1. Is it natural to say: The wound has been swollen for the past few days, but it's calmed down today. OR but the swelling has gone down today. 2. Can I say 'The swelling went down today'? Is it okay to use the past tense with 'today'?

I watched Netflix show MAID and it's my favorite of what I've been recently watched. Some other people said the mood of the show was dreadful and miserable, but I didn't think so, rather hopeful, warm and positive. The protagonist never gives up to strive for her life and even when she lose herself people around her give her change to overcome it. It was also good that the show doesn't deal with character with gaze of compassion nor awe, rather like story of normal people around us who fight for their lives and family.

My back hurts because I kept playing guitar with bending down.

I always wanted to raise a cat. Back in the day when I was in school, I would have done that if I have been financially free. But now I still can't because of a diffrent problem. If I was more clean, organized person, I would definitely have a cat. Sometimes I think I should've just adopted street cat without thinking too much. However, I know I couldn't have done that because you should be ready to be a good guardian for a pet. p.s. This story is a fiction :D

Actually I'm thunking about living in Canada before my working holiday available age is passed. I want to pratice my English in daily life and with natives there. Adding to that, I heard Canadian people are kind and less discriminating to Asians. England will be also a great option because I find the culture interesting, but I'm worried about the high living price. If I don't need to care about language learning I would choose Germany maybe. I can tell Berlin is super attractive city becauae I have stayed there for a week. To conclude, Canada is my primary option anyway, considering language and life there!

I just enjoy walking on foot in most case to come across new things. When I use transportation, I usually prefer to take trains to move to another city! I take bus and subways too, but in my experience they were confusing to use or even can be smelling and crowded depending on the city. Train is clean, fast and functual in most case, and sometimes you can meet a new person who sit next to you.

conditional grammer "Now that I think, I kinda wish we just booked a hotel a little outside of city centre. In that case, we wouldn't have to meet rude staff and stuff." This is from youtube channel I was watching and I'm curious it's correct expression. (The speaker isn't native) I think it should be maybe 'have booked' and 'wouldn't have had to' because it's situation in past, I don't know. And let me know if there is anything unnatural.

new words practice 1. Thank you for stepping up to the plate. You are only volunteer for the speech. 2. I like proggy rock because it generally has many sound layers. 3. after a lot of strife, I finally finished my essay. 4. I'm working on streamlining my English learning routine. 5. I review my word card everyday. That's my English regimen. 6. he has inordinate talent I can't even guess the limit. 7. I think you go over your note before you take the exam tomorrow. 8. I often run into problems when I learn how to graphic design. 9. I want to be at least halfway decent at playing guitar. 10. Can we circle back to the first topic we discussed?

'be going to' vs 'will' (A talking about visiting his friend B's home) A: I'm sorry, but I think I can't go today. I'll visit tomorrow. B: No, you'd better not. Forecast said it's gonna rain tomorrow