January 31, 2019 Umbrella

クラスありますよー😀
*********************
1. FASTブログを聞きましょう。
2. SLOWブログを聞きましょう。
**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. the trick is
2. countless times
3. jump in/jump out
4. pay attention to something

Umbrella

It looks like rain today, and maybe even snow tonight!  It is interesting to look around and see so many different types of umbrellas.  They say you can judge a man by his shoes, but how about his umbrella?  Can you judge a person's personality by the umbrella that they carry?

In the U.S. I very rarely used an umbrella.  I had a car, so whenever it was raining, I would just run out to my car and jump in. I have never owned so many umbrellas as I have in Japan.  I have left my umbrella here and there countless times.  I found that the trick is to have an expensive umbrella. The reason is that if it is expensive, then you pay more attention to it and are careful not to leave it behind.

Did you remember to bring your umbrella today?  You can come stand under my umbrella!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 30, 2019 Why Japan?

クラスありますよー😀
*********************
1. FASTブログを聞きましょう。
2. SLOWブログを聞きましょう。
**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. To google something
2. A little bit
3. pronunciation
4. pronounce

Why Japan?

The following is something that one of my student's wrote. I changed it a little bit. Her English is very nice, and the story is very interesting.

*******

Student's essay:

Where does the name "Japan" come from, and what does it mean? Nihon is said to mean "The land of the rising sun", but how about JAPAN? It's not a Japanese word, after all!

Mr. John gave me this homework.  I googled it before coming to class, and this is what I found; I don't know if it is correct or not.

It is said that "Japan" is actually a Chinese pronunciation of Nihon. Chinese people pronounced it as "Jipun".  When Marco Polo heard this, he passed it on as "Zipan" (sounds like ジパン). Over the years, this became the modern pronunciation that we know today, "Japan".

Interesting, isn't it?

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 29, 2019 Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt. 3

クラスありますよー😀
*********************
1. FASTブログを聞きましょう。
2. SLOWブログを聞きましょう。
**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. overslept
2. trek
3. eerie
4. hazy
5. drudge
6. darn

Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt. 3

The view from the lodge was fantastic!

Journey through the clouds

Gate to heaven?

Made it through the clouds!

Looks like we reached the top!

When I finally woke up and got out of my futon, I had a big surprise.......

All of my friends with whom I had started out with were also here in the same room!  We all laughed and talked about how cold it was the night before and that we all overslept and missed the sunrise. I think it was around 9am when we awoke.

Two of my friends and I started off on our trek up the mountain again. Up ahead, it looked like fog, but then we realized that it was the clouds! Walking into the clouds was an eerie feeling. Before that, it was nice and sunny, and now everything was hazy and dark. I couldn't see the top of the mountain, nor the bottom. It just seemed to be an endless path with no end. Step by step we drudged on, still clutching to that darn hiking stick until finally the haze cleared and we made it through the clouds. We could see the top! We were almost there, just a little more way to go. However........

To be continued...

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

Now - Mr Bean

Just went to theファミマ to get my breakfast and I met Japanese Mr Bean! There's a guy who works there and looks just like Mr. Bean! I can't understand anything he says either.

January 28, 2019 Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt. 2

クラスありますよー😀
*********************
1. FASTブログを聞きましょう。
2. SLOWブログを聞きましょう。

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. guy
2. lend
3. make my day
4. line up
5. bundle up
6. howl
7. attic
8. nestle

Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt. 2

Me and my very heavy hiking stick. Can you see my t-shirt? I love Mt. Fuji!

The first floor of the mountain lodge

I always thought that Japanese people are so polite because they say "Mr. Fuji" (Fuji-san)

Inside my cozy futon. The roof was just over my head. The wind was howling and sounded so cold outside.

People come and go
Like the winter and summer
Fuji always stays

At station 9, I was freezing.  There was a mountain hut (lodge) there. It was only 5000 yen, but I only had credit cards and no cash.  I was sitting in front of the hut shivering and then I heard a voice, "You okay?" It was some American guy I had never met before.  I told him how I didn't have any cash and that I didn't know it was going to be so cold. It was July!!  He was in the Navy, too. He lent me 5000 yen to stay in the lodge and told me I could pay him back if I ever met him again. He made my day!

Inside the lodge, I went up to the second floor.  It was more like an attic.  Futons were lined up on either side of the room with a few guests here and there bundled up inside. I remember thinking that it was strange that so many strangers slept next to each other in the same room. But, I was cold and tired, so I didn't care. I quickly jumped into one.  I was so lucky. It was so warm, and I could hear the howling wind outside.

