Category: Daily Writing Prompt

  • Have you ever liked a villain more than the hero? Who and why?

    Several bloggers answered this question. When I watch movies or dramas, I just enjoy them as entertainment. I have never judged characters. In my opinion, villains make heroes and main characters more attractive. For example, Doraemon is popular in the anime series. Gian (big boy) and Suneo (rich boy) bully Nobita. But they are friends…

  • What’s one thing you wish you had started doing earlier in life?

    I wish I had started studying English earlier in life. In Japan, people of my generation started learning English as a second language in middle school. Nowadays, students learn English in elementary school. To become bilingual, you have to start learning a second language by the age of 8. However, the definition of “bilingual” is…

  • Have you ever regretted reading a book — which one and why?

    In general, the word “regret” is used in a negative sense. But I use it in a positive sense as emotional empathy. “Nada” by Carmen Laforet is one of the famous Spanish novels. It was published in 1945 (some sources say 1944). The author received the Premio Nadal (literary prize). Nada by Carmen Laforet (English)…

  • If you could relive one year of your life, which one would it be?

    Like other bloggers, I have similar opinions. Many things (e.g., Dad lost a job, and Mom became partially deaf) happened during my teenage years. I feel like I finally stayed calm at 22. Moving out of my parents’ house was a way to start a new life. For the first few years in Florida, I…

  • What are your favorite 5 apps on your phone?

    Hello! My favorite apps are WordPress, Muragon, YouTube, Instagram, and LINE. I have posted blogs on WordPress and Muragon. Many bloggers have posted videos and photos on YouTube and Instagram as well, so I have often seen them. LINE is a Japanese social networking app. I use it when I chat with close friends. Other…

  • What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

    Over 20 years ago, I got a driver’s license in Japan. I found the cheapest driving school. I think the cost was 230,000 yen ($1,446) at the time. It was an all-inclusive program that covered accommodation, meals, all training, and tests (only the driving test). I got there and stayed about 2 weeks. That area was…

  • What’s a cultural tradition from your country that you love?

    I like cleanliness and bathing in Japan. Those are more like customs than cultural tradition. Last time, I wrote about restaurant hygiene. Which is the best restaurant in your city? – LILI EN FLORIDA What is your favorite restaurant? – LILI EN FLORIDA Japanese streets are clean. I miss Onsen (hot springs). According to the…

  • How did you meet your significant other?

    Yesterday, we celebrated our wedding anniversary. We have been together over 21 years. Some of you already know about how we met. I have written several times. We met at a Japanese university. He came from America, but he is originally from Cuba (he was born and lived until 20). My major at a Japanese…

  • Which is the best restaurant in your city?

    I can’t pick one, but I have three criteria to decide on the best restaurant. Food freshness, quality and taste. For example, sushi and sashimi are raw fish. Servers are friendly or not. They are service professionals. The cleanliness is important. I use the restroom. In busy restaurants, employees sometimes forget to inspect the restroom.…

  • What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore?

    When I was young, I lacked confidence in everything. Particularly, I was worried about feminine charm. That doesn’t mean I never went on dates. I went to go on dates with boys like anyone else… It is just that I didn’t like girly things (cooking and sewing). One day, I met a man who fell…

  • What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?

    My favorite song is “Amazing Kiss” by BoA. BoA is a South Korean singer. She debuted in 2000 and began her Japanese music career in 2001. When she sang “Amazing Kiss” in Japanese, she was 15 years old. She released Korean and English versions as well. She is fluent in three languages (Korean, Japanese, and…

  • What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

    I wrote a few weeks ago, but I didn’t post… My mom often said, “You would be a thief if you wrote your name in red!” I don’t know the origin. Probably, once upon a time, there was a rule that criminals and prisoners wrote their names in red, and samurai wrote death threats in…

  • If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

    I want to laugh at dinner…so I chose three fictional characters. John’s teddy bear TED TED is a teddy bear. Can you imagine your stuffed animals started talking? I was a quiet girl when I was a kid. I always hugged stuffed animals and slept with them. I talked to them in my dreams. Yeah,…

  • What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been part of?

    A long time ago, the learner talked about Charlie in Japanese. “He is a good boy,” “He is smart,” and “He is kind…” I thought Charlie was her son, and I said to her, “Your son is nice!” Then she said to me, “My son is an adult. Charlie is my dog!” 🤣🤣🤣 Almost every…

  • Are you a lifelong learner?

