120% coool

A Very Happy New Year

2007-01-01T11:57:00.000+09:00

I havent come to my page for ... ages. It is time to back. How was your old year? Hope this year is gonna be wonderful for all of us.

My new years resolutions are... drink less, lose some weight, wrap up my essays, and keep blogging!!

I'm having such a nice holidays. I have to write down about it, next week.

Have a lovely new years day, guys.

bad news

2006-11-27T12:50:00.000+09:00

My friend's father is sick and he is in the hospital at the moment. It was so sudden that she was so shocked. It is the same situation as mine. My father had a bad disease so suddenly, and he was in the hospital for 2 weeks or so.
I can understand her feeling a bit. I hope he'll be well soon.

a seminar

2006-11-20T13:06:00.000+09:00

My special seminar has started. It is for students who would like to study abroad in my university. It is not normal class, so we have to pay. I definitely think it is worth paying. That is why it is my second time to join. One of the big reasons is my teacher: as I've written about her, she is thoughtful, funny, and clever woman. Needless to say, her English is great. She's done a lot of experiences, and I like to hear her story.
I'm happy to see her again.

a bad weekend

2006-11-20T13:01:00.000+09:00

I don't mean that I've had a bad weekend, but I've done lazy weekend. I was going to do my essay during last weekend, but I couldn't. well, I should say `I didn't.' Essay's deadline is coming soon: I have to hand it in my teacher the middle of next month.

a big city

2006-11-15T12:51:00.000+09:00

I had the afternoon off and went to hakata for my business yesterday. I usually go to there by train, but drove to there yesterday. Quite long way.
Then, I did something to do, and then went to Tenjin. My brother's girlfriend works there, and I met her to give something. A lot of shops and departments had gorgeous christmas illuminations. I felt a bit strange to see, though tt was gorgeous sight. The reason is this climate. It has been getting cold, but much warmer than usual, I guess. I don't like cold weather, but it still give me a strange feeling. What is going on??

Anyway, she was very fine, and happy to get my present. Great! We promised to eat out together in the very near future. I feel that I get on well with her very much, so I'm excited to see her again.

Then, I had to drive to go home. Of course, I've got backache today.

TOEIC score

2006-11-10T08:26:00.000+09:00

I took TOEIC test last month, and had a result yesterday. My score was 100 score higher than former one. I've done pretty good, haven't I? It wasn't as high as my aim though.
I think TOEIC is more general than TOEFL, that is why I can't get good score with TOEFL. I know that is just my excuse...

By the way, I'm eating out with friend tonight. She is pregnant, so she is off the wagon right now, though she loves it. I cant drink by myself. Then, today is dinner-with-no drinking. Of course, we can still have a great time with good meal and talking. The restaurant that we are going is my favourite, but I haven't been there for several years. No wonder I'm excited to come. Hope it won't rain and very cold tonight.

winter has come

2006-11-09T13:06:00.000+09:00

It has been surprisingly warm days, and I was off. Then, here it comes. Cold winter suddenly has come. There are full of summer clothes in my closet. What shall I wear?? I still go to the university after work, and it is quite cold on my way home.
There is a bright side, though. I can wear the coat that I've just bought. I really looked forward to do that. It is such a cool one. haha!

I've just written to my English mum. She used to be my host mother, and still could keep in touch with me. How thoughtful. Her birthday is coming, so I'll post a birthday card as well.

restarted to blog

2006-11-08T12:52:00.000+09:00

I've been lazy these days so that I just passed to write blog. Then, I changed my mind and be work harder. Hope to keep this decision. I really doubt it.

I went for lunch with my cousins last week. I have over 10 cousins, and four of us were there. One of them has just married, so lunch was on us. As usual, I've selected the restaurant veeery carefully, and it was great one. I really wanna come again. We had starter, a bowl of soup, and fish dish and dessert. Surprisingly, we were served the different plates of dessert. It means we could have four different kinds of sweets, as we shared ours.
We talked about girls stuff. We are not friends, but felt closed. It was such a great time.

my big essay

2006-10-16T08:32:00.000+09:00

I have to write up my big essay by the end of January. It seems that I have planty of time, but actually, I haven't. I have to prepare as soon as I can. I've done last weekend, and realised that I had chosen such a complecated theme. I have to look up a lot of things such as UK's history, society and so on.
Then, my weekends will be full of essay. It will be my last one in my university, I'll do my best.

UK TV series

2006-10-12T08:13:00.000+09:00

I would like to buy DVD of Crakers or Frost, which are the U.K. TV series. I've watched Full house from my friend, and I've been into it. It was such a good fun, and great tool for English training. Now, I check amazon every day. I'm waiting good price.

nice to see her again

2006-10-11T08:14:00.000+09:00

I met my friend, who goes to the same university as mine. We haven't met for ages, so we talked a lot after class. We chatted for about 2 hours in outside. It was chilly, so I felt a bit cold this morning. We should have gone to a cafe or somewhere. After I went home, I felt so exhaused. I always feel this way. I've been going the university for 3years, but I don't get used to. 6 months left...

fatty weekend

2006-10-10T08:26:00.000+09:00

It was the first week of the second semester for me. Then, I had 3 days off as weekend and bank holiday. Guess what? I had several tins of beer on Friday and Saturday. Naturally, I put on some weight... I did have a walk for exercise, but it was nothing. So sad...

I saw Cinderella Man on DVD. I liked it a lot. I though it was too good to be true in the end, and didn't seem to be real. However, it was a true story, so it was very real. Moreover, Renee Zellweger is my favourite actress, so I saw it again and again. Her English was very differen from Bridget Jones Dialy, which was amazing. I like british English accent a lot, I wish I could speak just like Bridget Jones!

the last semester has begun

2006-10-06T08:13:00.000+09:00

the second semester began from this month. Hopefully, it will be my last one. I feel already kind of relieved. I mean, i just left a half year!!! I can't believe I've been my university for 3 years or so. Time flies. On the other hand, I do remember how I felt exhausted.
I and my friends are planning to wear hakama, which is kind of kimono at graduade ceremony. Before that, of course, I need to wrap up my essay. big one. Never mind.

talk to her

2006-09-28T08:13:00.000+09:00

My friend gave me a ring last night from Australia. Her voice wasnt good as she is cold now. It is still chilly in there. She is going back to Japan the end of this year for christmas holidays. I'm so excited to see her. We have a lot of things that we would like to do, eat and go. I'm sure that a week isn't long enough for us. Anyway, I'm very looking forward to seeing her. I can't wait!! It is the first time for her to be Japan in nearly 2 years, so she is very happy to go back too.

long time no write

2006-09-26T13:00:00.000+09:00

I just haven't felt writing blog recently. Moreover, I haven't got anything that write about.
My summer holidays are almost over, and I have to back to university from next week. So sad.

