Ten years ago I used to be very fit. I rode a bike to work and I got a lot of exercise at weekends. I used to play tennis a lot and go for long walks. In those days I didn't earn very much. I had a job in an office. It wasn't a very good job but I had a lot of time to do the things I enjoyed.
Then, about eight years ago, I got a much better job. The pay was better, but the hours were a lot longer. I bought a car and drove to work every day. I began to take people out for lunch. And I began to put on weight, too. I stopped playing tennis and going for long walks at weekends because I just didn't have any time for things like those any more.
There was a lot of stress in my job. Perhaps that was why I started drinking more than I used to. For example, I used to have only half a glass of whisky when I got home, but then I started filling my glass to the top, and instead of having one glass, I would have several. I started smoking a lot, too. I never used to smoke at all.
Two months ago I had a heart attack. At first I just couldn't believe it. Luckily it wasn't very serious. The doctor advised me to stop smoking and to eat less. He also advised me to work less and get more exercise. But I just haven't got any time! My job takes everything out of me!
Sometimes I wonder if I should get another job. Perhaps I could do something as I used to. But if I do that, I won't earn as much. I have a family to support. I have to think of them, too. I just don't know what I should do. What do you think?
make a decision , be crowded with, choose from, be strict with, make progress, be decorated with, contribute …to…, be covered with, depend on, separate… from |
When I was in Germany, one day at Christmas-time I went to a post office to send a letter. To my 1, I found people queuing some paces away from the 2 at the savings deposit (存款) window.
Why so? Each did his business in turn but the line never 3 a step nearer .I was very curious, so I walked to the window to 4 the cause. There was a 5on which was written “ Thank you for your respect for other's privacy”—a polite 6 to keep people away from nosing into other's affairs (money matters are regarded as privacy in Western countries). I was deeply 7 by the sight and stayed a while to watch: they were 8 so calmly at a distance that they seemed quite 9 to the practice. The 10 thing happened at a public telephone box. Those waiting for their 11 always kept their distance—enough to be out of 12. It's another typical example! From then on I 13 to watch their ways of doing things, manners, treatment shown towards 14. I found the Germans always mindful of other's privacy(隐私). They 15 not to put others in an embarrassing (窘迫) situation. For instance, they never 16 about age, incomes or the place to buy such a coat, nor would they talk about the others or 17 others wore on their necks. Their laws 18 reading diaries or opening letters without 19. It's obvious that it shows 20 matters are not allowed to be disturbed.
The bed.
I this morning. That's last night.