• 1994pets4.mp3
• 1994pets5.mp3
• 1994pets1.mp3
• 1994pets2.mp3
• 1994pets3.mp3

Read this opening conversation:

Kid:  Mommy, can we have a puppy?
Mom:    Go ask your father.
Kid: Dad, may we please have a puppy?
Dad:  No, our house is too small and we don't have enough room.
Kid: Please, please?  Just a small one.
Dad:  Who's going to take care of it?
Kid: I will.
Dad: If you don't we'll have to give it to uncle Brian.
Kid: O.K. I promise I'll take good care of it.
Dad: All right, let's go to the pet store.

In America, small children often beg their parents for a pet. Parents and children often disagree about pets.  Especially who's going to take care of them.  Read these example conversations:

Michael:  Who's going to take care of it?
Michiko:  I will.

Michael:  Who's going to feed it?
Michiko:  Johnny and I will.

Michael:  Who's going to clean up the mess?
Michiko:  Mom and I will.

When you go to a pet store, you can tell the clerk one of these sentences:

"I'm looking for a puppy"

or
"I'm looking for a bird"


The clerk will tell you what they have.  Then you can say:

"May we see them?"


The clerk might want more details of what you want.  In this case the father wanted a small house dog with short fur.  What is the opposite of house dog?  We just say:  "My dog lives outside."

If you don't know what kind of dog you have it's called a mutt or a poi dog in Hawaii.  If your animal is purebred it's called a pedigree.  They usually have pedigree papers that confirm their ancestry.  Read this next conversation:

Jolene:  What a beautiful dog!  Is she a pedigree?
Jessica: Yes, she is but we don't have her papers because they were destroyed in a fire.
Jolene: That's too bad, you could make a lot of money breeding her.
Jessica:  The vet said she's too small to have babies.  She was the runt of the litter you know.

Read these example sentences:

"Is your dog a pedigree?"

"She was the runt of the litter"







The runt of the litter means that the animal was the smallest and weakest of the family.  When you are looking for a dog you can ask if it's a pedigree or you can ask if it's the runt of the letter.







Here are some other questions you can ask:

"How big will this dog grow?"

"Will it eat a lot?"

or
"Is it a boy or girl?"


Usually the pet shop clerk will have some kind of information about the dog.  Let's read this next conversation:

Frank:  Is that dog housebroken?
Man:  No, of course not.  That's your job.
Frank:  Oh.  How do you train them?
Man:  Every time they make a mess, you should spank him and say "No!"
Frank:   Could I send him to obedience school?
Man:     Hmm,  I don't think they teach those kinds of things there.

If your dog knows where to go to the bathroom, then we say they are "housebroken."  For example:

"Is that dog housebroken?"


Now, let's read this next conversation:

Dad:  Well, we've bought you a new pet.  Are you happy?
Kid:  Yes, thank you so much daddy.
Dad:  What are you going to name him?
Kid:   I think I'll name him Taffy.
Dad:  Why did you choose that name?
Kid:  He's just a taffy color.
Dad:  How about if we name him after Uncle Peter?
Kid:  No way, he doesn't match that name.  I like Taffy better.
Dad:  All right, I'll leave it up to you.

Everyone has their name because of some reason.  In the conversation above, the daughter wanted to name her dog "taffy" because the color of the dog was taffy.  You may be curious to know the reason for choosing a name.   Now read this next conversation:

Dad:   Look at our new dog.  His name is Taffy.
Mom:  Oh, he's really cute!
Dad:  Let's give him some dog food.  He might be hungry.
Girl:  How many times a day should I feed him?
Dad:  I think once a day is best.  If he eats more than that, he'll get fat.
Mom:  I'll give him some water. Remember Rona, you have to change his water everyday.
Rona:  I know,  I'll remember.
Mom:  Rona, I made a list of things you have to take care of. Listen carefully all right?
Rona:  O.K.

