Sunday, April 30, 2006

SDI: "It's a Wrap!"

Finally, finally I am done with shooting scenes for SDI today. It was only me, Erfo and Eddie, later Norton showed up and helped out as well. We got it all done within 3 1/2 hours, thats a record time for me. I am so happy. The ending is da bomb. Afterwards I treated Eddie and Erfo to burgers at Cafe Deluxe. Very good, it was Eddies birthday today as well. Poor guy hung over, as thats the way birthdays go!

I also spent my saturday (yesterday) at the library. Then watched the last 2 episodes of HBO "Big LOve." Wow, what an engaging life I lead. But the transcribing stuff is done. Now its analysis time. Thats for next tuesday, tmw is Art & lit paper and work.

Been working on a short trailer of SDI to post for people to see, get a taste of what's to come :) BTW must mention the camera we used, thanks to Trantula Tim, was excellent and we got great footage. Thank you Trantula Tim!

Am tired, but the weekend was very productive now its time for me to deal with the week ahead...

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Happy is the ME

Seems a guy from a different dept who stops by where I work often is gonna help me set up a website where people can watch the 1st two movies, both shorts. Then post trailers of SDI, PAWs.. I've also decided on a company name that is TBA. He's cool, has a pet trantula. Speaking of spiders, Ronnie, am sorry to read about the untimely dimise of your pet :[

Got 1/3rd of my art and lit paper done today at work. Feel a sense of accomplishment. Plus my co workers and I, all chipped in and got my boss 2 cakes and sodas for a little party. It went well.

Tmw is SLA turn, ugh more transcribing. My goal is to do at least 2 subjects, 20 minutes of footage. I've been meaning to also burn a copy of the GGG movie to send to the videographer who will add the special effects.

Been turning down invitations here and there for this weekend. My finals and the short shoot on Sunday have my full commitment. Sad I know, I rather work then have fun. But seriously for filming, its a blast.

I'm excited, got an email from one of my DB (Deafblind) friend about another DB who's coming to town in a few weeks. I met him a year ago this May. He is a lot of fun and tells the BEST jokes. Its cool, his sister is also DB and they're very active in the DB community. Around here most of the DB community is in Long Island. I wish there was more in Manhattan or NYC area, LI is over an hour away! I finally sent by fax my AADB (American Association for the Deaf-Blind) application for June's camp. I'm fired up and ready to go. I miss the DB community!

The Cali cat went into heat today. She is NOT allowed in my room till the episode ends. Tom couldn't knock her up, but he could seriously harm her. Once about 5 years ago *for readers who are sensitive to graphic details, I suggest you STOP here, otherwise proceed at your own risk*
Tom one day while my roommate and I were at work, left alone home with Jupiter who was very young and in heat. Well, they got busy. So busy that Tom, tore a serious chunk out of Jupiter's neck. Jupiter, poor girl, had a gaping gash on the right upper part of her neck. I immediately called my ex (at that time he was my BF) and demanded he get her so Tom couldn't hurt her again! I know, Tom has a serious case of "Lock" jaw, when he clamps down, he doesn't release! He doesn't even realize his own legends within the Deaf Community. He's met over 200 deafies I bet in his lifetime, probably more.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Ron Mueck's works

Baba sent me an email with the following works by Ron Meuck, you can google for more info. They look so real don't they??? The one squatting reminds me of Vess. And another one reminds me of Blondie, except Blondie is prettier!












Yikes, got class in 5 minutes!!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Got a Nibble...

Good news, one school seems very interested in interviewing me. I was asked to send additional information so keep your fingers crossed. I'm trying not to get too excited as to jinxs myself.

Transcribed 20 mins of ASL footage today, my eyes are tired. I did it by hand because it was too hard to switch back and forth between the film software and the word doc software on the same computer. So during my free time in between jobs tmw, I can type them up. So far 3 subjects are done, 3 more to go. Then its analysis time.

It was good to be back at work yesterday, I got some of my art and lit paper started. (well its the cover page and that counts)! I will see my professor tmw nite, I have a question that is vital for me to address before I dive into the paper. My game plan is to do my SLA (2nd Lang. Acquisition) ASL research paper at home and my Deaf art and lit paper at school/work. That way I won't get bored. I can hop back and forth since they're both due the same day, May 8th, otherwise known as Independence day for moi! I cannot wait to be free of grad school! Two years of my life went by fast. I am glad I did it, I didn't think for a long time I could hack grad school. I underestimated myself. There is something to be said for an academic environment, but I will not miss the deadlines and 20 page papers! I will still have my Thesis to do. I plan to wait till Ive taught 1 year and then write my Thesis on teaching methods, what is effective for ASL acqusition?

Tmw night after work and class, its back to Adamo's film project for the last 2 scenes. I am just a mere consultant and may only be able to stay for 45 mins because I have a 7 30 meeting. I enjoy it of course but my focus is on school right now. Except tmw nite and well, Sunday afternoon and... damn, lets face it, school and filming is my life, no wonder I don't have a man, too damn tired. *grins* but a good kind of tired.

Monday, April 24, 2006

A bum...

yea, I was one today.

got several small chores out of the way.

picked up the New York Times paper to look at the art and lit section. My professor says that will give us an idea of art/literary criticism. Still having difficulty locating works by Ann Silvers... I want to compare either 2 or 3 paintings. She has done several on road signs, so I may focus on that.