Now back to reality, and keep writing blog again.

My essay

2006-09-13T08:13:00.000+09:00

I haven't done my essay yet. It is quite unusual to me: I always finish my assignment as soon as I can. One of the reason is TOEFL test. I concentrating on studying of TOEFL, so I had no time to do my essay.

However, that situation will happen a lot. I need to do other two essays during second semister. Moreover I have to take TOEFL test again, and I have some other lessons to take. Of course, I've got a work as usual. WOW!! lack of time is no excuse. my second semister is starting next month. I need to wrap up my essay at least.

nice chat

2006-09-12T08:10:00.000+09:00

I ate out with my friend last Friday. Yep, I've done a lot of things. What about my essay? I'm doing it now. I really hope it will be finished by this week.

Anyway, three of us used to work together. One of them, named Shiho, has left there as personnel changes, and other, she is Masami, has shifted to other office. Then, I meet Masami quite often, as we go to the same company. However, I don't have a chance to meet Shiho, so we haven't met together for ages. Actually, the last time we met was the end of January, which was Shiho's wedding.
I went to a pub that Shiho recommend. Actually, there were planty of nice food. We had many dishes, and talked a lot. Both of them are married, and they told me how their lives were. Of course it was pretty different from mine, and I enjoyed to listen to them.
What a shame my summer holidays will finish soon.

went to Hakata

2006-09-11T08:16:00.000+09:00

I went to Hakata on Saturday. There was a seminar of studying abroad in the U.K, and I joined there. After that, I met my teacher. She was used to be my teacher, but not anymore. I've had her class just about 10 times, but I really liked her. Then, I mailed her to meet.
She took me such a great Korean restaurant. It was the best Korean food that I've ever had. The most I liked was a chicken soup. I would like to have it again...
We had nice chat, and enjoyed a lot. Hope she did too. She lives in Hakata, and rarely comes to Kitakyushu, so I can't meet her so often. However, I hope we can meet again.

feel strange...

2006-09-06T08:15:00.000+09:00

I've got a call from my ex-coworker last night. We haven't neither met nor talked for such a long time. We have worked together for 2 years, and then he changed workplace. We had a good relationship, I guess. He was an honest and kind man, so I liked him very much. He also talked about his family. It sounded very happy family to me.
Surprisingly, he gave me a ring to ask me to borrow some money. I was so surprised. It was quite a few unlike him. I declined him but felt strange. I feel sad, confused, worry and a bit angry. Of course I don't know all of him so he might be dishonest person, but it is hard to believe to me. Anyway, I hope he is all right.

TOEFL-ITP

2006-09-05T13:02:00.000+09:00

I've got the result of TOEFL ITP which I took last month. The score was 510, which was better than before. However, I need a bit more. .. Keep going, or I won't be able to make it.

my friend's birthday

2006-08-28T08:12:00.000+09:00

I went for a lunch with my friend on Sunday. Her birthday has just come, so it was my treat. I haven't met her for a month. We had a nice chat. I invited her a french restaurant of my favourite. This restaurant is a bit pricey for me, so it was nice chance to come. I don't choose there normally. Both of us love eating, so I really wanna take her my favourite restaurant. Glad that she likes there.
Actually, it tasted great. Well, not only taste great, but also big lunch: I couldn't have dinner yesterday...

Needless to say, we talked a lot. We spent about 3 hours in there!

She is looking for a job at the moment. Hope she will be able to get good one.

my weekend

2006-08-21T08:13:00.000+09:00

I took official TOEFL-PBT exam last Saturday. It was the first time for me to take it, though I've done TOEFL-ITP. I needed my passport for identification. How strict!
It was done at 13:30pm, and then I went for a lunch with my friend. She's just engaged, so I treated her. We haven't met for ages, so it was very nice to see her again. I had such a great time. Moreover, the meal was delicious. The restaurant I chose was one of my favourite, so I was happy that she liked it as well.
She is pregnant right now and due is the end of January. I'm excited to see her baby.

my brother came home

2006-08-16T08:14:00.000+09:00

He lives in Fukuoka city, and rarely comes back to our home. It was the first time to come back to home for him in several months. We had dinner together at home. He hasn't been very well recently, but he looked all right.
After dinner, we chatted for a while and then he left. That was quick! He talked about himself such as his work, girl friend and so on. My parents were happy to hear these. He is 27 years old, but still just a child for them.

hang over

2006-08-14T08:15:00.000+09:00

I went for a drink with my co-workers on Thursday. We went a pub and Karaoke. At first, I didn't drink a lot because I had a work next day, but finally, I completely forgot about it. I've done this kind of mistake many times, and I did it again...
Needless to say, I was so hang over on Friday. I even couldn't feel sleepy. Just I felt heavy. too hard to concentrate on my work. It was such a long day. I've decided not to go out during weekdays.

something for my friend

2006-08-09T08:18:00.000+09:00

My friend is engaged. She isn't having a wedding, so I've looked for something for her wedding. I went to Kokura last Sunday to look for something. It was very difficult to find out. I walked, walked and walked...Then, finally I've got it!!
What I bought for her were a pair of bowls. I hope she likes it. I'm going to meet her next week.

After TOEFL

2006-08-09T08:13:00.000+09:00

I'm taking official TOEFL next Saturday. Hoever, I kind feel flat, as I took TOEFL-ITP last Saturday. I really can't do that, next one is such an important test for my future. That is what I'm talking to myself.

TOEFL exam on Saturday

2006-08-07T08:07:00.000+09:00

I took TOEFL-ITP last Saturday. It was long, hard and tough one as usual. I was shocked that it was much harder than pre-exam that I kept doing it before test. Especially, listening part was ... disaster.

