A very shocking thing happened to me last night. Although it's been almost 6 months living in New York City, I have seldom travelled around the city!!
It happened last night. I wanted to buy a new calendar and schedule notebook for 2009. I would go to "ecute" or "ITOYA" if I were in Tokyo. But, in New York, I have no idea where I can get them. So, I was checking guidebooks that I brought from Japan. One of these books was actually from 2005. In 2005, I came here to cheer Godzilla Matsui. So, while I was turning pages, I found some check marks, which I had been planning to visit.
As soon as I found those marks, suddenly, I was scared of the fact that I have only visited a few imited places and areas in the last 6 months!! Going to school everyday, then, sometimes dropped off the train at 34th or 42nd, just like that!! How boring my life in NY!!
I mean, I actually have visited many different areas while I was struggling with finding an apartment. But, it was not for fun, so I didn't check any interesting shops, restaurants, in turn, neighborhoods.
So, today, I went to NOHO since this place was one of my favorite places in New York when I was here a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of things sold in NOHO is something I can't afford. But, each shop has very unique items and they are all worth doing window shopping. And, it's simply fun! (Sorry, shop owners, I'm not buying!!)
Later that, I went to SOHO, Union square, and Grand Central Station. It was already dark outside and the buildings were already sparkling when I was walking in front of Grand Central Station. Looking up the Grand Central Station, I was remembering the excitement that I had 3 years ago. I loved this building. Above the station, I could see the beautiful Chrysler building, too. It is a tremendously scenery, but I love the inside of Grand Central Station, as well. Not only the beautiful ceiling, but also the atmospheres crated by people, such as someone who will leave the city, or are waiting someone coming to the city. There I could imagine hundreds of stories. So, today's short trip reminded me that how deeply I love New York city. In other words, I've just figured out how I was deeply missing New York!!
In 2009, no mater how I have to go crazy for the school, I'll definitely go outside and enjoy New York, because these 6 months, I was keeping saying, "you cannot go and hang around the city as you have to study and you don't have money either!". How wack!!
I was also telling myself like this, "I have already travelled around the city when I came here before, so don't need to go around, just study". How silly!!
New York city is alive and active all the time. So, nothing is the same. Even timeless things will have different impressions all the time.
You'll never be bored in New York City if you ARE active and alive in the city. Oh, I didn't get either calendar and schedule book, so I have another chance to hang around the city tomorrow!!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
English is direct or Lanugage is difficult
These days, I've been working on writing practices for the coming CUNY ACT writing test. It tests if students have adequate skills to think and write logically. Unlike abstract writings like poems, it has to have concrete and specific ideas to show that I am able to think critically and write logically. But, frequently, I use broad ideas. Whenever my professor evaluates my writing, she says, "your ideas are too general". Also, a friend of mine pointed out that I often use general "words" in writings, such as it, do, does, etc,. I was thinking how I can change this writing habits.
And then, a hint to understand the meaning of using a "specific" word came up to my mind during conversations with my roommate this morning! My roommate was taking a spoon of salt from the kitchen to the bathroom! She told me that she has rhinitis. That's why, every morning, she uses salt and water to rinse her nose so that she can breathe easily, instead of taking medicine. I replied to her, "that's good because you don't have to rely on a medicine".
After saying that, I realized that it was not clear what good meant.
"Good" is a simple and useful word. It can be used for every occasions. You could use it as "ok", "tasty", whatever. In my mind, I was thinking it would be healthy because she doesn't use any chemical medicine but natural salt. This thought was a big realization, like "this is the difference!!". I was lacking of sufficient words that express direct meaning, for this situation, "healthy". It's simple and nothing is difficult, but I had had a bad habit to use easy and useful words. This is a huge realization for me to understand my weakness.
Actually, I thought this weakness cane from the difference between English and Japanese because various meanings are included in Japanese words. Like, "いい" for "オッケー" or "おいしい". Mmm, wait a minute, it is the same thing! Well, my guess is Japanese language includes more broad and general words as much as English has. In Japanese conversations, we are usually guessing what the other says because our language doesn't have to have a subject all the time. In contrast, English has to have it. It is much more direct. Most important thing is to understand that no one can read your mind!!, so I need to use exact words to express my thoughts choosing the right words, no matter what cultural or language differences there are.
And then, a hint to understand the meaning of using a "specific" word came up to my mind during conversations with my roommate this morning! My roommate was taking a spoon of salt from the kitchen to the bathroom! She told me that she has rhinitis. That's why, every morning, she uses salt and water to rinse her nose so that she can breathe easily, instead of taking medicine. I replied to her, "that's good because you don't have to rely on a medicine".
