✝1029✝

It's been a long time since I blogged the last time :P

I won't be blogging periodically but maybe just for a habit writing English.



Well....what I've been doing for the last two years??

Okay then, Kyouna.......

*Is still hanging with her friends :)

*Got tired job hunting over a year and decided to be an English teacher or a graduate student ;P

*Got upset and tired with her old friend moaning and speaking ill about other people all the time and broke off :(

*Was able to make more friends after she broke off )^o^(

*Is still with her boyfriend for 2 years and 10 months!! (n‘∀‘)η lol

*Quit working at Starbucks and figure skating since she was too busy and got injured when skatingﾟ(ﾟ´Д｀ﾟ)ﾟ

*Is still a fan of Porno Graffitti and Arashi and finally became a fan club member('∀`)♥♥

*Went to her high school for 3weeks for teaching practice and taught 44 grade 8 students Englishヽ(´Д`；)ﾉ

*Is working on her graduation thesis about Manga Translation.

*Is fascinated being an interpreter by taking translation classes for 2 years (*´∀｀*)

*Had a reunion with her Canadian friends by Facebook :D

*Is happy though she has many problems to tackle.

*Is confident that she is not alone and able to tackle the problems (｀・ω・´)☆彡



Well, I guess I wrote enough today (o´ω`)=зphew

Bye-bye(´ー`)/~~

† Russian Cuisine@Shinjyuku †

Today I went to Shinjyuku for my late Valentine's Day.

I first had my hair cut at Ginza in the morning before I went to Shinjyuku.

I met him at 12 at the east exit of the Odakyu Line.

We didn't know what to have for lunch, but he said we should go somewhere besides the usual cuisines (Japanese, Western, Chinese..etc.). So we decided to go to a restaurant which serves Russian dishes.

Have you ever heard a restaurant called "Sungari"??
If my memory is correct, I think this restaurant is often featured on TV because the lunch menu is delicious and reasonable. Actually, we waited for over 10 minutes to enter.

But the lunch was very delicious and the interior of the restaurant was stylish and felt we were in a different atmosphere!! We chatted a lot mainly about our clubs and part time jobs etc. Check the URL for details. :-D http://www.sungari.jp/west/index.htm

After lunch, we moved on to Mitsukoshi and stopped by at a cafe.
I ordered pancakes decorated with berries whipped cream and ice cream. Very large, sweet and tasty!! :-D

We chatted a lot again, mainly about Porno Graffitti!! :-) As a PG fan, I'm very happy that he is getting interested in their music. I lent 5CDs, and a book written by Haruichi.

After having our deserts and lending the CDs and the book.......




It was the time......




For me to give the Valentine chocolate and confess that I liked him for a long time......




?!?!?!?!?!?!(・д・)?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?




Well...... he thanked me and will accept my love.....




But said it's still early to get together and want to think about it........




To decide whether to get together or not, he said we should spend more time going out and being together to know each other further.




I got confused....... Is the answer "Yes" or "No"????? X-(




I thought that the reply meant "Yes".




Well, he's the only one who knows the answer...... ;-(




Hmmm...... Am I the only one who is impatient in such circumstances?????




I'd better take time as much as possible in order to find out the answer.....




But it would be a shame if he said "No" after spending many times together.....I'm just worried about that.... :-(




After this long talk, time flied and it was past 3. He had to go home so we left early and promised to meet again. Though I received an ambiguous reply, I had a valuable time and am happy that I got more chances to spend more time with him even if we won't take the same classes at the 2nd academic year from April.

BTW, can I call this a date, today??? lol

† Spring Camp and Valentine Cup †

Hi, how are you doing?? :-D

From February 9th to the 12th, I went to Yamanashi to participate the spring camp of the figure skating club. I joined this club from last month.

I used to skate when I lived in Canada and I wanted to skate again. But that was a long time ago so it's better to say I'm a beginner of skating.

The camp was quite tough for me because this is my first time to join a sports club. But my skating improved thanks to my superiors and compeers advice. All members are so kind and I made new friends. :-D I really enjoyed the spring camp. I've posted some pictures which I took during the spring camp.

