I Finally Ordered It

Today, I finally ordered Clarisonic Mia2 from Amazon. I found the good deal on a blog which informs good deals. Now, Amazon is selling Clarisonic Mia2 for $108.63 (plus $6.58 for shipping). The retail price was $149.00. When I found the deal, I wasn't going to buy it. Even though it was a very good deal, it was still too expensive for me. However, the more I read the reviews on it, the more I wanted to buy it. I finally asked my husband if I could buy it. He said to me to go for it. :) When I asked my husband's permission, I already decided to buy it. And he knows about that. That's why he always agrees with me. Haha...
I look forward to receiving it.

My Philosophy

I sometimes feel cultural differences between Japan and other countries.
Long time ago, my friend told me that she and her son found iPod touch at a parking lot one day. She thought she was lucky because iPod touch was pretty expensive. Then, she kept it and enjoyed using it. If I were her, I would definitely take it to lost and found, because I don't feel comfortable to use something which someone lost. Maybe, the person is still trying to find it and depressed by losing it. I wish the person would find it and would be relieved.
When I was a child, we were educated ethic in Japan. I don't exactly remember how much we learned, but I believe we had ethic class at least two hours a week when I was in grade school. I think it has an effect on my philosophy. When I was in elementary school, we were complimented by taking something to lost and found. If we found something outside of a school, we took it to police even if it was just 50 cents. (It doesn't matter how much it is.) It's because it is common sense for us. I think keeping something that we pick up is not good idea; moreover, I can say it is kind of a wrong doing. I asked my husband, who is also Japanese, about that. He said that he learned the same things in grade school in Japan and was always proud of taking it to police. However, it is just our opinion from Japanese standpoint. So, I should always try to understand different opinions from different people.






 Today's Vocabulary
・ wrongdoing : noun /  悪事、不正行為

 

Military Draft System

This morning, I went to a cafe to meet my Korean friend as usual Friday. She told me about Korean military system. She said that Korean government has been adapting military draft system. So, Korean men must join the military when they become certain age. While U.S. military offers many benefit to soldiers, Korean military doesn't. Korean men have to join the military without compensation. She thought Korean government should offer some benefits to the soldiers, so that it will be an incentive and as a result their military will become more stronger. I asked her if she thought the military system was necessity. She said, "Of course. It's because we were divided by north and south. We needed to prepare from North Korea's attack." However, I believe we don't need military at all. We shouldn't improve technology and weapons of mass destruction. I don't understand why people make weapons for killing people. Regardless of any reason, I can't understand why people kill each other. Going to war means that someone has to die, and it brings only sadness and regrets. There are many U.S. military stationed in Japan, but Japanese people are not happy about that. When I was little we were educated how going to war was terrible from history of World War II. Japan is the only country that suffered an atomic bomb damage in history. Japan has decided we will never go to war again. You may think I am talking about my dream, but I strongly believe all countries will understand someday that we don't have to kill each other. It's because we are human, and we can make a right decision without fighting. We can learn something from our history.





 Today's Vocabulary
・ compensation : noun / 〔労働などに対する〕支払い、対価、報酬、賃金、給与
　　ex) What kind of compensation do you have in mind? : 《面接》どのくらいの給与をお考えですか。
・ incentive : noun / 〔仕事などに対する〕やる気（を起こさせるもの
　　ex) His incentive is huge. : 彼のやる気はすごい。
・ mass destruction : 大量破壊［殺りく］
・ be stationed : たむろする、進駐する、駐屯する、駐留する



      

Just My Today's Diary

Today, I took tutoring and learned how to properly write a summary. I got some tips for writing summary from my tutor, and I realized again that I need to learn many advanced vocabularies to improve my writing skill. My tutor spoke very fast, but I was able to understand what she was saying almost 100%. I asked her how she thought of my pronunciation. She said to me that my pronunciation was not too bad, and she understood what I was saying except for "V" sound. In Japanese, we don't have v sound. We pronounce V as almost the same as B sound. I still find it difficult to pronounce V. I need more practice. I also told her I have been writing on my blog everyday to improve my writing skill and what I write on my blog. I write about daily life, my favorite makeup, fashion, shopping, study and so on. She was interested in makeup and told me that Ulta periodically sends their catalog with store coupon, and the coupon is stated that $5 off when you purchase $10. She said to me it was too good deal, and she thought Ulta is losing money to sell makeup. I was going to stop by Ulta to buy Revlon and NYX cosmetics tomorrow after I fill gas in my car at the same mall with Ulta. However, I saw a red flashing oil light on my car this morning. That's why I needed to go to a gas station today. So, I gave up to go to Ulta tomorrow because I don't have an excuse to go to the mall. Now, Revlon and NYX cosmetics are 40% discount at Ulta. I have a $5 off coupon for Revlon products. In addition, if I use a $5 off Ulta coupon, it must be very good deal. However, I already have a lot of makeup. I think I should pass this time even though my $5 off Revlon coupon will expire soon.

