Here Comes The Sun

Life is fantastic! Work has been crazy busy since I started 1 month ago, but I finally feel like everything is coming together. I've got my own place now, started my first full time job after college, started eating organic again, am recycling again, and spring is here! I like to think that everything has a place and purpose, and that everything happens when it is supposed to and for a reason. Well, I'm finally caught up. I've been catching up with best friends and my family, and it feels like everything is being magically pulled to where it is needed in all our lives. I watched The Secret recently, and it slipped right into place behind my learning about The Power of Now and Change Your Conversation. It was so inspirational and motivating that it almost made me cry. The universe is listening to my heart and pulling me to what my soul is attracted to. I'm so glad spring is here, too. Oh, how I've missed the sun. I can't wait to make a garden behind my home and sit outside drinking tea and listening to music. Oh! Tonight I read about eating right for your specific blood type. Blood type is the key to eating right for your body and your chemical needs. Blood type diets can help prevent certain diseases that are more prone for your particular blood type, and can even affect personality. This being said, I was shocked to see all the similarities between what I am supposed to be eating and how to live, with what I actually do based on what my body craves and how I function. I read that my blood type fares best on a vegetarian diet with calming, fun exercises and as much creativity in life as possible. How crazy is that?!? I was literally reading my health horoscope, and it fit me to a T. This also plays into how my life is coming together, just like my real horoscope. Since I'm on the edge of gemini & cancer, my cancer tendencies are that I am a protector of my loved ones & sensitive, and that now my gemini tendencies are to be able to communicate and listen efficiently. This also fit me perfectly when talking about my work change from home to out on my own in a sales-type job. This all seems so crazy to think how weird and wonderfully perfect everything is coming together for me in my life. I am loving the positive perspectives and influences in my life. Thank you Sven, thank you friends, and thank you Universe. Life is beautiful. I am looking forward to a great week at work and a relaxing week at home. Hooray for good food and good friends, family and animals, doing what you love, and loving life. Carpe Diem.

Eat Right For Your Blood Type- A

Micah and Jess Time

Oh, It's what I know

Because I'm happy to be sad,
I want it all, I want it bad.
Oh, oh, it's what I know.

A vintage year for pop, I hear,
The middle of the end is near.
Let's go, oh, it's what I know.

Torture me and torture me.
It's forcin' me so torture me, please.
Torture me with sorcery.
It's forcin' me so torture me, please.

All the leaves are turning brown,
The wind is pushing me around.
Let's go, oh, it's what I know.

Torture me and torture me.
It's forcin' me so torture me, please.
Torture me with sorcery.
It's forcin' me so torture me, please.

-The Red Hot Chili Peppers

I'm a dancer!!

On Monday I think I got hired as a Ballroom Dance Instructor! Hooray!!! I say I think because you're not technically hired til after training, but man I got this! Anywho... How ironic, when just a short time earlier I was texting one of my best friends that all I wanted to do was dance. This is going to be awesome! I really can't wait! I start training on Monday!! Ah! Need to make skirts! And stretch! And drink a ton more water! But.. dance! I can't wait to make a living from dancing (teaching, really)! And compete! This really is going to be the best year yet! And I'm moving out next month! My boyfriend and I picked out the best apartment! I can't wait to start living life out on my own again! Life is GRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!!!! It's funny how the best things in life come when you're not expecting them. Just ride the wild wave of life and have fun! Good things come to those who wait... and seize opportunity when it comes! Live your dreams. Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life- thanks Mike. Carpe Diem! I'm also going to interpret on the side. I'd like to get to know the Deaf community at my own pace. Who knows, maybe I'll even get more dance students that way! Need to start packing... :) Mmm, time for the Chili Peppers :)

Change Your Conversation, Change Your Life

Micah is really trying my patience today. After having to repeat myself at least 5 times for him to follow directions, it gets old. Reverting back to how I was raised to respond to Micah, I yelled at him for not understanding. Then it hit me, again, as I always have to keep reminding myself: Micah learns best though encouragement. So I changed the question I was asking. I started asking, "Ok, do you want to argue or do you want to play?" And he'll usually answer that he wants to play and we can continue interacting in a positive way. A blog I read called Change Your Conversation, Change Your Life by two women named Malinda and Lani, described interacting with their children in a way that opened my eyes to a different perspective. Here are their wonderful thoughts, that I believe fit perfectly here at home working with Micah.

"Over the past two weeks my son, who will be three in January, has been a hand full to say the least. No matter what I did his response to me was to totally fall to pieces. If you have kids, you know what I mean...I'm talking about the screaming, crying, melting to nothing in the middle of floor and I thought I was going to lose my mind. I kept trying different approaches and to no avail, until I decided enough was enough.

A couple of days ago I decided it was time to figure out what was really going on with me and my relationship with my son. Understanding that he is only three, I also understand that everything begins and ends with me. It was time to get quiet, take a step back and take a look at what has really been going on. Very quickly I realized that I had started dreading having time with my son because I didn't want to deal with his tantrums...it was time for me to change my conversation. Once I stepped back I could see where I had allowed my thoughts to go in a direction that did not feel good to me, I was able to say to myself “now that you know what you don't want, what do you want?” My response was “I want a healthy relationship with my son. I want to enjoy my time with him. I want to laugh and play with my son.” Suddenly I went from feeling like I was going to lose it at any minute to feeling over joyed with the love that I feel for my son.

