英语访谈对话 484 The Gift

 　　Todd: So, Ruthie, what did you do today?

　　Ruth: Well, I got up quite early this morning, actually, to go shopping.
　　Todd: Oh, yeah! (Yeah) Ooh, shopping.
　　Ruth: I really like shopping.
　　Todd: That's true but you're on a budget. You're trying to save money.
　　Ruth: I know, but is was my brother's birthday. Well, it is my brother's birthday in a week so.
　　Todd: Oh, no kidding.
　　Ruth: Yeah.
　　Todd: So, what did you get your brother for his birthday?
　　Ruth: Well, it was quite difficult to find something that I thought he would like, but I got him some cakes in the end, some Japanese cakes.
　　Todd: Japanese cakes?
　　Ruth: Yeah, they're in like a special presentation 1 box.
　　Todd: So, how are you going to get the cakes to your brother? Just through the post office?
　　Ruth: Yes, I sent them in the post this morning.
　　Todd: Oh, did you send them express or just regular mail?
　　Ruth: No, regular mail because it was cheaper.
　　Todd: But, don't you want it to hurry and get there for his birthday?
　　Ruth: I've got one week. I think it will get there in time.
　　Todd: So, what do you think you're brother will think of the cakes?
　　Ruth: I don't think he'll like them actually.
　　Todd: No?
　　Ruth: Well, he likes chocolate cake, and they look like they've got kind of chocolate inside but it's bean paste 2. I think he'll be disappointed 3.
　　Todd: So what did you brother get you for your last birthday?
　　Ruth: That's a good question. He always gives me money, and he often gives me chocolate as well. He's very generous 4.
　　Todd: Actually, I'm the same way. Guys like to give money. Money is so easy. No shopping involved.
　　Ruth: It's practical 5, though, it's good.
　　Todd: Now, I've been told that when you give money for a gift, it's actually very impolite 6.
　　Ruth: Really?
　　Todd: Is that true? Yeah!
　　Ruth: Why is that?
　　Todd: I don't know. Some people say it's just really impersonal 7. That you should take the time to get a gift.
　　Ruth: Really! I really think if anybody gave me money I would be so pleased. It's a good present.
　　Todd: Exactly, that's what I think. (Pause) Hey, um, actually, when are you going to see your brother next?
　　Ruth: Probably, I will see him in August of September.
　　Todd: Oh, that's quite a ways away.
　　Ruth: Yes, about four months is that.
　　Todd: So is this a younger brother or older brother?
　　Ruth: He's older. He's twenty-six.
　　Todd: Oh, he's twenty six.
　　Ruth: He's going to be twenty-six soon.
　　Todd: Ok, well, if you happen to e-mail him, tell him happy birthday.
　　Ruth: Oh, certainly will do. Thanks.