My English... still ...

After two years of my life in San Diego, I still face some embarrassing situations once in a while.

This morning, when I was standing at the checkout counter in Albertsons, a guy who was packing my shopping into a plastic bag told me something unclear in a low voice. I bluntly asked him, "Sorry?" and he repeated in the same tone of voice. I did not catch it, so again, asked him what he just said to me, moving my ear close to his mouth almost in a foot distance.

He shyly mumbled, "You have a good day..."

That's it?? Didn't I catch that simple sentence????
He was a young African-American guy, looked uneasy repeating the same phrase three times for me. Blushed and upset, I forgot to say "thank you" and just ran away.

Even after two years, I struggle with English.

Wonderful day ☆

It's my birthday today. Though aging is no longer a pleasant event, I had a fantastic day. Some of my friends kindly arranged a casual surprising party for me in Old Poway Park. Looking at their children, we were absorbed in our inexhaustible conversation.

Superb dinner came to the 2nd round of this festive day. My partner took me to a sushi restaurant called Toshi-san. As we asked the chef for the bill, he nicely served a green-tea ice cream with a tiny candle, saying, "I believe you turns 21 today."

Yes, yes chef, I do :)

The 3rd round was going to be some piece of cakes at home. Too drunk and exhausted, my partner went straight to bed without casting even a glance at these cute little cakes. I lit the candle lonely but blissfully, and enjoyed myself the last minutes of my birthday.

Spiritual Experience ?

During July 4th weekend, I visited Sedona. Sedona is well known for the voltex power spots. Not everybody seems to feel its spiritual power, but depressed somehow these days, I strongly hoped to be affected in a positive way. Standing on the two voltex spots, however, I did not feel anything but just enjoyed a breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
Weired thing occurred to me when I was driving back to San Diego. I usually cannot drive more than two hours; nevertheless, this time, three and half hours driving did not tire me at all. It must be the power of voltex, I believe.

Hectic day

I haven't grown up maybe, or I was just too intolerant to allow their unapologetic attitude. Only for the periodic car maintenance, I waited for more than 5 hours in the shop.
Maybe because I was too busy to be generous today, but I could not suppress my irritation for worthless 5 hours without doing anything but reading. I left home at 9:30 in the morning, went to a cafe to see my friend who called me, grabbed some maps at AAA, and then visited a hospital to see another friend who delivered a baby boy yesterday before seeing my tutor at college at 1 in the afternoon. Driving 20 minutes, I went to Japanese market for groceries, and finally at 2:30, brought my car in this maintenance service. All I've done before going to the maintenance service took 5 hours in total.
I knew it's no one's fault. I knew it could not be helped.
It was a day before the July 4th three-day weekend. It was maybe my fault that came on this crazy day.

Only the fireworks in my neighborhood at night soothed me.
















Photo provided by my partner