Category: freelance translation

FRESH AIR: ONE BREATH AT A TIME

MARCH 25, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

As anxious as I may be to take charge of my own livelihood, I am quite fortunate to have a job with income and capabilities that allow me to work from home while there are many who do not.

I will hold space here for the people who are being majorly set back by the financial, emotional and mortal effects of this virus as it remains with us. The unfathomable is that people have lost their jobs, that many are unsheltered – homeless, without the option of self-isolating. The unthinkable is that many jailed and detained people have limited options for social distancing and hygienic practices. Still further, depending on what dwelling in which you stay and in what part of the world you live – not going out and earning a living and/or securing food means not providing the necessary resources for yourself and your family, and the conditions don’t lend themselves at all to staying several feet apart. I understand every person is a part of what helps the world go around, all of us. There can be no mistake that each path of each person goes into the framework of all our outcomes.

I take note to appreciate an overarching company leadership who does not view it as trivial to give us the option to work from home, reevaluating as the time comes. They let us have the choice to exercise healthy safe precautions for ourselves and others. With my job, some go into the office, but many of us are in our respective homes working steadily, reciprocally safeguarding one another’s health.

With my gratitude, I will hold space for people like me, working to maintain some regularity, persevering to continue to be a helpful employee or employer, working to contribute and stay whole as a part of the whole world, as much as we possibly can right now. I will encourage, especially my entrepreneurial readers and those looking to grow and be promoted within their companies to work on some skills they have been meaning to nurture more recently or even for some time. I’m encouraging myself to go that route as well.

My workout routine has become home-based and another effort to maintain some normalcy with not only physical healthiness but mental healthiness as well. Fresh air from time to time and social distancing and much hand washing, I’m reminding myself to heed the warnings, in the ways I can, as not to be a danger to others or myself –  as far as I know. I guess that’s one of the things which can cause panic: the not knowing. However, with Eckhart Tolle, in my studies, who helped guide me, following the loss of my father, I also have some practices in place for living/honoring the present moment and working on self-improvement. I highly recommend him and thank you again for stopping by. Stay safe, where you may be. Know you are loved and a unique part of this world’s beautiful presence.

😊

Cassandra

HERE TO THERE

MARCH 14, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

My heart is heavy with all the many lives, now lost to Coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and throughout the world. With my company’s new option, starting Monday, of being able to work from home for a week, I will do so accordingly. As someone who takes public transportation for quite some time to get there and back, I want to diminish the chance of being a harm to others or myself. Not everyone has options like I do, and I think people are commendable in all the various situations they are facing.

The gym has been a good healthy outlet for me to visit daily (save one alternating day). Working on my healthiness has done some work for my psyche in general and a nice bonus is that it is within walking distance. I also find it healthy to be able to be out and about and socialize in these continued smaller ways – being out – getting to the stores and the gym has been nice.

Ironically, I already imagine I will get more done working from home. I already know, per the chance we got to do so for about a month during our renovation. It has been quite the year already, well actually two years, I would say, starting with the flood that totaled most of my coworkers’ cars in the parking garage. We’ve had many ups and downs as a team.

Cuba. I coincidentally got a loving message from Dignora yesterday. I recalled her in my spontaneous audio suggestion on Wednesday as the first casa particular in which we stayed in 2016. She reached out to check on me and let me know they were okay. I think going through our tasks with extra special precautions is key. I think deeply even more of my fam in Ohio (where I grew up) and friends everywhere. I thought I had some gratitude before but I’m really appreciating life and how friendly and well-intentioned most people can be.

A lady asked me if I found any food as we were leaving the grocery store today😊. I said, “some” and asked her how she did? We’re lucky, in this particular store in DC, in Friendship Heights. I can’t speak to the whole DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia area) but it wasn’t rough at the store just a little up the street. Even when the toilet paper section was starkly bare, next to a lot of other products, there was a considerable number of items left. You only had to reach further back than normal for what you would normally get or settle for brands or items, close enough to what you might desire. Also, there was plenty of food stocked in the perhaps not so healthy areas😊. Then, lo and behold, a smiling Safeway employee rolled out a skid of toilet paper next to the self-checkout line to which I was heading. Even then, people only gingerly started taking one 12 pack two-ply at a time. I don’t know what happens after I leave or what’s going to happen but did I ever really know? We’re just kind of very accustomed to life being a certain way – and that’s okay too. A journey is a journey even when we’re close to home.

