February is the shortest month of the year, but that is no reason not to celebrate often. Here are important dates on the American Calendar this month:
February 2, Groundhog Day: yes, we look to a giant rodent in Pennsylvania to give us hope that spring is on it's way.
February 7, Superbowl: the final football game that pits the two top teams. This year Payton Manning of the Denver Broncos is quarterback. He played for the Indianapolis Colts for years and is the man behind Payton Manning Children's Hospital on 86th Street.
February 8, Chinese New Year: This wasn't a big holiday until recent years. Be sure to make mochi/red bean soup and give red envelopes.
February 9, Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: This is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. This is the party day and the feast day before the time of reflection during the Christian season of Lent. This is a big holiday in the French/Creole areas of the United States (think New Orleans). Celebrate with some good Cajun food and King cake!
February 10, Ash Wednesday: This day begins the Christian season of Lent (40 days before Easter excluding Sundays-which are not fast days). Lent runs until Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter Sunday). On Ash Wednesdays, many Christians attend church and get ashes placed on them as a sign of penitence. While fasting isn't a required practice, many Christians will give up something of value to them (chocolate, smoking, tv, video games, etc.). Other people will add something that shows love and service to others (collecting canned goods, saving pocket change, picking up trash, shoveling for neighbors, etc.).
February 14, Valentine' Day: show your sweeties some love! Kids exchange cards or small gifts at school. Families have special meals. Everyone gets involved (unless you gave up chocolate for Lent!).
February 15, President's Day: George Washington's birthday is observed. Back in the day we used to get Washington's (February 22) and Lincoln's (February 12) birthdays off. There were too many holidays, so they combined them into President's Day.
February 28, Oscar Night: Put on your evening gown and see which American films win awards for all things related to the Hollywood movie production. What is the Academy of Motion Pictures pick for the best actors, film, short film, cinematography, costumes?
February 29, Leap Day: we get one extra day this year to account for all those extra seconds and minutes not accounted for over the last four years! Another good reason to celebrate!
That's it? Not hardly! There are other days like Cherry Pie Day, Walk the Dog Day, and Public Sleeping Day! Don't miss a moment!
FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS!
International Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:30, Room 100
We finished reading Luke 6 where Jesus is teaching about judging others (we are not excused from determining right from wrong and we are not excused from having a hypocritical and critical attitude toward others), about how we act and particularly how we speak is evidence of our character. Jesus teaches that His advice is reliable: like building on solid ground so that when the troubles of life threaten to overwhelm us because we follow His advice we and our families won't be swept away (Luke 6:46-49). Matthew 7 is the parallel chapter for this reading.
February 9: Let's read Luke 7:1-17. Luke gives us specific examples of people who fulfill the teaching of Jesus teaching.
International Friends: Tuesday, 10:30-12:00, Room 100
Yaying taught us to make delicious rice ball soups Taiwanese style for the Chinese New Year. She also taught us to make Sesame Balls from scratch! Wow! Delicious! I can't wait to make this for my family this weekend. Hyuna brought us baby boc choi kimchi. She is the kimchee master!
February 9: Let's make Valentine Chocolate treats and cards for our sweeties!
Sayuri and Beth will show us how to make some delicious chocolate treats. Bring card making supplies and we will make Valentines. I will be in the mood for a Mardi Gras lunch! Plan to join me
Conversation: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00, upstairs classrooms
Elizabeth was back and brought a delicious Austrian Plum Cake. We talked about what we would do if we had baby sitters and time to spend with no responsibilities. We talked of onsen, going into the mountains and zip lining, festing...
February 10: Read Unit 16 to build your romantic vocabulary just in time for Valentine's Day.
We expect a full house!
English Classes: Thursdays, 9:30-12:00
Where have you been? Our class numbers have slowed down. Yes, it is winter. Yes, we may have colds and flu. Yes, it was snowing. This is one of the finest times of the year to come out and practice your English! We miss you!
February 10
That being said, I may not be at class at all on Thursday! I have been called to serve on jury duty! This is the first time in a very long time that I have been called. When a person is accused of a crime in the United States, they present their case before a judge and jury with lawyers to speak for and against them. The judge presides to make sure the law is being followed and the trial is fair. Whether the person is guilty or not is determined by 13 jurors. They have to agree that yes there is enough evidence to prove that the person is guilty. The judge, then assigns the sentence or fines. Jurors are citizens of the United States in the community where the crime is committed. I may be excused on Wednesday evening if they don't need me on Thursday, or I may have to appear on Thursday and not get picked for jury. Whether I serve or not, it will be a great experience!
This list is "slang-o-licious":
is the man behind: sponsor, the philanthropist, the person who "foots the bill"
we look to a giant rodent: we get advice from a really big rat-type animal
think New Orleans: when imagining what this could be be, imagine something like...New Orleans in this situation
fasting: not eating for a period of time
That's it? Not hardly!: is that all? No there is so much more!
Don't miss a moment!: be there for ever second, have a great time
parallel chapter: is another reference; tells the same information/story
fulfill: are an example
full house: everyone to come
That being said: but
presides: watches
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