SLeep-RELateD LanguAGe

Vocabulary and phrase:

• forty winks
• lethargic
• sleep deprivation
• getting their head's down
• hit the sack 
• mood swings
• turn in
• tetchy
• grumpy
• affluent 
• tempt
• siesta
• take account of sth / take sth into account
• pupil
• run on empty
• doze / doze off

iNDepENDencE

I quite enjoy the life here, not just because I am living in a foreign country, but also the attitude I have here.

Yes, almost everything I did alone--- flying to here, looking for accommodation, seeking for a part-time job and full-time job, going sightseeing, exploring unknown areas, shops, stores, and everything, being turned down by the manager, walking to home in the late night, etc. What I really enjoy is being independent. I didn't know it is incredibly enjoyable to me. I am responsible for my own life, physically and mentally. No one I shall complain about. Every choice is made by my own thought and consideration. I have to balance the reality, my desire and my goals. I am getting to know myself better. I always know that I am quite mentally independent, since I have asked for myself when I was really young. But I also know that I am totally not physically independent due to lacking of some life skills, such as cooking!

the more I have been through, the more confidence I gain, no matter it's happy or sad.

So far, everything went quite smoothly and followed my original plan. in the first month, I focused on getting myself ready for work in the next month and exploring the city as more as possible. All the document like National Insurance Number and bank account got ready by time and I started to apply part-time job so that I could have some money to support my life here. I was lucky that I've really got a part-time job in the restaurant. The second month, one of my best friend visited me. Although it was not in my plan, of course, I still enjoy different kind of exploration. Sharing happiness with friend is definitely different kind of joy. after my friend had gone back to Taiwan, my third month was coming. I have started proactively seeking for a full-time job. It is one of my goal for this trip to the UK. I spent less time go sightseeing. I have found a balance between work, live, study and looking for a job, although I think it still has room to improve my time management.

my forth month is coming soon. my plan has a bit changed because I wanna put more efforts on learning English whilst looking for a job. I decided to give myself 2 more moths to do so since what I have earned from the part-time job allows me to extend my time staying in London.

hOW noISy iS "tOo NoiSY"

today's english lesson of 6 minute english from bbclearningenglish.com

todays' topic is quite interesting especially after i have ever gone to a musical in London that makes me can imagine the situation more likely. 

some english vocabulary and usage:

• dB(decibels)
  what percentage of people in Europe are exposed to road traffic noise levels which are higher than 55 decibels (dB)?
• gutsy (adj.) / gustiness (n.):
  i admire her gustiness.
  if you're gusty, you're brave and aren't scared of something.
• fuss:a show of anger, worry or excitement that is unnecessary or greater than the situation deserves
  I am too polite to complain. I don't like to make a fuss. 
• put up with it: to accept or continue accept an unpleasant situation or someone who behaves unpleasantly
  I'd probably put up with it and try to ignore it. 
• get on sb's nerves: to annoy someone a lot
  what noises get on your nerves? 
• tell sb off: to speak angrily to someone they have done something wrong
  the actress was interrupted by some very loud drumming from a festival outside and so went out to tell the drummers off.
• hilarious: extremely funny and causing a lot of laughter
  I think it's hilarious that she went out and made the peace for a lot of other people
• punter: members of public
  If she hadn't been on stage, then she would have been enjoying it with the other punters.
• steaming: very angry
  If you're steaming with rage, you are very angry, indeed.
  I was, like, steaming. 
• drill: to make a hole in something by using a special tool
  i don't like very loud, repetitive noises -- like drilling concrete in the street, for example.
• less than royal language
  the drummers were promoting a gay festival, and some who saw their conductor being given a lecture in less than royal language weren't happy. 
• swear: to use words that are rude or offensive as a way of emphasising what you mean
  Here, 'less than royal language' suggests that she was angry -- perhaps even swearing. 
• ovation: an occasion when a crowd of people express their great enjoyment and/or approval of something with loud and long clapping
  standing ovation
  the actress received a round f applause and a standing ovation, when she returned to the theatre. 
• give someone a peace of your mind: speak angrily at them or tell them off
  she, still dressed as a queen, can be seen giving the drummers a peace of her mind during the interval of Saturday's performance of 'the audience' at the theatre.
• at the theatre/cinema
  in the street
• give sb a headache

TiMe is MOney

no time to make all of my thoughts as an articles. Time is money, especially when I am living in London. Some simple quick thoughts flashed in my mind:

• When you enjoy the moments you are consuming, also keep in mind that you have to create values, in any aspect, at the same time. the value I mentioned here does not directly refer to money. Instead, it is more like an abstract concept of value. It can be the value of yourself, like learning something, accumulating experience, even absorbing joy which can make the rest of your day happier, taking a rest to resume energy. 
• I always think work is important, but don't really know why. Now the reason has become clearer that it is not only because earning money is essential, but also the feeling of growing and achievement in my mind. That explains why I may get anxious while I've found I didn't do something I was planning to do or I would like to do. 
• I like travelling. Facing new things, people, and environments makes me stressed but energetic. I understand no one is flawless and being true to your emotions and abilities is nothing you should shame on. Only being able to truly face to yourself and human nature can make yourself calm and confident to take over the challenges coming to you. 
• Understanding yourself, including body conditions, mindset, and values, is important. It can help you to make decisions that you won't regret for, to balance your own life, to feel comfortable about yourself. 

MaKEOveR

Today's lesson from BBC's The English We Speak.

Vocabulary:

• blusher: a power or cream that is put on the cheeks to make them look pink
  you've changed the eyeshadow, blusher, and lipstick. 
• makeover: a set of changes that are intended to make a person or place more attractive
  usage: have a make over, get a makeover, give something a makeover
  Not only people but things can have makeovers.
• be fed up with: bored, annoyed, or disappointed, especially by something that you have experienced for too long
  I was so fed up with the way my husband dressed. 
• untidy
  he looked untidy all the time. 
• wardrobe: a tall cupboard which you hang your clothes
  She is showing me her new fitted wardrobes. 
• old-fashioned
  the room looked so old-fashioned.