    Yes, I am a lifelong learner. I started blogging in 2023. The reason was simple. I wanted to create my personal page. Through blogging, I have learned how to edit the website and use other tools such as Canva and Adobe. Lately, I have been interested in 3D printing. I took a CAD course once,…

  • What’s one habit that has improved your life the most?

    If I pick one, listen to my favorite music. Lately, I have been listening to the same songs over and over. The expert said that familiar music is cognitively “safe,” which means the brain processes it with less effort. Yes, I feel comfortable. Songs and lyrics connect to personal emotions. Zard – Makenaide (1994) *…

  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

    My answer would be “Nagoya” now. I was born and raised there. In May, I visited my old school. I received an invitation to a school event, but I wanted to feel nostalgic alone. Memories from the past came back at once. I remembered the station name. I went to the same school for 12…

  • What do you do to improve your sleep?

    Consistent sleep schedules and daily routines are essential. For example, Turn off or reduce time spent using electronic devices before going to bed Listen to classical music Use pillow sprays Make a comfortable space to sleep (e.g., light, mattress, and room temperature) I have been traveling between Florida and Japan. There is a 13-hour (sometimes…

  • What’s a book you think deserves a sequel?

    Do you know the story of The Gift of the Magi? The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry | Animated Short Story A young couple wants to buy Christmas gifts secretly for each other. But they have only a small amount of money. Della has beautiful long hair. She sold hair to buy a…

  • Hit 5,000 steps today and drop your achievement here — we’re cheering you on!

    I did. Thank you! I usually walk 3000 to 3500 steps per day. In Japan, some days, I walked more than 10,000 steps. I often walked to the station to save money. When I visited Toyama, I walked almost all day, so my feet hurt at night. I want to maintain my current weight. I…

  • What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

    I try to forget unwanted memories. Overthinking is bad for health. I like eating. Whenever I fail, I always eat my favorite foods. I have been like that since I was young. Last year, I unexpectedly remembered the past. To be honest, I couldn’t forgive someone for a long time. We had a big fight,…

  • What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world?

    “Stand by Me” taught me about friendship and personal growth. The story is based on Stephen King’s “The Body” (1982 collection Different Seasons). In the 1950s, four boys set out on a 20‑mile hike along the railroad tracks. On the way, they share hardships and personal stories. In the 1990s, streaming video services and social…

  • Which languages do you speak and how did that impact your life?

    Some of you already know about me. My primary language is Japanese. I also speak fluent English and Spanish. I am from a conservative (non-academic) family and raised in a monolingual Japanese environment. When I was a teen, I became interested in foreign cultures. I chose Spanish as my college major. Before moving to Florida.…

  • What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?

    I am an Asian mom and educator. I am probably different from typical moms. I don’t care much about GPAs and test scores. I think morals and ethics are more important. Japanese kids learn about avoiding conflict (harmony), respecting people, politeness, and modesty. There are also things you can learn through experience. You should try…

  • If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?

    I want to improve memory skills. When I was a 12th grader, I studied over 13 hours a day. Before college entrance exams, whatever I memorized, I forgot right away. Around that time, I had better scores in English, Japanese, and World History. I chose those subjects for standardized tests (like the SAT). In Japan,…

  • Do you think humans will ever colonize Mars? What would life there actually look like?

    I don’t think humans will ever colonize Mars. It’s not a suitable environment for humans. Living there would require huge shipments from Earth. How much is the cost? Humans may be able to live on other planets. According to the articles, Proxima Centauri b is the closest Earth-like planet. The distance is four light-years away.…

  • Share a proverb you think is completely wrong and make your case.

    Hello, I am back. I had a short break from writing. “Two heads are better than one” means two people are better than one for solving the problem. Well, it is not wrong. But I think it depends on the situation. In Japanese, it literally translates as “Three heads are better than one” (三人寄れば文殊の知恵). Two…

  • Do you believe in minimalism?

    Yes, I am a minimalist. I changed my mind during the COVID-19 pandemic. I cleaned out the closet and stopped buying new clothes and bags. Benefits of a minimalist lifestyle Easy to clean More free space Save money Less stress I returned to my hometown this month. I took only one carry-on bag and one…

  • What’s a book that completely surprised you?