Then the morning came.  Some Japanese guy came in the room shouting something in Japanese. I didn't understand what he was saying and I didn't care. I just wanted to stay nestled in my futon a few more hours. I realized later that he was telling everyone that the sun was coming up and that we should all go out to watch it. I missed it. Too bad. I guess I have to go back now. ha ha.

When I finally woke up and got out of my futon, I had a big surprise.......

To be continued.....

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 27,2019 Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt. 1

クラスありますよー😀
*********************
1. FASTブログを聞きましょう。
2. SLOWブログを聞きましょう。

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. destined to do something
2. signed up
3. split up
4. oxygen canister
5. set out on...
6. mountain hut (lodge)
7. bottleneck
8. shiver

Climbing Mt. Fuji Pt 1.

Crystal clear, cold sky
The heart of Japan calls me
From under the snow

Oh, the biting cold
Doesn't even bother her
Always strong, always

When I first came to Japan one of the first things I wanted to do was to climb Mt. Fuji. It is said that if you leave Japan without climbing Mt. Fuji then you will be destined to return.  I signed up to go on a tour with a few of my Navy friends. We arrived at Mt. Fuji at about 9pm at night. The daytime was really hot, so we decided to start climbing at night so that we could watch the sunrise from the top. We got off the bus and set out on our journey. Since everyone walked at a different pace, we split up and began our climb separately.  From station 5, the climb started rather easily.  I bought a tall wooden hiking stick. At every station on the way to the top, we could get stamps on the stick. However, as the hike went on, the stick became heavier and heavier.  I started thinking that I wanted to throw the stick off the side of the mountain. As I got higher, at about station 7, I saw many people who were already tired and using oxygen canisters to breathe. There were bottlenecks along the path where it was really crowded.  This was my first time climbing a mountain, so I didn't think about the temperature or the air.  The higher I got, the thinner the air became, and the colder I got.  At station 9, I was freezing.  There was a mountain hut (lodge) there. It was only 5000 yen, but I only had credit cards and no cash.  I was sitting in front of the hut shivering and then......

To be continued!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 26, 2019 Pin Drop

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

*********************

*I will add the audio later today because I am busy in the morning. Please check back again later.

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST(Coming Soon)

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW(Coming Soon)

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

New words & phrases:

1. pin
2. unpleasant
3. leaking out
4. considerate
5. noticeable

Pin Drop

When you are in a place that is so quiet, you can use this phrase:  "It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop". One reason I like riding the train in Japan is that it is so quiet. Even though there are many people, it is so quiet that you can hear a pin drop. However, it also makes unpleasant sounds much more noticable.  Sounds such as coughing, sneezing, etc. Does it bother you when someone sitting next to you is listening to loud music and you can hear the sound leaking out from their headphones?  I don't mind that small sound, but what I don't like is when 2 people are talking as if no one else is on the train. They are not considerate at all. I think I am turning Japanese, ha ha ha.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 25, 2019 My Chair

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

My Chair

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. peek
2. it puzzles me
3. the nerve of her
4. frozen
5. disbelief
6. standing there frozen in disbelief
7. disrupt
8. to give someone a mean look

Let's get started!

Every morning I go to Excelsior to read before going to work.  I try to get there when they open around 6:30. Sometimes I am the first person to arrive. I go in, I get my coffee and go to my favorite seat by the window. I like it because I can see the sun peeking at me from between the buildings across the street.  Usually, there is a woman sitting to the left of me playing games on her smart phone, and another woman to the right sleeping.  It puzzles me as to why she wakes up so early to go to the coffee shop and sleep. As for me, I've got interesting books to study and things to learn.

But today....TODAY....I get there a little late and find someone sitting in my seat!!!! The nerve of her!  Doesn't she know it's my seat?!? Can't she sit somewhere else?  She's probably not even doing anything important! After standing there frozen in disbelief for a minute or two, I chose another seat and sat down, another lady came to me and gave me a mean look. I think I was sitting in her seat.  Now the balance of the universe has been disrupted!  What to do????

*You may have noticed that even though this is in the past, I wrote this story using present tense. The reason is because this is a story.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 24, 2019 Yokosuka is safe!

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

Yokosuka is safe!

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. military personnel
2. standard
3. civilian
4. behavior
5. pass out
6. bad apple
7. commit a crime
8. instance
9. cause trouble
10. Yokosuka base
11. personal development
12. to be on one's best behavior

Let's get started!

