Interac Part 2

ポストした日：２７日４月２０１４年

    So the interview/info. session was yesterday. It was all pretty good. I actually messed up on a part that I didn't think I was going to mess up on. (I forgot to introduce what my map was about.) But I did remember to use my one piece image to make the map more interesting.
    So here is how it went:

    I arrive there around 8:05 am.
    I take a 15 minute nap on the car because I'm exhausted!
    I wake up, walk to the hotel where the session was being held, and realize that I forgot to take the pre-interview questions with me. (I left them on the kitchen table.) So I enter the room where we are suppose to be. (I asked the receptionist lady where it was.)
    I go back downstairs to the same receptionist and ask her if there is a way for me to print out a paper.
    She gives me a door key, and I realize it's a room with computers. I quickly post the URL for the PDF file on my facebook, print it, go back to the room, fill it out and give it to the person in charge (Beth).

    A note about Beth: She makes you feel more comfortable and knows what she is doing. Also it's easy to ask her questions. Blonde. Makes jokes.

    So the 2 hour info. session begins, and this is the portion where I was a bit dissatisfied. When she told us that many of their fall spots have been filled already, so we may be starting in April of next year, that is when my heart dropped a bit. . . . ok a LOT. I have heard of this somewhere else before (here specifically) about a person who found out she was given an offer but it would start the next term. When she told us this I was wondering if this happens with the company a lot. I'm not in a rush, but I would have liked to know the probability of starting out in Fall verses Spring.

    With that in mind, I'm still looking for other places. I prefer elementary or junior high school level at the moment, but teaching at an eikaiwakan is fine also. As long as I have a steady income, benefits, and guidance with certain life aspects (finding a place to live, cellphone, bank account, etc).

    After the session we took a quick 5 minute bathroom break. I seriously needed to go! Jajaja. .

    Came back and started our grammar quiz. It has a spell check portion, (I forgot if it was seperate or separate. But I was pretty sure it was separate at the moment), a insert-periods-and-commas-portion, it asked if the sentences were active or passive (I had no idea what this was. . .but neither did another person), another section where you had to circle which phrase or word was wrong in the sentence, circle the right verb that belongs in the blank (very easy), and that was pretty much it.

    Started on demo part.
    I was 5th to go, and it is true that you are doing it in front of other people, but the groups are always fairly small so it's not intimidating. I personally got nervous because I felt I had lack of practice and I just always get nervous before the start of anything. (Although this doesn't stop me from doing it.)

    There were 3 people there who already had some teaching experience (one did an internship, one did JET, and another did Interac so this was their second time applying). The rest of us were either graduating soon or had already graduated but the teaching experience was all the same.

    After this we took breaks. Me and 3 other people were the last to go for our one-on-one interviews, so we went to go have lunch together. Some people had to go early because of flight or bus arrangements.
    This was a fun part for me because we could share our Japan stories that our friends are probably sick of hearing. Plus these are people that have more or less the same interests as you (teaching, traveling, japan, etc), so you can talk about things that your usual posy doesn't really care about.

    The interview session was just like any other interview. She does ask what are your strengths and weaknesses, and preference for where you want to be located.
    I told her I have family that lives in the middle of mountains, but I haven't lived in such a rural place where I have to ride a bike just to go to a supermarket. So I told her, urban is more my style. As long as I am close to transportation where I can be mobile, 30 - 1 hour away from a big city, and a village that has more than 1,000 people, I will be ok. I like cities but I also like quietness, so something in the middle. Kyoto kinda embodies that idea (quiet but also city-like). I did say I was open to other suggestions, and that I was flexible.

    From what I heard based on talking with other people that day, she kinda directs the questions based on what you project. I know there was this one guy who we learned (plus he told us), that he has never lived that far away from his mother and was too chicken to try stuff other than american food when he was in Japan (he didn't really do anything culturally significant either; just kinda went with the flow of things), is a bit too safe to try new adventures, and was very specific on his preferences (like having amenities and transportation at least 30 minutes from where he lived, and a cold place).
    Even I kind of questioned why he was even applying for teaching jobs. . . . I'm not sure.

