Real English Seventeen and Eighteen- Take (something) for granted/Boston Strong

Today is the last day of the Golden Week Vacation. According to this morning's news, the airports and highways and trains are all packed with people returning to their homes.  I don't even want to imagine how crowded it is...

For me, well...the past two or so weeks have been quite hectic.  To say the least, this year's GW Vacation will be one that I will never forget.

First, Real English Seventeen, "Take (something) for granted."

We all take many things, for example health, family, friends, work, "normal time", for granted.  This means that we think that these things will always be here, and don't take time to be thankful for them in our everyday lives.

I learned recently that you shouldn't take anything for granted.

So my words of advice for today are:

Don't take anything for granted!

(Because it could be gone tomorrow...)

Take a moment and be thankful you, and your family and friends, are healthy.

Tell your family and friends that they are special to you and you love them and you are grateful for their support and friendship.

Remember you are lucky to have a job!  (Even if it may not be the ideal job or job of your dreams!)

And appreciate the "normal time" that you have doing nothing, relaxing, exercising, taking a bath, watching a movie, listening to music, etc.

Second, Real English Eighteen-"Boston Strong!"

This phrase caught on after the bombings.  This phrase is a rallying call for all of the people in Boston.  It is meant to remind them to join together and fight and under no circumstances let this thing beat them because they are stronger than that.

When you are in a pinch, in other words in a bad situation, you can use "(something/someone) strong!" for you, or your family or friends, or company.

For example, my father recently often says "Gross Strong!"

Some other meanings of "strong":

1.  He is a strong guy.

2.  My coffee is too strong.

3.  Dinner was strong!

4.  In the past few months, the economy has been really strong.