Discribing Something

Today, I did my assignment for my writing class. I need to describe one place in 5 to 9 sentences in one paragraph. I chose the cafeteria at my college for my assignment. We are supposed to use many adjectives and some simile expressions. However, the more adjectives I used, the more my paragraph became complicated. I know my sentences lead to confusion. And also it was difficult to summarize within 9 sentences. :(( I think I need more practice. Tomorrow, I'm going to take tutoring, and I'm planing on asking my tutor how I can properly describe the place. Learning about describing something in my class leads to improving my writing skill for reviews. If I become confident about describing, I'd like to try to write on some review sites in English. :)






 Today's Vocabulary
・ simile : noun / 直喩◆二つの異なるものをlikeやasを使って比較する修辞技法。 (Pronunciation is si'məliː)      

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Today, I went to Stater Brothers, and I found that they were having sale for St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I was excited because I didn't expected the sale, and my sister requested me to buy the product. Now, St. Ives Apricot Scrub is on sale for $2.99. When you buy three, $3 will automatically be taken off your purchase. I had two $1 off coupon, so I ended up paying for $3.97 plus tax. Yay!

I purchased two St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub and one St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub. I had used Fresh Skin one before and it had worked very well. I used The Blemish Control one for my first time tonight, and I noticed the scrub grain was bigger than Fresh Skin one. So I thought it was more gentle. My skin became very smooth after using it. I love it! :) It is stated that it is for prevents blackheads and minimized pores, I didn't notice the result though.
I hope my sister will like it too. :)


     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/beauty

     These are my entries you might like.

♥4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

♥Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Products - What I Want to Buy in Japan

♥Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products

♥Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

♥The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

♥5 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

♥The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

 Today's Vocabulary
・ blemish : noun / 傷、染み、欠点、汚点、欠陥
・ grain : noun / 〔砂・塩などの〕粒子（の大きさ）、一粒

Another Month

I have been auctioning since 5 month ago. I have dealt with 28 customers so far. And I'm thinking about finishing auctioning next month. I have still some products which I'd like to sell, but I'd like to finish it before holiday season comes. It's because the holiday season is always very busy for delivery work, and any deliveries tend to delay at that time. I don't want to get in trouble with customers. From next month, I'm going to discount many of my products to sell as many products as possible. The auction made me busy, but now I'm already used to it. It's just fun! :)

What I've Gotten for My Sister So Far

I have bought some Coach products for my sister since this summer. My sister has requested to me to upload these photos on my blog.
I'm going to show you what I've gotten for my sister so far and compare the price in Japan.

I purchased two Optic Metallic Signature Chain Duffle bags for my sister and me. These are sold in Japan for $669.60 each.

Optic Metallic Signature Chain Duffle bag $90.30 (was $278)

 This black 24CM Signature Duffle bag is for my sister. This is sold in Japan for $630.

This black 24CM Signature Duffle bag $69.30 (was $328)

I bought this bag for my sister two month ago. This Madison Op Art Sateen Sophia Satchel is my favorite one. This bag was not sold at Coach store in Japan. However, it was only available online and they said the retail price was $1045.80 in Japan. That's too expensive, isn't it?

Madison Op Art Sateen Sophia Satchel $122.50 (was $358)

I've also bought two umbrellas for my sister and her husband. The umbrellas are sold in Japan for $252 each.
And I bought a scarf for my sister. It is not sold in Japan too, and the online retail price in Japan is $504.