After that, I had some coffee with my friends. Both of them are going to Europe this summer. One is staying for nearly a year in Oxford as an exchange student. Other is staying France for a month, and then going around in Europe including the U.K. Envy them!! I wish I could go, as well. Never mind. I will, someday.

A friend of mine gave me a life between my house and the university. She is also a student of my university, but we aren't the same department. Then, we hardly meet there. We talked a lot in the car. I felt relaxed. To have a chat with my friend is great way to loosen up.

an early bird

2006-08-04T08:12:00.000+09:00

I'm an early riser. I normally go to the bed by 11:00pm, and wake up around 5:00am. I changed my lifestyle because of my skin problem. My doctor advised me to have sleep from 10:00pm to 2:00am. I'm a very good patient, aren't I? Hope my skin will be better.

To change the lifestyle causes some advantates. I can have some time to do something in the morning. For instance, I watched the movie this morning. After going home from my work, I'm pretty tired, so it is good to go to the bed early.

However, I'm often going out from next week, so my style might be change.

a lot of things to go

2006-08-03T08:10:00.000+09:00

my first semister has already done, but it doesn't seem holidays as I'm preparing TOEFL test. However, some friends mailed me to eat out. I hardly go during semister, so I'm looking forward to meet them as well. However, I have to keep my tension until TOEFL which is held on the 19th.

Moreover, I need to go on my papers during holidays. Well, it isn't holidays, is it?

skype her

2006-08-02T08:17:00.000+09:00

I skyped a friend of mine of in Australia last night. As usual, it was long, nice chat. ( Just incidentally, can I write ' skyped' as a past verb? )

She wasn't very well because she broke her boyfriend. I've had a bit semilar situation recently, so I really can see her feeling. How poor we are!! I'm all right, but she was pretty low, so I'm worry about her. She seems tough, but isn't really. I mean nobody can be so tough. Everybody can hurt easily. Hope she will be fine and find better boy. I'm sure she will, as she is such a nice girl.

I've been having trouble of love for a few months, and I couldn't do anything. However, I've decided to do something. No matter the result, I can have another step. No need to be afraid of hurting, just keep trying!!

messenger

2006-08-01T08:17:00.000+09:00

I had a chat with my teacher on Sunday. I've written about her before: she is one of my favourite teachers I've ever met. She is helpful, funny and thoughtful woman. I've taken her lesson just 10 times, I wish I had a bit more.
However, luckily, we still keep in touch each other, and I'm happy with that.
Anyway, tt was a nice chat. I was surprised that I even got some music from her through the messenger! I can't believe such a clever soft is free! Surprisingly, we spent about a few hours for that. What have we talked about? Well, a lot of things.
One of the topic is about my future. I'm thinking of my future at the moment, so I talked about it. Primarily, I have to get high TOEFL score...My TOEFL -IPT test is coming this Saturday. Break the leg!

my cousin's wedding

2006-07-31T08:10:00.000+09:00

You may think that how many weddings I'm going to attend. Don't worry, it was the last one. Well, at this point.
Needless to say, I know her very well. She seems my younger sister, so I was touched a lot. She was such a beautiful bride, and I was very proud of her. She wore a wedding dress and blue dress. Both of them suited her very much.
I was moved my friend's wedding too, but relative's one was a bit different, though both of them were great to see.
I have other 8 cousins who are single. I'll be able to attend their weddings in the future. Actually, one of us got bride's bouquet, so she'll be next bride. Never know!

TWE training 3

2006-07-27T08:13:00.000+09:00

Theme: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?It is always important to put family before career.Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

I believe that it is always important to put family before career. It is very important to take care of children especially during childhood. A friend of mine has mother who are busy with her work all the time, and she used to feel lonely when she was alone at home. She often had to buy her dinner at convenience store or somewhere. It is bad for her health. In fact, she is obesity right now, and suffer from going on a diet. I can see that to have work isn't bad for mother, but they can't ignore their own children. My mother always put me and my brother before everything else, and I really appreaciated her. How we are raised when we were children is important point to form our characters.
According to these reasons, I believe that it is always important to put family before career.

TWE training 2

2006-07-26T08:07:00.000+09:00

Theme: Pet should be treated like family members. Do you agree or disagree with the statement. Give the reasons to support your opinion.

I believe that pet should be treated like family members because of several reasons. First, when people have decided to have pet, it is because of they would like to. No one has pet without their hope. Therefore, it is hard not to love them. It means that they treated pet like family members.
Pet is much cleverer than most people would think, and they can feel master's feelings. If master don't love their pet, pet might do something bad to attract master's attention. Moreover it is hard to train their pet without loving, because master should be very patient. To have pet is to live together, so pet is a part of family members.

According to these reasons, pet should be treated like family members.

TWE training ①

2006-07-25T08:07:00.000+09:00

Theme: many people enjoy participating in sports for recreation, others enjoy participating in the arts. give thethe benefits of each, take a position, and defend it.

Both sports and arts have many advantates. Let's see sports first. Most sports have ccompany, which is good chance to have many friends. They can enjoy not only sports, but also keeping in touch with them. Moreover, it is good for your health. Basically, people who keep doing sports look very young. It is proved that to do exersise make your body healthy.
On the other hand, to enjoy participaing in the arts has also many good points. It is easy to keep doing even if they turn to very old. To use your hands and fingers such as painting, sawing and so on helps your brain young. Acutally, many researchers suggest that elder people do painting to prevent to be senile old people.

As I mentioned, both of them have a lot of advantates. However, I suggest that to enjoy participating in the arts is better than sports. Because we can enjoy the arts no matter how old we are. To keep doing sports is sometimes a bit difficult depends on our health. To have hobbies is very important for senior people. Therefore I suggest that to enjoy participating in the arts is better than sports.

classes are over

2006-07-23T19:43:00.000+09:00

and the summer holidays has come. I've had special classes for students who want to study abroad for 10 weeks. It was such fun classes. That is because of the teacher, she is one of the greatest teachers I've ever met. I like her very much. She isn't a teacher by profession, but she has many experiences as a teacher. Her lessons are interesting and thoughtful. Her character is also so attractive that I like her a lot.

That class was over on last Frieday. What a shame!! These classes costed me 25,000 yen, but it definitely is worth it.

