See you, Canada!

Now, 12:05am in Canada and I am leaving here today.
This is so sad, but also is exciting.

I finally packed all my stuff. I might have to pay more money because my suitcase is sooo heavy, but that's okay! I don't wanna send packages anymore.
My host dad helped me with packing because my suitcase wouldn't close!!! We finally could close although my host dad broke my suitcase belt.haha But this is perfect!
I think I should be proud of myself. I did it!
I just still need to be careful until I get home.
See you soon and See you again!!!!

*noma*

10 more days!

Hello. Guess what. I am leaving Canada in 10 days. Like I say many times, this is unbelievable.

I have 6 days to go to school.

My English teacher's dad has died last weekend and he hasn't come to school to teach for 4 days. I can understand he is really shocked, but I like his class very much. I'd like to take his class at least one more before I leave.... I really hope he will feel better soon.

*noma*

Japanese day

Today, we had a Japanese day at school and we sold sushi, green tea cakes and DORAYAKI.
All sushi is sold out! But since green tea cakes and DORAYAKI are not familiar to Canadian, it was not popular... That's alright. We could earn good money!!! yahoooooo!!
We will have one more Japanese day tomorrow.
I am going to write the students' or teachers' name in Japanese.
Hope many people will visit us!

How's my family doing?
My sister will take the entrance exam tomorrow.
I am sure she is nervous but I hope she will do her best!
Good luck!

*noma*

Happy birthday, Grandma! and see you again!

Tomorrow is my host grandma's birthday in Canada.
Also, my homeroom teacher's in Japan birthday is the same date as my host grandma's.
We celebrated her birthday today and we had so much fun there.
She has 5 kids, including my host mom and all of her kids and grandchildren were there. Many people! But what a happy grandma!
I did know she loves dolls, so I made a doll for her and she really loved it*

My host mom's grandpa(grandma's dad) was there too and it was the last time for me to see him because he will be away this week and he won't be back by my departure.
I met him many times while I am in Canada and he was really nice to talk with.
I am going to miss him and I hope I'll see him again in the near future. Really nice to see you, great grandpa!

Holly smokes. I am leaving here in 2 weeks!
That's unbelievable. I have to start packing, but I have no idea how I can pack all my stuff with one suitcase and one baggage. Too much stuff and too many memories!haha

See you soon people in Japan!!

*noma*

Family Day

Today is "Family Day" in Canada, which is a holiday!!

To my surprise, my departure date is coming soooon! I counted everything.

• I have 27 days until I leave here.
• I have 4 more practices of Jazz B.
• I have 3 more practices of Symphonic band.
• I have 17 days to go to school.
• I have 11 days until my third TOEFL.
• I have 3 more Sunday schools(church) to go to.
• I have 4 more YW activities.

Well. Who can believe this reality!? Nobody!haha

I hope I'll enjoy the rest of Canadian life!! See you soon, my family, friends and so on!

*noma*

Big Band Ball

Last Friday, I had "Big Band Ball"

It is one of my music class' events and I had a wonderful time there.

It is mixed up the concert and banquet.haha We ate supper first and we played some Jazz or waltz music, and many people danced.

Enjoy my pictures!
http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=16071&l=dac64&id=588173317

My movie week!

Hey, long time no see!

I don't have school right now because of final exams.

Today, I'll take a Japanese final exam afternoon. I hope I will make it.haha

Since I have no school, I have nothing to do every day except for studies.

I don't want to go out because my TOEFL test is coming very soon - I have to study!!!! lol

However, only studying is very boring and stressful.

So I decided to watch movies every day and I will tell you what I have watched and which is the best movies for me.

*Cheaper by the dozen

This movie is about one family.

There are 14 people, father, mother and 12 kids!!!

It was a funny movie. I strongly recommend you to watch it someday.

I heard it has No.2. I have to watch it as soon as possible~!

*Legally Blonde 1 and 2

Elle Woods, who is a main character of this movie, is a really trendy girl.

She had a cool boyfriend(for me he is not so cool...) and she was satisfied with her life.

However, her boyfriend suddenly offered breaking up to enter Harvard Law School.

