Happy Holidays!

After a month of studying, I passed the NIC Written Knowledge exam! I am now a Candidate for Certification! That means I have 5 years max to build my fluency & experience to pass a performance test. Then you're a Certified Interpreter. :) November was a good month. Thanksgiving with the family in Alabama was aslo a treat, especially right after getting the good news. Tomorrow is December first, and we're going to deck the halls at home. We love the holidays! Feliz Navidad! Life is fantastic!

A few quotes about Culture

"If we can accept the paradox that the real humanity of people is understood through cultural differences rather than cultural similarities, then we can make profound sense of our differences. It is possible that there is not one truth, but many; not one real experience, but many realities; not one history, but many different and valid ways of looking at events." - Jamake Highwater, The Primal Mind

"If virtually all of our perceptions are mediated by culture, then what is really true and valid? Principles that we accept as universal truths because they are not questioned in our society, such as marrying for love and making decisions about our future based on our own individual desires, are nothing more than the particular thinking of our culture." - Anna Mindess, Reading Between the Signs

"In the world of tomorrow we can expect to live- not merely vacation- in societies which seek different values and abide by different codes. There we will be surrounded by foreigners for long periods of time, working with others in the closest possible relationships. If people currently show little tolerance or talent for encounters with alien cultures, how can they learn to deal with constant and inescapable coexistence?" - Barnlund 1989

The Reality of Oppression

Most bigots aren't "big racists." They aren't the KKK types, the cross burners, the ones that would call you names, spit on you and beat you up as long as there were at least three of them for every one of you.
Most bigots are nice people- the church-goers, school teachers, police officers, business-people, truck drivers, mayors, and mail carriers. They make the community what it is. They make the wheels turn- the wheels of commerce, the wheels of benevolence, the wheels of oppression and injustice. They are the "little racists."
In the Holocaust, these were the normal people, those who thought of themselves as decent folk. Those who wouldn't kick a Jew to death, but would look the other way when someone else did. It is the normal people who make holocausts happen, the "good folk" who tolerate unspeakable evil.
-B. Alcorn

Trying to be a better person.

Sometimes in the rush of the world everyone needs to take a step back and see the forest through the trees. Every person is an individual, with thoughts, feelings, and a conscience. I believe in karma, and that if you live a good life and are a good friend, neighbor, sibling, whatever, you will have that same kindness shed on you. I'd like to believe in a higher power, and an afterlife, and that good things come to those who are rational, patient, open-hearted, giving, and unconditionally loving. It's one thing to make a statement. It's another thing to perform the action. I'm trying to be a better person, the bigger person, a better sister, friend, and daughter. Life has been an interesting ride so far, and most of us have gotten sick along the way. No more for me, please. I'd like to get my feet on solid ground. Life is too short for misery. Lifespans are short for humans! I'd like to make the best out of the time I have here. Smile more! You'll live longer! Bad news comes, don't you worry. When it lands, good news always works it's way to all them plans. Learn to be pro-active. Arguing gets you nowhere. Don't sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses. Love your family and friends. Follow the golden rule. Do things yourself. You are strong! Nobody can make you do anything you don't want to do. Use your mind. Think for yourself. Value silence. Speak your mind when thoughts are right to become words. And most of all, LOVE.

Whatever Tomorrow Brings, I'll Be There

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear, and I can't help but ask myself how much I let the fear take the wheel and steer.
It's driven me before, and it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal.
But lately I'm beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel.
Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there with open arms and open eyes.
Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there. I'll be there.

-Incubus

It's Just a Minor Thing

I change the key from C to D. You see, to me it's just a minor thing, yo.
To re-adjust you've got to trust that all the fuss is just a minor thing, yo.
It's just a minor thing, and I'm a minor king.
You've got your bit part Mozart, hot dart acceleration,
Pop art, pistol chasin', cat fight intimidation.
All out interfacin', Black Star motivation,
Vampire, sugar junkie, data basin' infiltration.
To read a mind, you've got to redefine the line to make your circle sing, yo.
You make a sound, the spell is bound to come around.
It's just a minor thing, and I'm a minor king.

-The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Success!!