Lots of love,
Cassandra

Spontaneous Suggestion for March 10, 2020 (Audio – Cuba)

BY CASSANDRA
I promise I’m otherwise articulate and a little less rambling 😊 
 Casas Particulares

 One nation – Two currencies (at time of posting):
 CUC (convertibles) for non-Cubans and Cuban pesos/Moneda Nacional(MN) – for Cubans
 *Pay close attention, both can be intermingled, but CUC has a higher monetary value.
 
Malecón de Havana (what I also wanted to share) – Wikipedia describes it nicely.
 Fábrica de Arte - brilliant space for art (of all kinds), simultaneously a dance venue in Havana 





 Some Cuban stops:
 Havana
 Viñales – one of my favorites
 Trinidad
 Cienfuegos 
 Mayabeque
                              

Credits: Wikipedia and Lonely Planet for highlighting the references to fond recollections- 😊

Another One: Not Done😊

FEBRUARY 27,2020:) BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Another Birthday. Better than ever.

This one is a throwback to where I was this time last year, with much appreciation for then and now. Thank you for being a part of this life.

Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 1
Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 2
Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 3
Returning to Pisco, Peru: Part 4
Returning to Pisco, Peru: The Conclusion

Another February

FEBRUARY 23, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Becoming a free agent is going to be quite the trip, adding to some other personal parallel journeys.

Adding in gratefulness for all past and present paths, I’m ready – as far as I know.

All-nighters or rather, perhaps quasi all-nighters, here I come. It’s time to increase the work-at-home gigs and freestyle-freelance gigs on my way to even more of this volunteer travel life. I’m referring to this, personally, as my volunteer life challenge (keeping me ever closer to who I suspect myself to be).

At past and first glance, I thought about looking forward to what weekends are supposed to be and especially to those extended weekends and random PTO days, here and there. Then, I had a moment. Something different occurred to me, with the help of some hardworking YouTubers, writers and other creative people. Maybe I’d much rather capitalize on these times and power through, in an effort to have my future consist of what feels more like endless Saturdays, commencing and ending with volunteering, writing, translating, traveling, family, friends, discovery and soaking up forever suns and restful nights. Not a bad challenge that leads to that finish line.

I’m fortunate to have a birthday that ends in my favorite month, February. Reflecting on everything, every person I’ve met, knowledge of every ancestor paving the way and all my personal experiences, painful or dear – knowledge of what got me here is padding my steps.

I’ve worked hard before but for some different errant objectives. These were not regretful. Many were quite commendable, but rather for another time and another me not as ready as this one (probably even less developed for the me to come).

Being altogether better at meditating, resting up, working and chilling in between… I’m curiously excited about what and who I get to meet and of course, revisit. More to be shared. More to be seen.

Image Credits:
Images by geralt on Pixabay
Continue reading “Another February”

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED

NOVEMBER 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I turned up in San Juan on a Sunday afternoon when there was no running water. Pure coincidence and it made me oddly nostalgic for the days we ran out of water in Pisco, Peru. There I would have helped get a few buckets from the ocean for temporary-around-the-house-use… maybe… well okay I did that once – but after a long day of toiling away on other projects, I may have simply been thankful to the ones who did gather our water together😊 on those various other days (while I was quite focused on dinner. 😊 (By the way, the water in San Juan was back the next day.)

The driver, from my organization, IVHQ (International Volunteer Headquarters), met me at San Juan International airport on November 10th and he was quite interesting to chat with, giving me a rundown on the neighborhood in which I’d be staying. You may have read my post, Organize Me, in which I was very grateful to IVHQ for getting my details squared away. I helped – but mostly when it came to volunteer placement, lodging, sight-seeing options and intel, they took care of it – at a time when I was inundated with my daytime job, my side hustle and non-side hustle activities. For this reason, however, I did not exactly research where I would be living.

