Fifty Seventh Stop: Mr. Tony Casada

 This is a shout out to one of my good friends, Tony Casada.  Mr. Casada and I met back in our freshman year of college and have been friends ever since.  We both have taken different paths and yet still have been able to stay in touch.  

    A little bit about Mr. Casada... Joined the Army back in September of 2009 and embarked on his first and last tour over seas in 2010.  A few months after arrival, he sustained severe injuries and was brought back stateside to  go through physical therapy, doctor appointments, ect.  Due to his injuries that he sustained,  he was medically retired and lives with the aftermath from his injuries everyday as so many of our men and women do.  

     Mr. Casada is not one to brag, but I will for him.  His retirement did not come without some decorations.  He was awarded with: 

     - Army Commendation Medal

     - Purple Heart

     - National Defense Service Medal

     - Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars

     - Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

     - Army Service Ribbon

     - Overseas Service Badge

     He is now living in Bakersfield with his wife, son, and another son on the way.  He has started his own company that is called TNT Blankets.  He makes  lanyards, dog leashes, and collars out of jump cords from a parachute and tie blankets.  

     Tony started doing this back in 2012 as way to help cope with the injuries.  He uses this as his job to help bring in some income because working a "regular" job is not in the cards, as of right now.  

     If you are interested in any specific colors, designs, and or patterns just let him know.  

     I just wanted to make this shout to my dear friend as many of you will participate in black fridayshopping...but don't forget about those who have fought for us to maintain the lives that we have.  What better gifts to give that help support such an amazing person.  

     Thank you again Mr. Tony Casada, and all the men and women,  for everything you have done for me and this country. 

https://www.facebook.com/tntblankets/info?tab=page_info

Fifty Sixth Stop: The Rocks

There is nothing more entertaining then being told after your work meeting that there are 4 girls waiting for you outside.  

     You poke your head out and the 4 girls all start talking at the same time in very high pitched voices.  All I could make of it is that they wanted to go on a rock search... today not tomorrow.  They even told me I should probably change my clothes because it is cold.  I followed their suggestion... ended up with 8 kiddos and a dog on the beach looking at every cool rock there was.  This left me hearing "Miss Ryan" non stop, at the same time, for an hour.   And a pocketful of rocks that they all wanted me to have.  

                           I chalk that up as a successful evening.  Next time wear gloves.... I am frozen.

Fifty Fifth Stop: Terry Scortt

  Terry Scortt.    To some, it is a random name that you may google and find some interesting facts.   To others, he is a loyal friend.  To many, he is a person who has dedicated over 36 years of service to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)...Working his way up through years to where he is now as Battalion Chief.  

      For me,   I have have the honor and privilege to call Terry Scortt, my Dad. 

     As a Battalion Chief, he has dedicated so many years to being the best that he can be for his men and women who work along side him.  Terry is not one that just does one job.  He is one that makes sure if he is going to do a job, he will make sure it is done right.  That being said, he has adopted several different hats to wear within the department.     

     One of the many hats he wears is working with the K-9 Urban Search and Rescue team.  With this group he was was able to spend a great deal of time working after Hurricane Katrina along side his men, women, and K-9 peers.   

     He is also one of the driving forces that helps make the Fire Explorer program that OCFA puts on for teens and young adults to see if they really want to become a fire fighter.  They are put through  various trainings that give these people a great idea of the demands it takes to be a successful fire fighter.  

     Terry is a guy who is incredibly humble and hard working.  He has a huge heart and goes out of his way to make sure that everyone is well taken care of and safe.  I have seen him work endlessly to make sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.  

      I have had the honor of spending many holidays in the fire station with all the wonderful families that become your own, and they are some of the best memories I have.   The holidays, you see,  are days that the rest of us enjoy, while the men and women at the fire department work endlessly to keep us safe.   Yes, many holidays were spent at the fire station..... wouldn't have changed it for a minute.

      I have been able to learn so many great qualities from him.  I learned to know what is expected, and how to achieve and work hard to that goal with dignity and honor.  Another one of his qualities we were taught was attention to detail...How to be a hard worker, dedicated to a job and the people around you...Going above and beyond for others because it is the right thing and just what you do.  

    As we approach December 22, 2014,  OCFA will be left with huge shoes to fill because my Dad will be retiring.    (The family is taking bets to see how long he lasts with his big idea of doing nothing... he is going to go stir crazy...So be looking for him as the next over -the-top WalMart greeter. He will be the on with the ear piece talking into his sleeve trying to feel important.)

     In all seriousness, Thank you, Dad, for everything and all your hard work for providing a life for us with so many great memories.  

Welcome to retirement! 

Count dow has begun..

Here is a video clip with a shout from the news people.  My Dad's next 15 minutes of fame: 

                           http://www.myfoxla.com/clip/10850561/firehouse-friday-ocfa-station-29

Some other videos that my Dad was in that you can find if you are one of the people who just googled him. :)

http://vimeo.com/tag:terry+scortt

Fifty Fourth Stop: The Alchemist

 I am not one that will non-stop talk about a book, but I was recently sent the same book by 2 of my friends.  Already started to think that it might be good if these two reliable sources say it is good.

