I’m glad the summer is coming to an end. We’re still having a few scorching days (90 degrees and above), but it’s summer’s last stand, I suppose. Then things calm down a bit and weather in the 60- 70 degree range takes over for a while. Good. I’m tired of the air conditioners and feeling like a limp dish rag. And I’m looking forward to some new fall endeavors.
I’m back volunteering at the library system. I’ve been there most Fridays ( for 2 and 1/2 hours ) since the beginning of July, helping with their literacy program by processing books for kids in social service custody. More recently I’ve worked with the system’s database to edit volunteers’ info and add new volunteers to the database. And the coordinator of the literacy program will have me come in another day each week to help with some of the PR stuff (phone calls, appointments, etc.) The last piece of the library volunteer puzzle is resuming my role as an English conversation group leader. It’s fun and helpful for foreign-born patrons to practice talking in a casual setting. Almost more like a weekly club to meet other immigrants and converse. I did this for several months in the beginning of this year until working and volunteering flattened me.
I like the whole volunteering premise. There is not so much pressure to be well and “on.” Somehow, with this notion, it makes it easier for me to schlep myself in to volunteer . I admit that I don’t have a ton of hours: less than 10 a week. But as my therapist once said, sometimes it’s important to thoughtfully build up a routine that will have a chance of lasting. So I’ll see what I’m capable of in the coming months. One of the ironies in my life right now is that I got accepted into an online library science program through San Jose State University in July. I’ve taken a non-matriculated class already, and 6 months ago this news of acceptance would have thrilled me, but since I am currently in work limboland, I’ll just wait until this winter and decide whether to pursue something that might not come to pass.
I would like to do some more work with my MS Society chapter. I’ve volunteered at their walk and bike events, but I’d like to be more closely involved with MS patient support. The nearest location is sort of a hike, but maybe there is something I can do from home. That’s the beauty of computer technology.
My last addition is to get to a yoga class, which I’ve been dodging for a while now. I guess I’m a little fearful of falling, since my balance is for shit. So I need to bolster myself up and just go. And Nadja has told me that yoga is great for MS. I keep reading this in MS books, too.
So I’m really just thinking out loud, but I have an easier time seeing things through if I write them down or tell them to someone like you.