In this conversation, the mother gave her daughter some instructions.  She said:

"I made a list of things you have to take care of"


These kind of instructions are called commands. Read these example sentences:

"Take him for a walk"

"Change his water"

"Clean up his mess"

"Give him his heartworm pills"

"Feed him once"

Read this next conversation:

Johnny:  Hi Rona!  That's a cute puppy.
Rona: His name is Taffy.  I got him yesterday.
Johnny: Can I pet him?  Does he bite?
Rona: No, he doesn't.
Johnny: Does he have any fleas?
Rona:  Of course not.  He's clean!







When you first come across a new animal, you shouldn't try to pet them right away.  You should make your hand into a fist and let the dog smell your hand.  You should also ask the owner if it's safe to pet the animal.

Read these example sentences:

"Can I pet him?"

"Is it OK to pet him?"

"Does he bite?"






One common question that people will ask is if your dog has fleas. Fleas are the tiny little insects that jump and are hard to kill. Ticks are those big round insects that cling to an animals skin.

Now what happens if you lose your animal?  You could check around your neighborhood or call the humane society.  Read this next conversation:

Rona:  I can't find Taffy Dad.
Dad:  Why don't you check around the neighborhood?
Rona:  O.K.
Man:    Hi Rona, how are you?
Rona:  Not so good.  My dog is missing.  Have you seen him?
Man:  No, I haven't.  Where did you last see him?
Rona: I saw him in the yard this morning.
Man:  Well, I'll keep my eyes out for him.
Rona:  Thanks, I appreciate it.

It's common for dogs or cats to stray from their homes.  You could look around your neighborhood and talk to people.

Here are some example sentences you could use.  Read these example sentences:

"My dog is missing"

"I've lost my dog"

"I can't find my dog"


In the conversation above, the girl asked the people in neighborhood about her dog.







If you are looking for something, you can say one of these sentences:

"I'll keep my eyes out for him"

"I'll keep my eyes peeled"


Now if you want to call the humane society, your conversation might sound a little bit different.  The humane society is the place where they keep stray animals.   You can report a wild animal or a domestic animal.  Read this conversation:

Michael:  Hello, Humane society,  may I help you?
Michiko:  Yes, I'd like to report a missing dog.
Michael:  Did it have a license?
Michiko:  Yes, the number is 35Y87.
Michael:  All right, can you describe it to me?
Michiko:  Yes, he's a two month old male and he's a brownish, golden color.

When you call the humane society, tell them the purpose.  For example:

"I'd like to report a missing dog"


If you were to find a dog or some kind of animal you could say:

"I found a stray cat"

or
"I found a lost dog"







The last topic on pets will be about taking your animal to a veterinarian.  A veterinarian is an animal doctor or vet.  If your animal looks or acts strangely, you might want to take it to the vet. If you think something is wrong with your animal you could say these sentences.  Read this example sentence:

"My dog is acting funny"

"My cat is behaving strangely"

• 1994parties1.mp3
• 1994parties2.mp3
• 1994parties3.mp3
• 1994parties4.mp3
• 1994parties5.mp3

Holidays are made for parties.  It's a great time to get together with your family or friends.  On the mainland, Thanksgiving is a holiday usually spent with the immediate family.   Let's read this conversation at a Thanksgiving party.

Guest:  Hello.
Hostess:  Hi.  It's so good to see you.
Guest:  It's good to see you too. Here, this is for you.
Hostess:  Thank you, but you didn't have to bring anything.
Guest:  I know but I wanted to.
Hostess:  This pie looks delicious. I'll go put it in the refrigerator.  Excuse me.

When you are invited over to someone's house for a party, you are not expected to bring anything.  But if you want to bring something like a dessert or a bottle of wine, it will be warmly accepted.

Read these example conversations:

Host:  You didn't have to bring anything.
Guest:  I know but I wanted to.

Host: You shouldn't have.
Guest: No problem.

The guest said, "no problem"  That means it was no trouble for him to bring a gift.   If you are carrying a coat or umbrella, you will want to know where to put these items.  Sometimes a host or hostess will offer to take your coat for you. In that case they will say:

"Here, I'll take it."