    Anyways, I would make sure to practice for your demo lesson in front of other people; friends, family, whatever and try to get some feedback. It is pretty common to have to speed things up when you are nervous. She even started all over again for one guy because he was going way too fast. A lot of people did their self-introductions in both Japanese and English (to show whatever Japanese ability they had). I just did mine all in Japanese. The self-introduction part is for the people who will be watching the video (business-lvl people), so that is the person I kept in mind. You can do whatever you want with it though.

    I think all of us except 2 people did the directions demo lesson. I do know that I have to work on my speaking level. I was told to raise my voice but apparently there was no change. . . . I thought I raised my voice but I guess not. (>   3  >)''

    So that's all I have for now. I should get a reply from the 3-4 weeks from now. I like this company, but I don't necessarily want to wait all the way 'till April. . . . I might as well apply for JET. I will be looking at other places. I already sent my application to Gaba (but they are not my first choice at the moment, simply because there is the issue of building up your customer base and finding a place on your own; which is hard. . .), and already beginning other ones.
    In any case, I can accept a placement with Interac and see what happens with other offers. . . You never know, maybe Interac can place me in their Fall openings, maybe not. . .

    

Preparing for Interac Interview/Info Session

ポストの日：２４日４月２０１４年


    Did you see the post date? April 24! In 2 days now (April 26) I will officially have my interview with Interac, and I'm not nervous as I was 2 days ago but still that nervousness lingers. It's a combination of wanting to do well, not wanting to screw things up, and making a good impression. I have already bought (just 1) working attire that I will use for my interview. (Your basic black pants, black flats, white blouse, black jacket) Actually my flats do have bows on them (also black) so I hope that is not a problem. I mean these are feet we are talking about here.

    So I have decided what to do for my task 3 (the elementary demo lesson), which is actually the part I was most nervous about because I do want to teach at this level. Although any level is fine. Even if it's adults, I'll be happy. I'll be doing the "Simon Says. . ." game with body parts and make some flashcards (with pictures) of body parts. Essentially we have to review these words first, for whatever lesson we choose, and then go through the game. MAKE SURE THE GAME WORKS!!!!
    I actually just explained this game to the BF on LINE, and he thought it would be a good idea for younger kids. I also asked a friend and received the same comment.
    So at the moment I am in the mist of creating/drawing flashcards of body parts.

    For the high school intermediate level lesson, I chose directions. Like, "DIRECTIONS - WHERE IS THE TREASURE?". I got this idea from talking with one of my professors yesterday (近松先生). And then I thought it would be great if I could find some pictures from One Piece. I'll have to write down some sample sentences/questions on the board but that's pretty easy. Like,

          Go straight _____ blocks.
          Turn left/right.

    The interview part I'm not nervous at all about it, although I have heard some things from people where they actually leave later than their intended date. I hope that doesn't happen to me. I have also heard some pretty tough words that people will be tested on (for the grammar test they give you), such as "twelfth". I didn't even know how to spell that until someone talked about it (regarding their Interac interview process). I don't have too much confidence on my spelling ability, so I want to practice as much as I can.

    Other things I've heard =

1. be energetic and cheerful when giving your demo lessons
2. demo lessons will be performed in front of the other interviewees (so they will act as your students)
3. they provide a relaxing atmosphere when the day starts so you feel a bit more relaxed
4. the info session can be quite long but does cover anything and everything (なんでもかんでも）about what you need to know
5. you'll have a lunch break
6. some people make new friends/contacts on this day
7. be prepared and practice your timing. PRACTICE! ! ! ! !
        I'm gonna videotape myself. This is something I did when I took a speech class, but I'll see how "happy" I look, and practice on my timing.

