KANA.Y in Maryland

2008-06-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

Today, I had dinner with Sophia and some AGU Maryland program students. I have been so looking forward to this dinner since I heard that Sophia came to Japan. We got dinner in a Japanese style restaurant (but they sell Asian food, not Japanese food) enjoying chatting. After that, we went to Karaoke for about 2 hours. We sung some songs we sung in Maryland and had really really good time.

2008-05-29T11:43:00.002-04:00

I had great time in last Tuesday! I was so glad to chat with you 

Last Sunday, I took TOEIC test. It was my first time to take the test. I could answer all reading section’s questions, but I could not answer listening ones. Humm.. I realized that I need more listening skills!!  I have less 3 months left by my departure to Oregon. I have to study~~ study~~!

As I told you on chat, my preparation is not going well. Last week, I got an e-mail from UO written UO had not got my housing application. But I applied it and paid pre-fee, so I hope the e-mail was mistaken. If my housing form was not applied, I will have to live off campus and find the house by myself! I worry it.

I have lot things to do. But I also enjoy my school life and have good time with friends. This picture is about my friend’s birthday party!! You may be surprised to see it. they are so pretty, aren’t they?? This style of makeup was popular for Japanese girls about few years ago and we tried it.

Don’t worry!! I have never gone out in the style and I will never do so!! Hahaha~~(^^)

My Dream

2008-05-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday, I joined a lecture made by a professor of University of Oregon, which I will learn for a year. The professor is a Japanese woman and she still lives in Oregon now. She talked about her family (her grandfather is Soseki Natsume, a very famous Japanese novelist!) and the lecture was interesting. After the lecture I got an opportunity to see her. Even though I didn’t make any appointment, she willingly welcomed me. There were many her guests and she were very busy and I have little time to speak with her, but I was really lackey to see her in Japan before I go to UO.

Recently, I have many opportunities to think about my future. Though I have lots interest in various fields, I have not decided which job is good for me or which field is most suitable for me.

Last week, I saw a junior high friend for a while. We talked about our lives and she asked me “has not your dream to be an editor changed?” The question remembered me my best dream to be an editor and remake my favorite magazine. Actually I have felt it was impossible to be an editor in my bottom of heart because very few people were employed in publishing companies. But I was moved my dream has not changed for a long time and decide to make efforts to be it.

Yesterday, we had a guest speaker in a class. He is working as a sports journalist. His lecture was really interesting and cheered up our dream. He gave me an good opportunity to think about my special.

I love fashion, movies, sports and etc. Maybe, it is better to chose one field to specialize, but now I cannot choose one of them. Do not need to hurry. Actually I do not have plenty of time, but I want to do what I love and think about myself on my pace:)

2008-05-08T11:59:00.003-04:00

Last weekends, I had a coming-of-age celebration in my hometown. Generally in Japan, they have the ceremonies in January, but my hometown has lots snow in winter, so we have the ceremony in May.

Almost all the girls (women??) wear Kimono, a traditional Japanese cloth. It takes lots time for us to wear it and also it cost much money, so we cannot wear it often. We can wear it for special party like this.

After the ceremony, I and my friends opened a time capsule, which we buried 8 years ago. I got a letter from 12-year-old myself. In the letter, many things were written, such as my family, my friend, my dog, myself, my hobby, my dream and so on. To my surprise, I could expect almost accurately how my life would be going on 8 years ago!! The letter sais “I will be a university student in Tokyo, my dream to be a cartoonist will be changed…” Umm, 12-year-old I might understand myself well 

In the evening, we have a party and enjoy talking. Some of my friends have already got jobs and now, they are working member of society. It was so good to talk with them and they served as a stimulus for my study.

Anyway, I spent really good vacation. I want to see my friends again in the near future.

2008-04-01T10:45:00.001-04:00

It was April fool’s Day, today! Did you enjoy lying;)? I got a funny mail from my friend written: I got new boy friend＾＾. Last year, I got the similar mail from other friend, so I did not cheat. But, even though I know the mail is lie, I enjoyed it.　Of course, we must not lie usually, but some pretty jokes bring our life good humor.