Have you ever been to Yokosuka?

Whenever I mention Yokosuka to Japanese people, I often hear people say that it is a dangerous place because of the U.S. Navy base.  While the U.S. is more dangerous than Japan, when it comes to crime, Yokosuka is different.  Military personnel are held to a much higher standard than ordinary civilians.  That means that their behavior is much better. For example, one of my friends in the Navy once got drunk and passed out on a bench in Verny Park.  He got in big trouble and wasn't allowed to leave the ship for a month after that.

Of course, there is always one bad apple.  Sometimes you may have heard in the news about a Navy sailor committing a violent crime in Okinawa or Yokosuka.  This is very terrible, but there are only very few instances like these. When those things happened, EVERYONE on the base was punished. We were told that we had to help each other and make sure no one caused any trouble. I was so angry. I couldn't leave the base for a week, sometimes two!

U.S. sailors are taught HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT. When I was in the Navy, we often had training on personal development, and were told how important it was that we be on our best behavior in Japan.  I would trust a stranger on the Navy base, but never in my hometown.

So, if you have time, you should go to Yokosuka and enjoy a Yokosuka Navy Burger or some 海軍かれー!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 23, 2019 Karate Kid

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

Karate Kid

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. Karate
2. version
3. is expected to
4. tv series
5. deck
6. inspired me to....

Let's get started!

One of my favorite movies is "Karate Kid". I'm talking about the old version, not the new one with Jackie Chan.  The Karate Kid is one of the few movies that teach real Japanese culture.  For example, Mr. Miyagi (the karate teacher) teaches Daniel (the student) that the teacher teaches,  the student learns and that he isn't allowed to ask any questions. NO QUESTIONS! Also, Daniel is expected to pay for his lessons, not with money, but with his hard work and effort.  This is very difficult for Daniel. Mr. Miyagi tells Daniel to paint his fence and sand his deck, but Daniel just says "Why, why, why????"

This movie inspired me to learn Karate when I was 13.  I did it for about 3 years, but I gave up because I always lost. ha ha.

Recently, there is a new tv series called "Cobra Kai" which continues the story, but now Daniel is in his 40's.  I don't like this new show.  I think that it doesn't capture the spirit of the original movie.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 22, 2019 What Japan can teach the world

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

What Japan Can Teach the World

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. come to mind
2. virtue
3. the jewel of....
4. humility
5. ancient

Let's get started!

When you think of teaching Japanese culture to foreigners, what comes to mind?  I think on the surface, when people think of Japanese culture they imagine cosplay, animation, sushi, samurai, and ninja.  Images of old Kyoto and Kamakura come to mind.

As for me, I think Japanese culture is much deeper than that.  The jewel of Japanese culture, I think, is found in the heart of Japanese.  Since I have come to Japan, I think that my character and spirit has changed a lot, thanks to Japanese people.  Virtues such as humility, compassion, kindness, dedication,  service, along with a sense of stoicness, are all part of Japanese character. In my opinion, the world could benefit not by learning about the ancient samurai, but by knowing the heart of the Japanese.
これからもよろしくお願いします。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 21, 2019 High School Fashion

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

High School Fashion

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. judge
2. according to
3. fret
4. pants
5. usually

Let's get started!

American students usually don't wear uniforms to school unless they attend a private school.  Now when I look back on it, I think it would have been better if we had.

Thinking about the clothes they wear causes a lot of stress for children. They are often judged by their peers according to the clothes they wear.

Everyday, I spent a long time in the morning thinking about what clothes I should wear. I worried if other people would think I am cool. I wondered if girls would like me. I fretted over if someone might notice I had just worn the same shirt last week. Should I iron it? Should I wear a coat? Does it match these pants? Will someone else be wearing the same thing? So much stress!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 20, 2019 The Cold

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

The Cold

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. In light of
2. Working out
3. Drenched

Let's get started!

In light of my last blog post about windsurfing, I have decided to change my attitude about the winter cold.    After thinking about it, maybe there are some good points about the cold.  For one, it makes working out (training) much easier.  After lifting weights or running in the hot summer heat, I would always be drenched in sweat.  Another good point is that I can enjoy being fashionable.  Since it is cold, I can wear different vests, scarves and jackets. Finally, I can see the stars at night and Mt. Fuji in the day very clearly.

How about you? What do you enjoy about the cold winter?皆のコメント聞きたいな！

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 19, 2019 WINDSURFING Part 2

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

WINDSURFING Part 2

Did you know that the windsurfing world cup was held in Yokosuka last year? I didn't participate, though!