Tonight I marked the date for taking my written interpreter certification test- November 23! That means I've got 7 weeks to study and prepare. To be honest, I haven't done much with my skills since I graduated. During my last semester of college, I had the worst case of senioritis and was more than ready to not be in school anymore. After school ended, I turned my focus to my family and the most signing I've done has been communicating with Micah. I've thoroughly enjoyed moving back home and taking care of my family, though. This time has not only helped me to accomplish many projects at home, but also to grow as a person. Now it's time to work on my skills. I'm ready to become an interpreter!

Truth Belongs to Everybody

I was not created in the likeness of a fraud.
Your hell is something scary; I prefer a loving god.
We are not the center of this funny universe.
And what is something worse, I do not serve in fear of such a curse.
Shallow be thy game. 2000 years look in the mirror.
You play the game of shame, and tell your people live in fear.
A rival to the way you see the bible, let him be.
I'm a threat to your survival and your control company.
You'll never burn me. I'll be your heretic.
You can't contain me. I am the power free.
Truth belongs to everybody.
To anyone who's listening, you're not born into sin.
The guilt they try and give you, puke it in the nearest bin.
Missionary madness sweep up culture with a broom,
Trashing ancient ways is par for course. It's fucking rude.
To think that you're above the laws of nature is a joke.
Purple sashes feeding masses; smoke on which to choke.

-The Red Hot Chili Peppers

I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than closed by belief.
-Anonymous

Walkabout

I think I'll go on a walkabout
And find out what it's all about- and that ain't hard!
Just me and my own two feet,
In the heat I've got myself to meet.
A detective of perspective,
I need to try and get a bigger eye- open wide!
Bloodwood flowers in my gaze;
Walkabout in a sunny daze.
You could do it in the city,
You could do it in a zone,
You could do it in a desert,
You could do the unknown
On a walkabout...
High desert skies are what I spy,
So fly- you've got to wonder why!
The didgeridoo original man with a dream,
I believe the Aborigine.
A walk could cure most all my blues,
Bare feet, or in my two shoes- one, two...
I think I'll go on a walkabout.
Find out what it's all about- can't hurt to try!

- The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Netflix!

Tonight I activated Netflix! Now we can watch almost anything instantly on our tvs! I showed mom our instant queue by flipping through on our Wii and she was thrilled! It is exciting to have instant accessibility! Technology may be confusing at times, but I'd say there are more pros than cons. Plus, everything comes with instructions now-a-days, so there's no hassle! I can't wait to watch more! A few of my favorite picks are The Botany of Desire, Food, Inc., and The Gerson Miracle. I love documentaries! I had not seen a documentary until Netflix came around, and now I can't get enough! Who says tv rots your brain? I'm learning something every time I watch! Even shows like Mythbusters and Survivorman are available for your learning pleasure! Netflix provides for all your watching needs, though. Search through thousands of movies, stand-up comedy acts, tv shows and more! Popular series on tv, like Heroes or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, are even available by the season! No more waiting! Hooray for Netflix!

Eco-Friendly Family

We've gone green! Over the summer my family and I slowly started to recycle. We would take our recycling to Kroger, but now we have the convenience of getting our recycling picked up, curbside style, by city trash management! No need to separate paper, plastic or metal! The program is called Blue Bagging, and has really been a catalyst for recycling here in Franklin. Our recycling to trash ratio is 3:1 now! I can see every house around us recycling too! We are just one family, one house, but every house adds up, and every little bit helps!
We're also tree-huggin' it by using energy efficient light bulbs and LED candles- they look so real you won't believe it! After I read that a slow-burning candle in your home could be emitting dangerous amounts of lead and poisoning the air quality for your family, I knew we had to do something to change! We've also started collecting our old electronics, glasses, cell phones, and batteries to be recycled properly. Now we're focusing on being energy and water conscious!
My next move would be to snatch up all our chemical cleaners and dispose of them! While cleaning one day, I thought about all the chemicals I was so willingly spraying to "clean" our home. I watched the particles fall slowly all around me and I realized that soon they would disperse everywhere indoors. Whose definition of clean is covered in chemicals? I do not want my family to be poisoned, but rather safe and healthy. I would like to start buying Green cleaning products that I KNOW are non-toxic and all natural. The saying goes: "You are what you eat", but what about what you're breathing and don't even realize? Just because you can't see the dirt in your air doesn't mean it's not there! Air pollution levels inside can be 5 times more polluted and dangerous than the air outside! Toxic substances can be found in furniture, carpets, paints, synthetic materials, and many other places in your home that you would not think about! Consider the air pollution in your home! Ventilate your house, buy natural products, and just spend more time outside!
Get back in touch with nature and love our Earth! Here we are in the beginning of the 21st Century, and all we can see is a dark future for our children. Help preserve our environment in any way you can! Every little bit helps!

