慢速生活英语系列2.doc

英文慢速生活英语系列101：extreme sportsCeleste: Im so glad its Friday. Are you doing anything this weekend?Ryan: Im going snowboarding with James. Celeste: Didnt you guys go bungee jumping last weekend?Ryan: Yeah, and we plan to go cave diving in a couple of weeks.Celeste: I didnt know you were into extreme sports. I guess its a big adrenaline rush.Ryan: It is. But for me, its about pushing myself to the limit.Celeste: Arent you afraid of getting hurt? Ryan: Sure. Theres always a danger of getting hurt, but we dont do these sports competitively. Its just for fun. I like trying new stunts and seeing how far we can push the boundaries of the sport. Do you want to come with us sometime? Celeste: Me? Im not really the adventurous type. Ryan: You never know. You might like it. After cave diving, well probably try climbing.Celeste: Oh, that doesnt sound too bad. Ive done some climbing before.Ryan: I should tell you that we plan on going ice climbing.Celeste: Oh. In that case, I think Ill pass. Have fun this weekend.Ryan: Thanks and let me know if you change your mind.中文慢速生活英语系列101：极限运动女：真高兴又到周五了，周末你有什么打算男：我要与詹姆士去玩滑雪板女：上周末你们几个是不是去蹦极了？男：是呀，我们还打算几周后去玩峡谷蹦极呢女：我还真不知道你们几个在玩极限运动。我想那一定是非常刺激吧男：当然了，不地这对我来说，这是让自己挑战极限女：你不怕受伤吗？男：当然怕。受伤的危险总是会有的，但我们这么做不是为了竞赛，是为了娱乐。我喜欢尝试新的特技动作，看自己到底能玩到多酷。你想不想什么时候加入我们？女：我？我可不是那种爱冒险的人男：也许你都不知道你会喜欢这种运动。等我们完成了峡谷蹦极，我们可能还会尝试攀登女：噢，这个听起来还不错，我以前登过山男：我应该说得更清楚些，是爬冰山女：噢，要是这样，我还是算了吧。祝你们周末玩得愉快男：多谢，什么时候改主意了，告诉我 英文慢速生活英语系列102:：a family road tripOur family decided to take a road trip across the country this year. The kids were really excited and my oldest son wanted to help navigate. Before the trip, we looked at the road maps and decided on our route and the points of interest we would try to see. Since we wouldnt be taking a camper, we needed to make hotel reservations along the way. After a little planning, we were ready to go.The kids were behaving themselves the first day. My daughter was a little car sick in the morning, but we made it to our first stop without any major problems. On the second day, though, the kids were really acting up. They kept asking, “Are we there yet?” and they wanted to stop at every rest stop. My youngest son, who is only four, kept calling out the mile markers as we passed them, and I thought my head would explode if he didnt stop. On top of that, my wife wanted to stop every few miles for a photo op and I thought wed never get to the next town. By the third day, I was really questioning the wisdom of taking three young children on the road for 10 days. I suspect that after this vacation, Ill need another one to recover from it. 中文慢速生活英语系列102: 全家开车旅行今年我们全家决定来一次全境开车远行。孩子们非常地兴奋，我的大儿子帮着进行规划。旅行前，我们仔细研究了地图，决定我们走哪条路，要去看的景点。因为我们不准备野营，我们就得沿途订旅馆。在这些准备之后，我们准备上路了。第一天孩子们表现还算正常。我的女儿在早上有点晕车，不过到第一个歇脚点前我们一切顺利。可是第二天，孩子们就兴奋起来了。他们总是在问“怎么还没有到呀”，而且在每个休息点都要求停下来。我的小儿子只有四岁，车每经过一个里程路标，他都要大声念出来，吵得我头都大了。更要命的是，我老婆每过几英里就要停下来照相，让我觉得离我们下一个目的地遥遥无期了。第三天，我直质疑自己带着三个孩子开车游玩十天这个主意是否明智。可能这个假期结束了，我需要另外一个假期才能让自己恢复过来。 