Using Tag Questions

When I was seven years old in my hometown my family moved to a new house. That day my neighbors came to our new house. We celebrated at my new house. My mother, aunt and brother-in-law cooked something for dinner.

Before, my old house didn't have a floor. The new house had two floors. I was surprised. I walked upstairs and downstairs many times. I was very happy.

My mother said, " Go carefully! You haven't walked up and down stairs many times, have you?"

"Yes, I have," I said.

Hello, Classmates

The King is back!

An Unlucky Fall and a Lucky Catch

A ninety one year old woman lived on the fourth floor of an apartment building in Chang Chun, China.

One day she was careless and she fell out of the window. A driver saw that. He quickly stretched out his arms. He caught the woman before she hit the ground.

Fortunately the woman and the driver were only slightly hurt.

This story had a good ending. I read the story in a Chinese newspaper.

To Teach A Friend How To Use Chopsticks

Arren is my youngest son’s classmate. He is an American born Filipino. He likes to eat Chinese food especially Kwong Tong dim sum.

Two weeks ago, Sunday, we brought him with my family to a Chinese restaurant to enjoy “Yum Cha”. We planned to teach him how to use chopsticks correctly.

This restaurant is on Powell Street in San Francisco. That day, just a few people were waiting for tables.

We just waited for ten minutes before we got a table. We appreciated that. After the busboy delivered the dishes and tea cups, we found that he hadn’t brought any chopsticks. We asked a captain for them. The captain said they were short of chopsticks and he asked if we could use forks instead. The restaurant unexpectedly did not have enough chopsticks. This had never happened to us before in a Chinese restaurant.

When the forks were delivered to us, Arren said, “This time I can teach you how to use a fork!”

I am back

This was a guy how went to Washington, but today.......... he back.

End of the story

My trip to Thailand and China

Hi, everyone!

How are you doing? I hope everyone is doing well.

I'm so sorry that I didn't connect to everyone because I was sick for all of my trip.

On the airplane to Thailand, the Japanese woman sitting next to me didn’t look so good.
She coughed a lot. After that, when I arrived in Thailand, I had a fever and a cough. I went to see a doctor. I couldn't enjoy myself. Also in Thailand, it was so warm!

My father took me to see some land he had bought in the country. His farm was in an area that has many fields of sunflowers. So nice and beautiful!

. It After I had stayed in Thailand for a week my dad wanted to take me on a magnet train in Shanghai City, China runs 310km/hour.

See you tomorrow. Take care. I miss you!

Penny

My Trip in Thailand and China

Hi,Every one
How are you doing? I hope every one is doing well. I'm so sorry. I didn't connect everyone because I got sick all my trip.
While I was taking an airplane, one Japanese woman who was sitting next to me looked not so good. She coughed a lot. After that, I arrived in Thailand.I had a fever and coughed. I went to see a doctor, but still I couldn't enjoy myself. Also in Thailand it is so warm. My dad showed land he bought in the countryside That area has sunflower farms, so nice and beautiful.
After I stayed in Thailand for a week, my dad took me to Shanghai city in China. He wanted to take the magnet train that runs 310km/hour.
Now I miss our class,I will be back tomorrow.
take care
Penny

Visiting A Garden In Los Angeles

At the end of June, this year, my family and I went to Los Angeles to visit my youngest brother, Lai.

The first day, on Highway 5, we were involved in a traffic accident. So, we arrived at my brother Lai’s home very late. Before dinner, we just relaxed at brother Lai’s home.

The next day, my brother Lai, his wife, my wife and I visited the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.

It is on Baldwin Avenue. I have not mentioned how large the Botanical gardens are. I felt they are not too big and not too small. There are many kinds of tropical plants there. We luckily met a peacock in this garden. It spread its tail. That was a rare opportunity. I took some pictures of it.

We spent almost three hours visiting everywhere in this garden. We felt in contact with the nature and we felt relaxed.

Hi, my lovely classmates

Good morning ! Classmates, today i have a chance to tell you a funny story about "Two Drunkers in Aduld School".

Last Thanksgiving Day there was a party that was celebrated by a small group of people who study in room 101 in the morning. In that morning there were a lot of difference kind of foods and drinks on the tables that were brought by all of those poeple, each kind of food looked so delicious that could make those people hungry,especially Mr. blOOm. Around 10:00am those peolpe started to enjoy their breakfast together. About 30 minutes later there were 2 men tried to cheer up each other with two empty bottles of wine. All the classmates can see those 2 guys clearly in the picture that has been shown above....... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssssssssssss END

Message for Deth (the bad cambodian guy)

Message for Deth

(Introduction: Deth told me about a job in his bakery and I talked with him this morning on the cell phone.)

Hi, Deth, I hope you read this blog.

I just talked with you on the cell phone but the battery died. I can't call you back because this is not my telephone, but you can call me back whenever you want.

I will be back in Oakland on December 18 at night. (8:30 pm)

But I am really going to take the job if it is ok with your boss. I am not worried about the night schedule. Don't worry about that! When I studied architecture I had to work at nights, also.

Talk with your boss. Tell him about my arrival date and, if he agrees with that, I would like to work three days a week.......I want it. I need it........I wish it!

And if he agrees with that, tell me what I will need.

Thanks, man, I'm really appreciate that. I hope it happens.

Send me your E-mail so that I can write you, maybe Richard won't be happy with my sending personal messages on the class blog.

Regards to Richard and all my class mates.

