Kunio's Busy Week

Dear Mike, August 12th

How have you been ? I was very glad to hear from you. Thanks for your letter. I got it in few days ago, but I counldn't reply to you immediately; please forgive me !

Yes, you're right I am lucky to be attending the Julliard School of Music, and
I do attend great concerts. I think it would be fun if you come in September on the 10th and stay with me.

It is my honor to be attending this school. Do you know why ? I have to tell you that it is not easy studying. I am always busy practicing. The school took all of my appointment calender for the week from Sunday Aug 4th - Saturday Aug. 10th.

I had to practice two hours everyday that week starting on Sunday. The Mostly Mozart Festival was all week. On Aug 5th at 9:00 am I had a piano lesson. On Aug 6th I went to the Mostly Mozart piano concert at 8:00 pm. On Aug 7th I had Orchestra rehearsal from 3:00 to 5:00. Then on Aug 8th I attended the Mostly Mozart concert with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at 8:00 pm. On Friday August 9th I had a piano lesson again at 2:00 pm. And on the last day Saturday I went to a 17th Century music performance at 3:00 pm.

You can see that all that week at the Julliard School, I really did not have time to take a rest. Now I need some relaxation after all this activity.

Best of Wishes

Kunio

Writing on work book

Dear Bernie,

Thankyou for your letter in September ! How are you ? I do hope you're doing well. I'm sorry to taking a longtime to respond to you. I hope you understand.

It was a couple months we didn't talk or connect with each other because I was busy studying English lately. On the weekend I went to work part time to increase a little income instead of I'm looking for a full time job.

I was very glad to hear that all your family are good and I'm also happy that you still write to me often. I appreciated your kindness. I didn't have any interesting thing, but last month I got an invitation to Holywood bowl from a friend of mine. I went there with my friend to listen a classical music. The choirs
and performers were dressed very elegant. The music and lightning were great and followed to the rhythm. The musicians and all the performers were play very well. Though we set far from the stage, but the acoustics were not too bad. We enjoyed it very much. If you have time you can come here and we'll go to another concert.

ok ! I must stop here. I'll write to you another time if I can. Please give my regards to all your family.

Love from
William

How was your Holiday ?

( WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE HOLIDAY ? DID YOU HAVE ANY NEW EXPERIENCES ? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED AS A RESULT ? )

Annually when Thanksgiving Day comes, people are generally animated for the holiday. Naturally, States offices, banks, companies, stores, and school are closed.
some places events had a four days holiday.

Therefore, many people traveled to visit friends or to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with their familes during the holiday.
When I was working at the warehouse before. Of course, We have Thanksgiving. This year, I have been studying English in Elmonte Rosemead Adult School. So I had a four days break for Thanksgiving.I was very happy. On Thanksgiving my friend invited me to their house in Century City. They celebrated Thanksgiving dinner at home and they invited many friends to come. Certaintly, everybody brought food to cook at my friends house. All the food looked very interesting and smelled dilicious. I felt very hungry. It was the first time I saw people make turkey after baking where the meat was not dry but soft. I just made corn cakes and seafood mushroom soup. We enjoyed a lot of food, desserts, red wine, and fruits.

It was also the first time I had American traditional food for Thanksgivning.
So I experienced many new food liked; stuffing and mashed potatoes and how to cook them. I had a very wonderful time during the holiday. That was amazing !

A DILEMMA

I read Robert Frost's " THE ROAD NOT TAKEN." This is like a Chinese proverb that says, DON'T STRADDLE ON TWO BOATS. This is the dilemma of human life. People straddling two boats want the best of both worlds.

When I lived in my homeland, I never dreamed of living in another country because I was contents living with my family even though my income was sometimes uncertain ( Boat I ) Then I was offered a chance to better my income in the U.S. If I left my home, I didn't know if I could get a good paying job. ( Boat 2 ), I faced the two roads. Dilemma; Should I stay or should I go? I didn't want to leave. I hesitated in completing my immigrant document from the U.S. embassy. At the last minute I decided to go.

During the first year I settled in the U.S., I saw that everything was different from what I thought. I realized that I had more opportunities to make friends from many other countries. I'm happy with the road I chose.

My Holiday !

Yesterday was Veterans' Day. Every school, banks and some companies had one day off. But the shopping centers and stores were open on the holiday.

Most people took a rest at home, and other families went shopping and cooked dinner with friends. Actually, I had a day off from school. I didn't plan to go anywhere. I just wanted to relax at home. As usual I got up at 6;00. I had to make breakfast to eat. Then I read an English text book for awhile, until noon. Then My Brother-in-law and Sister invited me to eat lunch with them at a Chinese restaurant in Monterey Park. We waited for twenty-five minutes. We ordered different foods for each person. There were fired crabs, vegetables and beans. boiled chicken, stewed pork, and lotus seed soup with steamed rice. That was a delicous meal !