英文慢速生活英语系列103：giving bad news and condolenceI was at the hospital at with my friend, Wendy. Her father was in an accident and she was waiting to talk to the doctor. Doctor: Hello, Im Dr. Johnson. How are you holding up?Wendy: Oh, Im fine. Is there any news?Doctor: Yes. I have examined your fathers test results and Im afraid the news isnt good. His condition has deteriorated rapidly, and I want you to prepare for the worst.Wendy: Youre not saying that he wont recover, are you?Doctor: We can hope for the best, but your father may only have a few days. Im very sorry. Wendy: Can I see my father? Doctor: Yes, of course. .The worst did happen and Wendys father passed away the following week. At both the wake and the funeral, we all tried to console Wendy by saying things like, “Im sorry for your loss,” “Please accept my condolences,” and “My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.” The funeral director made sure that the funeral service went smoothly. The eulogy was short and I went with Wendy to the burial. It was a difficult time for Wendy but hopefully, having her family and friends with her made it more bearable. 中文慢速生活英语系列103：坏消息与安抚我在医院陪着我的朋友温迪。她父亲出了意外事故，她正在等着与医生交谈。男：你好，我是约翰森医生，你还好吧女：我还好，有什么新的消息吗男：是的。我已经看了你父亲的检查结果，结果并不乐观。他的情况恶化得很快，你要做好最坏的打算。女：你不是在说他没有恢复的可能，是吗男：我们当然希望有好的结果，但你父亲的日子可能只有几天了，我非常抱歉女：我能去看看他吗男：当然最坏的事情还是发生了，温迪的父亲在第二周过世了。无论是在遗体告别室还是葬礼上，我们都试图用这样的话来安慰她“我为你失去亲人而难过”，“请接受我的悼念”，“在这困难之时，我们与你同在”。葬礼负责人将葬礼安排得很周全。悼词简短，我陪着温迪到墓地。对她而言这是个痛苦的时刻，不过有着她家人与朋友陪在身边，至少可以让这个时刻更好过一些。 英文慢速生活英语系列104：asking for a raisePatty: Alberto, can I pick your brain for a minute?Alberto: Yeah, sure, but youll have to make it quick. Im going into a meeting at 3.Patty: Sure. Hopefully, this wont take long. Im thinking about asking for a raise. Ive been working here for a year and half, and I now have a lot more responsibilities on my plate than when I started. I think Ive earned a raise, but I dont know how to broach the issue with Wayne. I cant just go into his office and say, “Give me a raise!”Alberto: Youre right. Its not an easy thing to bring up. One thing I did when I asked for a raise last year was to remind Wayne of my qualifications and all of the work I do around here. I tried to convince Wayne that I was indispensable. Patty: Obviously it worked. You got a raise and a promotion, too. All I want is a bump in pay. Alberto: The trick is to sell yourself without seeming self-serving. And, you dont want to give any ultimatums either. That definitely wont fly with Wayne. Patty: I can see that. I plan to talk to him at the end of the week so wish me luck.Alberto: You dont need it. Im sure Wayne will see things your way. 中文慢速生活英语系列104：要求加薪女：阿尔贝托，能占用你几分钟给我点建议吗男：好的，没问题，不过你得快点，因为我三点有会女：好，应该时间不长。我在想要求加薪。我在这里已经工作一年半了，现在工作职责也远多于我刚入职的时候。我觉得我应该有加薪了，只是我不知道怎样与维纳开口。我总不能敲开他的办公室说，“给我加薪吧”男：明白了，提加薪的事确实不是个简单的事。去年我自己是这样做的，我提醒维纳我做了多少工作，我是多么地胜任。我让他理解我是不可或缺的。女：这显然奏效了。你得到了提升与加薪。而我其实只希望涨涨工资。男：关键在于你既要推销自己又不能显得太功利。另外，也别给领导玩最后通碟之类的事，维纳肯定不吃这一套。女：这我明白。我决定周末跟他谈吧，保祐我吧男：你不用太担心，我相信维纳能理解你说的是合理的。 英文慢速生活英语系列105：buying a bicycleI went to the bike shop on Saturday morning to buy a bicycle. Clerk: What kind of bike are you looking for?Lance: Im really not sure.Clerk: Well, let me show you what we have. We carry road bikes, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, and racing bikes. Lance: Im going to start biking to work. Ill be riding mainly on the road, but I want something versatile enough for anything. Clerk: Well, the road bikes are for everyday use. They have heavy frames and tires. The seats are comfortable and so are the handlebars. The mountain bikes are very sturdy for off-road cycling and have wider tires. Beach cruisers have just one speed, so you wont be shifting any gears. Lance: Okay. Are the brakes hard to handle?Clerk: No. You either have foot brakes, like on the beach cruisers, or you have hand brakes. Theyre very easy to get used to. If you want to keep it simple, I would either go for a road bike or a mountain bike. Those are the most popular. Lance: If I get a bike, what other things do I need?Clerk: I usually recommend an air pump, a bike lock, and a helmet. Lance: Okay, Ill take a look around.Clerk: Sure. Just let me know if you have other questions. 