Pink Flamingo on Toast

I'm loving that I have the next week off. I really need to catch up on laundry. It's been piling up. I'm hoping to do a little bit between Animal Crossing: City Folks breaks. Yes..I'm addicted and yes if you have that game you should email me so we can exchange friend codes. Ok..time to fold some laundry so I can get back to my game....

I have a wonderful life. I'm blessed with a good husband and a good job. We have a roof over our heads and can pay the bills. Today sucked though...Jerry has some stomach bug so he was out of commission all day. That meant no yummy turkey cooking all day because it would have been just for me and I'm sure the smell would have made him sicker. We headed over to the nursing home around 10ish and found out that MIL had ripped off her toe nail and it was bleeding. All I could think of is, "Oh great...she really needs this foot so she better take care of it". She also had a huge red patch on her shin which the nurse said was cellulites and that they would have to call the doctor about that. So that on top of her stomach flu. Fun eh? I don't know how much more she or we can take. We opened presents with her and then headed to a common area to open presents with Melissa (Jerry's sister), Dennis (Her husband) and Ashley (Dennis' daughter). Not really ...

We just went out and bought 70 things for people. Sure, the most of them are inexpensive things but yet we still had to put them on the conveyor belt at the check out. The best news is that we are about 98% done with our shopping. Thursday I go and pick up a wheelchair accessible van for us to use over the weekend to get Jerry's mom around to various things. (i.e. dr. appt, shopping and a Christmas in GA) Friday, I am going on a field trip with my students to see " The Tale of Despereaux ". If you haven't read the book, you should. It's cute and a fun little read. The kids are excited about the movie although it's not captioned so....I'm not really sure how that is going to work *shrug* You can tell it's the week before break at school. The kids are hyper and the teachers look like they are definitely ready for a break!

So I guess I need to jump into this holiday spirit sooner rather than later. Tomorrow starts what is going to be a whirlwind couple of weeks. It all starts with the need to go find something cute to wear for Jerry's company Holiday Party. It's at the University Club so I want to look nice. That means running around tomorrow and trying to find something. Wheeee? We also need to start our Christmas shopping as it's sneaking up on us. We need to wrangle in around 55-ish $2 gifts for one side of the family and about 8-ish for the other side. My family is easy..they are all getting the same thing. (Can't say as some of them might read this). Then we just have Jerry's sister and her family (total 3) and my Mom and Dad (they are easy though!) Oof..I'm overwhelmed just thinking about all this. I was talking to my mom earlier about how the material things are bringing me down this year and I would just be happy with seeing people. She laughed and said "...

I don't know if it's age or just the past six months of family crisis that makes me just want to walk up to people and shake them saying "It doesn't matter what you "get" people, just hug them, let them know you care!" This time of year is hard for me anyway. Being in Florida while my family is in Michigan and Texas always kind of bums me out. Last year was great because Mom and Dad came down for Thanksgiving. We shared a nice holiday together with Jerry's parents. This year will be doubly difficult as it's the first for Jerry without his Dad. I don't know if that's sunk in yet for him. I think he's too busy trying to keep his mom's spirits up. My dad is having another procedure today to clean out the cancer in his bladder. I really wish I was there. It's outpatient but still....he's my dad! Mom said he has been busy all week putting up decorations for Christmas. I remember growing up and the house was covered ...

Leave it to me to get one heck of a nasty cold during a very long weekend. It's been gross. I feel like a bit snot ball. I took the day off today because I didn't think I could interpret between my running nose, sneezing spells and wiping my eyes. It was a good thing I stayed home too. I slept until 2pm. That's right...2 freakin' P. M. I'm feeling fairly well considering my head feels like a 20lb bowling ball. *Checks to see if she has 3 holes in the back of her head and the word Homer inscribed anywhere on her head* Talked to Mom today. They have lots of snow. I miss how lovely it looks but don't miss scraping my car off. Dad had a doctor's appointment today and they said he has "low grade bladder cancer". Not really sure what that means but from what Mom says is that it's very treatable. He goes in Saturday for another procedure to clean out the tumors and then will start a "wash" every week. Its tough being so far ...