Now, the cherry trees are in full bloom. In Japan, there are so many cherry trees and we can easily see them. Tomorrow, I will go to a park which is famous for cherry trees. I will post some pictures in this blog soon.

Kana

Korea!!

2008-03-07T05:56:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone! How are you? (^^)

Recently, it is getting warm in Japan, so spring is coming. I feel good when taking a walk. I can’t wait till cherry blossoms come out.

By the way, I went to Seoul, Korea as a trip this week. I enjoyed my trip with a friend, Sayo. We have been in good term since we were little children (^^) Although we stayed in Seoul for 4 days, we arrived at Seoul on the midnight of Mar.2nd and left there on the morning of 5th, so we had only 2 days to go sightseeing.

First, we visited Korean beauty-treatment clinic and wash off the dirt. Every staffs spoke Japanese so we were relaxed and enjoy chatting. After taking the bath, we wore Korean traditional cloth called “chogori”. It was really cute and we took many pictures.

Afternoon, we visited Jongmyo. Jongmyo is the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon dynasty (1932-1910) and it has been inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1995. The Main Hall is too long to take a picture of whole building.

Next, we went to Seoul Tower. The tower is third tallest tower of the world.

At night, we enjoyed shopping in East Gate(東大門). The area is famous of the fashionable buildings. I was surprised some buildings were open all through the night. Thanks to Ji-Won’s advice, we could get nice goods;)

In the next morning, we went to Shotoku-kyu(昌徳宮). This is also one of the World Heritages built in Joseon dynasty. There were so many Japanese people who joined the tour. Sometimes, it was hard to listen to guide’s voice

Suddenly, it started to snow heavily and it was so cold!! We bought 2 umbrellas and I got tights. We decided to have lunch and take a break.

We had Korean-style barbecued beef. They are soooooo delicious!! :) Even though we ordered only 1, we got many side dishes, and most of them were vegetables. I remembered the last night we spent in Maryland, when we went to Korean restaurant^^.

Afternoon, we took a walk in the market of South Gate(南大門). There were many shops of clothes, glasses and laver. Even if it was very cold, many people came to shopping. I bought a laver as souvenir and BB-cream. Recently, this cream is getting popular in Japan, and especially for young women, because a famous make-up artist recommended it.

At night, we saw a popular nonverbal musical in Seoul, Nanta. Performers play percussion instrument through a story. The story is that 4 cooks make diner for a wedding party and they use real cooking tools for the performance. I was really excited to the music they played and the story was also very funny. When you go to Seoul, try the musical! ^^

I had good time in Seoul. In the next time, I want to go other areas of Korea.

2008-02-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I did not chat with you guys last Friday. I had part time job and I went to tapped-in about 11 pm. I heard that Nina and Sophia were there and left just minutes before I logged in. So sorry! (;_;) I am looking forward to chatting (←Sophia, Nina! Thank you for good advice!! ) next time.

By the way, recently I have so excited to play winter sports and watch some of games on TV. I love snowboarding so much, but I don’t have many opportunities to go to snowboard because there isn’t a skiing slope nearby. I will go to snowboard early March again and I will post about it with some pictures!!

Also, I enjoyed watching figure skating game on TV last night. Now there are many good players in Japan and Daisuke Takahashi and Mao Asada won the last night’s game. I think their performance, especially steps are really cool! So please watch the videos＾＾　Since winter Olympic game in 2002 which Sarah Hughes won, I have been addicted to figure skating. Someday, I want to see the games in live!

English Conversacion

2008-02-10T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. How are you?

I think about taking English conversation lesson to prepare studying in the US. Recently, I have been looking for a best school for me on the internet. Now, I have some choices and today, I took one of the schools lesson as a trial.

