やった！今日は沖縄に行く。楽しみ。16:30ごろとうちゃくする。もうすぐ電車で羽田空港に行く。
Yay! Today, I'm off to Okinawa. Should be fun! Get there about 16:30. Just about to get the train to the airport.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
イギリスの地震 Earthquake in England
昨日はイギリスに地震があった。イギリスに地震がめずらしい。この地震がちょっと強いたぶん震度3か4だって少し損害があった。イギリスに一番大きいの25年間前からだった。
http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ous/STORE/X2008nyae/ciim_display.html
There was an earthquake yesterday in England which is unusual. This one was quite strong, probably shindo 3 or 4, and caused some damage. It was the biggest for 25 years in England.
http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ous/STORE/X2008nyae/ciim_display.html
There was an earthquake yesterday in England which is unusual. This one was quite strong, probably shindo 3 or 4, and caused some damage. It was the biggest for 25 years in England.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
大切な期日 Important dates
やくすことができない。。。
今年はイースターが早い。何で？ユダヤけいのすぎこしの祭から。まん月の時にかんけいする。
マザリングサンデーはいつも四じゅんせつの4日曜日。
I can't translate this...
I was wondering why Easter is so early this year (23rd March), and hence all the other dates like Mother's Day, so I did some research.
You may or may not know the reason already...
Easter celebrates the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This occurred on the day after the Jewish festival of Passover. The Jewish calendar is influenced by the moon, and so Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon which happens on or after the Spring Equinox (21st March). Each year, Easter Day will be somewhere between 22nd March and 25th April.
Mother's Day in the UK is similar to Mother's Day in other countries (always in May). The reason why it falls on a different day to other countries (this year 2nd March), is because even though Mothering Sunday was only created about 400 years ago, it has its roots in Christianity. It is always on the 4th Sunday of Lent, and on that day people in small villages went to the nearest big church (the Mother Church). Young working English girls and boys were allowed one day off a year to visit their families and this was usually Mothering Sunday.
Churches in England used to give children in Sunday School small bunches of spring flowers to give to their mothers to thank them for all their love throughout the year (maybe they still do). I remember making a card at Sunday School and collecting my bunch of flowers for Mum. I also remember each year on the Saturday going shopping with my brothers and sister to choose flowers from the florist, and some pretty wrapping paper, and then secretly putting the flowers in milk bottles of water in the garage so that they kept cool and fresh. For years I thought that it was a real secret and that Mum had no idea what we were doing! Then on the Sunday, we would get up and wrap the flowers as a bouquet and give them to Mum in the morning. Happy memories!
今年はイースターが早い。何で？ユダヤけいのすぎこしの祭から。まん月の時にかんけいする。
マザリングサンデーはいつも四じゅんせつの4日曜日。
I can't translate this...
I was wondering why Easter is so early this year (23rd March), and hence all the other dates like Mother's Day, so I did some research.
You may or may not know the reason already...
Easter celebrates the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This occurred on the day after the Jewish festival of Passover. The Jewish calendar is influenced by the moon, and so Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon which happens on or after the Spring Equinox (21st March). Each year, Easter Day will be somewhere between 22nd March and 25th April.
Mother's Day in the UK is similar to Mother's Day in other countries (always in May). The reason why it falls on a different day to other countries (this year 2nd March), is because even though Mothering Sunday was only created about 400 years ago, it has its roots in Christianity. It is always on the 4th Sunday of Lent, and on that day people in small villages went to the nearest big church (the Mother Church). Young working English girls and boys were allowed one day off a year to visit their families and this was usually Mothering Sunday.
Churches in England used to give children in Sunday School small bunches of spring flowers to give to their mothers to thank them for all their love throughout the year (maybe they still do). I remember making a card at Sunday School and collecting my bunch of flowers for Mum. I also remember each year on the Saturday going shopping with my brothers and sister to choose flowers from the florist, and some pretty wrapping paper, and then secretly putting the flowers in milk bottles of water in the garage so that they kept cool and fresh. For years I thought that it was a real secret and that Mum had no idea what we were doing! Then on the Sunday, we would get up and wrap the flowers as a bouquet and give them to Mum in the morning. Happy memories!
