I am similar to Lilo, because I am weak on making many friends. But I was taught by this movie how important we have friends. So I am fortunate good friends.

When I watched this movie, I was able to feel that my family and friend are very important. The family is called “OHANA” in Hawaiian. Stitch says “OHANA” many times in this movie, so I thought that Lilo is important alien for him. I think that I must treasure my family and friend. Human relations are important. This movie was stirring tale and very interesting. I think that I want to spend my life happily with my family and friends.

(511 words)

Essay 1-02b: My University Life

2009-07-16T23:02:00.005+09:00

There are many universities in the world and many students study a lot of things in there. Also they can join a club to lead a pleasant life more. Many of the university students are hard pressed for money, so they often work part-time jobs.

I go to Kumamoto Gakuen University in Japan. My house is far from school. So I can’t go to school by bicycle. I usually go there by my car, but I must go by bus when I have a part-time job. Then many of my friends live near school, so they usually go to school by bicycle or motorbike. It’s very convenient. They can walk to school on rainy day. Also my other friend goes to the Philippine university. She is half Japanese and half Philippine and she lives her cousin’s house. She goes to school by bus.

I work a part-time job in five times a week, because I want to take a trip to America. My part-time job is an eel restaurant. Then I don't belong to clubs, but my friends belong to a variety of club. Our university has many clubs. For example, Golf club, Newspaper club, Calligraphy club and so on. I don’t belong to club, so my friends look enjoy when they join in group activities. And like me, they also work a part-time job after school.

I’m the Department of Foreign Language and I study English in university. My classmates are all good and funny, so I’m very happy now. My Philippine friend studies English in university, so she can speak fluent English and Philippine language. Her university is said to have many exchange students from the Republic of Korea. And she enjoys spending university life, too.

I learn about many things in my campus life. Honesty, I don’t like to study. But I think that divide my time between studies and play in my own good time. I can enjoy my campus life. The university can study, join in club, make many friends and try to make our dream come true. I think that the university is good place.

(351 words)

Today

2009-07-12T17:07:00.002+09:00

Today, I went to Uto city to shopping with my mother. It took about an hour to go to Uto by her car. We enjoyed going for a drive. There were no cloths we like, so we went to Daiyamondo city. It took twenty minutes to go there from Uto. Daiyamondo city is bigger than Uto city, and there were many people. We arrived at Daiyamondo city before noon. We were hungry. My mother said “Let’s eat lunch”. I said “That’s good idea”. There were many restaurants in there, so we couldn’t decide soon. After all, we decided to eat lunch at Cocoichi. On entering in the Cocoichi, we looked a menu. There were many kinds of curry rise on the menu, so we couldn’t decide, again. After all, I decided on a cheese curry rise, my mother decided on an eggplant curry rise and a salad. Then we ate curry rise. These are delicious. I want to eat it again. There were some cute cloths in Daiyamondo city. My mother bought a cloth, and then we enjoyed shopping for a few minute. After shopping, we went to Kojimadenki. I bought an electronic dictionary, because my old electronic dictionary broke down. And we went home. I don’t have a part time job today, but I must study for the examinations. I’ll do my best!!

(230 words)

How Elephants lost their wings

2009-07-09T00:09:00.007+09:00

The characters of this book are a few elephants and two gods whose can fly in the sky and so on.
They lived in the sky, so they enjoyed flying to a variety of places. But these elephants were noisy, so they troubled their surroundings. For example, cuts down beautiful trees, makes a lot of noise in the middle of the night and so on. Two gods looked them and they got angry with the elephants. So they invite the elephants to a feast. And they take off the elephants’ wings after the elephants slept. The elephants were surprised at it and they exploded in anger. But their wings didn’t get back, so they never could fly in the sky.
I like this book personally, because I thought that I want to watch the elephants whose can fly in the sky. It is impossible that they can it, but this book was very interesting. Then I didn't know that how elephants lost their wings. But I think that they would lose their eight wings.
(176 words)

Portfolio for Writing Ⅲ

2009-07-08T09:19:00.028+09:00

Student ID: 08110

Portfolio for Writing III, Section 1A

(See: Note 1, below)

0.0. Overview

Reviews, Posts, Words, and More

(See: Note 2, below.)