Alex

Alex from Spokane

American yet not

This is a old history but I would like to write about that.

Like three weeks ago I went to San Francisco with Alice because like you know a big ship wrecked in the bay bridge spilling 58,000 gallons of oil.

So, We were trying to be voluntaries to help clean the beaches but we couldn't do it because we are not American citizens. But we are not illegals here, it was frustrating. we took the training in the auditorium at the golden gate park so we could help, but they told us that we should go back home.

However, we had a good time there in SF, we took the BART and before that the MUNI (train), it was nice and we ate in a very good restaurant, was like mediterranean food. Anyways, it was a new experience.

I feel that it is dumb, because they need help but they won't take it. And that wasn't the first time that I was rejected. One time I tried to volunteer at a foster home, asylums, etc. But I was treated the same.

Well, I suppose that I'm not able to help in America. Why??? stupid american rules. That's all.

Alex

hello from Spokane, WA

Hello Class

I could not write before because I am in Spokane, Washington now and it was impossible to find internet, but I want to get a certificate and wrote eight stories on the blog, so I am very close to getting it (right Richard?)

I came to visit my friends here (Seth and Annie) and I am spending a long time here with them. They are Americans and I met them in Mexico. I have not seen them for four years.

Here it is very cold and this was the first time I ever saw snow. I was impressed when I got down from the airplane. The weather is very chancing and it is always cold. Some days it is sunny and another days is raining or snowing. My friends have taken me many places like the woods, downtown, the River etc. This city reminds me my city in Mexico. I really like it. It is a city surrounded by pine trees and mountains. I would like you all to see it.

Maybe soon I will go to the mountains and snowboard. That sounds exciting.

See you guys soon.

How are you doing Richard?

Alex

Hello guys

Hiii guys!!!!

I would like to be there to say this, but I am very busy now and I couldn't go to the school
for a couple a weeks, because mi brother is going to get married tomorrow and my mother is
here, so, I am like the tourist guide rigth now, and she is going to be here only 3 days, so I am
spending all my time with her.

Also the Saturday, I am flying to Washinton State because I am going to visit a friend, but
I bought my airplane ticket before the classes finished to come back to see all of you, and say
Merry Christmas at least, and give you a small... small........ SMALL gift from Mexico.

Richard I wrote a couple a histories for the Blog, I will try to write them on the Internet as soon
as possible. Class mates, take care of Richard please because at his age, sometimes he loses his mind and it is also harder to walk ... jajajaja (just joking)

See you in a couple a weeks guys.

Images of Thanksgiving Party Have Been Loaded

Teacher and classmates:
I have loaded 79 images of Thanksgiving party on "Kai's photos" today.
I hope everyone would like them. Please take a look.

How do you live on?

A mouse was looking for food. Suddenly, he heard the meow of a cat. The mouse ran into his hole quickly.

Before long, the mouse heard the bark of a dog outside his hole. He thought the dog must have scared the cat away, so he went out from his hole. At that time, he was caught by the cat.

The cat said to the mouse, “You don’t speak a second language. How did you survive so long?”

In My Opinion...

By
Alberto Ortega Servin

In my opinion the Mexican people only think about of their situation economic and illegal, I don’t know if this situation to passing in people other countries. Now everyone has been in your job in this country although of that we need to the green card, also we have come of the places very poor as our life’s to change in this country but we couldn’t forget that the Mexican politics. They are looking everyone because we are in the United States, they will need our support also per the influence in our families in Mexico because many Mexican people are experiment a new life now.
The immigrants have been coming in other country. I don’t know but the Mexican politics are coming every day to the United States with the same false promise already that they have only caused illusions in the Mexican immigrant. We could understand that the politics only they have needed our support they have been known that our lives are changing now because we have new job and more money.
I don’t know if this situation repeats in other country because in the Mexican immigrants this situation repeats every day. We have to working for our families because we couldn’t case a politician already that they have came for decades with same promise but they set up in the government so they forget of the immigrant. When they have took the position in the government they will become in rich. They forget of the immigrant. Here only we need to work for our families. We could forget the politic only they seek for influence in your families in Mexico also now we live to different in this country. Why? Because we have enough money for pay all the services and support our families.
My recommendation is that the people have been coming of other country that all people work for your dream already we can to work for our dream because we must work for our dreams if we are working every day here our dreams to realize. We can’t to forget of the politics they always say to lie before in my country happened now I don’t know.

Another Nutrition Study

Here is a new study.

According to this study, If you are carrying a few extra pounds, you may live longer!

Isn't it strange how each report on nutrition and health seems to tell a different story?

What is considered oveweight?

To see if you are considered overweight, you must check your body mass index (BMI). If your BMI is over 25, you are considered overweight.

Hi teacher, I listened your recording. I agree with you. The best histories have not been writting yet.

Halloween Photos

Click here to see more Halloween photos.

Who I Am

Before deciding to come here, I, like each of my classmates, left important people and important things behind. It was a hard decision. I left my job, my friends, my family. I left important projects for the people I lived with to complete.

Since I was young, I’ve been always interested in the arts. Art is what I want to do, and it is what I do. I like painting, playing music, and reading, but what I really enjoy is acting. Also I played volleyball since I was child. It is my favorite sport.

I was 15 when I started to take acting classes. First, it was a hobby. I was very young and wanted to experience new things. Of course, I was a very bad actor.