Monday, February 25, 2008
もうすぐ沖縄に行く！Soon off to Okinawa!
今日沖縄の観光を計画する。沖縄に3日間をとまる。このたびは那覇だけにとまる。名護パイナップルパークと沖縄ワールドと植物園に行きたい。またちねんビーチに行きたい。もうすぐ沖縄の食事をたべる。楽しみ！
Today I'm making plans for what to see in Okinawa. Staying there for three days, this trip just staying in Naha, but want to take day trips. Thinking about Nago Pineapple Park, Okinawa World and the botanical gardens as possibilities. I'd quite like to go to Chinen Beach again. Of course, not sure what the weather will be like. I'm looking forward to lots of good Okinawan food again! Exciting!
Today I'm making plans for what to see in Okinawa. Staying there for three days, this trip just staying in Naha, but want to take day trips. Thinking about Nago Pineapple Park, Okinawa World and the botanical gardens as possibilities. I'd quite like to go to Chinen Beach again. Of course, not sure what the weather will be like. I'm looking forward to lots of good Okinawan food again! Exciting!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
雛祭り Dolls Festival
今日は私を食事に招かれた。友だちの家族は三人です。娘は10か月から初絶句です。雛人形 がとても面白くてきれいだった。昼ごはんがおいしくて、昼が楽しかった。
Today I was invited to a friend's house for lunch which was lovely. My friend Masayo is married to Taku with a 10 month old baby daughter Leona. This is the time of Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival or Dolls' Festival), so Masayo wanted me to have the opportunity to see the traditional decorations in a family home. The dolls were so elaborate and beautiful. The display was incredible. Sadly, my pictures do no justice to it at all, hopefully I'll be able to update them. Lunch was absolutely delicious and it was a really fun afternoon.
More information about Hina Matsuri here. http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa022501b.htm
Today I was invited to a friend's house for lunch which was lovely. My friend Masayo is married to Taku with a 10 month old baby daughter Leona. This is the time of Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival or Dolls' Festival), so Masayo wanted me to have the opportunity to see the traditional decorations in a family home. The dolls were so elaborate and beautiful. The display was incredible. Sadly, my pictures do no justice to it at all, hopefully I'll be able to update them. Lunch was absolutely delicious and it was a really fun afternoon.
More information about Hina Matsuri here. http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa022501b.htm
And traditional Hina Matsuri music (played in all supermarkets at the moment!) is here http://www.biwa.ne.jp/~kebuta/MIDI/MIDI-htm/UreshiiHinamatsuri.htm
Saturday, February 23, 2008
春とらしい Feels like Spring
今週は天気がいい。昨日は14℃だった今日も16℃だ！でも明日はおんどが8℃に下る。さて、もうすぐ春が来る。
This week, the weather is beautiful. Yesterday it was 14C, today it's 16C! But tomorrow, the temperature goes down to 8C. Well, Spring will come soon!
This week, the weather is beautiful. Yesterday it was 14C, today it's 16C! But tomorrow, the temperature goes down to 8C. Well, Spring will come soon!
Friday, February 22, 2008
ヘアカット Haircut
今朝美容院に行った。美容院がいいだ。美容院がアメリカに住んでいたから英語が本とにじょうずだ。
I went for a haircut this morning. My hairdresser is very good. And because he lived in America, his English is excellent.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
書くの Writing
今日はブログの書くのがむずかし。。。今朝友だちのCDをコピーした、そしてブログがわすれた、今なにもを書くことができない！
It's difficult to write my blog today... This morning I copied a CD for a friend and forgot my blog, now I can't think of anything to write!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
見ているような人 Couch potato
あーあー！インタネトでイギリスのテレビを見ることができる。。。幸運じゃないかな。。。！昨日りょうしんが沖縄の長生きのテレビのプログラムと話した。インタネトの大要を見た。。。
Uh-oh, this is bad! I can watch British television on the internet... Maybe this is not a good thing! It all started when Mum and Dad told me they were going to watch a programme on Okinawan longevity. I looked on the internet for a summary...