Five students of us and the teacher ate out on Saturday. We had such a nice time. Although All of us are different age and major, we get on well very much. I'm happy to meet them, and hope to keep in touch in the future. The teacher could make a Mailing List for us, so we can have a contact pretty easily.

my friend's wedding

2006-07-20T08:16:00.000+09:00

It was my friend's wedding on last Sunday. She is a friend of mine of high school, and one of my closet friends. She was so beautiful bride. She is a cute woman basically, but she seemed completely different at the wedding. I guess it is because of her happiness. She wore kimono, wedding dress, and other dress. All of them suited her nicely.
Other friends came to there as well, and it was like alumni meeting. we talked, laughed and drank a lot. Just incidentally, food was so delicious that all of us ate up. no left over.
There is a kind of custom for bride to read a letter for her own parents. She did it too. I was touched and couldn't help crying. Her father has already passed away, so she suffered from that sorrow. Her letter reminded me of it. I really hope she and her husband will happy together.

Then, we went Kokura to have for a drink. We finnaly cautht last train. It was long, wonderful day.

a busy weekend

2006-07-19T08:10:00.000+09:00

From 14th to 18th, a friend of mine was staying at my place. She came to Kitakyushu to attend our friend's wedding. Let's see what we did during her staying.

She came to there Saturday evening. Her flight was from Tokyo to Yamaguchi, so she had to catch the train to get to Kokura station. I went to Kokura to gave her a lift. Unfortunately, however, there was a Kokura gion which was a big festival. Needless to say, there are so crowded that I couldn't park my car near the station. I parked at RiverWalk, and walked to the station. ( of course, Hard to walk. )

Anyway, we finally met and went to my place. Next day was our friend's wedding. Both of them are friends of high school, which means we had a long history. We were excited to see the bride. I'll write about it.

summer has come

2006-07-14T08:21:00.000+09:00

the rainy season has gone, and hello, summer!

It is so hot even in the morning. How can I survive ?
I walk to the office, and it takes 20 min. It is long enough to sweat. I need to change my cloth.
I'm sure it will be getting hotter and hotter...No way. I don't really mind hot but humid. That is horrible. On the other hand, Too much air conditioning makes me headache. It is pretty hard season for me. To go to the university is very hard work, because of this climate. Hopefully, summer holiday is coming soon. Yes!!

alone in a workplace

2006-07-10T08:13:00.000+09:00

I've got work on Saturday. I was the only person who worked on Saturday. Usually, we have work every other week so it was very unusual situation. Anyway, to work by alone was not too bad. Actually, it was very good situation to concentrate on working.
After work, I went to the library to wrap up my essay. Quiet, peaceful satuday, as always.

my friend gave to a birth

2006-07-06T08:16:00.000+09:00

A friend of mine had babys a few days ago. Actually, they are twins. Isn't it exciting? Two of them are boys. She had c-section and said that it was such a painful. I can't even guess how pain it is. Anyway three of them are fine, so I'm happy with it. I'm going to the hospital to see them tomorrow. Very excited to see them. She has a daughter of 4 years old, I wonder how she feels about her baby brothers.

an afternoon off

2006-07-05T08:17:00.000+09:00

I had an afternoon off yesterday. We have 6-day off for summer. Yes!!
I went to Kokura to have lunch with my friend before my class. Sadly, the restaurant that we wanted to go was closed. Then, we went to another one just around the university. I've been wanted to there for long time, so it was not bad choice. Unfortunetery, it wasn't as good as I expected. Anyway, after that, we went to Isetan for some tea and sweets. I had a cup of hot chocolate. It was great. I hardly have it, but it is my favourite.
I'm eating out on Thursday as well. Mind my weight!

World Cup

2006-07-04T08:17:00.000+09:00

I can't believe that I'm writing about the World Cup. I'm not interested in it. Actually, I haven't seen the matches though I know that Japan has lost. ( how can I miss that news?)

A lot of people are fond of football. It is kind of surprising for me. My mum's friend likes it, and she keeps seeing. No wonder she is sleepy all day.
I was going to eat out last week, but it was cancelled, because of the football match. I'm not angry with it at all, but I was surprised that they love it so much.
Anyway, it will end up this weekend.

going syopping, again

2006-07-03T08:15:00.000+09:00

I went shopping on Saturday. I couldn't help it, almost every shop has a sale.
Finally, I've decided a dress that I'm wearing at my friend's wedding. It was a simple black dress. I didn't like black dress on wedding, but it was beautiful one to me so I bought it. Never mind it costed fortune...
I bought few shirts, a one-piece dress and a pair of sandals. It wasn't good idea to go shopping just after bonus day. Anyway I'm very happy with my new clothes. I can't wait to wear!

skype her

2006-06-30T08:22:00.000+09:00

I skyped a friend of mine who lives in Australia. We haven't done for a long time, so we had a lot of things to talk though we write to each other sometimes. The greatest news was she is coming back to Japan in December for holiday. Isn't it exciting? Of course she has a lot of places she wanna go, food she wanna eat and so on. We have several favourite restaurants, so we should go all of them... I'm sure I need to go on a diet after she's back to Australia...never mind.

I'm kind of low these days, so it is such great news. I'm very excited to see her again. she is really special for me.

TOEFL test

2006-06-27T08:10:00.000+09:00

I applyed PBT TOEFL test yesterday. It is held on the 19th of August. I guess it is the last chance for me to take PBT version as it has already changed to Internet based Test. New system of test must be much harder than PBT so I'd better get high score this time.
I need high score to enter a graduate school in the UK next year. I'm not really sure if I can enter there right now. All I need to do is just keep trying.

Going shopping

2006-06-26T08:19:00.000+09:00

In this season, a lot of shops are having a sale, because it is time for bunus.
In fact, a lot of shops are starting to have a sale at the beginning of July, but some shops have already started. I and my mum went our favourite shop on Saturday.
The main purpose is to find nice dress for my friend's wedding. However I couldn't find any...well, I found nice black dress, but costed too much!! If I hadn't had to care about the price, I would have bought it. Sadly, I'm not that kind of person... What a shame.
Instead, I boutht some summer clothes. I can't wait to wear!!

We arrived at Kokura around 10:00am, and left there at 16:00pm.. We stayed too long time. It is always happend.

