Category Archives: volunteering

When to say “yes” and when to say “no”

Posted on January 18, 2018 by stillalife

The subheading for an article in this week’s New Yorker is, “What if self-improvement is making you worse?” This is related to a dilemma I’m experiencing now. Writer Alexandra Schwartz says that approaches to self-help change with the times and … Continue reading →

Posted in books and movies, changes after retirement, personal reflections, volunteering | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Japanese cultural immersion

Posted on April 23, 2013 by stillalife

The past few days I’ve been immersed in Japanese culture without leaving home. On Friday, Mexican and Spanish friends and I made sushi for a birthday celebration. (Birthday girl is absent, busy taking the photo.)  We couldn’t rise to the … Continue reading →

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Leaving our comfort zones

Posted on June 30, 2012 by stillalife

“Whatever scares you, do it. Now.” That advice comes from Ken Budd, author of the article, “New Adventures, New Risks, New You,” and of a memoir with an exceedingly long title that begins with The Voluntourist: A Six-Country Tale… Budd has had … Continue reading →

Posted in health, inspiration, personal reflections, volunteering | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The art of saying no

Posted on March 5, 2012 by stillalife

Last week I had three chances to say no and I didn’t take any of them. Most of the requests for my time have to do with writing articles or doing publicity. The first one came from a women’s group at … Continue reading →

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Sharing adult ideas with a preschool vocabulary

Posted on January 31, 2012 by stillalife

I don’t believe that people residing in a monolingual world appreciate how difficult it is to learn a new language, especially as an adult.  “Stress” was one of today’s topics for my monthly English conversation class.  Not surprisingly, carrying on … Continue reading →

Posted in travel, volunteering | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

A game to help adults learn English. Or not

Posted on November 21, 2011 by stillalife

Today we held Talk Time, a once-a-month group for adults from other countries who want to practice their English, which three of us lead at a local elementary school.  Apropos of the launching of the winter eating season, we opened with … Continue reading →

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What do I say after “Hello”?

Posted on October 24, 2011 by stillalife

Today, a friend and I began leading an informal English conversation group for parents at a local elementary school.   Most participants spoke Japanese as their first language and most had a similar level of fluency, that is, they could … Continue reading →

Posted in personal reflections, volunteering | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

A weapon of Muse destruction

Posted on September 22, 2011 by stillalife

Non-profit boards, agencies, churches and school systems all have their hooks baited to reel in the newly retired as volunteers.  Who can blame them?  Often we have time, money, a social conscience, and are used to…well, working.  Right now I … Continue reading →

Posted in volunteering | 1 Comment

Cross-cultural exchange is a gift

Posted on February 2, 2011 by stillalife

How do Asian students feel about receiving a hug when the occasion demands it (in our view)?  Is it offensive to open up a gift in front of the giver?  Are students uncomfortable about being called on in class?  Should … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, volunteering | 1 Comment

Cookies, chaos and connections

Posted on January 28, 2011 by stillalife

The ringing of a doorbell.  The sound of a beater creaming butter and sugar.  Orders shouted every few seconds muffling the cracking of the eggs.  “I need a spatula.” “Give me two more mixing bowls.”  “These have to be very, very … Continue reading →

Posted in friends and family, personal reflections, volunteering | Tagged , , | 2 Comments