(Right side pic. me with 2 Gr.4 superiors and Gr.1 member)

(Left side pic. me with Gr.4 superiors)

(Middle side pic. me with 2Gr.4 superiors, 1 Gr.2 superior, 4 Gr.1 members)

Also, today I went to the "Valentines Cup", the tournament which my superiors competed. For my Gr.4 superiors, this "Valentine Cup" was their retirement tournament, so I cheered with all my might. After the tournament we gave them flowers and said our appreciation. After seeing my superiors's performance, I was moved and felt how wonderful skating is. I felt confident that I want to skate and entry a tournament like my superiors. I really felt that I'm lucky to join this club.

After the tournament, I went to lunch with some of my superiors and friends. Usually on Saturdays, some of our club members go to lunch after our practice at Takadanobaba. I enjoy having lunch with the members because we can become more intimate. :-D

I really enjoyed my week!! Special thanks to AGUFSC members!!!♥♥ I'll do my best at skating and have wonderful memories at this club.

† IEⅢ Class Party †

Today I participated in the IEⅢ Class Party after taking my last exam, English Literature HistoryⅡ. 11 classmates(including me)came to the party!! :-D

We went to Gyuukaku, a Yakiniku restaurant in Machida. You can order various types of meat, vegetables, rice and desert for 2600yen. 90 minutes is given to order anything you like!! :-D It was my first time to go to this restaurant. It was also my first time to have a Tabehoudai(In English, "Eat all you want"??) of Yakiniku so I was surprised because Masayo kept on grilling meat saying "You can't stop grilling at Tabehoudai!!"!! I think I ate too much. I'm still very full. :-p I got bored eating greasy meat too much, so I ordered 3 types of deserts and shared with Masayo even though everyone was still eating meat. lol I even shared deserts in the end too!! I think I prefer Tabehoudai of deserts than main dishes. :-O I also had a glass of red wine as usual..It wasn't so good, it was cheap anyway. ;-(

I had to leave early than the other members.. My hometown is far from Machida.. I also have morning practice for my club tomorrow, so I couldn't stay late and left Machida at 20:50.. I wonder what every one's doing right now.. I'm sure they're still enjoying their second party by now. ;-(

Anyway, I had a good time. Thank you Tomohide for making plans for the party. :-D I hope you'll through a party somewhere near central Tokyo someday or else it's hard for me to come!! ;-( ...But wait, is this the last party?? If so, I don't have to say such request.

† To all my Friends †

I really enjoyed my first year with you!!

Thanks you so much!! X-D

I don't know how many times I should say "Thank you!!".

Sorry for being selfish and noisy. ;-p

I also want to apologize if I had hurt any one's feelings.

I hope I can see you all at the rest of the academic years at AGU.

Please keep in touch by mail or LIZ.COM!! :-D

Wish you luck for the exams and see you at the IE party!!☆★


With all the Best Wishes and Love from....

♥Lydia♥(･∀･)♥Preston♥

† Lunch@Ginza #2 †

Today I had lunch with Yuma after working at SB. We met at the entrance of Mitsukoshi at 2PM. We went to a French restaurant which is located in the 7th floor of Printemps Ginza. We had pasta and drank glass wine.. I had red wine as usual.. I'm starting to drink even in the afternoon!! :-0 But a glass is enough for me. ;-) The pasta was very delicious. The shrimp, tomatoes, spinach and red pepper flavoured with white wine matched very much!! I'd like to cook it once at home!! ;-9 We chatted for a long time because we don't have enough chances to talk at school. I feel sorry that I spoke too much about my sad story.. Of course, we had other stories too. But mainly, Girls Talk!!!! lol. We window shopped at Printemps and bought ourselves stockings at Dolly Girl. We wanted to shop for clothes, but I had to go home early. :-( So we last stopped by at the Gucci building. It was my first time to enter. It was great!! I like the designs of Gucci bags so I'd like one someday. I didn't know they had clothes and shoes. The designs were simple and it may be difficult to recognize it's Gucci.

I had a great time!! Thank you Yuma and I hope I can meet you again after the exams. :-D

† Sweets Buffet †

Today I went to a sweets buffet with Masayo at Hilton Tokyo Bay.