I was in for a pleasant surprise, opening me up to more spontaneity, hence my reference in a Time to Think about being more aware of when you’re in alignment, when you’re not necessarily forcing but rather flowing forward. As Oprah and others tell me in The Path Made Clear, things become serendipitous and synchronistic when you move towards what is calling or (or let’s be real, when you do what the hell you want in the most positive way, doing right by others and yourself and following the mutually inclusive golden rule) That was what was so nice about being in Puerto Rico in November, returning to Pisco this past February, and being in Pisco for the first time almost 10 years ago. It’s impossible to get everything right, but so worth the effort and God love the imperfections.

Unlike the communal lodging in PSF that housed about 40 to 110 volunteers at a time (which was perfectly holistic for then), my driver was escorting me into a hostel with a mix of travelers, volunteers and visitors that would enhance my week-long volunteer getaway. I didn’t realize how much I would be getting back as well. The hostel was high level (I’ve stayed in many hostels before and Nomada (pictured above) was precious, cozy and at the same time spacious. They thought of everything. I was on my top bunk one night, realizing I didn’t have to want for anything. There was the personal lighting, charging stations, there was the rooftop, with a view of the ocean we visited several times, there was the so cute eclectic communal areas, respectively equipped with bars and ultimately there was the staff who ensured we were in the know when it came to which places we should venture to on any particular day or night. Well organized and beyond nice.

I’m happy IVHQ partnered with them in this way for PR and I was there at just the right time to add the right people to my list of kindred spirits. Like Peru, I had the pleasure of meeting travelers who I suspect rep their respective homelands the best and though we differ in cultures, we always find we have so many cool things in common – that’s especially for Canada, Holland, France and Germany. Good times. I was gifted once again on my last day when my very good friend from DC joined me there. Having home when you’re away is always nice, especially when he is helping you paint the town as red as it can get before your 2:01 a.m. flight. Thanks to him so much, for spending some of my accidental vacation time with me. (The week away was a coincidentally welcome needed adventure, rest and chance to help out).

Thus far, I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world. I’m dazzled by the thought there may be more to come. I’m kinda extremely fortunate, whether I’m around the world with good folks with good vibes, here in DC with local friends, in Ohio with hilarious loving brothers más my nephew or in all the cities I hope to see next.

Extremely fortunate. I’ll remember that.

Time to Think

NOVEMBER 28, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Now that I’m pretend caught up with my work (salaried, that is), I’m noting just how long overdue my post here is. I appreciate your visit and the chance to share again and most notably I am realizing I have some actual time to think.

Puerto Rico was exactly where I needed to be a couple weeks ago and a sure sign of the difference in being in alignment with your purpose and being where I am now. I’ve touched on when I’ve been most in harmony and though I know enough to get by in not so congruent circumstances, I am most assuredly leaning towards my new newness. I have some purpose and I don’t want to keep you or me waiting.

I HAVE A CRUSH

OCTOBER 19, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I don’t really get crushes often though I see guys I definitely find very attractive in the DMV area (my current home that is the DC, Maryland, Virginia area ) but there was something about this guy I met a week ago that has my interest more than piqued. It’s cliché to say but again, clichés can be true to say or write so I’m going to go with it: There was just something about him.

He pulled up in his Mercedez Benz (and that’s not why – this is purely for description purposes) and he seemed so purposeful, self-assured, gentle and present, though it would turn out he had a lot going on. Yet, that added another nice dimension. His life reminded me of … well, mine right now. I’m learning my way into a new job at the same company and stepping fully into the overwhelm while eating my feelings as well😊 I felt it exactly last week during this work travel when my really good friend and I made the most out of those dessert portions of our meals. The difference between he and I, or so it seems, is that he was without the stress level. I have my job and other outside interests to which I am committed and I am fluctuating between the good type of surrender and feeling sometimes buried. (Still, I’m convinced it will all come together or apart in a good way.) I’m most right when I’m writing, translating, reading, volunteering and trading and I know it means gravitating towards what fuels me the best. The advice I’m getting is to let go of so-called everyday obligations and I will actually get more and more done.

