There's a way.

"I hope you like it," said my daughter, when she came back home yesterday. She was holding a bunch of apple mint. How sweet she was to pluck them for me. I liked them very much.

Wiiスポーツ リゾート(「Wiiモーションプラス」1個同梱) (2009/06/25) Nintendo Wii 商品詳細を見る

My husband came back home with a video game software named "Wii Sports Resort" yesterday. He said that it could be my birthday present because I had asked him whether we could get it or not. Well, my birthday is a month away, but why not? I'm not particular about my birthday present after all.
This game software included some sports, such as basketball, golf, ping-pong, and so on. It should be mine, but the whole family were totally into it, especially my children. Because they wanted to play with it, they never said "No!" when I told them to study before playing the game. I didn't expect that the game software would be useful for their study.

吉村和敏 PHOTO BOX プリンス・エドワード島 七つの物語 (講談社 ART BOX) (2008/06/06) 吉村 和敏 商品詳細を見る

Around over 10 years ago, I visited a beautiful place in Canada called Prince Edward island by myself. Because I had been longing to visit the Anne's island since I first read "Anne of Green Gables" at the age of 10 or so, I was quite happy to make my dream come true.
I didn't speak English at all at that time, but people there were very kind to me. Having said that, I should have studied English before landing on the island! My host-family took me to a party or a farmers' market; however, I couldn't make myself understood in English and I always failed to mingle with the islanders.
How wonderful if I could visit Prince Edward island again! For now, I have to find consolation in my fabulous photographic collections.


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How wonderful it would be if I could visit Prince Edward Island again!

I went shopping by my bicycle the other day. It was a very lovely day, and I was totally enjoying my ride. On my way home, while I was singing a song in a good mood, something crashed against my head! It seemed to be something falling from...the sky.
"My eye!"
It was droppings. What a scratch shot.

My friends know full well that I've been into the novel called "Anne of Green Gables." I was 10 or 11 years old when I read it for the first time. I was highly moved by its fascinating world and really wanted to go to the Prince Edward island that is the scene of Anne's story. Finally, over 10 years later, I managed to visit the island and stayed there for a week. I'd say the island is the most beautiful place in the world. I wish I could have a chance to go...


Gilbert Blythe is one of characters in the story. He is not only a classmate but also a rival to Anne Shirley. I like Gilbert very much. He is smart and a determined young man, and also has a sense of humor. In a film, a Canadian actor, Jonathan Crombie, played Gilbert's role perfectly.





Gilbert made fun of Anne by calling her "Carrots!" when he saw her on the first day at their school and this was where their history started. Anne and Gilbert, I can say they were made for each other.

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Today, I met some friends and we studied English together with a native speaker. In our English circle which is held twice a month, we always use an English article to read. I picked up the one for today without reading it thoroughly, and it turned out that my choice wasn't good at all.
For one thing, the writer used many fancy words and expressions. His book review wasn't concise and we got bored by the time we reached the middle of it! Finally, we totally gave up reading it and started chatting in English. The article? Forget about it.
"Keep it simple," I remembered what my former English teacher said. There are many ways to express yourself. If there is the simplest way, just take it. I am a Japanese who tends to beat around the bush and I don't know so much about "good writings;" however, if I had a chance, this is what I would like to say to him: sorry, but your writing just talked to itself.


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If there is a simpler way, just say it.
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My children finally went to school today after a week recess. They looked quite happy this morning to see their friends again. While at home, they got bored and often had a fuss each other. I was irritated by their repeated pointless arguments. Children need to go outside to play, under the sun! I wish they could spend the summer without worrying about the swine flu...


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1)　My children finally went to school today after a week-long break.
2)　fought with each other.
　

debut (2007/10/24) 辻井伸行 商品詳細を見る

Nobuyuki Tsujii; I'm sure many people have already seen his name here and there as a gifted pianist who won first prize in a piano competition. He has had a difficulty with his eyesight since he was born; however, he said in the interview that he can see anything through his inner eyes. When one of interviewers asked him what he would like to see if he could gain his eyesight for one time, he replied he wanted to see what his parents look like. He also said he was interested in fireworks, the ocean, and his friends' faces. What a pure mind he has! I couldn't come up with any of the words that he just said! I was quite moved by his way of thinking, and I'm totally into not only his personality but also his amazing talent. I've just visited his website. You can listen to his performance here.


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if he could regain his eyesight on one occasion,

My children's school has been closed because of an epidemic disease, the swine flu. I had an impression that the disease was under control here in Japan, but it seemed to be wrong. According to the school, some students have developed its symptoms. We were very surprised to hear the unexpected news! Luckily for my children, they are vigorous, but they aren't allowed to go out without a specific reason. They have been grumbling at me about the restriction, but I couldn't do anything for it! They should know that I want them to go to school!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007/07/31) J.K. Rowling 商品詳細を見る

I've been still wavering over whether I can buy Harry Potter audio books because they are pretty expensive. Last night, while surfing on the Net to get the details about the differences between British versions and American ones, I found a site that was full of useful information I wanted to have. After comparing them, I should say I prefer British versions. The reader, Stephen Fry, was fantastic. His British accent was quite attractive to my ears. If only I can afford it!


It looks better
If only I could afford it!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Children's edition (2006/07/03) J.K. Rowling 商品詳細を見る

This is what I want now: an audio book of Harry Potter. I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, and I've been reading each edition again and again. I could improve my listening skills with this wonderful audio book because I'd be never tired of listening this. The problem is the cost. It seems to me that I'd need to give up going to the movies for a while!


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I'd never be tired of listening to this.