After a counselor talked me about the system of the school and a curriculum, I took the lesson for about 40 minutes. Though I have a class to discuss in English at university, I seldom talk in English in daily life. So it has been quite a long time since I last speak English, especially daily English. Maybe, I have not had good chances for English conversation since I went to Maryland…

It was fun to talk with a teacher in English. The school I visited today has only private lesson, so students have a lot of time to speak English by themselves. Today’s teacher told me that I need skills in listening and using vocabulary, and I should pick up more natural English. Umm..!! I realized that I really lack these skills by today’s lesson.

I have not decided which schools I will go. Also I do not know what types of schools is good for me, private lesson? Or group one? Anyway I also realized I love communicating in English, so I am looking forward to taking next lesson.(←I heard this expression was too formal. But I don’t know how I should say instead (;_;) )

This picture was taken 3 days ago. Do you know Purikura?? This is a game to print out your face. Young Japanese girls love to play it!!

Kana

2008-02-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

Last weekends, I went to snowboard in Nagano, where winter Olympic games were held in 1997, with some classmates.

We were so lucky because it was fine. We could enjoy beautiful snow scene as well as snowboarding. After snowboarding, we take a hot spring bath and it helped me to recover from fatigue.

On Monday, I had last exam in this term, so finally I got spring vacation!!!!;) In this vacation, I have a lot of events. I am sure it will bring me great fun^^

bye bye!

Flea Market in Yokohama

2008-01-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

Hi!

Yesterday, I had third flea market with friends in Yokohama. Although it was cold, many people visited our “shop”.

Many people looked at our goods. Young women, people who haggle over the price (-_-), junior high students, little children, old people, some dogs, and so on… I will show you a customer who pleased us.

A little boy came to us and looked at our goods. A friend of mine talked to him “How about this knit cap??” and he said to his mom, “Mom, can I buy it?” The mother said “if it suits you, yes.” The boy put on the cap soon. The cap suited him! The boy and the mom decided to get it and all I and my friends thought the mother paid money. But the little boy took his very small purse and paid money by himself. He looked about 4~5 years old, so we were all surprised and pleased it. He said “thank you” and left with his mother. I will never forget the boy with “Tiger knit cap” ^^

After flea market, we had dinner together at American bar. We ate chicken and I remembered eating it in Maryland.

Bye ~;)

kana

We're All In This Together!!

2008-01-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hello^^

I was so happy to chat with many friends on last Tuesday. Nina, thank you for giving us great opportunities!!

Now, AGU is in exam term, so most students study hard. I "think" I am one of them^^ hee hee:) Today, I had a exam of French (I major in French as a second foreign langage and Yusuke has the same class;D).

A few days ago, I watched "High School Musical" on DVD. On the next day, DVD of "High School Musical 2" was sold in Japan. Recently, the commercials of the DVD has been broadcasted so largely, and they made me watch the movie^^!! Actually,I had seen the film before, but I can enjoy watching it no matter how many times I watch it! I love the movie very very much(^_^)v

Bye Bye~~~!!

A Happy New Year!!

2008-01-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!!Long time no see! How are you??^^

Since I started a new part time job, I have been so busy. I am sorry I did not post for a long time;; Although my part time jobs are hard, I have fun with new friends. And I need money because I will go to Korea in next spring vacation ^^

A term test is coming soon. I have to study hard(-_-)zzz... But!! After the exam, we have long long spring vacation!^^

See you soon!

AGU School Festival!

2007-11-06T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone^^
Long time no see! How are you? I'm fine~^^
I am so sorry not to post so long time... Recently, I have been a little busy because I practiced double douch every night to show it in the school festival.

Nov.3~5, AGU had a school festival. I joined it to show Double Douch.^^
My team's member were all girls and our team's theme was "Pretty Cats". We acted like cats in the performance and we enjoyed it.

After the festival, we enjoyed playing bowling and having a dinner. I was happy to spend great time with my club members.

