Fifty Ninth Stop: Happy Birthday and the Future

 Today is December 14th.   This is a day that I have known to be my Dad's birthday.  I was able to skype home and sing happy birthday as a family- thank you for the wonderful technology that made it possible- almost as if I was home in person.

     I have unfortunately missed birthdays before when I lived in Fresno because I was not always able to get home, but I would be home eventually to help celebrate.     

     This year is a little different.  I will not only be missing his birthday, but Christmas as well.  This will be the first year that I will be missing our traditional Christmas Eve celebration with my Zeuli family.  It will be the first year with our sweet new addition, Valentina, and will have another one next year.  My family is truly amazing.  Cannot say that enough.    

     As I was pondering my "firsts" of things that I will be missing,  it made me think of all our AMAZING men and women in uniform. They miss birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and every other major Holiday defending this country.  I have no reason to be sitting here thinking about everything that I am missing, but everything I have yet to do is because of them.  So my sad "pity me tears" quickly became tears that reminded me that I will be home soon.     

     Wanted to challenge all my amazing blog friends and family (because all of you are), please take the time to make a little difference in someone's  life this Holiday season...Especially for our  men, women, and families of our military.  God Bless!

Fifty Eighth Stop: Thanksgiving!

      As I pack my bags to get ready to head up to the Anchorage area for Thanksgiving,  I start making the mental list of all my blessings, along with people and things I am thankful for.

     To my Carlsbad people:  It truly takes a village to raise someone and I have been so blessed with the village I have.  My neighbors from the neighborhood I have spent my childhood, to the wonderful people my mom has as clients,  to the ladies my mom works with,  and all the families I have been able to spend time with due to school and sports.  You all  have helped me become the caring, strong, dedicated, responsible, and crafty person I am today.  I have learned how to make things to survive if needed and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of people I can turn to for any type of question, support, or just to chat.  Thank you all for everything over the years and the continued interest and support through this adventure I am on called life.     

      To my Scortt and Zeuli Family:  I know I am going to be missing the first Holidays with you all and there is a ton going on this year... worse year to miss, but I will be there in spirit...We can hopefully skype at some point.    I am so thankful for all the support through the last 26 years of life.  I cannot thank you all enough for everything you have taught me (good and bad).  Love you all so much and hope to see you at some point in January!     

     To the Bowey Family:  Thank you so much for adopting me!  I am so blessed for all the support and love you have given Merideth and me.   I look forward to many more fun outings and Holidays together.  I will never be able to thank you enough for taking me in.  I do foresee many more date nights in your future. :)  The least I can do.  You will get sick of me eventually.     

     To my Alaska People:  You all have taught me the ropes on how life is here in Alaska and in the village and I will never be able to thank you enough.  This California girl had a major learning curve and I would not have successfully made it through without the guidance, support, and ideas to get me though.  These are also relationships that will last a life time and for this I am beyond blessed.     

     To my DBYAA (Deaf Blind Young Adults in Action):  Thank you for considering me on this summer's adventure and for all the laughs.  That was such a great week we had and those memories still get me laughing.  "Who has a quarter?!"  he he he!    Hope to see you all this summer again.     

     To my Fresno People:   I am so thankful for all the love and support you provided me for the 9 years.  I moved there fresh out of high school, recently turned 18, knew it all and yet very innocent and naive.   I left there better educated, life experienced, 2 careers, and met the people who I am able to call my best friends and family.  They have been there through all the ups and downs with me.  Party of my heart will forever stay in Fresno because of you all.  I have memories of the good , the bad, and the ones I have been told about that will last forever.  Those are the ones that get me laughing still to this day.  I think the one-liner that will forever be with me.. "Coach is going to fry me like a fish!"  Love you all and hope to see you in January.     

     To the Far Sighted Puppy Raisers:  Thank you so much for taking me under your wings and showing me how to be a part/member of such a great group and organization.  I. learned so much and again have friendships that will last forever.  You all are truly special people and I love seeing all the outings and adventures you continue to go on with the puppies.  I miss you all!      

     To my Solstice:  You are one in a million my baby girl.  You will forever have a place in my heart because you changed my life. You showed me what it means to love unconditionally,  to work hard, and every once in while stop and take nap. You changed my life in a short year and half and are making huge strides with Mr. E in just a month.  I am so proud of you and keep up the hard work Soli!! Cannot talk about you enough.  

    To my blog and facebook  followers: Thank you so much for joining me on this new ride here in Alaska. It is truly something special that I am so happy I cans hare with you all!   

     These are just a few of my blessings. The list could go on forever, but just wanted to share a few.  What are you thankful for this year?  Love to hear.

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!