I'm a lucky girl and I wanted to just list a few things I'm thankful for. Jerry (I love you! Thanks for letting me be your family.) Tabitha (the closest thing I have to a kid of my own. You're one cute cat!) Family Health (it's not perfect but I'll take it) Friends (both near and far I think of you often) Having a roof over our heads and jobs to keep it there. Random kindness (I'm seeing more of the past few days, gives me hope) Democracy (just imagine if we had a lifetime of the past 8 years) Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Have a safe and happy holiday. _\,,/

I feel like I haven't had a chance to breathe lately. With Jerry 's family and now mine it seems like something is always causing "drama". We try to live drama-free but it doesn't always turn out. Here is the latest: Jerry's mom had surgery today to clean out her incision and was put on a vacuum to speed up the healing. She may be ready to leave the nursing/rehab home soon. That means Jerry and I will have to help her find a suitable place to live. She really can't be at home alone until she becomes more independent. My dad had a tumor removed from his bladder and ran into a few complications. He is home now and we are waiting on some test results to see what happens next. Tomorrow I move to a new school. The good news is I get to sleep in a little bit as it doesn't start until 9am. The bad news is it goes until 4pm-ish. I'll miss getting out at 2:30pm. I'm looking forward to the change of schools though Another big change is the size of my mo...

People who use 2 for to or too. People who use prety for pretty. People who use comming or cuming or cumming for coming. Teachers who are too busy texting to take control of the classrooms. Drivers who don't know how to merge into traffic. Yield does not mean come to a complete stop! Not knowing what's going to happen next. I know, you never know. Doesn't mean it can't bug me! Neighbors who think it's cool to sit in their driveway for an abnormal amount of time with the radio so loud I can hear it inside my house like it's coming from my radio. Having to bite my lip because I can't correct a teacher when they are just plain wrong. The tag on a shirt that just won't stay tucked in. The pothole in the road that never seems to get filled. **Whew, that was cathartic!**

First of all, Happy Veteran's Day. It is a great honor to live in this country and we should all remember and honor those who have fought for this country in our military. Thank you! I'm off today, due to the holiday. Tomorrow is going to bring some uncertainty to my job. I will still have job but I really won't know where I'm going to be placed. I hope to move over to one of the other middle school as the current interpreters there are wonderful and the opportunity to learn more from the would be amazing. I've learned at my age though to be flexible and just go with the flow. I could be put at a high school or elementary school. *shrug* It's all good. Just having a job is good! I'm going to miss my current school.

I'm kinda choked up tonight. I think I've cried 3 or 4 times since 11:00pm. I'm proud to be an American. I'm excited for President Elect Obama. (and that his girls get a new puppy) I'm touched by the turn out at the polls. I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who voted. I'm also thankful that it's over. Jerry and I haven't really stopped talking/obsessing/web surfing about this election in a month. Tonight we both quietly celebrated as the man we both voted for won and will be our next President.

Twas the night before election, when all through the house Not a computer was glowing, or the clicking of a mouse; The sample ballots were on the table and ready for review, In hopes that the poll lines would be steady and few. The voters were all nestled and snuggled in beds, While visions of hanging-chads danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I with my nightcap, had just settled down to watch an campaign recap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my recliner to see what was the matter. Away to the door I flew like the "Flash", I tore open the screen door and checked out my stash. The moon on the breast of the campaign signs below, Gave a lustre of mid-day to the garden gnome below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a decked out SUV with eight tiny volunteers. With a little old drive, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be our neighbor Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whis...

Jerry and I voted on October 20th, the first day of Early Voting. We wanted to make sure with all the things that had been going on in our lives the past 8 (wow!) months that we would get our votes in. Jerry was also concerned about his mom voting. Would we have to take her to her polling place, could we do early voting, maybe an absentee ballot? That's what he settled on. He put in the request weeks ago. It never came. He put in another request and it still hadn't come on Friday. He told his mom and she said that it was okay with it. Disappointment set in. I think he feels it's not only a privilege but a duty. He was darn right cheery when the absentee ballot arrived yesterday in the mail. We quickly went to the nursing home and watched as she filled it out. Helped her seal it up and made sure the envelope was signed and dashed off to the nearest post office box to make sure it would reach the elections office before 7pm Nov 4th. I'm sure she didn'...

I'm going nuts! I've already voted (Yes, this Registered Republican voted for Barack Obama! I also voted NO! to #2 ) and now I have to wait. I'm overloaded on videos, commentaries and websites. I need to stop this Election Obsession. I can't ever remember being this involved in an election. If I remember right the last two elections I didn't really care about the candidates. I voted the lesser of the two evils...boy..that was a mistake. Now I care and I'm anxious. It's not like the world will end if my candidate doesn't win, although I can't see a bright future any other way. OK ok ...enough...I need to go watch The Daily Show and The Colbert Report on TiVo

I haven't been updating as much as there isn't much going on other than work, and medical drama. I wish I had good news but over all things are still hectic. MIL has pneumonia and is doing a little better although today she fell out of bed. My dad was told last week that he has a tumor in his bladder and they will be taking care of that after he and my mother travel to Texas to visit both my Sister and brother. He also had some squamous cells removed from the side of his face. He had a long stitch line and was calling himself FranClemstein. (last name is Clemens and he has been called Clem his whole life) At least he can laugh about it. Work is going well. Each day I'm getting more and more comfortable with the interpreter role and not over stepping the boundaries. It's hard not to teach. Jerry and I did go to the movies Friday night. We saw "W." It was interesting. I didn't have much knowledge of President Bush's life. The movie really ...