    When I was a kid, I liked math and science. I loved reading the Doraemon series. Coming to America, I was surprised that Doraemon is popular in foreign countries. Many people said to me that they became interested in Japan or started learning Japanese after watching the Doraemon anime. Doraemon is a robotic cat. He…

  • What’s a simple pleasure in life that brings you joy?

    I am a minimalist. I want to live a simple life. Walking in nature and eating delicious food is fun. I am in my hometown now. I spend time with my dad every day. His health condition is fine. Yesterday we visited the cousin’s restaurant. A long time ago, I left my hometown. I am…

  • How do you use social media?

    I use social media when I need. When I was in my 20s, I was an active user. I had a MySpace account. I shared favorite music with other users. After my account was hacked, I opened a Facebook account. I shared my lifestyle with friends and classmates. In 2017, I stopped posting on Facebook.…

  • Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

    I still remember a male flight attendant. In 2018, I returned from Japan to Florida alone. After a long flight from Tokyo, I arrived at Dallas airport. Soon after, I went to the gate for the next flight. I waited, and suddenly the flight was canceled (to change destination). I asked the airline staff if…

  • What is your favorite restaurant?

    I like eating. My favorite food is healthy and low calories. I am not young anymore. In 2017, I went on a trip with my dad and stayed in a Ryokan. Unfortunately, the place closed after the COVID-19 pandemic. The food was amazing. Organic tofu was delicious. Dinner Breakfast Ryokan (旅館) is a traditional Japanese…

  • What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?

    If I shared my ability here, it would not be a secret. I have absolute pitch. It is also known as perfect pitch. Absolute pitch is the ability to name a musical note after hearing music. According to some data, approximately 1 in 10,000 people have it. I tell you. If you have music training…

  • What activities do you lose yourself in?

    My current hobby is making accessories. When I was in Japan, I volunteered a few days a week. I played the keyboard (instrument) at a nursing home and sang songs with residents. I also taught Japanese to foreign kids and played with them. In Florida, I volunteered at a Japanese museum and organization. I participated…

  • Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? (2026)

    I answered this question twice. I will answer again next year. Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? (2025) Humans are… (2024) This time, I want to compare myself to a boar. Because it’s my zodiac animal. Japan’s zodiac originally came from China. In China, it’s a pig, not a boar. I don’t…

  • You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?

    The opening sentence: I am happy to write about myself. I was born and grew up in a traditional Japanese family… The book title: My Life as a Daughter, Wife, and Mother Well, this title is already taken. I am blogging. And I often write about myself. A long time ago, I introduced a Japanese…

  • What bores you?

    I agree with other bloggers. What bores me is when I spend time with people who repeat the same story and are not interested in others. I’m a Japanese woman. When I was single, I didn’t want to be around men (including male friends) who only bragged about themselves. They tended to be highly confident.…

  • What advice would you give to your teenage self?

    When I was a teenager? How many years ago? 😅 When I returned to Japan in November, I talked to an old friend from middle school. We met again after a long time. She remembered the places we went and the activities we did together. I was very happy. I would say to my teenage…

  • Do you need a break? From what?

    Hi! I am back. I had a short break for a week. I posted Japanese blogs every day. The blog title is “Life as an Exchange Student in Spain,” consisting of housing, travel, and study. LILI EN FLORIDA – (Muragon.com) I am preparing to sell KAWAII (cute) handmade products with my daughters, including jewelry. I…

  • The most important invention in your lifetime is…

    The most important invention is glasses. I started wearing glasses at age 12. I also used contact lenses when I was younger. Lately, I often wear glasses because I can’t read small print. I considered LASIK surgery, but I have dry eyes and astigmatism. Glasses are expensive. I need special lenses that cost about $200.…

  • What do you complain about the most?

    A few months ago, I talked to an older man (in his 60s). I asked him, “Did you get angry this week?” He said, “No, when I was young, I often got angry at work. But I am older. I accept everything.” Well, I always have a peaceful mind. Even when I was young, I…

  • Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

    Over 20 years ago, I left my Japanese family. But I still like Japanese tradition and culture. I think New Year’s Day is my favorite. When I used to live with my grandparents, they gave me otoshidama (お年玉) every year. Otoshidama is giving gifts of money to children. Because I was the oldest among the…

  • Think back on your most memorable road trip.