Once you are inside, the host or hostess will ask you to have a seat. They might use one of these sentences.  Read these example sentences.

"Please have a seat.  Make yourself comfortable"

"Please make yourself at home"


While you are waiting, the host or hostess might provide some food to snack on before dinner.  These are called hors d'oeuvres or appetizers.  In Hawaii, they are called "pupus."

Read these example conversations:

Michael:  Would you like some hors d'oeuvres?
Michiko:  Yes, please.

Michael:  Would you like to try these appetizers?
Michiko:  Thank you.

If the appetizers are already on the table, the host or hostess might say:

"Please help yourself"





The food served at most parties will vary.  But the food served at some holiday parties will be the same wherever you go.

Before beginning the party, someone will pray.  Read a conversation at a dinner party:

Guest:  Wow, the food looks delicious.
Hostess:  I hope it tastes as good as it looks.
Guest:  How long did it take to cook everything?
Hostess:  I spent the whole day preparing.
Guest:  That's great.   I have to give  you a lot of credit.  Not many people would be able to do that.
Hostess:  Well, I enjoy i





One way you can compliment the host or hostess is to talk about the food.  If you talk about how delicious it is, they will be happy. Read this example compliment:

"The food looks delicious"


The Host and Hostess might say this sentence.  Read this example sentence:

"I hope it tastes as good as it looks"


What do you do if you accidentally drop something on the floor while you are eating?  This can happen to anybody but especially clumsy people.  Read this example conversation:

Guest:  Oops.  I knocked my glass over.
Hostess:  That's OK.  I'll get something to clean it up.
Guest:  I'm so sorry.  I hope the stain will come out of your carpet.

In this conversation, Michael said:

"I knocked my glass over"


That means that he tipped the glass over and spilled all of the contents.   "Potluck"  is a party where everyone brings a dish.  For example, one person will bring drinks, another person will bring meat or main dish and another person will bring a salad.

When someone invites you to a party, you might want to know what the purpose of the party is.  There are parties to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.  You could say:

"What's the occasion?"


That means, what is the purpose of the party?  Depending on the situation, you might want to know who else is attending the party?  Also, you might want to know how many people to cook for if it's a potluck party.  Let's practice that question.  Read this example conversation:

Michael: Who's going?
Michiko:  Everybody is going. About 15 people in all.

When you go to a potluck party, you should always bring something.  If you can't bring some food, then you should bring some drinks like soda or juice.






Read these example conversations:

Michael:  What should I bring?
Michiko:  Anything will be fine.

Michael:  What would you like me to bring?
Michiko:  You can bring anything you want.

Michael:  What can I bring?
Michiko:  Whatever you like.

Also, it's ok to suggest what to bring to your friend.  For example:

Michiko:  What should I bring?
Michael:  Why don't you bring some kind of dessert?


Also, you should know where and when it is supposed to take place. Read these example questions:

"What time does it start?"

"Where will it be?"







Now, read this next conversation where someone can't keep a secret.

John:  Wow, today's weather is so awful!
Mary:  Yeah, it's raining cats and dogs.
John:  I hope it'll let up by tonight. I'm having a party over at
my house tonight.
Mary.  What party is that?
John.  Oops, I guess I let the cat out  of the bag.  It was supposed to be your  surprise party.

"It's raining cats and dogs" means that it's raining very heavily.  "Let the cat out of the bag"  means to tell  a secret when you're not supposed to.  Read these example sentences:

"It's raining cats and dogs"

"Let the cat out of the bag"







Now let's read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, are you going to Janet's housewarming party?
Michiko:  Yes, I am.  Are you?
Michael:  I'm planning on it, but I don't know whether I should
bring a gift or not?
Michiko:  Why don't we all "chip in" and buy her something?
Michael:  That sounds like a good idea.  What do you think she needs?
Michiko:  Let's buy her some small guest towels for the bathroom. She can always use those.