Happy Anniversary Jerry , I love you!

Jerry's mom was taken to the ER after complaining of shortness of breath and some tightness in the chest. She has a history of heart issues so we didn't want to play around with the nursing/rehab home. They agreed and got her over to ER within an hour. She then spent EIGHT hours in the ER. I can't even begin to express how upset that anyone would have to spend that much time in there. They told us after 2 hours that she was going to be admitted and it took them 6 to get a room? Come on?!? We're hoping that they caught the fluid around her heart in time and that she isn't in danger of any heart attacks. Prayers would be appreciated. Jerry and I are exhausted. We are going on month 5 of dealing with hospitals/nursing homes/rehab centers of some kind. UNCLE!!

A heartbeat away? SCARY!

Mom-in-law goes in for surgery tomorrow at 8am. Hopefully everything will be simple and there won't be any complications. Prayers would be appreciated. Jerry and I keep giggling about calling her Peggy or Eileen but it will probably be too soon for such antics. I also suggested buying her an eye patch and parrot...Jerry just glared. After the surgery will come more therapy and then some decisions on where to live and things like. Hopefully a new rehab place will actually teach her how to pivot and improve her upper body strength. Lots of family visits the next couple of days. As I type, I'm doing laundry to prepare for Jerry's sister and her friend to stay with us. Hope they don't mind me waking up a 5:50am every morning to get ready for work. Work is going good. I still love it and am finding more of my weaknesses. This is a good thing. Knowing you need work is better than thinking you know it all. Everyday I'm learning a new sign. I love learning!

It's been two weeks since I started my new job. (Interpreting at a middle school). I love it!!! The school is clean, the staff is friendly and the kids...well....what can I say, they are kids. It's funny to hear them talk about boys, Hanna Montana and Sponge Bob. I had forgotten what a peculiar age 13-ish is. One of the best things about my job is that I'm done by 2:30 which leaves me time to do things if I need to. I've been slacking on the housewife duties for a while now and that needs to change. I need to find my groove! Jerry's mom is still waiting for her leg amputation. We are hoping that after her cardiology appointment on Friday they will finally schedule the surgery. It really needed to be two weeks ago. If you are in Jax and you have a family member that needs to go into a nursing home/rehab, please, PLEASE do not put them in Jacksonville Nursing and Rehab off Dunn Ave. They will not get the attention, care and rehabilitation that they need...

So the surgeon's office called Jerry to let him know that the nursing home did not get his mom cleared for her surgery on Tuesday. WTF?! They had a week and they knew that she was going to surgery on Tuesday. They did an EKG and an x-ray but they couldn't find a cardiologist to come in and "clear" her. So now, we have to wait for them to get a cardiologist to clear her and hope that the schedule is open soon. The fear is that the leg in her infection gets worse and causes more complications. Hopefully the nursing home will step up and and take care of this quickly. I highly doubt it though...gah! Okay, now for some good news. I was offered and accepted a job with the Duval School System as a full-time interpreter. I was just beginning to doubt the life journey and *BAM* Strange how that works...(my angel must be pulling strings in that big corporate office called Heaven) I have been there two days and I have to say, I'm lovin' it! The sch...

Jerry calls me "staff" at times. At Christmas, he jokes to his employees that his "staff" will take care of any wrapping or things that need to be done. During the rest of the year my staff duties include picking up prescriptions, banking and any other errands the "boss" can think of. It's okay, I know he doesn't like doing the mundane things and I really don't mind. Today was definately a "staff" day. Picking up things for the house, getting some bins to store some paperwork of his parents and going to pick up death certificates at the funeral home. I don't think I mentioned the chatty funeral home director before. Every time we walked into that man's office it was at least 45 minutes of chatting. In his defense, he made last week very easy. He's a good man. Not much else on the docket around here. Next week consists of mom-in-law's leg amputation and more of working out things for mom-in-law's estate....

grate - noun, verb, grat•ed, grat•ing. –noun 1. a frame of metal bars for holding fuel when burning, as in a fireplace, furnace, or stove. 2. a framework of parallel or crossed bars, used as a partition, guard, cover, or the like; grating. 3. a fireplace. –verb (used with object) 4. to furnish with a grate or grates. great - adjective, -er, -est, adverb, noun, plural greats, (especially collectively) great, interjection –adjective 1. unusually or comparatively large in size or dimensions: A great fire destroyed nearly half the city. 2. large in number; numerous: Great hordes of tourists descend on Europe each summer. 3. unusual or considerable in degree, power, intensity, etc.: great pain. 4. wonderful; first-rate; very good: We had a great time. That's great! 5. being such in an extreme or notable degree: great friends; a great talker. 6. notable; remarkable; exceptionally outstanding: a great occasion. 7. important; highly significant or consequen...