    Every trip is memorable. I went on road trips in Japan, Europe, and America. I share two videos. Do you know where they are? I always plan a trip. Between 2000 and 2022, I booked an RV (recreational vehicle) at Cruise America. The rental rates vary based on locations, dates, and sizes. Additional fees are…

  • What colleges have you attended?

    I thought I had answered this question, but I didn’t… Over 20 years ago, I attended a Japanese university in my hometown and earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. After graduation, I worked as an office worker, and then I moved to Florida. I studied English for one year and transferred to Florida International University.…

  • Share what you know about the year you were born.

    Last time, I didn’t write what year I was born. 1980s… I was born in 1983. This year, Tokyo Disneyland opened. The other major event was that Chuck Hull invented the 3D printer. The next year, he applied for a patent. I have a 3D printer at home.  A few years ago, I bought a…

  • Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

    Before my third birthday, I took the entrance exam for a national kindergarten. The entrance exam was competitive. The school was affiliated with a good university. In middle school, I had many classmates I had known since kindergarten and elementary school. In elementary school, I was introverted. I liked reading books and writing in my…

  • What are your favorite websites?

    What are your favorite websites? I want to update some… History Facts: I receive new articles every day. I can learn American history and culture from each article. Muragon: It is a popular Japanese blogging platform. I have posted Japanese blogs every few days. Investopedia: I read Yahoo Finance or Investopedia articles. I used to…

  • What have you been putting off doing? Why?

    I think I have been putting off almost everything. I am lazy. But I’m Japanese, so I am punctual. That’s why I have never submitted assignments late. In Japan, I arrived 10 to 15 minutes early for meetings. But now, I am usually on time, or at most 5 minutes late. When I’m late, I…

  • What makes a good neighbor?

    My husband and I are an interracial couple. When we visited a small town with kids, my husband and second daughter stopped at a gas station to buy juice. I waited for 15 minutes, but they didn’t come back. I was worried and moved the car near the store. Then, I saw my husband and…

  • What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.

    I don’t understand this question well. Because if I were guaranteed not to fail, I wouldn’t attempt anything. I would just do it. I don’t know if I will succeed or fail, so I would attempt or challenge it. According to the English dictionary, “attempt” means trying to do something difficult, and “do” means performing…

  • What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind?

    Generation Gap and Technology  Two weeks ago, I read this blog. → Why Gen Z Redefines Success Amid Economic Challenges – Generation X Blogspot There are roughly six generations. Traditionalists: born 1925 to 1945 Baby Boomers: born 1946 to 1964 Generation X: born 1965 to 1980 Generation Y (Millennials): born 1981 to 1994/6 Generation Z: born…

  • What skill would you like to learn?

    Last year I answered this question. I wanted to learn scuba diving, programming, and chess. Instead of me, my daughters attend programming classes and play chess. Now I want to improve my writing skills and finish a short story in Japanese. I realized that writing in proper Japanese is difficult. I also forgot how to…

  • What’s your all-time favorite album?

    I am a music lover. I still have some CDs. Probably young people don’t know what CDs are…😅 Los Del Rio: In 1962, the dance duo formed in Spain. “Macarena” is one of their popular songs. Enya: She is an Irish singer. Her voice is beautiful. Gloria Estefan: She is a Cuban American singer. She released…

  • How often do you walk or run?

    I don’t often walk and run. I don’t like exercise, so I manage my weight with healthy eating. My daily goal is to walk 3000 steps. I know I should walk more. When I return to Japan, I walk over 7,000 steps every day. Whether driving a car makes a big difference. I am just lazy.…

  • What are you doing this evening?

    Today is my father-in-law’s birthday. We are celebrating his birthday. My mother-in-law’s birthday was last month. They met at 14 and married at 21. They both studied computer science at university, but she had better GPAs. After graduate school, he continued to study, and she found a job. In the 1970s, a woman engineer was…

  • Are you holding a grudge? About?

    There was a school reunion. I didn’t attend, but my friend did. My friend told me that another classmate wants to see me. I remember her well because we used to hang out. Some of you already know about my past. I don’t hold a grudge about the past. Well, I don’t know what he…

  • What brings a tear of joy to your eye? In 2025…

    I usually don’t cry. I don’t show my emotions. Of course, I feel happy or sad inside. I feel joy and fulfillment watching my kids grow up. They changed my life. My first labor was incredibly painful, so I cried. But I forgot all about the pain when I saw my oldest daughter’s face. Now…

  • What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?

