It is thought that in one lifetime we experience 100’s of different feelings. Some positive and some negative, and some neither happy nor sad. It is also alleged that we are born either naturally positive or naturally negative: as the old saying suggests: some people see the glass half full and some half empty.
I personally, think it depends on what is in the glass. However, whatever your point of view is, emotions are very changeable. You can be over the moon when something fantastic happens and then down in the dumps five seconds later. Furthermore, you can feel passion and hatred simultaneously. Unfortunately for me, this is what my ex-boyfriend thought about me.
VOCABULARY CHALLENGES
VOCABULARY ACTIVITY ONE:
How do you feel?
Think of different situations which make you feel: sad, fed up, overjoyed, glum, gloomy, thrilled, excited, cheerful, shocked, annoyed, to be full of beans, to have ants in your pants, angry, grateful, thoughtful….
For example: Janette usually feels these emotions in these situations:
- England playing football: Disgusted, gloomy, depressed, to be down in the dumps
- Drinking beer, eating junk food and playing pool: Overjoyed, excited, to be over the moon, to be on cloud nine
- Going shopping and doing my accounts: Glum, bored, irritated, annoyed, frustrated
Want to learn more vocabulary connected to emotions? Yes, sure, why not? Click here: Adjectives _Emotions
VOCABULARY ACTIVITY TWO:
Look at these pictures, how do they make you feel?
READING CHALLENGES
READING CHALLENGE ONE:
To Feel Cheesed Off -There’s No Place Like Ikea!
At the beginning of the brilliant film, The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s house falls on the Wicked Witch of the East and kills her. At the end of my shopping trip to Ikea on Saturday, a huge brown sofa-bed fell on me. No, it didn’t kill me, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience. My little feet and hands were wafting around and I looked like a squashed cockroach. Luckily I wasn’t injured, but I was very cheesed off and annoyed because nobody came to rescue me. There were no helpful shop assistants, no singing munchkins and no Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Dorothy got a pair of ruby slippers and I got a huge headache and a gigantic bill. Did I say I was cheesed off!? Let me say it again………..
On a brighter note, I was over the moon to see and hear some Tunas in Málaga. I’ve recently been told about these singers, and fancy that, in the same week I saw some. Viva Málaga!! Did I say they were brilliant, even better, two were as drunk as skunks. VIVA, VIVA, VIVA Málaga!
READING CHALLENGE TWO:
Developing Emotional Awareness
It is said that emotions are the glue that connects you to other people and gives meaning to life. They are the foundation of your ability to understand yourself and relate to others.
When you are aware and in control of your emotions, you can think clearly and creatively; manage stress and challenges; communicate well with others; and display trust, sympathy, and confidence. But lose control of your emotions, and you’ll spin into confusion, isolation, and negativity. By recognizing and harnessing your emotions you can gain control over the way you react to challenges, improve your communication skills, and enjoy more fulfilling relationships.
What are your feelings? Do you think we should all develop better emotional intelligence?
I’m not really sure as there are definite advantages of sometimes completely losing the plot or losing yourself in the emotion. For example, it was completely satisfying when I had a massive argument with a friend and started throwing pots and pans at her, and no, I have no regrets about not managing my rage. Also, in my defense, she started the fight by hurling a frying pan at my head when I was asleep. Furthermore, if I had managed my emotions better, I would have never quit my job and moved to Spain. Moreover, some of the best songs ever written are the products of ‘uncensored emotion’.
READING CHALLENGE THREE
How are you feeling today? A new mood-measuring app can tell you.
OMG, I don’t believe it but it has recently been reported that a new app which can track your emotions is going to be launched on the market in 2014. This is a new mood-sensing app which will help people track their emotions and their emotional triggers so they can better handle their mood. So for example, imagine your blood is boiling and you are red with rage, you are about to explode and then suddenly your mobile sends you a text saying: ‘Chill out’. I don’t know about you but this would drive me insane. Who wants to be told to chill out when you’re raving mad?!
Want to find out more. Click here:
READING CHALLENGE FOUR
Do you feel anxious in a yellow room? Does the color blue make you feel calm and relaxed? Artists and interior designers have long understood how color can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions.
It is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and cause physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.
Why is color such a powerful force in our lives? What effects can it have on our bodies and minds?
Continue reading to further explore the history of color including how it’s used, the effects it may have, and some of the most recent research on color psychology.
LISTENING CHALLENGES
LISTENING CHALLENGE ONE To be tickled pink
For some reason I am always tickled pink when I watch The Muppets.
So, I know this video is completely stupid, but, I just can’t help myself.
LISTENING CHALLENGE TWO
Are you yellow, red, blue or teal?
Want to watch a video about the psychology of colour and personalities? Yes, sure!
Improve your English and learn something new at the same time.
Click here:
LISTENING CHALLENGE THREE
Nina Simone: I’m Feeling Good
Although ‘Feeling Good’ wasn’t written by Nina Simone her delivery of these lyrics is ‘ pure uncensored emotion’. If you have never heard of Nina Simone, you ought to check her out because in my opinion she has one of the most heart-wrenching voices and has the ability to change your emotions in a nanosecond.
SPEAKING CHALLENGE
Can you answer the following questions?
- What are you usually embarrassed by?
- What makes you fed up?
- What are you concerned about?
- Are you scared of anything?
- When was the last time you were angry with someone?
- When was the last time you were nervous about something?
WRITING CHALLENGES
WRITING ACTIVITY ONE:
WHAT GETS ON YOUR NERVES?
Imagine you have seen this announcement in a local magazine
The sad fact of life is that some people have really annoying habits, and, some things just drive you mental. We want to know what habits really get on your nerves. What things send you round the bend? What behaviour drives you cream crackers?
To give you some inspiration, this is what our editor said:
- Back seat drivers
- Slow drivers
- Cyclists
- Kissing in public
- Dog owners that don’t scoop the poop
- Computer emotions
- Incomprehensible text messages
- Marmite
- Ryanair
- Moustaches
Please respond by writing your Top 5 on a post card:
WRITING ACTIVITY TWO:
WHAT GETS YOU ON YOUR FEET?
Imagine you have seen this announcement in a local music magazine
‘It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing’ What makes you swing those hips, tap your feet and jiggle your shoulders? We’re interested in compiling a collection of cool songs that get the general public rocking their groove on.
Post your top 3 to create the playlist of the year.
Interestingly, Janette’s track for the Summer of 2013 was recommended by a client. Thanks Jose! I’ve been getting my groove on all summer with Daft Punk – Get Lucky. However, truth be told, I’ve not been lucky so far.
WRITING ACTIVITY THREE:
WHAT FOOD FILLS YOU WITH JOY?
Imagine you have seen this announcement in a local food magazine
‘Some food gives you energy, some food makes you put on weight, but what food fills you with joy?
Please respond by posting your Top 5
Janette’s TOP 5 are:
- Cucumber on soda bread with black pepper
- Cinnamon and raisin bagels with brie, tomatoes and chives
- Carrot Cake with a cream cheese topping
- Felafel with humus and pickled red cabbage
- Baba Ganosh with pita bread and roasted red and yellow peppers
Inglés Málaga 
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