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. situation
2. drift
3. zip
4. pro

Let's get started!

One of my favorite proverbs is:

"We cannot change the wind, but we can change the direction of our sails."  

This means that when we have a difficult time in our lives, we can change the situation by changing ourselves.

The best thing I liked about windsurfing was that it was so quiet.  Of course, there is no motor. Just the gentle wind, the warm sun, and the taste of salt on my lips.  Sometimes I would stop the board, put the sail down and just lie on the board, drifting in the ocean.

I used to go to Miurakaigan, but it seems all the pros go to Zushi.  If you watch them, they are really awesome.  They zip across the ocean from side to side so elegantly as if they were dancing on the water.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 18, 2019 WINDSURFING Part 1

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

WINDSURFING Part 1

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. Come to mind
2. howl
3. Give it a shot
4. Just like anything
5. get used to it

Let's get started!

As I was getting ready to leave this morning, I could hear the sound of the wind howling outside.  I knew it must be really cold outside. I started thinking about the wind, and memories of windsurfing in the hot summer came to mind.  I used to windsurf, but not seriously. It was just a hobby.  I saw a poster one day and thought "That looks like fun, I'll give it a shot." Before I came to Japan, I tried it a few times in Florida, and then after I came to Japan I started taking private lessons for a few months. Just like anything, it was really hard at first, but when I got used to it, I really started to enjoy it......

*お願い！Since my Japanese is not so good, could someone please leave a comment and explain the new words and phrases?  Thank-you!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

Very Strange

I'm sitting on the train now and there is an old Japanese lady sitting next to me. She is waving her arms around and seems to be praying.  Just like everyone else, I just pretend like nothing is going on.  But I feel very strange.......

January 17, 2019 Train Announcements *更新されました。

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

Train Announcements

*********************

Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

Let's get started!

One of my students ask me to help her to understand the English train announcements. I made recordings of two announcements.  Try to listen and see what you can catch.  Then click on number 3 to see my transcription.

1. Train Announcement 1

2. Train Announcement 2

3. Click here for the answers.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 16, 2019 Sunrise

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

Sunrise

This is a photo that one of my students sent me of the first sunrise of the year. Isn't it beautiful?

*********************

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************
Are you ready for today's fantabulous English blog?

New words & phrases:

1. twilight
2. fade away
3. twinkle
4. silvery
5. thoughts cloud my mind
6. vast

Let's get started!

I think one of the most beautiful things in the world is the sunrise.  My second favorite time of day is the early morning twilight before the sun rises.  I enjoy jogging along the beach, looking up and seeing the last remaining stars twinkle before they fade away by the light of the sun. The ocean is a cool silvery-blue color.  At this time, anything is possible. No thoughts cloud my mind as the day has not yet begun. What will the new day bring me? What will happen before the sun completes its journey across vast sky? I'm here waiting....waiting for the sun.

Today's haiku by John:

Sunrise here it comes
Only forward never back
The new light blinds me

What do you think of my haiku? Leave me a comment and let me know!
コメントを残して下さい。

*お願い！Since my Japanese is not so good, could someone please leave a comment and explain the new words and phrases?  Thank-you!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

Thank you for your feedback!

I was surprised yesterday that many students filled out the questionnaires that I posted. I learned many things, and they are very useful.  I will do my best to make Miami a better school!

Thank-you!

-Mr. John

January 15, 2019 成人の日

クラスありますよー😀
*********************

成人の日

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************

New words & phrases:

1. contribute to society
2. considered adults
3. congratulate
4. on another note
5. prefectural office

Let's get started!

Do you know how to say "成人の日" in English? It is called "Coming of Age Day".  A more exact translation of the kanji, however, is "The day of becoming a person". I think it is a very important day to teach children that they are now a member of society and are expected to live responsibly, help other people, and contribute to society.

One thing I think is strange, however...recently in Japan, the voting age has been changed to 18, right? But they are not yet considered adults? Does that mean that children are voting???

On another note, I completely forgot that yesterday was Coming of Age Day. I locked myself in my apartment and worked on my PC all day.  I regret that I missed the chance to see many beautiful kimonos.

Here's more from Wikipedia:
Coming of Age Day (成人の日 Seijin no Hi) is a Japanese holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. It is held in order to congratulate and encourage all those who have reached or will reach the age of majority between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year, and to help them realize that they have become adults. Festivities include coming of age ceremonies (成人式 seijin-shiki) held at local and prefectural offices, as well as after-parties among family and friends.
Click here to read more.

