Susie’s Problem Page
Susie’s Problem Page
Sergey has a problem:
“My wife can’t stop smoking…”
Dear Sergey,
In reply to your letter I decided to write some
helpful lines. It will be only your matter, if you will reject my point of
view, my resolve of a problem.
I think every person had or has a problem (-s),
which’s better way to get rid off will be listening to the thoughts of others,
sometimes, who even coped with these difficulties. In your situation it is
better to get know the reasons, prompted and caused your wife to start smoking.
It may be anything you haven’t ever expected. In the most cases, when people
began doing this, they are having lots of, again, problems, at work for
example, in which they are possibly wallowed. It is naturally nowadays.
Perhaps, she must be always upset because of her complexes, if she is having
such. However, it is possible to be the other way round – she notices any
dislikes and oddities at your side, in you. Try to find out all that you have
missed in your relationships. Learn each other more in details. Don’t worry
about crushing your private life of your frequent talks with her. At all times
think about good things, good endings, in spite of hard and incredible
beginnings.
So, don’t be sad – better be in high spirits. Believe
in yourself. And you will made all that you want, you will convince her of
anything, concretely of a harmfulness of smoking. Not only you are having such
problem. Good luck!
Take care,
Susie.
***
Kudruküla 18-7
Narva-Jõesuu 29052
Estonia
23 April 2002
Dear Susie,
I have heard that you are the best psychologist in our
region. That is why I decided to appeal to your help in solving my dreadful, if
it can be called so, problem.
This consists in my wife’s new habits, her strange
behaviour last time. She works full-day boring job in the travel agency, placed
in New York. As for me, it is the same. I come home very tired, being worn out.
Not long ago I began to notice some smell coming from her clothes, and herself.
After couple of days I understood that it was smoke from cigarettes. It was
like a stab in the back to me, because she was the only woman in our family
tree, who started smoking. No one even doesn’t want or think of get going to
smoke, at a very simple reason of harm to the health. One evening we sat and
talked to each other about this. I told wife my opinion on the subject of
smoking and she seemed to be in a very bad state, often refusing topic of our
discussion.
I do not want to run her over, and would like to get
your advice, what could be made in this situation. From one side this is a very
simple and silly difficulty, however I might easily ruin our personal life with
my spouse, if I will be pressing on her hidden feelings more. I ask for you
help. Write to me, please, as soon as possible. I will be waiting impatiently
for the reply.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev.
***
Letter of Enquiry
20 October, 2003
Dear Mr. Ivor Dixon
With reference to an advertisement published in the
magazine, I write to you to get more information concerning Acorn Activities
camp.
I have two children aged 12 and 14, they are fond of
swimming and photography. I want to know if there are qualified instructors to
teach my sons to swim. Is there the necessity of own equipment, when my boys
will take the photographs.
I saw your address in the magazine, however it will be
grateful if you tell me where exactly camp is situated: forest, countryside?
Also, are there any age restrictions? Do your holiday activities available in
August and how many of free places there will be left then? And the last: do I
have to pay you some money in advance?
Thanks you for the help. I look forward to your reply.
With respect,
Sergey Golubev.
***
A Letter
2 November, 2003
Dear Teddy,
It was very glad to receive a letter from you last
week. You have written that you are now interested in music from different
countries, as you will have a work next month on music classes by this topic.
So, let me help you, with the description of our native Estonian music.
Looking back to the history, you know, never before
have Estonian music and Estonian musicians enjoyed as much international
popularity as they do today. During fifty years of Soviet occupation Estonian
arts (and music) existed largely in separation. The first appearance of
Estonian music on the international scene after WWII did not occur until 1960,
when Eino Tamberg’s ballet “The Ballet-Symphony” premiered at the State Theatre
of Schwerin.
The progress of Estonian music becomes evident when we
look at the fairly successful performance of Estonian composers at the
International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. Thus, John, you may see how
Estonian music has established steady development since the second half of the
decade.
The following names are internationally known and
respected in the world of classics - Rudolf Tobias, Arvo Pärt, Veljo
Tormis, Lepo Sumera, Erki-Sven Tüür… We have different schools of
music with their particular ways of development. But in addition to that, we
have the local pop culture. However, it suffers from the favourite complaint of
cultural life in Estonia — there are too few of us. Of course, that’s a pity
for us!
Talking about our modern pop and rock bands, I would
say that their popularity is growing. For instance, our best singers several
times won European Song Contest (Eurovision) – this is a whole country
possession, we are proud of these people, it’s a great pleasure to be a winner!