After saying that, I realized that it was not clear what good meant.
"Good" is a simple and useful word. It can be used for every occasions. You could use it as "ok", "tasty", whatever. In my mind, I was thinking it would be healthy because she doesn't use any chemical medicine but natural salt. This thought was a big realization, like "this is the difference!!". I was lacking of sufficient words that express direct meaning, for this situation, "healthy". It's simple and nothing is difficult, but I had had a bad habit to use easy and useful words. This is a huge realization for me to understand my weakness.
Actually, I thought this weakness cane from the difference between English and Japanese because various meanings are included in Japanese words. Like, "いい" for "オッケー" or "おいしい". Mmm, wait a minute, it is the same thing! Well, my guess is Japanese language includes more broad and general words as much as English has. In Japanese conversations, we are usually guessing what the other says because our language doesn't have to have a subject all the time. In contrast, English has to have it. It is much more direct. Most important thing is to understand that no one can read your mind!!, so I need to use exact words to express my thoughts choosing the right words, no matter what cultural or language differences there are.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Turkey!!
It was my "first" Thanksgiving day. Honestly, I don't either know and study about this holiday, except for they eat a Turkey and Pie. So, even though I knew nothing about the history of America, I planned to celebrate this day by going to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving holiday parade, and eating a special food.
When I arrived at 72nd street, it was too late. What I was able to watch were only one character baloon and Santa. But, it was a really interesting to see how much people love Santa, because the crowd went crazy when he showed up!! Everyone loves Santa. Unlike the Holloween parade, this parade is for kids, I thought. It was very happy atomosphere with a lot of families.
After that, while I was walking down, I found a restaurant that had special thanksgiving menu. I ordered Prefix menu. I was honestly pretty much excited, because eating "stuffing" was one of my dream!! Do you know the film, "Pieces of April". The film is about a wild daughter and sick mother. They hate each other, but the family is trying to see for thanksgiving day, which might be the last thanksgiving for a mother. In the film, cooking was an important plot, and since I watched this film, I've wanted to try "stuffing"!! It may sound weired, but the idea to stuff something cooked inside a turkey was very vivid and interesting to me. Today, the dream came true. It wasn't specially great but I liked it very much. They were, chopped onions, and small slices of sausages. Turkey was also good, and I liked pumpkin spiced cream. Eating traditional festival foods is one way to understand how American people celebrate this special day with their families. Even though I was alone at the table, anyway, I could feel something that every other people were sharing with their family.
It was like New Year's day in Japan. Most stores are closed and some stores closed earlier than normal. The town more quiet than every other day was telling me that it is a special day. Well, for next year, I hope to spend this day with people who I love, sharing the delicious turkey stuffing.
When I arrived at 72nd street, it was too late. What I was able to watch were only one character baloon and Santa. But, it was a really interesting to see how much people love Santa, because the crowd went crazy when he showed up!! Everyone loves Santa. Unlike the Holloween parade, this parade is for kids, I thought. It was very happy atomosphere with a lot of families.
After that, while I was walking down, I found a restaurant that had special thanksgiving menu. I ordered Prefix menu. I was honestly pretty much excited, because eating "stuffing" was one of my dream!! Do you know the film, "Pieces of April". The film is about a wild daughter and sick mother. They hate each other, but the family is trying to see for thanksgiving day, which might be the last thanksgiving for a mother. In the film, cooking was an important plot, and since I watched this film, I've wanted to try "stuffing"!! It may sound weired, but the idea to stuff something cooked inside a turkey was very vivid and interesting to me. Today, the dream came true. It wasn't specially great but I liked it very much. They were, chopped onions, and small slices of sausages. Turkey was also good, and I liked pumpkin spiced cream. Eating traditional festival foods is one way to understand how American people celebrate this special day with their families. Even though I was alone at the table, anyway, I could feel something that every other people were sharing with their family.
It was like New Year's day in Japan. Most stores are closed and some stores closed earlier than normal. The town more quiet than every other day was telling me that it is a special day. Well, for next year, I hope to spend this day with people who I love, sharing the delicious turkey stuffing.
Monday, November 24, 2008
day by day, little by little
At first, I was thinking to post something here in a daily basis. But, it is obvious that I hadn't. I was trying to to write something good. But, I couldn't, because I didn't know how to write good stories. Still, I don't know how to do it. However, now I know that there is a certain way to improve my writing; to write a lot!! Also, now I know another clue to speak better English; to speak more!!