As many know my mom-in-law has been having some problems and fell and broke her leg. Last Wednesday she was transported to the doctor from the nursing home to get an update on her leg. The plan was for Jerry, Jerry's dad and me to all ride with her in the wheelchair transport to the doctor's office because we knew that the doctor was going to tell her that her leg needs to be amputated from the knee down We got there a little bit around 10am and knew that the transport would be showing up at 10:30-ish. Jerry's dad, Jerry Sr. wasn't there...Jerry decided that he would go with his mom as she would be upset about the news and I would go find Jerry Sr. (he is known to have car problems at the most inopportune times) I was a little worried but I drove over to the house and noticed the van wasn't really pulled into the drive well. It seemed crooked to me. I knew right at that point that something was not right. I went to the door and started knocking very loud as J...

So it's Monday. Apparently we are going to get some bad weather here as Fay passes by in the next couple of days. Because we will be to the east of the eye we will get the brunt of her rain bands. Go us! I'm not really worried about the rain, or the wind...I'm worried about how JEA hasn't trimmed the tree limbs in the area and we'll probably lose power for a few days. I did buy some extra batteries today. Not only because of the storm but because I just had to replace the ones in my Wii controller

It's been a wet day here today in Jax. I knew we were supposed to get some rain but today but not this much. Maybe it is because I wasn't expecting to be out in it today. Last night when I went to bed, I was thinking to myself that I didn't really need to leave the house today. Maybe for some milk but that was it. Life as a contract interpreter means never really knowing when work is coming. The 8am phone call proved that. A welcome noise though for this interpreter who was beginning to doubt her life choice again. Thank goodness for my guardian angel that shows me hope when I'm feeling down about things. I feel lucky and grateful! So being out in the rain to me was refreshing! Speaking of rain and fun, blip.fm is my latest obsession. You can share music with your friends/neighbors. I've been blippin' rain songs...hehe. I'm sure Jerry is thinking about removing my tweets from his SMS because of all the updates. I'll change it so it does...

So today while I was waiting for Verizon to waste my time not updating my phone, I headed over to Starbucks to try a Vivanno. It was, okay. I wouldn't get it on a regular basis. If I'm going to pay $4.00+ for a drink I want it to be yummier. The chocolate banana wasn't bad tasting..just not great. I don't know if it's the protein powder or what but it left kind of an aftertaste. Sure the 21 grams of protein and the 6 grams of fiber make it a great meal alternative (lunch for me today) but the taste/cost wasn't worth it. I'll stick to iced lattes or frappuccinos for a cool refresher from Starbucks.

Interpreting - Not much going on lately. I've been in contact with a few agencies and hoping to pick up some gigs soon. Have a few errands to run to open up some opportunities. Mom-in-law - She is still in the nursing/rehab home. Her leg isn't healing very well and the surgeon told her she needed to keep it elevated or she would lose it She has been a little depressed since that news. Don't blame her, gotta be tough to hear. Vacation - 2 1/2 weeks until we head to Seattle for PAX . I've never been to Seattle and am looking forward to it. I have no clue what the weather is like in the pacific northwest though. I'm thinking it's going to be a little cooler than Florida. Fine by me! It's been a hot one this year.

I think that I'm a rather polite person. I try to say "thank you" and "please". I let people "in" in traffic. I have had my downfalls though too. Jerry and have had many arguments in parking lots. His parking manners are very different from mine. I always look for something close to the door. He doesn't care, just pull into the first spot you see. I have learned a few things from him though. For example, pulling throw in a crowded parking lot can cause the people coming down the other row to become upset. I didn't know what he was talking about until this morning. I headed to the grocery store bright and early. Mostly to avoid the soccer moms and seniors. The parking lot was empty. Maybe a few scattered cars and there was a parking spot close to the door. JACKPOT! I was golden. That was until some woman in an oversized pickup decided that she needed to cut across the parking lot right there! No..she couldn't behave like ...

Got my first check as a contract interpreter today. Woo hoo! Feels good to get paid for something I love. Now I just need more gigs!