From my point of view, you will definitely like our
music, because, at first it seems to be easy-listening for everyone and quite
dynamic.
That is all at the moment. How are you doing? How is
your little brother? Remember me to your lovely relatives. Hope to get a reply
from you soon.
Best wishes,
Sergey.
***
Letter
February 8, 2004
Dr. Mr. Ericsson
Thank you for the letter. It is really a pleasure that
you are willing to help me. As you already know I am a local historian writing
the research work on the life in my town in the past. I am writing to you in
order to ask about getting an interview from you. I want to collect as much
information as it is possible.
I would be grateful if we could set up an appointment.
It is the best way to do it if the meeting will be held at your apartments.
This is for the reason that I want to ask you to show me some old photo albums
or newspapers if these great evidences of the past time are still present.
Also, do you keep in touch with your old school friends? Because, as a matter
of fact, I want many people to get questioned to fulfill my work with lots of
data. Do you mind taking a picture of you for the history? It will be
definitely good if you allow me to look at your family tree.
I would like to thank you again for your assist. Will
you be free on next Monday at 3 p.m. Either suggest another date and time for
the meeting. I look forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Tiit Tamm
Informal Letter
November 19, 2003
Hello Peter,
It was very glad to receive a letter from you. Thanks
very much. I’m writing a reply, having some favor to ask of you. I believe Pete
won’t refuse his buddy.
I have got such a situation. My old friend, who lives
in Oxford, as well as you do, has invited me to his wedding. However there’s
some problem persists – I have no place to stay in during this wonderful event,
because my John’s house is going to be fully occupied; all his numerous
relatives are coming “to the party”.
I have had an idea to ask you to put me up a couple of
days in your apartment, of course if you can. Will it be possible? I’m coming
there next Monday, so by the evening I will reach my destination then. I will
not stay for too long, disturbing you. I know that you have much work to do as
it is. Thus, don’t worry. Be happy! :)
That’s all I think. Remember me to every one of your
great family. I’ll phone you to discuss all the things in the details a.s.a.p.
Thank you again in advance.
Best wishes,
Woody Pecker.
***
Informal Letter
3 October, 2003
Dear John,
Thank you for the letter, you have written me
recently. I was very pleased to get it from you. You asked me of my activity
holiday at the camp I was to last week.
So, our camp, named Acorn Activity camp, is located in
Hereford. Marvelous place! I got there on the 22nd of September. We
were settled down in small houses, very well equipped and cosy, from my point
of view. Our group consisted of nearly 20 members. Very good guys, I liked them
all for their friendliness and devotion. They will come to your help any time –
that’s the company!
We all were fed 3 times a day with a very tasty food:
there were porridge, soups, meat and potatoes, different kinds of salads and
much more “delicious dishes”.
We had a lot of different activities, like swimming,
riding a horse, drawing, photography, glass making and others. I have improved
my skills at doing so many awesome things.
I had a really good time at the camp. Being full of
impressions I have decided to attach a few photos of my exciting “trip”.
That is all the news for now. Write back a.s.a.p.!
Wish to see you next Sunday on my birthday party.
Luck,
Tiit Elk.
Enc.
***
Formal Letter
Sergey Golubev
Kudruküla 18-9
Narva-Jõesuu 23022
Estonia
To Whom It May Concern
May 5, 2004
Dear Sir or Madam
I have heard that it is in your company’s plans to
build a sports centre in our region in a little while. Thus, I am writing to
you to make some suggestions concerning the facilities which, from my point of
view, would be most popular.
Indeed, this is really a great idea to construct such
a wonderful place, where people could have a rest from their everyday routine.
In your centre I would like to see a swimming pool combined with Jacuzzi,
weight training gym with all the equipment, and if it would be possible a
squash hall.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity you gave me
to express my opinion. I look forward to visit your sports centre as soon as it
will be opened.
Best wishes
Sergey Golubev
***
Task:
The rate of crime in your town has gone up
dramatically recently. You are worried about security of your home. Write a
letter to a local security company asking some practical advice about measures
you could take against burglars, vandals and intruders and means of personal
safety.
(90-120 words)
Letter
Kudruküla 13-8
29027 Narva-Jõesuu
Estonia
Falck Ida-Eesti
Rakvere 16,
41532 Jõhvi
Estonia
May 12, 2004
Dear Sir or Madam
I decided to write to your office in order to ask for
some advice from your specialists. I am a businessman and I have become worried
about the security of my home.