I've figured out that anything needs to practice for achieving the goal. Many people tend to ignore this simple step, including myself. Actually, I have a writing test in a few weeks. This test measures our writing skill and the skill for critical thinking. This is quite tough. In the process of studying, I was virtually losing my concentration, however, it was saved by working with one of classmates. Her enthusiasm for passing this exam is extremely strong and motivating me all the time. Plus, our weaknesses and improvements are easily found by working together. What a nice stimulation.
I also met a great guy at my school. He is a tutor for ESL students. He patiently listens to my English, and kindly gives advise and corrections. One of his advise was, "Make simple sentences. Then, you'll gradually know the flow." The key word is "KISS"! (=Keep, It, Simple, Stupid!) Since I met him, I try to go his tutoring as much as I can, because every time I talk with him, he brings about this "simple" idea. Also, he provokes my learning curiosity!
Learning is a great because it will enhance yourself. Right now, I'm in its process. So, I will write more and more. Eventually, and hopefully, I will write something interesting. In order to be a good writer, I need a feedback that encourages me. Also, a good writer has to have the ability to accept a critical comment sometime!! After all, I am willing to post more writings, to practice and to be noticed by readers, day by day, littlte by little.
I've figured out that anything needs to practice for achieving the goal. Many people tend to ignore this simple step, including myself. Actually, I have a writing test in a few weeks. This test measures our writing skill and the skill for critical thinking. This is quite tough. In the process of studying, I was virtually losing my concentration, however, it was saved by working with one of classmates. Her enthusiasm for passing this exam is extremely strong and motivating me all the time. Plus, our weaknesses and improvements are easily found by working together. What a nice stimulation.
I also met a great guy at my school. He is a tutor for ESL students. He patiently listens to my English, and kindly gives advise and corrections. One of his advise was, "Make simple sentences. Then, you'll gradually know the flow." The key word is "KISS"! (=Keep, It, Simple, Stupid!) Since I met him, I try to go his tutoring as much as I can, because every time I talk with him, he brings about this "simple" idea. Also, he provokes my learning curiosity!
Learning is a great because it will enhance yourself. Right now, I'm in its process. So, I will write more and more. Eventually, and hopefully, I will write something interesting. In order to be a good writer, I need a feedback that encourages me. Also, a good writer has to have the ability to accept a critical comment sometime!! After all, I am willing to post more writings, to practice and to be noticed by readers, day by day, littlte by little.
Monday, September 29, 2008
til a gypsy found a room!!
