Gknee in a bottle?

I thought with the summer that I might forget how to do my job. Nope! I am feeling more and more comfortable with my interpreting each day. I don't feel like the newbie anymore.

Just last week I had a self assuring moment. Love those! Nice to know I am on the right track and progressing.

I can see how one might become stagnant in this profession. I have to remind myself everyday that only I can improve my skills. As selfish as it sounds, I really need to focus on that. Come December I'm up for another Quality Assurance test. I'm really hoping to do well and have my work cut out.

I also need to remember to take care of myself. One of the classes I'm interpreting for is touch. Lots of movies/tv without captioning. (Yes, I've expressed concerns about accessibility issues.) Those rapid fire conversations can wear out weary wrists.

Feeling good about my journey right now!

The school year has started here in Jax. Kids start on Monday. I'm pretty excited. I am now interpreting at a High School instead of Middle school. I'm hoping the kids aren't as crazy but I'm sure they are just as nuts. I was excited to hear that the principal at the school is someone I've already worked for. He's wonderful!

This week has been hectic with meetings and misunderstandings about things. Today it seemed to iron itself out and hopefully we'll all get into our grooves quickly.

I loved having my summer off but really am looking forward to having something to do. With all the free time I tended to worry too much about things that I have no control over. (Family... medical drama...the cost of tea in china...you know..) So interpreting will be a nice change. (not that I can always control what comes off my hands...haha)

Wow...it flew by and dragged at the same time.

It was supposed to be the summer of fun but it didn't turn out that way. Sure, Vegas was fun, although it wasn't really a vacation as Jerry had to work 14 hour days there. We barely left Caesars. I did get to see one of my dearest friends, Lloyd. I wish we had more time together.

Our July trip to Northern Michigan was cancelled as my dad had some medical problems. Instead I spent two weeks in Lansing. Most of the time was spent shuttling back and forth between the Mom and Dad's place and the hospital. I did get to see all my siblings though. That was a HUGE bonus. Just wish we had more time together also.

It seems to be the same theme as last year...hospitals, and medical drama. I'm really kind of tired of all that. It's wearing me down. Jerry too...

So as summer wraps up, I'm looking forward to getting back to work. At least that will keep me from sitting around and thinking about the worst possible scenarios. Yes, I've become a worrier. Hate that....

Gonna try to soak up as much Summer Vacation vibe as I can

Last week my dad was admitted into the hospital with a major bowel obstruction. I know..TMI...anyway...He was admitted and they were trying all different kinds of things. On the 3rd day in the hospital (Saturday) he went into septic shock. The hospital called mom and told her to come right away and to bring someone with her. When she arrived, Dad was unconscious and they explained to her that if he survived the surgery (20% chance of survival) that his organs would be destroyed, He would be on a tracheotomy and would have at least a year of being in a nursing home/rehab center. The doctors even asked if Mom really wanted them to even do the surgery or to "Just let him go". She said "yeah...do it".

Into surgery he went, three hours later he was out and they said he would be in a medicine induced deep sleep (coma lite).

I arrived on Sunday expecting the worst. Much to everyone's surprise Dad was awake. HA! Take that you silly doctors!!

He's had a few little setbacks but over all it's a few steps forward in his recovery and couple steps back. I keep tell him slow and steady wins the race. He is still in ICU and is hoping to get soft foods soon.

He'll probably be in the hospital for a little while longer. I'm hoping they don't release him too soon. He needs a

Jerry had good news for me today too, His mom walked! It's been a long few months waiting for her leg to get fitted and finally today! HUGE sigh of relief.

I got to see my best friend today too! I'm feeling lucky today!

Finding an Assisted Living Facility that will take care of MIL is becoming quite a chore. Most of it is waiting by the phone for case workers to call or looking in the mailbox for applications. What a daunting process. Surely there is an easier way. And how do seniors afford it? Who has four thousand dollars a month to spend on that?

