Discover the Benefits of Living Simply
Chinese New Year is right around the comer! This is the time of year when we "sweep away the dust". We give our homes a good thorough cleaning.
Another great way to start fresh is to get rid of all the clutter (杂物). Over a year ago, I did just that.In preparation for a move, I got rid of over 60 percent of my furnishings. I found that caring for fewer things means more time to spend with friends and family.
More free time. The more things you own, the more time you'll spend cleaning and organizing them.
More money. As you stop buying things you don't need, your finances will improve. You can save the extra money and take a special trip or an interesting class instead. Learn to reward yourself with rich experiences, not things.
Living simply lowers your stress level, improves your health and allows you to focus on what's important.
| A．Changed values. |
| B．Ever lasting happiness. |
| C．So it's not easy to earn more free time. |
| D．Keep only the items you need, use or enjoy. |
| E．We do this in order to make a clean, fresh start in the new year. |
| F．These days it seems that many people are trying to live with less. |
| G．The good news is you don't have to wait for a holiday to start living simply. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Yesterday my older neighbor, who takes care of part of our garden with great difficulty and efforts, was in deep shock. Obviously，my cats had left droppings (粪便) in his perfect flower beds.
Fortunately, my husband and I weren't at home when this happened，so he vented (发泄) his anger on my friend and neighbor, Katherine. She was kind enough to listen to him and to go down into the garden with him to have a look. She even took a picture!
When I got home, she had left a message on my answering machine about the incident. Having heard it was about my cats again, my stomach turned. Last year, he got so upset that he threatened to put rat traps on the roof，hoping that would warn me to keep my cats indoors. So I was a little worried.
However, I couldn't help but laugh when I heard Katherine tell me what the whole incident was all about. I understand gardening is important to my neighbor and that he keeps his garden perfect to comfort his soul.
So when I saw him in the garden days later, I went over to talk to him.
And the talk turned out to be quite nice. I was really surprised to find that I had the wisdom not to respond to his comments on my cats.
Instead, I had conversations with him about the beautiful flowers he had planted, the color combinations, and the care he took in creating such a sense of order. I tried to convey my understanding and appreciation without arguing or talking down to him.
I was really amazed how that talk turned out. We haven't had a conversation like that for over a year!
1. What do we know about the author's cats?| A．They ate the older neighbor's flowers. |
| B．They chased rats in older neighbor's house. |
| C．They left droppings in Katherine's garden. |
| D．They ruined the older neighbor's flower beds. |
| A．To stop the rats coming. |
| B．To show his concern for his neighbors. |
| C．To make the author mind her cats. |
| D．To express his appreciation to the author. |
| A．considerate and smart | B．sensitive and generous |
| C．creative and kind | D．friendly and enthusiastic |
| A．everyone should mind his own business |
| B．a wise conversation really makes sense |
| C．it is meaningful to argue with others |
| D．we need to take care of others’ pets |
【推荐2】All students have bad times. What do they usually do when they get into trouble?
My mom is like my friend. I talk about everything to her. Whenever I have some trouble, I can get good advice from her. I have another good friend — my diary. It knows all my secrets. Talking with my two friends always makes me feel better.
—— Linda
Laughing helps me when I’m upset. I usually watch funny movies and TV shows. I also love spending my hard time with my best friend Dave. He is humorous and always makes me laugh.
—— Peter
Every time I feel bad, I go climbing alone. The study says exercising can help cheer one up (精神振奋). And the beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes me forget all my troubles. Sometimes I shout at the mountain top. It feels fantastic.
—— John
1. Linda’s ________ knows all her secrets.| A．sister | B．teacher | C．diary | D．computer |
| A．quiet | B．funny | C．careful | D．serious |
| A．goes climbing | B．watches movies |
| C．talks with his friends | D．reads books |
| A．Linda often asks her teacher for advice. |
| B．Dave often helps Peter with his homework. |
| C．John likes climbing mountains with his friends. |
| D．Exercising can help people feel good. |
【推荐3】$1150 a month - Bright room on 18th Avenue
Our roommate is moving and we're looking for someone to fill her spot. Move-in date is April 15. We are looking for someone responsible who can appreciate a friendly relaxed household. Common areas must be cleaned on a regular basis and we all take turns with house cleaning.
About us
You'll be sharing the house with a young female professional and a couple with healthy lifestyles who works with a game publishing company. We're clean and considerate and respect one another's privacy. The environment is quiet.
Your room
It is a clean room that gets plenty of sunlight. With wooden floors and a good size closet (壁橱). It is very quiet.
Location
Convenient access to restaurants, banks, parks & shops. 10 minutes to SFSU. 4 blocks to L train, 28 & 45 Bus line. Quiet resident area. Easy street parking (街边停车).
House
There are well equipped kitchen, sunroom, big-screen TV, onsite washer and dryer. Separate bathroom. The house features a large elegant living room with fireplace perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Everything is here ... pot, pans, plates & cups. Nice and big backyard. All you need is the stuff (物品) for your room.
Move-in requirement
One month rent and one month deposit (保证金) plus $350 security deposit. Total move-in cost is $2450. We first require a 6-month lease (租期) then month to month.
Please reply by email to "sunnyhouse" to schedule a viewing. Please tell us something about yourself together with your photo. We are available to show the room weeknights from 7:20pm-8:00pm. Some weekday viewing can be arranged and scheduled. Please bring personal references and proof of income. Must be able to pay rent on time. Please bring a copy of your ID card for reference.
No Smoking
No Drugs
No Pets
No overnight guests
1. How much is one month deposit of the room?| A．$1150 | B．$2300 |
| C．$950 | D．$2450 |
| A．You can move into the room on April 10. |
| B．You can get your friend sleep in the room. |
| C．You need not to clean the house. |
| D．You can schedule a viewing by email. |
?| A．unfurnished. | B．dirty |
| C．quiet | D．inconvenient |