I am ready to face a new week, I am trying to will myself into getting back to work and school mode. Afterall it will end in 2 weeks, May 8th.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

"Skin Tight" eh...

I seriously feel that " ASL terped" plays in general fail to translate what's happening on stage. I accept the fact I will probably never get to go to a Dave Chapelle or Eddie Izzard show LIVE because no ASL translation would NOT suffice, these are Hearing Performers! I vote, let them speak in their "native" language. Besides I enjoy hearie humor, no shame in that. Someone recently told me about a "test pilot" on a hand held/ PDA type gagdet that the text in English. I am curious to see that? I know any voice activated software could be used more effectively in a 2 way street. One it would allow deafies more access to the world at large. 2ndly the hearies would stop complaining and deafies would be viewed more like many other minorities in the international community as well as USA that are bi-lingual or more. I am sad to mention this but I almost fell asleep several times duringt the play. I was nodding a few times for real! I was concern about interrupting the performance so I waited, or *ahem* tried to seriously not nod off, for intermission which turned out to be the end of the play. The problem you see was, the terps were stationed on a balcony about 10 ft or more aboved the performer (and this was weird, they had this eeire green light on the terps so it was hard to pay attention to). It was nearly impossible to see them and at the same time the hearing actors performing down below. Perhaps if I had had a chance to read the script prior, it might have engaged me more? The other major problem I have with hearing spoken plays is they just take forever to get anywhere with mere spoken words and minimal body language or stimulating dialogue. Now, most D/deafies I know get right to the point. Its all based on the "diamond theory of communication differences between deaf and hearing population"
The weather was just horrible today, windy, cold, rainy bastard kind of day! I dragged myself out of bed and was at TC by 10am to help a classmate and his group do a project which was of course a FILM project. Basically a do and don't guide for hearies and Blondie was the main lead and she did a great job. Adamo also did a good job as a director. I served more as a tech consultant and when Adamo was in a particular scenes, I then served as an assistant director. I only disgressed with him on the lighting issues, I was concern the shots wouldn't be visible enough. I don't know, only the editing room floor will tell. I think it was a good experience for all involved. Some of them were surprised on how long it takes to set up your shots, the line up/sequence order and the rehersals of the lines etc etc..Everyone was great to work with. I enjoyed getting to know them. Its interesting how collaborations, however brief they are, make a lasting impression. Maybe thats the allure of the entertainment industry? There are so many people out there both Deaf and Hearing that I would give my left ear, (er I'm no Van Gogh) to work with!
BTW; Here's what I wore last night. I've never had a chance to wear something this fun in forever! *Yea I was feeling Rocker Chick* Ah, I love NYC.

Friday, April 21, 2006

The Doc said...

Everything looks good. Still a lot of swelling on my left side but overall it's all healing well and within normal conditions. And she removed the tape off of my stiches, I am surprised by how tiny the scar width is. Very light pink and I am confident I will not have a problem with scar tissue, yay!

Working on transcribing ASL commentaries for my SLA (2nd lang acquisition) in ASL paper. I am lucky because I did a lot of my research last fall that its only a matter of fattening it up with the data and my findings, conclusions the usual.

Later I will meet up with Erfo, Blondie, Knob and King as well as some others at a bar called Glass Lounge. Looks very trendy and hip. I am going to wear a new shirt I brought yesterday. A shirt I couldn't have brought in the past without it being too tight across the chest, and almost pornographic :) I can't wait to wear my new threads.

Alrighty its back to work, break time is over!

Fire! Yea thats right I'm an ARSONIST

Tonight was Erfo's turn to host the evening events. It started off with Mary Beth Miller who by the way think is one of the best deaf comedianne out there! Here's the only picture I could find off of google;


She was our guest speaker at MSSD graduation, thats one of the few things M. Y. did right as class prez or whatever she was for our graduation, I just remmy her being in charge of it. I did NOT like the lame ass circle we were forced to join into during the graduation ceremony! I still remmy one of the assistant principals or head of life people was mad at me for wearing blue jeans, black converse high top sneakers and a simple black tee with grey, small, stripes. I figured two things, one I didn't like to wear dresses or dress very feminine (my how times have changed) and secondly, we would all be wearing a graduation gown, no one would see my clothes anyhoo. I vividly remember having to prove to this person I didn't have a dress to wear by opening my closet in my dorm room in Dorm D of MSSD. Funny I still consider my graduation photo with Baba and one of my Uncles to be a favorite shots of mine from graduation day. You know how some images stand out more then others. My grandmother had her purse in her hand, haircut was a bob cut, and she was wearing a white suit. Me, in my purple graduation gown, waering a star of David necklace, hair down and wavy and not wearing my cap and I think holding a white rose.
Ok yea I know the above has nothing to do with TC ASL Fest so back to the review;
Next Erfo covered the basics of what is literature? Is there a distinction between deaf lit and ASL lit?, etc., etc.. We watched a few more videos and I think my favorite part was the 2nd half after intermission and the cake. We had live deaf jokes and no matter how many times I've seen it told, I still love to watch deaf jokes and how the signer tells the joke(s). Again because many of the attendees either missed Tues showing of SDI part I Erfo was sweet and ended the night with SDI Part I, and I seized the opportunity to try the movie out on a another test audience. It did garner a lot of laughs but not as good as tuesday. I do think the mood of your audience makes a comedy a sucess or not. Beth made them all laught, but unfortunately I am leaving an IMPORTANT part out...