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

1.1. Showcase	Short titles with links to blog posts	Dates yyyy.mm.dd	¶	W	C	L	P	M
1-01a (2009.04.08)	Dear My Host Family	2009.06.10	0	259	0	0	0	0
1-01b (2009.04.20)	Dear My Host Family	2009.06.10	6	268	0	0	0	0
(1-01c)
1-02a (2009.06.01)	My University Life	2009.05.27	5	332	5	0	0	0
1-02b (2009.07.06)	My University Life	2009.07.16	5	351	0	0	0	0
(1-02c)
1-03a (2009.06.29)	Lilo and Stitch	2009.07.01	6	402	0	0	0	0
1-03b (2009.07.13)	Lilo and Stitch	2009.07.17	6	511	0	0	0	0
Totals	---	---	28	2123	5	0	0	0

Key:

¶: number of paragraphs five (5) or more sentences in length

W: number of words

C: number of comments

L: number of links

P: number of photos or other graphics

M: number of other media included in post

1.2. Best Essay

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

I think Essay 1-01b: Dear My Host Family is my best essay, because I was able to write about my introduction in detail.

2.0. Comments

Showcase	Titles of posts with links	Dates of comments yyyy.mm.dd	Numbers of words in comments	Qualities of comments**
2.1. Your first comment on your instructor's blog*
2.2. Your best comment on a classmate's blog*	University Life	2009.07.01	28	I wrote about her club and asked her part-time job.
2.3. Best comment by a classmate on your blog*	Who am I	2009.04.15	74	She wrote about her birthday and her comment is very good.
2.4. Most comments on:	Titles of posts with link	Dates of posts yyyy.mm.dd	Total number of words in comments	Qualities of comments**
2.4.1. Any one of your essays*	My University Life	2009.07.01	134	They gave me many advice and their comments are all interesting.
2.4.1.1. When did you respond to those comments?	---	2009.07.01	---	---
2.4.1.2. How did you respond to those comments?	---	---	15	I asked her about her club.
2.4.2. Any of your other posts*	463calorie	2009.04.14	83	He wrote about snack.
2.4.2.1. When did you respond to those comments?	---	2009.04.15	---	---
2.4.2.2. How did you respond to those comments?	---	---	23	I answered her questions.

2.5. Recent comments display

Does your blog display recent comments from blog visitors in a prominent location, for example, in a sidebar, header, or footer widget? Where, or why not? Please explain.

Recent comments are the center of the right side.

2.6. Additional reflections on comments

I must respond to everyone whose make a comment on my blog.
I must ask more question on comment.

3.0. Book Reviews

3.1. Showcase	Short titles with links	Dates: yyyy.mm.dd	Words	Comments
Example:	Vampire Killer	2007.05.16	39	1
BR 1-01	The Magic Porridge Pot	2009.04.15	113	3
BR 1-02	Jack And The Beanstalk	2009.04.19	92	0
BR 1-03	The Go-kart Race	2009.05.08	141	0
BR 1-04	The Gingerbread Man	2009.05.13	178	0
BR 1-05	Percy and the Pirates	2009.06.02	364	0
BR 1-06	Stuart Little	2009.06.05	127	0
BR 1-07	SMALL PIG	2009.06.14	209	0
BR 1-08	Elmo Says ACHOO!	2009.06.19	130	0
BR 1-09	April Fool!	2009.06.20	119	0
BR 1-10	LATER, ROVER	2009.07.04	139	0
BR 1-11	DAVID AND THE GIANT	2009.07.05	192	0
BR 1-12	How Elephants lost their wings	2009.07.09	176	0








---	---	Totals:	2019	3

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

3.2. Best Book Review

I think BR 1-05: Percy and the Pirates is my best book review, because this is more number of words than other one and this content is full.

