Hi folks!

Sorry for my late post! Here at YMCA, we've been working vigorously to find the best possible teachers to take over my position when I leave - and we have succeeded!

Indeed, I have my own style, and there's probably not another teacher just like me - but that's a really GOOD thing! I'm so excited for my students, because they will have the wonderful opportunity to study under someone else that can bring new techniques to the classroom with a fresh personality. In America, we have a saying:

"a change is as good as a rest"

I am a firm believer in change.. New teachers, new staff, new students, new paint and floors.. Your YMCA is full of great things.. don't miss out!

Hi there! We just had our first full week of English classes last week, and I am very pleased with the mix of students we have for this term. Everyone seems very eager to improve their English - some of my students are taking more than one class per week at YMCA! I really admire this level of motivation! Actually, I admire ANYONE who wants to learn a foreign language. Trust me, I know how much of a challenge it is, because I had to go through the same thing to learn Japanese. If you really want to be fluent, never give up, and never say "I can't do it". Here at YMCA, we will help you get there!

The beginning of the fiscal year is officially here! Kind of exciting, because we are starting new classes, and we have several new students as well. I'm very excited to get to know everyone!

Around this time of the year we all experience lots of going away and welcome parties. So how many have you been to already? Do you have some more to go?? Unfortunately, we don't have such a custom for our coworkers in America. Maybe I can change that! :D

Hello all! How are you liking this beautiful spring weather?! (ok, I am being sarcastic.. typical American style of making a joke) In fact, it seemed too cold and windy to view the cherry blossoms with a nice picnic.. and now this week has become little warmer, but we are losing the blossoms due to the rain.. Oh well, we always have next year! :)

April Fools Day is coming up. Although not celebrated so much in Japan, I still hope someone plays a good joke on me.. But please don't be cruel, ok? :D

Hi there! How are your English studies coming along? Well, we sure had a productive week last week, that’s for sure.. I had the chance to conduct some English lessons for the nursing students – and they are all so lively and kind! Thanks to them, I could smile just a little more last week.

The end of the fiscal year is nearing its end, and I had the chance to meet and talk with many of my children’s parents. There is a lot of paperwork around this time of year, and everyone here has been so busy. So I would like to say THANK YOU for everyone that works in the offices at YMCA. My hats go off to you!

The spring weather is slowly making its way here.. I hope the weather cooperates so that the cherry blossoms are in the best condition possible to view at the end of the month! Let’s cross our fingers, Ok? :)

TOEICミニクイズ NO.2

問題：（　　　　　）に入る最も適切な単語を(A)～(D)の中から選びなさい。
　　　　　　

My fridge broke down. I want it ( ) as soon as possible.

(A) repairing　 (B) repaired 　 (C) to repaired 　 (D) being repaired

　　The answer is ↓

　　　　　　　　　　　↓
　　　　　　　　　　　↓
　　　　　　　　　　　↓
　　　　　　　　　　　↓

(B) が正解です。「want + ０（目的語） + P.P.(過去分詞形)」で 「OをP.P.してもらいたい」となります。目的語と分詞の関係をよく考えましょう！

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at yano@k-ymca.or.jp
I will be more than happy to help you !
See you next time !

Greetings! Just when I thought it was becoming warmer and spring was officially on its way, the weather report said that it may snow this week! Wait a second.. aren’t the cherry blossoms in Japan supposed to be in bloom in just a few weeks time?! Well when they are, I would sure like to stop by Kokura Castle this year. Most of my students have recommended that area for viewing the cherry blossoms. Do you have any other recommendations for the Kokura area? Shoot me an email if you do!

Hello everyone !
My name is Akiko and I teach TOEIC classes here at YMCA. I would like to help you study for the test by providing you with mini-quizzez.
Remember, practice makes perfect !

TOEICミニクイズ NO.1

問題：（　　　　　）に入る最も適切な単語を(A)～(D)の中から選びなさい。
　　　　　　

( ) the efforts she made to get a job, she was not successful.

(A) Although　 (B) Despite 　 (C) Even though 　 (D) Besides

　　The answer is ↓

　　　　　　　　　　　↓

　　　　　　　　　　　↓

(B) Despite「～にもかかわらず」 が正解です。訳は「彼女は仕事を得るために努力をしたにもかかわらず、不成功に終わった。」となります。
Despite はIn spite of より堅い語ですが、使い方は同じです。今回の問題では前置詞で使われていますので、そのすぐ後には名詞（ここではthe efforts）が来ています。

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at yano@k-ymca.or.jp
I will be more than happy to help you !
See you next time !

Hello all! I hope you can excuse my late post – had lots going on, and I have to face the facts - my life is full of happiness and joy, which in turn, makes time fly! (you know the saying, right?) It’s business as usual here at your Kitakyushu YMCA. For those that know me, you may have realized that I have an eye for noticing small details around me. Recently I am looking around the YMCA buildings, and I have some nice ideas to make some of the rooms feel warmer and cozier. So be prepared to see some changes in the appearance of our buildings! Do you have any recommendations? Please feel free to drop me an email and share your ideas on how we can make improvements at YMCA. I can’t promise that every recommendation will be done, but I will try my best with what we have!

My email: sam@k-ymca.or.jp

Hello everyone! It's hard to believe that a whole week has passed since I posted my last blog. The highlight of this week MUST be Valentines Day, right?! Last Friday I received chocolates from my students, and also from the staff here at YMCA! Then on Valentines Day, I was honored to join my friend's wedding after-party in Tenjin. Don't you think it is a lovely idea to get married on February 14th?! One thing's for sure - you would never forget your wedding anniversary!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day. If you have time, please drop me a line and tell me what you did – shall we compare Valentines Day in different countries?