     The book is called "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.  I had never heard of it.  I started the book this last Monday (11/10) and, not going to lie..., it did not grab my attention right out of the gate, but it had me hooked a quarter of the way through.  Needless to say,  I completed this novel last night because I could not put it down.     

It is a pretty quick read-the language is not challenging, but the content really makes you analyze your own personal goals, dreams, and ambitions.  He, the author, really paints a picture of a much simpler time, but with similar struggles and challenges that we are faced with today, just in a different capacity.     

 I am also not one that writes in a book that I am reading for enjoyment, but this one is now covered in highlighting some of my favorite quotes.  It is so applicable for anyone's  life and it hit the nail on the head for me as I am on this Alaskan Adventure.     I highly suggest that you all read it. And, if you do, please comment on my blog, or email me, facebook, smoke signals, letter, or any other way you choose to communicate what you think.     

If you are not able to read the book, here are some of my favorite quotes that will still get you thinking.   

  - "It is the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." (pg 13)    

- "And dreams are the language of God." (pg 15)     

- " It describes people's inability to choose their own Personal Legends. And it ends up saying that everyone believes the world's greatest lie." (pg 20)     

- "It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what 's happening to us, and out lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." (pg 20) 

    

- "The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation. All things are one." (pg 24)   

  

-"There is nothing to hold him back except himself." (pg 31)    

 - The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon." (pg 36)     

- "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. " (pg 43)

     - "And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward." (pg 80)    

 -"We may take a lot of detours, but we are always headed in the same direction." (pg 80)     

There are many more, but those are a few of my favorites! I hope that everyone will be able to find their own Personal Legends, with that comes love, happiness, and dreams!

Fifty Third Stop: Discussion Please

 Ever since I was 10 years old, I knew that I wanted to have American Sign Language (ASL) in my life.  I didn't know the capacity or the form it would take.  As I got older,  I learned more and more about not only the language, but the beautiful culture that goes along with it. 

     It was then that I knew that I was going to be an interpreter and fully immerse myself in what I could while I was going to college.  I was the annoying girl that was President of Interpreting Club. Yup... this girl right here!  

      That being said, there is always a struggle I have to try and make myself the best interpreter for the client... Making sure that I am matching and conveying the messages clearly for both parties involved-the hearing person and the deaf person.  It is no easy task.  Sometimes you even have to be an advocate on and off the job.  All these facets are the parts that I love and they keep the job interesting and keep me on my toes.  

     That being said I find this attached article extremely interesting.  I would love for everyone's participation and input.    I feel that it provides an insight that many people may not have thought of or knew they were doing.   I know I have some things on the list that I am now that I am going to work on. 

http://www.deafecho.com/2012/08/exploring-hearing-privilege/

Thoughts... Ready... go! 

Fifty Second Stop: Lazy Day

  A weekend of guilt free laziness.  It was so nice being able to stay here in the village in my space and do absolutely nothing.  Don't get me wrong, I have loved every adventure I have been on in the last month.  Getting to see everyone back home and making new friends up here in Anchorage was all beautiful, but I was so tired! B

     I was not a functioning human being before 11 am this entire weekend.  I never would of been able to pull that off in my California life.   I was always scheduled for some kind of something.  So to be able to not set an alarm, roll over because I was comfy,  and didn't want to getup, was so nice.  

     Listening to the peaceful rain outside my window all weekend definitely helped too.  Here is to a beautiful weekend and a laid back Sunday funday!  

     Who is ready for Monday?... Well, as ready as I can be.  One week closer to Thanksgiving!  WOOHOO!!!

Fifty First Stop: Independence

 When the school year started,  there was a major adjustment period and trial of testing for her and me both.  She tried me to see how far she could push me and I challenged her to see how much work we could get accomplished.  Due to several different circumstances my expectations needed some fine tuning.  My goal,  while I am here,  was to work on getting my kiddo to become more independent.

     Ms. Renee and I have had and still continue to have discussions on how to make learning more fun, how to teach social skills, and how to get her to understand how important her taking care of herself and diabetes is.     

     We started by getting her to do the math and document everything...Figured that would be a good start.  Then we added the challenge of having her get her insulin shot ready so all she would need would need help with from mom is giving the shot.     

     Then, this last Friday I got a knock on my door 10 minutes before I normally come out of my room to take on the day. Open the door and it is my kiddo!   She wants me to hurry because she wants to show me that she can give herself and Mr and Mrs. Teddy their insulin shots.  She shows me first on one of her bears and then dials it up to give it to herself.  Few deep breaths and she does it!  She gave herself her insulin shot!!!  This is huge progress.  I was overjoyed and so proud of her, her mom had happy tears, and I was doing a 30 second dance party.     

     Then at lunch we were able to show Ms. Renee and she was so excited and had a dance party via skype as well.    

      My kiddo may not be able to multiply 3 digit numbers, or read big ol chapter books, or write a perfect English sentence (I can't do that well either), but she will know how to administer her insulin shot by herself.  The process is not foreign to her.  That my friends is success.   Independence!