    To go back and explain a little, I initially applied for this company around February (I think). Around that time I had my phone interview, and some information sent to me via emails. Not long after they told me the date for the information session which is super close to O'Hare Airport (at least for this information session - Chicago). Then I went to Saitama in beginning of April and came back more confident in the choice I had made (to move to Japan). 

    Of course I was a little nervous for the phone interview just because I haven't done interviews in a while, but I'm confident to say that they are all pretty standard and once you have done one, you can do pretty much all of them.

    Tomorrow will be Friday so I will be busy doing other things (volunteer work and an event to ask people questions about jobs in Japan. Although the event one I'll just be there briefly because I have to go back home and prepare for Saturday). I live 1 hour away from my school (using shitty public transportation), so I don't want to be at this event too late. Also, I get hungry . . .

    Will post more about the interview after it happens. ^^

Names : 論文

17日 . 4月 . 2014年

２０時っぽい

     When I first starting having Chinese friends (hmmm. . . basically when I first moved to US), there was the realization that Chinese people have English names. At first I didn't think anything about it. Once I had more friends and met more people, I learned this was their second name. In other words, they change their names.

     It's not a strange thing. Their reason is, "because it's easier for Americans to pronounce an English name".

     After talking with one of my friends (who uses an American name for Facebook), he explained to me how more and more Chinese people are wanting English names because this shows they have higher status; they are more distinguishable in companies, work, etc.

     Then I provided the 'Puerto Rican' view on this phenomenon:

     We (Puerto Ricans) have a lot of pride on our names. Even in Puerto Rico, no 1 person has the same name. At least not the same combination. Of course there are many common last names and first names, but combination is what sets people apart. For us this is a good thing for many reasons.

1. We can brag about how long our names are. The longer = the cooler you look = the better.
2. We can explain how we obtained our names, as well as explain all the nicknames we are given.*
3. When we do find someone with one name that is the same (whether it is a first name, middle name or last name), we can casually joke about our lineages.

    The system is as such:

     Everyone has a first name, and almost everyone has a middle name (there are some people who don't have middle names). After this comes two last names. The first last name is your fathers' last name, and the second last name is your mothers' last name. For example;

     my mothers' name is: Naida Melendez Grei.

     my fathers' name is: Joaquin Campos Freijo.

     So when I was born my mother gave me my first and middle name, and then I received " Campos Melendez " as my last name.** Culturally this is the norm.

     Notice how, even though we receive the fathers' last name first, I mentioned the male second and my mother was the one to give me my first two names. The reason for this is because we value women much more than men. I truly believe that after my experiences abroad (countries outside of Puerto Rico), that Puerto Rico is one of the few places that is very maternal and not paternal in our way of thinking. The role of men is of course understood by everyone, but it is not idealized or magnified as much as women.

     In essence, the woman is the almighty powerful figure that should not be messed with. She does not ask for respect, she demands it. She is a strong person who knows what she wants. While she may know her own strengths, she does not need to use all her strength all the time to get what she wants. She can use her knowledge of manipulation and education, as well as her softness to make others feel good about themselves. 

     Males have delicate egos, and thus need to be nurtured. This woman knows she is strong, but she doesn't need to be strong. The thinking behind this is as follows; a woman who knows when to hold back is powerful in itself, and therefore treated as a king. In other words, the woman will make the man feel good about himself; make him useful to her. Maybe he is more physically stronger her so she lets him do all the physical work. In return the man feels like he is needed and feels good about himself, and because he feels good he will treat her like she is the freakin' goddess walking on water.

     As mentioned earlier, we brag about how long our names are. I used to have a friend whose mother gave her at least 4 different middle names (to what I can recall), and that made me envious. The reason is purely simple: everyone wants a long name. With a longer name, you have more to explain; you have more history and more stories to tell (as well as jokes).

