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.

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.

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.