To think about my future

2006-06-22T07:02:00.000+09:00

I've been thinking about my future deeply recently. I'm looking up some graduate schools in the UK. I wonder if my English is good enough to go there. I'm doing my essay now, and it takes time to read books. I know that to worry is nothing help. What I can do is to keep improving my English and saving my money... Tuition fee is pretty expensive.

I really hope I'll be able to enter graduate school in the UK..

The result of my exam

2006-06-21T07:44:00.000+09:00

I've got the result of my exam in Osaka. I...couldn't pass. I'm very sorry. I knew it was very highly competitive, but I had a little hope. anyway... all right, change my mind.

I think I'll apply another scholarship next month. The problem is I need 550 TOEFL score( PBT). Mine is not high enough right now, so I need to hit the books. Keep trying!

The third day in Osaka

2006-06-19T08:23:00.000+09:00

It was the most important day for me, because it is my examination day. I had to had an interview which I hated.. I really am bad at speaking.

Anyway I had no chance. I couldn't speak fluently though I spoke in Japanese.
Then I took English exam like TOEFL.

After that, I went back to my friend's place. I was so tired that I couldn't speak for a while.

Then, my friend took me to Nanba, which was one of the busiest city in Osaka. We had takoyaki, and it made me better a bit.

I needed to attend my friend's wedding on Sunday, so I left Osaka that night.
It was such a nice trip. I was so happy to see my friends. We haven't met such a long time, but they welcomed me warmly. Thanks guys!!

Universal Studio Japan

2006-06-15T08:18:00.000+09:00

To be frank, I wasn't so interested in it before. If my friend hadn't ask me to go there, I wouldn't have visit there. How was that? I enjoyed sooo much!! If someone goes to Osaka, I'll recommend to go there. There are not only rides, but also stages. Both are great. Every ride has motif of movies such as E.T, Spider man, Back to the Future and so on.
Some rides had to be cafeful to get wet. Actually, I got soaked when I rode something.
It's not summer holiday or anything. so good time to go. We didn't have to queue long time.

After that, we ate out. The second night dinner was Okonomiyaki. It looks like pancake, but not sweet at all. I'll explain about it later.

the first night in Osaka

2006-06-14T08:18:00.000+09:00

I arrived at Osaka on Thursday evening. My friends were waiting for me. Then We went out for dinner. When it comes to Osaka, a lot of people pop up their mind 'Takoyaki' , 'Okonomiyaki' and so on. Kushi-age is one of famous dishes in Osaka. It is deep fried vegetables, fish, and meat. looks like 'Yakitori'. Then we dip them in the special souce and bite. They took me the nice shop which were long queue. We have to be patient for a while. However, I guess it was worth waiting. Honestly, I couldn't stop eating.

The next day we were going to Universal studio Japan. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep well.

a busy weekend

2006-06-12T08:12:00.000+09:00

I've got a lot of things to write about last weekend.

I left kitakyushu on Thursday morning. The train that went to Kokura was late because of the accident, so I was worry if I could catch my shinkansen. Finally I could.

After I arrived at Osaka, I changed the train to go to Kyoto. Then, I went to Kiyomizu-temple which is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto... well, Japan. I love that atmosphere. A lot of trees are covered with green leaves. How beautiful. I walked around kiyomizu-temple.
Then I met my friend. she lives in Hiroshima, but she was in Kyoto for holiday. I know it is a chance in amillion. I mean, great chance. She took her american friend, he is also nice guy. We had lunch together and I enjoyed a lot. I was worry if I could catch his English, but luckily I could. I felt a bit confidence.

After that, I hang around Kyoto city. I was surprised there were many tourists in there. I know it is the famous place, but it was week day, so I didn't expect.

I left kyoto in the evening, and went to Osaka.
My little trip has just started.

ready for holiday

2006-06-07T08:23:00.000+09:00

I went to the university last night, but it finished just 30 min. Lucky for me. I went to buy something to need for my holiday. I've almost done my packing. It is a surprisingly big bag. never mind.

I'm too excited to sleep last night. I know it sounds a little kid, but cannnot helped. I really hope it will not rain during my holidays.

an small gift

2006-06-06T08:20:00.000+09:00

I'm staying at my friend's place in Osaka, so I wanna give them something nice. When it comes to Kitakyushu, I'm sure most people think of 'Mentaiko'. I've tried to think something else but I gave up. There is nothing else for an small gift except noodle(ramen) . Then, I think I'll buy both of them.
Actually, I love them, especially mentaiko. but wonder if these are too normal. Hope they like them.

it's coming!

2006-06-05T08:16:00.000+09:00

My little trip is coming soon. I can't wait!
My big worry is weather: Please be clear during my trip. I beg you, god!!

Then, It has been starting to rain little bit, though it is supposed to be clear. Great. It is raining today, Thursday would be safe. hopefully.

On Saturday

2006-06-03T08:19:00.000+09:00

It doesn't seem weekend, as I've got a work today. Moreover, I've got classes on Frieday so weekends aren't really weekend for me. Never mind.

As I wrote it, I have classes which are special ones for TOEFL. It costs me 25,000 yen for 10 lessons. I don't know yet if it is worth that big money, but I really enjoy them. I like the class and teacher. She is helpful. Hope I'll improve my English skill.

TOEFL score

2006-06-02T08:22:00.000+09:00

I've got a result of my TOEFL score. It was 503. not high enough to go to graduate school in overseas. I need 550 at least. I need to try much harder. mmm, tough work, isn't it?

Let's see the bright sight: it was better than the last time, so I can see that my english has improved little bit. way to go!

excited to go to Osaka

2006-06-01T08:21:00.000+09:00

I'm plannning my little trip in Osaka.
I'm leaving kitakyushu in the morning on Thursday. My friend has got a work during the day of course, so I'm planning to go to Kyoto. I love Kiyomizu temple.
She is a day off on Friday so we are going to Universal Studio Japan!! Actually, she had off for me. How sweet of her.
Then I need to take an exam on Saturday. It is held from 9:30 to around 15:00. Rememver, it is my main purpose to go there. I almost forget...

skin trouble

2006-05-31T08:20:00.000+09:00

My skin has been bad condition and gettin worse and worse recently, so I went to the hospital yesterday. I had the same problem a few years ago, and that hospital was big help for me at that time.

I' ve got herbal medicine, and I have to boil it every day to have. I had some this morning. the taste? Totally disgusting!! I forced my mum to try it, but she refused. Actually she is right.