     This is also the time when we can find similarities in our names, and try to see if we can trace back our family history in order to find that one person we have in common. Of course, this task is difficult in itself, but it's still fun to try and imagine.

    So how does this all relate to changing names? Well, the reality is, is that Puerto Ricans don't change their names. We have a lot of pride in our own names, not only because it gives us a small sense of individuality but we can also feel pride in our own ancestry. Secondly, we view our names as something our parents (usually the mother) give us. So it's important to keep this name in respect to our parents (mother), and should be treated as a present. In other words, a lifelong present.

     Seriously, one of those presents that you are grateful for but you literally will take it to your death.

     It is also a name in which we grow with and thus create an image and a personality behind this name. Have you ever had that instance where someone calls you by a different name (maybe as a mistake or an insult), and you were thinking, "wait a second, THAT is not ME"? This is because we associate our personalities with the name that is given to us.

     Another instance where we don't change our names is in marriage. Women don't change their names. Men don't change their names. You have the choice to ADD ON to your name, although it is unspeakable for only the woman to change her name simply because she is getting married. 

     Really? What's the reason behind that? 

     It's just a marriage. You're not running and hiding from the government.

     There was once where an American teacher of mine asked me, "what is your mothers' maiden name?". I just stared at her with this blank face. I had no idea what she meant but I tried to understand her. I figured, "maiden" kind of sounds like "middle", so maybe she is asking about her middle name. 

     "She doesn't have one," I said.

     Then SHE was the one with a blank and confused face. Then she explained to me, 

     "No no. The name your mother had before she got married".

     In my head I was thinking, "why would my mother do THAT?", but I just told her she had the same name. And that is when I began to ask myself, "do American women change their name when they marry?". It's just something that is not even thinkable. Think of it this way: if we are not offered an option, we don't think about it. In a way it is like this. We don't think about it since it's not in our culture.

     Of course now I am more aware that the world is not just Puerto Rico but it's a WHOLE lot bigger with people who do TOTALLY different things from what I do (whether I agree with it or not). There is a lot to learn right? So, to this day I always ask questions regarding culture. I always ask my friends (I wont say "my foreign friends" since I am also considered a "foreigner") if people (not being specific to women or men) change their names when they get married. How people are named. What is the order of names (Is it the last name that goes first, or what other possibilities are out there.) 

     The list continues.

     So the idea of changing my name because it is easier for someone else to say it is just silly. From my perspective, if they can't pronounce my name this is their issue that they will have to overcome. I will teach them how to say my name in the beginning, but as I have learned, EVERYBODY miss-pronounces my name (especially everything that is not my first name).*** I have learned not to expect anyone to pronounce my name correctly, unless they are a spanish speaker. Otherwise I will let everyone say it their own way. 

     If they become my best friend or someone who is closer than an acquaintance that I just say "hi" to, then I will make more effort to teach them how to say it because it is important to me. In order for us to become close friends, we need to know certain things right? Other than that, people can miss-pronounce my name all the time and it's not going to bother me. We all have different native languages, different dialects, different accents even. So it is natural to say the same word in many different ways. 

     It is not about saying a name the 'right' or 'wrong' way, it's about accepting people's differences. I'm always captivated by the Australian accent. Sometimes I think the English (UK) accent is cool, and other times it just bores me. There are some English accents from norther European countries or even the North part of UK that I just don't understand, so I have to ask "what?" a lot of times. The French accent on English sounds very sexy (I'm not sure why). And an Italian accent (on English) is like talking to someone who is always worrying or persuading you to do something. Jajaja. Then there is the Chinese accent on English, where short words (like "bar") are made even shorter.

     With this in mind I believe it's OK to make "mistakes" or "errors". Actually they are necessary for us to make improvements. So a change in our name is not necessary, it is only making it a convenience for others and thus these "others" are not given the change to expand their knowledge nor even learn, make mistakes or improve. By not changing our personal names, we are encouraging international exchange and understanding which is important in our current world.

