Graduation prep thoughts

Graduation is almost upon me.

On one hand I am excited.
But..
On the other, this is the world that I have immersed myself in for the last 2 years.
I have changed so much in that time, I don't know exactly how to function in the outside world anymore. Class, homework, practicum, eat, sleep, shower- repeat. My divorce changed my life. I have set goals and am about to accomplish them, and it feels good.

 But.. What do I do Now? Change is coming. That's okay. I need to figure it out. I know I need to find a job, and apartment ,all that grown up stuff. Thankfully, I am not in debt. Where to live, what to do, its up to me! My parents are supportive, I know whatever I chose they will accept.

Graduation.. is in the evening. Graduation Party?? I am so torn. I kind of want one, and yet I really dislike parties. I would like to just curl up and read a book the next day.  But, I want to be recognized for getting this program done. At the same time, I don't like being the center of attention and all the stress that comes with the parties. What to do?  Any recommendations? Also, my parents are moving so doing anything at the house is not a good option. And remember, I'm not working yet so , my finances are tight.

I know some of my extended family would like the opportunity to celebrate my accomplishments with me. They know I worked hard to get this degree done. (sigh) Its not all about me, even though this post kind of sounds like it. :(

Some random thoughts for the End of the year

I am :

A Christian

An Army Brat

An Adult

A Student

A Leader

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This has been a bumpy year, change is always hard. I have had loss in ways that are still too hard to type. I have gained yet another Culture to appreciate and learn. I have had to figure out who I am.

Growing up I lived behind the walls of military instillations. I experienced many cultures, then I got too old, my dad retired and I had to leave that world. The civilian world is different. I miss the life of the military. I miss the structure and discipline, and the artillery fire. I miss the bells, the bugles, and even the deployments.. yes I know that is controversial. But the only way to appreciate what you have sometimes is not to have it.  People ask me where I am from, In all honesty I am from planet Earth, currently I reside on the continent North America, in the USA.

I am an adult. Sometimes that is not fun at all.

1st week back to school ASL/Deaf Studies ReCap

So this past week was my first full week back in college. I am loving my classes. There is quite a bit of homework but, most of it is reasonable. All of my teachers are wonderful. I have already attended 1 Deaf event . It was amazing. I am looking forward to doing another. I am actually going to a Deaf Church tonight, I am a little nervous but excited at the same time. I am picking up ASL fairly fast. I receive better than I can send. ( in other words I understand more than what I can "say").

Some of ASL is easy to remember but some are just a bit harder, just like any other foreign language. Going to Deaf Fest was kind of like being dropped in the middle of a foreign country and being told sink or swim. I dog paddled  :) I know enough to say : I am a student, please repeat, Slowly please and a few other key phrases. I was surprised that so many people I know have a family member who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HoH), and the family hasn't taken the time to learn ASL. It makes me kind of angry. Everyone has the right to communicate,and I am now more determined than ever to be a bridge when needed. Deaf people should not have be the only ones working to communicate. If you have someone who is HoH or Deaf, Please if they know sign, LEARN SOME. I'm not saying you have to be fluent but its not right to leave them out of the conversation. I am just a student, this is only my second week. The people who I communicated with at Deaf Fest were pleased that I tried, even when it didn't work exactly like I thought.There was lots of encouragement and smiles.

 So if you were at Deaf Fest in St. Louis. Thank you.