After a couple of years, that hobby became a part of my life. I like the adrenaline before and during performances. It is a unique sensation, because it is something alive. It is something that only can exist in that place and at that moment. Each performance is unique. It is exciting to see and to feel people’s reactions when we improvise.

When I was 18 I left volleyball because I started studying architecture at the University. I didn’t have enough time. Instead, I started to work for the state government in artistic festivals and cultural events. When I was 21 I got to be director of a theatre. It was the newest theater in my city. It is a big theater with new theatrical equipment. I learned a lot about how a theater works, and I really enjoyed what I was doing.

I had big responsibilities there, because so many people worked there. I had to manage the finances because the theater was self-sustaining and many artistic activities were presented there every week like: performances, music concerts, dance presentations, conferences, etc. At the same time, I was studying, and I was acting in two different performance-groups, so, I was exhausted, But I really enjoyed everything that I was doing.

Three years ago, a number of players from different groups, began to work together to create in a new performance concept. We trained in different techniques like: stilts, juggling, acrobatics, clowning and everything needed to make spectaculars street performance.

Now, my performance group is a little upset with me because I am here. but they are still working in Mexico.

What, truly, is Hallowen?

I whan to share with my classmates a little bit about what's Halloween means. Witches,ghost,corpses,spirits,monsters and devils these are the main costumes that both children and adults alike put on to celebrate Hallween during the monts of Octuber and Novemver. This tradition is steadily spreading to other coutries. It's not unusual to find schools planning parties or nightclubs promoting a "witches'night" during this time of year, during wich friends gather and children of all ages dress up as something scary and wander door-to-door through the neighborhood saying "trck or treat," in search of somenthing sweet or other small gifts. Its origins and real consequences Halloween began as a European tradition and is atributed to the Celtic people who live in England; Irelad and nortern France. They celebrated their last day of the year. Octuber 31, with the festival of shamain, also know as the "Lord of the Dead". They believed that shamain allowed the spirits of the dead to return to their earthly homes on this night, and so imagined that demons, ghosts, witches, black cats and goblins wandered all over. The priests of these people. the Druids ( who were satanists who worshipped and serve the lord of the dead) lit huge bonfires on the hilltops on this day and ordered their followers to do the same in their homes. On the hills they dressed up in the skins andheads of animals, offering animal, crop and human sacrifices and used the remains to predict their luck for the coming year. The Druids obtained the humans used in their sacrifices by going house-to-house among the people asking for a child or a virgin to burn in the bonfire.If the family agreed to supply someone to sacrifice, the priestsleft behind a fruit with a candle illuminated inside, wich was supposed to prevent demons from entering and killing whoever lived there. The Druids considered this a pact, and if the family refused their demads, they then marked the door of the home, giving satan free reign to destroy them, wich they referred to as their scheme.They considered this to be the ideal time to appease the supernatural in the whole year for practicing sorcery and wich craft. Anton Lavey, author of the satanic BIble, says that it's on this night when satanic powers and witchcraft experience their highest level of potency. How the tradition began Due to the fact that the Romans ruled over the Celts for 400 years,their festivals gradually fused together, providing the Romans with two late fall festival. One dedicated to the dead, and the other to the god of trees and fruit. The Celtic tradition gained in popularity during the 8th century, when the Roman church established the first day of Novenber as the Day of All the Saints, or All Hallows Day. The shaman festival was held the night before.,wich came to be known as All Hallows Eve, orthe night of All the saints. The name" Halloween" is believe to have been derived from that and now refers to the present-day custom. If you have been reading the Bible you will know what the Word of God says: Deuteronomy 8:10-12 Let no one be foud amoug you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is medium or spiritualist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does this things is detestable to the LORD. 1 timotly 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Don't believe that Halloween is an innocent celebration that you can allow your childern to participate in without running a risk. BE CAREFUL! it would be better if you got together with you family or for a time of praise and worship and reading from the Word of God.

Different Cultures In Cambodia And In The United States

Hi, everyone. How are you doing? I am going to talk about different cultures in Cambodia and in the United States. I felt shocked ( big suprise ) when I came here (USA) because Cambodian culture is different from United States culture. But, now I have gotten used to the U.S. In my country women can not go out at night by themselves because the old people say it's not good for them. In the United States women have a lot of freedom if they are over 18 years old. Also, in the U.S. when a man or a woman have a partner ( I mean boyfriend or girlfriend ) they can live together before marriage. They can also kiss or hug, etc if they want, and they don't have to care about the people around them. My country is not the same as the U.S. Khmer women can't live together with a man before they get married but they can go out with men to eat breakfast to lunch together.

I was shocked when I came to the United States because I had to leave my family and my cousins in my country. Actually, I didn't want to say goodbye to them.

I still feel culture shock because in the U.S. people can do anything they want. People in my country can't do anything they want.

Cambodian culture is very different from American culture.

By Chariya An

My First Menmory in Childhood (Flood water 1983)

Last week, we talked about the story "Final Friday" by Alejandro. That reminded me about when I was 5 years old in Thailand/ In October, there always are a lot of typhoons and storms in Thailand.

I remember one night about 7 pm. I was sitting down and watching TV with my mom and my younger brother. They were sitting on a sofa, but I was sitting on a pillow. I heard rain and thunder outside. However, we didn't care about the rain outside. We were enjoying our TV.
Without warning, I was very surprised to see water coming up from under the door and the wall. Suddenly, I heard a siren and someone shouting loudly. He said that he wanted men in each house to come and help him stop the water because the embankment would soon be destroyed if we didn’t come to help him.