The past two days have been incredibly fun spending the entire day laughing, playing, building blocks, playing trucks, reading books, Christmas shopping, and watching movies...without any melt downs! Once I changed my conversation and let go, a few hours later it hit me that I have not been playing or interacting with my son as much as he may need. I had been so wrapped up in work, Christmas, decorating and the list goes on, that I wasn't seeing his needs. My outside was reflecting my inside, his behavior was reflecting back to me what I was feeling inside. Now that I changed my conversation with myself, I am connected with me, with my truth, with my real self once again...I am able to connect with my son again. LIFE IS GOOD!

It always begins and ends with YOU.

Life is in constant motion and so are your children. I have come to learn that I have to pay attention to them in the same manner that I pay attention to myself, my work, my house, etc. Meaning, every couple of days I need to step back, evaluate where they are in relation to where I am. Am I responding to them in a healthy way that feels good to me or am I just reacting? Is there any new behaviors that need to be addressed and if so, what are the options available to me and of those which one brings me a sense of relief? Once I have gotten down to things and have become clear about where I want to move things with my children the next step is actually putting them into place. This requires me to be totally in the now. This requires me to be totally focused on nothing else but my kids when I am interacting with them. Now that I am aware of behaviors that do not feel good to me, I have to be aware of what triggers those same behaviors so that I can redirect them with love and compassion rather than with anger or disappointment. The key is knowing that it all begins and ends with you. If you are reacting out anger or disappointment it has absolutely nothing to do with the child and has everything to do with you. I found that I was reacting out of anger or disappointment because I wasn't totally in the now, because I had a million other things on my plate and expected my child to move at my pace, expected my child to do things the way I wanted them done, expected my child to do what I would have done and was not allowing myself to see my child through sources eyes. I also understand that my children reflect back to me the energy that I give to them, as everything else in life...our children are no different.

To have a healthy relationship with your family, your spouse, children or friends you have to have a healthy relationship with you. Allow yourself to have the connection with yourself that you are looking for in others. Love the being that talks to you, that stares back at you when you look in the mirror and feel the joy radiate from within. When you are one with you, you can then be one with others.
~Malinda

While this went a bit deeper into what the Change Your Conversation, Change Your Life philosophy really means inside yourself, I think this can really help everyone with different problems. If you take a step back and let go, then all your expectations and standards of what you want life to be will come true.

CHECK OUT THEIR LINK BELOW!!

Change Your Conversation, Change your Life

Here's to a new year

The holidays are over and it's time to get back to reality. This week I'm starting to record videos of life at home with Micah. I want to show how smart he is! Micah is such a good signer and can communicate very well, if you take the time to understand him. I also want to start signing songs every week for practice. Honestly, living at home after college was probably the worst idea. Mom and I fight all the time because we can't get on the same page, and living away from my friends and boyfriend is also emotionally stressful. Therefore, I can only make the best out of where I am in life right now. I hope recording videos of my interactions with Micah will show the progress he's made by communicating through sign language. I also hope to become a skilled signer of music, and ultimately make my own music videos! This will be the year I become fluent in ASL. I want to immerse myself in Deaf culture, make Deaf friends, and start on my journey to becoming a great interpreter. This is also the year to do everything I've never "had time" to do. Psh. Life is short, so make the best out of it! To a new year and new beginnings! Carpe Diem.

Love, love, love

A long time ago the world was much larger and people were much closer. It really was survival of the fittest. People worked together as a communal family to build their homes, harvest food, raise the children into their next generations, and help whenever the time came. Little things like how many rocks you had never mattered. Now, people live closer than they've ever lived before, but closeness is the furthest thing you'll find. Where is the love? And communication? Help? Patience? Optimism? Persistence? The world has seen a loss of love. Love cannot be bought. Money and things can never replace a friendship, relationship, kind word or friendly smile. Little things make the world go round. Love, love, love, love...

Happy Holidays

Well it's been a good month, and a good end to 2010. December was spent getting ready for Christmas, and Christmas held up it's end. Oh the weather outside is weather. And white! Maybe sledding will be involved tomorrow!
On to 2011. Resolutions:
Buy recyclables and eat organic and healthier; things like red wine, dark chocolate, almond milk (yum!), whole grains, lean meat, chicken, and fish, fruits, veggies, local honey, tea, and water.
Cook and bake more, and use natural products like baking soda more. No more microwaves, either!
Get active! Ballet, burlesque, belly dancing, pilates, yoga, swimming, biking, skating, hiking, camping, snowboarding, and martial arts.
This is the year for self-development. Play violin, cello, guitar, bass, sign, sing, paint, sew, interpret, find a job, and pay off my student loans! I have realized that I can't just wait around for exciting things to happen in my life; I have to make them happen. On the other hand, some of the best things in life come when you're not expecting them. This year, I have dreams.
4 1/2 years into being an adult and I still feel like a kid. Adults are just aging children still trying to figure out life. Nobody has everything figured out. Life is tough; it's even tougher when you're stupid. -John Wayne. You just have to do the best with what you have and enjoy the little things in life. I hope I always feel like a kid, try new things, laugh every day, and love unconditionally. All you need is love. Carpe Diem!

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!