中文慢速生活英语系列105:买自行车周六早上我去自行车商店想买辆自行车女：您想要款什么样的自行车男：我还真没拿定主意女：那好，我给您介绍一下我们的货品。我们这有公路自行车、山地车、海滩车与赛车男：我主要是骑车上班用，所以主要是在公路上骑，不过我倒是想有款车适宜各种功能。女：好，公路自行车适合日常使用，它们结构稳，轮胎大，座位与车把舒适。山地车则非常结实，胎更宽，适合非公路上骑行。海滩车只有一个速度，你不能在骑行中变速。男：好的，车的刹车使用起来困难吗女：当然不是。你要么可以用脚刹，象海滩车，要么可以用手刹车，都非常好用。如果你想简单实惠，我建议你买辆公路自行车或山地车。那些都是最流行的款式。男：要是我买了辆自行车，还需要买些什么女：一般情况下你要买个气筒子、车锁与头盔男：好的，我再转转女：好的，有什么需要随时找我。 英文慢速生活英语系列106：a jealous girlfriendSarya: Hey Dom, I havent seen you in so long. Where have you been?Dominick: Oh, Ive been busy.Sarya: Ive missed hanging out together. Hows Leslie?Dominick: Shes okay, but things havent been that great between us.Sarya: Im really sorry to hear that. Whats up?Dominick: Leslie is great, but shes so jealous of my friends, especially my female friends. She doesnt like it when I see them or even if I talk to them on the phone. To be honest, thats why I havent called you lately.Sarya: I got the feeling that youve been avoiding me. Now I understand that its the green-eyed monster at work. Have you been doing anything to make her jealous?Dominick: No! I go out with my friends sometimes but Im always up front with Leslie and tell her what Im doing. But, shes so possessive. Even when I go out with my guy friends, she flips out sometimes. I dont know why she wont trust me.Sarya: Maybe shes just insecure about herself, or maybe she feels insecure about your relationship. But either way, Id stop this in its tracks before it gets any worse. Have you talked to her about it?Dominick: Not really. We usually get into a big fight and then we make up, but we dont ever get at the root of the matter. Sarya: I wish I could help.Dominick: You already have. Talking about it helps. Whatever it takes, Im going to get this under control. Other than this jealousy problem, we have a great relationship. I dont want anything to jeopardize it.Sarya: Good luck with everything and let me know if I theres anything I can do.Dominick: Thanks. I will.中文慢速生活英语系列106：嫉妒的女友女：嘿，多姆，很长时间没有见到你了，你跑哪去了男：噢，我很忙女：我都很怀念我们过去在一起的时光了。莱丝丽最近怎样男：她还好，只是我们之间有点小的不愉快女：是吗，怎么了男：来丝丽是个好人，但她总是嫉妒我的朋友，尤其是我的女性朋友。我跟她们见面甚至打电话，她都很不高兴。实话说，也是这个原因我很久都没有给你打电话了。女：我感觉出来你在躲避我了。现在我明白原来是嫉妒心在作怪呀。你有没有做过什么让她吃醋的事呀男：没有。我有时去会我的朋友，我都会对她如实相告，包括我们做什么。不过她占有欲太强了，即使我与哥们在一起，她也时不时生气。我不明白她怎么就不相信我呢。女：也许她对她自己没有安全感，也许对你们的关系没有安全感。不管怎样，你都要防止事态进一步恶化。有没有跟她谈起过这个事情男：还没有，我们俩经常吵架然后合好，不过从来就没有触及问题的根本。女：真希望我能帮上你。男：你已经帮到我了，因为谈谈这些事也是有帮助的。无论如何，我要搞定此事。要不是她这点嫉妒心，我们关系很好，我可不想任何事情危害到我与女友的感情。女：祝你事事如意，有什么我可以帮忙的，你说话男：谢谢，我会的。 英文慢速生活英语系列107：getting a mans haircutIts been almost three months since I got a haircut and I went to the barbershop where I always get it cut. But when I got there, the barbershop had been replaced by a hair salon.Shinobu: Hi, I used to get my hair cut at the barbershop that was here. Nicole: Yeah, they closed. Weve been open for about a month. I can cut your hair.Shinobu: Uh.I guess thats okay. Nicole: Why dont you come over here and sit down. What do you have in mind?Shinobu: Well, as you can see, my hair is pretty curly. When its long, it looks like an Afro. I want it to be a lot shorter, but