We met at Maihama station in 2PM and used the Disney Resort Line to go the hotel. The buffet started from 2:30. Not only sweets but also sandwiches and light meals were served. :-) Various foods were served. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures and just enjoyed the delicious food!! X-9 You can enjoy this buffet for 90 minutes. We ate and chatted till the end♪♪ If you use a discount coupon, it's only 2300 yen!! OMG, how reasonable!!! I really recommend the buffet. See it for yourself!! ;-) http://www.hiltontokyobay.jp/restaurant/info/baylounge_jan.html

After our wonderful meal, we went to Ikspiari to shop. Ikspiari has many shops that I like so I sometimes go shopping with my family. Unfortunately, I bought enough clothes last time, so I didn't buy anything today. ;-6

Time flies fast when you have fun, it was already past 6!! We last went to Bon Voyage, a large shop which has TDL and TDS's souvenirs. Masayo and I bought the same Lucky charms together.

You can write your wish and put it inside the charm...

Of course, can't tell you what I wrote!! ;-9

I really enjoyed my day, thank you Masayo!!! I'm looking forward meeting you after the exams!! X-D

† Study Day †

I met my friends, Miwa and Mai at Shibuya. We are classmates at SFL-B (French) class. We have a French test this Thursday, so we decieded to meet and study together. We managed to finish by noon so we had lunch and chatted for a long time. Girls talk!! :-D We went to SB to have a coffee break too. Mai had to go home after our coffee break, so Miwa and I stayed until 6PM and window shopped more!! :-)

I had a good day. Thank you Miwa and Mai☆★
I hope I can meet you two again. ;-9

† Shop for Luck★☆ †

Did you buy anything this winter???

Today I went to Ginza to buy Lucky Bags ("fuku-bukuro" 福袋 in Japanese).

It was my first time to buy Lucky Bags at Ginza. Ginza is one of the famous closely contested districts for Lucky Bags, so I tried L'Occitane's for the first time. :-D

When I arrived at L'Occitane Ginza before 8AM, people were already lined up in front of the store!! :-O At L'Occitane, order tickets are handed out to avoid confusion. The tickets are handed out at 10AM which is the hour before the opening (11AM). So I lined and waited for 2 hours to get the ticket!! X-( It was very cold waiting outside. I had a chat with the person who was lining in front of me. She said she couldn't buy the L'Occitane Lucky Bag yesterday, so she came to revenge!! But she said it's worth lining up to buy it.

This is what I got from my Lucky Bag!! :-D

(Sorry, the picture is not clear enough. :-( )

The Lucky Bag was 10500 yen. But if you buy all these items at a proper price, it worths about 30000 yen in total!! I recommend to buy this LB. ;-)

After I got the ticket at L'Occitane, I went to Mitsukoshi, Matsuya and Printemps Ginza. All department stores were so crowded!!!!! :-( OMG, how many times have I bumped into people!! Many TV station reporters came to interview and take the scenery of the LB battle, since Ginza is the battle fields of LB's!!! ;-) lol Of course, all the LB's of my favorite fashion brands were sold out. I'd better go earlier in the morning to get them next year. I wonder since when had the first person in line had lined up....Hmmm... had they stayed up all night in the cold???

Instead, I bought clothes for myself since a big winter sale was held at each department stores!!! :-D I got what I wanted at a reasonable price!!! Lucky me!! X-9

After that, I went to Nihonbashi with my parents. I stopped by at Maruzen Nihonbashi because I had to buy a book for my English Literature exam. I bought 【Mrs. Dalloway】 written by Virginia Woolf. It looks difficult.... I'll try my best to read... Also, I bought a weekly music magazine. :-) lol

After Maruzen, I helped my mum to buy foodstuff at Mitsukoshi. We bought LB's of foods and convenience goods there!!! My mum also bought clothes for herself too.

By the time I got home, I was so tired that I fell asleep after dinner and a bath.