Coach Perforated Signature Umbrella $34.30 (was $88)

Coach Inlaid C Signature Umbrella $34.30 (was $88)

     Coach scarf $36.96 (was $128)

Total retail price in the U.S. was $1268, but I paid $387.66. These came out 70.13% off after discount.
On the other hand total retail price in Japan was $3353.40. These came out 88.7% off after discount. Coach products in Japan are always very expensive. That's why my sister had been requesting me to buy Coach products in the U.S. :)



This is my entries related to my Coach shopping.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Coach

Breakable Products

Two years ago, we bought an fan at Target, but it broke this year. I was surprised because I never imagine that it would get broken. I never had an experience like that in Japan. There are some fans in my parents' house in Japan. All of them are still working well even now. Even though some of them were made over 20 years ago, they have no problem. I used to believe fans work forever unless you break them yourself.
Then, we bought another fan this summer because this summer was very hot, and we really needed it. Today, we noticed it was broken again. I thought it couldn't be helped because it was not made in Japan. I don't believe everything made in Japan has the highest quality, but today I thought it may be true. I can say Japanese products are top quality. Whenever I have a chance to buy electric appliances, I will choose Japanese product if I can afford it. Japanese products are always expensive in the U.S., but they function properly and last for a very long time. In the long run, you can save money.






 Today's Vocabulary
・ function : verb / 機能する、働く
　　ex) My brain doesn't function very well. : 頭があまり働かない。◆疲労や睡眠不足が原因で。
・ in the long run : 長い目で見れば、長期的には、結局（は）
　　ex) n the long run, it is cheaper to buy the larger bottle than the small one. : 長い目で見れば、小瓶より大瓶を買った方が安い。
 

The Reason Why We Need to Learn about Writing

Today, I went to cafe to meet my friend who is taking ESL class in my college. She told me that she wanted to stop going to school. She has an assignment for writing essay, but she finds it difficult to write because it is her first essay. She isn't planning on going to university. That's why she can't find the reason of improving writing skill. She wants to improve her speaking skill now. I won't go to university too, but I found the value of writing skill. You might think it's funny, but now I'm really interested in learning about writing. While most people don't like taking writing class, I really enjoyed it. I strongly want to improve my writing skill more and more. I told her about my experience. Last week, I needed to write a letter of complaint to a company because I was not able to get a reward. It was a first time to write a letter to the company. Few days later, I received a reply from them, and I'm going to get the reward within a week. I thought my study for writing is finally paying off. I was glad about improving my writing skill. In our lives in the U.S., we have to write something occasionally. I advised her to at least finish taking advanced writing class. Sometimes, people lose our willpower for studying English and so do I. As an immigrant, we must keep studying English, and it can not be avoided. 

I Had to Say Good Bye to Her

Today, I went to Italian restaurant to meet my friends. One of my friend is going back to Japan next week. We have known each other since 2009. While I was taking my first ESL class in 2009, she started taking the same class. She is a very active person. She has been taking part in many activities. She has been taking ESL, Okinawa Sanshin, belly dance, cooking in the U.S. She has also taken a secretary class and passed the secretary exam here. In addition, she has taken TOEIC exam many times to improve her English skill. She started raising a puppy a year ago. She has traveled as many places as she could in the U.S. and enjoyed her U.S. life. She told us that she was scared to live in the U.S before moving. The most she was concerned about was hospitals because she couldn't speak English at all and didn't know how she can see a doctor if she has medical problems. However, there were some Japanese hospitals here. She didn't have to worry about that. She said that her life in California was paradise for her. I have already known that she would go back to Japan someday since three years ago, but I was really sad when I had to say good bye to her. I cried without realizing while hugging with her. I couldn't believe that day came.   

Regardless of Any Reason

Today, my teacher handed out paper for grammar activity. We needed to identify appropriate part of speech for each words. There were ten sentences on this paper. I thought that's very easy, and I finished within 2 minutes. When I finished it, I wanted to make sure my answers with my classmates. However, they were still doing on second sentences. I was surprised most of students were not able to do well. They were really confused. My class is advanced class, and I thought that was not advanced activity. While many students just started learning English from advanced level, I started taking a beginning class three years ago. I have been studying very seriously since then. I thought all my hard effort was not waste of time. When I started learning English, my ESL teacher said, "All students, who just started learning English when they are adult, need to keep learning English seriously for at least 15 years until you can use it well. I'm sorry, but it's true."  I was really shocked because I felt like learning English is endless. However, I can understand it now. We need to keep learning seriously. Regardless of any reason, the most important thing is that we shouldn't stop studying.

