Elena’s World IV: Part 2

What are you reading lately?

These days I am still reading many Japanese books. I read English all day long at school so when I come home I want to read in Japanese. I am reading little books that cover all kinds of subjects.

Tell us about the past year in Tennessee. What have you learned?

We visited a lot of places in the States and a bit in Canada when we visited Grampa. We’ve been driving all over the place in Tennessee, down to Florida, and up to Canada. I think maybe I liked it the most when went to the hiking trails in the state park (Montgomery Bell State Park –ed). It was nice family time just walking around in the forest.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Orchestra. I like playing the violin more than the flute. I’ll probably continue playing only the violin.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Watching movies. I get to watch them with my friends from school.

What would you like to say to your future self?

When I am 18, I would like my parents to buy me a car. OK, I don’t really want a car that much.  I do want them to pay for my college. I don’t know which one yet, but for sure the one that I end up attending. I am still trying to figure out what I want to do.

To future Elena: I hope you are happy. I hope there is less fighting in our family and that Marina can study by herself more. And be a diligent person with better table manners.

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Elena’s World IV: Part 1

What's been the hardest thing for you since we last spoke?

Communicating with Americans is hard--just the basic language part. It’s some cultural differences, but mostly it’s just hard. I like it here; I like my school and I have new friends. Marina has become a little crankier and we have lots of fights, though. Sometimes she annoys me.

What are your favorite clothes these days?

It’s warm here in Tennessee so I like to wear shorts. You asked me if was happy about not having to wear a school uniform here. Actually, I kind of miss that. I like it when everyone wears the same thing. It’s easier, you know?

Embarrassing habits?

(Besides picking your feet.) It’s not picking—I’m massaging my feet, OK?

What's your favorite comfort food these days?

I love gummies and milk chocolate. It’s all about chocolate. Another thing I love to eat and miss here in the U.S. is ‘kaisendon’ (a bowl of rice topped with raw sashimi).

Who is more fun to play with, boys or girls?

Still girls. At school, we still play separately because girls have their own things they like to do.. Guys just run around. And, no, the boys are not trying to impress us, trust me.

What's your average day like?

I don’t know what time I get up in the morning because it’s always Mommy that wakes me up. I know sometimes I am super cranky when I wake up, but I am getting better. Yes?

Then I go to school and come back at 3:00. I watch some TV, then do my Japanese school homework and my ‘genchiko’ (local school homework). Then we eat dinner. I text my friends a bit, read, feed the fish and then go to sleep.