I don't know what I did with my gum

P.S. This is my sister Lizzie

So Rachel and I just got back from the Las of the Vegas and had a BLAST!!! I can't even tell you how much fun it was! We did everything we wanted to and we shopped til we dropped! Literally, we were exhausted by the end of the trip. The entire drive down there wasn't a silent moment. We chatted like two teenage girls the whole time, and we continued to do so for the remainder of the trip. It was so wonderful to be able to catch up and share our emotions with each other whether it was laughing, crying, getting frustrated or laughing because we were frustrated. :)

We did some work while we were down there, too. The agency hooked us up! We got our hotel comped, and we got money for food, AND we got paid to work! The work we did while we were down there wasn't even that hard, either. Plus it really helps when you are "working" with your best friend and she can read your mind and know exactly when the perfect switching time is. :) Rachel, I love you.

On Thursday night as we were driving back to our hotel, randomly I said, "I don't know what I did with my gum." Immediately Rachel burst into laughter. But seriously, I do NOT remember what I did with it. I was chewing it and then I wasn't! I cannot for the life of me remember spitting it out, throwing it away, or swallowing it (YUCK). Normally I am completely aware of my body and what I do, and I would remember something like that. I know it is a really random thought, but I have a point.

This trip has been SO good for me. As an interpreter I am hyper aware of what I say and do. If I sit in the chair and start interpreting and I am not aware of what I am saying and also the information I am receiving, I will interpret horribly. However, it's those times when I am aware that I can tell if I am doing poorly or well. If I sit down and I can interpret and make a grocery list in my head at the same time (yes, I've done it, I'm a GREAT multi-tasker and my brain is capable of handling many things at one time) then I'm not really aware and even though my production may be swell, it's not the best I can do. Similarly, if I ever THINK I have offended someone, I will check to make sure I haven't, or if I have, I make amends. Again, I'm hyper aware.

However, on this trip (besides when we worked) I just LET MYSELF GO!!!! It felt awesome to be able to just say what's on my mind, knowing that my best friend won't ever judge me or think less of me. This trip I have said so many random things and a few faux pas along the way. I even jumbled up my words a ton. Rachel would just look at me and smile. It feels good to truly let go sometimes, and know that I'm not going to be criticized or judged, and that she probably won't even remember it. I'll be back on track tomorrow morning for work, but I think I'm going to try letting go more often. It feels dang good. And who cares what I did with my gum... I didn't want it anyway. :)