Important Process

Today, my previous grammar test was returned to me. I was expecting to get 100% correct, but I made one mistake! Because I didn't feel well that day, I didn't check my answers carefully. I should have done it. That was a very easy mistake. :(  The other ESL teacher had told us before that she checks and drafts as many time as she can when she writes something. She had published some issues before. She believes she is a good writer. I think so too. She said that ESL teacher often makes mistakes as well as ESL students do. One day, she made a small document. She spent two hours to make it. Because she was in a hurry, she didn't check the document carefully. After she made 60 copies, she found 16 spelling mistakes in it. She said that she regretted not checking carefully. She had to waste 60 papers and her time to make it again. What I want to say is when you do something, accuracy is more important than speed. Regardless of who you are and what you are doing, double checking is very important process.






 Today's Vocabulary
・ double-check : verb / 〔作成した情報などに間違いがないように〕二重のチェックをする、念のために再確認する、ダブルチェックする、念を入れる、駄目を押す
　　ex) All right, I'll double-check it to be sure. : では、念のためダブルチェックします。 

Summary Assignment

Today, I received my summary assignment, which I handed in last week. My teacher has already evaluated it, and I got A. Yay! :) I did not get a perfect score on this assignment though. I made some grammar mistakes. I used to believe I was pretty good at grammar, but I still make some mistakes. :P  My teacher showed a part of my summary as one of good examples in our class. I didn't realize for a while it was mine. She asked all the students who got A to email the summary to her. She wants show our whole summary to everyone. In this assignment, only three students got A.
Today, she said to us that she didn't usually give A to many students because she wants to evaluate them correctly. She explained about bell curve.

 I didn't know what a bell curve was. She usually gives A to 5% of all students and F to 5% of all students. So, most of students get B or C. If we did well enough, we can pass the class but it is not easy. I have been taking many ESL class for three years. I remember that some other teachers told us before, "80% of students are able to get A in this class!" Passing ESL class had not been too difficult so far. Of course, few of my former teachers were very strict though.  As I mentioned before, my current class is definitely not easy. Regardless of how difficult our class is, I just keep my best as usual.

Beatles - In My Life

Today, I listened to the song "In My Life." The song was released by Beatles in 1965. I'm familiar with this song. I don't remember when I listened the song, but I think the song was used for many Japanese commercial and serial dramas. I think I like old artists like Beatles and The Carpenters.

Lyrics

There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more






 Today's Vocabulary
・ affection : noun / 愛情、愛着、優しい気持ち、好意、親愛の情 

300th Entry

I've been updating my blog everyday. I've already updated 300 entries! I decided to continue my everyday blog for at least a year. So, I have 65 entries left. I will see my goal soon. :)
I think my writing speed is faster than 10 months ago. The quality of my writing might still not be so good. I need to practice more.

Yahoo! Answers in Japan

I was very busy for my work in Japan, I couldn't spend a lot of time for myself for long time. However, after moving to the U.S. 4 years ago, I suddenly had a lot of excess time. I didn't know what I should do in the U.S. every day. One day, I found that many people were worried about their health problems, and were asking for the solution online which was like "Yahoo! Answers" in Japan. I read many questions, and I found that most answers were wrong. Because most people were not specialists, they sometimes misled questioners. It couldn't be helped. At the time, I had a lot of time, so I answered many questions from medical specialist standpoint. After moving to the U.S., I answered 500 questions in first 10 months. Many people were glad to get details, and I enjoyed helping others. However, there were still many similar questions. I thought this process was endless. Then, I became busy and quit answering online.
Today, I read my old answers and was impressed at myself. I thought all my answers were very specific and helpful information. Sometimes, I feel that I am worthless in the U.S. However, I think that I will help others in real world someday. I don't know if I can do this yet, but I hope so.  

