Weekdays with Laura

Mon, Feb 12

I got up a little late. I made a sandwich for lunch, and I left home early to pick Yukina up. In our very first class, we learned about safety in America. In the afternoon, we went for a walk around the study center.

After school, Yukina came and stayed my house until the welcome party. We made some salad and soup with Denise. At the party, I was nerveos at first, but I talked with many host families. Finally, I spent the nice time.

Tue, Feb 13

We went to Tacoma Mall in the morning. We shared and ate some kinds of doughnuts at Krispy&Kream. They were so sweet and yummy. Next, we went to the mall, and we had free time there. I enjoyed shopping. Rina and I shared a ramen for lunch at the food court. After eating, we bought some souvenirs at Super Walmart. We came back to the study center and learned how to count American coins.

At night, I practiced some questions for the visit to the fire department with Denise. She helped me a lot.

Wed, Feb 14

We went to the fire department. We asked fire fighters some questions which we had prepared in Japan. After that, they showed us their performance and we experienced some activities. In the afternoon, we came back to the study center, and talked about our visit to the fire department.

After school, Glenn showed me a lot of pictures which he had taken on their Japanese trip the year before. I was happy because I learned that they were interested in Japan. That day was Valentine's day, so I gave my host family Japanese chocolate and Mary gave me a cute pouch in return. At night, we watched the movie WALLY. I understood it because its English was easy and slow.

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Thu, Feb 15

We went to Leavenworth. We left early in the morning because it was a long way from the study center. We talked forever in the van. On this day, Denise came with us, and we walked around together. We ate ice cream on a cold day, but it was still yummy.

I watched figure skating of the Olympic game at night. After the Japanese athlete's performance, his fans were throwing many many Poohs at the rink. We were laughing while watching it.

Fri, Feb 16

We went to the police station and the courthouse. I was so surprised because one staff at the police station was younger than us. She looked so pretty. In the afternoon, Laura taught us how to write American letters. I sent my brother a letter from America. He received it after I came back to Japan.

After school, Mary drove me to the nail salon. Every staff was Asian. I'd never been to a nail salon, so it became one of my good memories! We ate pizza for dinner. American pizza was bigger than Japanese pizza. I became to like American one. After eating, I tried Monopoly with Mary. It was fun!

Mon, Feb 19

We experienced some American holiday activities. We enjoyed playing an Easter Egg hunt game, wearing Halloween costumes, eating tradictional dishes and so on.

I talked with Denise for a long time at night. I watched many pictures which she had taken in Japan, and we talked about Japan. She explained a Kabuki story to me. I thought that I should try to learn Japanese culture more.

Tue, Feb 20

We went to Green River College and a local retirement home. I noticed that many Asian students were at the college. We sang several songs in English and Japanese, such as “Frog Song,” “Hometown,” and so on at the local retirement home. I was glad the residents enjoyed our performance.

After school, Mary picked Mami and me up to a chocolate shop, ALMOND ROCA. We sampled some kinds of chocolates and I bought them for a souvenir. They had an interesting sale. We got some discount when we showed the store clerk something pink. We finally found a pink item in our bag and successfully got discount.

Wed, Feb 21

We went to an elementary school. We taught students how to count from one to ten in Japanese. First, I was a little bit nervous, but I enjoyed all classes after all because American students actively participated in our class. I had lunch with some girls in lower grades, too. They were so cute! We played outside during the lunch break. It made me tired, but it was a nice time.

I went out with Mary and Denise in the evening. We tried two flavors of pasta for their party. I liked both. Some women were there and I talked with them.

Thu, Feb 22

We had a day off from school because of the snow. I got up late and I made a kusudama with Denise. Denise was very very good at making origami. She was amazing. We went to Burger Express for lunch. I ate a bacon & cheese burger. It was so yummy. After that, I went shopping with Mary. I cooked “niku jaga” for my host family in the evening. The taste was weak, but I was happy because they ate it.

Fri, Feb 23

Laura taught us how to make craft while we were eating a big doughnut and a banana cake. We chose some materials for our craft. We enjoyed bowling in the afternoon. Mary and Kurumi's host father Jason joined us there, too.

In the evening I went to a theater to listen to the music with my host family. I saw Mami there and we spent the time together. I was impressed with the singer's voice and their performance. We talked with the female singer after the performance, and we told her that we were really impressed. Then, she spoke a little Japanede, so we were surprised.

Mon, Feb 26

We went sightseeing in Seattle all day. We went to many famous places, such as University of Washington, Pike Place Market, the Freemont Troll and so on. On this day, we had nice weather. The view of Seattle was beautiful from Kerry Park. I would like to see it again. Kurumi gave me cookies that she made. They were so yummy. I like American cookies!

When I came back home with Denise, Mary was preparing our dinner, so we helped her. The dinner was my favorite dish. It looked so American. I went to bed after watching the movie Cinderella at night.

Tue, Feb 27

We focused on making our journal for our host families all day.

After school, Denise and I went to a craft shop. It was fun to see many clothes there. We bought chocolate chai tea on our way home. Denise took me to souvenir shopping in Super Walmart after eating dinner. I was able to buy enough souvenirs. I drank the chocolate chai tea at night. It had too much caffeine and I stayed up until late. However, I had to make my journal. It was a good way to avoid sleeping.

Wed, Feb 28

I finished making my journal in the morning. We then went to Target. It was our last time to get souvenirs. Laura gave us message cards and so on. After that, we ate pizza, and we wore kimono for our Sayonara Party. We enjoyed our presentation at the party.

I came back home and packed my suitcase to go back to Japan. Then, Glenn presented me 2 dvds with our pictures and Denise's songs. I was so happy. Finally, Denise and I made American s'more. It was different from Japanese one.

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