英語学習にも役立つ、札幌の外国人英語教師の英語日記 札幌 英会話 [ステップアップ]

So long, 2012!

2012年12月14日 (金)

Hey everyone, it’s time for Jon’s end-of-the-year wrapup! Here’s a list of 7 great things that happened/ I did this year:)

1) Recorded a CD with my band –  The 3 Skins made a CD and played lots of shows to promote it. I may have become a better drummer, too…

2) Did Hanami in Tokyo with my best friend from America – we went to Ueno and Yoyogi parks and saw cherry blossoms in style.

3) Didn’t injure myself in any crippling way – this is a big one…with all the snowboarding, biking and climbing I enjoy, I tend to fall a lot.

4) Spent 2 weeks with my parents in Japan – another biggie! After 6 years my parents finally visited and we toured around Kyoto/ Nara/ Osaka, as well as Hokkaido in August.

5) Acted(?) in a movie – Look for me in 探偵はバーにいる２．I’m in a pivotal scene for at least 5 seconds…hoping this is my big break;)

6) Spent another happy, healthy and prosperous year in Japan! It’s always good to be able to reflect on the year and say “Dang, that was a good year.”

7) Sri Lanka! – Actually, I’m not leaving until next week, but I’m pretty excited. Can’t think of a better way to cap off such a great year.

And that’s it. Here’s hoping that all of us finish the year smiling and begin 2013 with a positive start. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

Jonathan

New Year`s meal

2012年12月12日 (水)

Today I have been researching how to make Oseichi, the traditional Japanese New Year`s meal.  This year I am going to try and prepare my own box. I heard that preparing Osechi leads to a sense of beauty and optimism for the coming year. It seems like a daunting task but I am going to do my best and try. If you have any advice how to make these wonderful dishes; please, please……PLEASE tell me. I am a little worried about it! Anyway I will do my best. If it turns out well, I`ll post a photo in the New Year.

A Brave Old Man

2012年12月1日 (土)

Yesterday evening at around 7:30 I was in Pole Town near 31 Flavors writing an email when I saw something unusual.
A group of about 5 or 6 young men dressed in black suits were standing in the middle of the walkway and harassing all of the women who walked by. They were behaving very poorly, calling out random girls names and trying to take young women by the hand, and so on.
Many young women looked scared to walk by, and it was causing trouble for everyone.
It made me angry because I love Sapporo, and I want Sappro to be a safe and friendly place. These young men shouldn’t be so rude to everyone, especially to the young girls who are shopping in Pole Town.
The women at the information desk could see the hooligans causing trouble, and there was a security guard nearby, too. But no one said anything.
Not until one brave older man walked over to the young guys and started yelling at them. He told them to stop, to go away, to quit ruining our town. They got angry, and it looked dangerous for the old man.
Then the security guards came, and someone called the police.
When the police arrived, they listened to the old man’s complaint, and also asked the young men some questions. Then the old man walked away and the police escorted the young men out of Pole Town.
I don’t know what happened after that, but I was moved by the old man’s bravery.
Many people saw that there was a problem, but everyone was afraid to do anything about it. The security guards and Pole Town staff should protect the customers, but they didn’t. Other people should also have stood up to the young rascals, but no one dared to. To make a good country, sometimes it is necessary to get angry at people who are doing bad things.
Walking away, I thought, あのおじさんが怒ってくれなかったら、どうなってたんだろう？

First snow

2012年11月27日 (火)

Hello all! I thought I would write in the diary because I am excited about the first snow. Usually I would have snowboarded by now but as most of you know, I am recovering from my second knee surgery so I can`t. What should I do this winter if I can`t snowboard or ski? What is a good winter hobby? Some students recommended hiking and park skiing.

Anyway either you love the snow (like me) or you hate it. Either way, I hope everyone has a great day and no one slips over!!! 😀

Thanksgiving Day

2012年11月20日 (火)

Hello everyone. I hope you are all wrapped up warm because the weather has suddenly changed to winter. This week there is a national holiday, it is labour Thanksgiving Day. It is also Thanksgiving Day in America this Thursday, so I have an excuse to cook a chicken. I`d like to cook a turkey but my oven is too small. As many of you know, I am not American so I guess you are wondering why I want to celebrate it. I love cooking up big meals and feeding my friends, so any excuse for a party is good enough for me!

As there are two different thanksgiving holidays this week, I think it is a good time to think about what we are thankful for. I am thankful that all of my students do their homework and I am thankful that my family is happy and healthy. What do you feel thankful for? Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you are lucky enough to have Friday off, I hope you have a great day.