Afterwards at home. We watched a DVD " The Sound Of Jazz " an American classic moive about the 1930's.The movie talked about Jazz music which was very popular at that time with a famous Black female singer whose name was Billie Holiday. It was a tragic story about her singing life. She died from drugs at age 44. It was a true story.

Anyway, I spent the whole day as a holiday. Though It wasn't anything special,I enjoyed it very much.

" A Happiness Couple "

I met a Vietnamese woman who was my business customer. We have known each other for a long time. To be polite, I've never asked about people's personal issues. Let me tell you a part about their lifes.

One day, She sent me an invitation to invite me to her Diamond wedding anniversary. She celebrated at home because I knew she has a big house with three stories. there are eight bed rooms in total. One big dining-room and living room. There's a big front yard. There were 160 guests in the living room and front yard. At that day I got there a little bit early. So She invited me to sit in the living room to drink a cup of tea. She introduced her husband but I've never met. I thought He's very kind person. We talked together for awhile. I felt very comfortable with our communication. Then, I asked some questions about their private life. The husband told me that who was a professor in an University. The wife was a business woman. They met each other by chanced. They fell in love at the first sight. They were very happy together. But, Her husband's parents didn't accepted their love. Because he was a teacher and she was a business woman. The parents didn't think they were compatable. The husband said that he didn't pay attention to their ideas. He tried to persuaded them.

Two years later. They got married to each other. They had a happy life together. They had three daughters in the first three year of marriage. The second one was a daughter, the third one a daughter again ! They felt depressed. After that they were discussing together. Please don't give up ! Maybe the next one will be a boy. So they kept hoping for a boy. But every time a girl was born. Therefore, They weren't happy in a short time. Anyway they had decided to produced again. Finally, year by year. There were eleven princesses in the family. Oh ! I couldn't believe my eyes. They introduced their daughters one by one. That was incredible ! They said, although most of daughters but they were very fulfilled in their life.

The couple always seem very enjoy over the year. they were very pround of their children. Most of them were successful in their life and got married. They had a happy life too. The husband told me even though they have some arguments but nothing bad happened. They talked to each other. They have had a wonderful life together in their late 80. I think there were no other any couple like them.

What Kind of Music Do You Like And why ?

I like any kinds of music. The reason why is that it is a part of human life. if there were no music, the world would be like meaningless. For example; Most of the festivals, weddings, and parties include different music.

For me, I liked English songs when I was a teenager. My favorite songs were mostly in the 1960's and 70's. Why did I like them ? It was because the rhythms of that music were very easy to memorize, and the lyrics were very meaningful.

Good Advicing

Subject; Good Advicing
Date; Oct 29, 2009 11;20 a/m Eatern Daylight time
from; malechus@yahoo.com
To; kenji@newnet.com

Hi Kenji,

I'm sorry to hear that you broke up with Kathy ! Why did you walk out on her ? Now you have to face up to the fact that you still really love her.
I have to give you some good advice. First of all, you have to write an apology letter to explain your fault instead of calling her. In addition, you could find out what mistakes you were making. You have to write to her. You might also go to meet her in person if you can. I think she will give you a good chance for an explanation.
However, you have to be patient. Give her time to get long with you. At this time you have to deal with the problem you made. But don't forget your health ! Keep your mind thinking on other things. Time will heal the wound.

Best wishes and luck !

William

A Kind Person

I have chosen kindness as an important quality because people who know or meet must have a good impression of each 0ther at first. This is good for personal communication.

My relative who came from Cambodia was a very kind and generous person. She had five children, but all of them were very successful in different jobs in their life in the U.S. They always did a lot of charaity in their country.
For example,They sent money to their relatives to help the poor people for food or clothes, and some medicine once a while in the countryside.
Once in awhile they took time to visit some poor villages in Cambodia once a year.
They collected money to build a big school, temple, and bridges. Of course they went to celebrate when all the contruction was finished.

These things are not easy for everybody to do . I would also like to help and to share with people when they have problems so I always admire people who look like them. It is very important to be a kind person to help each other in some part of a human's life. I wish I could.

MY MOTORBIKE ACCIDENT

MY MOTORBIKE ACCIDENT


Twenty years ago. I worked at the market selling foodstuffs in Vietnam. As routine I went to pick up many kinds of food at the food factory because Chinese Newyear was coming. The tracffic was always crowded with vehicles and motorcycles everywhere in the city. There were many food hawkers on the side of the street.

One afternoon I rode a motorbike carrying many kinds of food for the New year season consisting of sausages, hams, fried meat rolls, ground porks, pork balls. All of them hung on both of my handle-bars, and I put a big jute bad of pork rolls behind my seat. Actually, all the foods were very heavy. Just after I left the food factory. I was driving over a bridge.