The doctor said, my stomach and intestines are troubled, it is caused my skin trouble. I can see that. My stomach has been bad condition recently too. I need to recover my body.

to start to work air conditioner

2006-05-30T08:25:00.000+09:00

Although it is not hot enough for me to turn on an air conditioner, it has already worked in my office. Surprise me. Time to use my shawl.

It is much coolder than annual year, but ultraviolet rays is pretty strong, the news says. I guess that is one of the reasons that my skin has been very bad condition recently.

house warming

2006-05-29T08:19:00.000+09:00

I was invited my co-worker to their new-old house on Sunday. It is called 'house warming' I didn't know these words. There is a custom of England ( or Europe or all over the world ) . The rule of house warming: all guests take something to eat with them to there. A lot of them cooked something good such as meat pie, a lemon cake, sushi, and so on. I took an apple pie with me. I didn't bake it, of course.

There is a terrible accident. I've completely lost the way though I've got a map. Even looking up the map is hard for me. No way. I walked for more than an hour. No wonder I was so tired when I finally got there.

Expect that, I had a nice time. There are about 15 adults and several children in their house. Their house was big enough to stay a lot of people.

Planning to go to Osaka

2006-05-27T08:26:00.000+09:00

As I wrote yesterday, I'm going to Osaka to take a test for scholarship. Let me explain about this scholarship. If I'm be chosen, I'll be able to go to a university in London for an year. Isn't it great?
There are three type of scholarship: first, all tuition and accomodation fee are exempted. second: all tuition is exempted. third: a part of tuition is exempted.
Particularly, first one is really neat. I know it is hard to pass, but I can try it anyway.

Another good thing is I can meet a friend of mine in Osaka. I called her and she could welcome me. I think I'll stay at her place for two nights. I'm excited to see her.

wonderful news

2006-05-26T08:23:00.000+09:00

I've appled for scholarship, and received the result: I passed the first selection!! I need to have a second selection in Osaka next month. I've heard that it's very hard to pass, so I nearly gave up. I was so happy to see the result.

In second selection, I have to take a test like TOEFL( no more TOEFL!!!) so go on studying. I know I haven't been chosen yet, but it is good news anyway.

To pay a forfeit of speeding

2006-05-24T08:17:00.000+09:00

Well, I really didn't want, but I had no choice. The deadline is 24th, so I payed yesterday just to take no chance. Let me say again, it costed me 15,000 yen. What a shame!! I could buy my clothes, eat out, have a drink and so on.
Well, let's see the bright sight which is I've learned good lesson. Never speed!

I drove the way that I was caught yesterday, and saw the police was just catching other driver. I can see how she or he feels. Well, drive safely! ( should say to myself)

a heartful present

2006-05-23T08:18:00.000+09:00

A friend of mine gave me something great: some pieces of hand-made cake. She was worried that I've been upset. ( and police thing) She is such a nice cook, and these areabsolutely great. these cakes are not too sweet which was my taste. I thoroughly enjoyed these. I wonder how she can bake such a good one.
She's baked a cheese cake for me, it was also very good.
It was very sweet of her. hand-made things make my heart warm. I wish I could cook something for someone. I've never cooked sweets.

the terrible happening

2006-05-22T08:18:00.000+09:00

I've mope around these days. You can't blame me if I let you know why. I was caught speeding last week. It costs me 15,000 yen. Nice price, isn't it? I was just so rush to go to the uni... They didn't care, of course.

What a shame thing is I hardly speed, honestly. It was my second time. When I was caught last time, I was 18 years old. After that I became to be such a safety driver. You see, my driving lisence is gold. Needless to say, it all ruined. hahaha.
It was too bad to write down for me. To be caught the police is much shocking thing than you expected. I never thought I was so upset.

Now time to change my mind, and go to the bank to pay.

Mother's day

2006-05-15T08:19:00.000+09:00

I took her to the art museum in Fukuoka on Sunday. We enjoyed that. There were pictures of Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cézanne, and so on. She loves the pictures of those days.
Then, we hang around in Tenjin. It is much busier town than Kitakyushu. I've found such a great dress for my friend's wedding. The problem was it was way too expensive for me.
I hope I will be able to find another good one.

TOEFL seminar

2006-05-11T08:19:00.000+09:00

There is TOEFL seminar in my university. I'm thinking if I should take it. I need to improve TOEFL score to go to study abroad next year. It costs me 25,000 yen. It is neither too cheap, nor expensive.

Happy birthday to him

2006-05-10T08:18:00.000+09:00

It is my dad's birthday today. He turns 69 years old.
I gave him a wallet this morning. He has used his wallet for several years. No wonder it is pretty worn-out. I guess the old one was from me as well. Anyway, I hope he likes it.

Now what? My mum's birthday is coming very soon. Actually, it is two days after the mother's day. I'm pretty sure I'll broke.

hand-made cheesecake

2006-05-09T08:14:00.000+09:00

As I wrote yesterday, my friend gave me two pieces of cheesecake the other day. These were really good. Then, I started to think that I wanna try making it on my own. I love cooking, but I've never cooked sweets.

Handmade sweets remind me of my English mum. She baked a birthday cake on my birthday. I was touched. I really felt her love. hand made thing has a special power.

G.W. is over

2006-05-08T08:14:00.000+09:00

What have you done? I've had pretty quiet days. A friend of mine was back to Kitakyushu, so I met her. We were going to have lunch in Mojiko, but it was impossible to park there. We never guess there were so busy. Finally we went to Joyfull which is family restaurant. The bright side was there were plenty of park place.
Then, we dropped by other friend's place to see her and her daughter. Her daughter is adorable. We talked a lot and had a nice time.

I've got work in the morning on Saturyday. What a shame. However, I went to have lunch with my friend after that, which was not too bad day. Moreover, she gave me a piece of cheese cake. She baked it for me. What a nice surprise!

Well, now, time to back reality.