You see, earlier that evening I started a small fire during the event
yeah it could only happen to me;
here's what happened, since being a media tech specialist and everyone knows, I was dealing with the computers, dvd players, lcd projectors etc., etc., all week. Well tonight we were in a new room with a cart that had a pc and LCD projector. For those of you who don't know, LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display which is a fancy schmancy way of saying a more modern projector. Basically you can hook up the following;
computers (pc and or macs with an adaptor)
dvd players
vhs player
speakers
Here are some photos of what an LCD projector (portable) looks like;


So Erfo brought her Mac Ibook and we hooked it to the LCD so whatever you saw on the screen of the Ibook, you see on a screen being displayed by an LCD projector. So at one point of the evening events, a guest speaker was up front with Erfo but she was being blinded by the LCD projector and the images being projected on Erfo was interfering with the terps ability to do their job. I decided to I take a pad of paper and rest on the lens of the LCD projector instead of turning it off. Not because I couldn't but because to restart the projector it would take several minutes and I just thought a few minutes would be ok, boy was I WRONG. The next thing I know Nutter, that crazy guy is motioning to get our attention, it turns on the paper of pad
CAUGHT on FIREEEEEEEEEE *imitates John Leguzimo* I immediately grabbed the pad of paper and rushed right in front of the room entrance and promptly poored diet coke on it over a trash can in front of 60 or so some people deaf and hearie mixed. But luckily Nutter saves the day. Lesson learn, turn off LCD projector in the future.

Afterwards 6 of us went to a nearby Sushi. Blondie and I shared Shrimp Tempura roll, hey it still counts as sushi! I am actually a roll eater so when I say lets eat sushi that means rolls for me.
I forgot to mention yesterday what a cute card Zaxy made for me;
The caption on the left (Robin) reads; " holy rusted nails, Batman! Look what we have here- it's a jXxnX (my nickname) and a pxxlxs (my last name) - all in one!!!" The right caption (Batman) reads "Not to worry my lil' friend. she's one of us and has a great aim. kick ass aim!!" how cute is that?! Gawd I wish I had an ounce of Zaxy's creativity, combined with my movie making skills, I could be the next Speilberg or Oliver Stone! Hey Zaxy are your nails as short as mine?

My response as Wonder Woman;


WW: Nothing on Paradise Island would bring me as many smiles as the world best photographer AKA Handler. His wits and skills, undeniable. And he has a heart as big to match it!
*Suddenly WW hears the sounds of gun being fired and uses her bracelet to ward off bullets*
WW: Sorry Handler, the responsibility of humankind falls on all our shoulders, I must be off!
*WW jumps into her invisible plane and gives a "Ms America" wave goodbye*
and on that note, GN!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Why do many hearies reside by a river called DENIAL?!

(For anyone who is hearing and reads below, understand I do not feel that way about all hearies just people like the one I dealt with tonight)

Well I am no longer a cast member of X play. (The name and play have been removed upon the director's request) because he was "offended" by my blog posting and you know what, I don't care because he just argued with me repeatedly about the blog and nothing about his owm inconsideration towards me and his lack of concern for making sure I was a part of the team. After 20 minutes of his lecturing on and off about professionalism, yeah right he reeks of professionalism. Doesn't return emails, doesn't make sure all the actors are ok, so don't talk to me about professional.In my mind you get what you give. If you give good attitude and consideration, Ill give it right back. If you act apathetic to me and I don't know you, I will be apathetic as well.

After that I just lost all desire to do the show. I am sorry too because it looked like a fun show, considering its a musical. He just refused to believe intentionally or unintentionally he made me feel bad and really left out last Saturday. I don't need that, I get enough discrimination daily that I'm not volunteering for it. He probably has decided all deaf people are "angry" like me. Again its people like him and their own ignorance showing. He remarked about how he asked everyone who was at the rehersal if they thought what he did was in any way wrong. Of course they didn't think so, duh, they're hearing. That's like me being a Black person being offended during a situation by a White person and later the White person asks the others (all White too) if they thought he did anything wrong. Hello, does someone need to buy a vowel?! Bottom line, this is just another story to add to my experience of ignorant hearing folks who have some kind of authority over me. I so wish the Deaf community was more vocal and getting the cultural differences made more public and respect we deserve. I was not put on this planet to meet their wants (i.e. listening and speaking like a parrot) yeah I am pretty pissed because I believe in communication, not power issues or pride. Blondie told me if the director wasn't reasonable she wanted nothing to do with him, too bad because she s a great actress and it would have been fun for all three of us to work together. We would've been able to expose them to the deaf world and they would've probably exposed us to new ideas in their own way. I'm just tired of dealing with the bullshit so apologies for my ranting.

...Moving on...

Tonight was the 3rd night of TC ASL Week.
King did a phenomenal job running the Art and ASL night. It began with VA talking about her Graphic Designer experiences. Then King moved onto Zaxy's photos on the Deaf-Blind Community, there was one with me and I think M chatting. He can see some but you have to be standing in the right position at the right length too. Nyhoo it brought back a lot of memories of the two DB camps I volunteered as a SSP, speaking of which I gotta fill out the forms for AADB convention this summer, yikes! Next we saw CK's works, wow she's good. I would love to go to one of her shows. Then we saw some other deafies art work, some good, some *yawns* okay. Plus Patty 'O portfolio on fashion designs, excellent.

