I just got back from the 21st birthday party for a girl I go to tafe with. There were two other people from my class there, and a couple of people I know from DeafSA, so it allayed my fears of not knowing anyone. And the birthday girl made all the right noises about the bracelet I got her, so either she really did like it, or she’s a great actress. Either way, she asked me to put it on her and she wore it all night so I was pleased.

The only less-than-ideal part was when the speeches occurred. Because there were 2 Deaf people there, an interpreter was required. I nominated another classmate to do the honours, which she did for a while, but then I was summoned to do my turn. I guess the most diplomatic way I can put my performance is that it’s a good thing I decided not to do the interpreting course next year. I sucked. I think some bits were ok, but having everyone in the room staring at me made me freeze up. I just hope they understood some of what I said. When I sat down, one of the guys I interpreted for said that I was nervous. Well, duh! My first ever interpreting stint and I was crap.

But despite this, I did have a really good time. There was even some Scottish dancing! The first couple of dances were with party guests, and the teacher gave instructions for the steps and then it was done to music, and the last one was a dance that some of the people from the dance school do.

Oh, and there was also a Cookie Monster piñata filled with lollies! I didn’t have a go at hitting it but in the end, poor CM was reduced to a head hanging from the ceiling while everyone gorged on the smarties, Mars bars and Freddos that had been inside him. The photo I took with my mobile phone does not do him justice at all.

So it was a night of firsts, with interpreting, dancing and piñata-ing!