I hate those night when the mind just won't stop so you can't get to sleep. I wish I could blame the comfort of my bed but the Select Comfort is NOT the problem here. (45 seems to be where I'm settling ) Lots going on with Jerry's mom in the hospital and stuff. I did end up watching Blast from the Past and Babe last night. Both great little movies. Speaking of mom-in-law and the stuff, she is actually moving from the hospital to the nursing home right now. They didn't even inform us. Jerry heard through his aunt who happened to call his mom. GAH ! Terrible customer service! So anyway, she is moving to a nursing home she has been in before. People stole her things, they were lax on her rehab and she developed scabies while she was there. Yeah, I definitely would go back there, pfft ! My skin crawls just thinking about that place. It's closer to her home though which means Jerry Sr. can go visit her more often. And..it's what she wanted. All ...

Today I got to take a new path in my journey of being an interpreter. I had my first official "gig" and it went great! It feels good to get out there and actually do it. Now I want more! Yes..I'm greedy! I can only get better with more exposure. So let me expose myself (that's what she said...) In other news, Jerry 's mom is still in the hospital. She started her physcial therapy but it's going slow. Hard when you've been sick for so long to get up and moving. We thought she might go to a rehab facility this week but it doesn't look like it's happening. I think they want her to be able to get to a restroom on her own..not sure... Shout out to all my CMU Alumni friends that were camping this week. Glad you had fun and maybe one summer we'll join you all. (Notice the you all and not y'all ...haven't lost all my Michigan speech patterns)

So our Select Comfort Bed arrived today. So far so good. Although I think we are losing air (it's not staying at 100 after I fill). Not sure though. Tonight will be the real test. I think my sleep number is 35. When trying it out both in the store and at home that is where I'm not feeling any pressure on my hips or shoulders. Jerry thinks his number is around there too. I'm really hoping this will help with Jerry's back, shoulder, neck pains. He is so much better but he occasionally gets flare ups. No fun Oh yea...and the controller is Wireless. We can be gadget whores in our sleep too!

Sunday - call from mom-in-law saying she needed to go to the hospital. Admitted with blood sugars of 1130. Broken leg that she didn't even know about. Monday - Spent the day in the hospital. Trying to stabilize the sugars. Had to set her leg twice. Poor thing. Tuesday - Waited all day for surgery to add a plate and pins to her leg. I ended up being the "phone girl" in the surgical waiting room because the volunteers left at 5pm. We were there until 8:30pm. Wednesday - Mom-in-law, came out of surgery good. Had a good morning until they gave her some pain medicine. Confusion started to creep in. Thursday - Oof..bad day! Mom-in-law was very confused. For a while she thought she was in the post office. She refused to eat and to ignore you would just sing to herself. Heartbreaking. Friday - I had an interpreting gig all day which was wonderful. My little hands are tired though. Jerry said Mom-in-law was doing TONS better today and was no longer confused just sore. Good news. T...

Great flick! And these videos just make for delightful teasers!

One crazy week, SO happy it's Friday! Have a good one! Cheers!

I did not pass the state test. I'm disappointed but the feedback they give you is SO specific that it's a good thing too. It does put a little crimp in the 5 year plan but it's not like it's the first speed bump in my life. I have to wait a year before I can take it again. That gives me a whole year to improve which makes my decision to just get out there more a good plan for me. Ugh...disappointment sucks.....

Life is crazy how things work out. I needed a push to get out there and just interpret and this week that little push came. I put my two weeks notice in at ILRC . I graduated in May with this degree in Sign Language Interpreting and I guess I was waiting for some gold leaf engraved invitation to be an interpreter. Yeah...doesn't work that way. I have my name out there with a few agencies and hopefully I'll get some gigs here soon. I'm thankful that Jerry is on board with my antics. I'm truly a lucky girl. Starting July 22nd, I'm officially an interpreter in my eyes. Although I'm still waiting on my state results. Eleven weeks is crazy to wait for something that determines your "worth". I have been using that as a crutch though. "Oh..as soon as I get my results we can talk about what I can do for you". NO Jeanne, just get out there and do it! So there ya have it. I'm out there and vulnerable. Feels scary and exhilarating!

That means it's all finished! Silent Weekend was a great success! Lots of review, which is always good. New things too! Mostly I learned that I can actually communicate. Something that is always comforting to know! There were a few unpleasant moments of the weekend. The only thing I'll say about it is, I'm thankful that I don't live for the "drama". @@ Was good to see my classmates. It's hard though because I can see us all drifting apart and it's a little sad. It's life...and I understand. It happened at CMU , former jobs, and I know that it will happen in the future too. I understand that but it doesn't mean I can't be a little sad.

Here I am, in Orlando at Silent Weekend . A weekend full of ASL/Interpreting workshops. I learned so much here last year I couldn't pass it up again. A few of my friends from class are here and it's so wonderful to see them. We've already spent some time in the bar before the "start" of the weekend so we could use our voices. From now until Saturday night, I'm supposed to only communicate via Sign Language. I thought about going to buy some groceries and not sure if I'll be able to not talk or not. We'll see.... Another big plus is that I'm staying in a hotel. Love 'em. I have the room extra cold because I want to feel the big plush blankets on me tonight. Although it's not too hot today here in Florida. *shrug* Guess those storms helped break the heat a little. Anyway... _\,,/

Two days until Silent Weekend. Jeanne is excited! That is all!

