TOP GEAR

This world-famous TV programmes is my favorite one. There are 3 main anchors in it. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. In the TV show, they mainly do a silly but funny challenges. For example, they succeeded in across the English channel by using amphibious hot-rod cars (they challenged many times).

That programme makes me laugh every time, and its beautiful footage attracts me as well. I love to watch speeding car on winding road in the astonishing landscape. Japanese TV must learn from them.

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ESL podcast

I usually listen to podcast while I'm moving, especially in my car because I like speaking English following podcast. In the car, no matter how much I speak loudly, nobody cares. This podcast is really useful for English learners. Dr. Jeff Mcquillan, who is the host of this podcast, gives us a good example of conversation at a slow pace. It is really audible and it gives me an abundant words and phrases. I think that only listening to something have no effect on someone's improving listening ability. Speaking English with listening English can build our listening skill.

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Kidnapping

The government and the most of Japanese media are reporting that Haruna Yukawa, who were kidnapped by ISIS, killed by the terrorist group. Other hostage, Kenji Goto, expressed that fact holding picture of his body in front of a camera. I think that an act of terrorism is outrageous and impermissible. Why do they kill people who have no animosity against them? People often say that everybody can understand each other, but I think it is impossible.

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Spring vacation

In may this year, I go to my old high school and teach English as a trainee teacher there. I have feelings of anxiety and anticipation. In order to sweep away that negative feelings, I must try to study harder ever before. I think I can quit my part-time job in next month, and there are only a few classes next spring semester, so nobody interrupts my study.In Spring vacation, I want to immerse myself into studying English and teaching-related studying.  

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Kumamoto Castle Marathon

Next February, I'm going to run in Kumamoto Castle Marathon. This is the second time of my race. Last year, I ran the same race, and I managed to ran through whole distance in 5 hours and 30 minutes. I want to break the record this time, but it is really doubtful because now I'm really fat. Because of the final examination, I'm apt to gain weight by eating lots of snacks or food when I meet stress such as examination.

Everybody knows that the risk of overweight. Of course I know. According to a study, in theory, if you lose 1 kg, you can shorten 20 minutes of race. I'm now about 70 kg, so I must lose weight at least 10 kg. 10 kg? Is it possible? Kumamoto Castle Marathon hold February 15th. I suppose I can start to lose weight after the examination, maybe there is only 10 days to lose weight.

Umm..how should I do? I haven't bought a pair of shoes yet. I don't want to be injured.

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New PC!

When I entered faculty of commerce of KGU, about 9 years ago, I bought a NEC's personal computer which was a little bit expensive, and I was really excited to have the machine. Since then, I had been relying on it when I find something information. However, last 2 years, it had been in trouble. When I tried to search, it often frozen. It also affected my homework, so I decided to buy a new one for the first time in about 10 years.

I bought a HP's cheap but high spec machine, and I'm writing essay by using it. It is smaller than older one, making less noise, and the best thing is really fast. I can browse Internet without any stress. I think I can get along with it. I'm looking forward to arrange some settings.

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EIKEN

Again, again, again...I'm sure that I failed Eiken again. I know I didn't study for the test at all, but I thought perhaps I could pass the exam. However, the reading section was really difficult. I realized that I don't have a vocabulary than I thought myself. Maybe writing essay wasn't bad. I managed to wrote a good essay. As to listening section, I could get a good score because I was able to catch not a few conversation. However, as a whole, I must not be reach a passing score. In addition, there is one thing I want to complain about staffs at the examination site.

During the exam, most examinees are concentrate on the test. Every little noise make us unhappy. In today's test, we had an unexpected accident. While examinees were tackling the examination, staffs, who were outside of the room, using transceiver making big noise. I couldn't understand that, but I can forgive them if they do that only one time. However, they were speaking through the device more than 4 times. I don't know what other people thought, but I can't believe their action, so after the exam, I went to see them so that they must not using the machine for the next test. Am I wrong? No, I'm not wrong, and I'm planning to send a complaint e-mail to the EIKEN association.

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Go Kei!

The Australian Open tennis tournament begins today. I'm really looking forward to watch Kei's match. According to web news, everybody can watch his game on NHK. Yeah! They made it!!!Good for you!!!!

That one of the prestigious tennis tournaments in the world used to broadcast about 10 years ago, but it hasn't air for years. First, I must apologize to him for I didn't trust his succeed. Since 2008, when he won the cup in Delray Beach International Tennis Championship, I have been cared him. I wanted him to success, but in those times, he often injures, so he seemed to be unsatisfied his level of performance.

Therefore, I thought he could reach within top 30, but it was impossible to come to top 10 players. However, he succeeded. In 2014, last US Open, Kei defeated No. 1 ranked Novak Djokovic in the semi final. It was breathtaking and thrilling game I've ever watched before. I couldn't believe that physically-deprived Japanese triumphed that Djokovic!

Hopefully, I want to watch a match between Kei and Roger Federer. The greatest legendary king of tennis is an idol not only Kei but also for me. Good luck!!

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Freedom of expression?