By the news of mass media, the rate of crime in our
town has gone up considerably recently. I know that none of the security
systems can guarantee absolute safety. However, I heard that you install
excellent alarm systems that can take all the rooms in a house under the
control. Could you recommend me any other measures against burglars, vandals
and intruders, and means of personal safety?
I am looking forward to hearing any suggestion from
you, and I believe that under your protection my family will be as behind a stone
wall.
Yours faithfully
Tiit Elk
***
Task:
As Student Union Officer you are going to organize a
contribution of things (e.g. clothes, toys, books, etc.) to help a local
charity organization. Write a letter to the local orphanage offering your help
and asking what they need. Describe some details of your campaign.
(90-120 words)
Letter
Kudruküla 13-8
Narva-Jõesuu 29027
Estonia
To Whom It May Concern
[local orphanage]
Dear Sir or Madam
As being Student Union Officer, I would like to make a
contribution to your orphanage on behalf of our organization. This decision was
made by our group in order to help our local charity organization.
Our campaign’s fund came from international
contributions and is supported by many charity organizations all over the
world. In our plans there were quality clothes, good toys and interesting books
to send in a contribution for boys and girls. However, we would like to know
what your necessities exactly are. It might be that you need a computer for
further children development.
Our Student Union is looking forward to hearing from
you as soon as possible. We will try our best in helping you!
Yours faithfully
Tiit Elk
***
Applying For a Job
(sent by e-mail)
Mr. Poll Allen,
(to the chief software architect)
Young man, aged 25, wants to apply for a well-paid
job. I have a good work experience and long length of service, specializing on
info technology field. My knowledge on this specialty is based on a high-level
programming, as the same, as a low-level programming on a great variety of
languages, like C++ (C# is also familiar), Java and Visual Basic. This time I’m
practicing Web-programming, including search engine database organizing software
development on Visual FoxPro and dBase programming languages. At the present
time I’m studying in Infotechnology faculty’s third year of Tartu University
and have graduated from Narva Humanitarian Gymnasium in 2005. I’m having good
relations with my professors and course-mates, where my communication skills
take place. Working with Your Company I commit myself to be honest, hard
working and reliable. You can completely trust my skills and my work. As
necessary I will acquire my knowledge on Your requests. I will be waiting for
Your answer either by e-mail or by post (address is enclosed on the backside of
a letter) and will be glad to have mutually beneficial dealings.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev.
2/8/2002
***
September 11, 2001 - Please help!
“Together, with a lot of support along the way, the
families are getting through it. The healing is more evident each week.”
Dear Sir or Madam:
We would like to express our shock and commiseration
to everyone impacted by the horror initiated in the US by the worst terrorism
attacks ever on US soil September 11th, 2001. Please think about the victims,
their families and every effort, especially by all heroic helpers in the
destruction areas and donate to these organizations. We would like to express
our deepest hope that the world can co-exist in peace instead of hate, horror
and terror as demonstrated by the attacks that day. Help!
There is way too much suffering in this world. We at
SGFund© are dedicated to provide easy ways to help for anyone who
might feel like it. Have you thought about helping anyone today? Imagine what a
little contribution from you could do to a starving child or a family that lost
a mom or dad. Then imagine what a little help from all of us could do to the
world...Thank you!
SGFund© works by making donations to
nonprofit organizations and agencies with the knowledge to meet a wide range of
needs quickly. The Fund supports organizations and agencies that provide cash
assistance, job training and placement, and other services for sufferers,
families, and others directly affected. It also makes grants to aid
noncommercial and small businesses as they help communities rebuild.
In the first six months our successes and
achievements:
More than 16,000 people received free counseling –
including rescue workers, surviving family members including children who lost
a parent, and evacuees
More than 2,000 people, including pregnant mothers,
rescue workers and day laborers who may have been exposed to toxins, received
specialized medical care
More than 3,000 people received free legal advice, to
help them with wills and estates, custody issues, landlord-tenant disputes and
other problems
More than 17,000 unemployed workers received
information about jobs
More than 4.3 million pounds of food and supplies were
delivered to workers at Ground Zero
More than 343,000 hot meals were served to rescue
workers
Nearly 8,000 volunteers participated in the recovery
effort
Hundreds of small businesses and nonprofits were able
to rebuild and retain jobs
Please, support the victims’ families and the ongoing
effort to support. Contact our Support Hotline by the phone 1-372-775-300 or
using our mailing address, shown on the backside of this appeal list.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev
Service coordinator