G.W is coming

2006-05-01T08:14:00.000+09:00

This year's golden week is 5-day off. For me, 6-day of, as I need to work on Saturday afternoon. However, it is still big holidays, isn't it?
I was thinking to go to somewhere for holidays, but aeroplane tickets cost fortune in this season. I wish I had been able to go to Australia to meet my friend. I gave up. Instead of that, I'm going for a drink or something with my friends.
I bet everywhere is busy. That is why it is not suitable for travelling, though it is big holidays.

back to be student

2006-04-26T08:24:00.000+09:00

My uni has already started. I'm getting used to go to there after work. It might sound strange to you, because I've been doing it for 3 years. However, the first few weeks are always tough.
I feel that My brain has been ready for letctures.

Then I appled for TOEFL test which is hold next month.

weekend

2006-04-24T08:21:00.000+09:00

I've been pretty busy last weekend. My relatives who live in Germany is in Japan for holidays. Then, we invited them to our place. They stayed on Friday. We had dinner together. both of them love to drink- no wonder we stayed pretty late.

On saturday, we went to my mother's parents house. in fact there is no her parents- both of them have passed away. However, my cousin is married and live there with his wife and baby. The baby is just 1 month. he is so small and cute. It was a bit scared to hold him.

After we were back to home, I went to meet my friend in Kurosaki. We just chatted for an hour or so.

On sunday, I went to the library and try to study all day. Has it worked well? I've tried very hard anyway.

Motsu-nabe

2006-04-21T08:16:00.000+09:00

motsu means gut in English. this is local food in Fukuoka, soup stock is made from gut, and boil several vegetables. It may sound disgusting to you, but it isn't. That soup is such a yummy. There is our favourite motsu-nabe restaurant in Fukuoka. After work, we went to there.
That one is so popular that we can't go without reservation. moreover, we can't stay over 2 hours.

Is it worth going there to take over 1 hour? Let me just say it is. I'll post some picture of dishes.

oversleeping

2006-04-18T08:18:00.000+09:00

I've been oversleeping these days. The reason is clear: having a hard time getting to sleep almost every night. I really don't know why, but it sometimes happens. Moreover, I often have a bad dream. what can I do?

No wonder I feel fuzzy this morning.

my relatives in Germany

2006-04-17T08:19:00.000+09:00

My relative couple who live in Germany has gone back to Japan. They are staying until the end of this month. They gave me a ring last night and hopefully will meet next weekend.
I've been thinking about my future now, so it is nice timing to meet up them.

the 4th grade

2006-04-15T08:19:00.000+09:00

My last year of the uni has started. Hope it will be the last one.

I'm going to there twice or three times a week. Not too bad. In this year, I have to do a lot of things like getting much better TOEFL and TOEIC scores. The most important thing is to decide my own way after graduation. It is not time to mope around anymore. Instead of feeling sad, I need to think it over. break the legs!

a big help

2006-04-14T08:20:00.000+09:00

I talked my friend of in Australia with skype. I've mope around these days, so it was such a nice time for me. I feel much much beter now. I haven't talked my problem for a while, and it hurted me. Moreover, I even didn't realized that it was hard for me. Pretty sad, isn't it?
She is my longest and closest friend of mine, so I can be very honest to her. That is what I need it. I understood what my problem was.

Anyway, thanks to her, I'm very fine now. That is why I'm writing quite long sentences now.

long time no write

2006-04-13T08:23:00.000+09:00

I'm back. I don't mean I had gone somewhere. I just didn't feel like writing. To be honest, I was pretty low... I'll try to keep calm feeling.

the winter, again

2006-03-30T08:18:00.000+09:00

I've started to look for universities in the UK and Ireland. I aim to get scholarship. In fact, I can't go without it. Another problem is my English, of course. Well, I have to face my reality. I really want to study abroad next year, so need to overcome my big problems.

the afternoon off

2006-03-29T08:15:00.000+09:00

I had the afternoon off and went to my university to chat with my teacher. It was always nice time to me. He seems to be busy, but kind enough to take some time for me. I can't thank him enough.

After that, I met my friend. She was going to graduate in March, but she couldn't because of her credits. That is bad news, but we can be the classmate in a year. it isn't bad news.
Anyway, we had dinner in Isetan. There is a restaurant which you can eat as much as you like for 1,500 yen. This kinds of restaurants is called all-you-can-eat-buffet, isn't it?
It was the first time for me to go there. The good point was we could stayed as long as we want. Actually we were there for 4 hours! There are a lot kinds of drinks so good place for chat. No wonder my stomach was full until I went to the bed.

a seminar for studying abroad in the UK

2006-03-27T08:15:00.000+09:00

I went to Fukuoka to attend a seminar for studying abroad in the UK on Sunday. I've got some information about graduate school in the UK. Then, People who have done their graduate school told us their own experiences. Moreover, some English people had a chat with us. It was such a nice chance for me, but I wasn't really sure what we shall talk about. What we talk about is much more important what language we use. Whatever the nationalities, I'm always in trouble the subject of conversation with people who meet in the first time.

I realized again something important: it costs me too much and my TOEFL score isn't good enough. Well, I've got two big proglems.

to go to the theatre

2006-03-24T08:20:00.000+09:00

I went to the theatre in Kokura last night. The title of the play is Hage let. Hage means baldness. What a funny title. Needless to say, it was the comedy. Actually, we laughed a lot! It was such a nice play. One of the actors of the play was my friend's brother. We've met several times, so it was also fun to see him.

special lunch

2006-03-22T08:20:00.000+09:00

I invited a friend of mind who are leaving Kitakyushu very soon to lunch. I just wanted to do something for her. I took her to one of my favourite restaurants, so I hope she enjoyed. I did at least. To have meal with someone special is always nice. I wish I could meet her more often before she leaves. Thanks to my laziness, it was the third time for us to meet.
Anyway, there is such a convenient tool recently like mail, so I hope I'll be able to keep in touch with her.

work overtime

2006-03-17T08:17:00.000+09:00

Next bad happening is my work has become busy. This season is the busiest one for us, so it cannot helped. Although I've tried very hard not to work overtime, I did it yesterday. Thanks to that, I'm pretty sleepy this morning.

On the other hand, I've got good news last night. My cousin's wife had a baby last night. Isn't it great? It's a boy, and both mother and son are all fine. He mailed me a picture of his baby, and of course, he is very cute. He is twenty and his wife is 22 years old. Oh, such a young daddy and mummy.

My heart is foggy

2006-03-16T08:18:00.000+09:00

Well, sort of.