    At least once a day, I say “thank you.” Saying thank you is difficult for some people. I know. I used to be an egoistic person. Getting older, I feel more appreciative of others. I think appreciation is not only for people but also for things. 一日一回は、「ありがとう」と言うようにしている。「ありがとう」って言うのが難しい人もいる。私も昔は自己中心的な人間だったから分かるけど。年を重ねるにつれて、他人に対して感謝の気持ちを持つようになった。感謝は人に対してだけでなく、物に対しても。 Photo by Pinterest @liliflorida on Tumblr

  • What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?

    I searched for flight tickets. Early booking is 20-30% cheaper than usual. I compared prices and got a good deal last week. My dad has been sick. I am going to see him more often. The autumn in Japan is beautiful.   Photo by LILI @liliflorida on Tumblr  

  • What’s your favorite time of day?

    I don’t have my favorite time of day, but I like waking up after a good sleep. If you have insomnia, you may understand that feeling. My mental health is fine. It’s just that sometimes I can’t sleep. To treat insomnia without medication, Consistent with a bedtime and wakeup schedule Meditation Regular physical activity Listen…

  • What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

    I have had a habit of praying for my ancestors. If there were no ancestors, I would not be here today. I used to carry a Japanese amulet called omamori. I am a Buddhist. I believed that carrying an amulet would bring me good luck. But I learned that good luck does not come without…

  • Describe your life in an alternate universe.

    I am a realist, but sometimes I wonder how my life would have been different if I were a man. I was born and raised in a traditional family. Tradition is not always a bad thing. But I don’t like patriarchy. My grandpa was always the leader, but he favored me over other male grandchildren.…

  • Was today typical?

    Yes! I don’t post blogs on WordPress every day, but I write something. I post Japanese blogs on Muragon and write Japanese articles about my travel experience as well. うん、ごく普通!毎日ワードプレスにブログを投稿していませんが、何かしら書いています。ムラゴンに投稿したり、旅行系の記事を書いたり。日本語のブログには、もっとプライベートなことも書いたり。↓ LILI EN FLORIDA – Muragon These (NASA, Florida Beaches, and RV trip) articles are available. 下のリンクが、今公開中の記事です。良かったらご覧ください。↓ 子連れでいく人気観光スポット!ケネディ宇宙センター【体験レポート】 | MamaTripp フロリダ州の子連れにおすすなビーチ10選!在住者がこっそり教える穴場ビーチも | MamaTripp 【子連れ体験記】アメリカをキャンピングカーで旅してみた! | MamaTripp…

  • How would you describe yourself to someone?

    When I was young, I always pretended to be a good daughter. But now I am being true to myself. I grew up in a conservative family. If I hadn’t come abroad, what would I have done? I would have married a Japanese man and become an English teacher. But I didn’t choose that way…

  • What are your future travel plans?

    I plan to return to Japan around November. I want to travel with my dad to the Tohoku (Northeast) region. I have always loved to travel. I have traveled together with someone, and I have also traveled alone. When I was studying in Spain, I traveled to Madrid with a Taiwanese friend. We were going…

  • What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?

    My favorite games are Tekken (鉄拳) and Initial (頭文字) D. Tekken is a fighting game released by Namco Bandai Entertainment in 1994. My favorite character is Nina Williams. I used to play it and often cleared all the levels. Initial D is a racing game. In Asia, it became very popular in the early 2000s.…

  • If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

    I would invite Anthony Bourdain, but it will never happen. He passed away in 2018. He was an American celebrity chef and author. I liked his travel documentary and watched all the episodes. He was a foodie and tried different cuisines while traveling. Even today, many people have talked about him. I think he was…

  • What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

    The time difference between Florida and Japan is 13 hours. I returned to Florida last week, so I am sleepy in the daytime now. I want to know how international flight pilots and flight attendants overcome jet lag. I am a night person. According to recent studies, sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night is…

  • What’s your definition of romantic?