The work trip ended, and I was waiting for this Uber comfort ride back to the airport from my hotel. Turns out this is a seasonal side job for my crush, and I noticed how well he listened and how deliberate his words were. We chatted and when he asked what I do, there was a space there that really took in my answers. It’s not that there is this negative thought that others are not listening nor that they don’t care, but there was a notable feeling of acceptance and acknowledgement in this moment that sometimes may get lost in conversations when we are anxious to share stories. I do it to others as well. It’s not intentional, but I believe, very human, in our efforts to express who we are and be heard. In this instance however, the wide space of being noticed was quite evident and with natural reciprocity, my focus was outward too. Nothing to prove. No room for misinterpretation. Rather just a willingness to share a more-than-surface conversation.

He may happen to visit this post along with other ones. I don’t mind. He asked if he could see the site and I welcome it too.😊

Image by David Mark on Pixabay.com

Surrender: Highly Recommended

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

I highly recommend Judith Orloff’s thoughts and insights courtesy of the below pictured, The Power of Surrender. Any aspect of life you can think of is covered here and how we can embrace more ideas of moving into or away from so many parts of our life that serve or don’t serve us. Doing so without resistance is really key. Not squashing our dreams, not overdoing certain actions and understanding intuitively what is really playing out for us. How should we proceed or perhaps when should we just be?

I was pretty much savoring this book as one of my last reads during the partial metro shut down and even had my additional type of surrender letting it go, yet it now does and can serve as my guideposts, a kind of bible to go back to, to reference, at times to simply enjoy and get to understanding that every light and shadow is an integral part of life. No spoiler alerts but there are some enticing portions on health, happiness, love, soul mates, soul friends, embracing your calling, embracing your sexuality… accepting the surrender of death (your own and others and understanding interesting elements of letting go and holding space in respect for the last in a particularly special way).

Embrace illness, sadness, solutions and give into joy…the list goes on.

Incidentally, it was also understandably entitled the Ecstasy of Surrender: 12 Surprising Ways Letting Go Can Empower Your Life. I have moved on or rather immersed myself in more teachings/thoughts on evolving mindsets (in addition to my preceding years of similar studying). Moving on from this one is not really an accurate description, however. Only literally. There are so many lessons, complementing one another, ideally continuing to intertwine along the way.

Orloff, Dr. Judith (2014). Power of Surrender: Let Go and Energize Your Relationships, Success and Well-Being. New York, NY: HAY House UK LTD.

Organize Me

SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Thank you IVHQ for outlining this volunteer trip for me. From step to step, this is exactly what I need right now. While in the past, I have had time to research every option from what to bring, the most ideal place to stay and what to expect, you have exactly spelled out the overview for me. This is what I need in the best way because my time here seems limited between my main job (which is currently two and a half jobs), my freelance translating, trying to stay fit, dating, constantly educating myself intellectually and spiritually, and spending much desired time with friends and family. I’ve added a lot to the list. I don’t plan on looking back with any regrets.

While I still need to organize my own schedule around my week-long stay in Puerto Rico, it is comforting to know my latest volunteer organization has built in steps and reminders along the way. I feel reassured knowing I will land in San Juan with a ride and a co-volunteer housing destination. In this way, the final step will be like Pisco Sin Fronteras (PSF)and I will know right away whether I have landed with the right group, something I knew right away when I stepped into the Pisco volunteer yard enclosure and something I felt right away when I read the background mission of PSF as well, something that unfolded more with the few pictures I saw and a single video stating we would be learning from local people and learning from and with other volunteers who after all, were some of the most bad ass representatives from their respective countries. That description of the respective volunteers was not my own 😊 while at the same time, it turned out to be very true.

I have my eyes on another group in Puerto Rico that I am considering connecting with at a later date. For now, we will see how everything hopefully comes together between working several jobs and keeping myself loved, loving, happy and sane. I appreciate you here. Thank you for another chance to share.