In this conversation, Michael asked:

"Are you going to Janet's housewarming party?"







You should only use this question if you are sure that the other person is invited.  Otherwise, the person might feel bad because they weren't invited.

Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, are you going to Janet's housewarming party?
Michiko:  I didn't hear about the party.
Michael:  Uhh ooh.  I guess your invitation is late or maybe it was lost in the mail.
Michiko:  No, I don't think I was invited.

This is an embarrassing situation.   Of course there will be times when someone is not invited.  We can't all be invited to every party. Anyway, be careful when asking this question.   If this situation happens, there are several ways to answer.  For example:

"I guess your invitation is late or maybe it was lost in the mail"


Michael and Michiko were planning to put their money together and buy something for Janet.  When people combine their money, this is called "chipping in".  For example:

"Why don't we all "chip in" and buy  her something?"







Now, let's talk about bridal showers and bachelor parties.  Both of these parties occur before a man and woman get married.  At a bridal shower, the bride - to - be will receive many gifts.   At these types of parties, you will hear people giving congratulations.

Read these example sentences:

"Good luck to you in the future"

"I'm really happy for you"



            

• 1994movies3.mp3
• 1994movies4.mp3
• 1994movies5.mp3
• 1994movies1.mp3
• 1994movies2.mp3

In America, people are really "into" movies.  "Into" means almost the same things as like or enjoy.    Now read this opening conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, would you like to go to a movie tonight?
Michiko:  Sure, what's playing?
Michael:  It's called "Beethoven 2."
Michiko:  "Beethoven 2"  I've never heard of that.  Is it about the composer?
Michael:  No, actually, it's about a dog.

When people invite you to go to a movie, they might ask you one of these questions:

"What's playing?"

"What's the movie?"


These questions are important because the answer will help you to make your decision about whether to go or not.  After you find out the movie's title, you will want to know what the movie is about.  You can use one of the following sentences:

"What's the movie about?"

"What kind of movie is it?"


Michiko:  Michael, what kind of movie do you like the best?
Michael:  I like many different kinds,  but I would have to say my favoriteis comedy.  How about you?
Michiko:  I really like drama, like "Schindler's List"

There are lots of different kinds of movies, for example:  action and adventure movies,  horror movies,  drama and suspense movies and comedy.   There are also westerns, science fiction, and musicals. What kind of movies do you enjoy the most?  Read these example sentences:

"Comedy movies are hilarious"

"Horror movies terrify and shock me"

"Drama movies are usually complex and intense"

"The Movie theme songs can be very moving"

"The action in that movie was non-stop"

"I was on the edge of my seat all night"






Michiko:  Do you like western movies, Michael?
Michael:  Yes, I do.  I'm a big Clint Eastwood fan.
When I was younger, I used to watch those spaghetti westerns all the time.

The movie critics will rate the movies by giving them stars.  A one star movie is so-so while a five star movie is great.





Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, where is the movie playing?
Michael:  It's playing at Pearlridge.
Michiko:  That's  a little far.  Is it playing anywhere closer to town?
Michael:  Yes it is.  It's playing at the Marina Twins.
Michiko:  That's ok.  Let's go there.

What do you say when you want to know where a movie is playing?  You can use one of  these sentences:

"Where is the movie playing?"

"What theater is the movie at?"


The next thing you will need to know is what time the movie is playing.   There are different times for movies.  The first show is called the "early show" while the last show is the called the "late show."  Read these example conversations:

Michael:  What time does the early show start?
Michiko:  It starts at 6 o'clock.

Michael:  When does the late show begin?
Michiko:  It begins at 10:45.

Michael:  What time does the matinee start?
Michiko:  It starts at 12:30.

A "matinee" is shown in the afternoon.

How can you find out how long movies are?  One way is to check your daily newspaper.  Another way is to call the theater and ask someone.





