Wow, what a day! Seriously, I’m still buzzing from it all. So, I woke up in Newtownards, right? The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and I thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I had a gig at the Ards Arts Centre. Love that place! It’s got this vibe, y’know? Anyway, I’m there, ready to interpret for this community event. It’s all about mental health awareness, which is super important. But man, the crowd was wild! People were buzzing, and I was like, “Okay, let’s do this!”
But then, outta nowhere, the fire alarm goes off! Like, seriously? In the middle of a heartfelt speech? Everyone’s scrambling, and I’m just standing there, trying to keep it together. I mean, I’m supposed to be the calm one, right? So, I’m signing “evacuate” like a madwoman, and folks are just staring at me. I’m like, “C’mon, people! Move it!”
Finally, we all get outside on High Street, and I’m thinking, “Great, now what?” Turns out it was a false alarm. Phew! But I was already sweating bullets. I mean, I love my job, but sometimes it feels like I’m in a sitcom.
After that chaos, I thought I’d grab a coffee at the Coffee Yard. Best flat whites in town, no joke! I’m standing in line, and this guy in front of me drops his wallet. I’m like, “Dude, your wallet!” But he just looks at me like I’m speaking Martian. So, I sign it again, and he finally gets it. He’s all grateful and stuff, and I’m like, “Just doing my job, mate!”
Then, I head over to the local park, the one by the Newtownards Priory. It’s so pretty there, with all the flowers and the old ruins. I sit down for a breather, and this little kid runs up to me. He’s like, “Are you a magician?” I’m like, “Nah, just an interpreter.” But he insists I’m magical. Kids, man! They see the world so differently.
But then, I get a call for an emergency interpreting job. Ugh! I was just getting comfy! So, I dash over to the hospital on the Bangor Road. Traffic was a nightmare! I’m stuck behind some slowpoke on a bike, and I’m like, “C’mon, mate! I’ve got places to be!”
Finally, I get to the hospital, and it’s chaos. I’m signing for a family who’s just lost someone. It’s heartbreaking. I mean, how do you even sign “I’m so sorry”? I just try to be there for them, you know? It’s tough, but it’s also why I love what I do.
After that, I’m emotionally drained. I decide to treat myself to some fish and chips at the famous chip shop on Church Street. Best decision ever! I sit down with my food, and it’s like heaven. I’m munching away, and I see this group of teens laughing and joking. They’re so carefree, and it makes me smile.
But then, I overhear one of them say something rude about sign language. I’m like, “Excuse me?!” I almost go over there, but I take a deep breath. Not worth it, right? But it still ticks me off. People need to learn respect, for real.
As the day winds down, I stroll along the waterfront. The sunset is gorgeous, painting the sky all sorts of colors. I think about how crazy today was. From fire alarms to heartfelt moments, it’s all part of the gig.
I finally head home, exhausted but happy. Newtownards, you’ve got my heart. Even on the wildest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s to more adventures, right?