In a few minutes all of the floor was covered by the water. Then, my mom called my dad at work but he wasn't there. I heard my dog barking. A neighbor came to my house. He said that he and other neighbors couldn't stop the water anymore. He wanted us to save ourselves. So my mom told me and my brother to move upstairs. Then she tried to call my dad again. Normally, my dad comes home after 8 pm, but by the time my dad came home it was too late.

When my dad came home, the water was about over the chair. I saw him stand in the water and look around the house and then he turned to look at me. His eyes looked very upset. He didn't say anything. I went to the bedroom and tried to sleep.

Before I fell asleep. I heard a lot of noise from the rain, thunder, and our neighbours. My mom and my dad were talking.

After that we had to live upstairs for a month. My dog lived on top of the table in the kitchen. I saw fish in our living room. My brother and I were happy because we didn't have to go to school. We played a lot of games and we watched TV all day, but my mom wasn't happy. She was very sad. I could tell......

My First Menmory in Childhood.

Recipe for Peruvian Squash Cream Soup

Ingredients
4 cup squash diced
1 cup potatoes diced
¼ cup of peas
¼ cup of soy milk or 2% cow milk
¼ cup of corn kernels (frozen or cut from ear of corn)
¼ cup of onion chopped
¼ cup of cheese diced

Directions:
Put onion in pan with canola oil and cook a little until translucent.
Add garlic while onion cooks. Add 1 cup of water.
Add the squash and potatoes and let it cook for 15 minutes.
After it has cooked, add the corn, peas, milk and cheese.
Let it cook for 3 more minutes.
Serve with brown rice.

Letter of complaint

October 24, 2007


Director of Highland Hospital
Albert Burns
1411 Park Ave.
Oakland, CA 94602

Dear Mr. Burns:

First, please let me compliment you on Highland Hospital. It is a very good hospital. However, it could be better if each patient had his/her own nutrition plan.

I want to tell you about my experience with the food while I was in Highland Hospital.

I think the nutritionist should design menus according to the dietary needs of each patient. I was admitted to the hospital because I had not been eating for a week and had had a lot of nausea. Initially, they gave me unsalted food that was earmarked for other patients. At the same time, they gave me broth that had too much salt. Even though I hadn’t been eating for over a week, they gave me a meal plan that included meat and potatoes when I should have been given a light meal menu. They even gave me citrus fruits like orange and lemon juice, which further irritated my stomach.

In the future, I hope you can customize your menus according to the needs of each patient.

Please, I hope you consider my advice. It will be good for the patients in Highland Hospital.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Montesinos

Patient of Highland Hospital
100 Galvin St
Oakland, CA 94602

Beef and Lemon Grass Salad

Ingredients

- thin slices lemon grass or fresh root ginger

- 3 tbsp green onion

- 1-2 tsp ground chili or fresh thai chili pepper

- 3-4 tbsp lime juice

- 3 tbsp of fish sauce

- 1/2 tsp sugar

- 4-5 mint sprigs, leaves chopped

- 3 tbsp shallots

- 2 tbsp ground rice

- lettuce, separated into leaves to serve

Directions

1. Place the ground beef or slices of beef into a saucepan and cook over a gentle heat for 10-15 minutes. Sliced meat can be grilled instead.

2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the ground rice. Then add lemon grass, green onions, ground chili, lemon juice, fish sauce, sugar, mint and shallots to the mixing bowl and mix them well.

3. Arrange a bed of lettuce on a shallow dish and top with the beef mixture. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Enjoy!->

Breakfast Photographs

Hello Class Mates.

Here are some breakfast Photographs from the past tuesday

Alex

My Complaint Letter

October 23, 2007

Supervisor of Denny’s Food
Mrs. Pin Sarah
1215 Fishback Road
Manteca, CA

Dear Pin Sarah

My name is Chariya An. I am a student of the Neighborhood Centers Adult School, I feel it is a good service and have a good provide environment. Also, it would be even better if you will add fresh vegetable in the dishes.

I think nutrition is crucial to customers. Then they could cook healthy food, and eat it in a nice place. Customers would come to restaurant on time if they have a nice place to eat. Also, it will be a good place for the customers talk about important thing.

I feel that good nutrition shared in a comfortable social environment is as important to join.

Sincerely,

Chariya An

Students in Room 101
750 International Boulevard
Oakland, CA

My Complaint Lett

CEO of MacDocdonalds
Mr. Jim Cantalupo
2402 S Park St, Madison, WI
(608) 251-1993


Dear Jim Cantalupo;

First, please let me compliment you about MacDonalds Restaurants. They are very clean and inexpensive .They are a famous part of American culture. Many people in the United States need healthy nutritious meals shared in a comfortable environment. If MacDonalds could sell more fresh fruit and vegetables the health of many Americans would improve.

I think that of the nutrition of America people is crucial because many people have the problems with cholesterol and over weight. I hope you put more healthy food in your fast food restaurant as soon as possible.

Also, people need more educational programs to learn about healthy food. Please post more signs with information about fruit and vegetables.