She was so shocked and she also started studying for Harvard Law School....

This movie is about love, honor, justice and respect for blondes!!!!

You may get some new knowledge!?

I learned "Never give up" and "There is no impossibility" from this movie!

It has 2 series. You should watch both!

*Kate & Leopold

This movie's subtitle is... "If they lived in the same century, they'd be perfect for each other"

mmm... It is an impossible story, but it was interesting for me.

This is a charming 19th century bachelor's and a thoroughly 21st century woman's story.

*Shanghai noon and shanghai knights

When I just came to Canada, when I couldn't understand English well, when I hadn't been used to my Canadian school life....

My host mom asked me, "Do you wanna watch a movie?"

She said I looked so bored.haha

I said, "Yeah!"

We were looking for a movie among my host family's DVDs.

My host mom said, "This is a nice movie for you right now. Even if you cannot understand, you maybe have fun."

So, we watched it. It was really fun!

Basically, I don't like action movies, but I like this movie!

My host family has "Shanghai knights" too. So, I watched it last week.

It was also good!

I want to introduce more, but I will stop here today.

I have to go to school for Japanese finals!!!haha

Before that, I have to have lunch...

See you and have a good week!

*noma*

Busy, busy and busy!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello.
I have been so busy these days.
I will take 3 final exams this week and next week and my second TOEFL is coming soon! That's why.

Happy birthday, Mai, by the way.
We had a birthday party for her and we had fun there.
How was your Canadian birthday, Mai? Did you have fun?

Anyway, anyway... I just wanted to tell you.. "I am alive"haha
I cannot believe I will leave here within 2 months!

*noma*

fashion show

I had a fashion show at church today and all young women wore a wedding dress.
It was good and fun.
Enjoy the pictures!

http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14321&l=3d663&id=588173317

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wish your 2008 would be more wonderful than 2007!

I went to New Years' Dance with my friends.
I'll attach pictures here from my facebook, again!
Enjoy!!!


http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13514&l=2d06d&id=588173317

Oh, my gosh.
I have only 2 and half months to stay here.
I miss everything in Japan, but I don't want to go back home right now.
I need to improve my English skill more!!!

*noma*

Merry Christmas!

Hello.
Finally, my Canadian Christmas is done.
I am sad because it was so much fun and exciting.

On Christmas Eve, I went to my host grandparents' house for supper.
My host grandma asked me to make tempura, again, so I made some.
Everyone liked it, so I was glad.
We ate lots of food there.
After supper, we played a card game, which is so much fun for me.
I was in 2nd prise out of 6! I was shocked because I couldn't win.haha
We left there after 10pm, then I went to bed at midnight.

On Christmas Day, my host boys, host dad and host sister woke me up.
They entered my room and said, "Merry Christmas! Mari!!!" loudly.
Boys jumped on my bed...haha Of course(?), I was sleeping then... Thanks boys, I could wake up comfortably.haha
We didn't get dressed. We just wanted to see presents from Santa.
I got some presents from Santa!!! Wow!! Thanks!!
I haven't gotten any presents from Santa for about 4 years, so it was surprising!haha
Hey, Santa! When did you change your mind!?

I really want to show you what I got with many pictures, but I cannot today again...
Sorry about that lol

After opening presents, we went to my host grandparents' house again for brunch.
We ate a lot again.
Then, we got many presents from my host grandparents.
I got pajamas, a journal, a candle, and many snacks.

Then, we came back home with lots of presents.
We had a break, then we went there again for supper!
We ate millions this time.haha
After that, adults played an another card game and kids watched a movie.
I joined "adults team"haha
I tired to understand that card game's rule, but finally, I couldn't.
It is a super complicated game.haha
I wish I could understand soon so that I can play with "adults" a lot!

What did I do on Christmas day this year?
eating, eating, playing, eating, getting presents, eating, eating....
Yes, I spent a lots of time to eat something.haha
I didn't wanna see any foods anymore last night.
I had so much fun this year!!!