Boy, have I shopped alot!!! But I love it!! X-D

I hope good luck would come this year since I got good things at a reasonable price!!☆★

† Welcome 2009!! :-D †

Hey guys!! Happy New Year!! :-D

Well, I'm not supposed to celebrate New Years Day because I'm in mourning... My grandfather passed away last year. I might as well spend the day as usual... So I can't send New Years Greeting Cards.. I'm very sorry who sent me one. :-(

But I'd like to say that I'm very happy to have relations with all my family, friends and seniors at SB. I'd also like to say a very big "Thank You" for being kind and helpful to me. I had a lot of fun last year and I hope I'll have more fun with you guys this year!! I wish everyone will have a wonderful year!! :-D

I've posted a New Years Greeting Movie from one of my favorite animations, "Shaman King"!! X-9 PLZ check it out!!

【Shaman King~New Years Greeting~】

With all the best wishes and love from Liz. ;-)

† Last Diary for 2008!! †

Today, I had an ordinary day. I just did house work and studied for the exams. French is quite hard than I thought!! X-( Tonight I'll watch 【NHK紅白歌合戦】and【ジャニーズカウントダウンライブ】. I'll enjoy my end of year with my family and my favorite artists!! :-)

Oh no!!! 2008 is over already!!! Time sure flied!!! :-0

Today, I'll write 【My Reflections】 as a record for this year.

☆★☆(´з｀)～♪★☆★(・ω・)☆★☆(・д・)★☆★

【My Reflections for 2008】

My first year in AGU was quite tough than I thought. I mean, wasn't strict at all, but how large the amount of work I had to do. I didn't think we had HW that much in universities. I thought we were to do individual studies and have many presentations for research mainly. But my thoughts were wrong... My year ended by doing assignments what the teacher said to...Oh, what a pity. I wanted to research and spend my time doing individual studies. So my next years goal is to spend more time studying on my own and prepare for my future carrier.

Not only I studied at AGU, but I also made many friends!! :-D I also had my first love but didn't come true and ended up broken-hearted. It was very annoying that I couldn't do anything well when I got broken-hearted. I got pretty sick....so-called "Love sick"?? lol. But now I'm OK. ;-p Besides, I don't feel or wish having a BF these days. Love is pretty difficult than I thought... I'll just enjoy myself now. :-D

This year, I've started part time job at Starbucks. It was my first PTJ because our high school didn't allow us to. It was pretty tough to memorize many things at SB, but I enjoyed working there because it's my third place. Many seniors are very nice and give me a hand or advice when I have trouble handling things by myself. SB is like my club because I don't belong to any right now. I really want to continue working here even though I get busy on my studies. :-)

I had a good year, but if I were to grade "The Year 2008".....It would be.....70% out of 100%!! ;-(

I haven't done much than I wanted to.... So, I'll try harder from "The Year 2009".

☆★☆(>ω<)★☆★(=´∀｀=)☆★☆

*.*.†(ノд｀)†.*.* Bye-bye 2008...

So that's all folks!!

Have yourself a wonderful ending of the year 2008!! :-D

† Permission and Question †

I'd like to introduce my favorite comics and anime through this blog. :-D

But before that, I want to write a permission and question. I hope I can hear your comments.

★☆★☆（・∀・）★☆★☆（´ω｀）★☆★☆

Most of my intimate friends know that I like comics and anime.

I like to read and draw comics, imitate scenes, memorize names of voice actors and actresses, watch people costume play.

I don't want to admit this but it's not too much to say that people think what I'm doing is an "Ot*k*" thing.

Though I didn't think so until someone spoke ill about me.

Actually, I was very shocked and hurt when I was called "Ot*k*" (by one person) even after I entered AGU because I tried not to talk that much than I used to. But some things come out even if you don't mention it... It just comes out to your action.

I still become sensitive when I hear the word from the harassment I had in junior high school.

I was often absent or late for school for no reason as I once said school was a nightmare for me and wanted to quit sooooooooo much. My parents didn't force me to go to school but told me to see my teacher and ask for help periodically and enjoy going to school as soon as possible. During the harassment, I tried to get rid of all my comics, stop watching anime, forget that I liked them and have intrest in something that other girls like (fashion, movies, dramas, boys....etc.). But it was no use.... I couldn't find the reason why I had to force myself to dislike something what I like. Is it because I want to be popular and liked by my classmates?? Is it because I didn't want to be "different" like other people??