Well now that I don't have to worry about the play, I can go ahead to the study group Sunday which I know Baba will be please :)

Erfo is coming by to cheer me up, I felt bad because she popped in to say hi and I was pretty annoyed not at her but with the director that my facial expression must've been ugly, as I am told I am not pretty when I am angry. Remmy that line from SpaceBalls where the Princess is going on and on the the smart ass guy says "YOU're UGLY when you're angry" yep thats me, Oscar the Grouch.

Roommates and boundaries...

Ugh last night at around 4 am, I was reviewing some footage when a hand popped in my door belonging to my hearie roommate. I said "what?" and he came in asking at 4am!- about his stupid camera. I told him I didn't have it and I gave it back to him months ago. He said he remember but couldn't find it anywhere. I said maybe he packed it away? I mean the man is a major pack rat, his room is a vortex where things disppear from the known universe. So he just stands there, looking at me and I again said I didn't have his camera. He then said "well it didn't get up and walk away" which I replied, "You know what, its 4 am, its late and I was trying to go to bed." I mean come on, the man has no common sense, bothering me at 4am just because he thinks I stole his camera. Whatever, get a grip. Besides maybe "Butter Finger" Lois who was stealing from us last Dec and Jan did it? How the heck do I know?! I could tell he thought I was lying and that just burns me. Besides he has 2 other cameras, whats his problem?! I cannot wait to get out of here at the end of May. He just makes my skin crawl....

I am soo glad to be done with my editing. Today I am working on transcribing ASL footage to text and then analyze whether or not the signers used facial negation or manual negations in their commentaries? I also have to do that paper for Deaf art & lit on Ann Silver, here's an example of her work; Deaf Identity Crayons: Then and Now

I consider her work to be borderline post-colonialism and cross cultural. I am excited to dive deeper into her background but there's not a lot of information on her, I am gonna see if I can locate an email for her and write to her asking some questions for my paper.

I also have to come up with a ASL story to tell tmw night for Erfo. I am mulling over doing two hand shapes in classifiers only. But which ones and on what topic? Maybe something about how I grew up oral till going to MSSD? Not sure... gotta come up with something in the next 24 hours!

Wanye Newton and some Beef Cake

Grace my tv screen, as I type. Even Eric Roberts is in it, "Best of the Best II" made in 1993, lame ass, but pleasant background while I do this.

Tonight was the 2nd night of TC ASL Week, it went pretty well with some technical issues near the end but other than that here's how it went;

I set up a simple page on projection screen saying that tonight's events were dedicated to Sarah Pack who was instrumental in mine (DeafeningChameleon) and Jade's film developments. That she died unexpectedly November 2005 and she was only 29 years old. We MISS you New York Pack! From left to right (Back row); Blondie, Me, Yingst, Vincent, Patty 'O (now continue to the front row) Knob, Cole and ofc New York Pack! This was taken last September for Jade's birthday bash. It was a good night.


Then I began the evening line up opening with Kathy Diamond, a terp and a familar face in the theater world. On a short summary of Earnest Marshall, the "Father" of deaf-filmaking. We watched "A Cake of Soap" that was filmed in Central Park, 1963. Very nice little number.

Next we watched Kamau Buchanan "Help Me" video, Kauma's Website. Check it out, its pretty good. I liked it because it has a slight "Alfred Hitchcock" feel and deals with mental health. People loved the twist that it climaxed to, definitely watch thru the credit till the movie is COMPLETELY over, otherwise you'll miss the real ending.
My only complaint is the subtitles should be in the letterbox so its not so hard to read.

Next was Ridor's work, "An Idealistic Day" made in 1991. You can watch it Here. Unfortunately it wasn't captioned and some of it was hard to see, but overall the deaf audience members loved it. There was roarous laughter and some puzzled looks.
It was the hearies who mostly missed the jokes. Oh well, we had voice terps but ofc, Ridor's production would be ASL superior to most *grins* I had to explain to Erfo's friend Barcardi the joke. Ridor, when are you gonna get someone to clean up the video and transfer it to a better grade? And when are you gonna post your other movie? Adamo was so surprised when he found out I was showing your movie. Ridor? He has a movie? I said not one, but TWO! and he's working on a screenplay. Ridor transfer your 2 movies on to a DVD and get them out there, deafies will enjoy it!

Next we showed Rene Visco "Audism" and what "Light Kitchen" means? both were well recieved and well done. Rene hads been doing this for years now. I remember taking 1 class in multimedia and doing poorly. I worked with him and Allison Aubretch later on for Audism play they did in DC. I was proud and glad to show his work.

We then took a 10 minute intermission which turned into 25 minutes because the PC wouldn't play Jade's or my movie, grr. Had to make several trips to media services. Good thing I work there, I just grabbed what I needed. Jade went ahead and spoke with the audience some on her background to kill time and also she was planning to speak after we watched her piece.

Next we watched part of Jade's "Reaching Zenith: A Black Deaf Filmmaker's Journey" It opened her background and Jade speaking a little from her office. Then it moved onto her earliest worked filmed on 16mm black and white film. Very cute and the audience laughed several times. The DVD we used did not have a chapter menu and so we didn't get to show various parts of the DVD which I appreciate Jade giving that up as it was not possible to do so due to time restraints. It was already 8 45 and the event is from 7 to 9.