My True Experiences

The first day of this semester, my ESL teacher asked us to write three sentences of your own personal information. Two of them should be true, and only one should be false. Then, my teacher choose one person every day, and other students guess which sentence is false. He also asks us whether or not these sentences are grammatically correct. This way, we can not only remember our classmates, but also we can learn grammar from our sentences. I tried to write unusual experiences in my life to make other students confused. Haha!
My first sentence was "I have slept at a dentist during treatments."
Second sentence was "I have landed in Thailand without a hotel reservation at 10 p.m."
Third sentence was "I skydived in Thailand when I was 21."
I was chosen by my teacher today, and I read my three sentences in the class. My classmates were really confused because none of them seemed realistic. :) The answer was third sentence! That was false. I went to Thailand when I was 21. However, I've never skydived before, and I don't want to do it. That's not enjoyable for me and too scary.
My first sentence is true. I sometimes went to a dentist after school or work. I thought that I wouldn't be allow to eat after treatments, so I should eat before the treatments. I usually went to a dentist after eating. In addition, I lied down on the cozy chair with a comfy blanket, and listened classic songs. This environment made me sleepy. haha... I've slept at a dentist more than three times. Every time, I was trying to stay awake, but it couldn't be helped.
My second sentence was also true. My boyfriend, who is my husband now, and I went to Thailand for our first oversea travel. Because we were young, we were not afraid. Now, I think it was very risky though. As soon as we got to Thailand at 10 p.m., we were able to make a hotel reservation. Then, we went to the hotel by a bus. I know we should have used a taxi because it was late at night and we didn't know how to get on the bus. However, it was really enjoyable and I feel that it was a precious experience. However, now I don't want to take risks like that anymore. :)

They Are Social Animals

Last week, my ESL teacher showed this youtube video in our class.

Battle at Kruger 

I was really moved by this video because I didn't know that buffalo is a protective animal. The buffaloes fought lions for their little calf, and the calf finally survived! Wikipedia states, "A buffalo herd will respond to the distress call of a captured member and try to rescue it." And also sometimes they kill lions. They are not weaker at all!
 I used to think that buffalo and cow are similar spices, but I learned that buffalo is absolutely a social animal. I know this feeling is silly, but now I feel a little sorry for cow when I eat beef even though I am not vegetarian. We sometimes forget about every creature has their lives, and we should respect and thank them when we eat.






 Today's Vocabulary
・ protective : adjective / 保護する
・ state : verb / 〔公式に〕述べる、はっきり言う、提示する、記載する
・ herd : noun /  〔牛などの大きな動物の〕群れ
・ distress call : 《動物》遭難声
・ distress : adjective / 苦悩している、苦痛を感じている

 

Coach Haul

Today, I finally received a package from Coach Factory. I ordered it for my sister, my husband and myself on August 30. This was my first time to order from Coach Factory. I had been checking tracking information for it everyday until I received it. I was waiting for it for two weeks!
I was excited to open it! :))

 Each bag was wrapped with a clear plastic bag with Coach mark.

I bought this Optic Metallic Signature Chain Duffle bag for $90.30 (was $278). This looks very gorgeous. :) This can be also cross-coupled bag.

My husband bought this Varic Nylon Sling bag for $69.30 (was $198). He hasn't seen it yet. I think he is going to like it. :)

I think these were good deals. :))

My sister has been buying some Coach products these day. I got three bags, an umbrella and a scarf for her. I think she has many Coach products now. Haha... I think my sister and her husband are obsessed with Coach. It's because most Japanese women like their high quality and stylish design products even though they are very expensive in Japan. While Coach products in Japan are very expensive, I can buy them about 80 to 90 % off the Japanese market price in the U.S. For Japanese people, the Coach Factory sale in the U.S. is always a bargain.
Now, my sister is looking for a wallet for her mother-in-law. When I find a next good deal with Coach wallets, I will inform her.



This is my entries related to my Coach shopping.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Coach




 Today's Vocabulary
・ be wrapped with : ～に包まれる
・ cross-coupled : adjective / たすきがけの
・ sling : noun / 〔銃を肩に掛ける〕背負いひも、スリング、《医》つり包帯、腕つり
・ market price : 市場価格
 
 

I Have Been Making an Effort Only on School Assignments

During summer vacation, I tried to finish watching Grey's Anatomy DVD each season per month and study for nursing everyday. However, since fall semester began, I have been making an effort only on school assignments. It can't be helped because those assignments affect my grade. I haven't watched the DVD at all these days, but I only have studied about nursing when I have time. Regardless of how busy I am for my school, I should continue watching DVDs. It's because I need to improve my listening skill. If I only do my assignments, only my writing skill and grammar will improve. However, my listening skill will never improve with just those assignments.
I think I need to make a goal for this month. So, I'm going to finish watching season 5 of Grey's Anatomy DVD by the end of this month. Frankly, I don't remember until which chapter I've already watched. Hahaha...