    I answered this question last year. What’s your definition of romantic? Oh… My first language is Japanese. In Japanese, romantic (ロマンチック, a word borrowed from English) means the feeling of love. I once had a conversation with a Peruvian about cultural differences. Most Japanese people think that hugging and kissing are only for couples. Of course,…

  • What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

    A few days ago, I went to an Italian restaurant in Japan. My favorite is ミラノ風ドリア Milano Fuu Doria (Milanese-style rice gratin). It is still cheap (300 yen = US$2.10) today. The taste hasn’t changed, and the price is almost the same as 20 years ago. → Saizeriya サイゼリヤ I used to eat once a…

  • Write about your first crush.

    I don’t remember my first crush. Instead, I want to write about my first date. I think I wrote about my high school life before. One day, a friend of mine introduced him to me. He was a student at another high school when I first met him. He dropped out after he had trouble…

  • What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

    I’m pretty stubborn, but I achieve my goals. I have been doing so until now. I don’t have much of a feminine side, but I am a kind person. I am a peaceful person. I tend to win in verbal fights. Last week, I received a scam phone call. In Japan, many people have become…

  • List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

    伊勢湾台風物語   The story of Isewan Typhoon    In 1959, a big typhoon hit my hometown, and over 5000 people died, including my relatives. My grandparents and parents (before marriage) lived near the ocean. My grandpa was one of the fire chiefs in that area and gave the orders to evacuate citizens. The most damage occurred…

  • What quality do you value most in a friend?

    I agree with other bloggers. Everyone has good times and bad times in life. True friends will always be there for you. I have two friends (female and male) that I have known since elementary school. Last week, I had dinner with them. We talked about our elementary school days. My female friend always took…

  • What jobs have you had?

    I have had different jobs. My first job was at McDonald’s in Japan. When customers asked me, “Smile, please,” I showed my best smile to them. During winter break, I worked part-time at a post office. When I was a college student, I worked as a lifeguard, tutor, exam proctor, office administrator, and so on.…

  • What is your career plan?

    I wrote about my future plans before. I am interested in the real estate business, particularly rental and Airbnb. My father-in-law is doing it right now. You might know about the American subprime mortgage crisis between 2007 and 2010. He bought a second house for his parents-in-law in 2011. The price was $87,000. After his…

  • What was the last live performance you saw? Diego El Cigala🎤

    Do you know Diego El Cigala? He is a very famous flamenco singer. He was born into a Romani (Gypsy) family in Spain and started singing at a young age. His voice is amazing. He has often collaborated with other musicians. I like the collaboration with Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club. I think the…

  • What are your favorite brands and why?

    I am a minimalist. What brands do you associate with? 🤔 – LILI EN FLORIDA Yesterday, I planned to go to an event with my family. But it was canceled due to a thunderstorm. Instead, we went to the shopping mall. I found my favorite racing game in the amusement arcade (game center). I competed…

  • What gives you direction in life?

    Hi, I am back. Thank you for your comments and likes. 🙏 For the last two weeks, I have been very busy. Soon I will return to my hometown. What gives you direction in life? I trust myself. I always have my goals and try something without hesitation. I am not a religious person, but…

  • Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

    I am a cat lover. I currently have 4 cats in the house and 4 cats in the backyard. In 2018, I lost a male cat. His name was Miso. When he was around 8 years old, he looked sick. I wanted to take him to a vet as soon as possible. But I was…

  • What’s the most fun way to exercise?

    I don’t like exercising… To maintain a healthy weight, I have managed calorie intake. I have been a pesco-vegetarian for over 10 years. The history of Japanese cuisine is interesting. Once upon a time, Japanese people were hunters. In the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 AD), they cultivated rice and developed basic food preservation…

  • If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

    Just my imagination… I wish I could be one of Charlie’s Angels characters. The original television series was released in the 1970s. The movie based on the original series was released in 2000. Starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu as three women working in a private detective agency. Max Guevara (X5-452) of Dark…

  • What book could you read over and over again?

    I like reading books. But I don’t like reading the same book over and over again. I have already written about my favorite books, so I want to share my favorite Japanese comics. Rich Dad Poor Dad ・The Secret・Como Agua Para Chocolate – LILI EN FLORIDA I used to be a manga fan, and I…

  • What is your favorite type of weather? 🌞🌸

    I like sunny days, but I don’t like summer. Does anyone dislike air conditioning? I avoid using it because my skin becomes dry. I live in a tropical climate. So, I like March and April. Sometimes I miss cherry blossoms. 🌸😅 ↑ My Japanese friend sent this photo last year. Four Seasons 春🌸夏🏖️秋🎑冬⛄ – LILI…

  • What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?