私のＮＹ生活も間もなく３か月目を迎えようとしています。３か月もかかってしまいましたが、やっと、ここでの生活が動き出そうとしてる！って実感しています。それは、問題の連続だったアパート探しがついに解決したから、と言うわけではなくて、新しい目で物を見られるようになった、まるきり新しい自分がここにいるから。
「York women’s lives really begin when they land in the city. 」（ニューヨークの女の人生は、ニューヨークに来たときに始まるものだ）
Ｓｅｘ Ａｎｄ Ｔｈｅ Ｃｉｔｙの主人公キャリーが、ニューヨークに来る前の彼女の過去のストーリーが新たに小説として出版されるそうだ。この一言は、それについての新聞のコラムからの一言。ぐっときた。そう、過去は、過去なのだ。ＮＹでのライフは、そこに来て初めて始まる。わたしのＮＹライフも、ちっと遅ればせながら、新しいアパートと新しい自分とで、新たに始まるのであるよ！！
今思えるのは、この３か月の日々はＮＹからの洗礼だったな、ということ。ようやくこの街で生きることを受け入れてもらえた気がしています。自分ていう器のサイズを知ることは生きる場所に関係なく大切なことだけれど、これだけなんでも（文化・人・モノ）あって、なんでもあり（自由、の意味）の街では、自分が何者かを分かったところで、やっと初めて「Ｉ❤ＮＹ」と言って、その奥行きの深さを楽しめるようになるんだと思うのです。だから今、ようやく「あこがれていた街」にいられる喜びをかみしめているところなのです！！
わたしにとってのこの３か月、本当に本当に、しんどかったです。天使の笑顔の裏に隠れてた悪魔のようなルームメイト。それは昼ドラに出てきそうな、陰険な意地悪な姑、のようでした。ようやく見つけたアパートでは、大嫌いな虫との戦い。いやはや、しんどかった。
しかし、このしんどさは、自分自身の跳ね返りでも、あったわけです。たいがいにして、意地悪な姑にいびられる嫁は、いたいけな無垢な女の人だけど、わたしはそうじゃなかったから、状況をさらにひん曲げてしまっていたんだよね。虫問題勃発以降、ずっと継続してきたアパート探し。トータルで２０件近く見たと思う。見れば見るほど、自分の求めるものがわからなくなって、苦しくなったなあ。失敗を繰り返したくないから余計に、これもあれもと、そう、自分の身の丈を忘れて、妥協という言葉が頭から消えて、完璧を求める欲が増していた。
でも偶然が絡み合ったこの結果は、必然だったんだと思う。これがあって初めて知った、自分の姿＋そうして足を運んでいなければ、見ることもなかったＮＹのいろんな顔とその事情。
いろんな問題っていうフィルターを通して、鏡に映った自分は、とことん、弱くて、ネガティブ。無知で、荒唐無稽で、柔軟性ゼロ。つまり、とーっても、未熟でちいさな人間てことだった。過小評価、というよりは、小さな自分を認めたわけです。そこでようやく、自分のレベルにあったスタートラインを見つけた感じ？憧れを細かく分類して、今の自分と比較していくと、小さな目標の塊になってくる。ならば、ひとつずつ、と言ったところだ。
そこに気づいたら、新しいアパートがすんなり決められた。そうしたら、いろんなものが、クリアに見えてきた。驚くほどに。住みたい!!と思えるアパートに、今は住めない理由というのは、まだ自分はそこに手を伸ばせるレベルではないから。ならば、そこに近づくために、今の自分ができることを、少しずつ、ひとつずつ、やってみよう、ということ。
フィットしないものに、無理やり当てはめようとしても、無理！自分が、壊れます。笑。そして、努力に見えることも、無駄なあがきに、結果としては、なっちゃうよね！
アパート探しは、身を持って行った社会科見学でもありました。本来なら行くこともなかっただろう、エリアにもたくさん足を運んだ。ブロンクス近くのマンハッタンや、後から分かった犯罪多発地域であったブルックリンの街。エリアが変わるとこんなにも、くっきりといる人間が変わるのかと驚いた。エリアごとに違う人間がいて、顔の表情と街の表情もなんとなく似通っていて。レストランや店だとかの「面白さ」を追求する意味でいろんなエリアを知ることができた意味も大きいけど、この狭いニューヨークのエリアごとによって変わってくる人間の違いに、生活の違いというものが確実にあるとうことも実感させられた。それが、ＮＹという街、なんだな。
わたしがアメリカに来た理由は、アメリカの英語を学びたかったから。ＮＹを選んだのは、この地で演劇を学びたかったから。「自分探し」のため、という思いはございませんでした。しかし、わたしがこの３か月で最も学んだものは何かと言ったら、「甘ったれの自分」ってものでした。逆に言えば、「自分」が薄っぺらかったから、辛い日々、だったんだよなあ。ははは。
自分自身が見えてきたこの３か月。ＮＹという街を、こういう経験がなければ持てなかった別の視点で見られました。新しい自分が、新たなＮＹの楽しみ方を、始めようとしています！I love New York!
「York women’s lives really begin when they land in the city. 」（ニューヨークの女の人生は、ニューヨークに来たときに始まるものだ）
Ｓｅｘ Ａｎｄ Ｔｈｅ Ｃｉｔｙの主人公キャリーが、ニューヨークに来る前の彼女の過去のストーリーが新たに小説として出版されるそうだ。この一言は、それについての新聞のコラムからの一言。ぐっときた。そう、過去は、過去なのだ。ＮＹでのライフは、そこに来て初めて始まる。わたしのＮＹライフも、ちっと遅ればせながら、新しいアパートと新しい自分とで、新たに始まるのであるよ！！
今思えるのは、この３か月の日々はＮＹからの洗礼だったな、ということ。ようやくこの街で生きることを受け入れてもらえた気がしています。自分ていう器のサイズを知ることは生きる場所に関係なく大切なことだけれど、これだけなんでも（文化・人・モノ）あって、なんでもあり（自由、の意味）の街では、自分が何者かを分かったところで、やっと初めて「Ｉ❤ＮＹ」と言って、その奥行きの深さを楽しめるようになるんだと思うのです。だから今、ようやく「あこがれていた街」にいられる喜びをかみしめているところなのです！！
わたしにとってのこの３か月、本当に本当に、しんどかったです。天使の笑顔の裏に隠れてた悪魔のようなルームメイト。それは昼ドラに出てきそうな、陰険な意地悪な姑、のようでした。ようやく見つけたアパートでは、大嫌いな虫との戦い。いやはや、しんどかった。
しかし、このしんどさは、自分自身の跳ね返りでも、あったわけです。たいがいにして、意地悪な姑にいびられる嫁は、いたいけな無垢な女の人だけど、わたしはそうじゃなかったから、状況をさらにひん曲げてしまっていたんだよね。虫問題勃発以降、ずっと継続してきたアパート探し。トータルで２０件近く見たと思う。見れば見るほど、自分の求めるものがわからなくなって、苦しくなったなあ。失敗を繰り返したくないから余計に、これもあれもと、そう、自分の身の丈を忘れて、妥協という言葉が頭から消えて、完璧を求める欲が増していた。
でも偶然が絡み合ったこの結果は、必然だったんだと思う。これがあって初めて知った、自分の姿＋そうして足を運んでいなければ、見ることもなかったＮＹのいろんな顔とその事情。