Read this conversation on the telephone:

(ring)
Michiko:  Hello, consolidated theaters.  May I help you?
Michael:  Yes.  I'd like to know how long "Schindler's List" is.
Michiko:  Let's see.  "Schindler's List" is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
Michael:  OK, thank you.
Michiko:  Your welcome.

So, in summary, you can ask:

"I'd like to know how long"Schindler's List" is"

"When does "Schindler's List" end?"

or
"What time does "Schindler's List" end?"


If a friend invites you to go to a movie, you might want to know if any other people are going.   Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, how would you like to go to a movie on Sunday?
Michiko:  OK.  Is anyone else going or is it just you and I?
Michael:  I called Osamu and Rona. Rona was busy and
Osamu wasn't sure.  He said that he would call me back later.
Michiko:  I know.  Why don't we call Polly?
Michael:  That's a good idea.

Read these example sentences:

"Is anyone else going?"

"Is it just you and I?"

"Who else is going?"


After you have decided what movie you are going to watch,  there is one more important piece of information that you should know.  You should know the rating of the movie.







Read this conversation between a mother and her son:

Son:  Mom, let's go see "The Deadly Wolf"
Mom:  What's it rated?
Son:  It's rated "R".
Mom: I think that movie is too violent for you to watch.
Son:  Please, mom.  All of my friends went to see it.
Mom:  I'm sorry. You are only eleven years old.  You have to be at least 17 years old to watch a movie that's rated "R".  You can't see it  and that's final.
Son:  That's a bummer.

After deciding what movie to go to and where,  you will have to purchase the ticket.  Read this conversation at the box office.

Michael:  2 adults for "The Fugitive"   please.
Michiko:  Here you are.
Michael: Thank you.

That was easy wasn't it.   By the way, another word for box office is ticket counter.   You can also ask for a ticket at a later time.

After buying your tickets, you will have to stand in line.  If you go to a place where there is more than 1 theater, you will have to find the right line to stand in.  The best way to do this is to ask someone who is already standing in the line.



　　　　　　　　


Read this conversation:

Michiko:  Excuse me, is this the line   for "The Fugitive"?
Michael:  No, this is the line for "Schindler's List".  Try over there.
Michiko:  OK, thanks.  (pause) Excuse me, is this the line for "Schindler's List".?
Michael:  Yes it is, but the line starts over there.
Michiko:  Oh no.  This line is a mile long.

Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me, is this the line for "The Fugitive"?"

"Excuse me, is this the line for "Schindler's List"?"







If someone tries to cut in line, you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me, the line starts over there"

"Go to the end of the line"

"No cutting in line"


In that situation, you should say:

"I'm sorry"


and go to the end of the line.  It's not fair to the rest of the people when someone is allowed to cut in line.  After the movie is over,  there is usually a long list of names.  This is called the credits.  Some people like to stay and read the credits but most people begin to leave at this time.   Read this conversation after watching a movie:

Michiko:  What did you think of the movie?
Michael:  It was the worst movie I have ever seen.
Michiko:  Really!
Michael:  Yes.  I wasted my hard earned money.
Michiko:  Wow, I'm surprised.  I thought it was a good movie.
Michael:  I guess we have different tastes.
Michiko:  I guess you're right.

After the movie is over, people usually ask each other about the movie.   When you ask your friends about the movie, it's ok to give your honest opinion.   Read these example sentences:

"I thought it was great"

"The ending was really touching.  I almost cried"

"I thought it was so - so"

"I thought it was fair"


If you would like to know someone else's opinion about a movie, you can ask them one of these questions:

"Was it worth seeing?"

or
"Would you recommend it?"

• 1994marriage3.mp3
• 1994marriage4.mp3
• 1994marriage5.mp3
• 1994marriage1.mp3
• 1994marriage2.mp3

Read this opening conversation:

Michiko:  Last night  Steven popped the question!
Michael   Really?  How did he propose?
Michiko:  He got down on his knees and asked for my hand in marriage.
Michael:  And what did you say?
Michiko:  I said yes, and I just started crying.