Last but not least, I quickly realized like Nutter I forgot to introduce myself earlier and dove into the nights line up. I wonder if King will continue the jinx or?? anyhoo I just sprouted out a few words saying its all volunteered and team based projects. People LOVED Erfo! She had them rolling. What can I say, she's a star! Also when Blondie made her appearance all of the deafies were thrilled. It was a great feeling seeing and hearing (yeah with a hearing aid) laughter here and there. Both Erfo and Blondie were a big hit, as well as several other deafies in the film. I even had Patty 'O ask me to buy a copy on the spot! That was a great feeling. Its made me want to work harder on finishing what I've done so far and stop doubting myself so much. Yes I will teach in the fall but its April and September is 5 months away. I'm gonna make the best of it till then!

Blondie and I went to a meeting today for our classmate and friend Adamo. We will help him and his classmate shoot a 5 minute "Dos and Don'ts" for hearies on deafies. Blondie will star, me I will be an extra and help consult with filming and the shot line ups. Then I will join King and some others for a 5pm terped live show downtown callled "Skin Tight" playing at Spoon Theater. Now I going to bed and this is early for me, folks.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

My cupethd is overaflowing...

Tonight was the first night of TC ASL Festival. It was a great start! Guthire Nutter did a superb job facilitating tonights panel on ASL & Deaf trends in theater and live performances. The panel consisted of Jade Jade, Garrett Zuecher GarrettZ, Alexandria Wailes and Bianca Aabel. We had a small crowd but it was to be expected with the ASL Poetry night at the Bowery happening at the same time. Overall we're off to a roaring start! Tomorrow night I am the host and I will be showing works by Rene Visco LightKitchen, Ricky Taylor "Ridor" Ricky, Jade (same person above), a guy from RIT whos work I still haven't recieved :( and an older work by a man name Earnest Marshall who was the father of "Deaf Film making." I have been busy this weekend prepping for this and I am almost done subtitling the SDI Part I, if you don't already know and I've just learned that subtitling/captioning per sentence or 2 average 2 secs per turn. That mean s breaking down a 10 plus min movie takes a LOOOOOOooong time. Actually because of my insonmia lately, it has worked in my favor where when I can't sleep, I work till I do. I am excited to see my work finally captioned.

Last Saturday rehersal was ok. I was not really digging it because the director seemed a bit put off by me and my requests. Like for an example, when I arrived, he was sitting in front of a window and no lights were turned on inside so of course his face was shadowed and I was blinded from the light coming in that finally after straining my neck to see his lips (and him completely seeing this but ignoring it) I said "Excuse me, I don't mean to be a pain but I am being blinded by the light coming in from the window that I can't read your lips." Could you move or turn on some lights inside? What does he do, gives me a look and then makes a big show about closing the curtains and turning on the lamp. It made me feel like I was hindering the group and this is just one example. I also asked him at one point if we *meaning me and 2 other deafies who couldnt make it that day but will be in the show* could sign our lines? He flat out said no. I was very disappointed because doesn't he think deafies go to rock shows? Hello, Ive seen Areosmith, Posion, Ozzy, Radiohead, Go Go Dolls and other bands in concerts and you bet I sang and signed the lines along with thousands of other fans!!! Also there was the physical aspect, I didn't realize doctor's order of no lifting also means no reaching because I had to raise my arms a LOT as a "fan" during the rehersal that I was in a lot of pain saturday night and had to resort to a pain killer. I've emailed the director I cannot be physical during the rehersals till May at least! That I could walk thru the steps but NO lifting the arms or JUMPING! Its a no no!

Two some pixs of the kittens, they're 1 week old today and already bigger!



Interesting, this apartment is made up of
Tom he's 12 years old
Nixzy and Ally 8 years old
Smokey and Cali approx 1 1/2 years old
"the little rascals," 5 in all are 1 week old.
That means there's 10 felines here and 1 dog plus 2 1/2 humans, yea thats right the hearie one counts as a half, because he is a whole jackass, half the time.

I took one more week off from work. I figured between papers being due in the next 3 weeks, TC ASL Festival and my movies and recovering, I have enough on my plate. Tonight before I go to bed, I am determine to finish the last 2 minutes of the subtitling job tonight. Ciao!

Saturday, April 15, 2006

It RAINED on my script

Damn you U~ber Tom Perlis, for knocking my water glass onto my newly printed 60 page copy of (Play and director name has been removed upon request 4/19/06) Yea earlier today I ran a few errands in the drizzle and all. Post Office was a drag, especially in New York City. I have never experience such mass volume of people in public places other then a DMV location. Everyone in NYC you better expect to wait in line and for a while. New Yorkers are more patient then they're given credit for. I have been living here in Manhattan for 1 1/2 years now and I still feel like a Marylander then a New Yorker. Lucky for me tho, my speech makes me sound like a have a Brooklyn accent. All my life hearies have guess me from NYC so its ironic I ended up here. 5 years ago I never envisioned moving to NYC. I visisted once for a St Patrick Day Parade back in the late 90s and really didnt have a good time. But I visited Knob a few times and it warmed up to me some but I still adjusting to the reality I really do geographically live here.

Eddie came by and visited with me and Erfo for a while, it was good to see him. He said everyone at work has been asking about me, thats so nice. I return this Monday. Of course I won't be much use to th e crew because I am limited physically for the next 5 weeks and its a physical job. Ach we will figure something out but I figure and dread it'll most likely be inventory which we all know I just loVe to do.