And now, I am in my home town. I have no class yesterday and today because of the holidays for the festival, so I came back to my home to rest. Yesterday, I visited my grand parents with my mother and had a lunch together. We had fun to talk about the school festival, my school life, my family and so on. I love my grand parents, so I am looking forward to see them again in a new year!^^

Meg is also in her home now, and we will get back to Tokyo this night together. (Do you remember both of I and Meg are from same city, Niigata^^)

See you soon~~^^

Great Time with Friends!

2007-10-21T10:15:00.001-04:00

Today, I saw some of my friends of high school!! We belonged to the same tennis club and we always practiced together, so we are really good friends ^^

First, we went to a game center and enjoyed bowling and a crane game. When I did bowling in Maryland, I got only 50 score (!), but today, I got 80!! I got it!! ^^ What? It is not good score? Noooo, 80 is really good for me (^^;)!

We had Okonomiyaki for supper. Do you know okonomiyaki? It is a Japanese food like a pancake which is not sweet. We mix cut cabbage, some slices of pork and a little water into the flour and bake it. After baking, you can eat it ^^ Okonomiyaki is easy to cook, and it tastes good. Let's try^^

I had a really good time with my friends talking about a good memory. We will see in the beggining of the next year. I am looking forward ro seeing them again.

A Flea Market

2007-10-21T09:18:00.000-04:00

On October 14, I and Meg participated in a flea market. It was held in the nearest department store.

We sold old clothes, shoes, bags, stuffed animals, and so on. At first, we were a little worried whrther our goods were sold , but we made about 10,000yen in the end!! ^^

A flea market is a good chance for recicling. Something I no longer need is useful for someone. And a flea market is also a good chance to communicate with others. We enjoyed chat with customers^^ Next month, I will have my store in a flea market again. I want to enjoy myself again(^o^)b

TDL and Fujikyu~＾＾

2007-10-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone^^

Today, I'd like to introduce you to 2 famous theme parks!

First, I show you TDL(Tkyo Disney Land). We call it "a dream world(夢の国)" because everyone, even old people or too young children can spend good time there. I think TDL is the most popular theme park in Japan. Many people visits there from vatious areas. TDL is also famous as a place for dating. Everyday, a lot of couples visit TDL.

I went to TDL with my boyfriend last week. Now, haloween party is held there. Every attraction was decorated for Haloween and we enjoyed watching them^^

Space Mountain, one of most popular attraction, was renewed and the speed got faster and the length got longer. We were really excited it all the way.

Next, I show you Fujikyu highland^^ Do you know it? It is said that there are many thriller roller coasters.

Fujikyu highland is connected with Mt.Fuji that is the highest mountain in Japan. Mt. Fuji is near the theme park and you can look at beautiful site of Mt. Fuji on fine days.

I went to Fujikyu theme park with my club members in the end of summer vacation. On that day, there were too many people and we had to wait to ride a roller coaster, so we could ride only one, Fujiyama. It was my first time to get on Fujiyama. At first, I feared to ride, but I felt good when I was riding^^ I canot express this feeling... so let's try!!

Our school festival is held from Saturday to Monday on this week^^ Tomorrow is an eve of the festival. I will do double dutch on main stage. I wanna enjoy our performance!

See you.

Double Dutch!

2007-09-18T09:08:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I had a competetion of double dutch. It was my first tournament. Many people came to see our performance, so I got little nervous><>

I was ecxited all the time because other team's play was so great!!! I wanna show you some of them, but I could not find good video.. sorry ;;

My class starts in a week, so my beautiful summer is going the finale! I wanna enjoy the rest of my vacation more and more^^

see you~~

My University

2007-08-31T09:57:00.000-04:00

Today, I went to my university. In the morning, I studied for TOEFL at the library. It was my first time to use the library on holiday, and I found the school library on holidays was so silent because there were few people. I could concentrate on my study.

In the afternoon, I participated in club activity. We have a contest(Double Dutch Delight 2007) on September 17, so we practice hard now. These days, we almost everyday practiced, so all members were so tired...^^;; On Saturday and Sunday we take a rest. I want to sleep a lot!!haha

Tomorrow after parttime job, I will see my high school club friends. Conversations with them make me relaxed. I am looking forward to seeing them^^

Bye bye~~!!