    “I can’t tell you…because it is a secret.” Someone answered like that. Exactly! 💯😆 I wish I had precognition. But if everything were predictable, life would not be fun. How about excellent math skills? Yes, I want … A few days ago, I read a Japanese blog. The blogger explained how to solve this math…

  • My ESL Teacher & Friends

    Suell-sensei was my most influential teacher. She was my English teacher in America. I wrote about her. ↓ Miss(Ms). Suell – LILI EN FLORIDA She is standing behind me. ↓ She had always motivated me. I miss practicing Lice & Rice and Bat & Vat… My friends were from Latin America (one was from Russia).…

  • What was the best compliment you’ve received?

    I don’t know what the best compliment is, but I have experienced happy moments. For example, when my kids and bloggers say to me, “You are the best mom.” The other moment is when I was a teacher trainee. Over 20 years ago, I practiced teaching at high school. I made teaching plans, taught in…

  • What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

    I am an open-minded person, so I usually don’t have negative feelings. For example, if someone disagrees with my opinion, I ask first why. I have been in the U.S. for a long time, so I say “no” to someone’s opinion as well. When I feel sad, like losing something, I stay with my cats.…

  • Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

    I answered this question last year. Humans are… – LILI EN FLORIDA If I choose another animal, a sloth. It is my favorite animal. Other bloggers answered so as well. I am a lazy person. But when I am working or assigned to do something, I become active. Sloths are usually slow, but when they…

  • Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.

    When I moved with my family into our current home, we had a lot of work to do. My husband, his dad, and I cleaned, painted walls, and fixed holes. Kitchen Before After My husband and his dad worked to remodel the bathroom with independent contractors. Bathroom Before After I am not good at assembling…

  • What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

    I answer this question and one more question, “How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?”. I am over 40 now. I have had many failures. The most influential experience is my academic failure and health issue in childhood. Most parents think that education is important. Particularly, Asian parents tend…

  • If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

    Retard I agree with the other blogger. I have never used this word. But one of the professors often used this word when I was an undergraduate student in America. The first day of class, he said, “My name is XX. I teach this class. I am retired, not retarded,” and laughed. What is so…

  • Who are your favorite people to be around?

    My family and friends I met my future husband in Japan. At that time, I was a student coordinator, and he was an exchange student. When I was 22… There was a rule that student coordinators should not date exchange students. Because some students were underage. One day, he asked me to celebrate his birthday…

  • What is your favorite drink? 🍵

    I like all types of tea. Of course, green tea is the best. I also enjoy drinking coffee. I usually order unsweet drinks in the restaurant. I remember that the employee’s reaction was funny. I went to the fast-food restaurant and asked for unsweetened iced tea. My order was unusual to her. She asked me,…

  • Write about your approach to budgeting.

    Everyone has a different financial situation. I share my approach to budgeting here. I bought a house with my husband in 2016. The house was in as-is condition. We did minor repairs and painted a wall. We also hired contractors to remodel the bathroom. There is a rule. Housing expenses should not exceed 28% of…

  • If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

    If I had the power to change one law, it would be to allow dual *nationality (citizenship) in Japan. *Nationality in Japan and citizenship in the U.S. Although I have lived in America for 17 years, I am still a Japanese citizen and a U.S. permanent resident. There are some differences between U.S. citizens and…

  • If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?

    I wrote a short story in Japanese when I was a college student. The title was My Feelings「心」. I described my struggle and desire. I want to read it again, but I lost the floppy disk I saved. The title of my autobiography would be My Life as a Daughter, Wife, and Mother「娘として、妻として、母として」. In 20…

  • You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

    Of course, I will share with my family and other bloggers. I have good news.  😉 My cat had been missing for 2 weeks and came back on Sunday. He looked tired. And I got an early birthday gift. ↓ My birthday is coming soon. Pineapples take several years to mature. If this pineapple grows…

  • Write about your dream home.

    What does your ideal home look like? – LILI EN FLORIDA I want to get another property that is small and surrounded by nature. I signed up for the akiya banku (空き家バンク), which is a database of abandoned and old houses in Japan. I have received real estate information by email. They are located in…