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

*お願い！Since my Japanese is not so good, could someone please leave a comment and explain the new words and phrases?  Thank-you!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 14, 2019 Questionnaire

休校です。Sorry, no class today.💩
Please study English at your home today and if you have time, please fill out one or all of the questionnaires below.
宜しくお願いします。
*********************
私は、生徒が英語を学ぶのにそして、より良いクラスを作るために何ができるか、知りたいです。数分時間を割いて意見をもらえればと思います。貴重な時間をありがとうございます。

一つのクラスについてのみ質問にお答えください。このアンケートに名前は書かなくても大丈夫です。

レッスンアンケート

先生アンケート

スクールアンケート

How to leave a comment

Please leave a comment. I will be happy to know someone is reading my blog!
宜しくお願いします。

January 13, 2019 My Brother's Birthday

OH MY GOD, IT IS SOOOOO COLD TODAY!

クラスありますよー😀
1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at home tomorrow.
*********************

My Brother's Birthday

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************

New words & phrases:

• smelly
• maternity ward
• relatives

Let's get started!

I remember when ...

...my father came into my room one night and told me that there was a baby inside my mother's stomach. I thought "What?!?!? Why is a baby in her stomach? How did it get there????" I couldn't understand, but I just accepted it.

...my brother was born. It was a Saturday. I remember because my father went to the hospital. I couldn't go because there was a rule that children under 12 were not allowed in the maternity ward. I stayed home and watched Saturday morning cartoons. I think I was alone because I don't remember having a babysitter, but I was only 5 years old.  I was in heaven, though because I could watch all the cartoons I wanted.  I remember thinking, "Dad is gone a long time!"

...when he arrived.  I was so jealous.  Many relatives and friends came to see him. They were all gathered around him talking about how cute he was.  I was left alone playing with my toys.  I thought, "Maybe he is cute, but he is smelly."

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 12, 2019 My Favorite Food

クラスありますよー😀
1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at your home on that day..
*********************

My Favorite Food

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST(Coming Soon)

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW(Coming Soon)

**********************

PIZZA QUIZここをクリック

New words & phrases:

• pizza
• legend
• impress
• certificate

Let's get started!

Maybe you think my favorite food is the BIG MAC, but actually it is something different. I'll give you a hint. It is round and Italian. Got it? It's PIZZA! I think I could eat pizza everyday for the rest of my life. 

According to legend, pizza was once a bad dish. Around the end of the 19th century, the Queen of Italy wanted to get acquainted with the civilians and decided to visit a pizza shop in a small town. In order to impress the queen, the master of the store made a special pizza with green basil, red tomato, and finally the white color of the cheese to show the color of Italy. The Queen was delighted and sent a certificate to the shop. The pizza was named after the queen. The queen's name was Margherita.

However, in my country, pizza is not called Margherita. Instead, pepperoni, cheese and mushroom pizzas are popular. When I was a kid, my family and I visited Pizza Hut once a week. That is one of the good memories of my childhood. At that time, my father, mother and younger brother were all happy. I think American pizza is bigger and tastier than Japanese pizza. I was surprised when I first saw pizza with eggs on top in Japan. Now, while writing this blog, I am eating Margherita pizza! Delicious!

What kind of pizza do you like? Please leave a comment!

多分、皆は、私の一番好きな食べ物はビッグマックと思うけど、違いますよ。じゃ、ヒント教えてあげます。まるくて、イタリアの食べ物です。わかる？ピッザだ！死ぬまで毎日ピッザ食べられると思う。

伝説によれば、ピザはかつてまずしいひとの料理でした。それは、19世紀末までで、イタリアの女王は一般人と 知り合いたいと思い、小さい町のピザの店を尋ねることにしました。女王に印象付けるため、その店のマスターが特別なピザを作って上げました、、、バジルの緑、トマトの赤、最後にチーズの白い色は全部イタリアの色です。女王は喜こんで、店に認定証を送りました。そのピザは女王にちなんで名前を付けられた。女王の名前は、マルゲリータです。

けれど、私の国では、マルゲリータといわれていません。代わりに、ペッポローニ、チーズ、キノコの ピザが人気です。子供の時、私の家族は、皆週一回位ピザハットをたずねました。それは、子供の時の良い思いでの一つです。その時は父、母、弟は、皆ハッピーでした。

アメリカのピザは日本のピザより、大きくて、美味しいと思います。日本で、卵が上にのったピッザを初めて見たとき、ビックリしました。

今、このブログを書きながら、マルゲリータピザを食べています！美味しい！

どんなピッザ好きですか？コメントを残して下さい。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。

気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してくだい！

 https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 11, 2019 Hollywood Showers

クラスありますよー😀
1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at your home on that day..
*********************

Hollywood Showers

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. FAST

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. SLOW

**********************

New words & phrases:

• potable water
• equipment
• shower head

Let's get started!

