August 31st, 2006
I didn't do well on the TOEIC test which I took a couple of weeks ago. I decided to study English much harder at that time. So I often try to memorize English words to increase my vocabulary. Now that my brains are older and tougher, I forget any word as soon as I memorize. :(
I've just decided to quit something.... Can you guess what I intend to quit? That's secret for a while. hehe.
August 29th, 2006
Last Saturday I attended the third anniversary party of a bar in Sakai city where I occasionally go get a drink. There were many nice people in the bar. The master served all kinds of beverages for 3000 yen per man and 2000 yen per woman on the night. As for me, I had a huge amount of beer and syoucyuu(Japanese distilled spirit), so I don't remember clearly what I did and talked with the non-Japanese who I sometimes talk with.
Anyway, I made some sushi in the bar for the party because I used to be a part time sushi chef when I was a university student. Most of the customers were pleased and praised me as a good sushi chef. But I made a little mistake in making it, as I've already lost my touch due to a long absence. When they praised the sushi made by me, I replied to them like this - "Thank you! I'm so glad even if it's flattery. Flattery will get you everywhere! I'll give you anything you want." I know the usual phrase is "Flattery will get you nowhere." But I changed myself the last part(nowhere -> everywhere) to say a kind of joke. :)
By the way, I took some pictures there but I'm not able to post them on my blog space. Many people appear in the photos, so I think the photos are sort of their personal information. That's why I don't post them here. Therefore I uploaded them on my secret web space. If you attended the party, please ask the master or email me to let you know where they are and the password to access the web page.
August 25th, 2006
It's been really muggy lately in Osaka, Japan. I always break a lot of sweat in my factory, so I have to change my working clothes very often, plus need at least 3 towels a day to dry(wipe off) the sweat and have to drink at least 2 bottles of beer everyday. :)
Usually I wake up around 4 am naturally, but nowadays around 5 am at the earliest. I've decided to study English much harder - such as reading aloud, shadowing(listening and repeating) and grammar; however, I'm not able to do that sufficiently due to the fatigue, in fact, the recent hot weather is killing me! Anyway, I'm attending a party held at a bar tomorrow evening and trying to make some sushi for the master and his customers. I have to relieve my tired body for not only my study but also the party. Actually, you know, I used to be a part time sushi chef but I'm worried about having lost my touch after a long absence.
By the way, do you think studying grammar is important? Some teachers occasionally say that grammar isn't so important to speak English, and yet I think it's important. If I wanted to learn only casual English, I wouldn't care about grammar and it's correct what the teachers say. But I'd like to study any kind of English, so I intend to learn at least the grammar which Japanese high school students study at school. Besides, I may be able to teach grammar to my children when they study English to enter a university or a college.
August 21st, 2006
I've finally got a ticket of IRON MAIDEN concert, which is going to be held in the Osaka castle hall on October 30th! Plus, my seat is amazingly in the arena! I'm super lucky to get such a great seat by lot. And also they are releasing a new CD this September. Needless to say, I intend to buy the one as soon as it's launched.
IRON MAIDEN, one of the most famous and popular British heavy metal bands, is actually my favorite rock group. As a high school student(When I was a high school student), I was so excited to listen to their rhythm and became a huge fun of them right away. They always make me energetic! The concert day looks so far! I can't wait! They must give a super great time to us!
| IRON MAIDEN | Heavy Metal |
August 20th, 2006
I took a TOEIC test yesterday, in order to know how bad my English skills are. I didn't prepare anything before taking it, therefore I had to read its guideline at the beginning, which describes the question styles in the test. What a waste of time! :(
I should have checked on at least the style and the number of questions. After all, I couldn't do well as I expected. haha. My score will be less than 500 points. Some English teachers of mine said last week that I would be able to get around 600 points; however, I couldn't get such a score maybe.
Anyway, I've just realized my weak points which are vocabulary, listening skill, and reading speed. Thanks, TOEIC! I'll have to study from the beginning again and go on for good.
August 18th, 2006
There was a funny incident at the izakaya(Japanese-style bar) where my Australian friend and Japanese woman friend were drinking this past Tuesday.
When we were having some beer, it suddenly began raining even though we were indoors! All customers were very surprised but nobody got angry. They said, "What a nice surprise!" or something like that and enjoyed the unexpected thing. The happening occurred because of the broken drain above the ceiling, according to the clerk. Of course he had us change our seats immediately. We had a great time thanks to the rain. :)
August 17th, 2005
Do you know Izumisano fishing port in Osaka, Japan? Maybe, don't know.
I went there with my family to fish some small fishes this past Monday - such as horse mackerels and sardines. It was too hot on the day, so we got not only fishes but also suntan. :) It was the first-time fishing for my kids.
We fished a lot and ate them for dinner of the day. I actually have a minivan made by Toyota, whose seating capacity up to 8 persons. Those kind of cars are very convenient whenever we have outdoor leisure.
August 15th, 2006
In Japan it's the anniversary of the end of the war(the second World War) today.
And also today used to be my second son's birthday. If he were alive now, he would be 10 years old. In a Japanese common saying, it's a negative idea to count how old one's dead child would be if he or she were alive, though...
In addition, it's the anniversary of my ex-coworker's passing. From my point of view, he seemed to have been struggling with depression for several years as well as me. That's why he decided to make away with himself, I personally think. His passing was one of the reasons I quit my former job, a computer system engineer.
It's a bon season that is one of Buddhist festival periods for passed people, now. Most of Japanese people think of their ancestors and the friends who passed away, in order to pray for the souls of passed people.
August 14th, 2006
I visited my parents-in-law's home with my family yesterday to have lunch, a chat, dinner. My daughter tried playing the piano which is in the house and used to be my wife's when she was single. I took some videos of my daughter at that time. Let me post one of them on the Internet! :)
August 11th, 2006
I took a nice and cute picture at home last night. :)
My 5 year-old daughter was doing something in a living room, which has some tatami mats. I was observing for a while what she intended to do. First, she lined up some stuffed dolls on the cushions. And then she covered up on the dolls with a small futon. At the last she got into the futon with the dolls.
I think she played a role as the mother of the dolls at that time. She has maternal instinct even though she's still 5 years old. Her act impressed me so much! She couldn't be cuter!
