Good Advice is Good Advice

When I was growing up, once my sister had left the house, my parents always had me bring a friend to events so that I wouldn't be bored.  As I got older, I realized the wisdom of bring friends to social events and other types of get-togethers.  Obviously, there are times when it is great to go to events on my own (I particularly love going to the movies alone), but sometimes it is a good thing to have someone there for protection, intervention, support and encouragement.

I didn't bring a friend this weekend to the conference I went to and while I was surrounded by friends and people I know, I wasn't with anyone.  It wasn't a bad thing - just different than I have participated in such events in the past. I was a little bit freer, but a little bit lonelier.  I think much of it is my own creation, but I don't know how to change it.

The temptation was certainly to hang out with my co-workers and people I see regularly.  At the same time, I didn't want them to feel like they are stuck with me since I am in an administrative position.  I want to be sure that people know they are free to have fun without having me as an albatross around their neck.  I don't know that they see it that way, but I want to be sure they don't, so I think I isolate myself more than I should. I'm working on it. And I think I will bring a friend next time. :)

When Worlds Collide

I went to a conference today and it was a touch overwhelming - there were people from all aspects of my interpreting/professional life.    I saw my former boss who is really responsible for much of the foundation of my practice and accomplishments as an interpreter - she always believed in me and challenged me.  I saw colleagues from my early, early days as an interpreter in K-12 settings and it was SO good to see them.  I saw students from almost every year that I taught in the Interpreter Training Program. I saw interpreters I used to coordinate at the University where I worked.  I saw folks who used to work for the same company I work for now, current employees, people from other states...Just everyone. Long forgotten names and faces.  And generosity.

Today was a good day.

Cutting it Close

Normally, I don't like to leave things to the last minute.  For interpreters, we have continuing education units that we have to earn to maintain our certification. We have to earn 80 hours of workshop/class/training time every 4 years. My cycle ends on Dec. 31 and I just completed the final .125 hours of my requirements. I'm a little bit over the amount required, but I like it that way in case someone drops the ball out there.

This is the first time I have been so close to the deadline - I blame it on having a full-time job. And, I took some workshops in the past couple of years that I didn't get the proper paperwork turned in ahead of time, so I didn't earn the CEUs for it, even though I did attend. Dumb.

So, I have already started on my next cycle - paying for it anyway. I am going to TerpExpo in January where I will be able to earn at least a couple of CEUs.  I have found several good on-line places to do some work and I am working on some projects.  My goal is to do 30 hours a year so that by the last year, even if I don't have to do anything, I will be a little bit over and will have continued to develop my skills and learning.  I actually can't wait to get started!

Now, wish me luck that all the people who are responsible for reporting these things does their job so that I'm not fighting to keep my certification.  On second thought, I may be doing another short one this weekend, just to be sure...

Crazy Decision Day

Today was one of "those" days. I started out making bad decisions and everything I did during the day just needed a little tweak.

The big decisions were all pretty good and I ended up staying at a workshop I had wanted to attend, but didn't think I would. I forgot my checkbook and a friend took care of it for me (in exchange for dinner/coffee together and payback). The workshop was really good, but I had to leave a little early due to another commitment. I didn't leave early enough and then I ended up not being ready for that, but I did go.

Had dinner with a group of new friends and laughed so hard my throat is sore. Good, clean fun.

All in all, a really good day - it was nice, once again, to be seen as Jean the human and the interpreter instead of manager, coordinator, etc.  Just being a human being with thoughts and opinions and perspectives was really excellent.

Reading, Missed Opportunity, and Oversight

Tonight was the reading I have been anxiously awaiting at Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing.  Patti Digh, Jennifer Louden and Susan Piver each read from their newest offerings, did a book signing and a Q and A.  To my surprise, Patti recognized me and remembered my name when she arrived.  It was a good time and I laughed a lot. These women are going to inspire me tomorrow, for sure.

I brought my camera with me tonight - not the phone kind, but my actual digital camera. It is small and cute and I had every intention of whipping that baby out and snapping some pictures of the authors tonight as they conducted the event. I had the camera out a couple of times, even turned it on, made sure the flash was off...but I couldn't do it.  They were engaging speakers, making eye contact around the room...I just couldn't bring that camera out to spoil it. I will never be a photographer at heart... I did realize that I might have been more inclined to take photos if my camera didn't make so much noise. It has all these little beeps and blips and I don't know how to turn them off. When I left, I had a momentary regret at not taking at least ONE photo. I have tomorrow, I suppose. Just felt like a missed opportunity.

Speaking of missed opportunities, on to the oversight... I remember THE DAY that I saw Patti would be in town and that she was co-teaching a retreat. I saw the announcement first on Facebook and then I went immediately to her blog, 37Days, clicked on the hot link and started the registration process.  I remember it down to the fact that the company was Jennifer Louden, Inc. and there was an option to pay through PayPal or with my debit card. I decided to pay with PayPal. Apparently, that is where my memory ended. I have looked for a confirmation email, receipt for payment, etc. and I haven't received anything. I should have been more assertive and sent a note inquiring about time and specific location, etc.  Sigh. Tonight, as I searched for a confirmation, some information, needed supplies, ANYTHING, I got frustrated. Went to my bank account, which I had been locked out of for a long time, so I'm not in the habit of checking it often.  Nothing. Went to PayPal...Ah. Then, I remembered.  I had tried to pay with PayPal and found out my account had been hacked or was suspected of being hacked so it was suspended and I had to go through this whole process of verifying my identity. I'm glad that they protect consumers - I just wish I had remembered. So apparently, instead of immediately going back to the registration and paying with a credit card or my debit card, I imagined that I had completed the payment. Now, the night before the workshop, I am happy to know that they still have slots open...although, I was hoping they would fill the whole workshop. I feel stupid and a little embarrassed and really, what I know is that it was just an honest mistake. I'm frustrated with myself, more than anything.

On a final note, Patti passed out rocks from her Rock Fairy tonight. We each got to take a random rock with a message painted on it.  Many people found that they got the perfect rock for them. I have to think about mine. My first reaction was, "What? This isn't the right rock for me. I want one of those "Perfect for me" rocks."  But I am just sitting with this. There is something there, but I don't know what.

Ready for it?

"What is your hidden secret?"

Tired, but Good

I presented a workshop today at our state conference. More attendees than I have ever had at a workshop. They all seemed engaged and to enjoy it. I got some great feedback both directly and indirectly - this was good because I had a crisis of confidence all day long. New workshop, already wondering what I missed, what I didn't count on, then just feeling the press of everything.

Tomorrow, I am attending a workshop about combating burnout and recommitting to the profession. I'm pretty excited.

Gotta get up early, so I'm off to bed!

Writing Retreat - I Can't Wait!

Patti Digh, of 37Days and Life is A Verb and my telecourse this year, posted about an upcoming writing workshop in November and I can't wait!

Here is a link to the workshop info.

I haven't been doing much in the way of recording my stories lately, but I have lots of intentions in that direction.  I can't wait to go be in a room full of people devoted to the idea that each life is a brilliant collection of stories. I want to record some of the crazy and wonderful and oh-so-funny things that have happened to me, to honor some of the incredible people who have graced me in my life.

It is so interesting to see the Universe offering up these little gifts while banging me over the head with a shovel in other areas of my life. It's a little disconcerting, but I am trying to pay attention to all of the messages.

Now, off to bed. I have to get up early to work on scheduling. :(