But now I don't care at all if people speak ill of what I do. What I like is what I like and I'm not an id**t who change hobbies and personalities just because someone said bad about it. I might as well have to say, "Sorry people who don't like my hobby and what I do. I'm just being myself. :-( "

I'm sorry to write such a crooked article but please regard that I had a conflict to myself if I should conceal or come out this hobby. From the harassment I had in the past, I've been concerning about this conflict for years and even now...I also have a habit to think things too serious and doubt people before I take action. This maybe a sign that I'm a weak person who always concern what people say.... :-( But from today, I decided to come out about it.

Question: Do you think you have to change yourself just because people say ill about you??

† My Pets †

Today, I'll introduce my pets!! :-) I have a dog and two goldfish.

First, my dog Julia. She is a beagle and 9 years old. I named her after my favorite Holywood actress, Julia Roberts. My parents bought her for my 10th birthday present. :-D I have many memories with Julia because I lived with her in Canada and moved to Japan together. I think she had a lot of strees when we came back to Japan. She likes to eat, especially vegitables and fruits. (That's why she's pretty fat!! :-( )She is a like a little sister to me. I pray Julia will live as long as she can.. I will love her forever..

Julia

Next, my two goldfish, Kin-san and Gin-san!! :-D I got them at a little festival in May. 金魚すくい in Japanese. lol I heard that goldfish die soon. Actually, I got three goldfish, but sadly, one of them died after a week I got them. :-( So I thought the other two will die soon. But who ever thought they will live this long!!! OMG!!! :-O So I named them Kin-san and Gin-san. Well, I'm glad that they live long.....but don't let me buy another aquarium because of their size!!!! They cost more than I thought!!! ;-(

Kin-san

Gin-san

They look the same, but Gin-san is more bright colored than Kin-san. In fact, Kin-san is larger than Gin-san.

Please visit my house someday to meet my pets!! Bye for today!! :-D

† Mew †

Today, I'm going to write about a kitten I saved and what I learned from her this summer.

First, let me talk about that I visit to my grandparents house in Hiratsuka almost every summer. I enjoy staying at their house to help housework, enjoy shopping or go out together. At Hiratsuka, I can meet my friends because I went to elementary school for two years after coming back from Canada when I was 10. Hiratsuka is a beautiful place. It's not a busy city like Tokyo so I feel relaxed and I can forget all my stress. My grandparents house is near the sea and mountains so I go for a walk in the morning.

Anyway, I visited Hiratsuka this summer too. One morning, when I was going to the sea with my grandfather for a walk, I herd something crying around the yard. I thought it was the cat next door, so I ignored it and went to the sea. When I came home, I still heard the cry. I listened carefully where it came from and found out that it was crying from the back of our storehouse. I was a little scared because I didn't know what it was until I saved it. My grandmother loves gardening so there are many flowers and trees and trees planted in the yard. This means that there are sooooo many incests that I reeeaaaly dislike. It was hard for me to help the kitten out from where she was because she was stuck between two plant pots in the back of the storehouse which had little space between the wall!!! I got cobwebs on my hair and hands during the rescue!! How disgusting!! X-( Finally, I saved the kitten. It was a Mike (three colored hair) neko and was soooooo small and adorable!!! X-D I named her Mew by her little cries. She would climb on me up to my chest. I held and patted her very softly.

Unfortunately, as you might have noticed, she is only a baby, so small that her paws didn't have fur and her eyes weren't well opened yet which means that Mew has only lived for only a few weeks or so. She got lost from her mother. I tried to give her milk but she can't drink it. I got panicked because I didn't know what to do. My grandparents didn't know either because they have never had a pet before. Luckily, the next door neighbour had a cat and she gave me advice. But the neighbour said she is too little to take care and may have to take her to the Health Center. My grandparents wanted a pet but my grandmother has been sick so she didn't have confidence to take care of Mew. I was so upset and desperate because if I can't find a family for her, Mew would be taken to the Health Center and be killed!!! I thought everything what I can do. Another sad thing was that this day was the day I had to go home in Tokyo!! X-( I called home and cried for help to my parents. My parents also felt sorry and said we could keep Mew, but we've already have a dog and goldfish so it would be difficult. Another reason we couldn't keep Mew was that I couldn't take her home to Tokyo. I had to go home by train from Hiratsuka and it would be strange if I rode the train with Mew. I was very upset and desperate because I had to leave without coming up any solution to help her. When I decided to compose an chain e-mail to my friends to ask if anyone can be Mew's foster family, luckily, my grandmother decided to take care of her with my neighbour's support. I was relieved that Mew didn't end up being killed at the Health Center.