In America, the man usually asks the woman to marry him.  Read these example sentences:

"He proposed to me"

"He popped the question?"

"He asked for my hand in marriage"






Usually, the man will propose on his knees.  When you become engaged, your boyfriend or girlfriend becomes your fiancee.  For example:

"I'd like to introduce my fiance Jane"


Now what happens after you become engaged?  You have the difficult job of preparing for the wedding.  One of the first things you do is decide who is going to be in the wedding party. Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Don, you know you're one of my closest friends.  I'd like you to be my best man in the wedding.
Don: I'd be honored to.
Michael:  My other groomsmen are Phil,  Brian, and Joel.
Don:  I never thought I'd see the day!  I'd thought you'd be celibate all your life.

In this conversation, the friend said:

"I'd be honored to"


Singleness is also called celibacy.  For example:

"I don't want to be celibate for the rest of my life"


Some people choose not to have a wedding ceremony.  If they have no money then they might elope.  Elope means just to run away and get married in front of an ordained minister.  If you have a ceremony, it's tough to decide the guest list.  Read this next conversation.

Michiko:  We have to change our guest list.
Michael:  Yes, we have to cut down on the number of guests.
Michiko:  How many do we have so far?
Michael:  About 200.
Michiko:  Let's look at it again.





A guest list is the people you want to invite.  Often people have to cut down or decrease the number of guests since they can't afford to pay all the expenses.

Read this example sentence:

"We have to cut down on our guest list"


After you receive a wedding invitation, you should respond.  Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Stacy, look!  We got an invitation to Steven's wedding.
Stacy:  When is it?
Michael:  March 26th.  Can you make it?
Stacy:  Maybe.  When do we have to reply?
Michael:  By February 26th.
Stacy:  O.k. wait a few more weeks until I can see my work schedule.
Michael:  Alright, but let's not forget to respond to the invitation.
Stacy:  By the way, do you think they'll like a gift or money?
Michael:  I think they can use the money more.

If you get a formal invitation, you might be required to tell them if you are coming or not.  You will know this if you see RSVP.  This means to answer as soon as possible. Read these example sentences:

"We have to reply by February 26th"

"Did you answer the invitation yet?"


When you prepare for a wedding, you write down a guest list.  When the guests come to the wedding, they sign the guest book.  This is so they know who came and the address they should send the thank you cards to.

The father usually walks his daugher down the aisle.  This called "giving away."  Because the father gives his daughter away to her husband.  For example:

"The most touching part was the father giving away his daughter."


The dress that the bride wears is called a wedding gown.  Read this example sentence:

"She wore a designer wedding gown made by Pierre Cardin"








"Michiko:  Michael, who is the person who is in charge of the ceremony?
Michael:  The pastor or priest performs the ceremony.
Michiko:   Then what happens?
Michael:  They exchange vows and rings.  Then sometimes take communion together or hear a short message from the pastor.

Read this example sentence:

"They exchanged their own vows with each other"


After the ceremony is over,  the guests who are invited can go to the reception.  There they will usually have a reception line.  This is the line in which the bride and groom and their parents greet people. The bridesmaids and groomsmen do not usually participate in this.





Read this conversation:

Woman:  Oh Jena, you look gorgeous!
Jena: Thank you!  I'm so glad you could make it.
Woman:  I'm glad to be here!
Man:  Hi, I'm Jena's father.
Woman:  I'm one of Jena's college friends, Agnes.
Man:    It's nice to meet you.
Woman:  It's a pleasure meeting you too.  You must be very proud of Jena.  Congratulations.
Man:   Thank you.







When you go through the reception line, there are a few nice things you could say.  Read these example sentences:

"Congratulations"

"I'm so happy for you"

"You look wonderful"


Here are some things you could say to the parents:

"You must be very proud"

"It was a beautiful wedding"


At the reception, you might want to take some pictures together.  Read this conversation:

Michael:  Cindy, do you want to take a picture with us?
Cindy:  No, no I'll take the picture for you.
Michael:  No, we want you in it.  Come here.
Cindy:  Oh, alright.

