Procrastination...
Today I have done very little, hence the title of the blog. I woke up fairly early (for a Saturday) and had a good breakfast of bacon and eggs. Then I went into town with my friend Rachael and we bought some sorely needed stationery supplies. I felt I couldn't possibly do any studying unless I had a proper folder, nice writing pens and other bits and bobs. We got back and I had a spot of lunch. I then sorted out all my paperwork into the big folder that I'd bought, labelling everything neatly with my nice new pens. Then I thought I'd have a break: a nice cup of tea and a few biscuits whilst I read the next chapter of the paperback I'm reading at the moment. That chapter turned into two, then three... my tea got cold. I had to make another one. Then I needed more biscuits... Finally, I was getting a bit sleepy (the sun was shining through my window making my cell very warm and cozy), so I thought I'd have bit of a shut-eye. I curled up on my bed and had a bit of a snooze... until my friend gave me a call about half an hour ago, bright and cheery, saying she'd done lots of studying and wanted to go out for dinner. I felt very guilty! So she's given me an hour to do SOMEthing so that when I do meet her later I won't feel as though I haven't accomplished anything. Do you get days like this or is it just me?
It's now Sunday - last night I went out to an Indian restaurant with my friend. On the way there we passed by this building:
Top half...
...and bottom half. (I couldn't fit the building into one shot!)
Isn't it beautiful? Can you guess what it is? If you look closely you might be able to make out that it is in fact a hairdresser's! Very posh, isn't it?
And finally you have a photo of me as my friend was on hand to take a picture.
Today I have been studying quite hard in preparation for next week's test and also because I don't want to miss the Euro 2008 final tonight. I don't know much about football, but I do like to watch the important games and get into the spirit of things. If you want to know more about football, then you can ask Simon whatever you like next month - he's really into it, a fervent supporter of WBA and he has also written various articles on football. Unfortunately, this is my last blog so I must say goodbye and thank you and wish you all the best in your future and hope you will continue improving and having fun with your English. I've really enjoyed meeting you all and conversing with you. Best of luck, Lukasz in pursuing a new career! Bye!
Vocabulary:
procrastination To procrastinate is to put off till another day or time. In my case it's usually out of habitual carelessness or laziness! Synonyms: to defer or postpone.
hence Synoyms: therefore, consequently, thus.
sorely needed Extremely or greatly needed.
bits and bobs An idiom which means small things or remnants; the same as 'odds and ends' or 'bits and pieces'.
paperback A book bound in a flexible paper cover, often a lower-priced edition of a hardcover book.
shut-eye An informal way to say you want to get some sleep.
snooze Another way to say sleep. Other synoyms: slumber, doze, nap.
make out In my last blog I explained 'figure out' which is a synonym of 'make out'. Make out has lots of other different meanings so be sure to use it in the right context! You can:
a. make out (write out or complete) a bill or check;
b. establish or prove something;
c. decipher or discern (the picture in this blog);
d. imply or suggest: "He made me out to be a liar";
e. manage or succeed: "How are you making out in your new job?";
f. slang: kiss and caress.
posh Elegant and fashionable, usually with the underlying meaning of a superior type or class.
on hand Physically present. My friend was right there in front of me and ready to help.
get into the spirit of things When you get into the spirit of things, you are enjoying the atmosphere and the mood. You can also get into the swing of things like at a party.
fervent This means having or showing intensity of spirit, feeling or enthusiasm for something. You can be a fervent admirer of something or make a fervent plea.
Comments
Hey Sophie, I haven´t realised that today it's the last day of June! What you told about buying bits and bobs at the Stationary's reminded me of my school days. I used to love and quite enjoy those stuff (til today I suppose). I couldn't study if I hadn't the folder I like or the colourful pencils to brighten my days. And yes, I felt guilty several times when I lingered about all day and then realised that it was late to study and was lazy to start. Then Sunday came and I felt depressed because I couldn't accomplish what I was supposed to do. Therefore I can easily understand you Sophie. But don't fret, you are very intelligent and will pass all your exams successfully. I wish you the best and thank you for sharing your daily life with us. Good luck! Fondly, Cris
Hi Sophie! Oh you´re not the only one who feels like this. Sometimes I have days of total procrastination. Oh my gosh! I have to finish my homework. Moreover, I have a test tomorrow! Anyway, I´d like to say that it was a pleasure to have met you and I wish you´d be very successful in your studies. Good bye, Ana Paula.
Hi Sophie, it was a pleasure to have met you. Althought I haven't be able to write in this blog every day, I have been reading all your entries. Really, I'have enjoyed it very very much. On the other hand, don't worry, I understand your feelings when you make later your homework,and you feel guilty. Everybody have had this feeling some time. I wish you all the best in your studies and in your life. Good bye. Mercè
Hello Sophie, I have to say I suffer from this very problem of procrastinating. When I was a student it gave me a hard time when I had exams to prepare myself to. I could never get things done on time. It's a pity you're leaving the blog today. Right when I decided to make my come back. But it's been very nice to read your blog and I have the archives to get to know you better. It's too bad we can't keep in touch after you leave. But perhaps you may join us once in a while in this comment section, just like other previous bloggers have done. Good luck on your exams. I'm sure you'll do very well. Best of luck to you. Good bye.
Dear Sophie, It is hard to believe that this is your last post in this site as a teacher blogger. We get this opportunity to learn few lessons of English and certainly we are able to grasp something very valuable and wish your success in future life.
Hi Dear Sophie. tnx for ur lovely blog.u know, i always read ur useful blogs and really enjoy it but these days because of an awful exam i have not enough time to read them carefully. i just wonder if u answer some of my problems. anyway i ask them and hope to recieve ur help. could u tell me between the word "gesture"and the word"token" which one is proper for this sentence: "the prisoner raised his fist in a .......... of protest as he was led out of the courtroom" . and also i have a doubt to choose between the words"master" or "mitigate" for this sentence : "Nothing he did could ......... her anger,she was unforgiving." tnx anyway..keep good work. bye(if u answer, may i ask u some more?, i hope its not an impolite request :(
It is my first time to wrtie to you.I have to say good-bye to you. I really enjoy reading your stories. I wish you all the best in your studies and your life.
Hi Sophie,Nice to read your blogs of June, may you have a nice learning of language. It's always a good thing to learn the new stuff no matter of ones's age. Incidentally, I am in Taiwan, and Taiwan and China are not the same. James
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