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* We use nicknames for everyone that we know, and for every type of relationship. For example a family to family relationship, a family to friend relationship, an elder to younger relationship, a coworker to coworker relationship, etc. These nicknames signify the closeness of our relationship to that person. (This does not necessarily mean that it is a romantic relationship, only that you are closer to that person.) 

** It is mandatory that the biological father of the child has to be present and has to claim their biological lineage to their child once that child is born. If the father choses not to recognize his child, the child will not have a birth certificate. By law, it is mandated by everyone to have a birth certificate. In other words, either he (the father says yes) or no one is leaving the hospital. Seriously, I'm not joking. This is why we don't have the culture of fatherless children, and thus do not have the word "bastard", since everyone does have a mother and father. 

*** My mom gave me an English first name because it is a name that is not common in Puerto Rico. I was pretty happy with it. It didn't bother me at all Although once we moved to US, I soon realized that this is an EXTREMELY common first name. Many times I had classes with 3 of 4 other girls who had the same name, and it becomes annoying.

**** Here is an article from an undergraduate student regarding Chinese name changes: http://japansociology.com/2013/12/30/globalization-of-names/

Weird Things

Ever wonder those weird things people say?

１７日４月２０１４年 Post

"Why are Americans fat?"

"Can you eat ~~?"

"You use chopsticks very well."

     Don't think too much about it. Don't take it as an insult. Just forgive and move on. This is what I tell myself, when it does happen. It seemed to me that many people in Japan are inward and thus don't have much experience interacting with those who are extremely different from them.

     When these things are said, it's surprising right? It's like talking to a child who doesn't know much. At least that's what I think sometimes (depending on the person). It never comes from bad intentions or negative thinking, just be prepared to be stunned, not know what to say, think for a moment, and answer, "he just drank too much hot chocolate so his skin turned brown" and laugh. 

      If the person has a sense of humor and if you have the Japanese ability to say these things in Japanese, then it should be no problem. Go for it! Of course, people want a real answer so sometimes it is nice to tell them. This way you're kind of the employed cultural ambassador of your country. Remember that time when you spoke with your friends and they asked you "why do Japanese not say no?". If you were a person interested in Japanese culture at that time (like me), you probably would have given a 700 word explanation about the reasons for not saying "no".

     There is a lot of things we didn't know before going to Japan and even after being in Japan. Maybe sometimes you'll wonder, "why do they walk so bad in high heels?", etc. But there are many differences with every culture, and contemplating on your own countries weirdness is another way of understanding others. When I came to US, I learned (and still learning) many things:

1. People can't dance, and men think it's not "manly" to dance
   
   I was totally disappointed when I learned this. Coming from a Caribbean island where you start dancing as soon as you are born (forget about learning how to walk), you want that guy that knows how to dance. It's sexy. It's impressive. It makes him look more appealing/desirable. It makes him popular. As a girl, you WANT to dance with him; you want to be directed in a dance where he knows how to take control but is also aware of your own strength.
   
   To not enjoy this sort of thing made me think, "why don't they want to impress girls in dancing?". But it's because there isn't this dance culture. People just don't really dance. This goes back to the concept of "parties". In Puerto Rico a party is this ----> tons of food (you make food and bring it to the party and most definitely you will be bringing some different food home), tons of people (your friends invited their friends, your family invited other family members who invited other friends, etc), music all the time (before, during, and after eating, you are also dancing. even teaching your 5 year old cousin who is as tall as your knee), drinking (includes all ages except maybe that 5 year old cousin. not because she is young but because her brain can't handle it yet), and TONS of talking. Probably there will be too many people, so the party is extended to the front of the house (on the street), your backyard (if you have one), the kitchen, and the living room.
   