In this conversation, the man wanted Cindy in the picture with the group.  He said:

"Do you want to take a picture with us?"







He could also have said:

"Let's take a picture together"

or
"Take a picture with us"


Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Vincent is the MC tonight.
Michiko:  Oh really?
Michael:  Yeah, he's one of Steven's good friends.
Michiko:  Well, he does have a lot  of charisma and charm.
Michael:  Yes, I know all the girls think he's quite a catch.
Michiko:  Uh huh, but he's not the only fish in the sea.
Michael:  Oh, he's standing at the podium now.  The program's starting.

MC stands for master of ceremonies.  This is the person who is in charge of the program, introduces everyone, and does all the talking.

People often compare dating with fishing terms.  If a person is considered a good or an attractive person to date or marry they are considered a good "catch."

If you break up with someone, a friend might tell you, " there are a lot of fish in the sea."  This means that there are still a lot of men or women out there. Read these example sentences:

"Scott is considered a good catch"

"Don't worry, there are a lot of fish in the sea"


In American weddings, the bride and groom prepare small gifts for the guests who come to the reception.  Usually the bride will work very hard on them herself.  We say she worked "night and day."  Read these example sentences:

"Did you get a favor?"

"Jena worked night and day on the favors"

After the reception, the newelyweds usually go on their honeymoon. Read this conversation between the new couple:

Michael:  It's finally over!  I can't believe we're husband and wife.
Michiko:  Yeah, it's a relief to finally be going on our honeymoon.
Michael:  Now I can introduce you as my better half.
Michiko:  Don't be silly.  We're partners in this marriage.
Michael:  And I hope we stay that way!


 

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Now let's start by reading this opening conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, what are you going to do tonight?
Michael:  I have to go to the laundromat and wash my clothes.
Michiko:  You mean you don't have a washing machine in your apartment?
Michael:  Unfortunately not.  So every week I have to carry my clothes over to the laundromat.
Michiko:  How long does it take to do your laundry?
Michael:  It usually takes about 2 or   3 hours. It depends on how long I have to wait for the machines.

In this conversation, Michael was at the laundromat or "coin laundry." These places have public washing machines that anyone can use.  You only need to put some coins in the machine.  That's why they call it a coin laundry.  There are different ways to ask questions.  For example:

"What are you going to do tonight?"

"What are you up to tonight?"

"What's happening tonight?"


One thing you have to remember when you go to the laundromat is to bring a lot of change, especially quarters.   If you forget to bring any change, you can always ask someone.

Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Oh no, I don't have enough quarters.  Excuse me.  Do you have any change?
Michiko:  Uh, no, I'm sorry I don't. You might try at that store across the street.  They might give you some change.
Michael:  Excuse me, could you give me some change?
Clerk:  I'm sorry, we can't give any change unless you buy something. Here's your change.
Michael:  Thank you.

Read these example sentences:

"Could you give me some change?"

"Do you have change for a dollar?"


Some stores aren't able to give a lot of change because they need it for their business. In that case, you may have to buy something first.  And then, they will give you change.

At the laundromat, if you want to use one of the machines,  you can ask one of these questions:

"Are you using this dryer?"

"Are you using this washing machine?"


There may be some men who would like to try to meet ladies.  They might use some of these common pick up lines.  Read these examples:

Michael:  Do you come here often?
Michiko:  No, this is my first time?

Michael:  Have you lived here long?
Michiko:  Yes, I've lived here all my life.

Michael:  Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Michiko: No, I don't think so.

Michael:  Do you live around here?
Michiko:  That's none of your business.

If you have any real problems with someone in the laundromat, you should call the police immediately.  They will come and check out the laundromat.  It's probably better to go in the daytime, especially if you're a woman.  Now, read this opening conversation between a mother and her son:

Mom:  Andy, would you mind doing your laundry this week?  I have a meeting to go to so I won't have time.
Andy:  Aww, Mom.  I don't know how to do laundry.
Mom:  Ok, I'll teach you.  But first you have to promise me that you'll stop whining.
Andy:  OK.  So what do I do first.
Mom:  Are these all of your dirty clothes?
Andy:  Yeah.