It is hard to explain in English, but I'll try anyway.
There is someone who fancy me, and has tried to go out with me.
However, I refused it. No wonder, because he's married. I don't need any more explain.
Then, we are just friend. I mean he is my classmate, so we had to be kind of friend.

A few days ago he asked me to go out again. I was confused if he still fancy or feel just like friend.
I couldn't ask him, because that is too embarassing. what if I just misunderstand?
However I didn't want to go out with him.
Then I couldn't answer him so he asked my friend how I feel. Then my friend told him that I really feel uncomfortable about his asking. Finally he mailed me that I really should said to my straight way in the first place.
Well, I guess he is right. I should have said what I felt. I was stupid. I feel pretty low.

White Day

2006-03-15T08:20:00.000+09:00

I guess that it is kinds of strange custom to foreigners. Girls give a chocolate favourite to boys on Valentine, and then these boys give something sweet to girls on White day. When I was an kid, it is exciting day. Because if that boy don't fancy the girl, we won't get anything.

It wasn't exciting day this year. However, I've got something lovely. I had a nice cheese cake in my office from co-workers. You know, it is a big one, so we had such a big piece. very fatty, but very tempting. How can I refuse it? No way. then, I had it all.

Moreover, I've got a bottle of red wine from my dad. It was also sweet of him. I had it last night. He did too. No wonder it all gone. Nice wine, nice sweet.
I love white day.

an wonderful present

2006-03-13T07:47:00.000+09:00

My little brother gave me something lovely a few days ago. He bought me a red coat, a skirt, and two shirts. His girl friend works for a shop of Burberry and there is a special bargain for workers twice a year. She took him to there last time. He bought himself a suit of clothes too.
I didn't expect though he has asked me my cloth's size. Isn't he lovely? It was such a sweet of him.
When I get a new stuff, I really wanna try it on as soon as I can. Then I think I'll wear them very soon. Thanks brother!

next novel

2006-03-11T08:22:00.000+09:00

I've done Flowers for Algernon. I've already known that story, but it was still painful ending.

The next novel is Pride and Prejudice of Jane Austen. I've studied about her in my uni, and I've been interested her. Moreover, but my favourite teacher recommend her novels. I've just started to read, and hopefully, it doesn't seem to be too hard to understand for me.

a long week

2006-03-10T08:17:00.000+09:00

It is frieday, and the end of the working day in a week for a lot of people but not me. I've got work until sunday this week. It seems a long week. I have a day off on Monday, so I'll be all right.
Anyway, that is why it doesn't seem to be weekend today.

I've been pretty low these days because of the result of TOEIC. I've already received it but didn't wanna mention it. Sadly, it was worse than before. I have to admit that I haven't improve my English at all for a half of year. There is no excuse. Only I can do is to keep doing. Hope I'll be better next time.

went to Hakata

2006-03-09T08:15:00.000+09:00

I went to Hakata for my work yesterday. Then, I met a friend of mine of high school days who lives in there. I haven't met her for ages, so it was lovely to see her again. We had some tea and nice chat.

It was the first time to go to Hakata in more than a year. I've realized that it is such a big city. pretty different from Kitakyushu. A lot of big buildings and people. It seems to be very busy which is why I refuse to drive there.

My friend has a work night time, so after she went I hand around in Tenjin.

dinner at the girl's festival

2006-03-08T08:25:00.000+09:00

I posted the picture first. It is unrolled sushi. there are slices of sasimis on the top. Of course mum didn't cook it.( look too professional, don't they?) she ordered. We enjoyed a lot.

We had it on Friday, but I had no time to post about it.

2006-03-05T22:34:00.000+09:00

happy birthday to him.

2006-03-03T08:18:00.000+09:00

It was my English father's birthday yesterday. He turned...how old? I have no idea, anyway, he put on a year. I posted him a birthday card a few days ago, but I'm not really sure if it has come to him by yesterday. I always got a card pretty early, but always late to post it.

Another thing. I talked to a friend of mine of in Australia in skype. She was fine. Her mother has just left there after staying in a month so she felt a bit lonely now. I really understand her feeling. I think she will be fine.

the Girls' Festival

2006-03-01T20:41:00.000+09:00

It is Japanese custom to celebrate the Girls' Festival on the 3rd of March. I am sure that there are several reason to have that festival, but don't ask me. What I know about that is to decolate there dolls and have unrolled sushi which is very important custom.

Anyway, My mum decolated there dolls. When I was child, These were scary for me. I guess it is a little bit too real for me. Now, I love them.

There is an old saying that we have to put them back just after the 3rd of march, or girls can't get married in their early 20th. Those days to get married early is pretty important for them and their family so it is kind of warn not to leave these dolls after the festival.
It is no sense to me, I really don't care about marrrige but my dad minds it and tried to put them back on the 4th. hahaha.

tankan

2006-03-01T20:39:00.000+09:00

Tankan is okinawan orange. I haven't known about it before. Although it doesn't look yummy, taste great. I'm really into it. When I was at my friend's house on Tuesday, she gave me some. It is not too sweet but very juicy. Sweetness was just right for me.

I gave some of them to my other friend, and she liked it very much, too. I wish I got it in Kitakyushu too.

a new friend

2006-03-01T08:16:00.000+09:00

I've got one. She is my friend's daughter. As I wrote a few days ago, a friend of mine from Okinawa has been back to Kitakyushu now. I was the afternoon off yesterday, so went to her place. she has a daughter of 4 years old, and I haven't met her for nearly 4 years. She was such a adorable girl and fotunetely, she has become fond of me. Acturally it was a bit too much, I couldn't leave their home easily.
She called me 'miki' , and it relieved me. I was worried that if she called me 'aunt Miki'. She is great.
Her mother, who is my originally my friend, is pregnant twins. it is her 6th month, but She looks as if her babys are due pretty soon.
I promised her to come again. I wish It was nearer from my place.

the tip for stress-free

2006-02-27T08:15:00.000+09:00

I went out with my friend on Friday. I had such a nice time. As I wrote a few days ago, I've been quite low recently so it was great for a change though I didn't talk about my negative things. To be my favourite friends is the tip for stress-free.
Moreover I had nice dinner. we went to our favourite pubs. Nice food, nice friend and a few drinks.( not many, I swear) I don't need more.

You know what? My pimples has gone the same as my strese as gone. Good for me. Then I need to go out sometimes.