October Surprises

Hello, Friends

You never know what is going to happen. Even the best laid plans can become derailed. Some people see this as drama. Others see it as opportunity. What about you?

October 31 Scheduling for International Friends

Halloween is in two weeks. Get out and see the decorations. October 31 American English and Culture will meet in the parking lot at CLC for a tailgate and pumpkin carving 9:00-11:00. Bring a nice big pumpkin to carve to welcome Trick or Treaters!

We are not meeting in the evening. It is prime time to spend with family and friends celebrating the holiday and handing out candy.

American English

People newer to American English tend to have trouble using the -ing ending. Here is part of Espresso English summary of -ing

Use the -ING form of verbs in continuous tenses

Present continuous:

• I’m studying English.
• She’s watching TV.
• We’re having lunch at the moment.

Present perfect continuous:

• I’ve been thinking a lot about this decision.
• He’s been working here since 1995.
• They’ve been waiting for you for an hour.

Past continuous:

• When I came home last night, you were already sleeping.
• I found $10 on the street while I was jogging in the park.

Future continuous:

• Sorry, I can’t meet with you tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be taking my friend to the airport.

Use the -ING form after prepositions

• I improved my English by practicing every day.
• We left the party after saying goodbye to everyone.
• They’ve made a lot of money since launching their new product.
• I want to talk to you about investing in the stock market.

Exception: Never use the -ING form after “to”:

• I need to practice my English more.
• My mother told me to study for the test.
• We’d like to invest in this technology.
• The girl didn’t want to leave the party.

Use the -ING form after these verbs in English

• admit: The politician admitted stealing millions of dollars.
• avoid: You should avoid eating after 10 PM.
• consider: Have you considered buying a laptop computer?
• enjoy: I enjoy surfing and playing tennis.
• finish: I finally finished cleaning the house at midnight.
• can’t stand: I can’t stand going to parties where I don’t know anyone.
• don’t mind: I don’t mind working overtime.
• look forward to: I look forward to seeing you next week.
• keep (continue): My ex-boyfriend keeps calling me even though I’ve told him I don’t want to talk to him!
• practice: I need to practice writing in English.
• spend (time): My roommate spends hours watching TV.
• stop: He stopped smoking ten years ago.
• suggest/ recommend: I suggest taking some time off.
• The doctor recommended getting more rest.

Start, like, and love can be used with the infinitive or -ing. Both are correct!

• The baby started to cry. = The baby started crying.
• I like to run. = I like running.
• We love reading. = We love to read.

American Culture

What happens when you are suddenly sick and can't get in to see your regular doctor? You can visit an Urgent Care and have assessments done as well get prescriptions to take care of the problem. Ear infections, fevers, flu and cold symptoms, strep throat, urinary tract infections, minor wounds, etc. 

When the problem is more serious, or it is late at night and nothing else is open, go to the Emergency Room at the hospital. The Emergency Room is for heart attacks, broken bones (after regular hours), strokes, car accidents, etc.

Get Out There! What are you finding?

Christmas in October?! Not yet, but they are setting up Christkindlmarkt on Carter Green (and you can find decorations and supplies at Hobby Lobby, too).

International Friends Meeting Notes

Join us! Click here to register.

International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom

Psalm 2 is a song reminding us that God is in control and any people with authority (world or otherwise) who conspire (or some versions say rage) against God and people or nations that follow God's lead. Verse four tells us that God laughs at the plotting of people against him and leaders/nations that follow his lead. When the world seems to be chaotic and in turmoil  

Genesis 22-24 This week's readings were comforting and beautiful examples of relationships. Abraham and his son Isaac are the main characters.  

October 21: Psalm 100 and Genesis 25-27

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom

We had great discussions about living in the United States and how professional benchmarks and requirements are different than our home countries. For those who have navigated finding jobs on temporary visas, the differences reflect the American law and customs. These may be curious, but the culture and the local systems as well as national benchmarks are important to understand and follow.

October 24: Bring word pages and "where are you from stories" about your career or job growth. Telling and talking about your experience (or the experience of someone close to you) is important in communicating in American English. Remember, more is better.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, CLC, Carmel, room 102

It was so nice to get together in person! Here are our board notes. Can you tell what we were focussing on?

October 24: Bring your "home" word lists. It doesn't matter what language they are in. We will compare them! We will continue the "where are you from" discussion.