I didn't get the internship. I'm feeling really defeated right now. It doesn't help that I'm still waiting to find out about my state certification. I'm trying to stay positive that I've picked the right path but right now I just want to go to the beach and have a good cry!

HEY...get your mind out of the gutter! The past few days at work, the stimulation level has been low. I'm yawning more. I am trying to over come it. I tried loading up on caffine one day, nothing. Yesterday, I thought I would try making sure I got plenty of water. That helped a little as it gave me something to do. Fill the water bottle...take a trip to the bathroom....fill the water bottle...(you get the picture) I'm not saying I want a high pressured job, not at all. I'm also sure there are things I could be doing here that I don't know how to do yet. What's that saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth"? Maybe I should just be thankful that I'm not over booked right now. *yawn*

Poor Jerry has been in pain for over a week now. On Thursday he called me and told me he needed to get to a doctor. I left work and took him to the ER. BIG mistake. It was 4 hours of him waiting in the waiting room before they even saw him. He was in agony. When they did finally take him back it was another 2 hours before they gave him anything for the pain. Basically what they did is rule out a heart attack, as it was left shoulder and arm that was having pain. So after 4 viles of blood, an EKG they decided that he was dehydrated. DUH! it's been 6 hours since he walked in the door and hasn't had anything to drink since 4 hours before that. So they gave him some fluids via IV and FINALLY a percocet. After xrays they decided it was a pinched nerve. Gave him a collar to wear, ordered an MRI and discharged him. They put the collar on and before we made it to the door, Jerry was complaining that his arms were going numb. By the time we made it to the car he was begging me to take ...

Jerry and I had these "colds" in our back. Or so I thought...maybe we both did strain something at the same time. I am 98% better because I haven't been lifting anything for days. Jerry on the other hand is still in terrible pain. That is because he had to lift things for 3 days straight at his conference. I didn't even think about him taking the hanging bag vs. the rolling overnight bag. I should have thought about it..oh well. I gave him a darvocet and he is conked out on the futon with a heat wrap around his shoulder. He should be out for hours. I'm just glad he is home. I didn't sleep well while he was gone, and every little sound in the house seemed a thousand times louder. Work is going good. Starting July 1st I'm going back to part time hours so that I can take some interpreting gigs. I'm very excited about that. Now if I my QA results would just hurry up and get here I'd be much happier. Still waiting on news on the internship. Don...

Another step in my journey to being an Interpreter. I just joined both the statewide and national Registry of Interpreters. Basically now I have to adhere to all the Code of Professional Conduct and stuff . Other things I've joined is Plurk. It's crazy it's fun you can find me at http://plurk.com/user/gkneefl (gknee was already taken. GRRR! )

Jerry has his big conference this week which means he'll be gone for a few nights. He won't be far, just at the beaches. I'd stay but I don't want to deal with traffic in the mornings. Too bad, really, cause I love hotels. I guess it's because they aren't cluttered and I know I don't have to wash the linens and stuff. The end of the month I'll be heading down to Orlando for my own hotel stay. ( Silent Weekend )

I had one of those weekends that was weird. Yesterday I seemed to be a magnet for injuries. First I stepped on a piece of glass in our kitchen and gashed my heel. Thankfully Jerry was there and helped me to get my foot up and stop the bleeding. After cleaning me up with peroxide and alcohol he bandaged me and told me to "Just sit still" while he cleaned up the blood. Apparently there was a lot So later in the evening I was hobbling around to the bathroom and needed to get something out of the vanity and somehow scraped and bruised the heck out of my forearm . YEOWCH ! Today there were no incidents, thankfully. It has been a day of recuperating . Yes, my foot hurts. Yes, my scraped up arm hurts. In other news, I did try Bud Light Lime . It's okay. Still prefer Landshark with an actual lime.

Just had my first "talking to" at work. Apparently I talk too loud when I'm talking to clients on the phone. These are clients trying to make appointments for amplified phones. Of course I talk loud. I competely understand that my office is small and that sounds resonate out into the hallway and into the other office. Just a little hurt I guess. I'll get over it though. I know that I'm helping others so thats what is important. From now on my office door will be shut.