   On the other hand, American parties are like this ----> sitting down on a big table where the food is served. So you all eat at the same time. Before eating you are sitting or standing in the living room area or whatever designated area the person chose. (Also being 3 hours late is a big no no.) Maybe there are kids playing with toys or went to their rooms to play with their friends (away from the party because they find it boring. . .for good reasons). After eating, this same atmosphere happens again.
   
   Of course I am talking about parties that involve different ages (not just parties for teenagers), and that set at home. But the big difference is the dancing. Depending on the group of people there may be a LITTLE bit of dancing, but usually this is not part of a party. People don't dance, they talk.
   

     So maybe it sounds weird to you, but you also have to think about your own culture and your own weird things. Probably when you were a kid, you asked plenty of inappropriate and/or strange questions because you were exposed to those situations. Now imagine that person who is still 40 and has been exposed to that situation but didn't have the change to ask. 

    I'm not trying to make them look good. Every person can defend themselves. My point is to keep an open mind, and also reflect on yourself and where you come from. *^^*

JPN３０３の第６課：総合練習

ポストした日：１５日４月２０１４年２０時っぽい

自分の好きな企業の概要(がいよう: synopsis) の要約(ようやく: summary):

自分の賛成(さんせい)するその会社の理念(りねん: idea)、ミッション、経営方針(けいえいほうしん:management policies)等の説明はこちらです:

自分の好きな企業の概要の要約:

    この雑誌のウェッブサイトによると「ありのままの日本を世界に紹介する月刊日英ハイリンガルマガジン」を呼びます。つまり、本当の日本を日本語と英語の両方で世界に伝える雑誌です。この雑誌は『ひらがなタイムス』と言います。

• 会社のミッション

　外国人や英語と日本語を勉強する人に向けて雑誌は、１９８６年から、１００国以上の人は「ひらがなタイムス」を読みます。結果として、みんなが日本語や日本の文化を解できます。

　そしてひらがなタイムスを読むにつれて自分自身の単語が増えて、読む能力や聞く能力も上手になる目指しがあります。その上、面白いテーマもあります。例えば：三面記事、トレンド（社会現象について）、ニューズ、日本での新しい言葉と言い回し、日本の習慣、ジャパン・ウオッチング（ユーモアを使って面白い日本生活の経験とか）、等。それで飽きを感じません。

• 会社の理念

　　そうなのに、日本語を勉強している人は多分全ての漢字を読めないし辞書を使わなければならないし、日本語で読むのが難しそうです。このことをひらがなタイムスは考えていました。雑誌に「マルチ・レベル日本語テキスト」、つまり文章は漢字の上にふりがなが入って英語で翻訳を与えます。それもはじめての勉強している人にローマジも与えます。会社の一つの理念は『このような編集スタイルのため、語学のレベルに関係なく、辞書なしで文章の意味が瞬時に分かります』ということです。オーディオもありますから、すぐに読者は雑誌の内容を理解できます。読者は読んだ後でやりがいを感じますかな。自分のゴールを達成できたということだと思います。

• 賛成？反対？

　はじめての反応は「この雑誌はすばらしい」で、今も凄い雑誌だと思いますので会社のミッソンと賛成します。どこに住んでもひらがなタイムスを買えて読めて、日本語の能力が増えられます。ですから、普通の記事や本を読めますけどよく辞書を使えているし母語で翻訳を与えていないし、苦悶してもどかしくなってしまって続きたくないんです。ただどんなレベルにいっても読者はやりがいを感じられます。もちろん、少しずつ日本の文化の窓が開けていて世の中から遮断していません。

　これを考えると、もしかしたらひらがなタイムスの二つの理念は「世界に日本のことをオーペンになるにつれて、誤解しなくて理解できる」ということのではないでしょうか。

単語リスト

概要(がいよう)： synopsis

要約(ようやく)：summary

三面記事(さんめんきじ)：social news

現象(げんしょう)：phenomenon

理念(りねん)：idea

編集(へんしゅう)：editing/compilation

瞬時(しゅんじ)：moment, instant

苦悶する(くもん)：to struggle, agonize

遮断(しゃだん)： to cut off ~

ウェッブサイトはこちら：

http://www.hiraganatimes.com/ja

サンプルはこちら：

http://www.hiraganatimes.com/sample/_PDF/sample.pdf

at his school

 27日3月2014年 14:50時っぽい

     This break will end soon. But, , , , I dont want to go back. 