いろんな問題っていうフィルターを通して、鏡に映った自分は、とことん、弱くて、ネガティブ。無知で、荒唐無稽で、柔軟性ゼロ。つまり、とーっても、未熟でちいさな人間てことだった。過小評価、というよりは、小さな自分を認めたわけです。そこでようやく、自分のレベルにあったスタートラインを見つけた感じ？憧れを細かく分類して、今の自分と比較していくと、小さな目標の塊になってくる。ならば、ひとつずつ、と言ったところだ。
そこに気づいたら、新しいアパートがすんなり決められた。そうしたら、いろんなものが、クリアに見えてきた。驚くほどに。住みたい!!と思えるアパートに、今は住めない理由というのは、まだ自分はそこに手を伸ばせるレベルではないから。ならば、そこに近づくために、今の自分ができることを、少しずつ、ひとつずつ、やってみよう、ということ。
フィットしないものに、無理やり当てはめようとしても、無理！自分が、壊れます。笑。そして、努力に見えることも、無駄なあがきに、結果としては、なっちゃうよね！
アパート探しは、身を持って行った社会科見学でもありました。本来なら行くこともなかっただろう、エリアにもたくさん足を運んだ。ブロンクス近くのマンハッタンや、後から分かった犯罪多発地域であったブルックリンの街。エリアが変わるとこんなにも、くっきりといる人間が変わるのかと驚いた。エリアごとに違う人間がいて、顔の表情と街の表情もなんとなく似通っていて。レストランや店だとかの「面白さ」を追求する意味でいろんなエリアを知ることができた意味も大きいけど、この狭いニューヨークのエリアごとによって変わってくる人間の違いに、生活の違いというものが確実にあるとうことも実感させられた。それが、ＮＹという街、なんだな。
わたしがアメリカに来た理由は、アメリカの英語を学びたかったから。ＮＹを選んだのは、この地で演劇を学びたかったから。「自分探し」のため、という思いはございませんでした。しかし、わたしがこの３か月で最も学んだものは何かと言ったら、「甘ったれの自分」ってものでした。逆に言えば、「自分」が薄っぺらかったから、辛い日々、だったんだよなあ。ははは。
自分自身が見えてきたこの３か月。ＮＹという街を、こういう経験がなければ持てなかった別の視点で見られました。新しい自分が、新たなＮＹの楽しみ方を、始めようとしています！I love New York!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
1 month past in NYC
It's been a month after I arrived to New York City, which has a diversity of people and cultures. People say time flies when you're having fun. Some also say time passes quickly when you're busy. It could be said that time passes away in vain. For me, this past one month was flying so fast. Why? Because it might be fun and busy, but it is more correct to say it was tremendously full of excitement, which mostly given by people around me.
In past 30 days, I met and made a lot of friends from different nationalities. They all have different backgrounds, idea, talents, and purposes. It is exciting to talk with such people because they show me new points of view. That is exciting, at the same time, it urges me in some way as it also makes me realize who I am. As well, when I am walking around the city, I see people who seem have no problem with their financial. I also see people who are begging a penny. It tells a lot.
So far, I can say it was a good decision to come here for studying since not only the school or college but also the city and its people teaches a lot. Each days in NYC makes me realize things important for my life. Time is flying, time is money. I won't miss every single moment to think and expand my world.
In past 30 days, I met and made a lot of friends from different nationalities. They all have different backgrounds, idea, talents, and purposes. It is exciting to talk with such people because they show me new points of view. That is exciting, at the same time, it urges me in some way as it also makes me realize who I am. As well, when I am walking around the city, I see people who seem have no problem with their financial. I also see people who are begging a penny. It tells a lot.
So far, I can say it was a good decision to come here for studying since not only the school or college but also the city and its people teaches a lot. Each days in NYC makes me realize things important for my life. Time is flying, time is money. I won't miss every single moment to think and expand my world.
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