 Today's Vocabulary
・ make an effort :努力する  

Mindy Gledhill - California

I love traveling! :) I've been to Thailand, Korea, Guam, Hawaii, Italy, France, Mexico and of course America. And I have also traveled to many places in Japan. Even though we have to always face reality in our normal lives, we can escape from the reality during traveling. :)
This song makes me want to go traveling again. :)
Next place I'm going to travel oversea will be Shanghai in the end of this year!

 
Mindy Gledhill / California

lyrics


Have you been to California
Seen the sights and people there
Walk the streets of sleepy sea towns
Tasted salty ocean air

Once I flew to New York City
Took my picture in Times Square
SoHo nights and Broadway lights
Such a pity you weren't there

Pack your bags and lock your door
I'll take you places you've not been before
All I've ever wished to do is
Travel through this life with you

Make your way to London, England
Paris, France is oh so nice
Ooh la la when people say hello
They kiss your cheeks three times

Pack your bags and lock your door
I'll take you places you've not been before
All I've ever wished to do is
Travel through this life with you

Monte Carlo is waiting
Bombay intoxicating
The sky in Bora Bora is
The color of your eyes oh

Pack your bags and lock your door
I'll take you places you've not been before
All I've ever wished to do is
Travel through this life

Pack your bags and lock your door
I'll take you places you've not been before
All I've ever wished to do is
Travel through this life with you

Oh-whoa, oh-whoa
With you 






 Today's Vocabulary 
・ face reality : 現実を見詰める、現実を直視する
・ pity : noun / 哀れみ、かわいそうなこと、同情、残念なこと
　　ex) It seems such a pity. :  それは残念なことです。
・ make one's way : 前進する
　　ex) We made our way to the North Pole, but could not return without help. : われわれは北極に向かって前進したが、助けがなければ戻れなかった。
 ・ Oh la la :〈フランス語〉あらら！◆驚きを表す
・ intoxicating : adjective / 酔わせる、ウキウキさせる、夢中にさせる
・ Oh : おお、おや、まあ、ああ、おー！◆驚きや感動を表す
・ Whoa : おっと、おー、うわ、ありゃ、あらら◆驚きやあきれなど

I Have a Sore Throat

I think I have a cold. I have had a sore throat since last night. Maybe, I was busy for my study this week. I tried getting used to new classes, did all assignments and took tutoring twice this week. My stress often effects my physical condition. :( I ate cough drops and took multivitamins today. So far, my condition is not very bad, but I think it will become gradually worse. My tonsils were removed for tonsillitis five years ago. Since then, I have never been afraid of high fever for acute tonsillitis. However, it takes time to recover every time I have a sore throat.
I need to keep feeling well because I have to keep up with my classes. I hope I'll recover soon.

Santa Barbara

After my husband and I enjoyed having fresh oysters, we headed toward Santa Barbara for sightseeing. We just stopped by Starbucks and donuts shop on the way. :)

First, we walked by Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. There were so many yachts. Many people were eating clam chowders and sushi, but we were full because we ate a lot of oysters. :) We just went through there.

We were able to see many crabs on the rocks.

We didn't enter the museum.

But we saw an interesting fish object.

Then, we moved to State Street.

We walked on the Stearns Wharf. I was surprised that this looked like an usual pier which any other beaches have, but many people were driving on the Stearns wharf. That's very unusual scenes for me.

We didn't park there, but the parking fee on the Stearns Wharf is very inexpensive. It's only $2.50 per hour. Moreover, if you get a validation with any purchase, the parking fee become free. There were some souvenir shops.

Then, we went to Old Mission Santa Barbara. There was a fountain beside the museum.

 We were able to see some lotus flowers.

We didn't enter the museum either.

There was a relaxing park on the front of the museum.

When we left there, it was 5:30 p.m. Although we stopped by a restaurant to grab some foods on the way home, we got to home at 10 p.m. The traffic between Santa Barbara and Los Angles was very heavy.