I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Alberto Ortega Servin

Recipe for Chicken with Vegetables

Ingredients: 3 breast of chicken without skin and bone 1 tsp vegetable oil 2 green onions, sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp of crushed ginger 1 cup chicken broth 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tsp water vegetables, red peppers, broccoli , and green beans (chopped roughly) Directions: First cut the chicken into little pieces. Then, in a saucepan, add oil and the chicken Stir for 5 minutes. Add green onions and garlic stir for 2 minutes more. Combine the chicken broth, salt, ginger and vegetables thoroughly. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Wait for 3 minutes before adding the cornstarch and water mixture. Then just wait until the chicken and the vegetables are ready to serve.

Enjoy the recipe!!!

We Miss You.

Hello, Richard.

I am glad to hear that your appointments went well.

I hope you get healthy.

See you tomorrow.
Penny

I sick too!

Hi
Teacher, and classmates, I had sore throat and fever, I can't come to school,

I miss you guys, I hope I will back to schoolon next week.



Annie Tam 10/21/07 at 9:30pm

Just a note

Hello teacher.

This is just a little note, I hope to everything be ok with your healthy exams.

The Final Friday

It was 7:10 in the morning, I still remember the hour just as if it was yesterday. I was in my bed when I opened my eyes. At first sight everything looked normal, as a regular day, but it was not.

I heard something outside. A mysterious noise that was surrounding the house. That noise was in all the places, also on the roof. I did not know what was going on, but I had the most terrible sensation. I got up from my bed, and I approached to the window very slowly. I was not sure, but took strength from my insides, and then I took a deep breath, opened the window and there it was.

Water was falling from the sky. A soft breeze soaking everything it touched. It was exactly as the bible describes in The Apocalypses.

I did not know what to do. I could not move for a few seconds. I was paralyzed and scarred watching that terrible scene. Everything I knew told me that I should not go out to the street, much less to school in this situation, It was very shocking to me. I had to choose between my life and my education. And I think I made the wisest choice. I went back to sleep.

After I went back to sleep, I dreamed for a couple hours. I dreamed that I was walking in the street when suddenly, the sky turned dark and started to rain, I could not hide under a tree, much less go into a house, because suddenly everything disappeared. The city began to transform into a desert where there was not anywhere to hide from the water. Everything was sand, and the water managed to reach me. And every second that the water soaking into me. It made me feel weaker and weaker.

When I woke up from the nightmare, it was 11:00 in the morning. I still remembered what I had been dreaming seconds before. I was still scared, but everything looked better., The noise had disappeared, and then a smile grew on my face. I felt comfortable.

After I woke up, for the second time that day, I started to get ready to go to my afternoon class. I took a shower. I got dressed, I made some breakfast and got all my stuff ready to leave. I climbed down the stairs and when I opened the door, you would not believe what I saw. The danger hadn’t gone. It was still raining.

I could not believe it! My bicycle was wet. I just stood in the door watching that terrible scene again, but this time the breeze was stronger than the first.

Perla, my dog, did not know what was going on, and ran outside to the street. Before I could stop her, she was on the sidewalk down the street. I could not believe what that was happening. She was in danger, and afraid. She began to run away from me. I did not know what to do. I reached deep inside and found the strength to go to her rescue, but when I reached her, her feet were muddy. That is what happened.

Now Perla is not the same as before. She had changed and I couldn’t help her.

Perla, this is for you.

You will always be my bitch.

How I Learn English

Let me talk aboutthe effort that I put to learn English.when I got in U,S,A. I felt sad because I didn't now how to defense my self .Also I didn't have time to go to school because I got married soon,when I got here. I had my baby too and I needed care my baby until he was 4 years old when my son began the school I decide to studied English because is important languages if you live here.

And now I fell happy because I continued coming to school to learn English, and sometimes I felt tired because I work at night but I thing that I need to learn more English. and I wake up and I continued to come to school I thing is important for everything for example help my son , go to the doctor, shopping, having communication with people.

Now I feel happy because I continue to come to school.

Jovany's Birthday

I want to write a little story about my son's birthday. One month ago, it was his birthday and he wanted a party for his birthday. I didn't have enough money to make the party.

On the day of his birthday, I just bought a cake for him. He didn't know that I had bought the cake. I fixed a table in his grandma's house. All his cousins were waiting to shout "Surprise!" tor my son. When I picked my son from school, I took him to his grandma's house.

When he saw the cake on the table, he began to cry. I felt sad because he wanted a party and I couldn't make the party for him. He later told me, "Mommy, I want a bicycle." Also, he wanted to go to the Chucky Cheese Restaurant, too.

One week after his birthday, I bought a bicycle for him and I also took him to Chucky Cheese.

Now, he is happy. He told me, "Thanks, Mommy, I love you!"

Be Proud of Myself

Proud of Myself

Hi, my name is Deth.

First of all, I would like to say "Good Morning" to the ladies and gentlemen who are present in this room. Especially, I would like to say "Thanks" to Mr. Richard Blum, my handsome and smart teacher who is always patient with all his students' mistakes.

Now I'm going to write about what I've been doing in the United States. As most of you know, I work in San Francisco as a baker. I have to work 7 days a week. I start at 1:30 am and work until 7:30 am in the morning (Everything must be done by 6:30 am), I mean I work 6 hours a day every weekday and 12 hours a day every weekend and I have to go to school after getting off from work except on the weekend. That sounds like I have a heavy duty schedule, right? But that doesn't matter to me because I am used to it.

According to what I mentioned above, sometimes I think I'm a strong man when I compare what I've been doing to others (I'm not looking them down but just telling you the truth)

Let me tell you more. I got this job just 3 months after I first got to the U.S. and I have kept doing that job till now.

