Where Do I Even Begin?!

Much has transpired since my last entry of significance. As I sort out my thoughts and experiences, I realize it would be a bit much to share in one post. The entry would become novelesque and I realize that people don't have the time to sit and read and read and read. Thus, my solution...I will try to post a new entry on a daily basis (as my schedule allows, in terms of the demands of school) until I share as much as I can about my March to date.

The biggest development of March, and there were many to choose from, is that I have reached a resolution with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) (I apologize that I've been inaccurately referring to VR as a department, rather than a division; they are a division of the Department of Human Services) in my efforts to obtain an augmentative communication device with speech output! I won't get into details at this point, but the bottomline is that I should have a DynaWrite that I can proudly use and call my own in a week or two. I will share more thoughts on this in a future entry.

Other brief notes of importance...I had a wonderful time at Pac Rim 2005 sponsored by the University of Hawaii's Center on Disability Studies. I had the great privilege to participate and share presenting duties in a couple breakout sessions. One was with Steve Brown, a person who I view as the guru of disability culture and someone I respect highly, and this involved a panel who shared how they have come to use technology as a means to share stories in their own voice, thus the session was called "Talk Story."

The other session was spearheaded by Mellanie Lee and she had assembled an amazing panel of individuals who were and are instrumental in having Sharon and Eulalia, the deaf girls from Pohnpei State, attend college here in Hawaii. I feel honored to play a small role in their development as individuals making great strides in developing as human beings!

And then there was the National Capacity Building Institute (CBI) on Wednesday. One of my proudest moments in life thus far. All I can say at this point is THANK YOU to everyone associated with the CBI and express how wonderful it was to meet and interact with amazing individuals, with whom I hope to remain in contact with for years to come.

Randomness for the week:


University of Hawaii baseball versus Witchita St. from
last Friday. This was part of the Spring Tournament.


Jim and Steven set up for a shoot at the Sheraton last
Wednesday.


One of my proudest moments in life. I presented at the
National Capacity Building Institute on March 2.


...and then this happened on Tuesday. Eulalia, Elee
(Miss Deaf Minnesota), and Sharon.


A beautiful sunrise above Waikiki Beach last Tuesday, prior
to the start of day 2 of the Pac Rim Conference.


Jim presents during Steve Brown's "Talk Story" breakout
session on the first day of the Pac Rim Conference.


A picture perfect postcard-type day in Waikiki on Monday.


A tranquil start to a hectic week! Sunrise at the Sheraton
Waikiki Hotel on Monday.

Until next time, stay true to yourself no matter what happens. Always remember that you will never be able to make everyone happy; the only person you can truly make happy is yourself.

Patience will pay off one day...one day!