I gotta hit the sack soon, have rehersal from noon to 6. The director knows I am taking an easy. It should be fun. Then I have a short meeting with a film maker 6 30 across town. Its sure is good to be back to work. Sunday I MUST go to the library for school work! *cattle prod hisses*

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Oh Great Pharoah, Let My People Go...

Just got home from spending Passover with Knob's brother-in law family. It was the first Passover for the Knob Clan and it was a lot of fun. Both me and the brother-in-law's family gave them a great first Sedar. The meal was wonderful and we took turns saying, signing various parts of the service. It was good to do it here since going to PA wouldn't be viable at this time. Plus it gave Knob and me a chance to really catch up. I had two embarassing moments, one was at the end of the Sedar, right at the very end, after the last words uttered we were to toast and I thought I had the handle of the wineglass but no instead I knocked it over, jesus! Luckily the table cloth is stain resistent. Then during the clean up, the father in-law was collecting pudding cups and as he reached for Knob's pudding cup, she was sitting to my right and I was sitting in the middle, the cups fell and chocolate pudding on my blouse, ay yi yi. I joked to both Knob's Mom and the mother-in law that I was gonna wear something on my clothes before the end of the night, whether it be wine or chocolate pudding.

Made it home fine, wine is making me nice and relax. I wish I had a digital camera, as I certianly can't be hauling around my G-5 I-Mac built in webcam to snap photos. I want to take photos of the kittens weekly so you can see how big they're getting. By the way there were 5 kittens total. So sweet, Smokey is a great mama. Speaking of mamas, been thinking about Ronnie. Hope she's all settled in back home and not going stir crazy?! But this weekend is Maine Deaf Film Festival, maybe she'll go?

I have my 1st rehersal for Super Star Automatic this Saturday. I hope I like being in this show? Only time will tell...

Off to Meet Knob





Happy Passover!
Matzo ball soup, here I come....

*Whip cracks* Back to the Land of the Living

[Deafies do the "Wave" and participating in a "Wave"] Yep, I actually made it through a day without napping! This is improvement and I was sick of the view from bed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not running through fields with the wind tassling my hair, nah this gal was doing her taxes and research for TC ASL Festival next week presentation. I've gathered a lengthy list of D/deaf/HOH/Oralist actors and I will post it next week after the festival ends, for any reader who may be interested but unable to attend.

Tonight I had class before metting Blondie, Erfo and some others for a few hours. We had delish Mexican take out, seriously I am fussy about Mexican food but this place, YUM. If you're in Blondie's neck of the woods, highly recommend (sorry don't remmy the name).

Got a case of insomia right now. Its ok, I am just about done for the paper work for the program booklet. I really want to see it turn into a mini resource booklet that can be updated yearly. Its pretty bad that there's only 1 book on deafies in HollyWood called "HollyWood Speaks" by John S Schuchman a retired History Professor from Gally who published it in 1988, so nothing for almost 20 years!! I would love to contact him with my list and see if he's planning to do a 2nd edition?

As I put together the list of (d/Deaf/HOH/Oralist) actors I noticed a common trend. One many of the more recent works show up on programs that deal with mass public such as ER, Law and Order (and many of their spin offs), Sue Thomas; F.B. Eye, Strong Medicine, and even one from the X-files. What is it about deafies and people of authorities wearing uniforms or in charge of saving the deafies life? I guess we matter to television networks only as victims...Understand I applaud real life public workers, as they are often over worked and underpaid. Oddly the actors that have been in the biz a long time such as Marlee Matlin or Lou Ferrigno in their recent roles were a little deviated from the public service theme but not by far. I'm grateful for many of those who paved the way but the list isnt even two pages long, double spaced and thats SAD for 40 years of TV/Films. I sure hope my list is missing a lot of actors because of lack of information out there or...I do see a recent boom visibility within the media but in what direction? Its hard to say (er I mean) sign.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Not a Happy Camper

I'm pretty ticked off, there's nothing more that I hate then being woken up early for no good reason! Seems my roommate (the hearie one has no consideration for anyone but himself. Woke me up at 7am. Sunday nite was the first night of sleep that I got since the surgery. The pain before plus the ace bandages/wrapping made a full nights sleep difficult.

Anyway, the imbecile comes into my room to visit the cat and kittens, light from the kitchen comes pouring in. Not happy.... I couldnt get back to sleep so I finally gave up and took a shower. Yay, it was soooooo good to shower finally. The doc gave me the okay yesterday but after the errnads I ran with Blondie and the meds making me sick, I decided to wait till today. I am sooo happy the shower didn't hurt at all. Mostly I am numb due to the swelling.

Blondie and I went to 4 places trying to find bras that didnt have underwires or padding and snapped in the front. We found this speciality store and viola 2 functional bras. The $60 one isnt as comfortable as the $17 one, gonna buy me 1 or 2 more of the comfry bras. She also did a great job gaurding me on the subway ride home because rush hour had hit and I wasn't taken any chances of being poked accidently.

My goals for today is to focus on getting the med toxins out of my body. I have been sick longer then needed because I am very allergic to any painkillers. Ugh I have no idea whats so great about codiene or other similar meds which friends rave about. All they do is make me puke and nauseua with an underlying headache.