When I was in Navy Bootcamp,  we always had to hurry to do everything.  It was hard for me because I was a slow person.  We especially had to be quick when we took showers.  Actually, taking quick showers is very important on the ship because there isn't much water.  The ship actually has equipment to make potable water from seawater.  Anyway, in bootcamp there was a large room with 8 shower heads. Sixteen people would enter at a time. One person would step under the shower, get wet then step out of the shower while someone else  stepped in.  While waiting, the first person would them soap up and then step back in the shower while the second person stepped out to soap up.  The whole process took about 3 minutes.  Taking a shower for a long time was called a "Hollywood Shower".  Why Hollywood? I don't know. Maybe someone like Tom Cruise takes long showers.  

How about you? How long do you take in the shower? 5 minutes? コメントを残してください。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!

**********************************

ブログをお読みいだだきありがとうございます。
気に入った方は下記リンクをコピーして、友人と共有してください！ https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 10, 2019 Don't tell me I'm getting fat!

クラスありますよー。😀1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at your home on that day..
*********************

Don't tell me I'm getting fat!

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. (Slow)

ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. (Fast)

**********************

New words & phrases:

• Considerate
• gain
• direct
• weight

Let's get started!

Japanese people are always so polite, maybe some of the most polite people in the world.  They are always considerate of other people's feelings and are careful with the words they choose.  However, one thing that surprises me is how Japanese people can so easily say "You're getting FAT", or "You got fat"!  It sounds too direct.  In English, usually people will say "Oh, it looks like you have gained a little weight." or "Have you put on some weight?"  I think it sounds a little softer.

After the holidays, have you put on any weight? コメントを残してください。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!
**********************************

Thank-you for reading my blog! If you like it, please copy the link below and share it with your friends!

https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 9, 2019 Strange order

クラスありますよー。😀1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at your home on that day..
*********************

Strange Order

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. (Slow)

ブログを聞きましょう。

Click here to listen. (Fast)

**********************

• New words & phrases:
• foreign load words
• cashier
• salad
• tendency

Let's get started!

Last night after work, I decided to go to McDonald's.  I ordered the same thing I usually get, 2 Big Macs with a side salad and a water FOR HERE.  I always speak Japanese when I order, but foreign loan words like restaurant and Starbucks and Big Mac are very difficult for me to pronounce because I have a tendency to pronounce them as they naturally are in English.  I was tired when the cashier repeated my order back to me and I wasn't really listening. I was shocked when I got my order. Two teriyaki burgers with a side salad and water TO GO.  Is my pronunciation that bad??? How does "Big Mac" sound anything like "teriyaki"????  Anyway, I was hungry and tired, so I just ate it as I laughed to myself.

Are Japanese words difficult for you to pronounce in English? コメントを書いてください。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!
**********************************

Thank-you for reading my blog! If you like it, please copy the link below and share it with your friends!

https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday

January 8, 2019 Cookie

クラスありますよー。😀1月 14日 は休みです。 
Please study English at your home on that day..
*********************

Cookie

*********************
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. (slow)
**********************

********************* 
ブログを聞きましょう。
Click here to listen. (fast)
**********************

New words & phrases:

• disappear
• suddenly
• realize

Let's get started!

After Skippy disappeared, it wasn't long before I got a new dog.  I think I was around 5 or 6 when my parents suddenly brought home the cutest little chihuahua.  He was so cute, just a baby and he could fit in the palm of your hand.  He was white with brown spots, so I called him, "Cookie".  Cookie was a good dog and grew up to be a little fat.

Sometimes Americans make a joke that if you look very sad, they will say "What's wrong? You look like your dog died."  Well, one day when Cookie passed away, I was 19 and I remember crying and crying and crying.  I couldn't stop.  I felt as if I had lost a brother. When I thought about that joke, I realized I could understand the meaning.   Just thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes.

Have you ever had a pet who felt like a family member? コメントを残して下さい。

Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful day!
**********************************

Thank-you for reading my blog! If you like it, please copy the link below and share it with your friends!

https://eikaiwa.news/miamitoday