Special

2007-08-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

Last night, I enjoyed toy sparklers with some friends of mine. Last year I went to a school for entrance examination to universities after I graduated from my high school, and I met them at the school. Everyday, we studied together and encouraged each other, so they are special friends for me.

We also enjoyed chatting. It had passed about half year since we met last, so we had a lot of things to talk about. Something about each university, club activity, family, dream and so on. I am happy to have good friends I can talk about everything! We had really good time together. When we went back, we promised to meet again in the near future ;-)

I want to go an amusement park with them during summer vacation!!

See you!

2007-08-26T19:08:00.000-04:00

Two days ago, I came back to my home in Tokyo.

On that day, I watched 3 movies, Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwojima and My life without me. Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwojima are about World War 2. These movies described the fear of the war and reminded me of World War 2 memorial in America... Every problems must have some solution without war. I think war should be abolished forever(;_;) After I watched My life without me, I cannot stop crying! Do you know this movie? This is a Spanish movie. This is about a youg womon who has only 3 monthes to live. It may sounds sad, but the ending is not so sad. So please check it ^^

Yesterday, I went to the beach with my boyfriend. It was clear blue sky! But it was also too hot!!haha We enjoyed swimming, eating and taking a sunbath on the beach. I want to go the beach again~~!

Now, I am making Maryland photo album. This is hard task because there are too many pictures. But I enjoy making it^^ These photos reminds me of wonderful days in the US. I miss you!!

My Hometown

2007-08-23T03:25:00.000-04:00

Hello!

It has been a week since I left Maryland. Everyday, I dream about Maryland. Even though my body is in Japan, my heart is still in the US!! ^^ haha

Now, I'm in my hometown Niigata. On last sunday, we cereblated my grandaparents' 50th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed BBQ, chatting, golf and watching photos. When I told my grandparents about Maryland program, they were smiling and listening to me. So I was happy^^

On the next day, I went to the beach with my cousins. It was pretty day and we could enjoy swimming. I did surfing for the first time. It was too difficult! I tried to stand again and again, but I could not;; I will go to the beach soon, so I want to try it again!!

And today, I am going to meet my close friend. About a year have passed since I met her last. So I am looking forward to meeting and chatting with her.

Last, during my staying in the US, I experienced and learned a lot of things. Classes about the differences between American and Japanese culture, Washington post, Channel 9, IDB, Prange collection, and so on.. They were really good opportunities because I got interests in new areas. And through these program, I found I loved English! From now on, I want to study English more and more^^

See you!!

Thank You

2007-08-15T09:50:00.001-04:00

Today is my last day in the US.
In this 2 weeks, I really enjoyed everyday. I had right opportunity to study and go sightseeing.

Nina, thank you vary much for your planning our program. I think I could enjoy my visit to the US by the grace of you!!

Ji won. You are really kind and we all like you. I cannot say well, but I am thankful to you from bottom of my heart.

Sophia. You have your own sense of values. I respect you. Thank you teaching us a lot of English. I’m sure you will be a good teacher.

Laura. I always enjoyed talking with you. Actually, I wanted to talk with you more in English. I’m looking forward to going KARAOKE together again.

Sometimes, I fell because I could not understand English or communicate well. But I could recover as soon as I saw my teachers, mentors and friends. Thank you very much everyone. This 2 weeks is my treasure.

I want to continue my blog in English and make connection with you.

Thank you very much. I love Maryland!!

The Lake

2007-08-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! How are you? I’m fine, but a little sleepy;;
Yesterday, after the class, I went to a lake. We enjoyed the wonderful natural views of the lake. Beautiful green, butterflies, flowers, inns!! Before we left there, we played Double Dutch!! Do you know it? That is a kind of performance sports and we dance and do acrobatics using the ropes. It is very interesting. So if you have a interest in this sports, please check You-tube and search ‘Park Jack’ (this is a club name I belong to ^^ )
In the evening, we drunk Bubble Tea. It was my first time to drink it. We were so thirsty, so this juice was really good!