Suddenly, I saw two drunk drivers on a motorcycle directly coming toward me. When they saw me, they lost control and I couldn't react in time in such a short distance. They ran into me and threw me off my motorbike about 4 feet. I didn't even know one of my feet was broken and bleeding a lot on the ground. My whole body and arms hurt. I couldn't do anything. I was trying to stand up. I saw the drunks drive away. I heard many people screaming, " Blood ! Blood ! "
Luckily some neighbors helped me pick up everything. My motorcycle was broken. They made me sit down on the side of the street. Someone tried to stop the blood coming from my injury. Another person asked my employer's phone number to contact them.

Finally I called a cycle driver to take me to an orthopedic hospital. I waited there for an hour. The orthopedic surgeon stitched the wound on my foot and toes. After that they cast my foot in plaster. My leg felt very heavy. It was uncomfortable to move. I walked using a walker, and everything I did was very difficult. I stayed home for treament for two months. I didn't get any benifit from my employer. At the same time I went to therapy twice a week. I overcame the difficulties of my disaster.

I made a complete recovery. From then on when driving I was always watching the other drivers more. I hope it never happens again.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ

Reading an English book is not easy for everybody. There is lots of new English vocabulary and a lot of different grammar.

I think reading is important. I checked this book out from the library named Great American Stories 2. There are many different stories. At least, it can help me to improve my reading and understanding. In the same way, I can practice how to write in English well in my paragraph. I can improve some sentences and puntuation, etc.

I want to read more English books well so I can open my knowledge in my studying. I hope I can progress in writing English.

What Is My Dream ?

When I was young, I dream of going to College to study music. I like music because I enjoy created new song. I also like singing old songs .
I grow up in a large family with 10 siblings. Actually, I did not finish my elementary education. I left school when I was 11 years old to working and earn money to take care of My Parents .
I worked very hard at many jobs, some jobs work 13 hours per day. No vacation. No weekend off. After working 13 hours I helped My Mother sale food in our front yard from 8 p/m to 10 p/m every day. My family lived in the flea market. Because of the difficulty that come after liberation in 1975. Every people wanted to get more income. so I lost my opportunity to complete elementary education. Because I had to work to support my family .
Between 1993 and 1995 I studied english in evening class. However. I only studied 3 hours per week. there was not enough time to learn English well. In addition. there was no opportunity to practise English conversation . I learned english by singing American song as well .
I remember, when I was a little boy I dreamed I could go to the other country in my future life. But My dreamed wasn't come true to me until I grow up. In 1994 My family immigrated to the United States. To tell the truth. I have never dreamed I can live and staying in the US today. Thankyou God !
Although, I worked hard in VN . Finally , I came here and started a new life . but it required that I make adjustment. I went to work at the warehouse in Ontario city and I took ESL classes . I'm working toward accomplishing my defered elementary education .

AN AMERICAN DREAM

I have a friend who lived the American dream , her name is Lan . When she was in highschool in Vietnam . She always dreams of becoming a surgeon because she wanted to help sick people get well .

In 1986 , She immigrated to the US with her family . She got her Highschool Diploma in the US . And then , Lan went to College .Lan wanted to major in Medical surgery. However, Her Parents were againsted . Therefore , She changed her Major academic to nursing .She spent four years for Immigration service and nationalization class . Finally , She graduated with a bachelors of science degree in nursing .Now , She is working in a Major hospital in Seattle Washington State .

Though , Lan didn't become a surgeon , She is very happy and satisfied with being a RN . as a register nurse because she is helping sick people get well .

The Labor Day

Every year LaborDay falls on First Monday in September . Of course , the workers all happy to have a Labor Day off . Some people they work on holiday too , such as , the polices , Fire Fighters, doctors and some stores workers . Schools and Banks do not work , the freeways will be open .
Many people will plan to have fun for example ; They go to the beaches or picnics , and to celebrate party at home and at the parks .

MY PERSONAL LOSSES

Being a human will eventually encounter a loss of life. Of course, nobody wanted. I remembered my 84 year old Grandmother who was very healthy woman. She worked very hard at home all of her life .
One afternoon in 1993. She went from the kitchen to the living room. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and she just sat down on the chair. I asked her what was going on ? She said that she felt a great pain in her left hips. She couldn't stand up. I tried to calm down and carry her on my both arms to the taxi. We went to an orthopaedics hospital. After they took X-Ray of her hips. The doctor said that her left hips was broken because she had osteoporosis. She was elderly and 84 year old .
The orthopedics surgeon decided to operate on her left hip bones. They cast her hip in plaster. At few days later. She had trouble with adjusted her cast. So I took her to the doctor to cut it off . it took of few months before she recovered. Event after she recorvered from surgery, she couldn't walk or stand up by herself. She was bed-ridden. Until she passed away. So My Grandmothers death was my personal loss .