The points of this article are:

I can live by myself freely.

I make more than 3 thousand dollars every month.

I still make time go to my English class everyday.

My Own Opinion

You can live without English but you can't live without money in the United States.

If you're a person who has good knowledge of English you might find an upscale job.

Thanks for paying attention.

Hello from Victor

Hi everyone,

Sorry that I haven't had time to write something in this blog for a while. I have been very busy with my new job in San Francisco. I am working at a store called Banana Republic now. I miss coming to class everyday and having conversations with everyone but I have been studying independently. I am still waiting until I will be a California resident to start taking classes at the community college so the classes will not be so expensive. I read the blog every week and I have seen the videos that our teacher makes. I wanted our teacher to write me or call over the summer but I guess he did not have time. I would like to come and talk with everyone sometime soon. Here is my email address if anyone would like to write to me: vpostolache@yahoo.com
I hope everyone is doing well and that we are able to talk soon.
Good luck, cheers.
Victor Postolache

Only a thought

Hello class, this one is a thought of this night, but do not put attention. We as changeable persons now believe in something, in what tomorrow we will not do. It is one of the good parts of the human being....... I hope

I believe do not have many things that to say, I am happy to be here, to learn another lenguage, be and live in a different culture. Sometimes the life away home can be hard, mostly when you can not see at your family, your friends, and the people who supports you.

I think many people are in the same situation, and I not talking only about the people to came from another country.

Just we need be sure and think if this is really what we want, if this is the best option. And tray to find in ourselves what really make us happy.

I think that is the reason to be here in this world. And we do not have to do big things in the life, or try to be somebody who we are not. Only we have to find the just balance between what we are, and what we do. That is all. We do not have to be twenty hours every day in a telescope to find the cure to some virus, just because we could be good one in science.

Was very interesting to the Dr. Palmer wrote about "becoming the person you have always been", where he talk about how the people can find work that will bring them, finding our nature in our childhood, and knowing our limits and potentials.

But also, I think it is not just what we can do with in us job, if not, what we want to do with us life, maybe some persons just want to have a family, and that is ok, maybe some persons just want to live in the mountain, to sleep in truck and that is respectable also. While what we do, do not affect the persons that we love and the people who surrounds us.

Only be happy, without to do unhappy a the other people , and this, it is the difficult part of the happiness. All the things have his price not??

Alex

Hi, everybody

Hi, everybody how are you guys?
I apologized, because I didn't E mail to you guys.
because I forgot my student number so i couldn't sing in to the blog to write you guys
Anyway I found my student number last nigh let me start my story.

When I was coming to the Oh, I was hoping to comeback to CA.
But it didn't happen, I was living with my brother in CA, and my family were live in Oh
What happened was while i was in Oh My brother decided to move another state.
He moved to MN.

After that I stayed with my family in Oh.
know I don't have family in CA That is why I didn't come
Nobody knows what is going to happen tomorrow.


I started new life in Oh
I get job, and I go to school I work all the day i go to school night time

Let me tell you How is Oh

OH is a big state.
the life is so Jeep more than CA. the poor people and the rich
people can live in Oh. i really really like it.

There are a lot Somalia people sometimes I don't need to speak English
my student are from Somalia, and Mexico there some student from another countries but most of them is from Somalia, and Mexico.

thank you teacher for delivering my certificate to my home
my sister in low told me I appreciated that
teacher i saw you in the blog you were thin what happen to you are you sick?
I miss you guys.
I will E mail you every time when I get time. say Hi for everybody
Bye.

FROM VICTOR

Hi, victor I read you sorry I am sorry what happen to youin the bus, but you have to now all the black people is not bad
every where there is a bad people, and good people

By; sadia Nur





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My name is Penny

About Me

Hi, my classmates. How are you guys doing? My name is Penny. My name sounds like a little coin. Also, my Thai name sounds like Penny, but the meaning is the “full moon”. I come from Thailand.

I will have been in the United States for 3 years this month. I decided to live here because I fell in love with my husband. I met him 2 years and 10 months ago in San Francisco States University where I first studied English. One friend of mine introduced him to me. I got married on July 28, 2007.

I just like people who come from other countries to start a new life here...but how can we begin again?

Before, when I first came to the US, I was working all day in a Thai restaurant. The pay was low. The job was hard. The hours were long. My boss told me I was good at it, but I was so bored.

I hope I will find a job in which I can use my skills. I have skills in arts. I can draw, paint, print and sculpt. However, my skill level now isn’t enough to get the job I want. I need more skills in English and computers. That is why I come to adult school.

I would like to tell everyone more about me. I will write on the Blog again when I have time.

By the way, thank you Richard for letting students write on blog so that we can know more about our classmates. Also we can practice how to write and to use a computer.

(^^)Penny

Page 34,35 Conversation Exercises

I arranged the following conversation exercises(page 34,35) today and got the help from our teacher Richard to make corrections and supplementaries for me. Thanks Richard. He asked me to post them on blog. I hope our classmates would like to take a look on them.

Do You Know What Time the Concert Begins?


[When does the plane to Chicago leave?]
A. Do you know when the plane to Chicago leaves?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask the ticket agent. He can tell you when the plane leaves (or is leaving).

[Whose dog is this?]
A. Do you by any chance know whose dog this is?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask the people next door. They can tell you whose dog it is.

[What is today’s homework assignment?]
A. Could you please tell me what today’s homework assignment is?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask the teacher. She can tell you what today’s homework assignment is.