About 2 weeks ago, two Islamic extremists attacked satirical weekly newspaper "Charlie Hebdo" in Paris. Because of the raid, 12 employees were killed by the culprits with rifles. After that, they fled to suburb of the Paris. They locked themselves in printing factory holding hostages. At the same time, other one terrorist held around 20 hostages in a Jewish supermarket.

All of the assailants were killed by special forces, but it seems that people living in the world, not to mention French, shocked by that catastrophic incident. After the terror, tens of millions of civilians gathered in Place de la Republique, in order to demonstrate against terrorism. Lots of countries criticized the series of terrorist attacks, and addressed the importance of solidarity of the International society.

First of all, I agree with the opinion that people should not use violence in any circumstances. It is a worst action. However, in this case, the newspaper has a responsibility for itself. It seems that they rationalize their satire on Muhammad. I heard that people living in western countries regard people don't accept satire as not having sense of humor. I don't know whether it is true or not, but due to the lack of sufficient attention to Islamic religion made this terror, I guess.

Freedom of expression is really important right for people to living this normal life. The end does not justify the means.

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Here he comes

On December 23rd, I was heading to Kumamoto airport in order to pick my older sister and her son up. It was cleared up, and I saw  beautiful mountains on the way there. When I arrived the airport at 3:20 p.m., the plane which they are boarding on, had already landed at , but they weren't. After a short while, I got an e-mail saying "We are behind you". I turned toward the back, and there they were.

I haven't seen him since last February, so he totally forgot me. I spoke to him "Hey, long time no see! Kousuke!", but he just looked up me with holding her mother's pants. Then we drove back home.

At first, he was afraid of entering home, and seems feeling uncomfortable being there. However, he gradually got used to living. My sister brought some toys from their home for him. As you can see above the picture, the Plarail toy trains are one of them. He can't make any sentences, only speaks "Mama" or "Bowwow", but when I was watching him, he was running around in rooms, he suddenly noticed my presence, and brought a box which contains the Plarail in it to me.

And his mother said "He wants you to make rail track." Then I started to make it. While I'm making it, he was gazing at the scene. After I finished making it, and put a battery-operated toy train on the rail track, he was really really excited. According to sister, he loves to watch train, not to mention, real one.

He left home on January 8th. I wanted see them off at the airport, but unfortunately, I caught a flu at that time, so just waving hands from upstairs. He was laughing with waving back. I hope he will be able to speak Japanese the time I see him next time.

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New Year

During the New Year's season, from January 1 to 3, I had been working at my work place, and I have to go there shortly after this. I'm sick of working at the place any more. I feel as if I were a disposable and useful tool myself. Considering my own situation, it is the time for me to leave.

However, how am I going to live without salary? After quit the job, I wonder if I can get a nicer one? Hmm... I think that cram school teacher or tutor would be best, they give me a great opportunity to teach English or other subjects to students. But there is one thing I'm afraid of. Do they allow me to work less than 2 or 3 days a week? I assume they don't. It's reality that sucks.

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Nephew

The day after tomorrow, correctly speaking, on December 23rd, my older sister's baby boy is going to visit us. Last time I met him, about a year ago, he was able to stand himself and chased after my dog around in the house. The dog was really tired of take care of him. He couldn't speak a language well at that time, he was just smiling and saying "au-au-ba-" or something like that.

However, according to my sister, he recently started to speak "Mom" and "Dad". He mad a good progress. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in ages. Does he remember me? I hope he will. Anyway, is it better to prepare something fun for him? In accordance with her, he loves "Thomas the talking steam train", so I'll get a toy or something as soon as tomorrow. I hope that it makes him happy.

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Wedding Ceremony

About a month ago, I went to my friend's wedding ceremony. I intended to post this article the next day of the ceremony, but I totally forgot about it. As you can see, I couldn't prepare the small photo. I don't like Blogger's degree of freedom of picture settings, I wonder if I should complain it to them. Anyway, I enjoyed that bridal. It was a beautiful early winter day, gentle sunshine kept visitors warm.

 

The groom was a friend from high school. He was in another faculty, but we belonged to the same tennis club, and built a good relationship. When we were in the club, he was one of the strongest players of us, and in Kumamoto as well. According to him, he hasn't played tennis recently, and plays badminton insted.

 

Because it was a tennis club member's marriage, some members gathered from around the country. Most of them came from Kumamoto, but rest of them came from Aichi, Tokyo, and Fukuoka. There were friends I haven't heard from them recently, so we enjoyed having conversation about memories of high school days.

 

The ceremony went well, and an after party as well. However, every time I attend my friends' marriage party, the happiness atmosphere put me into desperate situation. If I were they, would I behave just like them? In the first place, would I able to get married someone who loves me? Does god know?  

 

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Spiders

I loathe any spiders. My home is in a countryside, so various kinds of spiders are inhabit in and out of it. The other day, I came back home from my part-time job, and had a late supper, then took a shower. After that, I was going up stairs so that I had to get ready to my bed, and on way up stairs, I found a presence of big spider.

I couldn't move, and look aside from it. I wonder why they are so yucky? I assume that they don't match not only a insect but also other living things around our living area. I ended up driving the spider away by using a stick. I could kill it, but didn't do it because cleaning up the body after smashed it makes me nervous as is the case with cockroaches. 

