Support the Gap & other commitments

I haven't been able to blog recently because I've been bogged down with commitments. I will be presenting a workshop next week called "Working Professionally in the Freelance Field." Hopefully I'll be imparting wisdom, that I learned through the school of hard-knocks, to budding interpreters of the near future. If they can take a few bits from my workshop and put them to good use, then I'll be satisfied.

I'm also putting together an interpreting event at the end of the month called, "Support the Gap." At this event I hope to bring together recent graduates from Interpreter Training Programs, future employers and experienced professionals. This has been no easy task. And at this point I'm rubbing a virtual rabbits foot and trying think positively that the event will go off with out a hitch.

Wish me luck and I should resurface sometime in March!

Starting to feel a little better

Kitty is starting feel like her ol' self again. She has started purring and decided sunning herself would be a nice activity for today. She's been a really good little patient, enduring fluids, oral medicine and an over protective mother.

That's my little boobear.

More on Kitty

The Vet asked that I bring in Kitty for more need fluids and an enema yesterday...my poor sweetie. Her kidneys are not functioning as well as they should. so I was asked to give her fluids and mix some medicine into her food at home. She still seems a bit under the weather, but with rest and following doc orders, I think she'll start feeling better soon. Thanks everybody for your well wishes, we appreciate it.

Kitty went to the Vet

Kitty hasn't been feeling very good lately, so I took her to see Dr Dave. Turns out she was severely dehydrated, so they filled her with fluids and gave her a B-12 shot. I feel like an awful mom. They also took some blood to check on some possible health issues. I should know by tomorrow what's going on. If everybody could cross your fingers, rub a lantern, light a candle, wish on a star... would you do that for me?

The dawn of a new era and I missed it

Yesterday there was much celebration, rejoycing and deep felt emotions with the inauguration of our new president and I pretty much missed it. It was one of my busiest days and I didn't get a chance to watch anything. As I ran around California State Northridge's campus, I could see students, faculty and staff surrounding available televisions watching in awe our 44th president speak. But I missed that too. I will have to catch up by going on YouTube or Google to find what out Obama had to say. I feel like a doofus not being able to participate in this monotonous occasion. One thing I will admit, there is hope in the air and I look forward to how the next for years will unfold.
Yes we did!

As an interpreter...

Being an interpreter, for the Deaf, is a rather peculiar career. I have come to realize that lately, more so that before. People who are not involved directly with my field have no idea what it is I do for a living. I am the fly on the wall of everyone's daily lives. I see and hear things that are personal, private and often uncomfortable. I am the extra person in the room when you get your yearly exam. I am an extra pair of eyes when you've been given your pink slip. I'm also there for joyous occasions: when you say "I do" or give birth to your child or you're presenting to a standing ovation. I facilitate communication between people who don't share a language or culture.

I am a tool, a resource, a conduit, but I'm not a robot. I too am human and experience the same things, but must keep them to myself. Often my position is misinterpreted: the friend or the family member or the personal assistant. I am a trained professional and certified as such. Ad nauseam, I have to explain my position and how to properly "use" an interpreter. Yet, I'm not complaining. It's part of the field and something I've learned to accept.

I just find it interesting. How many fields, like mine, are misunderstood?

The eyes have it

Kim has been having trouble seeing for a while now and recently it has gotten worse. So Kim went to the eye doctor yesterday and got her eyes checked. Turns out she has a rare form of a young person's cataracts. We are now awaiting a call from the eye surgeon to schedule surgery as soon as possible. Kim is thrilled that she wasn't just imagining it. And remembering what my Dad experienced is helping me know what to expect and help Kim any way I can. I know my honey has been frustrated and I can't say blame her. It will be over soon bebe, be patient.

iPhone apps

Weekly I check to see what new, cool, dorky things I can do to my iPhone to make it even more perfect. I have played with various apps and narrowed down those that I have deemed a must have. (So far that is)

Facebook Great for wasting time & seeing how friends and family are wasting theirs.

i.TV See what's on the tube, watch streaming video and update your NetFlix Que need I say more?

Movie Check for new releases to DVD, look up ratings from Flixter or RottenTomatoes and keep track of your favorite theaters...no mater where they are.

Shazam Oh what's the name of that song...uh hmm damn it... Shazam! and never have that problem again.

Zippo Because you never know when your favorite rock band will play a ballad....Free bird!

Linus Henry

So we've had little (ha!) Linus Henry for a while now and he's definitely become one of the family. Spencer has found a new buddy, whether he likes it or not and Abby is well...tolerant. Linus is very smart and learns very quickly: doggy doors, going outside to go potty, walking on a leash and understanding No. He still needs a good dose of obedience school, but that will have to wait until February.

In the mean time, Linus likes wood. He has already chewed up our coffee table and two end tables, but Kim said she'll get us new furniture when he's finished with this "phase." He also wants to sleep on the couch, so Kim and I have tried various ways to keep him off: baby gates, chairs, pillows. But clever little Linus always found a way to get around our obstacles. My Dad has found the most effective tool thus far, green plastic fencing material. It's not the most attractive, but it does seem to work.

I'll take more pictures of Linus Henry if and when he'll stand still for them. Until now this picture that Kim took will have to suffice.

Watching football with a runny nose

I'm watching the playoffs and feeling like my head is gonna explode. I'm also testing to see if Lifecast will work properly, so I can post to this blog remotely. I'm really glad I don't have to go to work for a few more days. Maybe I'll be somewhat normal by Tuesday. I'm crossing my fingers and blowing my nose.

Yay it works! Now I can go back and lay down...don't I sound pathetic?

Posted with LifeCast

Ring in the new year

Well I tried to blog whilst in Wisconsin, but my iPhone software was acting a bit buggy, so I couldn't until now.

Kim and I arrived back safely to Elizabeth Lake, last night, warn out and promptly went to bed at 10:00PM. Happy New Year, well we were still on Wisconsin time. And I have to say I'm sure that wasn't the most celebratory way to bring in the new year, but we're glad 2008 is all over.

I think it is appropriate to say good bye to 2008 as you would getting knocked out...get back up, dust the dirt off your shoulders and try again. These past 8 years have become progressively worse all around. The economy is in the toilet, we had have family health scares and we have a new puppy. That last one is really a good thing...I keep reminding myself. But on a positive note: We still have our health, we both still have a jobs that are still high in demand and Obama will soon be in office. It's time to celebrate and embrace the new. Love to all of my friends and family, here in California and a little further away in Wisconsin.

May this new year reflect hope for the future.