The Super, his assitant whos wearing a red do-rag and my hearie roommate are all trying to fixs my door, its a small show unfolding right before my own eyes...dull but nonetheless a poor man's form of entertainment. I was pretty pissed by the lack of privacy earlier but now its being fixs, I can stop whinning and go back to bed.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Smokey Gives Birth

[Update-she just gave birth to a 4th one!-awww!]



Well my Mom broke the door today when she fell. I felt so terrible. Meanwhile the 2 stray cats had complete access to my room any time they felt like it. Ive nicknamed the preggars one as Smokey and the other one as Calico. Anyhoo for some weird reason Smokey kept staying in Tom's litterbox. I was about to go to sleep when I peered inside and saw blood and 3 little kittens nursing. I immmediately got the basket and relocated Smokey and her three little babies to the basket. Mom and Kittens are doing good :)I have no idea why she choose Tom's litterbox to give birth but she did. Tom isn't too impress as you can see from the photos. Whats so cool about the 3 kittens is 1- is a Calico, 1- Look like Mom (Smokey) and more grey. The 3rd one is all black with a little white spots.
















Sunday, April 09, 2006

Confessions of a former "Pin Up Girl..."


Don't I wish. If I had been alive during WWII, I would have definitely worked as a pin up girl. Here are the photos taken by a photographer name Robert Lee Bernard that Peep, King, Blondie and I did a few weeks ago. These are a few I liked.













I really like this one of me and Peep.


Mom left today and Joe Joy got her to the bus station so it all worked out. Was more alert today. Still out of it a lot. Watched this great movie "Crash" and now I understand what the raves are all about. If you like real issues on racism, plus a story of how numerous lives overlap along with some damn fine acting, you'll love "Crash."

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Its the End of the World & I feel Fine

The above is a name of a song by REM. Currently I'm awake, which isn't often these past few days. I'm watching on the lifetime channel, "The Sky's On Fire" about a hole in the ozone layer. I love the end of the world movies.

The pain comes and goes, I do have to take pain meds every few hours or else it feels like my chest is on fire in particular areas. I'm guessing where the stiches are.

Alexa visited today, unfortunately I saw her for 10 mins tops as I was sick and had to lie down. But she did a terrific job on the TV show "Convictions" that aired last night. This show is another Law & Order spin off. She hasn't seen it yet because she was performing last night in the play "Children of the Lesser God" which ends this Sunday. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for!?!

Dinner last night was lovely. I still can't eat much. I think the breathing tube from the surgery and the meds I'm on makes food intake nearly impossible. I did get a few bites down last night and today. Mom got to meet Ronnie, Joe Joy, Joe Joy's man (Wally) and also she got to see Knob, Blondie and Erfo as well. Its the only activity I did since the surgery. I wanted Mom to meet some of my friends and I knew I would want a break from the apartment. Mission accomplished.

Sorry not much else to write about, gonna go back to sleep shortly, and dream about being a famous movie director with a movie starring, Sho Stern, Ty Giordano, Alexa Wailes, Guthrie Nutter, Marc Bowman, and Christy Smith.

Friday, April 07, 2006

Ahh so SWEET!

Erfo & Blondie both chipped in for a Victoria Secret gift certificate- Thank you! You'll both get a big phat kiss on the cheek as hugging is out for a while.

The surgery seems to have gone well. I woke up coughing so much from the breathing tube and contradicted myself by babbling I was thirsty but I hafta pee too! Finally about 10 minutes later, mission was accomplish because th IV always makes my bladder super full. I couldn't relax at the hospital, Mom said my heart rate was pretty high so they weren't gonna let me go home until it came down. We finally got to leave at 4pm. Ever since then I have been sleeping, puking (mostly liquids last night as my throat still hurts and can't eat much) and waking up every few hours. Surprisingly I am allowed to sleep on the side and that helps tremendously.

Just now I peeled off one of those heart monitors they stick all over you from my back. Guess the nurse missed one. I also while waiting for my surgery yesterday took some pictures of this futuristic Borg like gadget, see what I mean?





I just want to also mentioned the hospital staff at Columbia Presbeterian Hospital were awesome. All of them were very comforting and worked with me by gesturing when I don't have a hearing aid on. BUT the terp situation, atrocious! First the terp arrived LATe. Then she kept disappearing, 3rdly she couldn't sign for shit. Then later after I was done with surgery they didnt send a terp again for over 2 hrs! By the time he arrived, a new guy, we were getting ready to leave and he said he couldn't stay long either.... yeah well by this time, I was done with the whole terp situation. Next week while taking a break from my paper works, I will write them a letter explaining my disappointment at their lack of professionalism and the 1st terp couldn't sign ASL, but tried to use signs in ASL for English *shudders* It always upsets me to see non-qualified terps in either medical or legal areas or any area that requires the highest skilled terps.

My hearing aid took a turn for the worse. In Moms haste yesterday she dropped my hearing aid into her purse and now it doesn't work right. I think the setting got mixed up. I don't know but in order for me to hear anything I have to turn it way up and then it squeals because my hearing aid doesn't like the 3 setting but 2 at the maxs.. guess I'll be lip reading Mom most of the weekend...

For everyone who emailed me and sent me wonderful vibes, THANK YOu. I have no idea how they look because I am all wrapped up and won't have the dressing off till Monday. Sponge Bath anyone???

Thursday, April 06, 2006

More Machine than Man...