Today was Boxing Day in Canada.
Most of shops were on sale, so I went to West Edmonton Mall with Eri.
Many, many people were there to get cheap goods.
Some of popular shops were made long lines by many people.
Of course, we didn't join any lines. It just makes us tired.
After lunch, we had nothing to do at WEM anymore, so we moved to Southgate shopping mall.
I found a cute pair of shoes, then finally, I bought.
It is ADIDAS. adidas is always expensive, but it was on sale.
30% off - it was about $57!!!(about 5,700yen) Isn't it cheap?
I was glad because I did a good shopping*
Then, finally, I went back home.

My Canadian Christmas is over, finally.
I did have fun with my host family and host relatives.
I want to say "Thank you" to them because they prepared my presents, cooked a lot of food and so on.
Thank you very much!!!
And Happy New Year!

*noma*

Getting ready for Christmas!

Hello.

Today, school was over, which means I will finally start Christmas break from tomorrow!

Recently, I am busy preparing for Christmas season.

As I told, I got some presents from my grandparents.

My school counselor gave us "countdown calendar"

We can count down until Christmas Day with eating chocolates every day.

Actually, it is for kids. (My host brothers enjoy eating chocolates every day)

However, I really enjoy counting down with eating chocolates!haha

I can eat 4 more chocolates until Christmas!

My host family baked Christmas cookies and I tried making some.

It was hard, but I had fun!

Last Sunday, I went to my host grandparents' house to make "sweets house"

It is one of Christmas events in my host family.

These are my work!

I did well, didn't I!?!?

I seems fun, but actually... hard.

These are my host brothers' and cousins' works.

Last Tuesday, I went to church to do activities.

We went to some elderly people's houses and sang Christmas songs for them.

It is a surprising event, so they didn't expect we were coming.

They were so surprised and impressed by our songs.

"You guys looked like angels. Thank you so much." They said.

It was very good!

However, we sang songs in front of their houses, and it was evening...

Guess what... It was super cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right? Alex!?

As I said, I'll start my Christmas break from tomorrow, however, I have a hard schedule.

I am going to go to Salt Lake City with my host family to attend the wedding of my host mom's cousin.

I am excited to go there, but it takes 16 hours to get there by car.

I am kind of nervous, but I'll have fun there!

I'll write my Christmas holiday when I am free....

Don't expect it!haha

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

*noma*

TOUCH OF CLASS!!!! and youth dance!

Hello.
As I said, I had "Touch of Class" at school yesterday.
Most of students dressed up and enjoyed the party!
I think nobody could concentrate on class.haha

At lunch time, we could have "free lunch" at cafeteria.
As background music, Jazz A and Jazz B played Jazz music.
It was awesome!

I'll attach pictures from my facebook again! Sorry about that because it is easy!!!

http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12371&l=ec982&id=588173317

At night, I went to the youth dance at church and enjoyed it.

See you,

*noma*

Touch of Class and dance

Hello.
Now, it is 7:41am here.
Today, in my school, we have "Touch of Class"
We have normal classes as usual, but most of students will dress up all day.
I'll wear Sunday clothes, which I wear on Sunday to go to church.
I'm so excited for it because it is rare for us to see everyone dressing up.

At lunchtime, I'll play the trumpet as Jazz B.
I am a little nervous, but I will!!!haha

Tonight, I'll go to dance to meet my friends.
I cannot go to New Year's dance because I'll be away with my host family.
So, it is the last dance for me this year.

I'll tell you a wonderful day, which is today, with a lots of pictures here.
So, please visit here later!!!

*noma*

Happy Birthday, Chiemi!!

Hello.
Today, on December 13th, is my Japanese good friend, Chiemi's birthday!
Every time before my good friends' birthday, I send birthday cards to them from Canada and I was going to send a card to her, too.
However, I'm busy in studying, Christmas shopping and so on.
Therefore, I still have her birthday card here!!
I know I have to send it as soon as possible because her birthday is today...
Sorry, Chiemi...
Did you have fun!?
I guess you guys finished your final exam and now you are excited for Christmas party, right!?
I really want to attend that party, but this year, I can't!!
That's ok - I'll enjoy my first Canadian Christmas with my host family!!!!!HAHAHA~!!!

