On your mark, get set...breath

So this week marks the beginning of my second semester in Graduate school. I did rather well last semester, even though I lost a lot of sleep and hair throughout. This next semester, I will be taking "Language Acquisition & Development" and "Semantics & Pragmatics." These are courses that I know will peek my interest and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer. On top of coursework I will be teaching my Structure of ASL class and interpreting everywhere and remembering to breath. I have to remember that I'll need to go week by week or I will definitely become overwhelmed. Practically every moment is already accounted for and I just need to barrel through. I'll see you all on the other side when summer arrives. :-)

30 Second wrap-up after a long pregnant pause

I realized I hadn't blogged in a long while, so I thought I'd check in and give a brief update.

Kim and I are crazily busy. Kim is working on her book project and between work and school, personal time is a bit of a luxury for me. Graduate school is fascinating and challenging, but rewarding and I just need to learn how to budget my time. So far the professors are intelligent and judicious and sometimes eccentric, but they keep my interest most of the time. I really believe I've made the right decision and all I have to do now is see it through.

I think I'm going through a life change and it's not an altogether comfortable, but a necessity nonetheless. I think I'll come out the other side wiser, stronger and better equip to face life's challenges. Who knows where this journey will take me too huh?

Love to you all and know that I think of you often. I'll try to post more often and keep you abreast of life's little goings on.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Hidden treasures in the Antelope Valley

I should explain that the "hidden treasures" are hidden to most as people in LA will not venture this way and or that locals would be too oblivious to notice them. So here are some of the local fair and flavor that I've discovered that were worth mentioning and definitely worth visiting.

5019 West Avenue M, Quartz Hill, CA 93536

If you want to get spoiled and pay for it, this place is the embodiment of self indulgence and pampering. They use Eminence, an "all natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables" skin care line from Hungry. I've been using the product line for a few months and have to say that my skin does feel better, but better yet was treating myself to this little luxury.

706 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

If you want to try something a little different within the realm of American cuisine, you should try Bex in the heart of newly redesigned Downtown Lancaster. The portions are a bit out of control and service is in the fast casual style, but the flavors are fantastic and the atmosphere is something one must experience for themselves.

653 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

Another fast casual dining experience and also in the heart of the new Downtown Lancaster is the Lemon Leaf. This restaurant offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes and delicious deserts. The chicken kabobs and pizzas are delicious and the open and tranquil atmosphere make for a wonderful dining experience.

39256 10th St West, Palmdale CA 93551

If you are a bit more adventurous and like a little (if not a lot) of spice then Malhi's Indian Cuisine is the place to go. This is traditional Indian food at it's best, offering mild to Indian hot tastes. The offer a daily buffet or sit down service, whatever you are in the mood for. The chicken tiki masala and shrimp curry are to died for. I must confess that Kim and I are regular guests and make this a weekly haunt.

So I did it....

Yesterday I finished the Graduate essay I've been threatening to do for well over a year. I read, reviewed and tweaked the application and finally I pressed the button which turned it in. Graduate school is something that I've always wanted to accomplish, but was never sure I would be able to do. I determined that I wouldn't know until I tried and now is as good a time as any. I want to thank everyone that has encouraged me and helped along the way. I may have baulked, self-doubted and procrastinated, but I always listened. So thanks!

Now the waiting game begins. Keep a few fingers crossed, if you believe in such things ;-) ... and I'll keep you posted.

The cold that would not die

So I've been sick for the better part of a week and a half. It has not stopped me from working, but it has made life difficult. I have been shunned to the office, so I don't keep Kim up at night with my persistent cough (day three). I'm on my second bottle of Coricidin HBP cough syrup and have sucked on an entire bag of strawberries & cream flavored Cold Eeze lozenges, and yet it's still here. I know I'm whining, but it has disrupted my running schedule and weekends are spent recuperating.

Ugh! I want my my life back....cough, cough, hack, cough, sniff.

A new ride

So last week I was driving home from a really long assignment and my car started to behaving a little strangely. A loud noise resonating from my engine became progressively worse and worse. I finally pulled over and tried to investigate. Mind you I was on the the freeway and in the middle of now where, literally. At this point my car ceased to function and I forced to throw in the towel. I called AAA and waited to be rescued, so to speak.

AAA promptly came within a half hour and towed me the 76 miles to my mechanics location. Luckily I had the company of a nice tow truck driver or that ride could have been miserable. I made it home safe and sound, but by now it was night time and I would have to wait a see what had happened to my car until the next morning.

Well long story short...I apparently, had let the oil run out in my old girl and killed my engine. To be honest I really didn't like I had neglected my car for that long, but after blowing out an engine I'll have to chalk that one up to experience. So I've spent the week researching possible solutions. Do I fix my current car and fork out 3000-5000 dollars on an old car? Do I change make and model altogether and go for something different? In the end and after a hellish week of playing car tag, I decided to stay tried and true and bought a newer model 07 Honda Civic. It drives like a sports car and has numerous bells and whistles that were lacking in the 99 Honda. I can finally play my iPhone in my car and I've even downloaded a new iPhone app to keep track of my maintenance, Gas Cubby. So far I love this car! Oh and by the way my honey, Kim, wants everybody to know that she found the car for me on Carmax.com.

