JCMU: The Road to Japan Not Taken

I was a junior at Michigan State University when the plan hatched its little egg self in my brain. I couldn’t think of anything that I’d ever decided to do with my life that was as bold as this. Living and studying in Japan, who does that? This girl! And maybe 2.73 million other people.Continue reading “JCMU: The Road to Japan Not Taken”

Road Trip Rituals: Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)

A zombie amusement park sounds like fun, but the health code violations alone are enough to turn your stomach. Jim C. Hines We step in line. A sign several feet ahead: “The wait time is approximately 1 hour.” “Only an hour! Let’s do it!” Naively telling ourselves that they’re overestimating. At the very least, someContinue reading “Road Trip Rituals: Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)”

Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland

My favorite place in Ireland is a place I never intended to visit. We hadn’t highlighted it in our maps, travel guides, or list of “must-dos”; in fact, we had intended to spend that day driving along the famous Ring of Kerry. Granted, the entire trip was loosely drawn — this was our Women’s Walkabout,Continue reading “Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland”

Have Hearing Loss, Will Travel

Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear. Dr. I. King Jordan I grew up not being bothered too much with the world around me; the more exciting stuff was going on in my head. I trusted that, if it was ever really important, my sister and parents would steer me inContinue reading “Have Hearing Loss, Will Travel”

Sedona, AZ Photo Series #1

There was a boyA very strange enchanted boyThey say he wandered very far, very farOver land and seaA little shy and sad of eyeBut very wise was he And then one dayA magic day he passed my wayAnd while we spoke of many thingsFools and kingsThis he said to meThe greatest thing you’ll ever learnIsContinue reading “Sedona, AZ Photo Series #1”

Birth-Month Celebrations: An Origin Story

Of all my childhood memories, what has touched my adulthood the most is my absolute love for birthdays. One of the most wonderful and enchanting traditions was the presenting of the gifts. Dad would go upstairs to their bedroom, and we would sit on the couch in the living room, waiting with anticipation. Mom wouldContinue reading “Birth-Month Celebrations: An Origin Story”