
This is a Sansa Clip. It has 1GB of flash memory and is about the same size of a matchbox. A small matchbox. It has an easy-to-read 4-line display as well as a gym-worthy clip that can stay attached to your clothing through all but the most vigorous exercise. And it costs $35, on average about $10 less than the iPod shuffle, which does not have a screen.
Mine just came in the mail two days ago.
Having a small, cheap, MP3 player with flash memory (make sure it has flash memory), opens up all sorts of possibilities. Flash memory essentially means “no moving parts,” which means that you can jostle them around and it won’t be a problem. The classic iPod, and many other players have actual hard drives that can fall apart if you do a little jogging with them in your pocket. I should know, I’ve gone through 3 iPods that way.
Anyways, the iPod Shuffle and Nano both have flash memory, so you may want to get one of those if you have a lot of iTunes music. Otherwise get the Sansa Clip. Anyways, on to the possibilities.
Think about all the times during your day when you’re just standing around waiting. I’m talking about small windows, like waiting for your car to fill up with gas or waiting for a bus or carpool to arrive. Waiting to get your haircut. Life is full of these small windows of waiting, and you can take advantage of them.
Just keep your MP3 player with you all the time. Whenever you come across a moment when you’re going to have to wait for a few minutes, take out your MP3 player and listen to a Japanese song or two. And really listen. Try to figure out what they’re saying.
For example, when I’m on my lunch break, I usually walk to a pizza place or a Jimmy John’s that are both a few blocks away. I used to just waste that time, but now I can squeeze in a Japanese song or two. Not only does it make the walk more interesting, but it helps me do my daily studying. And if there’s one thing that’s good for Japanese, it’s repetition.
And then you’re done. When you’re done waiting, you stop listening. Then you get in another couple minutes later on. It just adds up.
It may not seem time-effective to reach into your pocket and get your headphones on for only a few minutes of listening, and it probably won’t be at first. But when it becomes a habit, and when you get some headphones that won’t get tangled up, you’ll wonder what you ever did before.
And that’s only the beginning. Your MP3 player should become an extension of yourself, like your wallet, your watch, or your cell phone. Just bring it with you wherever you go. Having a small player makes this quite easy. You can just keep it in your breast pocket, or clip it to your belt line, then just use it when you can.
Listen while you work out. Listen while you do the dishes. Listen while you smoke a cigarette. Listen while you poo (oh no he didn’t!).
Oh yes he did. Turn this into a positive habit. I mean, if it’s socially acceptable to leave just about any situation to go outside and smoke a cigarette, why would it be wrong to practice your Japanese?
If people ask, tell them what you’re doing. Tell them why. Tell them you have to learn Japanese. You’ll be surprised how impressed people will be.
This is the kind of thing Japanese for Overworked People is all about. Making positive study habits that are fun, and easy to keep. Things that are fast, and that you can do on the go.
At LEAST give it a try. If you’re not completely satisfied within our 7 day trial then… I don’t know, leave me a comment.
But this is good, real good.
Learn, learn, learn.
And buy a Sansa Clip here.
