Sunshiney Side Up!

karenpanna — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:31:57 -0800

Sunshine-y Side Up! (Japanese Version)

During my time in Japan, I have taken to writing blogs both in English and In Japanese. This is the link to the Japanese version of this site. The content is slightly different, but the SNS (Ameba) is one of my favorite Japanese sites.

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:32:36 -0800

Broward County Red Cross :: Training Courses

Location: The Broward County Chapter of The Red Cross

Type: Education, Training, and Certification (Public Health and Safety)

Many courses are available, but as to be expected many of them are for those with ties to the medical profession (EMTs, Nurses, Caregivers, etc). In Florida, there are many hurricanes each year, and my Girl Scout survival skills are rather weak. I figured its time for a refresher course (or two).

Aquatics Courses: water rescue and lifeguard training (will require being in far better shape and working on that tan first)
First Aid/CPR/AED: Always handy in case of emergencies. Separate courses from the Life Guard Series
Family Care Courses: Babysitter Training, Safe Baby Prevention, and Pet First Aid? Not that any of the three are applicable for me in my present life, but I think they might be interesting to learn about in the event I decided to become a nanny or dog walker.

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:18:31 -0800

Broward County L.O.V.E. (Library Volunteers)

Share Your LOVE…

Of Books
Of Reading
Of Literacy
Of Learning

Volunteering at Broward County Library means giving the most precious gift of all - your time.

Volunteering is a chance to give something back to one of your community's most valuable resources, the library. Whether you want the chance to make a difference in someone's life, make friends and have fun, or earn valuable community service hours and professional experience, the library is a place where you can share your skills and better your world.

Place: Broward County Public Libraries
Slogan: Share Your Love! Library Opportunities to Volunteer and Educate

FOR ADULTS --------------------------------------------------------------------
Giving back to your community has never been easier, simpler, or more fun. There are myriad ways to help at Broward County Library - whatever your skills or interests, there's something for everyone.

Each One, Teach One: Making a real difference in someone's life doesn't just change them - it changes you. Each One, Teach One gives you the chance to teach an adult to read and/or write.

English Café: Like to chat? Volunteer at the English Café, a place where speakers of other languages can practice conversational English.

Events: Year-round, at all locations, Broward County Library offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational programs and events. Volunteers are always needed before, during, and after.

Administrative Offices: If you have a talent for organization, marketing, clerical work - anything office- related - put your skills to work in the library's administrative offices.

On Location: Your local library always needs help! Volunteer and shelve books, greet customers at the information desk, or give tours of the library.

Community Awareness: Help spread the word about your library - join Broward County Library's Volunteer Community Awareness Team and distribute library literature, help operate information booths at public events, and be an advocate for Broward County Library.

If possible, I would like to volunteer for the Administrative Office, On Location, or Event Staff. I am a bit burned out with teaching English (and with my experience, I'd rather charge), however, my interest has been piqued by the Each One, Teach One program. I think it might be something I'd enjoy doing.

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:19:39 -0800

Stroll for Well-Being: Garden Walks at The Morikami (Workshop)

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens :: Educational Workshop Series

Dates: January 20 to March 24, 2009

Cost: $100 (includes one year Origami membership; members $45)
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm (first and last meeting only)
Location: Main Museum and Gardens

Info: Participants will visit the Morikami Gardens for quiet contemplation as often as they wish over a 3-month period. A specially developed Journal, designed to enhance the experience, will be used as a guide and a means to record personal thoughts through the 12 themed garden strolls. A meeting with the Journal's author, who will provide explanation about the program, precedes the first walk and ends the series of walks to discuss participants' experiences

When I was a university student, I used to hold a student membership for the Morikami Museum in Boca Raton, Florida. Though it was a far drive from school, I sometimes went there when I visited my parents in South Florida. It's one of my favorite places in south Florida because it feels like a completely different world.

karenpanna — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:11:35 -0800

Women's International Film Festival

from the WIFF Homepage:

Film, Fashion, Fabulous! Shaping The Images of Women Globally

Welcome to the official site of the 4th Annual Women's International Film & Arts Festival-Miami from February 6-14, 2009. Join us as we celebrate Women’s Dreams, Visions & Voices with eight days of films, art, fashion shows, workshops, parties and much more.

Meet and greet the directors, actors, distributors, designers, stylists and other industry leaders. And new for 2009 – our celebration of an often neglected part of the industry – Fashion. Since wardrobe design was historically the vehicle for women to enter the film industry, WIFF will be playing homage to the many women who have shaped the images of how women look in the movies and on the red carpet. And don’t forget The 2009 WIFF Family Fun Fest. It’s a special treat for parents who’d like to spend a fun-filled day out with the kids - films, bounce houses and lots of entertainment will be on hand for the entire family. Don’t miss it. Then, as the afternoon grows into evening, we’ll present a special musical concert planned for us all to sing, dance and celebrate life. So mark your calendars and keep visiting this website as more information becomes available!

I really, really want to participate in this event either as a staff member or simply attending. I'll have to see about obtaining membership when I return home.