After I came back home, I was so worried about Mew that I called my grandparents everyday to hear her condition. My grandparents said she was fine and thanks to their neighbour, they said they could handle her. I could hear Mew's cries from the phone. I wanted to see and hold her in my arms again!!

Unfortunately, the happiness didn't last long.

Mew passed away after a week I saved her.

I heard the sad news from my grandmother's phone call. I couldn't believe it and my eyes were full of tears.

Mew only survived for a week. The little kitten passed away so quickly without seeing the world.

I couldn't do anything after the phone call and just stood where I was and was desperate than ever.I even thought, "Was rescuing Mew the right action for her??" I got confused if I did the right thing or not. But my mother told me that even though Mew only survived for a week, she must have been happy that she could live longer because was saved by me and pass away in a warm house, loved and cherished by my grandparents rather than shivering all alone in the back of the storehouse. After hearing my mothers words, I couldn't help crying and just cried and cried and cried.

Almost 3 months have passed since Mew passed away, I will never forget the day I met her. I could still hear her little cries and feel her little body climbing on me. I wonder how she is in heaven and what she felt that I saved her.

I have learned from Mew that any existence doesn't have an eternal life, that is why love is essential in order to live. No one can live alone nor can they refuse to be loved by someone. The ability to love someone is the gift from God which we all have. To think about or giving your love to someone is the proof that you are alive and loved by other people. I am now confident to say that saving Mew was the right thing for her and I was able to do it because I'm loved and cherished by my family, have wonderful friends around me and the Lord has given me the ability to love people around me and myself.

Love wins in the end......you can buy diamonds, jewels and anything you want to buy.....but can you buy love with money??

† English Literature Meeting †

Today, I went to the Aoyama Campus to attend the English Literature Meeting. Usually I have reading class on Saturdays but today's attendance was to attend to this meeting. First I didn't want to go, but I was interested in one of the lectures, so I wasn't reluctant to go. Besides, my house is near to Aoyama Campus than Fuchinobe Campus. Piece of cake!! ;-D

First, in the morning, I attended to 2 presentations made by graduate students of the English department. To tell the truth, it was difficult to understand without looking at the resume and I couldn't stop taking notes. The presentations were good, but the professors made many remarks (sadly, bitter criticism) and asked many questions to the presenter. I was astonished that the professors are very intelligent to make many criticism and knew how hard you have to research in order to make a perfect presentation!!! X-( I want to specialize in English literature and interested going to graduate school, but it looks harder than I thought...to enter the school, to keep studying and researching about English compositions. I'd better get more information and give it a second thought. :-(

I met Mr. Nakano, Mrs. Aso and Mr. Takeuchi, my professors, at the meeting!! :-) Sadly, I couldn't talk to them because they were very busy. :-(

After the presentations, I attended the meeting of the introduction of seminars. I want to join one of the seminars in the 3rd year, so I thought it's better to attend this meeting. It's never too early to get information!!! ;-9 I say to myself that "Whoever gets more information are the winners of the battle!!".　『情報を有する者は、戦を征する。』 I met Mariko and Shouzou at the meeting!! :-D I was happy because I didn't meet any IE friends until then.

Finally I had lunch after the meeting. Oops... I forgot to take the picture of my lunch because I was so hungry.lol. I had a chicken cutlet sandwich and a hot chocolate at Becks coffee. It was delicious!! ;-9

After lunch, I studied and did my homework at the campus library because I had 2 and half hours of free time until the last program. It's better to say that I came to Aoyama campus to hear this lecture. I managed to contact with Mariko and decided to attend this lecture with her. It was about Japans' English education after the Beetles boom. It was very interesting and the professor said some jokes so I never got bored or sleepy and enjoyed the 70 minute lecture!!!