In this conversation, a mother is teaching her son how to wash clothes.  He has never washed clothes by himself.  This is a very useful thing for mothers to teach their children because some day they will have to do it themselves.

If someone says:




"Would you mind?"





You can answer:

"No, I wouldn't."


or just

"no".


Read these example conversations:

Michael:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Audience:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Michiko:  No, I wouldn't mind.

Michael:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Audience:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Michiko:  Yes, I would mind.

When washing clothes, you will have to adjust the temperature for the wash cycle and rinse cycle.  For white and light colored clothes, you can use hot or warm water.  For colors, you can use cool or cold water.





Read this next conversation:

Andy:  OK, mom. I'm ready to use the dryer.
Mom: Do you need any help?
Andy: Yes.  Do I put everything in the dryer?
Mom: Well, I usually dry heavy objects on the clothes line like jeans   and towels.

Using the dryer is usually much easier than using the washing machine. All you need to do is clean out the lint screen and push the on button.  In this conversation, the mother asked her son:

"Do you need any help?"

She could also say:

"Would you like any help?"

or

"Could you give me a hand?"


But if you can do it by yourself, you can say:

"No, I think I can handle it."


Here's a tip for saving  electricity in the dryer.  Some heavy objects like jeans and towels take a long time to dry.  So if you want to save money on electricity, you can dry them by hanging them on a clothesline.





Michiko:  Michael, sometimes I see people put something in the
dryer with the clothes.  What is that?
Michael:  Oh, that's something to keep the clothes from clinging.
Michiko:  What does "cling" mean?
Michael:  "Cling" means to stick together.
Michiko:  Oh.  Why do the clothes stick together?
Michael:  Because of static electricity.

Static electricity causes clothes to cling or stick together.  For example:

"Static electricity causes clothes to stick together"


So how do you get rid of really tough stains.  The first method of getting out tough stains is to spray some kind of stain remover on the clothing and / or let them soak in water.  You can say the word "should",  "let's" or "why not".  Read these examples and repeat after me:

Michael:  We should spray this stain remover on the clothing.
Audience:  We should spray this stain remover on the clothing.

Michael:  Let's spray this stain remover on them.
Audience:  Let's spray this stain remover on them.

Michael:  Why don't we spray stain remover on them.
Audience:  Why don't we spray stain remover on them.

Read this example conversation between husband and wife.:

Wife:  I'm really looking forward to next weekend.
Husband: Why's that?
Wife:  Because Monday is a holiday.
Husband: Oh, yeah.  You should cook something healthy on Sunday. I haven't eaten good food in a long time.
Wife: What do you mean by that?  Husband: It was just a suggestion.  You don't have to get upset.

In this conversation, we can see the problem.  The husband used the phrase "you should" and the wife understood it to mean " you must". She became upset because it sounded like a command.  So to avoid that problem, you can say:

"I think it would be a good idea"


The most powerful way to get stains out of clothes is to use bleach. Bleach is for really tough stains.  If you use too much bleach, the clothes will lose their color.  Now, read this final conversation between a mother and her son.

Mom:  Oh, I have to do some ironing now.
Son:   Good.  My shirts have a lot of  wrinkles.
Mom:  You're not kidding.
Son:  Can you put starch in the collar?
Mom:  Here, I want to show you how so next time you can do it by yourself.
Son:  Oh, sorry, I have to go now.  See you later.
Mom:  Hey come back here.

If you go to a professional dry cleaner, you can use the word "press."  They usually use a heavy iron or steam machine.  You can use this sentence:

"I got my clothes pressed at the dry cleaners."


You can use the word iron as a verb or as a noun.  For example:

"I have to do some ironing now"

"I iron my shirts every day"