I dont want a buzz cut.Nicole: Are you sure you want to cut it? If you keep it long, you could have great dreadlocks. Shinobu: Uh, Im not sure that that style would work for me. Nicole: Okay, then. How about if I cut it short on the sides, leave the bangs medium length, and then keep the back long?Shinobu: No, I dont think that would work, either. Id like it an inch off the collar in back, above the ears, no sideburns, with a part down the right side. I really just need a trim.Nicole: Hmmhow about if I shave your head? Youd look great bald.Shinobu: No! I definitely dont want that. You know what, I just remembered that Im supposed to be somewhere else right now.Nicole: Oh, are you sure? Im sure I know exactly what you want.Shinobu: Im sure you do, but I really have to go.I left that hair salon as quickly as I could. Who knows what would have happened if Id stayed there? She may have given me a Mohawk! 中文慢速生活英语系列107：男士理发我差不多有三个月没有理发了，我于是去我经常理发的那家店。可当我到那时，才发现已经变成一个美发沙龙了。男：嘿，我以前常在这里的一个理发店理发的女：是的，可他们关张了。我们开张有一个月了，我们可以给您理呀男：啊。那好吧女：请坐在这里，您有什么要求男：噢，你看我的头发有点卷，要是留长了，象非洲人。所以我想剃短点，不过我可不想弄个寸头女：你真的想剪短吗，如果你留下来，你将来可以有一头披肩卷发男：噢，我不觉得那种发型适合我女：那好吧，你觉得这样剪是否合适：我将边上剪短，前面留个中等的流海，然后将后面头发留长？男：不，那样我也不觉得好。我只喜欢剪成后面离领子只有一寸，耳边没有侧须，右边多留一点。我需要的只是简单修理女：要不我给你剃秃了如何，你光头也许挺好看的男：不，决不。对了我想起来了我这会有点事要去办女：这么急吗，我想我现在已经很清楚你要理什么样的发了男：我相信你明白了，不过我真的要走了我很快地从那个美发沙龙抽身而退。天晓得我要呆在那会发生什么？也许她会给我理一个非常古怪的发型。 英文慢速生活英语系列108：outsourcing operationBonnie: I wanted us to meet today to talk about ways to reduce our overhead. One suggestion is for us to outsource some of our operations. Id like to hear what you think are the pros and cons of doing that.Jean-Luc: I think that, in principle, its a good idea. It would save us a lot of money, but I see a downside. We would lose control of some of our key in house operations.Bonnie: Well, I think that we want to focus on non-core operations, such as IT or accounting. I know that other companies have outsourced their call centers, but that would take a lot of training, especially with our call volume. Jean-Luc: I completely agree. I dont think that the call center needs to be micro-managed, but it does take more oversight than IT or accounting for quality control, especially if we decide to go offshore.Bonnie: Okay, I think were thinking along the same lines. Lets call a meeting with the rest of the staff to get their thoughts. How about next Tuesday at 10 a.m.?Jean-Luc: That works for me. Ill send out an email out to everybody today.中文慢速生活英语系列108：运营外包女：我想今天咱们开个会讨论一下如何减少公司的固定成本支出。其中一个方法就是将我们部分运营工作外包。这种安排会产生什么利弊，我想听听你们的意见。男：通常而言这是个好主意。能为我们节省不少费用，不过我觉得有个缺点，就是我们可能会对我们一些内部关键运营失去控制女：噢，我想我们应该将外包的范围集中在一些非核心运营上，如IT与财务。我也知道一些别的公司将他们的呼叫中心外包了，如果我们这么做，考虑到我们的呼叫量，我们得提供不少培训。男：完全同意。虽然我不认为呼叫中心需要事无巨细的管理，但如果我们决定将其外包给海外公司的话，它的确比IT或财务部门需要更多的质量监控。女：好，我想我们意见差不多是一致的。我们回头召集个会听听余下同事们的意见如何。安排在下周二上午十点，如何男：我没问题。今天我会给大家发邮件通知的。 英文慢速生活英语系列109：lost and foundAirport employee: Hello, Portland Airport, Lost and Found.Lucas: Hello. I was a passenger on a SunCal Airlines flight yesterday and I think I left my keys on the plane.Airport employee: I see. To claim the item, you have to fill out a claim form. What did you lose again? Some luggage? Youll need your claim receipt to get your luggage.Lucas: No, I lost some keys on the airplane. Keys. I think I left them on my seat. Is it possible to find out if anyone has turned them in to your office?Airport employee: I dont know. Can you describe them? Lucas: Well, theyre on a key chain and there are eight keys on it, including a car key.Airport employee: Was there anything distinctive about the key chain? Youll need to prove ownership if you want to claim them.Lucas: No, its a plain key ring. Maybe I should come down to the office to see if I can identify them. What happens to property thats unclaimed?Airport employee: We keep it for 30 days and then we dispose of it. Dont worry. We dont have a policy of finders, keepers. If you lost some luggage, itll turn up.Lucas: No, I lost some keys! Keys! Never mind. Im coming down right now.Airport employee: Thats a good idea. Its easier to pick up your lost luggage than for us to send it.Lucas: Uh!中文慢速生活英语系列109：失物招领女：您好，这里是波特兰机场失物招领处男：你好，我是昨天圣卡尔航班的旅客，我想我将钥匙拉在飞机上了。女：我看看，要进行失物招领，你得先填写一张表。对了，你丢失什么来着？行李？那你得给我你的行李条。男：不，我丢失的是钥匙，钥匙。我想我是丢在座位上了。你帮我看看是否有人拾到并交到你们这里了女：不知道，请描述一下你的钥匙吧男：好，那是一串钥匙，有八个，其中一个还是车钥匙女：整串钥匙有什么特别之处吗？如果要领回失物，你需要证明你是其评价。男：没有特别之处，只是很普通的钥匙。要不我自己到办公室中去看是否能找到。没有人认领的东西你们会怎么处置女：我们保留30天，然后就可以自行处置了。不过别担心，我们这里没有谁拾到就归谁的政策。如果你丢了行李，一定会有人送来的。男：不，我丢的是钥匙，钥匙。算了，我还是过去自己找吧女：好呀，你自己找总比我们找到给你送去强。男：算你狠！ 英文慢速生活英语系列110：getting a drivers licenseJane: Hey, Henry. You look busy. Whats that youre reading?Henry: Oh, hi, Jane. Im studying the drivers manual so I can finally get my drivers license. I just hope I can remember all these traffic laws. Jane: Im sure youll pass the tests with flying colors, especially since you can miss a few and still pass. Just dont forget to bring your glasses with you so you dont fail the vision test. Henry: Yeah, I know. I think the written test will be okay, but Im really worried about the road test. I never took drivers ed and Im nervous behind the wheel. My brother failed his test the first time because he forgot to signal a left turn, and then he didnt yield to a pedestrian. He also screwed up on the parallel parking.Jane: It sounds like he just got nervous. A busy intersection is always tricky. So whens your appointment at the DMV? Henry: Next Tuesday. But I might just go in earlier and take the test as a walk-in.Jane: Cant wait, huh? Well, Ill let you get back to studying. Good luck!Henry: Thanks. See you around.中文慢速生活英语系列110：考驾照女：嘿，亨利，感觉你好忙呀，看什么呢男：嗨，简，我正在学习驾驶员手册，以便最终拿到我的驾照。我真希望能记住这些所有的交规。女：我相信你一定会高手通过的，即使是出点小错，也是能过的。对了，别忘记带着你的眼镜以免视力检查通不过。男：噢，我知道。我觉得书面考试容易过，但路考我是很担心的。我以前没有学过开车，一碰方向盘我就紧张。我弟弟第一次考试就折（念she二声）了，因为他左转的时候忘记打灯了，然后还没有礼让行人。在停车入位的时候又搞砸了。女：看起来他还是太紧张了。车来车往的路口也是很容易出错的。对了你约了什么时候去车管所男：下周二。不过我想早点去，排队参加一个没有预约的考试女：你就这么迫不急待？要是我，会将你退回来好好继续学车。祝你好运男：谢谢，回见。 英文慢速生活英语系列111：giving compliments A friend from work, Nia, asked a few of us over to her apartment to watch the game this Sunday and I was really nervous. Ive always liked Nia and I was hoping we could be more than friends. My brother, Charlie, said that if I really liked her, I should be sure to give her plenty of compliments when I saw her.I arrived on Sunday and knocked on her door.Nia: Hi, Im glad you could make it. Youre the first one here. Make yourself comfortable.Sebastian: Thanks and you look great. Red looks great on you. Nia: Oh, thanks. Its nice to be out of work clothes. Can I get you something to drink?Sebastian: Sure. What are you having?Nia: Im just having a beer. Want one?Sebastian: Sure. What a fantastic place! This is a really nice apartment Nia: Here you go. Actually, I just moved in last month and Im still decorating. But, thats nice of you to say. Sebastian: Wow, cool