     At the moment I am at his school. Can't write too much, so will write more later. そうなのに, I'm super uber glad to have come.

    I have spent my time with someone that is very special to me as well as meet the others who will influence my future more and more. Also did the things that i had to do which now I have a more understanding of what I can do. 

     This is really the only place this far where I have felt such deep feelings for the little things in life as well as relationships with others. Its been my first time for many things. 

     I cried tears of joy just from listening to a friends words and was deeply moved. I felt extremely shy and embarrased for something I did so I couldn't relax completely. I've felt and received much love and warmth in ways that I haven't received before. The pride that I held onto so dearly isn't important anymore. I've learned about what real caring is and what it means to think about someone else's feelings. Etc. 

     Of course, I need to learn more and more. Probably I will never stop learning (since it seems like Japan has so many etiquete rules jajajaja). But this is everyones mission in life I believe. 

     Things to improve (that I have noticed since doing this trip): 

- study and practice more japanese (especially in normal speed)

-  look for a job a d start working. i really want to work and prepare for the work that i want to do)

-  dont look at people in the eye when bowing

-  dont cross legs and put elbows on the table when eating

-  dont make click noise when annoyed or. . . . like . . . ever

-  loose weight

-  be more responsible and reliable

-  study more english (look at english learning books)

リンク

http://www.japanfocus.org/-Koide-Reiko/4101

Textbook choosing for elementary and middle schools in Japan. A tricky businness micro-controlled by politicians. Is there hope for future generations?

Seems annoying, , , 

    students learning from political perspectives and not on the basis of truth. Truth does not include opinions nor perspectives; it's supposed to be an unbiased report of what actually happrned and includes all details. 

待ってるね。。

 27日3月2014年 14:50時っぽい

     This break will end soon. But, , , , I dont want to go back. 

     At the moment I am at his school. Can't write too much, so will write more later. そうなのに, I'm super uber glad to have come.

    I have spent my time with someone that is very special to me as well as meet the others who will influence my future more and more. Also did the things that i had to do which now I have a more understanding of what I can do. 

     This is really the only place this far where I have felt such deep feelings for the little things in life as well as relationships with others. Its been my first time for many things. 

     I cried tears of joy just from listening to a friends words and was deeply moved. I felt extremely shy and embarrased for something I did so I couldn't relax completely. I've felt and received much love and warmth in ways that I haven't received before. The pride that I held onto so dearly isn't important anymore. I've learned about what real caring is and what it means to think about someone else's feelings. Etc. 

     Of course, I need to learn more and more. Probably I will never stop learning (since it seems like Japan has so many etiquete rules jajajaja). But this is everyones mission in life I believe. 

     Things to improve (that I have noticed since doing this trip): 

- study and practice more japanese (especially in normal speed)

-  look for a job a d start working. i really want to work and prepare for the work that i want to do)

-  dont look at people in the eye when bowing

-  dont cross legs and put elbows on the table when eating

-  dont make click noise when annoyed or. . . . like . . . ever

-  loose weight

-  be more responsible and reliable

-  study more english (look at english learning books)

日記は勉強の方法としてどう用いれる

ポストした日：１６日３月２０１４年

　なんかさ、、、(-｡-

もっと毎日のように勉強してる言語で書けば上手になるのではないでしょ？まーあ、、間違いも見えるしーーいつも書くよ：Pーーなんて自分の考えや気持ちを表現するも見えるし、楽しくておもろいと思う。（＾_＾）