Beware: Rambling and confusion approaching! I used to be so good about keeping up with my blogging. I don't blog for the readers..I blog for me. I love to look back and see what was going on at certain times. So why have I been so lazy about posting lately? .... I guess I'm taking stock of my life....AGAIN. Making sure that I keep to my path and continue on. I'm feeling a little off course. It's not bad though... I know I'm confusing. I like direct routes. When I can't get to where I want to go directly I get flustered and start rambling. Like now! So this little post is a swift kick to my chakra to get me back in line. (Thank Lloyd for making me remember about Dharma and Greg . I loved that show too!) I just spent two days issuing amplified telephones for senior citizens. I loved it. It was wonderful to know that some of these people haven't had a decent phone conversation in years and now they will. Nothing better than hearing "W...

It's been four weeks since I took my QA exam. I know they said approximately eight weeks for my results but this is killin' me. I don't wait very well. Speaking of waiting, I'm waiting on contacts and my glasses too... My world consists of a lot of waiting these days. Guess I'm being tested..... Patience .....

I actually have less going on in my life but am more tired the past few days. I don't know why and it's buggin' me. I only work a six hour day and shouldn't be so tired. Last night I was too tired to eat my dinner. The plate was just there in front of me but I only ate about half my broccoli and rice and only one bite of the pork (which didn't taste good to me but Jerry sure liked it). I went to bed a little earlier last night. I'm hoping I just need to catch up on some sleep or something.

My little office has two banks of florescent light out of 12 panels total in the ceiling. It makes for a very bright little office. I often find myself squinting. I don't know if I can ask that some of the tubes be removed or if that is some kinds of OSHA violation. At home I thrive in dim rooms with only the glow of the computer or TV. Maybe I'm some kind of vampire that is only effected by well lit rooms...

Work is a little overwhelming. My biggest problem is that I don't say "no". I try to squeeze in as many appointments as I can and I'm not leaving enough time to even catch up on all my paperwork. I need to be more aggressive with my "no" and remember that I'm only one person. I miss interpreting! I need to get some gigs so I can keep my skill up. No way am I going to waste the three years of school I just completed! I know things will smooth out....they always do, but for today I'm just going to be pouty about it all.

I got through to the testing center at FCCJ and they updated my transcript so that they will send my degree to me. Yay! Work is going good. I'm very busy as my supervisor is going out for surgery (please say a prayer for her) and won't be back until sometime in June. Yes, I'm learning my job the "Baptism by fire" method. It's okay, I do well under pressure. The next big thing is that I get some interpreting gigs!

3 A's and 1 B and I'm done! HURRAY! I totally forgot about a project in the class I got a B in so yeah..it's my fault. No big deal. So now I just have to bug the testing center to put my passing exit testing stuff in the computer so it shows I'm graduating!

It's done! I have to wait for my results which could be up to 10 weeks although I was told that it shouldn't take that long. The test was difficult but it's supposed to be. I have a good feeling about it and no matter what I'll get some wonderful feedback. It just feels good to have taken it. 3 years of learning this stuff....Wow! Only one more hoop to jump through before graduation. I have a final on Monday night where I have to sign a story type thingy about how to play Charades and then transcribe an ASL video into a gloss system. Whatever...let's just get it over with so I can be done!!! Tuesday night the class is going out together. Cheesecake Factory ....YUM!!! I my class and professors. I'm actually going to miss seeing them every week.

Tonight is my night to veg out...watch " Wings " that TiVo has graciously recorded for me. Drink my water and just relax. Tomorrow is the big enchilada and I'm ready. I have finished my Padawan lessons and am ready to face the Jedi council.

I go for the state QA exam Friday at 4:00pm. I'm nervous and excited. I switched my schedule around at work so I could have a few hours between to gather my thoughts and stuff. Wednesday I go for my Information Literacy test (how to use a computer for research) at 4pm. This is required if I want to graduate on the 3rd of May. Hmm..4pm seems to be the "go time". That's what happens when you take on a part time job I guess.

Until Graduation! OMG! Only need to pass my classes and take some silly Computer information test that shows I know how to use a computer for research. (Yeah...can you believe that ). Ooo...and I'm working on scheduling my State QA. Could be this week! I'm nervous and excited about everything!

Things kinda started out slow because of some audits and other things that popped up. Today however was/is completely different. Busy doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling. Probably a little overwhelmed but I am confident that it's just a matter of getting my feet wet and making the mistakes that ever new employee does School is getting close to being done. I get to interpret "Phantom of the Opera" today in class. I'm excited to be a ham and have fun. May 3rd is graduation...I can't believe it. Have a call in to schedule my State QA exam and then I leave it to the interpreting gods to guide my future.