I must go back day after tomorrow. Only 2 days were left for us to stay in the US. I miss you… so I want to enjoy my staying here more and more ^^

Bye-bye.

Last Weekends in the US

2007-08-13T09:54:00.001-04:00

Hello, everyone!
Today, I’d like to show you my weekend’s activities.

Aug 10
After the class, we had BBQ in Nina’s house. Nina and her husband had a variety of good foods. They were very delicious!! Thank you Nina’s family!! I could talk with many people, and I had a good time there.
After dinner, we went to KARAOKE! Our mentors are goooood singers!! I was impressed with their songs… And we were all excited all the time.

Aug 11
This day, we went to Annapolis, which has Maryland’s assembly hall. The hall and every building in the town were very beautiful! I took too many pictures to take anymore;;
At this night, I slept about 11 hours. How surprising!! Haha

Aug 12
Yesterday, we visited two museums. In the morning, I went to American Indian museum. This museum looks fine on the outside. I could lean the lives of American Indian, which was really interesting for me.
In the afternoon, we all went to the Natural History museum together. This museum is really huge and there are many exhibits, so I could not look around everything.
After this, some of our group went to World War2 memorial, Lincoln memorial and Vietnam War memorial. Ji won taught us a secret of Lincoln memorial. I was amazed with this secret.

I really enjoyed my last weekend in the US.
Today, we have a class and discover college park. I want to have fun.

Bye!!(^_^)

Last Weekends in the US

2007-08-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Channel 9 and the IDB

2007-08-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Aug 8
That day, we went to the Channel 9 and watched a live news in a studio. I learned how to create a TV program, which was interesting for me. I found jobs about broadcasting were attractive! I want to learn about this area more and more (^-^)
After this, we enjoyed bowling and billiards. Actually, I am not good at either…(my bowling score was 54! Ooops!! ) But I had a lot of fun. And I was surprised because it is amazing for university to have a bowling alley in a campus! I envy Maryland bowling alley.

Aug 9
We went to IDB(Inter-American Developed Bank) and had a opportunity to learn about the work of the IDB. Everything in the IDB was new for me, so I had an interesting in the international politics and economics. I really think it was a great opportunity.
At night, we enjoyed an American game, which Sophia taught us. All of us enjoyed all time. So I want to teach the game to my friends in Japan ;-)

Bye-bye!!

An American Supermarket

2007-08-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

Hi!
Yesterday ,I went to an American supermarket and I enjoyed shopping. I was very surprised because the supermarket was very, very big! I got a lot of souvenirs, such as Oreos, candies and soft cookies for my families, club members, my class and myself!!^^ There were many kinds of unique sweets, so I had a lot of funJ
In the evening, we ate delicious chicken wings. Some of them were a little spicy, but they were good!!
Today, we are going to go WUSA Channel 9 and watch a live news broadcast. Broadcasting is one of most interesting areas for me, so I’m looking forward to going.
Bye.

The Washington Post

2007-08-07T14:32:00.000-04:00

Hello! Today, we went to the Washington Post. I’m interested in the publishing, so this was a right chance for me. I enjoyed seeing many facilities. Sometimes, I failed to catch the explanations of the staff, but I was really excited!!After this, we will go to a typical American supermarket and I want to buy some unique goods. Bye!!

My weekends

2007-08-06T09:58:00.001-04:00

Hello!
On last weekends, we enjoyed shopping and sightseeing. I had a great time. And on my birthday, Aug 4, the mentors and my friends celebrated me. I was really happy. Thank you everyone!!
Today, we have some English classes in the morning, and we go to Pentagon city in the afternoon. I’m looking forward to studying and shopping.

KANA.Y in Maryland

2007-08-03T14:36:00.000-04:00

Hello, everyone!
I'm Kana Yajima, a student of Aoyamagakuin university in Japan.
Now I'm in maryland in America, and I have really good time.
I'd like to introduce you to my life in America.
Thank you for visiting.