June 29, 2000
Catalog Shopping
I love shopping. Everyone who knows me knows that I love shopping. I've always loved shopping, and always will. I'm not rich, but consider myself a shopper because I know how to do it. I can find great deals and great shops. I'm not afraid to buy things on sale, or to even venture into discount stores like K-Mart. If I see something good, for a good price, I'll get it. Once in a while I'll splurge on something frivolous and expensive, but I'm usually a smart shopper. I'd almost say that I'm "good" at shopping!
 Besides walking into a store, I also love to shop by catalog and through the Internet. Both are fun, and because Hawaii doesn't have stores like J Crew, Victoria's Secret, and Crate & Barrel, sometimes the only choice is to order. Other catalogs like Current and Jensen (which Kyle loves) are exclusive to mail and Internet orders. Sure, there are drawbacks to catalog shopping. There is no way to see, or try on anything before purchasing it. Additional costs are usually tacked onto regular shipping costs for Hawaii orders. And some large items, like shelves and dressers cannot be shipped to Hawaii at all. Of course there are good things, or I wouldn't shop by catalog!
 Catalog shopping lets me choose from a variety of vendors, especially those without stores in Hawaii. In Japan, my friends and I would make regular orders from L.L. Bean and Victoria's Secret. Secondly, catalogs have many "sales" that offer free shipping, or clearance items, just like regular stores. It's also fun to receive things in the mail, no matter how old I get! But, one of the most enjoyable parts of catalog shopping is doing it with friends! My friends in the office just put together an order, and it's like a "bonding" experience for us. On-line shopping is gaining popularity with it's convenience and greater selection. At the click of a mouse, a consumer can jump from site to site with ease. Auction sites also help the shopper looking for something in particular. It's an entirely different way of shopping, but just as fun. (I'll share my favorite shopping sites with you later on, okay!) I love shopping, in any medium. I just wish I had more money!
Susan Sensei's English Lesson #35（スーザン先生の英語講座 その35）
For two years I taught English in Japan, and was "スーザン先生" to my students in Ikaho town, Gunma Prefecture. I will try and introduce new words and phrases for the Japanese visitor to Hawaii. Here is this week's situation:
【今週のレッスン】
ハワイでお買い物中にかわいいブラウスを発見。サイズが合うかどうか試着をしたい時には、店員に声をかけて聞いてみましょう。
「これを試着してもいいですか 」
"May I try this on?"
試着室から出ると、お店の人が「どうでしたか？」と聞いてくるので、こんな風に答えます。
"I'll take it."
「これでいいです。」
または、
"Not these"(and hand the garments over) and "thank you."
「似合いませんでした。」（と、洋服を店員に返しながら）「どうもありがとう。」
|
|
|
Loco Girl's Profile（ロコ・ガールのプロフィール）
Born in Hilo, I grew up going fishing with Dad, shopping with Mom, and trying to be a good "big sister" to a younger sister and brother. A Waiakea High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa alumni, I taught English in Japan for two years on the JET Program, and am now employed at PacRim Marketing Group, Inc. I love doing a lot of things-shopping, reading, lettering, making jewelry & crafts, watching Friends-and that's just the start of my list! I like being busy, and am active with the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC.) My family and friends are, of course, very important to me, and are why I live a very typical, happy, local-style life in Hawaii and will never leave!
|
|
