I saw an interesting article on The New York Times: What Happy People Don't Do. According to sociologists at the University of Maryland, a new study found out that happy people spend a lot of time socializing, going to the church and reading newspapers. On the other hand, unhappy people spend a lot of time watching TV or sleeping. However, it was not mentioned how they categorized people happy or unhappy.
Thinking about myself, I actually used to watch TV or sleep all day in my free time when my job was really hard several years ago. I was so exhausted that I did not want to do anything. I enjoyed TV at that time, but was not satisfied. Since I quit the job, I have seen many new friends and co-workers. Then I realized that I like socializing and it is really great to broaden my perspective.
Now I still like watching TV, but I do not watch it so often. I have a lot of things to do: meeting my friends, studying English, taking Pilates lessons, going shopping, reading books, surfing Internet, watching movies, and so on. I am busier but much happier than before!
Speaking of which, what should I do if I get tired of socializing because someone is tiring to me? Probably it is time for me to travel and take a break. Also, I should maintain balance about socializing. This is because human being cannot live alone and his/her private time.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pilates Trial
I went to a Pilates trial lesson today. I have been interested in Pilates or Yoga for a long time but I could not afford it. Then I finally found a nice studio at a reasonable lesson fee in Daimyo, Fukuoka, and asked for a trial.
I was the only person for today’s trial so an instructor taught me one-on-one, which was lucky for me.
First of all, she taught me how to breathe. We need to do diaphragmatic respiration during Pilates, not abdominal ones. It looked difficult at first, but I actually was able to do it easily. Secondly, she checked my distortion in my posture and modified it. She pointed out that I had such poor abdominal muscles that I had a poor posture. In addition, my body leans a little to the left because I often hold my bag on my right side. Finally, I lay face up and learnt how to do up-and-down movements of my arms or legs whilst keeping the proper diaphragmatic respiration and posture, which was very hard.
However, the instructor told me that I did not do badly for my first try. It might have been flattery, but I was glad. Moreover, I enjoyed the trial and felt refreshed. Therefore, I decided to take lessons from next week.
I believe that continuing to practice Pilates is good for my health. Thus, I will try it as long as possible.
I was the only person for today’s trial so an instructor taught me one-on-one, which was lucky for me.
First of all, she taught me how to breathe. We need to do diaphragmatic respiration during Pilates, not abdominal ones. It looked difficult at first, but I actually was able to do it easily. Secondly, she checked my distortion in my posture and modified it. She pointed out that I had such poor abdominal muscles that I had a poor posture. In addition, my body leans a little to the left because I often hold my bag on my right side. Finally, I lay face up and learnt how to do up-and-down movements of my arms or legs whilst keeping the proper diaphragmatic respiration and posture, which was very hard.
However, the instructor told me that I did not do badly for my first try. It might have been flattery, but I was glad. Moreover, I enjoyed the trial and felt refreshed. Therefore, I decided to take lessons from next week.
I believe that continuing to practice Pilates is good for my health. Thus, I will try it as long as possible.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
IF THE WORLD COULD VOTE?
A few days ago, my American friend e-mailed me to tell me about an interesting website called "If The World Could Vote?" On this website, we can cast a vote for the next president of the United States of America even though we are not American citizens! It is a virtual one, of course, but we are able to see the result from each country.
According to the result, Barack Obama will be elected with overwhelming support in most countries, except for Macedonia, Albania and Lesotho. I would vote for Obama as well as other Japanese people. The reason why is that the first African-American president must be a symbol of the beginning of a new age for people in the world. On the other hand, if John McCain wins, I personally think that the stock markets could plunge again because his policy seems not so different from Bush's one on the economy.
Well, let's get back to the subject. I think that the website is the proof of world interest in the election. We wish we could vote. Seriously. This is because the president of the United States has enormous influence in the world.
The world would vote for Barack Obama, and who will American citizens vote for? All the people in the world are waiting with breathless interest who will be the next president of the United States of America.
According to the result, Barack Obama will be elected with overwhelming support in most countries, except for Macedonia, Albania and Lesotho. I would vote for Obama as well as other Japanese people. The reason why is that the first African-American president must be a symbol of the beginning of a new age for people in the world. On the other hand, if John McCain wins, I personally think that the stock markets could plunge again because his policy seems not so different from Bush's one on the economy.
Well, let's get back to the subject. I think that the website is the proof of world interest in the election. We wish we could vote. Seriously. This is because the president of the United States has enormous influence in the world.
The world would vote for Barack Obama, and who will American citizens vote for? All the people in the world are waiting with breathless interest who will be the next president of the United States of America.
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