elllo English Listening Lesson Library Online
Views #1376 | Intermediate B2

Living for Today

Sarah talks about things she wants to do in the future and why she lives in the now.

Adam: Hi Sarah.

Sarah: Hi.

Adam: Today we’re talking about bucket list. Things you want to do before you die. Do you have anything?

Sarah: Actually, no. I don’t have a bucket list. And the reason why is because I’ve already done or I’m currently doing the things that I want to do. In addition, I like to live in the now, so like the present, like what’s happening. So I really don’t think of the distant future very much, just like what’s in front of me.

For example, I’m going to Singapore soon, in about 10 days. And I’m really looking forward to that and the new adventure and things that I’ll get to do there.

Adam: What sort of things do you have in mind to explore in Singapore?

Sarah: First of all, swing dancing. My favorite kind of dance currently is Lindy hop swing dancing. And Singapore is one of the places in Asia that has several swing dance meet-up groups. So I look forward to dancing several of the nights while I’m there, but also trying all of the delicious food and just exploring a country that I’ve never been to.

Adam: Wow, great. What are some of the things that you have wanted to do in the past that you have accomplished already?

Sarah: I think living in foreign countries. I’ve already lived in two foreign countries and I plan on living in foreign countries probably the rest of my life. So that’s a big one. And I think just everyday things, like finishing college and getting two master’s degrees and being able to support myself. It’s all things that are important to me.

Adam: Yeah. Those are really great things. What are your two degrees in?

Sarah: My first degree is in teaching English to speakers of other languages. This degree allows me to be able to live in other countries and to teach English. And then my other degree is in global studies. So it’s like an inter-cultural degree where I learned about different cultures and religions.

Adam: That’s really great. Have you ever eaten anything exotic or had any really interesting experiences that most people might not have had when you’re traveling to these different places and fulfilling your goals?

Sarah: I’ve definitely eaten a lot of different things, most of which I’m not really sure what a lot of it was. The strangest probably – jellyfish, maybe. I’d also gotten a chance to ride a lot of different animals. I’ve ridden a camel, donkey, horse, elephant, and even an ostrich. So that’s pretty exciting.

Adam: Yeah. That’s really interesting. Have you done any other extreme activities?

Sarah: Yeah. I’ve been skydiving before. I’ve been volcano boarding. I’m trying to think what else I have done. I haven’t been bungee jumping. I think that’s probably one of the only ones that I haven’t done as of right now. But I really have no desire to do that one, so.

Adam: Wow. That’s great. You’ve lived a good life.

Answer these questions about the interview.
Audio Lessons about Phrases and Vocabulary

live in the now

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I like to live in the now.

When you live in the now, you do not think of the future very much. You enjoy the present. Notice the following:

  1. I try to live in the now.
  2. It's best to live in the now. Tomorrow never comes!

distant future

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I don't think of the distant future very much.

The distant future is far away in time. The immediate future, or near future, will happen soon. Notice the following:

  1. I have no plans for the distant future.
  2. I plan to get married in the distant future, but not right now.

have in mind

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What do you have in mind?

When you have something in mind, you are thinking about it. Notice the following:

  1. What do you have in mind for the party?
  2. I don't have anything in mind. You choose.

meet-up

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Asia has several swing dance meet-up groups.

A meet-up is a meeting, or a time and place people plan to get together. Notice the following:

  1. We have a meet-up tomorrow.
  2. When is the meet-up?

fulfill your goals

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You’re traveling and fulfilling your goals.

When you fulfill your goals, you achieve your goals. Notice the following:

  1. I hope to fulfill my goals.
  2. She has already fulfilled her goals.

have no desire

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I really have no desire to do that one.

When you have no desire to do something, you do not want to do it. Notice the following:

  1. I have no desire to work there.
  2. He has no desire to be president.

Vocabulary Quiz

in the now • distant • in mind
meet-up • fulfill • no desire
  1. What do you have for tomorrow?
  2. She has to move to New York.
  3. I try to live .
  4. He plans to buy a house in the future.
  5. Will you your dreams?
  6. What time is the tonight?

Related Lessons

1322 The Recovery
1375 Bucket List
Thing people would like to do in life.
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Video 1376
Where would you like to visit?
Speakers
Video 1375
What is on your bucket list?

Other Lessons


1322 The Recovery
1375 Bucket List
Thing people would like to do in life.

1322 The Recovery
1374 Dream Time
Sarah and Todd discuss having dreams.

1321 Car Smash Ups
1373 Sleeping Patterns
How much sleep do we need?

1320 Being Different
1372 His Dream House
Curtis talks about his dream house.

1319 Memories of Canada
1371 Her Dream House
Spencer talks about her dream house.
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Hello, and welcome to elllo. My name is Todd Beuckens. I've been an ESL teacher for 25 years. I created elllo to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.
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