Question 1

I usually get up some time between five o'clock and seven-thirty during the week. In the morning, of course. I know that's a pretty big window but some mornings I just cannot get out of bed. I sometimes stay in bed until eight o'clock on a Sunday but my wife won't let me do that too often.

Question 2

The first thing I do after getting up, after using the restroom, gargling, and splashing my face with water is to check the news alerts on my phone. Most days, it's the same old stuff – doom and gloom with a side of celebrity gossip, stuff that doesn't interest me much. However, if I don't try to keep up with current affairs, I feel out of touch.

Question 3

I go to bed when I'm tired. I used to go to bed between midnight and two in the morning. I can't do that anymore. Twelve-thirty is a late night for me. On a good night, I'm in bed by half past nine. I used to have trouble sleeping, about ten years or so ago. I couldn't shut my brain off and I'd just be thinking about everything. Now, I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow. I don't really know what the secret to a good night's sleep is – I don't think I've had a good night's sleep in three years. The secret to falling asleep quickly is to go to bed tired; the way to do that is to work hard during the day.

Question 4

I will skip any meal if I'm not hungry or I have an upset stomach. I'll even try fasting for a day every once in a while. I'm not a very healthy eater really. I eat salad for lunch all the time but the good that does me is offset by all the garbage I eat after I finish work. I don't have a favourite meal per se but I do like a good full breakfast – toast, bacon, sausages, eggs, fried onion and tomato, pancakes with maple syrup and ice cream, coffee, orange juice. The few times I've stayed in a hotel with a buffet breakfast, I definitely got my money's worth!

Question 5

I don't have one. My work days are full and the day is over pretty much as soon as it's begun. I prefer that to clock watching. Sundays I spend with my family, Mondays are for me, and I enjoy every hour of both those days. I can't imagine there ever being a dull moment in my life. There's always so much to do. I can understand someone else thinking my life is dull – it often doesn't make for a good story – but it keeps me occupied and entertained!

Question 6

I often take walks, during the day or at night, just myself and my podcasts. I find it very relaxing.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
a pretty big window	広い範囲
gargle	うがい
doom and gloom	悪いニュース
keep up with	にとどまる
out of touch	非接触
before my head hits the pillow	寝た直後
every once in a while	たまに
per se	それ自体
over as soon as it's begun	すぐに終わった
clock watching	時計を見る
doesn't make for a good story	つまらなそう

Question 1

I usually get up at 11am on both the weekdays and weekends.

Question 2

The first thing I do is check my phone for the time and if I have any messages. I then brush my teeth after.

Question 3

I usually go to bed between 12-2am because I get home at 9pm on average. I have trouble sleeping at night, but recently we bought a new mattress and that has really helped me sleep better.

Question 4

I usually skip breakfast. My favorite meal is dinner because it's the only meal that I have together with my husband every day.

Question 5

The dullest time in the week for me is Thursday. It's almost the weekend but still so far!

Question 6

I usually find peace and calm when I'm lying in bed watching a video on YouTube or my favorite show before going to sleep. Sometimes I got to a cafe by myself to read and enjoy sweets and tea. I wish I could that more often but it's so expensive!

Tough Vocabulary

Question 1

During the week I get up between 6.30am and 7.30am as that is when my baby usually wakes up. I wake up at the same times during my weekend too. The baby doesn't seem to understand the concept of sleeping in.

Question 2

I usually stretch my back as I usually sleep in the same position all night and as a result it gets a little stiff.

Question 3

I usually go to bed at around 11.30pm. I think I have a pretty good routine.

Question 4

I do not skip any meals, but my quantity and order is a little strange. I usually have a large breakfast at about 9am, then a large lunch at work at around 2 or 3pm, and a small snack when I finish work at 9pm. I usually eat a piece of fruit or drink a glass of milk at 9pm as anything heavier gives me energy and I cannot sleep.

Question 5

I like my down time so any dull time is enjoyable for me. If I am lucky on my day off, my wife is out of the apartment and baby and pug are sleeping.

Question 6

I try to exercise a little every day, even if it is only 5 minutes, it is better than nothing.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
down time	寛ぐ
stiff	こわばった