Finally, my studies for today are over!!!! Yeah~~~~!!!!☆★

I went to Shibuya with Mariko. :-) We chatted a lot on our way to the station.

Mariko and I became friends because we both like Porno Graffitti!!!!
I was very happy because I didn't have any Porno Graffitti fan friends in the English department until I met her!!! X-D Unfortunately, we didn't have much time so we only took the photo today. We are planing to go to Karaoke next time and sing many Porno Graffitti songs!!! I haven't been to Karaoke since May, so I really want to go and sing.

It was a good ending for a day after listening to literary lectures!!! Thank you, Mariko!!! ;-D

I had a good day and an great opportunity thinking about what I really want to study during my university life and my future dream.

† SB Lunch †

Yesterday(11/29), after Reading class on 2nd period, I went to SB in Machida with my friend to have lunch. I enjoy going to SB even at private when I don't have work. My friend said he has never been and have a chance to go to SB, so as an employee I decided to guide show how SB is like. I demonstrated about the Holiday Promotion beverages, foods and the coffee beans and products we sell. He ordered Dark Cherry Mocha, and I ordered Crème Brûlée Late customized with soy milk. Customizing your beverage with soy milk, you can enjoy a rich and smooth taste of your beverage. By the way, today I worked again at my store and one of my seniors made me a Hot chocolate with soy milk, it was very delicious!! X-9 First, I didn't like soy milk at all, but I really like it now!! Though the calories are the same as ordinary milk, I think it's still healthy than that. And when you heat soy milk, it gets hot faster than ordinary milk, so be careful when you heat soy milk at home!! X-( Also, I order my hot drinks with a mug when I eat-in. It's Eco-friendly to use mugs, and as I said before, SB is my third place, so I try to feel as if I 'm at home. :-)

Anyway, my friend and I had chatted for a long time. We chatted about our class, friends, hobbies, future, etc. I usually have lunch at the cafeteria with my IE2 friends, so I had a different and a nice afternoon.

† Holy Evening †

Yesterday(11/28), I went to the Christmas lightning festival with Miho at Fuchinobe Campus after 4th period class. Advent has started from this week. It is the period to prepare the celebration of Christ's birth which is 4weeks later from now. We all celebrate Christmas, but my Christian Education teacher, Mr. Ito said that some people don't know the real meaning of Christmas. I remember that I used to have a Christmas service like yesterday's festival every year when I was in junior high and senior high school. It is my favorite service of all the seasons.

I was surprised with the number of people participating. We managed to get a seat to service and watch the lighting. The hand bell and the gospel performances were very beautiful. Though it was cold, I thought it was wonderful to have prayers outside. The prayers make me calm and is the time to listen to my inner voice. I usually go to the chapel of Fuchinobe campus at least once a week to sing the hymns, read the bible, listen to the priest's words and have my prayers. I'm very happy that I could continue the services even at university.

I remember Mr. Takasago's prayers saying, "Japan and the world is getting darker each day because of the cruel crimes, economic crisis, terrorism which is happening right now. But Lord, you have gave us light to guide the way out of the darkness. We are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate Christ's birth which all of us were waiting for."

The candles and the tree was lighten up when we all sung "Silent Night, Holy Night ". It was the most beautiful scene in the festival.

The candles that Miho and I lighted during the festival.

The lighted Christmas tree. It was smaller than I thought. :-(

It was a wonderful time. What a romantic and holy evening it was!!

† Lovely Gift from Kyoto †

Yesterday(11/21), I met my friend since there was no class on 3rd period. He belongs to a different department of AGU but a classmate of Education Psychology and Jurisprudence class that we have on 3rd and 4th period of Friday.

2weeks passed since I last met him so we chatted for a long time. He said he went to Kyoto with his friend last Friday and gave me a lovely souvenir!! It's a Furoshiki. (I've folded into 1/4 to take this picture.)

I have been to Kyoto once when I was 2years old (my parents say), but it's better to say I've never been there because I don't remember anything. I didn't go to Kyoto even at a school trip!! So I want to go there someday.

I was very happy but also surprised that he chose a design that I really like, even though I didn't say anything about my favorite color or design.
Thank you very much!!