4.0. Blog Layout, Labeling, Linking, & Media

Showcase	Yes	No
4.1. Does your blog display an archive?	✔
4.1.1. Does the archive display the titles of posts?	✔
4.1.2. Is the archive organized by month?	✔
4.1.3. Is the archive at or near the top of the sidebar?	✔
4.2. Does your blog have labels displayed in sidebar?	✔
5.2.1. Do your labels include these required labels (typed accurately):	---	---
"books" (plural) AND "reviews" (plural)	✔
"essays" (plural) AND "portfolios" (plural, without "proto-")	✔
"quickposts" (plural, with no space between quick and posts)	✔
"links" (plural) AND "media" (plural)		✔
"movies" (plural) AND "websites" (plural)		✔
"brainstorms" (or "brainstorming"), "essay prep.," AND "free-writing" (or "free-writes")	✔
4.2.2. Does your sidebar display other labels?	✔
How many other labels have you attached to three (3) or more posts? ___ other labels attached to three or more posts	---	---
Which labels, and to how many posts each? Please list those labels instead of www, xxx, yyy..., and list numbers of posts instead of n, m, o... (in parentheses), below. books (12) brainstorms (1) essay prep. (1) essays (6) free-writing (1) Homeworks (14) lists (1) movies (3) My Diary (21) portfolios (1) quickposts (1) reviews (2) revisions (3) Speaking (1) Test (1) university (1) Writing (3)	---	---
4.3. Links & media	---	---
4.3.1. Does your blog include photos or other graphics?	✔
Does your blog profile include a photo or graphic representation?		✔
How many of your blog posts this semester include photos or other graphics? ___ posts including photos or other graphics	---	---
4.3.2. Does your blog include posts with multiple links?	✔
How many of your posts this semester include three (3) or more links? ___ posts including three or more links (including this portfolio!)	---	---
4.3.3. Does your blog include other media?		✔
How many of your blog posts this semester include other media? ___ posts including other media	---	---
What kind(-s) of media have you included in posts this semester? Please list the kinds here: ... ... ...	---	---
What media content that you originally produced, if any, do your blog posts for this semester contain? Please list and explain each item briefly, and add short links and dates (yyyy.mm.dd) for reference. ... (short link, date) ... (short link, date) ... (short link, date)	---	---

4.4. Overall presentation

What have you done to enhance the overall presentation of your blog? List and explain the three most important content, display, formatting, layout, or other presentation changes that you have made on your blog this semester.

I wrote more words than before.
I pasted a lot of photos.
I changed all English on my blog.

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

Please feel free to include reflections on both class work and homework, as well as on the content of this portfolio (proto-portfolios, showcases, and reflections).

It was very difficult for me to write English sentence.
I did my typing homeworks and wrote my diary , so I was able to learn many words.
I wrote many essays with difficulty, but I think that this was a good experience.

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

I should use more different words when I write blog.
I must make more comments and respond on my friends' blogs.
I need correct a spelling mistake.

____________________
Notes:

This portfolio template derives from the templates for Writing IIIc and Writing IVc portfolios (2007-08), and Writing III, §§1a & 1c and Writing IV: Portfolio, §§1a & 1c portfolios (2008-09).
Please use the same code in section 0.0 that you used to embed your proto-portfolios (PPFs) in the footer of your blog, which you should already have revised to display your 1st (spring) semester PPF first.
The essays section (1.0. Essays, above) derived from Proto-Portfolio 2-02 (2008).

____________________
License:

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

DAVID AND THE GIANT

2009-07-05T23:52:00.004+09:00

The main character of this book is David.
David is a little boy and he has three brothers. He is clever at throwing stones by sling at the targets. One day, the war comes to David's land. So his brothers and many adults had to go off to fight. David wanted to go there together, but he was a little. So he wasn't able to go. But his father says him, "Take your brothers some food." So he goes to the place which his brothers are. When he arrived, there was a giant. A giant’s name is Goliath and he is big, strong and mean. So David’s brothers and many adults are scared of Goliath. And David fights with Goliath and he throws stone by sling at Goliath. Then the stone hit Goliath and he died. So Goliath’s army ran away in fear. David becomes hero and he has grown up to be a king.
This story is very interesting and I think that David is got guts. If I were David, I’d run away from a giant. I thought that he is a strongest boy.

(192 words)

LATER, ROVER

2009-07-04T16:48:00.004+09:00

The characters of this book are Andy, his parents, a younger sister and a dog named Rover. Andy had free time one day, so he wanted to play with his parents and a younger sister. But they were busy. They said to him many times, "Later, Andy". So he decides to play with Rover. And they play outside long time. Rover is cheerful dog and he catches the stick which Andy throws. Andy got tired, so he said to Rover, "Last throw". But Rover wanted to play more with Andy, so he holds the stick and waggles his tail for Andy. And Andy looks it, and he said to Rover, "Later, Rover".

I have two dogs, so I thought that I want to play with them when I read this book. And I will say to them, “Later, you”.