A clip from the programme can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/broadband/tx/101/highlights/
Uh-oh, this is bad! I can watch British television on the internet... Maybe this is not a good thing! It all started when Mum and Dad told me they were going to watch a programme on Okinawan longevity. I looked on the internet for a summary...
A clip from the programme can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/broadband/tx/101/highlights/
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
けいたいのカメラ The camera on my phone
今けいたいのカメラがつかうことができるからしあわせだ。沖縄はクリスマスにわるい写真をとった。ざんねんだった。この次に写真のほうがよいといいだ。
Now that I've got the hang of the camera on my phone, I'm pleased with my photos. In Okinawa at Christmas, the pictures didn't turn out well, which was a shame. Next time they'll be better hopefully.
Now that I've got the hang of the camera on my phone, I'm pleased with my photos. In Okinawa at Christmas, the pictures didn't turn out well, which was a shame. Next time they'll be better hopefully.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
今日はお休みかな Today maybe is a day off...
今日はお休みがはたらきなきゃかな。。。電話をしないといいだ！
Today is a day off, but I might have to work... I hope the phone doesn't ring!
Today is a day off, but I might have to work... I hope the phone doesn't ring!
京王百草園 Keio Mogusa Garden
やった！今日百草園に行った。7時に出た14時にかえった。百草園までは2時間のたびだった。きれいだったが私はちょっと早い行ったかな。もうすぐのほうがきれいだかな。うめの花のよい香りがした。来年は百草園に3月に行くとおもう。もっとしゃしんが左リンクに。
Yay! I got to Mogusa Garden today! Left at 7, back at 2 - 2 hour jouney each way. It was beautiful although I was perhaps a couple of weeks too early. It will be even more beautiful soon I think. The smell of plum blossom was beautiful. Next year I think I'll visit again in March.
More photos at the link to the left.
Yay! I got to Mogusa Garden today! Left at 7, back at 2 - 2 hour jouney each way. It was beautiful although I was perhaps a couple of weeks too early. It will be even more beautiful soon I think. The smell of plum blossom was beautiful. Next year I think I'll visit again in March.
More photos at the link to the left.
Friday, February 15, 2008
めんどうくさい！ Annoying!
昨日は私のアパートが会社のインターネットに見た。今アパートの会社が私のアパートを賃貸したい。まじ？もう６月間私のアパートだよ。移転したなかったからちょと心配する。！４月か５月にしはらうことができる。
Yesterday I saw my apartment up on the apartment company's website, because the company now wants to ensure rent after I leave. Seriously?! It's my apartment for another 6 months - I've paid. I'm a little worried because I don't really want to move, although obviously if I have to it's ok. In April or May, I'll be able to cough up for another year! If I lose it though, I lose it - now, I'm looking to see if there is anything better that I can find!
Yesterday I saw my apartment up on the apartment company's website, because the company now wants to ensure rent after I leave. Seriously?! It's my apartment for another 6 months - I've paid. I'm a little worried because I don't really want to move, although obviously if I have to it's ok. In April or May, I'll be able to cough up for another year! If I lose it though, I lose it - now, I'm looking to see if there is anything better that I can find!
冬のみかんの木 Winter orange tree
今すごく寒いからあぬったいの国に住んでいることを忘れることは易しい！とつせんに電車でみかんの木を見る。日本に住んでいると思い出す！
When it's cold like now it's easy to forget you live in a subtropical country until you suddenly see an orange tree from the train!
When it's cold like now it's easy to forget you live in a subtropical country until you suddenly see an orange tree from the train!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
和歌 Japanese waka poetry
火曜日は学生が多少のすうのわかをくれた。すごくおもしろい！少しが読むことができる。少しもわかることができる！日本語がしんこうする、かな！学生にきょうようをならったからそのレスンがとくべつにおもしろかった！
On Tuesday, one of my adult students kindly gave me some copies of waka poetry and waka cards. (Waka are traditional 31 syllable poems, so different from the 5,7,5 structure of haiku.) It's extremely interesting! I can even read and understand some of them! Progress in Japanese! It made for an especially interesting lesson from my point of view because I got a culture lesson!
