Small talk? I have studied English long time. But, it is still difficult. Especially, I am not good at small talk in my native language. It is not good In English, either. When I meet foreigner first time, I don’t know what to say after “How are you?”. And, I studied English by textbook, so my expression is very written style. How can I practice spoken English??

Coming back home Last week, My family was in the Spain. I had a conference meeting in Barcelona. So, my wife and son went there together. We stayed at Barcelona only. We did not go any other city, because we thought going several cities was time wasting and exhausting. And, we do not like travelling tight. Several interesting place was Camp nou, Montcerat and Monjuic. Camp nou was the home ground of FC Bacrelona which I like most in the foot ball club. Moncerat was rocky mountains where priest has been living. Monjuic is relative not so high mountain in front of city, which has Olympic stadium, several museums, and castle on its top. Watching the landscape of barcelona on the top of it was amazing experience. The Spain is called the country of sun light. So, my skin was burn out and changed into dark color. Everybody asked me where was I am, when I returned home. If I have a chance again, I want to visit the Spain again.

Getting up early I get up early these days about 5:30 A.M. without alarm. I don't know why. It started since I became 40 years old (Korean age, actually 39 of American age) My friends whose age is older than me, had same habits. They complained that they could not sleep again after getting up too early. And, they also complained that they get up at dawn for pee. I think getting up early has a advantage. I can study, exercise, and prepare the work of day. I believe the phrases that early birds catch a worm.

The one thing Recently, I started reading books in English. I think this is a good way to learn English. I have watched American drama or movie before. However, conversations in that was too fast to understand. I could not hear the sound, also catch what word it was. So, I selected reading books that I could choose speed and find words. Some books are very difficult, which had over 20 words that I had seen first. Some book are very easy to read. I started with the easy books that I could understand. I wish that I can upgrade my English conversation skill.

Making habits. Making habit is very difficult. It is more difficult when the habit need concentration. For example, when you want to make a habit to study hard, it would be difficult. Conversely, if you want to make a habit to take a nap, it would be easy. No pain, no gains. I believe in this phrases.

How can I reject an unreasonable request? When I get an unreasonable request, I am embarrassed. I don't know exactly how to reject that politely. I thought about options. First, reject myself. The cons is that I become a bad man. Second, Lie. Make an excuse which does not exist. (ex, I tried but something happened. I told my boss, but he rejected.) I prefer an option one. Some self-developing books recommend using a word "No" frequently not to be bothered by other people. I am afraid if I reject too frequently, I could become lonely. Do you have any better ideas?

Preparing for the visiting scholarship to USA I am planning to go to the USA next summer for visiting scholarship. The destination would be the San Diego maybe. My family chose the San Diego due to its warm weather. My wife has an asthma. And, my son likes to wear short pants and shirts with sandals. I also like warm weather. I feel more activated and energetic when I am in the warm weather. Otherwise, I feel gloomy in the rainy and chilly weather. I am looking forward to living in USA. It’s my first time living in foreign country for 1 year. Sometimes too many things to be prepared annoyed me. But, I know that nothing comes without pain. I will prepare all of thing without error to have good experience in USA.

Studying English I started telephone English study from today morning with native speaker. When I talk with native English speakers, I feel English is difficult every time. I wish that I can be comfortable in speaking, listening, writing and listening English sometime. Maybe it would take long time, because I never lived in English using country. I saw the people who used English very well, regardless they were bone in country that did not use English. But, I don't think that they accomplished that level by studying alone. If I am in the situation surrounded by English using people, would my English skill increase?

I don't like rain. I like sunny days, and dislike rainy days. First of all, rainy day makes me gloomy. I don' t know why but it is the fact. And second reason is that I like sports very much, like golf and tennis. Last weekend golf game and tennis lesson of today, both was cancelled due to rain. I know that the rain makes earth more healthier. But, not working for me.