(139 words)

Vacation Plans

2009-07-02T18:54:00.002+09:00

The summer vacation is drawing near. I’ll have a lot of plans this summer vacation, so I think that I want to enjoy spending my vacation. And I’ll go to New Zealand during the four weeks an overseas course. So I’m looking forward to go there, because I have ever been to foreign country. Also I want to study English and make foreign friends there. Then I’m making up a schedule for the trip with my part-time job’s friends. We’ll go to Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea in September. Trips cost money, so I’m saving much money now. I want to go on trips soon.
(115 words)

About blogging

2009-07-02T18:52:00.002+09:00

I often use the computer at home. And I write blog, because I have classes which I must write blog. I am not interested in mechanics at all, so at first I didn’t want to use the computer. But I became like using it by degrees while I write blog in class, my homework and so on. So I often write blog. I paste my photograph and write about my daily life, homework of classes and a book which I read. Then I comment my friend’s blog. I like writing blog, so I want to work hard to write it from now on.

(105 words)

Essay 1-03a: Lilo and Stitch

2009-07-01T12:38:00.004+09:00

I watched "Lilo and Stitch". This movie's characters are Stitch, Lilo, her older sister and a variety of aliens. Lilo is a little girl and she lived with her older sister in Hawaii because their parents died. The story of this movie becomes interesting, because Stitch, Lilo and other aliens meets with a lot of troubles. For example, Lilo quarreled over trifles with her friends and Stitch, two aliens suddenly appeared in her house, Stitch became violent and so on. But they live happily with their family at the last.

First, I write about family relationship of the movie. Lilo's older sister tries to enter Lilo in institution, but Lilo is unwilling to go there. Then Stitch come Lilo's house as dog one day. And it comes out to Lilo and her older sister that Stitch is an alien. So he was not friendly with them at first, but their kindness makes him feel at ease. And he becomes a member of their family. Also two good aliens comes her house.

Second, I write about family relationship of real life. I have seven people in my family. I have my grand parents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother. And I live with my family. I am always quarreling over trifles with my mother or younger brother, but I think that we are all good family.

Third, I write about friendship of the movie. Lilo is friends with Stitch. But she isn't friendly with her friends of hula lesson, because she has a different personality. So she was weak on making many friends. But she becomes happy since Stitch had came Lilo's house. I think that Stitch is important for her.

Finally, I write about family of real life. I have many friends. I have friends in junior high school, high school, university and part time job. I am shy, so I am similar to Lilo, because I am weak on making many friends. But I was taught by this movie how important we have friends.

When I watched this movie, I was able to feel that my family and friend are very important. The family is called “OHANA” in Hawaiian. Stitch says “OHANA” many times in this movie, so I thought that Lilo is important alien for him. I think that I must treasure my family and friend. Human relations are important. This movie was stirring tale and very interesting.

(402 words)

The Rainy Season

2009-06-30T23:27:00.009+09:00

Good evening!! I write about the day before yesterday and yesterday. I went the restaurant with my friends in junior high school days last Sunday. I ate doria and French fried potatoes. After I ate them, I ate the chocolate parfait. They were all delicious. Also I went to Kurea with my friends in high school days yesterday. And we went the restaurant which we can eat as much as we like for 1,500 yen, so I ate a variety of dishes. And we ate until our stomach distends. Then we enjoyed talking a long time and we did the shopping. We had a good time.
It rained heavily today, so I didn’t feel well. And tomorrow’s weather forecast will for rain. I hate the rainy season. I had a part-time job today. I can get pay at the end of the week. I’m looking forward to get it.

(154 words)

Wow!!!!

2009-06-26T18:43:00.005+09:00

It's hot today, so I ate an ice cream with my friends. I ate an ice cream of grape. It was very good and I felt cool. And I ate the shortcake after I went home. The cake was cooked by my mother. I don't like strawberries, so she used oranges. The cake was very delicious and sweet. She sometimes cooks a variety of cakes. I especially like apple pie and cheesecake which she cooks. I think that she is a good cook. Then my father got two melons from his friend as midyear gift. They are very big. I like fruits, so I'm happy and I want to eat it soon.
By the way, Michael Jackson is dead. I was surprised at the news. He was king of pop and he sings very well. I like his songs, so I felt solitary when I heard the news. But I’ll go on listening to his songs.