Remmy that line from the Return of the Jedi when Luke Skywalker wanted to save his dear old pops, Darth Vadar but was told he is more machine than man. I'm feeling a little Borg(ish) today. They put this whatchamacallit gadget on my finger to keep track of my oxygen levels and pulse rate. It has a plug thing and its reminds me of a mouse used for computers. So when they wheel me in, they will plug me in. (Ill post the pixs of the gadget later when I'm home) Its Matrix time!

God, we got here at 6 15 and the surgery isn't till 8 30. No terp so far, I hope the terp arrives shortly.

Now I'm in a stupid hospital gown and lame ass slippers. Hungry, bored and got at least an hour to kill.

Slept somewhat last night but kept waking up every now and then, thinking Mom or I would oversleep. We didn't.

I am soooo ready!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Goodbye lumps... Hello oranges!

I hafta report to surgery tmw morning at 6:30AM! It seemed like the day of the surgery was never gonna come. 5 months now I have been waiting to do this. 10 years I asked every doctor if I could have this surgery and they always said NO and lose weight, I'll lose a cup or two. WRONG it never happened. Even last fall when I was at my thinnest, a size 6 I still was a DD. Or the doctor would tell me, "its not that bad. You don't look THAT big. Well duh, like I am gonna wear cute little tank tops or spaghetti straps and end up looking like a porn star in training.. no way!
In less then 12 hrs I am gonna be a B/C cup how weird. Will I have a lot of pain? Will the scaring be bad? Will they even be even? Will I still have feeling where it counts? All of these thoughts are racing in and out of my brain all week long. As it gets closer to the surgery the more scared I become. I hope I don't fly off the cot right before they wheel me in? I have had numerous surgeries but its still nerve racking.

On a different note, my friend Ronnie is moving back home. I am so gonna miss her. I knew it was coming but it was sped up due to some complications. I am relieved for her because she is doing all the right things and by Tuesday she'll be waking up next to her guy with a smile on her face. Ronnie, I am so glad you came into my life and you continue to inspire me. I got your back and look forward to seeing you later this summer. You'll always be COOL in my book.

Mom's bus arrived 30 minutes late. It was the weirdest thing but Erfo and I took the A train downtown and it was not rainy or sunny, but cloudy and a little breezy but thats all. The next thing we know its snowing! I couldn't believe it! Here's some pixs thanks to my handy SideKick, why by the way I haven't lost *thundering applause*



I took a pix of Mom's bus as it pulled in... why not, right?




I don't even look like this in real life, suddenly I am endowed with a striking profile..




I arranged for several of my friends to have dinner with me and Mom this Friday nite. At a place called Bleu Evolution. The food is excellent and should make up for lunch today which was a major disappointment. Erfo, Mom and I all went to Red Lobster at 41st and 7th ave. All I can say is DOn'T. It was a lousy lunch and way overpriced. I learn my lesson never to waste $$ on 42nd chain "garbage" restaurants. Bleu Evolution will show Mom that there are some decent restaurants here in NYC.

Dang I meant to drink some water but its after midnight.. which means no food or drinks till I wake up from la la land. Alrighty folks, this Chameleon has to go to bed soon. I am waking up as me one last time and its all good *grins*

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Oh Well...

..."That's where we get the water from" is what my friend Sorry replied when I uttered the above. It happened a few years ago and I just cracked up laughing. Some days I miss hanging with my boy Sorry.

Anyways this guy and I were planning to do lunch but we never agreed where? I finally emailed him this Sunday to let him know I had things to do and suggested dinner instead. No reply. I figiured he mustve changed his mind. But I got up today and found an email from him saying dinner was fine. Fine? Sowwy, a little too late. How hard is it to reply to an email? I am sorry but no one is that busy. He's mad. What can I say, I have a life and things to do. Guess this one not gonna work. Moving on...

Got me a haircut today. The lady did a nice job but I was leery cuz her hair looked shitty. I truly believe how one's hair looks is a reflection of her ability. Perhaps I caught her on a off day? But nonehteless, she did a terrific job and did exactly what I wanted. I will take a picture tmw when I have had a chance to style it properly. I never like how the hair dressers do my hair. I like my hair wavy not straight. I don't mind straight once in a while if I'm going for the sleek sexy vixen look. Ran some errands all along the Wset side of Manhattan which I absolutely love this city! Now I am tidying up here before Joe Joy visits me.

I plan to work on some papers for school next week while recoverying. Since I'm off from work, might as well use my brain instead of my brawn for a week or two. Get the monkey (I loving call grad school) off my friggin back and then I can enjoy this summer. "No more school, no more books. No more Teacher's dirty LOOKS!"

Monday, April 03, 2006

Been sending out emails to various Universities and Deaf Organizations trying to recruit more Deaf/Signer artists to show their works during the TC ASL Festival which will take place April 17th-20th. I don't have enough deaf made films for tues the 18th and I am wondering if perhaps I should focus more on the history of deaf and ASL in films instead?

Still a little worn out from Saturdays shoot. I didn't go anywhere yesterday, and only spent the day cleaning for my Mom's visit when she arrives Wednesday :)

I got an email that the photos from the photo shoot a few weeks ago are ready to be picked up. I am a little nervous but excited to see how they came out? If there are any good ones, I will definitely post em. I just can't promise they won't crack your computer monitor *jk*

Am meeting Blondie for supper later tonight, Thai, yum yum!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Peeping Photos

The photos below were taken by Peep from Dec 10th shoot and Jan 28th, part I& II of SDI series
enjoy
;)