On Tuesday, one of my adult students kindly gave me some copies of waka poetry and waka cards. (Waka are traditional 31 syllable poems, so different from the 5,7,5 structure of haiku.) It's extremely interesting! I can even read and understand some of them! Progress in Japanese! It made for an especially interesting lesson from my point of view because I got a culture lesson!
スエードジャケットの成功！Suede jacket success!
すてきスエードジャケットをもっているがさいきんふｒくてきたないとみたいだ。ジャケットがうすくて青だ。大好きのジャケット！スエードのシャンプーをためた、ジャケットをせんたくした、クリーナーにもって行った。。。でも月曜日はスチックスエードクリーナーを買った。すごい！今えりが新しいとみたいだ。やった！
I have a nice suede jacket but recently it looks old and dirty. The jacket is light blue and it's my favourite! I tried suede shampoo, washing it, taking it to the dry cleaners... But on Monday, I bought a stick suede cleaner. Fantastic! Now the collar looks new! Hooray!
I have a nice suede jacket but recently it looks old and dirty. The jacket is light blue and it's my favourite! I tried suede shampoo, washing it, taking it to the dry cleaners... But on Monday, I bought a stick suede cleaner. Fantastic! Now the collar looks new! Hooray!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Troop of the 100
このビデオが大好き！ かんがえは100人がでたらめな人をあるきすぎる。。。とてもおもしろい！
I love this video! The general idea is that 100 people walk past an unsuspecting random person... Very funny!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
おわった！Finished!
今そうじをおわった！ややした。。。日本に3年間に住んでいる。にだいこうてんした! たくさんのことが少しずつためているから、きれいなへやが ふかのうなことだ。。。！
Now I've finished my tidying. Well, almost done... It's a big change for the better! I've been in Japan for 3 years. Because I've gradually accumulated so much stuff, keeping my room tidy is almost impossible...!
Now I've finished my tidying. Well, almost done... It's a big change for the better! I've been in Japan for 3 years. Because I've gradually accumulated so much stuff, keeping my room tidy is almost impossible...!
Friday, February 8, 2008
そうじはめんどうくさい！ Cleaning is a nuisance!
明日はうめの花を見たいから、京王百草園にいくつもりであっている。でも、アパートはすごくむさくるしい。だからもうそろそろ部屋へやをかたづけなきゃ。それは一日をようするでしょうかな。。。なにをする？！
I was planning to go to Keio Mogusa Garden tomorrow because I want to see the plum blossom there. But my flat is incredibly messy, so it's high time I do some tidying. And that could take all day... What to do?!
I was planning to go to Keio Mogusa Garden tomorrow because I want to see the plum blossom there. But my flat is incredibly messy, so it's high time I do some tidying. And that could take all day... What to do?!
おぼえるのはむずかしい！Remembering is difficult
さいきん新しい文法をべんきょうしているがぜんぜんつかいない。そうおぼえるのむずかしいとさとる。
In recent days, I'm studying a lot of new grammar, but I never use it. I find it difficult to remember it.
In recent days, I'm studying a lot of new grammar, but I never use it. I find it difficult to remember it.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
やった！JLPT4を成功した！ Hooray! I passed JLPT4!
昨日とてもうれしかった！今日もうれしい！なぜ？JLPT4を成功したから。次のチャレンジはJLPT3だ。できる、ぜひやる！いっしょうけんめいべんきょうする。
JLPT4はしょほうの日本語のテストだ。しょほの文法と800言葉と100漢字ぐらいをおもいなや。
Yesterday, I was very happy. Today I am still happy. Why? Because I passed JLPT4. Next challenge is JLPT3. I can do it! Study hard!
JLPT4 is a basic Japanese test. You have to know basic grammar, about 800 words of vocabulary and 100 kanji.