(156 words)

About my keitai

2009-06-23T15:43:00.001+09:00

I have my cell phone since junior high school days. The color of the cell phone which I’m using now is White. And the cell phone manufacturer is NTT DoCoMo. I often send an e-mail and make a call to my friends. Then I watch TV in cell phone once in a while. I also listen to music. I have iPod, but I almost use cell phone when I listen to music. I have a Philippine friend. My cell phone is able to make a call all over the world, so I sometimes make a call to her. I think that the cell phone is very convenient.
(107 words)

SPEAKING☆My Introduction

2009-06-22T22:37:00.015+09:00

My name is Hikari Ueda. Please call me Hikari. I’m 19 years old and my birthday is January 21st. I’m from Akita of Kumamoto. Then I have seven people in my family and I have two dogs and a cat. My hobbies are watching TV and driving. And my favorite movie is Harry Potter and I often rent DVDs. Also my favorite foods are curry rice and sushi.

I have seven people in my family and my house is a two-family house. I have my grandparents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother. My father runs his own business, so he works with my mother. My older sister is 22 years old and she’s a nursery school teacher. My younger brother is 17 years old and he’s a high school student. We are all good family.

I have two dogs and a cat. My pets are all male. Their names are Pochi, Terrie and Nora. Pochi is a mongrel dog and he lives in 14 years, so he is an old dog. Terrie is a Yorkshire terrier and he lives in 8 years. I like dogs better than cats, so I don’t like a cat. But Nora is very cute and his hair is beautiful. So I love them.

My hometown is Akita of Kumamoto. Akita is very country and there are not places of amusement. But there is Aqua dome near my house. We can play a variety of sports in Aqua dome. Then there are a lot of mountains, Kumamoto Port and so on near Akita. So Akita is good town.

My hobbies are watching TV and driving. I especially like watching a comedy shows and Japanese comedy shows are very interesting. So I always watch it when I have free time. Then I like driving. I have my driver’s license, so I often go driving with my friends by my car. I usually go to Aso. We have a good time every time.

I like watching movies and I often watch foreign movies. My favorite movie is Harry Potter. This movie is very interesting and fantasy. Every time this movie will be released, I go to see it in Movie Theater. Also I like horror and Animation movies, so I often rent DVDs in TSUTAYA. I like movies of Walt Disney and I think that they are all good movies.

My favorite foods are curry rice and sushi. I often eat curry rice at home. I like a keema, a green and a kerala curry and I especially like a keema curry. So my mother cooks it for me and it’s very delicious. Then I like sushi and I eat salmon, tuna and yellowtail when I go to sushi shop which I like. They are very good.

I like listening to music and I often listen to Western and Japanese pop music. My favorite group of Japanese singer is GReeeeN. They are very popular with young people. And their songs are very nice, so I love them. My favorite other group is Back Street Boys and they are American. Their singing voice is good, so I feel comfortable when I listen to their songs.

My part time job is an eel restaurant and I work there for 9 months. I work a part time job five times a week. My part time job’s place is far from my house, so I usually go there by bus. There is Kaminoura Street in downtown in the place. There are a lot of delicious dishes and the dish called Hitsumabushi is very delicious.

I have a lot of things I hate. My hate foods are tomato and herring roe, because both tasted bad. And I hate rain, because I don’t feel well when it rains. Also I’m drenched with rain. And I have a natural wave, so my hair wave naturally. As a result I hate rain. I study in university, but I hate studying since elementary school days. So I want to like studying.

I want to try bungee jumping, because I like such exclamation machine as roller coaster. I want to try to jump out of high bridge. Then I want to travel around the world in my old age and I want to go a variety of countries.

My university life is very happy, because I have many good friends. When I don’t have a part time job, I go to school by my car. I study English and I have classes except English. I don’t belong to clubs, but I enjoy my campus life.

(772 words)

April Fool!

2009-06-20T23:45:00.005+09:00

I read this book called “April Fool!” and this was short story. This book’s characters are Will, Sam, Cory and their classmates.
Will talks to Sam and Cory about one elephant on their way to school. The story that Will talks was very strange story, so his friends flocks to around him to listen to his story. They were surprised at it, but they suspect that he is lying. And “Liar!” said them to him, so “April Fool!” he shouts. His story was a flat lie.

