Weekend Get-away

renewed her contract

She renewed her contract, so this is her third year.

To 'renew a contract' is to sign a paper saying that you will continue with a job or a service.  Notice the following:

1. I have to renew my contract next January.
   
2. Does she plan to renew her contract?
   

Karaoke bar

Have you been to any karaoke bars here?

A 'karaoke bar' is a place where you can sing along to popular songs using a microphone.  Sometimes this is in front of a crowd of strangers or sometimes in a private room with your friends.  Notice the following:

1. It isn't fun to live next to a karaoke bar.
   
2. They go to the karaoke bar once a month.
   

not too great

My Japanese is not too great.

If something is 'not too great' it means it is not good or that it is bad.  Notice the following:

1. My apartment is not too great, but the location is incredible.
   
2. The road is not too great during the winter.
   

Thanksgiving celebration

We're going to have a Thanksgiving celebration on Sunday.

A 'Thanksgiving celebration' is an American tradition where people eat turkey, potatoes and pies.  It happens in November so there is usually a football game on for entertainment.  Notice the following:

1. Thanksgiving is my favorite family holiday celebration.
   
2. This will be his first Thanksgiving celebration ever in the United States.