JLPT4はしょほうの日本語のテストだ。しょほの文法と800言葉と100漢字ぐらいをおもいなや。
Yesterday, I was very happy. Today I am still happy. Why? Because I passed JLPT4. Next challenge is JLPT3. I can do it! Study hard!
JLPT4 is a basic Japanese test. You have to know basic grammar, about 800 words of vocabulary and 100 kanji.
また雪がふっている It's snowing again!
また雪がふっている。今日はスニーカーをはいて、学校にとうちゃくしてはきかえる。
It's snowing again! Today, I will wear trainers and change when I get to work.
It's snowing again! Today, I will wear trainers and change when I get to work.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
東京の花 Tokyo flowers
日曜日はすてきな本を買った。毎きせつの東京の花のガイド。しゃしんはきれい。いいさんぽものっている。楽しみ！
On Sunday I bought a lovely book - it's called 'A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo'. The photos are beautiful. More importantly, some great walks are described. I'm looking forward to them!
On Sunday I bought a lovely book - it's called 'A Flower Lover's Guide to Tokyo'. The photos are beautiful. More importantly, some great walks are described. I'm looking forward to them!
Monday, February 4, 2008
新しい電気そうじき New vacuum cleaner
きょうは古い電気そうじきがこわれただから新しいのを買った。この新しい電気そうじきのほうがパワフルだ。ひるハリーポッター4を見た。よかったがハリーポッター3は見てなかったらしい。。。
Today, I bought a new vacuum cleaner, because my old one broke. This new one is more powerful than the last. This afternoon, I watched the 4th Harry Potter film. It was good, but it would seem that I didn't see the 3rd...
Today, I bought a new vacuum cleaner, because my old one broke. This new one is more powerful than the last. This afternoon, I watched the 4th Harry Potter film. It was good, but it would seem that I didn't see the 3rd...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
等々力の谷、東京 Todoroki Valley, Tokyo
東京に谷がある。ほんとに！今朝、そこへ行った。とうとうも、今日は雪がふった。やった！きれいだった！
06:45に家を出て08:15に等々力にとうちゃくした。一時間ぐらいさんぽしたあとで、自由が丘のSTARBUCKSでコーヒーを飲んだ。それから渋谷へ買い物にいった。
もっとしゃしんが左リンクに。
There is a valley in Tokyo. Yes, honestly! And this morning, I went there。 Moreover, finally it snowed today! Hooray! It was beautiful!
I left home at 6:45 and got to Todoroki at 8:15. Walked for about an hour and then went to Jiyuugaoka or a Starbuck's coffee. After that, I went to Shibuya to do some shopping.
More photos at the link to the left.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
イタイー！！！ Ouuuch!!!
インフォメーションがたいせつだ！日本のゲームショーだ。きょうぎしゃがおわらいタレントだ。毎週は同じきょうぎしゃがいる。このエピソードはわらてはいけない。ビデオでおわらいタレントもいるがえんじていないらしい。。。
Some background information is necessary! This is from a Japanese game show. The contestants are comedians, and the same every week. They are not allowed to laugh in this episode. On the video, he's also a comedian, but he's not acting apparently...
Friday, February 1, 2008
さよならはかなしい！ Goodbyes are sad!
昨日はがかなしい日だった！とてもじょうずで楽しい生徒に「さよなら」を話しなきゃった。生徒はまだ9さいだが話すのはじょうず！きれいな折り紙とかわいくて長い手紙をもらいました。でも、さいごの日としらなかったからそれはいけなかった。だから来週手紙を書こう。
Yesterday was a sad day! I had to say goodbye to a very clever and fun student. She is only 9 years old, but her speaking is great! I received some beautiful origami and a sweet, long letter. But it was a shame because I didn't realise it was her last day. So I'll write a letter next week!
Yesterday was a sad day! I had to say goodbye to a very clever and fun student. She is only 9 years old, but her speaking is great! I received some beautiful origami and a sweet, long letter. But it was a shame because I didn't realise it was her last day. So I'll write a letter next week!
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