Rule 648

If you are on hold with the Social Security Administration and you have to go to the bathroom, go. You have time.

Another Milestone.

Another moment of gratitude for everyone. When I was not looking this happened:

That is the same number of visits and more visitors than the whole of last year.

To put it in perspective.

This is the total since I started the blog:

The blog is roughly 19 months old.

Thank you.

Thank you all for your support when I needed it.

Thank you for your feedback and critique.

Thank you for adding your wit and wisdom to this blog.

Mostly though, thank you for stopping by and enjoying with me the terrors and pleasures of what we do everyday!

I’m working on the book everyday. I would like to think it will be finished soon, but I will soon be entering the editing process-which I hear can feel like it NEVER ENDS.

Wish me luck!

Rule 647

Dear interpreting student who is struggling right now:

I need you to believe in you, because it’s lonely out here believing in you all by myself.

If I thought you were hopeless I would have no compunction about encouraging you to explore exciting careers in the food service industry.

Have we had that discussion?

No?

Then it’s time to get back to work.

Rule 646

Life is less stressful if we recognize the difference between things that you have to do and things that you should do.

For example:

I should have posted this Rule earlier, but I had to get some sleep.

Rule 645

CURSE YOU:

Bizarre “field specific” acronyms;

Nonsensically named computer programs;

Obscure Jargon;

References to field offices in unusually named small towns in other states; and,

Client specific shorthand for things they deal with everyday on this job but that exist nowhere in the world outside!

Curse you and all your ilk!

Rule 644

When you feel so frustrated with the interpreter you’re mentoring that you just want to scream, instead, close your eyes, take a deep breath (in through your nose out your mouth) and remember these words:

“Oh. So this is what my mentor felt like.”

Rule 643

A professional expects payment. A volunteer expects gratitude.

Either may get both, but no one should ever expect both!