Honda versus Buck

So I was driving to an assignment in the middle of the afternoon last Sunday, when I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. I saw a humongous blur and I knew that it was headed my way, but it hadn't registered in my brain. So I proceeded to drive and moments later I felt the impact. Stunned and in shock I stopped my car and looked out the rear view mirror. A full grown buck was laying in the road behind me. The buck, stunned like me, eventually got up, shook it off and ran on his merry way. Now for people who've grown up around deer, this must seem like no big deal. But for me, a California girl who grew up near the beach, this was a out of my realm. I know I'm really lucky and I'm glad I kept on going. Had I slammed on my breaks or had the buck been faster, this could have been so much worse...phew!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Pellet Stove

So this morning it was actually a little chilly and we decided to test our new pellet stove. I must admit, it's quite fabulous. It's not messy, it's quiet and it's very effecient. It is going to be really nice not having to depend on propane for heat or having to prep the fireplace in order to heat the living room. It feels good being green.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Reading kick

I've been in reading mode lately and finished a few good ones that I thought I'd share with anyone that was willing to listen.

Stiff by Mary Roach

A playful narrative on the life of human cadavers through the centuries. It is bizarrely addictive and oddly fascinating. It is definitely not for the squeamish, but if you can get through some of the vividly rich imagery you will find that your morbid curiosity will get the best of you.

'

When you Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

A collection of short stories of the continuing saga of David Sedaris and those who have had the fortune, or misfortune depending on how you view it, of crossing paths with the author. Hysterical and and often disgusting, Sedaris never lets me down.

The Anthropology of Turquoise: Reflections on Desert, Sea, Stone and Sky by Ellen Maloy

Vivid, luminescent and thought provoking tales through the author's memoirs and love for all things pertaining to nature.

Currently I an reading:

Naked by David Sedaris

Another collection of short stories about the authors life, focusing on his family and especially his childhood growing up in North Carolina and parts of New York. So far, as I suspected, not a disappointment....laugh riot!

I need a vacation

It is way too early to be talking about vacations, but I need one none-the-less. I think Jack Nicholson said it best..."All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." I work too much, I try to do too much and it's beginning to wear thin on me.

I would love to go on an Alaskan cruise and go kayaking in the crisp cool waters. Or maybe walking down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées drinking incredibly rich hot chocolate. Yet again, how about exploring somewhere new and exciting: Sub-Saharan Africa, Glacial Greenland or traipsing through the rain forests of Madagascar?

Ah well so much for dreaming, back to the grind...

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!

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?

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.

Dinner with friends

We had friends over for a dinner party last night: Rowdy, Dan, Ellen and Lori (Kim's workmates). I made Shrimp Creamy Pesto with garlic broccoli and garlic bread, which was a huge hit and unfortunately I didn't get to enjoy it much. Before the meal I had a plate au fromage for people to nibble on before dinner...that was my down fall. I eat to much cheese and my stomach decided to have it's revenge. I spent most of dinner running to the bathroom..oh well. At least we had good company, great conversation and a nice fire in the fireplace.

Tighting the belt

No more so than recently, have I felt the economy's pinch at my purse strings. I feel overworked, underpaid and I'm hoping that a change in the White House will relieve that feeling.



I've finally gotten into a somewhat of a schedule with work, but I'm keeping crazy hours. My students have settled into the class (they're awfully quiet) and the university schedule keeps me on my toes. Freelance work is what it is and I know what to expect, but it's hard to keep track when you work for so many agencies. Sigh, okay I'll quit my proverbial bitching and realize everyone is in the same boat. Shesh! It's crowded in here.

DIY home repairs

Kim and our neighbor Mark are currently fixing our cable, which involves drilling holes into the walls, trimming trees and god knows what else. I am just smiling, fetching stuff they need and trying to stay out of the way as much as possible. I thought I'd blog and play on the internet as a distraction until they call for my help. Ahh the joys of home ownership.

I would take pictures , but I don't think that would be met with much enthusiasm. So instead I leave you a mental picture of a neighbor's bad back, the coach and nervous animals. BTYL

The formidable garden...

After Rowdy moved into his own abode, I was given the formidable task of tending the garden. Eek! This was a huge responsibility quite frankly especially since I tend to kill plants slowly. But week by week I'm starting to get the hang of it. I am helped by my father and an occasional phone call to Rowdy...uh what is that yellow flowering thingy?

I just purchased a dehydrator to dry some of our herbs: sage, thyme and basil to name a few. However, because of Rowdy's industrial strength green thumb we won't possibly be able to eat it all. I thought maybe I could make home made gifts with whatever we don't use, possibly infused oils or vinegars.

Here are some pictures I took from our garden.



Thanks Rowdy for all of your hard work and I will do my best to fill your shoes....impossible!