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.