By the way, today, I am going to go to Japanese restaurant for lunch.
Since I am taking Japanese, I can go there for the field trip.
I'm excited to go there!

*noma*

a funny video

Hello.
I have a funny movie here.

I take Japanese30 now and last Friday we did a project.
Canadian students reported the world's weather in Japanese and Megumi and I reported the weather in English.
It was fun!haha

Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irH_D8XJEeE

Enjoy!

*noma*

pictures

I'll attach pictures from my facebook...
Sorry! This is because of my stupid camera, maybe...

at the concert
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232845&l=51fb4&id=588173317
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232842&l=713e2&id=588173317
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232843&l=1e6fd&id=588173317
Jazz B
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232826&l=21855&id=588173317
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232827&l=1ad0b&id=588173317
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232828&l=4e334&id=588173317
Grade12 band
http://hs.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=232789&l=c47e9&id=588173317

Sorry that I can attach only the concert's pictures.
Other pictures will be coming soon!

Enjoy!

I am alive and recent Mari!

Hello.

Can you believe!? It is December!

As you know, I'll leave Canada in March, which means I have only 3 and half months to stay here.

In my city, the crazy winter arrived here finally.

Every morning, I wait for buses under -19C.

My fingers and toe are very very painful!!!!

Moreover, because of this weather, buses don't come on time!

I am like, "Hurry up!!! Come on!!!" at the bus stop every day.

This morning, I saw a lady dancing at the bust stop.

I really can understand her because during dancing we can forget this cold weather a little bit.haha

Last Saturday, I got Christmas gifts from my grandparents!!!

They gave me a lots of gifts, including winter goods.

I love them and I am using them every day.

Thanks a lot*

I know my grandparents are unique, but my Japanese family are not...haha



In Canada, most of people are excited for Christmas now.

Many houses are decorated Christmas illumination, which are really beautiful.



On November 21st, I had the winter concert.

I played the trumpet there.

However, since I belong to many groups(Band 20, Band 30, Symphonic band, Jazz band), I was really busy during the concert.

I had a really good time there.

My host mom, boys and a little sister came to the concert to see my performance.

However, since the boys need to go to bed by 8pm every day, they could see only Band20's performance.

My host mom said, "Boys were so excited to see you"

I have one more concert before I leave Canada in February.

I hope I will have fun there too.



See you!



*noma*

I really want to add pictures but for some reason I can't!

I'll do that whenever I am free.

Sorry about that!

Finally... Halloween!!

Hello. How are you?

Today, finally, I am gonna write about my first(?) Halloween!

On October 29th, my host family made a Halloween pumpkin!

It was the first time for me to try it, so it was fun!

On Ocotber 30th, we had a halloween party at church.

Many people wore halloween cloths and I enjoyed it.

I did not wear any halloween cloths, but it was so fun.

This halloween party was "pot-luck" party.

Someone made these cookies. They are scary, aren't they?

On October 31st!! Halloween day!!!

I wore my school uniform and went to school.

When I got on "school special" bus, there are many students who wore halloween cloths.

I was excited!And when I arrive at the school, there are also many students who wore Halloween cloths.

Not only did students, but also teachers wore funny cloths.

At lunchtime, we had "halloween costume contest"

Many studnets showed their own costumes.

The teachers also joined this contest.

Japanese class!

At night, I went trick-or-treating with my host boys.

We said, "Trick or Treat!!" in front of the doors and I got many many many....candies.

It was also the first time for me to go trick or treating, so I enjoyed it.

*noma*

Remembrance day

Today, I wanted to write about my first Halloween, but I will write about Remembrance day.

Today is "Remembrance day" in Canada.

We commemorate people who died because of World War1 and World War2.

In my high school, we had the assembly to commemorate them last Friday.

Then, today was a day off!

I played the trumpet in the assembly.

It was a sad assembly, but it is very very important for us to know about the wars.

By the way, did you notice!?

I got a hair cut again last Wednesday.

What do you think?

I got my farelock cut.

My host mom's cousin cut my hair again!

Thanks!!

*noma*