　とにかく、

今日勉強したくないよ。（笑）

しなきゃのに。。。したくない。

これを観ながら、「いいなあ〜」と思ってた。

　じゃあー

勉強し続く。(-｡-;

勉強

ポストした日:15日3月２０１４年

    I can never bear when we aren't talking/chatting/skyping. My mind starts to wonder and imagine the worst case scenario. I'm not sure why . . . . I know he has his busy times too, but I can't stop myself from worrying. :/

    Suppose to be studying now, but just don't want to. My brain is fried for the day. So far have studied: 

〜ものの

〜ようなものだ

〜ようなものなら

〜かねない

なんといっても

and finishing the day with とてもーない/ぬ. Also have been studying vocab for this chapter every 4 hours or so. Will read 文章 when done with this last grammar. Then sleep. Tomorrow I have a LOT to finish and study. Haven't even packed yet. (･_･;

準備

2014 March 14: the date of the post

    It was a little sad today. I think it is not meet classmates next semester of Japanese, and sad. And a super-over over small clothes I classes ('· _ · `) next semester! In, you can joke someone. Either wording funny someone. I do not know. (· _ ·;

    People to take 303 next semester is a little. . . . . . I do not know why. Is noisy. It is this I'm sorry but I want to express my honest of me.

    Anyway, meet a boyfriend on Tuesday of next week to look forward to. I want to go to various (≧ ∇ ≦) place, you want a lot of things. (I wonder if I go to 🏩 love hotel. There is not that I went to. (Laughs)) family and friends also want to see you. I also want to see Sasuke course. (^ ◇ ^)

    It is final exam of two on Monday, but after this, to prepare the travel of Japan! ! ! 💕 pounding 💕

ノート：実はこの日記を日本語で書いたけどググルを使って英語に翻訳してしまった。。。今まで日本語で何が書いたのか分からん。。。＝＿＝　じゃあ、、、翻訳してみる：

　今日ちょっと悲しくなった。来学期クラスメートを会えないし悲しくなってきた。それもクラスは超ーー小さくなる。('· _ · `) 冗談できるか変な言葉できるか分からん。(· _ ·;

　来学期のクラスを取る人がちょっと。。。。うるさい。分からんだけど、ごめんね。本当の気持ちを表したい。

     とにかく、来週の火曜日に彼氏と会うって楽しみにしてる！色んな場所に行きたい(*^◯^*)それもたくさんことをしたい。(ラブホテル🏩に行くかな、、、行ったことないし)。友達と家族も会いたい。さすけも会いたい。( ^ω^ )月曜日に期末試験あるけどこの後は準備、準備、準備！！！！💕ドキドキ💕

目的

3日4月2014年: 19:18時っぽい

JPN303の目的

① 長い期間に従い単語や文法や漢字等を覚えたいんです。

② 正しいparticlesの使い方に上手になりたいです。

③ 正しくて長い文章の書き方に上手になりたいです。

④ 会話にもっと単語(もう勉強した単語と新しい単語と文法)を使いたいです。

DDDD

Its my second to last day. Guess where I am. I'll give you some clues:

- my feet hurt

- my knees hurt

- im tired of standing

- its difficult to smile and be happy when i dont feel this way

- my shoes got wet

- only have been on 2 rides

- have been waiting a LOT! ! !

- I'm exhausted to where i'm looking forward to the ride because i can sit down and relax. . . .

But I wont say this outloud. That would be bad. But it's nice because now I know that I have to go while everyone has school or work; this way it will be less crowded. And now I really appreciate even more disney in florida. I will never complain about little kids again. 

But i really like the gift shops! They have really cute things. And I learned when Ri shops in Disney stores, she's like me when I am shopping in F21.

Anyways. Will leave soon. Not sure how to become happy. . . It's one of those episodes again. 

How can I do that at the moment? Honestly, I really just want to go running and take a long bath.