 Today's Vocabulary
・ on the way : 途中で
・ validation : noun / 検証、妥当性確認、確証、合法
　　ex) get a validation : 認められる

My Heavy Bag

Today, I took tutoring, but I thought I should give up taking it. It's because my bag was too heavy! I had serious degree of herniated lumbar disk 6 years ago. Since then, I haven't been able to carry heavy stuff. Today, I had back pain because of my heavy belongings. In order to take the tutoring, I have to put additional stuff in my bag. For example, some textbooks, which I'd like to study with my tutor, some notes, my lunch, and tumbler. I just weighted my bag. While my usual bag without tutoring was about 8 lb, today's bag was 13 lb. Moreover, I usually park in the furthest parking lot this semester because there are no parking space in the nearest parking lot during my class time. I don't mind walking long distance to my class, but when my bag is too heavy, I'm afraid I'll hurt my back. :(
I know I need to exercise more.

The Jolly Oyster

Last Monday, we went to San Buenaventura State Beach to eat fresh oysters. We were not able to find space on streets, so we ended up paying for parking. There were picnic areas around the beach. Many people were eating BBQ and were cycling around.While we were walking around the beach, the delicious smell of BBQ was filling in the park. We got hungry because of the smell.

 We came here because they serve fresh oysters at The Jolly Oyster!

This is their menu. What they are selling are Kumamoto and Pacific oysters, Manila clams, lemon, lime, water, charcoal and shucking knives. So, you should bring other stuff for BBQ or picnic if you want to enjoy more. Each oyster was only $1. That was incredibly reasonable!

My husband asked the cashier how to open oyster sea shells. They nicely showed us how to do it.

We bought dozen oysters and a lime.

These oysters were very fresh! We enjoyed delicious raw oysters. It was my first experience to open oyster shells. Even though it was not easy for me, but I was really excited to try out new things. You must need a shucking knife, some towels and gloves to open them. This time, we didn't bring any food. Next time, we'll bring some bread, salad and drink.

After having oysters, we walked around the beach, and we found there was a bulletin board which was showing a rip current. I didn't know what a rip current is, but my husband explained it to me. A rip current leads to death from drowning. While I'm a decent swimmer, I'm afraid to swim in very deep waters, where my feet can't touch the bottom. That's because I'm afraid of drowning. I think I don't have enough knowledge about sea.

I'm glad to know about a rip current and new tips. 

The Jolly Oyster
911 San Pedro St.
Ventura, CA 93001






 Today's Vocabulary
・ shuck : verb / ～の皮をむく、～の殻［さや］を取る、〔衣服を〕脱ぐ、取り除く
　　ex) shuck a clam : 貝の殻を取る
・ rip current : リップ・カレント、離岸流、引き波
・ death from drowning : 溺死
・ decent : adjective / 結構［そこそこ］良い［多い］

Camarillo Premium Outlets Haul - Coach, Fossil and Easy Spirit

Last Sunday and Monday, we went to Camarillo Premium Outlets. This outlet mall was very huge, and there were many people and cars! It was very crowded.

In total we spent for 6 hours in two days there, but we couldn't walk around entire mall.

There were many Labor Day sale going on. I'm going to write what I bought. :)

These Coach umbrellas were my sister's request. I was not able to find these at other outlets last Sunday, but I finally found them! I was very glad to get them. :)
The umbrella was originally $88 each, but it was on sale for $34.30 (and plus tax $2.49). This comes out 61% off after discount! 

My husband bought this wallet. This Fossil wallet  was originally $55, but it was on sale for $39.99 (and plus tax $2.90).  This comes out 27% off after discount.

The outside of wallet was very unique.

While most mens' wallets in the U.S. don't have coin pockets, this wallet does. :)

I bought this Kate Spade bag for me. :) This was originally $278, but it was on sale for $69.50 (plus tax $5.04). This comes out 75% off after discount! :)

 I had never bought Kate Spade bags before. I can't wait to go out with it! :)

Then, I bought two flat shoes at Easy Spirit. When I tried on these shoes, they were surprisingly comfortable! It's because there were cushions in shoes. Most customers were old ladies, so I thought these customers know Easy Spirit makes very comfortable shoes. :D

This flat shoes were originally $75, but they were on sale for $29.99.

This flat shoes were originally $79.00, but they were on sale for $29.99. However, they were having buy one get second 50% off sale. So, total retail price was $154, but I paid for $44.98 (plus tax $3.26). They comes out about 70% off after discount! :)

 
We really enjoyed shopping there!




      This is my entries related to my Coach shopping.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Coach

      My entries related to Premium Outlets Hauls can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Premium%20Outlets%20Hauls

     My entries related to my shopping can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/shopping