[How much dose this TV cost?]
A. Do you by any chance know how much this TV costs?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should talk to the salesman. He can tell you how much this TV costs.


[When will my car be ready?]
A. Can you tell me when my car will be ready?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should check with the mechanic. He can tell you when your car will be ready.

[How did Doris break her leg?]
A. Do you know how Doris broke her leg?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know how she broke her leg. You should call her friend Patty. She can tell you how Doris broke her leg.

[When did the First World War begin?]
A. Can you tell me when the First World War began?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You can ask your older brother. He can tell you when the First World War began.


[Where did my mother go?]
A. Do you know where my mother went?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask that police officer over there where your mother went (or is).

[How long have Mr. and Mrs. Lane been living here?]
A. Do you have any idea how long Mr. And Mrs. Lane have been living here?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should call the superintendent. He can tell you how long Mr. and Mrs. Lane have been living here.

[Why did Roger leave work early today?]
A. Do you know why Roger left work early today?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask his supervisor. He can tell you why Roger left work early today.

[Why was I fired?]
A. Do you by any chance know why I was fired?
B. I’m sorry. I don’t know. You should ask the boss why you were fired.

Bad memory to the black people

Hello everybody. I am Victoria. This is the first time I have written on our Blog. Today I want to talk about something that makes me really feel badly.

This morning I went to school by bus as usual. I was waiting for the bus on International Blvd. at High Street. After about five minutes, a 1R rapid bus came by, but the bus driver didn’t stop. I could see there were lots of passengers on the bus so that the bus driver wanted us to wait for the next bus, so I waited for the next bus. Five minutes passed, then a No.1 bus approached. I looked at my watch. The time was 8:15 a.m. and my class begins at 8:30 a.m. I had no other choices, I had to get on this bus even if it stopped at every corner.

When I got on the bus, it was very crowded. The driver said, “ Move back!” repeatedly. I listened to him and walked to the back near the exit, but some people wanted to walk at the back of the bus. I could hear, “Excuse me, excuse me” again and again. Then they passed me one by one. I wanted to let them pass by more easily, so I moved closer to a young girl who was sitting on a seat.

I said,” Excuse me” to the young girl, but the black young girl looked a bit annoyed. She put her finger on my arm and pushed heavily. Suddenly, I felt indignant. I just wanted to let others pass by and I felt that I hadn’t done anything wrong. The black young girl didn’t give up. She talked to her friend next to her –a black girl as well. She said something bad about me. They laughed at me and mimicked my voice. Although I did not understand what they were laughing about, I felt uncomfortable because everyone in the bus was staring at me.

At that moment, I was very unhappy about the black girl’s impolite behavior. In my opinion, people should be always kind to others, but this black girl was not. She was wearing a school backpack and she was a student.

I didn’t believe that black people here were not friendly even though my family told me many times. Until today when the black young girl broke it.

The portraid

Portraid (50 cms x 80 cms)

Hello everybody

I am Alex, and I have one sad history to my, perhaps funny for all of you. I am Architech, but before studying this, I wont study visual arts, because since was child I like draw all the time, I like paint people, human figures and landscapes.

I was trying to find somework painted, and finally the secretary from my brother's job, wanted at portraid of her with her daugthers, and she sending me the photography.

I bought the papers, and all the necessary material to begin, y was very happy, because finally I had a job doing what I like, and she was going to pay me $100 dolars, because it was going to be a big portraid.

I was painted the portraid for five days, and finally finish of paint it on a Friday (that was 15 days ago). The Monday I sent the portraid to her with my brother, and she said to him it was very nice, and she promise send me the money the next friday.

The friday came, and she did not order my the money, and my brother say my, "She already did not go to work, I think she resigned" and we was traying to call her, but she does not answer the calls.

So, my first job in USA did not have success. funny or sad? I think that both

This is the portraid what I paint, I used the PASTEL technique

Eyy Richard send my some photography that you liked, and when I had free time, I going to make you a Portraid.

I UNDERSTAND

I Understand

by Thuong Thi Tran

Hi ! teacher, classmates.

I met Hanh when I started a new job in San Rafael a few months ago. Some of my friends said, " You need to move your job to some other places, maybe you will have more experiences." So I agreed with that.

At that time, I went to work in a nail shop in San Rafael, and Hanh was working there. She told me that she had just come to America about six months ago, so everything was new to her. She said, "The thing that is the most difficult for me is the language. I am afraid to go outside because I don’t understand what people are saying."

I asked her, " You are just 20 yrs old. You are still young. Why don't you go to English school, I think that would be good for your future."

She said, " I want to but I need money to pay for many things, and if I have some extra money I will return to my hometown for a while because I miss many things there very much."

I understand that because I had the same feeling as her in the first few months when I came to Oakland. I thought if I had enough money I would fly right away to Vietnam to visit the rest of my family.

Then, later my wish came true. I returned to my hometown two times. But the second time, there were a lot of changes in my hometown. Some of my friends were moving away to other places - even my brothers and my sisters, too.

And there are many other changes. I didn’t recognize many people and places at all. Perhaps, it's only in my memory. And when I was in my old hometown, I had a feeling that I missed some things in America. I missed my job, my school, and some other things.

I hope, in a short while, Hanh will feel better. I told her," Don't look back. You should look forward. You will be happy with your beautiful future."

I believe that.

My Fovorite Place.

My Fovorite Place.