I had lied to my friends in April Fool’s Day and I had a good time. But I think that we must not lie to person. Well, this book’s story was very interesting.
(119 words)

SUSHI

2009-06-20T22:12:00.003+09:00

Good evening!! My father, an older sister and a younger brother were out today. Moreover I didn’t have a part-time job. So I ate out with my mother today and we went to sushi shop which I like. There are fresh ingredients for sushi in the sushi shop and they are very delicious. I like sushi very much and I especially like salmon. So I ate salmon a lot and I ate a variety of sushi until my stomach distends. Then we went to TSUTAYA and I bought my favorite singer’s album. The singer is GReeeeN and they are very popular with young people. I love all their songs. I’m listening to it now. Anyway, their songs are very good.

(124 words)

Elmo Says ACHOO!

2009-06-19T15:31:00.011+09:00

This book's characters are Elmo, Oscar and a lot of Elmo's friends.

One day, Elmo takes a present to his friend's Oscar. But he gives an enormous sneeze on his way to Oscar, so he has trouble for a lot of other his friends. The cause of his sneeze was a present which he will give Oscar. The present is stinkweed and it is a stink. Then Elmo visits Oscar and he gives Oscar the stink present. Oscar was very pleased at it and he gave the bigger sneeze than Elmo’s sneeze.

I had watched “SESAME STREET” in my childhood. The TV is very interesting and I like it. So I borrowed this book in the library and read it. This book is easy for me and a little funny.

(130 words)

Lilo and Stitch List

2009-06-17T12:09:00.006+09:00

Family relationship from the movie
Lilo, her older sister and Stitch
No their parents

Family relationship from real life

My grandparents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother

Friendship from the movie
Lilo and her friends
Stitch and his friends
Lilo and Stitch

Friendship from real life
Friends of local
Friends of high school days
Friends of university
(59 words)

Lilo and Stitch

2009-06-16T23:38:00.009+09:00

I watched “Lilo and Stitch”. I had watched this movie before, but I didn't remember the contents of this at all. So I rented DVD in TSUTAYA and I watched it again.
This movie's characters are Stitch, Lilo, her sister and a lot of monsters. Lilo is a little girl and she lived with her older sister in Hawaii because their parents died. One day, Lilo said to her older sister, “I want to have a dog.” So they decided to have a dog, but they got Stitch whose is monster from one bad doctor. Stitch was not friendly with Lilo and her older sister at first, but their kindness made him feel at ease. Then the story of this movie becomes interesting, because Stitch and Lilo meet with a lot of troubles. For example, Lilo quarreled over trifles with her friends and Stitch, two monsters suddenly appeared in her house, Stitch became violent and so on. But they live happily with their family at the last.

When I watched this movie, I was able to feel that my family is very important. The family is called “OHANA” in Hawaiian. Stitch says “OHANA” many times in this movie, so I thought that Lilo is important person for him. This movie was stirring tale and very interesting.

(218 words)

SMALL PIG

2009-06-14T23:46:00.002+09:00

This book's characters are the small big, the farmer, his wife and so on. The small pig likes eating, running and sleeping. He especially likes sitting down and sinking down in good, soft mud of his pigpen. But his pigpen is cleaned by the farmer's wife one day. So he is angry and runs away. He goes a variety of places to find a good, soft mud but he wasn’t able to find it easily. Then he finds mud and he sits down and sinks down into there. But there was concrete and he wasn’t able to get out. The farmer and his wife find the small pig. They notice that he is in danger of his all, so they call the policemen and the firemen to help him. He survives safely at the last, and new mud was made in his pigpen by the rain when they went home. So the small pig is very please at it. He sits down and sinks down in new good, soft mud.
This book was good. I thought that the farmer and his wife love the small pig very much, because they found him immediately. If they weren’t able to find him, he was in danger. Anyway, this book was interesting.

(209 words)

Using the Computer

2009-06-12T22:33:00.001+09:00

I often use the personal computer at home. I think that it is very convenience, because we can search a variety of things, send an e-mail to foreigner, watch the dramas and so on by the computer. I usually use it to do my homework of the classes. The computer has a lot of the factions, so I can’t understand how to use it once in a while. When I can’t understand it, I ask my friend. My friend is familiar with the computer. So I want to know how to use more the computer. I like using the computer and I use it in my vacant hours every time.