Jerry and I did our grocery shopping last night so that today we could have a pajama day. I woke up to the smell of coffee and Jerry cooking me breakfast. I'm truly a lucky girl! It's been a while since we've done absolutely nothing so today we are doing just that....nothing Yesterday was my works "Open House". Lots of people showed up and according to my co-workers it was a bigger turn out than last year. Hurray! This week I will have more stable schedule. I'm looking forward to getting to know the job as last week was a little scattered with people out and preparing for the open house. Oh yeah...and me getting kicked out of my office. Speaking of my office, they found some pictures of the city so my walls aren't so bare. I need to get some pictures of family and friends in there though. Not much room as you saw from my previous post..so I really need to get a bulletin board or something. Anyway, I'm gonna go veg out..cause that's what t...

So this is it...my new little office. Maybe cozy is a better word. As Jerry said, if I move the chairs out, I could probably change my mind. I guess he thinks it's small too. It definately needs pictures and some Gknee Flair!

The people there are so nice. I felt like I had been there within an hour of being there. Okay, not 100% but definately comfortable. Now I just need to learn everyones name. My office is tiny and very bare. I need to add somethings to make it look more *Gknee* Only three weeks left of school! HUZZAH!

I really need to get some things done this week: Find out why FCCJ doesn't show that I'm graduating in May. SS Card/voided check for direct deposit for my new job Trip to the bank Oil change/tune up for the car buy some cute clothes for work laundry Wonder how many I'll actually do this week.

We, Mom, Dad, Jerry and I, are safely home and tired from the trip. I think we all enjoyed a nap this afternoon. Naps are the best. Tomorrow we are going to River City Brewing for Sunday brunch and then relaxing the rest of the day. Mom and Dad will head back home to Michigan Monday morning and I start my new job!

Just finished up packing to put the bags out for the porters. Jerry and I are efficient and ready! Tomorrow morning will be hell, but it's all part of the cruise experience. Just a few more cruises for the Celebration. The Fascination, that will be in Jax in September looks to be a wonderful ship! Can't wait to cruise on it. The next big trip looks to be Seattle for PAX (aka Geek Heaven!). I get to start looking into flights next week. Fun fun!!

Another beautiful day! Jerry and I went ashore and headed to the Pirates of Nassau museum where we had a blast. Afterwards we headed to the Hard Rock and enjoyed lunch. The rest of the day was spent back on the boat where it was nice and quiet. Tomorrow is a fun day at sea which means lots of reading time for me. Yay!

Wow..what a great day! Jerry and I got up early and hit the Pirate Museum and then headed over to Sloppy Joes for a beer and conch fritter. Mom and Dad met us later to do the trolly tour around the island. I loved it. Tomorrow is Nassau and Jerry and I plan to do another pirate museum and then spend the rest of the day on the boat where it will be quiet!

The weather is beautiful. Why am I blogging then? Well, to be honest it's one of the quiet places on board and I was having a little bit of crowd anxiety. This cruise seems like there is more people. I dunno..maybe I'm just getting old. Tomorrow is Key West and I'm really looking forward to that. I think we might be going to some pirate museum..dunno yet. If it happens great, if it doesn't no big deal..it's vacation and relaxation is what is important. OOooo..I finally got word that I got the job. My background check came back okay so apparently I don't have any skeletons in my closet. Ok..back to the beautiful ocean views.

Bags are packed, just have to grab the toiletries in the morning and we are set to go. The plan is to leave the house around noon and hit the boat around 12:30. So nice to live in a port town!

Mom and Dad are on their way here. They should be here in a couple of hours, traffic providing. The house is clean, their beds are made and the roast is cooking as we speak. I know they had some traffic problems yesterday and had to make a detour, hopefully today it was clear driving. Monday we board the boat. I'm excited. I need this vacation more than I thought. I looking forward to reading for pleasure. The salt air....the crash of the waves...man oh man I love it!

It's a good thing! I just got a call from the people I interviewed with last week and pending a background check, I'm in! Really not worried about a background check as I have nothing to hide and my credit is good. Thankfully college days there were no official reports

I've updated gknee.org . I think it's pretty!

Where am I going? How long will it take? These are a few of the questions that I've been asking myself this week. I tend to do this around my birthday every year. I guess it's kind of a way for my to check myself that I haven't wandered off. Five more weeks of school and I'm feeling like I should have a job already lined up, but I don't. I have my application in with the school district but they aren't doing any hiring until just before next years school year. God, I hope I get it. I hope I get it. How many people does he need? - Chorus Line In other random things. An online friend shared a link that cracked me up. I guess the link is really funny to me because I'm so terrible with listening to songs and what they are saying. So clicky here!

hehe, or at least Guitar Hero says I will become one... Jerry bought me Guitar Hero III for my birthday. It's a blast but I just got boo'd off the stage three times! Too funny! I really need to find my Wii Number to give to people so that my little Mii can travel to visit. So far 41 is alright!