Dad is back in the hospital with a major bowel obstruction. Probably due to adhesions from his bladder removal, although I'm guessing it's his hernia acting up again. Hopefully he will only be in for a day or so.

Honestly, I have no clue how I'm not a quivering mass of geletin right now. This has been a LONG year.

Wow...Time flies when you are going on trips every two weeks. (Tee hee hee) Two down, one to go.

I'm excited about going to Michigan. I think we will enjoy the break from the heat and humidity here. Plus I get to see my folks. It's been too long since I've seen them.

No big plans for the 4th. Maybe someone will invite us out or something fun..who knows. *shrug*

In other news, Jerry's mom is ready to move to a place that she can "live" a little. Hopefully we can find a place soon so she can get settled. This is going to be a pain in the neck but hopefully it will be worth it. Keep your fingers crossed!

It's that time of year where I travel to Orlando to attend Silent Weekend. It's a great opportunity for me to hone my skills and see my buddies. From around 9pm on Thursday until 5pm on Saturday there is no voices allowed. You can sign, gesture, notes..whatever it takes to communicate with fellow attendees and the staff at the hotel.

I love it! It wonderful practice and I learn bunches. I'm taking a break (for breakfast, that I dropped so I had to have yogurt...gah) because I just got back from a juggling class. Yes, I said Juggling. It is supposed to help with visual processing and hey....that's just what I do

I'm off to learn more!

Wii Fit - I love this thing. I still suck at the Hula Hoop but at least I try to improve. The little voice that talks to you can be annoying especially when you step on and it says "Eww". heh... It's helping though, and that's what counts.

Work - Last quarter, Yay!! Spring has sprung in the middle school and the drama is high. I'm just thankful I can go home and be kid free. The district is still trying to find ways to cut the budget. Maybe if we didn't cut the property taxes we could actually pay for things the state needs. Gah!

Family - Everyone on my side is doing fairly well. My little niece had a Cystic Fibrosis related issued the past couple weeks. She is due to head home. Her family is going through a transition, they moved from Michigan to Texas and are still trying to find their groove.

My oldest brother just retired from GM. Apparently he is loving it, according to Mom. It was crazy, they could keep him and move him back to the "line" for less money, or retire with more money. Yeah...I'd retire too.

My sister - well...she's on Facebook so I'm keeping in touch with her more. I like it!!

Jerry's Family - MIL is struggling with something. She is more confused everyday and it's hard to deal with. Had a good meeting with the Director of the Nursing home and hopefully somethings will work out.

My little family - I still feel lucky that I have Jerry in my life. I can't imagine going through any of this without him by my side. We are a corny couple and that's what keeps me going. Tabitha, my cat, is good. She'll be 13 this year. I can tell she is getting up there. She moves a little slower after waking up from her many naps. Happens to all of us.

So yeah, that's my life right this second. Not glamourous at all. Full of ruts and routines. We're hoping for a bit of glamour in June when Jerry's company has their conference in Las Vegas. We'll see if we get to go....

Today is the start of my Spring Break Jerry and I are taking a little trip to the beach for a few days. This will be our first vacation since June of last year. I can't tell you how excited I am to get out of town. Sure, we're only going to St. Augustine, but for a few days I can pretend to be a tourist. I found us a place right on the beach so we can stare at the ocean for hours. The weather this weekend is supposed to be icky but by Sunday, when we leave, it's expected to be sunny and warm. I just hope I can get my kite up at least one time while we're at the beach. I don't know what it is about flying a kite that makes me so happy, but it does

This is the time of year where I tend to take stock of my life. Check to see if I need a kick in the pants, or if I can float along the lazy river, or maybe a little bit of both.

Life if pretty good and 42 doesn't scare me. It's the answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe, and Everything...right?

How will I spend this event? Working...and it's going to be a stressful day tomorrow. More FCAT testing. Science. After work, Jerry and I will head up to the home to visit his mom and then come home and collapse. It's okay though, because most of my life is fun and carefree. I'm feeling pretty lucky