What's more, tiny spiders appeared when I cleaned my room last week. They were tiny, and also jumping when they flee. Their existence brings me a feeling of anxiety and gets me irritated. They moved swiftly and randomly, so it was really difficult to guide them in a exit direction. Finally, I decided to confine them in an empty case of yoghurt. I approached them slowly, and put the case on them eventually. Then I had left it as it was for a week, and saw its inside a couple of days ago. I expected that there should be bodies inside it, but nothing left in it. 

Did I miss to catch them? No, that's unlikely to occur, but they were gone actually. They must be  lift the case, and escaped from it. Finally, two days ago, I caught the same tiny spiders again with the same way, and put a weight on it this time. Is there likelihood of them escaping from it? perhaps, perhaps not. It's a state of Schroedinger's cat. 

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Summer

I'm going to write about “Summer”, but it's not about the season, about movie. Last week, I borrowed “500 days of Summer” How many times do I watch it? and why do I watch many times? Exactly, the main actress Zooey Deschanel is cute and fascinating, but is that the only reason? No, it's not. I'm sure that I'm sympathize with the man who is swayed by Summer. I understand that his feeling. Why women often change their feelings suddenly? When I meet girlfriend, at first, she smiles at me, and we can have a peaceful conversation. However, before I knew it, she turns into a bad mood. Even if I ask her what the caused by, she doesn't answer me. Women are mysterious. What are they thinking? What do they want for men? The reason why I watch it is to hope the boyfriend of Summer. 

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EIKEN!!!

I failed the exam again. How many times do I have to take it? It was my 4th time taking the test. This time, a passing grade was 68, and I got 65!!! It is so close,  isn't it? To be honest, the result of the test made me really depressed. If I had studied harder before the exam, I might be pass it. Nobody sees this blog anyway, so I will excuse myself. The man who was sitting in diagonally backward left of me was extremely noisy!!! I don't care if he makes noise in writing section, I can read questions over and over. However, please, please don't make any noise in listening section!!!

At that time, I haven't slept in couple of days, so I was about to screaming. Either way, I failed again, so what should I do now? I understand that I'm not good at listening, it is my weak point. How can I enhance my listening skill? Speak to exchange student? No, it's not realistic because I'm a shy man, aren't I? So, the only way to build my listening ability is to solve past exam questions over and over again. In addition, doing shadowing when I stay in my room. The next test will be carried out in this October, so I have about 3 months to study. I'm aiming to get Grade 1 test in this year, so there is no time to waste. Do your best. 

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About blogging

Since started to writing essays, book reviews, and keeping diaries, I think that my writing skill has developed from the beginning. To write essays or something, I have to check the English words and phrases many times, in order to express everything in English from Japanese. In the process, I learned a lot of expression, and paraphrase. To develop, and enhance my writing ability, at any rate, I must continue to writing something short dairy essays.

 The disadvantages of writing is that it takes a lot of time to write something. To be able to write my thoughts down on my blog without using dictionary, I have to memorize more expressions, words and phrases.

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Snacks

I love to eat snacks such as chocolate chip cookies, biscuits, a bar of chocolate, chips and so on. Every time I feel stress, I go to groceries stores, and buy a variety of snacks there. So, especially in the period of final exams, I usually get fat, and after about a half of months, I have to lose my weight. However it is very hard to lose fat which put on around my berry, thighs and hips. I understand that eating between meals makes me chubby, but I can't stop eating.

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My dog

I'm going to write about my dog which name is Henry. He is 9 year-old male dachshund. He has cream hair, cute rounded eyes, weird right ear, and he is a little bit fat. Because of his advancing age, he got a backache recently, so I often take him to an animal hospital. I want him to be in good shape as long as possible. He likes to play with small balls. I throw them, he fetches them many of times.
 I take him for a walk, but since he was a puppy, he doesn't really like to go for a walk. Correctly speaking, I think he isn't interested in going for a walk because his walking speed is as almost same as turtle. Every 1 or 2 meters, he sniffs something. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get home only 200 meters. At first, I was so boring to wait for his pace, but now, I used to keep pace with him, and enjoy it.

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My Grandma

Last Sunday, my parents and I went to a hospital in which 20 minutes away from my house. My paternal grandmother who has been hospitalized there since last couple of years. Maybe 5 years ago, she was able to walk and speak clearly, every time I see her, she says “Oh, dear ! Come on in ! How are you doing ?”. Then we had a talk about rambling conversation a long time. However, she suddenly turned into bedridden recently, and her physical and mental were getting worse and worse, and now, she couldn't move her body herself except her hands and face.

She sits on wheelchair-like bed, and staring at outside of rooms or empty areas. She sometimes reacts when we speak to her, she gazing at us, and nods many times. Sad to say, I think she doesn't recognize us. I'm extremely sad when I noticed that she couldn't understand my name, and even her son, my father's name. She still alive now, she can breathe, she can feel pain, she can eat, but she doesn't remember anything at all. Is she virtually dead isn't she ? I have been thinking of what is the true meaning of the death.

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