(110 words)

My Favorite Movies

2009-06-12T22:32:00.001+09:00

I like going to see the movies and I especially like horror, love story and fantasy movie. I often rent a lot of DVDs in TSUTAYA. My favorite movies are Harry Potter and SCREAM of horror movie. A book series of Harry Potter is all 7 volumes and the book became a movie until 5 volumes. It's very interesting, exciting and fantasy, so I think that it's a better movie than any other movie. 6 volumes of the movie will show this summer vacation. So I'm looking forward to going to see the movie.

(97 words)

Essay 1-01b: Dear My Host Family

2009-06-10T10:28:00.008+09:00

215 Sunaharamachi, Kumamoto-shi
Kumamoto-ken, Japan
861-5255

My name is Hikari U. Please call me Hikari. My birthday is January 21st and I’m 19 years old now. I’m from Kumamoto prefecture in Japan.

I have my driver’s license, so I often go driving with my friends. Then we usually go to Mt. Aso in Kumamoto and visit Kumamoto castle. Kumamoto castle is a great castle and it’s very beautiful. There are a lot of wonderful places in Kumamoto. Have you ever been to Kumamoto? My house is in a nice, quiet place in the country of Kumamoto. My house is a two-family house and there are seven people in my family.

How many people are in your family? I have my grandparents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother. My parents run an ironworks. My old sister is 22 years old and she’s a nursery school teacher. My younger brother is 17 years old and he’s a high school student. We are all a good family, so I’m happy every day.

Moreover I have two dogs and a cat. I like dogs better than cats, but my cat is very cute. Do you have any pets?

My hobby is listening to music and watching TV. I especially like watching a comedy show. Japanese comedy shows are very funny. Is American comedy show funny? I’m interested in American comedy shows. When I’ll visit your house, I want to watch them. Then I also like going to the movies. Do you have any hobbies? I want to get to know you in detail, so I’m looking forward to seeing you.

(268 words)

Essay 1-01a: Dear My Host Family

2009-06-10T10:26:00.008+09:00

My name is Hikari Ueda. Please call me Hikari. My birthday is January 21st and I’m 19 years old now. I’m from Kumamoto prefecture in Japan. I have my driver’s license, so I often go driving with my friends. Then we usually go to Mt. Aso in Kumamoto and visit Kumamoto castle. Kumamoto castle is a great castle and it’s very beautiful. There are a lot of wonderful places in Kumamoto. Have you ever been to Kumamoto? My house is in a nice, quiet place in the country of Kumamoto. My house is a two-family house and there are seven people in my family. How many people are in your family? I have my grandparents, parents, an older sister and a younger brother. My parents runs an ironwork. My old sister is 22 years old and she’s nursery school teacher. My younger brother is 17 years old and he’s high school student. We are all good family, so I’m happy every day. Moreover I have two dogs and a cat. I like dogs better than cats, but my cat is very cute. Do you have any pets? My hobby is listening to music and watching TV. I especially like watching a comedy show. Japanese comedy shows are very funny. Is American comedy show funny? I’m interested in American comedy shows. When I’ll visit your house, I want to watch them. Then I also like going to the movies. Do you have any hobbies? I want to get to know you in detail, so I’m looking forward to seeing you.

(259 words)

My Holiday

2009-06-07T22:52:00.012+09:00

I heard that we can't go to America this summer vacation. I was very surprised at the news and I'm very sad now. I don't know why we can't go, so we asked Ms. Sato. But she doesn't know too. I wanted to go to America, because I have never been to there and my dream was to go to there. So I'm sad and angry at the news.

I went to school on Saturday and I took a class of writing. I went to there by my car, so I drove my friends to downtown. Then I went home and watched a comedy shows. It's "Yoshimoto shinkigeki". And this is very popular among Japanese old and young people. Osaka is the home of Yoshimoto and we can see a lot of comedy stages in there. I wasn't able to see the stage when I went to Osaka on trip. If I'll go to Osaka next time, I don't fail to see the stage. I love Osaka. By the way, I had a part-time job after I watched it. I was praised for my work by my boss, so I was very happy.

Then I had a part-time job today, too. I have had such a busy night and I got tired from the four-hour and over stand. Also a newcomer in my part-time job came and I taught her the way of a lot of work to do. So I felt that I’m busy than always, but I was in a light mood.

I was very tired today, so I’m sleepy now. I’ll have classes on afternoon of tomorrow. Moreover, I don’t sleep very little lately. So I’ll sleep soundly today and I want to have a happy dream. Now I brush my teeth. Good night.

(316 words)