Over the hills and through the trees

To the Grandparents' house we go! Mom, Micah, and I are going for an overnight visit! I wish Timothy was coming with us, too. Micah is SO excited! He loves to ride around the land with Papa and swim in Uncle Steve's pool- which we'll do today! I'm excited for some southern home cookin'! It'll be nice to see our family again. I want to see everyone in Louisiana, too. Hopefully that will happen soon! After graduating high school, and then college, your circle of friends winds down and you keep only a close few. I realize now how important family is. You can't choose the people in your family, and yet everyone loves each other unconditionally. Family is always there for you, to support you through life's struggles, and to guide you with their own experiences. One reason I started this blog was for family to be able to see what's happening with us up in Tennessee. I fell off the face of the planet over the summer and became a hermit. Looking back over the summer, I realized how many important people in my life I hadn't talked to. I'd like to change that and be a better person for my family. They deserve to have the kindness they've shown me my whole life. I love my family, and my friends that have become like my family. Thank you all for loving me, taking care of me, and supporting me. I would not be the young lady I am today without you.
"Never explain yourself- your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it." -Rachel
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

Breakthrough!!

Sign Language is the answer! After dealing with a very fussy Micah all day, I took him upstairs and we built a train. We weren't talking yet, so I decided to use ASL to talk to Micah, without voicing. He communicated SPECTACULARLY!!! He was silent the whole time, and looked at me while I signed. We had a conversation for quite a few minutes! If that wasn't enough, the breakthrough came when I asked him a question and he responded with an enthusiastic YES!, and then continued with his playing. It felt like we were in a classroom and I was his aid. If I hadn't known any better, I could have mistaken him for any other 11-year-old boy. He responded so quickly it surprised me. In that moment I knew he completely understood me. He is so smart! Even while I'm writing this, he is continuing to communicate with me in sign language. To go from yelling, pushing your buttons, throwing toys and temper tantrums, to talking back and forth in turn with patience and smiles is a wonderful feeling! I will continue signing with him from now on! For now, I'm not using my voice and we're signing in silence. I think, this way he can concentrate on what I'm signing. Of course we talk without signing sometimes, so I will try to add sign language to our daily routines. Hopefully soon the whole house will be signing! This is so exciting!
What a great night! This just proves that things are always looking up if you just find the right way to solve the problem. I hope this means there are many, many more smiles in my family's future.

Mood Music

A decade ago, I never thought I would be, at twenty-three, on the verge of spontaneous combustion. I've had enough of the world and its people's mindless games. So pardon me while I burn and rise above the flame. I'll never be the same! Oh my, my, Oh hell yes! Honey, put on that party dress! Buy me a drink, sing me a song, take me as I come, cause I can't stay long. And all I can do is just pour some tea for two and speak my point of view, but it's not sane. Take a piece and pass it on. I'm a picker, I'm a grinner, I'm a lover, and I'm a sinner playin' my music in the sun. I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a mid-night toker. I get my lovin' on the run. Where I go I just don't know. I got to, I got to take it slow. When I find my piece of mind I'm gonna give you some of my good time. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there.


Today love smiled on me. The weather was perfect: the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and fall is finally starting to come. Since graduation, I've slowly moved back home, however my summer was anything but slow. However, it's nice to be back home. I get to be with my family and friends again and room and board is free! That being said, I do my best to give back to mom what she's given me all my life. I've been sitting with Micah, as well as cleaning & organizing mom's entire house on the side. Tonight I finally finished cleaning everything! That was 10 years of clutter! I hope having an organized house will be one less thing for mom to worry about. Now it's time to start back in to interpreting! Here goes a new chapter in my life! Destiny is calling me!