Alberto Ortega Servin

My favorite place is “National Park Cupatitzio Hillside” This Park is staying in the city of Uruapan, Michoacán Mexico. Why? Because this places is very fresh and colorful. Other things to me are. It has a “Cupatitzio River” running along it. It is beautiful river its water is very crystalline and to be transparent the sound of water is delightful and magical. There are many trees. And other important plat in this park is “banana with bone” it is important because we know bananas only small seeds of black color. The tree is very old maybe some tree are hundred of years old. In this park there are many different bushes. These plants give to aspect romantic this place. It is beautiful. In this place so there are many different fountains of different size these fountains is working with gravity of water this thing is very important because it does not use of electricity other sources power. Also there are beautiful waterfalls inside of the park.
Many people put up small stands, they are selling souvenirs. But many people have visited this park they have bough to different handicraft for friend and relatives. I am recommending to visit this place.

My youngest daughter

Last week, my baby daughter was sleeping on her stomach next to me in bed when I woke up. I got up and changed her diaper. The urine leaked out of her diaper. It wet her clothes, her pillow, our sheet, and the bed. I wanted to give her a bath, but she was very hungry. I made some formula. She drank it before her bath.

fiona

Hu Nan

My name is Fiona. I come from Hu Nan. It is a famous state in China. A lot of famous people are from Hu Nan. The one of the most famous is Chairman Mao. I think a lot of people in the world know him. Several of the Ten Marshals in the People's Armed Forces come from Hu Nan. I forget their names.

China has eight main cuisines. Hu Nan style is one of them. Hu Nan people like to eat hot green, red, and yellow peppers. The pepper is curled. The taste is special.

Hu Nan has many tourist zones. I don't know all of them. I know just a few. I will find out more information about Hu Nan. Then I will write again.

We are very lucky

Hello class 101

I’m Alejandro from Mexico and I have been in the United States for only one month and a half. I am here for two reasons, the first is because I was very tired of the monotony where I was living, not because I didn’t like what I was doing. I love my country, my friends, my work and my family, but , after many years in the same city, with the same people, visiting the same places and having the same expectations, sometimes we need to take a rest and learn different things and experience other places. The second reason is that I want to learn to speak English.
When I first came to the United States, I was living in Berkeley with my brother and my almost sister in law, and I started looking for schools where I could study. Finally, after maybe ten days I found the Adult School in Berkeley, a big school with many classes and students from all over the world (maybe ten thousand), so I was very excited with my new school.

Exactly like in the Oakland Adult School, there are three different levels. After my test I stayed in the intermediate class. That class was just for pronunciation and it was only one hour each day, so I was bored and I was feeling that I was not advancing very much. All the students just sat in chairs to listen to the teacher. I never talked with my classmates more than ten words. All of us were only echoing the teacher’s pronunciation. I could not take a second class because all the different classes were offered in the same hour (stupid, no?).

For all these reasons, I think we are very lucky to be here in this school, and we are very lucky also to be in the 101 class, with Richard, somebody how really worries that their students learn to speak, read, and think in English. Thank you!

And I believe that we, as students, should be contributing in some way.We can offer ideas to do some personal or group activities. For my part, I propose we could learn some songs. I have a guitar and I could learn the chords and maybe somebody could play another instrument or something else. Perhaps Richard could dance to the song, no?

Alejandro Campa

My Job

My name is Deth (you pronounce it like the English word "date").

I work in San Francisco as a baker. I have to work seven days a week because I am the only one in my shop who knows how to make donuts.

I start work at one o'clock in the morning. I work until seven in the morning. On the weekends I work overtime from one in the morning until one in the afternoon.

I work hard but I also make a lot of money. I also work as a manager in that shop.

I don't really like donuts, but I have to eat them every day. I have to test to see that they are tasty.

Read for the Record

Read for the Record

Last Thursday I took my niece and nephew to the Read for the Record event in Oakland. There were over 200 children reading the same book at the same time with a VIP. In this case the VIP was Pat Kernighan, the district supervisor.

Read for The Record is a campaign organized every year by the nonprofit organization Jump Start. Through this campaign this organization teaches children to read books so they will be prepared when they enter kindergarten and be successful in school. The purpose of the event is to break the record of children reading the same book at the same time all across the country.

Last year 150,000 children across the country participated in Read for the Record, all reading the same book. This year’s event was so successful that over 250,000 children participated.

This year the book was The Story of Ferdinand. This story was written many years ago and in many languages; it was famous.

This story is about a little bull, which was born in Spain. His name was Ferdinand. The little bull doesn’t like to play and to fight like the others. He only likes to sit quietly all the day and smell the flowers. He had a favorite spot under a big tree.
Ferdinand grew and grew until he was very big and strong. One day five men came to choose a bull to fight in Madrid. They wanted the biggest, fastest and roughest bull to fight in Madrid.
While the other bulls showed their abilities, strong and fierce to be picked, Ferdinand didn’t care and went to his favorite tree to sit down.
But this time Ferdinand sat on a bee, the bee stung him, so he became crazy. He started to jump, ran around puffing and snorting. The five men saw him and they thought he was the biggest and fiercest bull they were looking for.
They took Ferdinand to Madrid, and the day of the fight Ferdinand ran to the middle of the ring, everyone shouted and clapped because they thought he was going to fight fiercely and butt his horns. But Ferdinand saw the flower in the lady’s hair and he just sat down and smelled the flowers.